Calgary Jeep Association
4x4 Related Groups => Build Ups => Topic started by: bRIBEGuy on April 04, 2011, 08:34:50 PM
-
Well, after lurking around on this site for quite some time, I finally decided to start making a few posts, and figured I'd toss up some pics of my Jeep.
I have a 2000 XJ Classic that has been in my family since new. When a new DD was in order for the fam, I bought the XJ as a play/utility vehicle. It had about 225,000km on it and a few issues, but since it was garage kept and never taken off road, it was in great condition overall.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/Pictures027.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/Pictures028.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/Pictures030.jpg)
-
Neat.
-
The A/C didn't work, and windows only rolled up/down intermittently, so a new drivers side switch module was in order (cheaper then fixing the a/c ....lol). The disc brakes were shot, so the front got new rotors and pads.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/LittleElbowCamping-July2010153.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/LittleElbowCamping-July2010155.jpg)
Next up was a bike rack, as I intended to use the XJ for many a mountain bike trip.
:)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/RaceOfSpades013.jpg)
-
The Infinity amp was shot, and the factory head unit was intermittent, so I decided a new stereo was in order. I didn't want to sink too much coin into it, but still wanted the ability to bump some decent tunes, so I got to work.
The factory head unit came out, and a Pioneer CD deck went in instead. Dual pioneer 6.5" coaxials went in the rear, while a nice set of Auditor 5.25" components slipped into the front doors (6.5" wouldn't fit here, sadly).
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap20.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap19.jpg)
I wanted to run a better amp and a sub, but didn't want to loose a ton of space, so I cut out one of the rear panels, and built a custom sub box from MDF.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap2.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap3.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap5.jpg)
Internal volume worked out to be right around 1 cubic foot.........perfect for a single 10" sub. I decided to integrate the amp mount into the box design, and started carpeting.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap8.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap7.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap11.jpg)
I've had very good luck with Focal in the past, so decided to stick with their budget "Auditor" line, and dropped in one of their 10" woofers.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap13.jpg)
Amp was supposed to be much cheaper then this, but I happened to have to 4 channel Eclipse amp kicking around, so in it went.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap15.jpg)
Once the construction was finished, I got AudioConceptsMobile to hook it all up, and then I made up some trim pieces to finish it all off.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap22.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap23.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap30.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap32.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepStereoSwap33.jpg)
The set-up sounds good overall, though in retrospect I should have spend the extra cash of a better deck. Oh well..............
-
It was around this point that I realized the running boards were on their last legs after putting my foot through on of them in Canmore.
So off they came.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepRunningBoards1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepRunningBoards2.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepRunningBoards3.jpg)
-
The back of the XJ was riding a little low, and I knew all 4 shocks were shot.
After MUCH research, and a lot of back and forth deliberation, I finally decided to pony up and ordered a 2" heavy duty Old Man Emu lift from Northridge4x4.ca.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepLift1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepLift2.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepLift3.jpg)
The new springs, leafs, shocks and bushings made a HUGE difference in the way the truck rode, and the load carrying capacity is WAY better then ever before (rides smooth and level with 1000lb+ in the back).
The lift netted ~1.75" in the front, and over 3" in the back (oddly enough).
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepLift6.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepLift7.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepLift10.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepLift9.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/JeepLift5.jpg)
Looks a little bit wacked at rest, but levels out nicely when fully loaded.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/Fernie-August2010117.jpg)
-
dang, nice build! not to mention nice bikes! i havent seen a full comp trials bike around here before. maybe im out of the loop though. keep up the good work. maybe ill catch you on the trails.
-
ITS NOT RED!!!!!
You are one of the few round these parts it seems ;) Very nice lookin XJ, and yes, I as well hope to see that one out on the trails :)
-
dang, nice build! not to mention nice bikes! i havent seen a full comp trials bike around here before. maybe im out of the loop though.
I'm impressed you recognized a trials bike.....most people still just can't figure out why a bike would be so small and have no seat......LOL. And no, there are not a lot of guys still riding them around Calgary.
As for seeing you guys on the trails..........I sure hope so! The XJ has 232,000km on it right now, and has never seen anything more offroad then some rutted gravel roads. I'm hoping to change that this year! I don't want to destroy the Jeep, but I'd certainly like to take it out on a few runs. I'm also interested in the "Odd Road 101" that I've seen mentioned on this site.
I'm hoping to get some new shoes for the XJ soon (lookin' at 245/75/R-16 Goodyear Duratracs), so that should help it's non-pavement capabilities a bit (and give it a bit of a better stance, IMO). Also on the near future project list is eliminating some mild 80km/h+ driveline vibes that the lift created (thinking about going full SYE), replacing the fog lights (they're shot), maybe leveling the front suspension a bit, and possibly a H4 headlight swap.
-
Also on the near future project list is eliminating some mild 80km/h+ driveline vibes that the lift created (thinking about going full SYE)
Just to chime in with a little bit of advice here, take a look at both of your driveshafts and make sure its the rear that is the problem first, before you smack down the cash for a SYE! When I lifted I had some vibes once I got up to 90km/h and it turned out to be two of the three u-joints in my front driveshaft, they had seized and were not allowing the driveshaft to rotate easily. Eventually this cost me a transfer case!
I have since replaced the front driveshaft with one that has good u-joints (and also the transfer case!) and even with no SYE yet I don't have any vibes with 5.5" lift!
-
Just to chime in with a little bit of advice here, take a look at both of your driveshafts and make sure its the rear that is the problem first, before you smack down the cash for a SYE! When I lifted I had some vibes once I got up to 90km/h and it turned out to be two of the three u-joints in my front driveshaft, they had seized and were not allowing the driveshaft to rotate easily.
Hmmmm........good advice, something I'll definately have to check. The vibes only started after the lift, so I just assumed it would be the rear. One more thing to add to my "to do" list. :)
-
Hmmmm........good advice, something I'll definately have to check. The vibes only started after the lift, so I just assumed it would be the rear. One more thing to add to my "to do" list. :)
This is probably a long shot but the tires may be something to look at.... if theyre old they may tend to separate a slight bit and a certain speeds they cause a bit of a wobble, especially in the steering wheel (happened on my dads vehicular)... might be the trac bar too as I hada wonderful scare driving down glenmore after I put on my lift...trac bar wasnt as tight as it should be and I nearly pooped when a death wobble came from no-where.
The box looks sweet in the back! I need to get my sub working....
-
quick question, where did a buy the carpet for the sub box?
-
quick question, where did a buy the carpet for the sub box?
I actually picked it up at AudioConcepts in the NE. Pretty much a perfect match for the stock carpet.
-
This is probably a long shot but the tires may be something to look at.... if theyre old they may tend to separate a slight bit and a certain speeds they cause a bit of a wobble, especially in the steering wheel (happened on my dads vehicular)... might be the trac bar too as I hada wonderful scare driving down glenmore after I put on my lift...trac bar wasnt as tight as it should be and I nearly pooped when a death wobble came from no-where.
The box looks sweet in the back! I need to get my sub working....
Thanks for the kind words on the sub box, I'm really happy with how it worked.
As for the rest..........tires only have 10-20k on them, so that's not it. I've never had an issue with the death wobble, but I've been meaning to check the trackbar anyway as the front steering seems a bit sloppy as of late.
I'm almost positive it's the driveline angles............just need some free time to figure out if I'm right or not.
-
Well, after a trip to Chanda, the XJ is now rocking a set of sweet Rugged Ridge heavy duty front tow hooks. :)
Looks like the Jeep will be ready for the 101 on Saturday.
Turns out the exhaust was also contacting the rear spring, creating not only an allying rattle, but also..........wait for it............my driveline vibrations! Strangest thing I've ever heard, but resonant vibration is strange stuff. Anyway, the exhaust is straightened out a bit, the rattle is gone, and 80% of my driveline vibes as well. Off course, I'm not still 100% free, so I'll likely still look at going the SYE option (in the works). I'd like the vibes fully gone, and it'd be nice to have the option to lift the jeep a bit further (acos/lift shackles, perhaps?) without worrying.
-
Tow hooks installed:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/077.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/078.jpg)
Got to use them lots at the Off-Road 101....LOL.
-
And some pics of the Jeep getting dirty..........a la off-road 101.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/080.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/091.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/094.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/095.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/084.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/104.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/103.jpg)
Modertors note - removed mud pics
-
The XJ got fairly bashed up at the 101, so now I'm in the process of having some repairs done, and considering what the next round of upgrades will be. My front bumper looks like it might be pooched, so something a little tougher might be in the works.
I'm also considering going up to a full 3-4" of lift, and definitely some meatier treads.
245/75R16 (30.5" x 9.8") Duratrac's was what I was originally considering, though now I'm wondering if it would be worth going a step up to 265/75R16 (31.7" x 10.5")? The bigger size would be nice, but I don't want to start having to really hack up the truck too much for clearance.
Any thoughts?
-
31s will get you on 90% of the runs that are posted up (ie "minimum 31", front/rear tow points....")
4" lift and 31s is a very capable XJ.... with little to no fender trimming. You might rub in some spots, but it will be minimal.
From what I have heard, the Duratracs are a really good tire, especially in the winter. And they do come in 31 x 10.5"....
-
From what I have heard, the Duratracs are a really good tire, especially in the winter. And they do come in 31 x 10.5"....
31 x 10.5 was my first though, but then I need to add new 15" rims to the mix too. We shall see................
-
Welcome to the addiction.
-
I would say the 245/75's should be good, if you go to a 32 or a 265/75r16 you might find that the gears are a little off and re gearing would make it better. with about a 31 my xj still ran well and I did ok witht the stock gears(3.55's)
my 2 cents
-
I would say the 245/75's should be good, if you go to a 32 or a 265/75r16 you might find that the gears are a little off and re gearing would make it better. with about a 31 my xj still ran well and I did ok witht the stock gears(3.55's)
my 2 cents
Thanks for the feedback.
The more I read, the more I think I should be sticking to the 30-31" range just to minimize other work/expenses (trimming, re-gear, etc).
Now........to keep the 16" rims and go 245/75, or find some 15" shoes and go with a true 31 x 10.5? Decisions decisions............
-
The more I read, the more I think I should be sticking to the 30-31" range just to minimize other work/expenses (trimming, re-gear, etc).
Now........to keep the 16" rims and go 245/75, or find some 15" shoes and go with a true 31 x 10.5? Decisions decisions............
If you stay with the 16" rims and go with the 245/75s you might want to look at some wheel spacers because they are going to rub when turning. Or you can get some 15" rim and get the proper backspacing you need for a 10.5" wide tire. Just some more food for thought
-
If you stay with the 16" rims and go with the 245/75s you might want to look at some wheel spacers because they are going to rub when turning. Or you can get some 15" rim and get the proper backspacing you need for a 10.5" wide tire. Just some more food for thought
Ya, I was planning on getting some 1"-1.25" spacers (or different rims...), as everything I read seems to suggest aiming for a 4"-4.5" backspacing on an untrimmed XJ.
So much to learn............
-
Well, the XJ is back from the shop with a few new front end parts to reverse most of the 101 damage. Got Jason to toss in a set of HID lights well it was in the shop (Chanda) as well, so hopefully the night vision will now improve a bit.
The repairs ate up my "new tire money", but hopefully some new shoes won't be too far off. I'm hoping to do the tires and the next batch of mods all in one shot, so hopefully I can get this thing going again by the end of August. Picked up a set of 1.25" lift shackles for the rear end (thanks rws), and a set of JKS ACOS for the front. Should boost up the lift a bit while keeping the ride quality from the nice OME bits that are currently on.
JKS front disconnects, and an Or-Fab front winch bumper are next on the "to be ordered" list, and thanks to meeting TL-Iguana and Pookapotamus, I now find myself intrigues with on-board air.....lol.
Good times............
-
JKS front disconnects, and an Or-Fab front winch bumper are next on the "to be ordered" list, and thanks to meeting TL-Iguana and Pookapotamus, I now find myself intrigues with on-board air.....lol.
Good times............
Yeah between us we have the 2 most popular setups... Pooks got the ARB and Im running my Sanden AC compressor into that 5 gallon tank :D
Feel free to stop over any time if ya have questions!
-
Thanks for the feedback.
Now........to keep the 16" rims and go 245/75, or find some 15" shoes and go with a true 31 x 10.5? Decisions decisions............
From what I remember from the last time I looked at the Duratracs the 245s on 16" rims had a heavier load rating than the 31s on 15" rims. Heavier load rating = tougher side walls.
Before I went really big my XJ had 31s and a rear locker with a 4.5" lift. Flexed really well, nicely balanced did 80-90% of what everyone else did and still could do 130km/h comfortably. Oh yeah it 4.10s. My point is for a DD/wheeler 31s with a 4" lift is a really nice combo.
-
From what I remember from the last time I looked at the Duratracs the 245s on 16" rims had a heavier load rating than the 31s on 15" rims. Heavier load rating = tougher side walls.
The 31's have a 109Q rating. There are actually two versions of the 245's, one with a 108Q rating (what I would choose), and one with a heavier 120Q rating.
Before I went really big my XJ had 31s and a rear locker with a 4.5" lift. Flexed really well, nicely balanced did 80-90% of what everyone else did and still could do 130km/h comfortably. Oh yeah it 4.10s. My point is for a DD/wheeler 31s with a 4" lift is a really nice combo.
4.10s would be sweet, but I think I'll be stuck with 3.55's for a while. Heck, at this rate I'll be stuck with stock wheels for a while......LOL. Still waiting for some backordered stuff to come in through Northridge 4x4 (my new frontbumper), and then it'll be a fair bit of work (acos, lift shackles, shock spacers, sye, rear drive shaft), and then trying to scrape up cash for the new shoes.
-
and then it'll be a fair bit of work (acos, lift shackles, shock spacers, sye, rear drive shaft), and then trying to scrape up cash for the new shoes.
Honestly with the wheelbase of a cherokee you should be good up to at least 4" of lift before a SYE would be required. I ran 3" on my YJ with no issues and cherokees have 10" of extra wheel base. Plus lift shackles will actually help your pinion angle so new shoes could come sooner than anticipated
Just some food for thought
-
Honestly with the wheelbase of a cherokee you should be good up to at least 4" of lift before a SYE would be required. .......Just some food for thought
I was hoping this would be the case, but even going up 2-3" in the rear caused some mild vibes. :( From what I have read, the newer XJ's are much more susceptible to this then the pre-97 ones. I already have the SYE kit, and I'm a big fan of only fixing things once, so I hope to get this done in the near future. Still debating on doing it myself vs. taking it somewhere, and still need to figure out what to do/where to go for a new rear shaft too.
So many things to do.....LOL.
-
I run a '97 XJ with 6.5" of lift, soon to be close to 8" of lift, and no SYE.... never had any issues.
My buddy Mike runs his 2000 XJ at 8" of lift with no SYE, and also no vibes of any kind.
Even more a experienced wheeler like Jenssen will tell you a SYE is not needed on an XJ for that amount of lift.
Honestly if you're getting vibes I would put money on them being caused by something other than the rear driveshaft, given that your u-joints are in good condition and your rear pinion angle is correct.
Just some more food for thought :)
-
I too had 8" of lift on my xj with no sye. Took a fair bit of playing around with longer shackles, tapered blocks and a tcase drop. Probably would have done a sye if it was not so expensive. Plus its nice to have if you ever blow out your rear shaft and have to drive home. A sye keeps the oil in the tcase.
-
Well, after MUCH waiting, some goodies for the XJ FINALLY showed up. I had ordered a ORFab winch bumper from Stan @ Northridge (great guy), and "a couple weeks" turned into "a couple months" for him to recieve delivery of it.
:(
Anyway, it showed up here last week along with a set of JKS front disco's, and a new front steering stabilizer (OME to match the rest of the shocks). I took off the old front bumper and front tow points yesterday, so if all goes smoothly, the bumper should be on today. My only fear is removing the 3 steering box bolts.........I keep hearing horror stories of them snapping. I've spent a couple days hitting them with some PB Blaster, so hopefully that helps.
Pics and updates to follow...........
-
Never had issues with my steering box bolts, but when you put them back in put on some copper never sieze or something similar, as the dissimilar metals will casue them to corrode, and therefore make them much harder to remove next time :)
If ya need a hand just let me know. You know where we live ;)
-
Steering bolts came out with no issues. :)
Managed to get about 2/3 of the way through the install today. Not as much progress as I had hoped, but it's time consuming when you're new to wrenching, cleaning as you go, and dealing with a kit made up almost entirely of bolts.....lol.
-
Got the bumper pretty much finished up tonight. Overall, a very nice piece of kit, but as with anything, it did have some issues.
To start, a brief reminder of the "before" look. This is a pic snapped out past Waipairous a couple weekends ago on an exploratory run.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/010.jpg)
The following Monday yielded a visit from UPS, and a short unpack later, I was greeted with boxes filled with spray foam.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/002.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/004.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/011.jpg)
As great as the packing was, it seems that ORFab managed to damage the finish on a number of pieces before sending them out. The light mount has a series of scrapes through the powdercoationg and right into the steel.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/010.jpg)
The rest of the pieces have some chips in the finish, and generally are pretty scuffed up. Boo!
None the less, still looks pretty cool, IMHO.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/018-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/019-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/020-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/021-1.jpg)
Another negaitive, was that not all the parts were in the same finish. While the main bumper was in the bicycle black, they shipped the steering box brace in wrinkle black. Uhg.
-
Front end tear down of the XJ went smooth. Surprised at the amount of mismatched hardware holding on the bumpers, though, and even more surprised to find a bolt missing. :o
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/022-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/023.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/024.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/025.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/026.jpg)
Also discovered that there is supposed to be some sort of sensor by the grill. Mine apparently is missing, though the wiring & plug is still around. Anyone know if this is something I should be looking into?
Anyway, started with the "Gap Guard"..........which of course doesn't fit since I have a tranny cooler. A few measurements and some xacto time, and the problem is solved.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/088.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/089.jpg)
Center section bolts on first using what will end up totaling to be a ridiculous amount of 1/2" grade 5 & 8 bolts.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/087.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/090.jpg)
End caps go on next. No issues here.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/091-1.jpg)
Then the grill loop. Looks great, but doesn't fit quite as flush as I had hoped. One of the washers hits the weld too. No biggy, I guess.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/092.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/097.jpg)
Center winch section and light mount is up next, along with trimming the stock wheel well liners. AKA, pretty much done. Loved the fact that the kit was missing two 1/2" x 1.5" bolts. Uhg, now I have to track those down.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/093.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/094-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/095-2.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/096.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/098.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/102.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/104-1.jpg)
-
Nice bumper, it looks good.
I would recommend you change all the hardware to grade 8 bolts as they are stronger and have the zinc coating to help prevent rusting. For the few dollars it will cost, it helps a lot.
-
Nice bumper, it looks good.
I would recommend you change all the hardware to grade 8 bolts as they are stronger and have the zinc coating to help prevent rusting. For the few dollars it will cost, it helps a lot.
Thanks.
Ya, I wondered that about the bolts (the kit mixes class 5 & 8). Maybe I'll swap out all the class 5 stuff a bit later. Any recommendations on where to track down a wack of 1/2" x 1.5" grade 8 bolts?
-
Bolt Supply
-
I have the same bumper and it's held up well. But I didn't like how the winch plate stuck out so far so I mounted it behind the main tube instead of in front...really helped cause even now that it's sucked back a bit, it still hangs out and gets caught up sometimes.
-
Bolt Supply
x2
Unless your looking for Metric, which you are not, but then Quest will have the best selection in that regard...
-
Well, I managed to get a bit more work done on the XJ.
First up was finding the rest of the bolts for the bumper. A quick trip to Calgary Fasteners revealed that 1/2" grade 8 bolts were much cheaper then I expected. As such, I picked up enough of them to replace all the garde 5 hardware on my bumper. :)
Next up was swapping out my stock (and tweaked) swaybar links for a nice set of JKS Discos.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/015.jpg)
Getting the old links off was a snap, but dealing with the press fit pin at the bottom was another matter. After 4 days of PB Blaster, I opted to try the extraction method suggested by TL_Iguana and Immortal..........knocking them out with a hammer. After 20 minutes, I gave up, and splurged $12 on a pitman puller from Princess Auto. A quick grind on the bolts to allow the puller to fit, and they slid right out like butter.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/080-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/079.jpg)
After that, the new ones slid in without issue. Good stuff!
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/085.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/088-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/091-2.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/090-1.jpg)
-
I was feeling pretty good at this point, so I decided to tackle the steering stabilizer next.
Again, out came the pitman puller to pop off the 4 day PB Blaster soaked drag link pin.
This did not go as smooth as I hoped.
I started cranking down on the puller, and after 2 or 3 minutes, all that was happening was the pin was bending and flaring. Uh oh. I opted to pause and take a look back at some info I had printed to make quadruple sure I wasn't screwing something up. As I'm sitting on the back bumper, I'm suddenly greated with a Jeep shaking "BANG!", followed by the clanging of metal on concrete.
Well, it seems like leaving the pitman puller on under pressure worked, as the pin popped, allowing the puller to fall to the ground.
Sweet.
The rest was easy from there.
I love how beefy the OME damper looks compared to the OEM one.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/092-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/095-3.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/096-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/094-2.jpg)
First couple of drives have shown this to be a worthwhile mod. Front steering feels much smoother then before. Not that it's any surprise...........brand new OME damper vs. 242k on a stock unit.....LOL.
Next up: Skidplate.
-
Well, after finnally finding some free time over Easter weekend, I was able to continue the Jeep build a bit. Interesting stuff in the near future, but first up was fixing a leaking radiator. My temporary "fix" of keeping a jug of coolant with me was starting to get old, so after a fair bit of research, I opted to upgrade a bit and pick up a Champion 3 row full aluminum rad.
;D
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/013-2.jpg)
Since I was pulling the rad anyway, I figured it was a good opportunity for some "piece of mind" preventative maintenance as well.
Getting started on Friday morning................
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/007-1.jpg)
Started with draining the coolant, flushing the system, then reflushing the heater core.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/011-1.jpg)
After that, out came the old rad. Third one this XJ has eaten in 245000km, amusingly.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/014-1.jpg)
Next up, new thermostat, thermostat housing, water pump, viscous fan coupler, all new hoses, and a new serpentine belt.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/032.jpg)
And then..............shiny time!
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/020-1-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/023-2.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/024-3.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/034.jpg)
-
Radiator is a 98% drop in fit. The build in transmission fluid cooler uses different threaded attachments then the stock rad. Luckily Champion includes two new threaded flares and elbows. So I started by cutting off the old elbow for the upper hose with a dremel, ans mounting in the new one with a piece of hose.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/038.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/039.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/041.jpg)
Some mechanic had long ago chopped off the bottom quick connect, so for the lower mount I just slipped the new elbow into the existing hose. Easy fo sheezy.
This of course is where I found out that the bottom elbow fouls with some metal when the rad goes in. What metal you ask? This metal......
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/042.jpg)
I cut out a dime size piece with a dremel, wacked it a few times with a hammer, and hit it with some paint. Problem fixed, and the rad slipped right in.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/043.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/044.jpg)
After that it was smooth sailing until I accidentally snapped my fan shroud in half. Luckily Pooks garage of XJ saved the day, and before I knew it, I was rolling again.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/053.jpg)
Now to get back to rounding up parts for the fun stuff...................
;D
To be continued............
-
where did you get the rad from??? looks good 8)
-
sweet! :D
-
where did you get the rad from???
I ordered it directly from Champion Radiators:
http://www.championradiators.com/ (http://www.championradiators.com/)
Quality seems good, reviews were positive, and the staff was helpful in answering my questions. Oh ya, and it was cheap. I think it worked out to be under $250 shipped!
-
And so begins the next phase...................
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/032-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/039-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/045.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/047.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/051.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/040.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/052.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/055.jpg)
:)
-
And new shoes.....
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/004-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/003.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/005.jpg)
-
Now you just need a front skid.. ::)
-
Now you just need a front skid.. ::)
Ha, already have one cleaned up, prepped, and ready to mount!
:P
Mainly it'll be for aesthetics, and for a spot to mount the swaybar links too when disconnected.
Hopefully more updates this week................
-
A writeup or lots of pictures for the SYE would be awesome! I did a hack N tap but I still want to pull my case apart since my chain is stretched. And this would help a lot! :D
-
A writeup or lots of pictures for the SYE would be awesome! I did a hack N tap but I still want to pull my case apart since my chain is stretched. And this would help a lot! :D
Here's my SYE write up:
1) Buy a NIB SYE kit from a local forum member.
2) Procrastinate about installing it for a year.
3) Finally get sick of driveline vibes and roll up your sleeves.
4) Pussy out, drive to Chanda, and let Frank work his magic.
Toss in an extra front XJ driveshaft to compete the package, and realize that life is good.
:P
-
For fear of this thread being deemed worthless for lack of pictures.....................update time!
Well, after a bunch of shop time, the XJ is a little bigger.
Front: JKS ACOS, Detours shock extenders, Iron Rock adjustable upper & lower control arms, Iron Rock double Shear Track bar, Iron rock SS brake lines.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/XJ324.jpg)
Rear: Rubicon Express 1.5" lift shackles, Detours shock extenders, Iron Rock SS Brake lines.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/XJ325.jpg)
Add in some 1.25" Spidertrax wheel spacers, a set of five new 265/75R16 Goodyear Duratrac tires, and a few other little odds and ends, and it's starting to look pretty okay, IMO.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/XJ322.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/XJ326.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/XJ329.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/XJ3213.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/XJ3214.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/XJ328.jpg)
Interestingly, the 1.5" lift shackles netted virtually no lift in the back. With the front HD OME springs, I was sitting at 1.75" of actual lift in the front, which the ACOS have now bumped to almost 3.5". The OME 2" HD spring packs in the back had netted me almost 3" previously, and the longer shackles really only added maybe 1/2" to that. Odd. The good news, is that I quite like how it looks a bit lower, the bad news is that I chose the 32" tire size based on an assumed 4-4.5" of total lift. With 3-3.5" of lift, now I'm thinking rubbing is gonna be a big issue. Time to look at some massive bump-stops I guess................
-
time for some bushwaker flares then no promes lol
-
Yup, most likely flares will be the next big thing on the list. Though that'll have to wait a while......
-
Or some TJ flares... they cost next to nothing and will open up the wheel wells for 33's.
-
Hey Mark, since you spent all your trials bike money you can do this for flares :) I'm putting them on the YJ just so I can rip them off in the bush\
http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f58/state-failed-us-no-flares-so-50571/
-
Hey Mark, since you spent all your trials bike money you can do this for flares :) I'm putting them on the YJ just so I can rip them off in the bush\
http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f58/state-failed-us-no-flares-so-50571/
LOL, so awesome!
I'm guessing by the limited numbers of Jeep-owning folks able to make trials references, that afb = Mr. Heidrick? How goes it man?!
In all actuality, I'm sure I'll end up with Bushwackers, as I do quite like the way they look. While the TJ flares and home brew flares are cool, creative, and get the job done, I'm horribly shallow and not a huge fan of the way they look.
Time to start dumping pennies back into the "Jeep Parts" jar...
-
Had the afternoon free, so I figured I'd get a few things done before the Off-Road 101 tomorrow.
1st up: JKS Disconnect mounts. Drilled and set these up on the OEM front skid, and the looked and worked super slick. Well, up until I tried turning that is, at which point I was horified to find out they rub my tires. Bit of a surprise since I have 1.25" spacers. Grrrrr................
2nd up: Kingone TDS 9.5C Winch Install. Doesn't fit up to my ORFAB bumper. Ends hit the bumper on both sides, and the feet of the winch don't sit flush on the mounting plate.
So much for being "prepared" for the 101...........lol.
FML.
-
Dont worry about the winch, if you want i can re-fab that or fab bumper to fit that winch...i will have a look tomorrow at the 101. Dont sweat the small stuff.
-
Haha that would be me! I put the 4" lift in the jeep (3 grinding wheels later :) ) and the transfer skid bolts are seized and 1 broke one off. I would trade you problems in a second as I have a box of grinding wheels now ;)
-
Haha that would be me! I put the 4" lift in the jeep (3 grinding wheels later :) ) and the transfer skid bolts are seized and 1 broke one off. I would trade you problems in a second as I have a box of grinding wheels now ;)
LOL....seems to be the "JEEP" way huh?
-
That looks really good!
-
Minimal computer access for a while now, but I figured I'd update this thread a bit.
After going to 32" tires, the spare certainly wasn't fitting in the stock location anymore. Laying it across the back SUCKED, and sadly a new rear bumper/sway-away wasn't in the budget since the wifey and I just pulled the trigger on building a new house. In the end I turned to Mark at Detours USA for one of his knucklebone set-ups.
Started off by pulling the factory hitch:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/440.jpg)
And grinding down the rust:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/442.jpg)
The hitch and all the Knucklebone components got sprayed with primer, and then bedliner.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/444.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/445.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/446.jpg)
And the whole thing got assembled and mounted up.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/020-2.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/019-2.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/024-1.jpg)
The tire now rotates off to the side to make way for the lift gate.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/023-1.jpg)
Mounted:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/043-1.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/035-1.jpg)
-
I wasn't thrilled with how far out the tire was, so I got Mark to make me up a custom angled mount. Looks WAY better, IMO, and sucks the tire in a little closer.
Best of all, I can still get three bikes on the back rack. ;)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/066.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/069.jpg)
-
Decided that the XJ needed some company, so I built this up for fun.
;)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Jeep%20XJ%20SCX10%20Project/127.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Jeep%20XJ%20SCX10%20Project/128.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Jeep%20XJ%20SCX10%20Project/131.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Jeep%20XJ%20SCX10%20Project/135.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Jeep%20XJ%20SCX10%20Project/143.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Jeep%20XJ%20SCX10%20Project/524.jpg)
More infor here if anyone cares: http://www.calgaryrc.com/viewtopic.php?f=73&t=14418 (http://www.calgaryrc.com/viewtopic.php?f=73&t=14418)
-
That RC-XJ is fugging sweet!
-
hi dude how are you ? where did you get the tire mount ? i am needing one of those for my xj
-
where did you get the tire mount ? i am needing one of those for my xj
The tire mount this is based on is available from a company called "DetoursUSA".
-
Tire mount has been working well, but sadly the 32" spare pretty much covers the license plate. After tempting my fate with the cops for a few weeks, I finally decided to break out the tape & drill, and remount the plate.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/179.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/180.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/181.jpg)
A new license plate lamp was added for legalities as well, but in this picture it's still not hooked up.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/007-2.jpg)
With the Jeep parked for the past week I've had a chance to start tacking a few other items on the "To Do" list as well. First up was cutting some sizable chunks out of my OrFab bumper so my Kingone 9.5 winch would fit in. Steel was removed from both sides, and a small bit of metal was ground off the winch feet as well.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/126.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/125.jpg)
Once everything was fitted, I used a flapper disc to clean off all the CRAP stock powdercoating, primed it, and then sprayed it with bedliner (to match the tire carrier).
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/127.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/128.jpg)
Since the OrFab winch mount is a little odd, the winch is mounted 180 degrees from normal, with the winch line feeding over from the top. Solenoid box doesn't fit in the stock location, so I'm going to see about relocating that to under the hood someplace.
-
Spent some time in the garage this weekend after picking up this:
:)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/307.jpg)
Starting off with the stock engine bay, I was mainly looking to recoup some space by axing the OEM airbox.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/308.jpg)
Much better!
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/310.jpg)
Leaving the kit out in the cold garage overnight turned out to be a bad idea when I went to stretch this rubber/plastic spacer over the throttle body. Would not happen. Lucky for me, JackstandJohnny called about a skid plate he had for sale, and the drive over to his kingdom of ZJ's gave me enough time to warm up the spacer on the dash of my Evo. ;D
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/311.jpg)
Marking for the cowl cut:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/312.jpg)
It SUCKS cutting a 3" hole in your Jeep!
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/314.jpg)
But the rest of the install was easy and straight forward.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/317.jpg)
Oh ya, got my sweet new transfer case skid on too!
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/324.jpg)
-
Cowl intake sounds frighteningly creepy and loud when starting the engine, and at idle. Very noticeable "whooshing" sound as if the engine is drinking air violently through a long straw. Which really, it now is. Noise isn't really noticeable at normal driving speeds at the tires and general XJ rattles/creaks keep the added sound at bay. It's a non-issue if the stereo is on too. :) The skinny pedal makes the engine WAY louder and growlier now too. Sweeeeet. More power? Dunno.............
Out came some steel and some bending, drilling, and bedliner latter, I had these:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/320.jpg)
Using one of the existing bolts from the OEM airbox, and two existing bolts holding on some electrical doodads, I was able to make a pretty sturdy and clean mount for the winch solenoid/controls.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/338.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/337.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/336.jpg)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/339.jpg)
Twisted and wrapped a bundle of four 16ga wires, and ran it thru the firewall from the cab out to the engine bay.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/340.jpg)
Then started drilling interior trim.....
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/321.jpg)
And relocated the mounting point for the hand held winch controller.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/322.jpg)
Now I just need to find some place that can make me some 2ga cables to hook everything up.............hmmm................
-
I really like the air intake ,.. Need to look into that!
-
Nice work on the winch plug relocation, I did that on my last heep and plan on doing the same for this one.
-
Well, it's about time for a long winded update on some long overdue work.
As many know, the rust gremlins got to my roof, and the damned cancer started looking pretty nasty.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P2210016_zpsc77f570f.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P2210016_zpsc77f570f.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P2210022_zps8d2e6a4d.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P2210022_zps8d2e6a4d.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P2210020_zps65469408.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P2210020_zps65469408.jpg.html)
I made the mistake of neglecting this longer than I should have, and the result was water on the wrong side of the Jeep.......yup, the inside. A bit more prodding around the windshield frame revealed a small hole just big enough to slide a key into in the upper passenger corner. I asked around for advice, contemplated my options, and spent longer than I'd like to admit driving the Jeep with a high-tech duct tape windshield seal.
Lucky for me, I ended up with a break in my yard work, and a bit of free time a week or so ago, and I finally decided to tackle the project.
Step 1: Pull the windshield molding and roof rack. Top and bottom of the windshield frame are not looking too hot.....
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA150001_zpsd2223362.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA150001_zpsd2223362.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA150002_zps397d3d0c.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA150002_zps397d3d0c.jpg.html)
Roof is not awesome, but not as bad.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA150004_zpsd5d84b19.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA150004_zpsd5d84b19.jpg.html)
I figured I'd start with the roof, and the next two days became a driveway located sacrifice of many many many a flapper disc and wire wheel.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA250394_zps1483047e.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA250394_zps1483047e.jpg.html)
Part way through I was looking like this:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA150010_zps384aec2d.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA150010_zps384aec2d.jpg.html)
The wire brush was starting to make the hole grow, and this was getting me worried.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA150013_zpsaffc806f.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA150013_zpsaffc806f.jpg.html)
None the less, I soldiered on. I finished grinding down the roof, gave it a good clean, and hit it with a few layers of rust converter. After cleaning that up, I sprayed two coats of self etching primer and decided to pull the windshield. With the glass out, I was able to start cleaning up the windshield frame, and kept watching things get worse and worse in front of my eyes. Not only did the top hole keep growing......
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA170029_zpsc9deb0a3.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA170029_zpsc9deb0a3.jpg.html)
But a couple holes decided to appear in the bottom too. GULP!
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA170027_zpsfb42ea5d.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA170027_zpsfb42ea5d.jpg.html)
I tried not to freak out too much, and cleaned up the frame, and slathered on some more rust converter before it was time to park the Jeep back inside, ponder the mess I'd made, panic a bit more, and eventually call up Pook.
-
While I was convinced the Jeep was dead, Pook was convinced I was being overly dramatic. He showed up with a portable welder and some sheet steel, and laughed at my panic situation. One mans tragedy is another mans idea of fun.............
Pook schooled me on some metal work, and with some semi-ghetto equipment, we bent up some patch plates. Bottom one got tacked in without issue.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA250369_zps33e021c7.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA250369_zps33e021c7.jpg.html)
And continued along without much incident.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA250379_zpsa709da67.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA250379_zpsa709da67.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA250386_zpsec6d00ef.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA250386_zpsec6d00ef.jpg.html)
-
Next up was the top patch.......same idea, more hassle.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA250389_zps40ac229c.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA250389_zps40ac229c.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA250390_zps86113798.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA250390_zps86113798.jpg.html)
Eventually the patch plate was in, but the welding blew a hole in what little was left of the roof metal.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA250406_zps4658cbcf.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA250406_zps4658cbcf.jpg.html)
Weld in the hole. Grind down the bead. Open a new hole.
Repeat 3 or 4 times.
ACK!!!
Eventually Pook got it patched up, we ground it down a bit, and relaxed with a quick rip in Mortis (such a sweeeet rig!). The XJ went back into the garage for the afternoon, and the work resumed the next morning.............
-
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P2210016_zpsc77f570f.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P2210016_zpsc77f570f.jpg.html)
Believe it or not, but the roof on my 99 XJ is worse. The water would pour inside when it rained. Good on you for fixing it, in my case I threw in the towel and have gone down the path of parting it out. One thing I did notice though, when I pulled out the headliner, is that there was all sorts of welding spatter under the roof. I then read somewhere that there was a bad run of XJ's around 1999 in which the assembly line welders must have been spraying a lot of spatter and that is why many XJ's that were produced around that time have really bad rust on the roof.
I also have a 97 XJ that came from Winnipeg (rust capital) and the roof is spotless, zero rust.
-
Grind grind grind.
Grind grind grind.........4.5" grinder. Dremel. Stones. Flap discs.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA260417_zps02e86230.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA260417_zps02e86230.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA260418_zps5f2f406e.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA260418_zps5f2f406e.jpg.html)
After the grinding was done, and with little to no room in my own unheated garage, I figured the Jeep needed to be somewhere roomier and warmer for the rest of the priming/paint work. Luckily with a snap of my fingers, the Jeep magically moved locations, and I was back on track (sounds legit, right?).
Started to mask everything off to shoot the last bit of etching primer.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA260420_zps390728d1.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA260420_zps390728d1.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA260424_zps24a1af29.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA260424_zps24a1af29.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA260426_zpsfc20078e.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA260426_zpsfc20078e.jpg.html)
And started to spray.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA260434_zps696b0a52.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA260434_zps696b0a52.jpg.html)
-
After a day or so, it was time to tackle a minor amount of bondo work to build up the passenger side corner a bit. Nothing that couldn't be handled in a quick evening.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA280001_zps6c182528.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA280001_zps6c182528.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA280003_zpsa5a7ff6a.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA280003_zpsa5a7ff6a.jpg.html)
A quick shot of primer, and things are looking good (imo).
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA280006_zpsc51a7920.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA280006_zpsc51a7920.jpg.html)
-
I managed to score a Friday off work, and this seemed like the perfect time to do the paint work. A mug of coffee and a 7am start assured plenty of time to tackle the work, and I got busy with some 180grit sandpaper to rough up all the primer.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA310018_zpsec084288.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA310018_zpsec084288.jpg.html)
Blasted it clean with the compressor (yes, I opened the garage door...), and then cleaned everything up with acetone. And now............masking. Tape, tape, tape, plastic sheet, tape, brown paper, tape tape tape. Good freaking times this part.......lol.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA310019_zps0f0e3219.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA310019_zps0f0e3219.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA310020_zpsf20dc3b1.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA310020_zpsf20dc3b1.jpg.html)
I had opted to go the "bedliner" route since I liked the way it looked, and figured it might be more durable. First coat ended up taking about 35 minutes to apply with a brush and roller. Much more of a PITA then I expected.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA310021_zps107b0d86.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA310021_zps107b0d86.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA310023_zps218b9f06.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA310023_zps218b9f06.jpg.html)
I waited an hour as per the cans directions, and then went to do up coat #2. I figured for a more uniform look, that I would spray the second coat, and had picked up a Duplicolor bedliner gun to facilitate this. Hooked it up to the compressor, droped the line into the can and..........nothing. 15 minutes of adjustment, air pressure changes, and various other tests later, I loudly exclaimed, "Well isn't this an unfortunate event" (or something like that... ;) ). Set the gun aside, grabbed the roller, and just put on the (thicker) second coat by hand. This one took a bit longer as I tried to ensure an even texture, and a minimum of "roll" lines.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA310030_zps8a857c94.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA310030_zps8a857c94.jpg.html)
Now being 5 hours into my garage day, I figured it was time to take a break. Or rather the directions told me I had to wait two hours before pulling the masking, so I was sorta forced to take a break. Cool.........just enough time to head to "Wheel Life Cycle" in Okatoks and pick up a new bike I had ordered. Multitasking Friday FTW!
-
Just over two hours later, and it was time to pull the masking.
It went pretty smoothly, and only a few small spots created issues or lifted. A few touch ups by hand, and the XJ was actually looking pretty reasonable in my own twisted eyes.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA310033_zps2e49e9dd.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA310033_zps2e49e9dd.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PA310038_zps59c0437c.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PA310038_zps59c0437c.jpg.html)
Dropped the temperature in the garage from 22c to 16c, and decided to leave everything alone to harden for a few days.
Next step to figure out: Getting someone GOOD to come out and put in a new windshield.........
-
Nice job, I did the bedliner on my roof as well, seems to be holding up very well.
You have the same skidplate as me, I ended up modifing it as it hung down to low. Raised it up about 2" total.
-
You have the same skidplate as me, I ended up modifing it as it hung down to low. Raised it up about 2" total.
What did you do to modify it? I agree, it hangs WAY too low unless you have a t-case drop......which I do not.
-
looking good, I like how that turned out
-
When I get home I will take a pic of skid plate, post it for you.
-
Nice work on the patching!!
-
Looking very nice, but I hope you did not put bed liner in the windshield location. Makes it very hard to install a no leak window.
-
Pic of skidplate
-
Some more long overdue updates...........
New windshield went in without a hitch. If you consider a windshield getting scratched during install as "without a hitch".
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB130010_zps6963913d.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB130010_zps6963913d.jpg.html)
No biggy, it' still the nicest part I currently have on the XJ. :P
With the roof done and the windshield in, it was time to get this build back on track, and get rolling with some nice easy "bolt on" stuff. Bushwacker Flat Flares, here we come!
-
Step 1: Remove old front flares.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB180060_zpse6072a82.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB180060_zpse6072a82.jpg.html)
Step 2: Remove old rear flares and bumper caps.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB180064_zps76d85b38.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB180064_zps76d85b38.jpg.html)
Step 3: Start swearing profusely at all of the rear quarter panel rust that had been hidden by the bumper caps and flares.
FML.
-
Time for a tuck mark!
-
Time for a tuck mark!
The ole cut 'n fold!!
-
The ole cut 'n fold!!
Circumcision!!!!!!
-
A snip and a tuck was the only way I could see the Jeep living longer. With fear in my eyes I drilled out the rivits for the bumper cap mounts, grabbed my trusty angle grinder, and returned to my least favorite pass time ever......dealing with rust.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB210001_zpsbad03648.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB210001_zpsbad03648.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB210003_zps421327f5.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB210003_zps421327f5.jpg.html)
Since a cut and fold would involve needing access from inside as well, I started pulling interior panels, and my sub/amp mount.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB210013_zps4a73f241.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB210013_zps4a73f241.jpg.html)
With the sub out, this was the view from inside.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB210015_zps15cce2d8.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB210015_zps15cce2d8.jpg.html)
Pretty sure it's supposed to be like that, right?
:(
Started to grind off more rust. Then started cutting. Cutting and grinding. Cutting and grinding.......
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB210008_zpsa339e3f1.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB210008_zpsa339e3f1.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB220022_zps09c96689.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB220022_zps09c96689.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB210018_zpsd7314fde.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB210018_zpsd7314fde.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB220020_zps45410660.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB220020_zps45410660.jpg.html)
Rust converter. Self etching primer. Folding.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB220030_zps67190227.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB220030_zps67190227.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB220031_zps5f204307.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB220031_zps5f204307.jpg.html)
Seam sealer. A few self tapping screws. Seam sealer. Pop rivets. More seam sealer.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB220033_zpsd3086490.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB220033_zpsd3086490.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB220034_zps08a4f53a.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB220034_zps08a4f53a.jpg.html)
Bondo. More bondo. Epoxy primer. Paint.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB220038_zpsbe67565d.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB220038_zpsbe67565d.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB230058_zpsa70ffb1c.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB230058_zpsa70ffb1c.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB230065_zpsd04a066d.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB230065_zpsd04a066d.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/PB230067_zpsdbb4511f.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/PB230067_zpsdbb4511f.jpg.html)
-
Since i was in rust fixing mode, I patched up a few more spots too. No need to be pretty here....it's gonna be covered. ;)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/DSCF9621_zps0c6251c4.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/DSCF9621_zps0c6251c4.jpg.html)
Cut and fold in the back means the OEM bumper won't work. Solution is en route thanks to Broken Axle Dave flexing his muscles and getting all medieval on his vendors. ;)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/DSCF9625_zps08faefce.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/DSCF9625_zps08faefce.jpg.html)
Lots to do until that arrives though. I was sort of still in painting mode too, so I tracked down some Mazda colors and decided to give the XJ a bit of a hat tilt to Mortis. After all, the XJ wouldn't be where it is without the help/advice of pook.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/DSCF9627_zps2adacaf4.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/DSCF9627_zps2adacaf4.jpg.html)
-
And then it was back to those darn fenders.
Mark. Cut. Trim. Fold. Prime. Paint. Repeat.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P1250010_zps3adec119.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P1250010_zps3adec119.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P1250021_zpsd84d2c1c.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P1250021_zpsd84d2c1c.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P1310035_zpsf161bc2f.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P1310035_zpsf161bc2f.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P1310037_zpsd7a00e9a.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P1310037_zpsd7a00e9a.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P1310038_zpsc287890e.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P1310038_zpsc287890e.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P2010079_zpsee8cbaf1.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P2010079_zpsee8cbaf1.jpg.html)
-
Dropped off a few bags of money at Broken Axle, and a while later Dave dropped off some really heavy boxes.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P1250014_zpsdefdc3b6.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P1250014_zpsdefdc3b6.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P1250016_zps2da7163a.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P1250016_zps2da7163a.jpg.html)
I started to mock things up........
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P2010077_zps7a74064e.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P2010077_zps7a74064e.jpg.html)
And that's when the next round of problems raised their ugly heads......
-
The JCR Crusader Sliders appear to be VERY nice, but they are fairly complex, and the instructions......lets just say, could be a bit better. They are also designed around a stock Jeep XJ, and not one with cut-out fenders....though admittedly, I did kinda know this when I ordered them, and was sort of just hoping that crossing my fingers really intensely would make them bolt up with no mods. No such luck. The back end should be fine, but I'll likely end up having to cut off 1/2" or so off of the front, and drill new mounting holes. Certainly not the end of the worlds.
Getting these things up and in place is a bit of a challenge due to their size/weight, and things starting moving MUCH smoother when I just wised up and tricked a buddy into coming over to play helper. We managed to get the first upper mounting hole in the front drilled, and the lower mounting hole in the back done c/w nutsert. After taking the drivers side to the same stage, we looked at moving onto the frame brackets, and were kinda thwarted by a complete lack of hardware. Yup, that's right, the 18 self tapping 3/8" x 1" bolts were not included in the kit.
Grrrrr.................
Turns out these bolts seem to be rarer than diamonds as well, and after getting turned away by 3 hardware stores as well as Calgary Fasteners and Bolt Supply, I admitted defeat, and got in touch with Allen at JCR. He apologized, and mailed me out a new set the next day (great service from those JCR guys).
So now I'm back to sitting and waiting.
Stoopid Jeep.
-
You could use some of these cheap camper jacks with screw collars, work great for what you were doing, these ones cost me 5 bucks for 4 at a garage sale.
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/pipestoneflyguy/DSCF1913_zpsolzy6ulz.jpg)
-
Yup, those would be ideal. And might actually be cheaper than helpers/slave labor once you factor in the cost of coffee, beer, and pizza. ;)
-
[Begin angry rant on the internet]
So after over 3 weeks of waiting..........it turns out that JCR never actually did ship out my replacement bolts. FML!!!
I'm currently banging my head against my desk while JCR is promising that today will be the day the hardware actually gets shipped out. What a stupid stupid stupid thing to get stalled up on.
So
Freaking
Mad
Right
Now.
[End angry rant on the internet]
-
Well, the bolts arrived last week (along with a $16 brokerage charge from UPS...fml) along with a free "apology" T-shirt from JCR. They actually sent me an entirely new set of mounting hardware, which is nice. Spares are always handy!
Anyway.....managed to get some garage time in this weekend, and progress is back to being made. nothing is working out right, or even remotely bolt-on mind you.......but hey, everyone tells me that's the "fun" of a Jeep. :P
Pictures, and more words soon..........
-
Dude... if it were bribeguys jk it would bolt on. Every xj is custom even from the factory back in the previous century.
-
JK.......pfffft. There's no school like the old school. ;)
It is funny how much variance there can be between two similar XJ's though. I've found even the hardware is completely all over the place as far as sizing. Oh well....all part of the adventure.
-
JK.......pfffft. There's no school like the old school. ;)
It is funny how much variance there can be between two similar XJ's though. I've found even the hardware is completely all over the place as far as sizing. Oh well....all part of the adventure.
My 2001 uses brake rotors that have to be special ordered... They are the ones apparently still in use in China, and have the * next to the part number in the book.... The last few years of our rigs were kinda pieced together with the leftovers at Chrysler. Makes em all unique....
-
Angie is unique, just like her owner!
-
Well, bit by bit this thing is moving forward.
First up......while the quality of JCR stuff might be top notch, the instructions are terrible! None the less, the show must go on...........
Sliders: After mounting and removing these beasts at least 132 times, I finally got all the mounting brackets in place, and nutserts installed. There are 18 bolts to the "frame", 22 to the pinch weld, 14 thru the sheet metal, and another 22 joining things together. Pretty much it's a hardware party.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3210003_zpsxg70pzne.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3210003_zpsxg70pzne.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3220015_zpsuy8ckkrq.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3220015_zpsuy8ckkrq.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3210006_zps2hsri9at.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3210006_zps2hsri9at.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3220012_zpsuhostqef.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3220012_zpsuhostqef.jpg.html)
After this was done, I drilled an additional hole for the lower fender flare, then mocked those up to determine my cut lines. Ended up trimming off almost an inch, and relocating two of the mounting holes.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3280090_zpssezm5adb.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3280090_zpssezm5adb.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3280098_zps2pzav80r.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3280098_zps2pzav80r.jpg.html)
Switching to the back side, I got the gas skid in place, and the new exhaust hanger....which, of course, took some trimming and tweaking.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3080004_zpsvbv2soyi.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3080004_zpsvbv2soyi.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3080010_zpsllddiwyf.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3080010_zpsllddiwyf.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3080006_zpske7br9uu.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3080006_zpske7br9uu.jpg.html)
After that it was starting to get back to the rear bumper. Some of the rear sheet metal needed a bit of a trim and a bend (and then more trimming...lol) so all the brackets would clear.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3280077_zpsiupcw8bn.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3280077_zpsiupcw8bn.jpg.html)
After mounting and remounting the bumper 5 times in a morning, I was finally able to start drilling holes to mount the rear quarter panel armor.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3220014_zpseto1eclq.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3220014_zpseto1eclq.jpg.html)
This was the only issue I had with JCR's fit and finish, as the side panels are bent with slightly different dimensions then the bumper. No matter how the mount, there are gaps. Some gentle persuasion with a sledgehammer (seriously...), and a few extra bolts helped...but didn't fix the issue. Oh well.....
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P3280101_zpsmdgzqur2.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P3280101_zpsmdgzqur2.jpg.html)
Pretty much at the point to start prepping for paint, which will hopefully be next weekends task at hand. It's getting closer...........
-
Figured I may as well give the OrFab front bumper a refresh as well, so off it came for some grinding, cutting, and bit of much needed love.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4030015_zpsoojturgn.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4030015_zpsoojturgn.jpg.html)
And then so began more prep work.
And so began more painting.
Clean. Rough up. Rust converter. Clean. Prime. Paint. Party party party........
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4030003_zpszmll4ck0.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4030003_zpszmll4ck0.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4030004_zpsgbdn8bjc.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4030004_zpsgbdn8bjc.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4030005_zpsebkyofnc.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4030005_zpsebkyofnc.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4030006_zpsgzqsrfgb.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4030006_zpsgzqsrfgb.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4030009_zpswlyaimjz.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4030009_zpswlyaimjz.jpg.html)
Rear bumper, sliders, and rear armor all got painted black on the inside/mounting surfaces. Outside surfaces got scuffed back up and bedlined.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4080047_zpsunpm9pfh.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4080047_zpsunpm9pfh.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4080038_zpsynzyse4u.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4080038_zpsynzyse4u.jpg.html)
It pretty much took two full days to do the painting. Which pretty much sucked. Almost forgot to drill a hole in the rear bumper for the hitch plug too.....LOL! Luckily I remembered (you can see it in the last pic).
-
After that, it was time for mounting.
INSTALLING
JCR
CRUSADER
SLIDERS
SUCKS
A
SUCK
LOAD
OF
SUCK
It's a good thing they look pretty badass, since it was a horrible experience. Rear bumper was a comparative snap.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4120066_zpsht0ncogk.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4120066_zpsht0ncogk.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4120059_zpsu4j4u0rs.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4120059_zpsu4j4u0rs.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4120055_zpsl6fpl44n.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4120055_zpsl6fpl44n.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4120056_zpsxo2cuhpy.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4120056_zpsxo2cuhpy.jpg.html)
After that, it was time to rebuild the front end, with the newly shortened side pieces.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4120062_zpsxcp5rxhz.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4120062_zpsxcp5rxhz.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4120060_zpsvdnmkkjg.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4120060_zpsvdnmkkjg.jpg.html)
Oh ya, and put the roof rack back on (with some RTV on all the screws for waterproofing good measure).
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4120067_zpsbyh3qfs5.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4120067_zpsbyh3qfs5.jpg.html)
-
In all the cut and fold write ups I read, non of them seemed to address the fact that the factory trailer hitch harness exits thru a plug in part of the metal that ends up going away. After some head scratching, I came up with the following.
- There is a plastic plug next to the rear taillights. Remove it entirely (require loosening the light mounting bolts).
- Fish the trailer harness thru this hole, including the original/stock rubber gasket.
- Slide the gasket down until the correct amount of wire remains to reach your hitch mount.
-Use some RTV to seal the gasket into the factory hole (which is just a hair bigger than the inner gasket flange).
-Tighten up the light again to hold it all in while it dries.
I also fished thru some extra 16ga wire which I'll use for some aux reverse lights. Hey, why not, right?
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4110051_zpsut1fc7i5.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4110051_zpsut1fc7i5.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4110052_zpswfhqpczt.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4110052_zpswfhqpczt.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4110054_zps5dsfz93m.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4110054_zps5dsfz93m.jpg.html)
-
Next up..........making Bushwacker flat flares work with all of this.
First shot was a nightmare.......hopefully this Fridays 2nd attempt will go smoother.
-
Looking good Mark! I like those rear quarters! Patience and attention to detail has certainly paid off in the end.
-
More progress!
Spent some time in the garage last weekend, and managed to get the flares on. Bushwacker flats do not play well with:
1. JCR Crusader Sliders
2. Cut and fold rear quarter panels
3. JCR rear bumper
Luckily I have all three of those things. :p
Fronts weren't too bad. Realized that one of the flare mounts didn't have any holes drilled from the factory. Initially I was really annoyed by this, but it ended up being beneficial since I had to relocate the holes anyway. The inner mount pieces sit on top of the JCR armor, so they are effectively mounted 5mm further outboard on the bottom. Looks terrible until you cover it up with the flare. The outer flare required some trimming and notching to sit flush around the armor, and then new holes were drilled. Disassemble. Install speed clips. Reassemble. Repeat for other side.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170001_zpsjopvjjou.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170001_zpsjopvjjou.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170002_zpsosydumqg.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170002_zpsosydumqg.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170004_zpsnimepxjq.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170004_zpsnimepxjq.jpg.html)
Out back, there was substantially more cutting to do. Fronts of the mounts and flares had to be trimmed and notched to clear the Crusader sliders. Back mounts received some heavy handed cutting. And by heavy handed I mean very careful dremel work.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170008_zpsiq3oqiye.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170008_zpsiq3oqiye.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170006_zpsdjafz8eu.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170006_zpsdjafz8eu.jpg.html)
After much trial and error, the mounts finally fit fairly well. I opted to leave on the lower screw hole, and bend it under to mount onto the lower angle of the rear quarter panel armor. I figure more support was obviously better than not enough.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170009_zpskwvs1ybk.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170009_zpskwvs1ybk.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170011_zps25yeqo86.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170011_zps25yeqo86.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170012_zpswdbsqfq9.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170012_zpswdbsqfq9.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170013_zps6x6z9ezm.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170013_zps6x6z9ezm.jpg.html)
From there it was time to start trimming and cutting the outer flares. Again, front and backs both needed work in order to sit flush.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170016_zpsltnlo58p.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170016_zpsltnlo58p.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170017_zpspthdbfqq.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170017_zpspthdbfqq.jpg.html)
-
With the flares finally on, it was time to start getting some of the miscellaneous jobs finished up.
After much swearing, hammering, wrenching, and frustration, the rear sway bar came out:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4190025_zpsuos6mhdq.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4190025_zpsuos6mhdq.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4190024_zpsq4dqsjty.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4190024_zpsq4dqsjty.jpg.html)
Next up was getting the tire swing out mounted:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170020_zpsbu2j27ym.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170020_zpsbu2j27ym.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170022_zps7jsmd4st.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170022_zps7jsmd4st.jpg.html)
And then the OEM trailer wiring harness got buttoned up, and the plug got mounted in the new location (while friends stood back and drew clever signs...):
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4170018_zpsxrzbyufw.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4170018_zpsxrzbyufw.jpg.html)
Last task for the weekend was to get the winch back in, and mount the aux light plate:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P4190026_zpsqni5izio.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P4190026_zpsqni5izio.jpg.html)
And then, in what was an exciting moment, I drove the Jeep home. It's the first time the beast has been on the road since late 2014, and it was certainly nice to see it rolling again. Now it's back home, and the work can resume in my own driveway.
More updates soon.............
-
nice, gonna drive it around Boulder Creek and show it off a bit or what? I hear there is beer in a fridge located at 597 boulder creek circle ;)
-
nice, gonna drive it around Boulder Creek and show it off a bit or what? I hear there is beer in a fridge located at 597 boulder creek circle ;)
Ooooh, now that's a tempting offer! ;)
Gotta get the license plate relocated again (third times the charm, right?), and do a bit of wiring, but it might be up for a few Langdon laps this weekend.....
-
Ooooh, now that's a tempting offer! ;)
might be up for a few Langdon laps this weekend.....
Laps as in driving around right? Don't stop at Immortals house.... That is definately not the lap you are looking for. His is the one with the porch light on all night, and a large cactus next to the door...
-
Nice job with the mods! I had to do a bunch of trimming on the bushwackers as well. Don't know why I bothered, after ripping both rear ones half off they don't fit so well anymore LOL. I have to admit they are tough.
-
I think I'd cry if (when?) the flares got ripped off after the amount of work it took to make them work!
Guess I'll need wider wheel spacers (or wider tires) to get the stance back out so the fenders aren't the first thing to hit a tree!
-
I think I'd cry if (when?) the flares got ripped off after the amount of work it took to make them work!
Guess I'll need wider wheel spacers (or wider tires) to get the stance back out so the fenders aren't the first thing to hit a tree!
come over one day and we can bend up some real fenders out of DOM ;)
-
come over one day and we can bend up some real fenders out of DOM ;)
Which one's Dom? And why is he bent? :o
-
Planning some upcoming electrical work, and gonna work on a way to make the POS JCR license plate relocation bracket actually work reasonably. But for now, the XJ got cleaned up a bit, and is just happy to back at home in its proper garage.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/For%20Sale/P4260005-mod-bymjs_zpsrgodefn8.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/For%20Sale/P4260005-mod-bymjs_zpsrgodefn8.jpg.html)
-
And some more updates.....................
Ordered up some RotoPax swag from 4Wheel parts (horrible experiance...), and decided to keep working on the swing out. Only to find out..................yup, you guess it, THEY DON'T FIT!!!
I contacted JCR about this, and they told me that yes they do fit.
Yes, they would........if the rear hoop and mount on the tire carrier had been welded in CENTERED as opposed to offset.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/IMAG1930_zpshbt0pwv7.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/IMAG1930_zpshbt0pwv7.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/IMAG1929_zpsic1lrnn3.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/IMAG1929_zpsic1lrnn3.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/IMAG1927_zpss8nntvak.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/IMAG1927_zpss8nntvak.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/IMAG1926_zpsgjs3od30.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/IMAG1926_zpsgjs3od30.jpg.html)
Yup, looks like one side is 18-7/8" for the opening, while the other side is 20-1/4". JCR's response to those pictures and an email: That range of variance is within their acceptable tolerances.
WTF!?!?
So after almost a week of emails with JCR and no solution being offered, it was time to break out the drill and files. Started by redrilling new mount holes, then filing them out into long ovals.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5080002_zpsrcgi7nby.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5080002_zpsrcgi7nby.jpg.html)
After modifying the spout on the RotoPax container a bit, and a bit more creativity, the 2 gallon container JUST fits in place (with a solid push).
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5080006_zpsvc7ppd3t.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5080006_zpsvc7ppd3t.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5080005_zpsqt4wzpfw.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5080005_zpsqt4wzpfw.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5080004_zpsctfefytw.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5080004_zpsctfefytw.jpg.html)
-
By this point I've now seriously regretted ordering a JCR skidplate.........not convinced I really want to give that company any more of my cash. :(
Anyway, went to close up the swing out and..............oh ya, the RotoPax containers hit the Tailgate. FML.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/IMAG1932_zpsubupsugp.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/IMAG1932_zpsubupsugp.jpg.html)
So, the Trim piece with the old license plate light gets pulled off.....only to reveal worn bubbling paint and surface rust.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5080007_zpskyzquiyk.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5080007_zpskyzquiyk.jpg.html)
Time for more sanding, rust converter, and bedliner, me thinks.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5080010_zpsw7pozwbw.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5080010_zpsw7pozwbw.jpg.html)
-
And then it was back to electrical work........................
Unplug the rear wiring harness in the driver side rear quarter panel. Using a multimeter figure out which wire is for the license plate light.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090011_zps7q3druhj.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090011_zps7q3druhj.jpg.html)
Splice in a new wire.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090013_zps0nxvocz5.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090013_zps0nxvocz5.jpg.html)
Solder it up and heatshrink. Run the wire across to the passenger side (under the carpet).
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090014_zpsv0m55mh3.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090014_zpsv0m55mh3.jpg.html)
Drill a hole in the plastic cap by the tail light.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090015_zpsg0fhka7g.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090015_zpsg0fhka7g.jpg.html)
Fish thru the power wire, and a ground wire.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090016_zpshhalxbgn.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090016_zpshhalxbgn.jpg.html)
Twist and shout.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090017_zpszlg5behl.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090017_zpszlg5behl.jpg.html)
Cover up with cable cover, and seal up hole with liquid electrical tape.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090018_zpskjmbldl6.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090018_zpskjmbldl6.jpg.html)
From here I ran the wire down a bit and zip tied it behind the bumper, then back up and to the swing out. I added a set of plugs to it would be easier to remove the license plate mount/light....which has to be done in order to pull off the spare.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5100041_zps6kpig8yz.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5100041_zps6kpig8yz.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5100037_zpsktqgp6oh.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5100037_zpsktqgp6oh.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5100040_zpskkdmxzwu.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5100040_zpskkdmxzwu.jpg.html)
The licence plate mount itself was bent impropperly by JCR, so it didn't sit square or level. Uhg. And the standard mounting hols place the plate a significant distance away from the tire. Enter more drilling and bending.......... And then, it was time to mount the included LED plate light. Yup.......3mm mounting hardware, and 1/4" holes in the mount. Frick...................
Spent some time fishing around in a box of RC car hardware, and came up with a solution. Got it all mounted up, and then remembered I still needed to mount the ground wire. Did that.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090019_zpsp0dsamk6.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090019_zpsp0dsamk6.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090021_zps4gjnfoqi.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090021_zps4gjnfoqi.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5100039_zpslk1l25zg.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5100039_zpslk1l25zg.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090023_zpsugu7kuru.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090023_zpsugu7kuru.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090024_zpsfvo8e9jp.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090024_zpsfvo8e9jp.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090027_zpsopkwggkj.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090027_zpsopkwggkj.jpg.html)
Oh ya............I mounted up the Aux reverse lights too. Haven't done the connecting wiring yet though.......
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090029_zpsfodnt9fu.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090029_zpsfodnt9fu.jpg.html)
-
With the cut & fold rear end, I was showing a lot of tire, and in hopes of avoiding attention from crappy ticket monsters, I figured it was time to look into some mudflaps. A quick stop at Airhawk Industries scored me these:
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090035_zpsandtui6o.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090035_zpsandtui6o.jpg.html)
Next up was some quality grinder time with a piece of 2x2 L-Bracket.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5090031_zpsuto04hz0.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5090031_zpsuto04hz0.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5160049_zpsoqcpv762.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5160049_zpsoqcpv762.jpg.html)
Primed them up and got them mounted up. I'm using the frame tie ins that connect the JCR bumper/side armor to the "frame". I figure if they're strong enough to use as a jack point, then mounting mudflaps from them should be a non-issue. :p
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5170050_zpsvv2rsvfd.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5170050_zpsvv2rsvfd.jpg.html)
Cardboard templating...
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5170053_zpsbwpeej6p.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5170053_zpsbwpeej6p.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5170054_zpsmxf5zz9l.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5170054_zpsmxf5zz9l.jpg.html)
And the final flaps all trimmed up.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5170057_zpsysdansuf.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5170057_zpsysdansuf.jpg.html)
Drilled the mounting holes in the brackets, hit 'em with some ghetto fabulous spray paint, and things were starting to come together.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5180059_zps0f6nskoh.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5180059_zps0f6nskoh.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5180060_zpsdmjcak69.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5180060_zpsdmjcak69.jpg.html)
And all mounted up on the Jeep.
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5180061_zpsbzvjhi9e.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5180061_zpsbzvjhi9e.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5180072_zpstnli1yrj.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5180072_zpstnli1yrj.jpg.html)
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/bribeguy/Cars/P5180076_zpsxwcvrloe.jpg) (http://s864.photobucket.com/user/bribeguy/media/Cars/P5180076_zpsxwcvrloe.jpg.html)