Search results

  • HTML tutorial
  1. S

    97 XJ Build

    Made some roll cage supports. They connect the roll cage to the "frame".
  2. S

    97 XJ Build

    Did some more work on the cage, welded up the bottom of everything then dropped the cage down to weld up the tops. Such a time consuming process, my out of position welding needs dome work too. Its getting closer, step by step. Upgraded my cordless tool from some 15 year old DeWalt 18V stuff...
  3. S

    97 XJ Build

    Made a little gas filler neck piece for a buddy's C10 project. 18GA cold rolled and some silicon bronze. Also worked on the cage in the family truckster. I'm almost ready to drop it down so I can weld the top and put in the rest of the tubes.
  4. S

    97 XJ Build

    Thanks. Knuckles were pre-heated prior to welding. They actually welded really good.
  5. S

    97 XJ Build

    Back from the dead. Life has been busy, two bathroom remodels, family stuff etc. I got a new daily driver, 2003 1500HD, that got some fresh parts. Texas Speed cam, headers, tune, 5160 shocks, wheels tires and tons of new steering suspension parts. Feels good to be back into a full size again...
  6. S

    97 XJ Build

    Got the rear shocks mounted and cycled today. I would have liked to made them straight up. but I was limited by the rear seat. This build is a series of compromises to keep it safe and passenger/ road trip friendly. I will build some sheet metal boxes over the socks to seal the cab back up. A...
  7. S

    97 XJ Build

    Cage install started and is moving along slowly. The cage started as a kit from T&J Performance in Orange, CA. I did this to save time and the cost wasn't horrible, $800. They designed it to fit with the stock headliner in place. I'm 6'04" so head room is a major concern for me. I pushed the...
  8. S

    97 XJ Build

    Thanks! The welding just takes practice. As far as the time, I’ve been working on this for almost 2 years now. Thankfully is actually getting close to driveable.
  9. S

    97 XJ Build

    Started the air bump mounts for the rear. I am so jealous of guys with plasma tables that can slice out parts like this in seconds, its takes so much time to layout and make this kind of stuff. I also scored 200 feet of DOM tubing for $100!! Some of it has some surface rust, but there was no way...
  10. S

    97 XJ Build

    I had to remake the shackles because the first set I made hit the body at bump and droop. Got the springs all set up, a solid 11" of travel, just need to pull the axle, add the bump pads, re gear and build the truss. Old vs. New Dimple die everything
  11. S

    97 XJ Build

    Started working on the rear suspension. Got the axle out and all the old brackets off. My $300 amazon Lotos plasma cutter just keeps impressing me. It made quick work of the original shock mounts and leaf spring pads. Hung the new springs, pulled them apart and made some quick spacers out of...
  12. S

    97 XJ Build

    Finished up the steering box support brace today. Front end is done, minus a front bumper. I'll build the bumper once it's on the road. I'm super excited to get this thing out of the garage. Started tearing apart the rear suspension too. Some pictures from today's garage session.
  13. S

    97 XJ Build

    Did some work on the ol' truckster. Got the brakes all installed and bled and set the steering stops. The banjo fitting is limiting my steering a little bit. Anyone ever drilled and tapped a brake caliper for a new feed/banjo location? Started work on the steering box sector shaft support. XJ's...
  14. S

    97 XJ Build

    The entire front suspension is together minus the brake calipers. I need some different fittings to adapt the calipers to the -3AN brake lines. It sitting a little taller than I really want, but I going to see what it's like once it is on all four wheels.
  15. S

    97 XJ Build

    One step closer! This is the first project I have had where I actually have every single part to get it road worthy. Just need more time to finish it. Front end just needs calipers, coil springs and some fender trimming.
  16. S

    97 XJ Build

    Spent some time doing final assembly on the front end. It looks so pretty all clean and fresh. Anti-Seize has an amazing ability to get on EVERYTHING!! I looked like the tin man when I was done. Also burned in the rear leaf spring plates/lower shock mounts.
  17. S

    97 XJ Build

    Got an free driveshaft for the front, bummer is that it was 2" too short. I have a lathe, welder and some basic metal skills.... let's see if this will work. Chopped the slip yoke, made a sleeve out of DOM and got it to .003" from perfectly true. It only has 3/8" of plunge from bump to droop...
  18. S

    97 XJ Build

    Starting to actually put stuff together. All the time I spent mocking everything up is paying off.
  19. S

    97 XJ Build

    Front axle is DONE! I built a full truss and added plates to the upper "C's". Welded out all of the link and shock mounts, threw in a set of 4:88 gears with all new bearings etc. This was my first time doing gears, it was and experience for sure. Lots of trial and error, swapping shims over and...
  20. S

    97 XJ Build

    Got the new exhaust installed for real. Started painting stuff and getting the front end prepped for final assembly. It feels good to be getting somewhere.