Groundpounder

So here I begin with what will surely be a long term project of mine, so why not share it! Though I'm no beginner when it comes to jeeps, this is my first MJ. Ive always wanted one troughout my numerous xj's and yj etc. But here in Upstate NY an MJ worth working is one hard to find truck. So with the sale of my 4th and latest mustang i had some cash in my pocket, hmmm, do i lift my 99 xj? (also my fourth and latest) Well ill look on ebay... So what do i find? A rust free 1989 pioneer, swb, 4.0l, ax15, 5speed, 4x4, SOA, Front 4" lift, trackbar, accessories etc. Little body damage to the pass side box but RUNS, DRIVES, STOPS, Locatd in maryland about 5hrs from me. I figured i didnt want to let this go, so with no way to go get it i called and asked for a buy it now price. $1500! I said ill send the money this second! So i put a new hitch on my xj which was needed anyhow, and reserved a dolly from u haul. and a week later went to maryland. It took me 4.5 hrs to get there, and 10 long very stressful hours to get back. As you all know an xj isnt the best towing option, can't stop something that weighs more then itself very well either! but Shes Home! I have big plans for this one and I'm sure they will change a thousand time throughout the build. --It already has SOA rear big adjustable trackbar and drop bracket Looks like rubicon express 4" lift coils and lower CA Braided Rubicon Ex lines front and rear 8.25 rear D30 front ax15 4.0L 142,000 miles on whole truck --So Far I ordered flowmaster 10 series, the cat is shot so I'm gonna take it out and run it stright to the 10 series. ordered bilstein 5100 rear shocks 5-7" lift. --Plans Include Rock krawler long arms Rock Krawler 6.5" coils bilstein reservoir front shocks JKS quick discos all poly bushings 1" boomerang shackles or revolvers new leaf packs clutch SYE Aftermarket front shafts Aussie locker, or two 97+ front end and doors 97+ interior 4.56 gears 35's Lots more that i can't think of now --Far future plans 4.7L stroker nv4500 or whatever one dana 44's 37's tube bed etc... 10"s of lift [/img] [/img] [/img] [/img]

Great, thats what i was looking for a basic, approximate, estimate to start from. My pass side bedside has damage like a tree brach fell in it or something and it looks like tin foil once you crumple it up. I was dreading trying to find another bed until i found this and ive now been inspired! The functionality of it, the looks and the clearance and perfect. Thanks and I'm sure ill have lots of questions for you once its time for me start on mine! let me know and ill show you the trails up my way someday

Perfect great pics! I'm right on the norteastern corner border of PA, About how much money would you say you dropped on having the bed built?

Great build, i love the whole setup The Tube bed is AMAZING, it turned out great! Get more pics of the bed close up and of the compartments. Who made the tube bed for you? i might be interested in paying them a visit.

Lookin for fellow jeepers in the area :waving: I'm located in Deposit NY in between Binghamton and Oneonta. I go to the endwell trails occasionally, would like to take a trip down to rausch creek someday. i know alot of smaller local trails too. Let me know and weel tear it up :cheers:

And i checked up a bit more on that clutch pedal isssue and found this. http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/detai ... 25981.html Sounds right to me...?

I checked on that valve for the rear brakes, its completely gone and they ran a line from the small block on the rear, to the front position on a block just below the master cylinder. is it just a block or does it double as a proportioning valve?

Ok thanks. Ill get stock swb cables and play with the bracketry.

yea ive got to hit the JY now anyhow. just seeing if anyone heard of replacements. at least now i know xj ones will work! thanks

Where oh Where can i find window cranks for an 89 Manche? Ive tried JCWhitney, NAPA, Jegs, Ebay, Etc...

Thanks for all the input. 1... Maybe Napa can tell me if the cables are longer, there pretty good about that kinda stuff here in my town. 2... None of that load sensing crap is in there anymore, someone must have torn it out already, they ran a new line up to the front, ill have to see where it goes to when i have it at the shop with me. i wonder if they didnt run any proportioning valve and if thats my problem. 3... I will check on that bushing kit, otherwise ill grab a pedal assembly, Thanks

? 1- Great link for the e-brake bracket, that helps alot. I wonder if a longer front cable would make that mod even easier??? ? 2- I'm not sure if it has a Proportioning sensor or not, How can i determine that? where wold it be and what does it look like? ? 3- That would be easier, would it bolt right up? maybe ill wait for that because I'm looking for a 97+ xj donor for a full interior swap anyhow.

Though I'm far from new to the jeep game, i am new to my manche (or should i say its new to me) After many xj's my wish came true... I Picked up a rust free 89 swb 4.0 ax15 4x4 in MD for $1500.00!!! Well i will talk about my plans later but now to the point #1... It currently has a SOA in the rear, My ebrake cables need replacing and they arent quite long enough anyhow, What mods have you seen or done to solve this problem? maybe use LWB cables? #2... My front brakes are very "Grabby" i barely have to touch the pedal and it comes to a hault FAST! The rotors seem new, pads are about 1/2 life, calipers LOOK ok. I adjusted up the rear shoes and they are fine. Is there some sort of valve or anything that could be causing this or any others have a similar problem? #3... My clutch pedal assembly is worn out, i can push the pedal down a full 1.5 inches before it starts to pull the rod. it has alot of side to side slop also, anyone rebuilt them? write up? thoughts? Thanks for any input