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theoretical XJ build


Pete M
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  • 2 weeks later...

If you build an XJ, frame stiffeners are a MUST. 

ZJ/WJ would be better for comfort, and WJ's had a heated seat option. Not that you can't swap into an XJ, but that adds time and cost. All 3 can be had with a 4.0L, so there is a non-issue for reliability. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

looks like I can upgrade an np231 to 6 planetariums and a wide chain using all junkyard parts.  sweet!  that means I should only need a SYE kit and a bearings kit purchased new.  :D  I also hope that I can get identical tom woods front and rear shafts.  I've seen others do it on XJs, but can't be sure til I get it all set up and have measurements. 

 

still debating going with 1310 joints or 1350.  I'll be replacing every single yoke so I have the choice of making them strong or keeping them as a fuse.  maybe I can keep the ones in the CVs as 1350s and the joints out by the axles as 1310s. :dunno:

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Pete... what about the XJ itself? Have you found a worthy candidate yet? Before doing all sorts of modifications and additions, I'd start with a known good vehicle by getting to know it for a while before putting it under the knife.  :dunno:

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yup, I totally intend to buy a bone-stock XJ and drive it for a bit.  I need to be comfortable with the engine and trans before moving on to the fun stuff. :D I'm still a couple months from even being able to start anything so I've held off doing any window shopping.

 

I'm driving back to Michigan this weekend and so will soon be talking with my uncle about it.  need to show him all his options and see how far he wants to take it.

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  • 1 month later...

well after talking with my uncle, I've modified the plan a bit.  his needs include shooting from atop the jeep (not just storage up there), 2 spares, tires that are cut resistant and will handle 50+ mph across the plains of wyoming (rather than deep mud), and a bumper combo that will survive an impact with an antelope.  so this means the exocage is a go.  probably with a ladder built into the design of the rear pass side (gas tank is on the drivers).  the roof rack will hold a spare tire to sit on and a steel mesh across it for walking.  since he drives like it was the dakar rally, the axles will definitely be getting trusses.  for tires I was thinking of the Cooper S/T Maxx.  My buddy has them under his Superduty and they seem as tough as a big chuck of rubber could be.  E-rated with triple sidewalls and the new cut resistant rubber for the tread.  plus they come in a 32x10.5 which should work better than the 34x10.5s for stuffing while at speed. 

 

t_20111207.copvl8.ang.jpg

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Quick question: Why not a FSJ Waggy? It comes with dual 44's, has a ton more space than a XJ, can fit 34's with almost no lift, and if you get a 4.2 powered one, a 4.0 swap would be cake!

In general a FSJ Waggy takes a ton of lift to fit a decent tire. The wide track Cherokees and J-turcks are more forgiving. Even so here are 285/75/16 ( 33x11.5) Swampers on my unlifted W/T Chief: 

You could not get those on a waggy without rubbing. The rear wheel opens are too small. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

allllllllrighty then.  here the rough list I've got going:

 

96+ XJ

anything the 4.0 might need (water pump, radiator, tuneup, etc)

32x10.5 tires

JK Rubicon axles

brakes (which oddly enough don't come on the "complete" axles)

longer brakelines

TNT truss. or maybe build one myself. gotta wait til I have an axle under a Jeep before I make that call.

heavy duty diff cover (for the front at least)

that flexy aluminum tie rod

flipped drag link

JK 17" rims (16s won't accommodate the tie rod)

SYE

6 planetary gearset

wide chain swap

tom woods driveshafts with 1350 joints

RE drop brackets with my own supports

WJ arms

fabbed bumpstop extensions

longer sway bar links

longer trackbar

4.5" coils (not sure which yet)

Dakota leafs

Bilstein shocks

long throw LEDs on the roof.

wide throw LEDs on the bumper

little wide spot LEDs all around for general use

wide throw backup LEDs

switches for the lights/lockers/etc

closed cell battery

bigger cables

Warn VR 8000lb winch

bedliner for the interior floor

maybe a vinyl bench in place of the buckets?

 

gotta build:

front bumper with winch and grillguard

rear that wraps around and protects the lights.

rocker guards

frame plating

roof rack

hitch rack

interior storage stuff yet to be determined

at this point in time I've eliminated the steel fenders and cage to shave off some cash to try and meet the budget.  I have a feeling they will be there eventually.

 

 

 

spreadsheets are great tools. :D  helps me keep it all together. 

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