Jeep XJ, DD weekend warrior

[9nick4]

Hey everyone, wanted to post some pics of the progress of my jeep. Going back from 2 years ago to present time. I've lost some of my progress pictures from old phones crapping out (phones don't like to go swimming) and or not backing photos up, so wanted to track progress as the build really takes flight haha. Quick background of the jeep, I've owned it for about 5 years. It belonged to my brother and I purchased it off him so it's been in the family a while. For the first few years it was restoration time, ball joints trashed, wheel hubs, tie rods etc. The normal wear items that piled up for the old girl. After going front to back and redoing most everything it was time for upgrades. So ill post a few pictures and get everyone up to speed on the build and where i plan to go with it.

 

[9nick4]

This looks to be the oldest picture i have. Little info on the jeep
99 xj 4.0l auto
31x10.5r15 bfg ko2s at the time
Horrible lift at the time budget boost and a little taller coil up front, and add a leaf and shackle in the rear. (Road like crap)
Roof rack i scored at the junk yard for 20 bucks, was very happy to leave with it haha

 

[9nick4]

This was when i installed my solid diff cover, since i was changing gear oil anyway wanted to go ahead and upgrade the cover for future plans. Also have a rustys off road winch bumper, rustys sway bar disconnects and a 9k badlands winch

 

[9nick4]

Out clearing the trail 1 day. Glad i brought the saw and the axe. Last down tree on the trail and the saw threw in the towel. Simple snatch block setup and got it out of the way in no time

 

[9nick4]

Out clearing the trail 1 day. Glad i brought the saw and the axe. Last down tree on the trail and the saw threw in the towel. Simple snatch block setup and got it out of the way in no time

 

[9nick4]

Setup for the rear which has been this way for a while. It will be changing in the near future. Ill do a full description of current mods when i get to the most recent pictures

 

[9nick4]

Picked up a brand new set of bilstein 5100s off Craigslist for a steal, started gathering pieces and parts to redo the suspension that was in need of upgrades. Also around the time i got these i got new maxxis buckshot 31x10.5r15s and kept an old bfg for a new spare.

 

[9nick4]

Around this time upgrades where slow, i just moved into a new home and getting settled in. I always i like look and function of limb risers and looking at kits online knew i could make something cheaper, this was one of my favorite projects so far for the xj. Very happy with the outcome.

 

[9nick4]

A few past wheeling trips

 

[9nick4]

Getting close to up to date photos haha. Threw a jerry can up top because it's not an overland rig without one!

 

[9nick4]

I've always enjoyed the idea of overland rigs, being able to go out for extended periods of time with the proper gear, being self sufficient and enjoying the simple things in life. I started to focus my rig toward and overland build, but maintain my daily driver aspect. Here's another one of my favorite projects to date, air intake from a 99ish expedition. Modified to fit the factory intake boot and installed a washable air filter. (Sorry for the mess of photos, just trying to get up to date haha)

 

[9nick4]

Now onto the photos of the new lift kit! I stock piled my parts and waited for a 3 day weekend so i had time to install everything, and so the shop i work at was empty for a few days giving me an open bay to work (Live in the rust belt so bolts are gunna break!) I had the bilsteins shocks to install, i went with rubicon express 4.5 coils, pro comp 3.5 full leaf packs with my extended shackle, rustys extended brake lines, rubicon express steering stabilizer, new pads and rotors, rustys adjustable track bar. So many goodies to install!

 

[9nick4]

The ride is amazing, very happy with the outcome. Sits very level and now the leafs have settled so its just barley higher in the rear. Only had one bolt break and it was a lower shock bolt on the rear so easy fix! I also forgot, i did install bar pin eliminators front and rear.

 

[9nick4]

The following week of doing the lift I had some extra steel laying around so decided to make a transfer case skid plate. Its nothing fancy but for zero dollars ill take it!

 

[9nick4]

These are very recent pictures, maybe a month ago. I had an aftermarket header for a while and it cracked so I went back to stock for a few years, so finally got another aftermarket header. Did header wrap to help keep temps down on the intake and also did some heat tape on the intake itself, i did more then in the picture but you get the idea haha. Also in that same week i reorganized my roof rack for a cleaner look.

 

[9nick4]

Finally have this thing up to current time haha. 2 weeks ago went out for a little snow wheeling, ill try and get some more pictures as i plan to hit the trails more this spring and planning a road trip with some friends.
Current stats on the jeep
245k miles
Original motor, trans, Tcase
31x10.5r15 maxxis buckshot 2s
Rubicon 4.5 coils
Bilstein 5100s all around
Rubicon express steering stabilizer
Procomp 3.5 leaf packs with longer shackle
Rustys off road winch bumper, sway bar discos, extended brake lines, track bar
9k badlands winch
Ten factory dana 30 tube seals
Solid diff covers
ZJ steering upgrade
Custom rock sliders.
Im sure im missing some stuff. I've got plans for a rear drawer system with stove and storage and a new rear bumper from Rustys. So I will keep updating as things move along with my build and fun adventures along the way.

 

[9nick4]

Little update, started installing some cargo lights 2 nights ago for when I build my drawer system. Still need to finish wiring hope to wrap them up this weekend.

 

[9nick4]

Update from last night's project, got my disc brake conversion completed on the XJ. Very happy with the outcome. Also installed longer wheel studs at the same time. Installed my Rustys extended rear brake line and lengthened my axle vent hose. Hope to get some wheeling trips in soon just been to busy to go have fun haha

 

[OhEmGee]

How’s that lift treating you w/o a SYE? I’m considering something similar, but was curious if I’d need to do the slip yoke eliminator. Also, did you take pics of your disc brake conversion? Or could you share some details about what parts you used? I’d LOVE disc brakes for my ‘99!

 

[9nick4]

How’s that lift treating you w/o a SYE? I’m considering something similar, but was curious if I’d need to do the slip yoke eliminator. Also, did you take pics of your disc brake conversion? Or could you share some details about what parts you used? I’d LOVE disc brakes for my ‘99!

The lift is awesome, i get very little to no drive line vibration. I do have a 1 inch transfer case drop so that helps. Just make sure u have good u joints, I grease the splines on the drive shaft when i service my jeep which seems to help. The rear leafs are a little stiff but no bad still flex well and I've got no complaints about the RE coils. Bilsteins ride nice only thing im not happy about is they have oxidized like crazy, so spray them with some clear coat before you install them. On the brake conversion you will need parts off of a 93-98 grand cherokee (ZJ) with disc brakes in the rear. You will need mounting brackets, rotors, calipers, hoses, porportioning valve. I did not hook up my E brake so im not sure what all is needed to join the cable. I didn't get any good pictures of doing the swap unfortunately but i can get some better pictures of everything installed. On the porportioning valve you can either change the internals or the entire valve. I changed the internals it's alot easier and ill get you some pictures of how to.