Backdraft

Need a door panel from a 97+ XJ 2 door. More specifically, I'm looking for the switch panel for the power windows/mirrors/locks. Anyone know where one is hiding?

Thanks for the compliments! I've been wanting to do this to my truck for a long time. Doing a little work on the tailgate. Pictures coming soon.

Not sure what the laws are in your area. But I called the DMV down here with that same question along with the legality of it. I asked if it was OK to to switch my original VIN tag onto a replacement dash. Told them my dash was in horrible shape and needed replacing. They said it was OK as long as it was the original matching VIN tag going back into the truck. However YMMV.......

Finally got the truck down to the a/c shop and got it charged with freon. It drives much better with cold air blowing from the vents in 100+ heat.

Got the air conditioner charged up and working. No more sweating like a dog anymore!

I have a few ideas I'm exploring. Not really at liberty to give too much information yet. Talking to a few people and bouncing a few ideas around now. I can say it may be beneficial to our community as far as an alternative for rear bumpers. We'll see what happens in the coming weeks.

Nice! I learned how to drive on one of these. Same year model as well.

I don't know how many of you have dealt with these people, but I've reached my last straw. Around 6 weeks ago, I placed an order for their MJ rear bumper. I was told it would be a week before production was complete on it due to it not being a popular item they sell. I was cool with that, expected it actually. Well a week goes by and I make an inquiry. They tell me it would be another 2 weeks before it was built, but they would make sure it gets built on time and shipped out. I said it's cool, I understand. Another two weeks go by and I don't hear a word from them about it being completed or shipped, so yet again I call them up. They tell me the same story. It hasnt made it into production yet. The guy gives me some sob story about how long it takes to cut all the pieces from flat steel and weld it up into an actual bumper. I tell him, look, Ive fabricated many different things in my life and know it doesnt take but a few days to get this thing built in my garage. It shouldnt take them anytime at all to get it together with plasma cutters, mig welders, jigs, and expierenced fabricators. Hell, the measurements are what takes time and that work is done for them already. All they have to do is cut it out and stick it together! I would be happy to fab my own rear bumper up, but with this project truck of mine along with my work schedule, I don't really have the time or the energy. Their product looked quality to me and I figured even though its overpriced in my opinion, why not "stimulate the economy" and have them hook me up at the same time sending them some business. Well, the salesman tells me it would be another 10 business days or so before it was built. I warned him that this has happened twice before. I understand production problems and all. And if that is the problem then just tell me. I don't want to hear another BS lie saying it will be ready when it in fact isn't. He tells me he completely understands my frustration and wants to do something about it. I tell him what he can do is tell me two weeks from now that it is finished and shipped. So that brings us up to today. I call them up hoping for the best and ask to check status on my bumper. Once again, after being what I think is me being patient, he tells me it will be two weeks before they can start fabbing this thing up for me. So I promptly told him I was done monkeying around with them and he can cancel my order. I will do business with a company that wants to do business with me! If any of you are in the market for a rear bumper. I would DEFINITELY NOT recommend this band of lazy liars. Save your dollars for someone who wants to do good business and enjoys making their customers happy. By the way, anybody know of a good aftermarket rear bumper with a built in reciever and tow points for our trucks?

Got my first one (an 86 2.5/auto/4x4) in 1992 when I turned 16. Finally let it go 2 years ago and replaced it with the one I currently have.

Interested in seeing it at night with the flash. I will be repainting my tailgate next weekend and have already ordered the reflective stickers. The black does look good with the rescue green by the way. Good choice.

Did you apply the regular or the reflective sticker on the tailgate?

Take what ideas you want to use and run with them. You won't offend me in the least.

Installed a winch.

Got a present from UPS last night. This makes the front bumper complete. And installed....

Ditto what Ryan said. Personally, I used 3/4 inch square tube as spacers. I coated them in a brush on rubber then wrapped them in electrical tape. It was kind of ghetto, but it seems to be working fine.

The tank I got from raybuck auto on the net. http://raybuck.com/i-66714-gas-tank-86- ... -o-fi.html I specified the tank withOUT the sloshpan. The 97+ sending units float will contact the slosh pan in the original tank rendering it useless. The link is for the 18 gallon tank for a shortbed. If yours is a long bed you can also get the larger tank from them without the sloshpan as well. The adapter ring i got at copperhead fab on the interweb as well. http://copperheadfab.com/index.php?acti ... ductid=203 Its listed for a TJ but fits the XJ pump assembly as well. On the inner ring, I had to grind the little locking nubs down some to fit together properly.

Well, it made its inaugural run this morning. I decided to leave the car at home and take the truck to work. 13 mile drive and not a single issue so far. Was pleased at how nice it rides. I'm used to 4.5 inches of lift, short arms, and a kidney belt. The long arms really tamed down the rough ride quite a bit with 6.5 inches of lift. All the other systems seem to be running normal as well. The cruise control even worked...lol. A few runs like this to prove itself reliable and it should be time to hit some trails. However, I still have a couple more surprises to add to it before I consider it "finished".

Paint looks GREAT Ryan!

Misleading? So the trick isn't actually up your sleeve?

Nice truck and looks like a great starting point. With the 97+ interior, are you planning on 97+ engine, engine bay harness, and computer as well?

One word of warning on that CRL slider. When you get it installed, it will not sit flush against the cab along the top and bottom. It will stick out about a quarter inch. The safelite tech that put mine in gave me a tube of urethane and told me when it was set to put the urethane in the oven on 150F for about 15 minutes to warm it up. Once warm, apply it along the gap and spread it to fill it in. The window is sealed fine, application of the additional urethane is purely for aesthetic value. Best way I found to spread it was to wear a rubber glove and dip your finger in glass cleaner to keep it from sticking to you. It spreads the bead into the gap and fills it nicely.

Good deal man. When I checked back on the site, they showed to have 46 in stock on the solar glass. And I also got good service and fast shipping from them. Glad you got it worked out.

Hilarious!

Ditto, mine was a 2wd that didn't run when I bought it. Since then, I have been pleasantly surprised how capable these trucks are in the 2wd flavor. Near indestructible as well!

I wasn't stopping as well as I wanted to. Also had a bit of a pull to the passenger side during braking which was starting to concern me. The front brakes had been on for who knows how long, and the story wasnt much different for the rear brakes. Being the kind of person that doesnt leave much to chance, it was time to replace them with new rotors, calipers, and pads. Passenger front wasn't doing so hot But the new stuff at least looks pretty. Stops a lot better now.