jeep build up...ongoing

[gearwhine]

since I've worked on this for a few years, done a few things, and plan on doing much more, figured I'd just start one thread, and continue with this one forever. I'll throw a lot of stuff I've done already on this first, then update when possible. so...sorry if you've seen some stuff before, it's all going to stay here now.

This is because Mitch asks questions about everything I have previously posted about... :wave:

YJ shackles-

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_55_full.jpg
This is NOT at ride height here, slopes about 45* back.

I did this in an effort to get my rear end to work as well as the front end. First thing was to move the shacke out of the "box" to get as much swing as possible. I picked YJ style shackles because I could go with a larger bushing, and picked boomerang shackles because I'm a loser and thought they looked cool, absolutely no benefit to them over straight shackles in this setup.

The bracket is bolted into stock position, then stich welds around the box.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_48_full.jpg

I use RE 4.5" (RE1462) springs. I removed the smallest leaf, and added the largest "non-eye" spring from a stock XJ upcountry pack. I may have lost .5" of lift, but then I put on higher profile perches, so it's all even. This gave me the correct ride height, softer springs, but a little less load capacity..which is fine, I shouldn't carry that much crap anyway.

Next section is to deal with spring wrap!

[gearwhine]

This traction bar took me too long to figure out, and never had a real plan. I just knew I wanted the shackle pointing up and nothing to hang below the frame rail. So I took a piece of bent tube, and started cutting away at it without a real plan. I realized really quickly I needed to go through the floor for what I wanted, so I started chopping away at that.

here it is complete, just did the new shackle today, so it's all pretty looking, was an MJ leaf spring shackle before. You can easily see the massive hole in the floor....someday I'll cover it up.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_88_full.jpg



Then I added a skid plate between the crossember and the t-bar bracket, needed it removable and not to bend like those lame afterarket style t-case skids. My crossmember hangs about .75" under the frame rail, and the skid hangs no lower. crossmember is 2 pieces of 2x2 3/16" wall welded together and notched out. skid is a piece of 1.25" .120 wall tubing from the crossmember to the traction bar mount, with a large piece of 1/4" steel welded to it. It can come off seperately from the cross and t-bar with 6 bolts.

side shot-
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_81_full.jpg

[gearwhine]

figured I'd post this up...just did a J20 steering box rebuild, and it was the biggest pain in the ass, but it's finally done, hopefully.

The recirculating balls need to go to hell. There are 24 of them, 12 of each color, dark-ish, and shini-ish, both slightly a different size. You can kinda see the difference in the picture here, bottom 12 are dark, top 12 are shiny.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_87_full.jpg

the balls need to go in 1 dark, 1 light, 1 dark, 1 light... f*ck!, dropped one...start all over...get to ball 22, drop one, start all over. I did this at leat 10 times, then I thought I had it all together and good, and found out 1 freakin' ball fell out, and had to pull it apart yet again. I used grease to keep the balls stuck in place. I had and still have no idea how else to do it. If I knew how much this sucked, I would've gladly paid someone, but now I'll be able to do another one fairly easy enough.

I wanted to post this because I've seen a lot of questions on pirate about these damn balls, and only one thread I read had anything about the 2 different colors having to go in alternating order. So here is your new reference, plus I needed to whine a little..it's been a while

This will be installed when I do the off road general store / JKS mfg. steering box brace system junk.

[ROCKREADYXJ]

Did you hapen to put in an automatic?

Hows the brake line in the pathfinder still hammered shut or did you fix it.

Looks good so far keep it up.

[Lawn Cher']

You have come a long way from the days of screwing around in my garage. Excellent work. All you're missing now is renewing your NAXJA mambership.

[gearwhine]

no automatic...and probabaly never will. :)

Greg's pathfinder is all fixed up. He's all ready to go on another run, however the street racing has taken him over......lame.

haha, that wonderful day working on the poop cage in south jersey.

[XJBrother]

track racing (i.e. pocono, limerock...) is not street racing...dumbass :heart:

wanna bring my new blingin 17's to go get mounted for me while i'm at work?

[Lawn Cher']

haha, that wonderful day working on the poop cage in south jersey.

Part of the reason I'm un-doing alot of what I've done before I go any further.

[Andy in Pa.]

Yeah, nice work Nick. It looks like that traction bar and roll cage should hold up well to the rigors of New Jersey roads / driving!!!

Might even hold up to a place like PARAGON!!! *GASP*

Soooo.....when are you getting your junk on the trail? Borrow Mitches 42's for the day!!

XJ Bro, what are you racing??

A.

[XJBrother]

Yeah, nice work Nick. It looks like that traction bar and roll cage should hold up well to the rigors of New Jersey roads / driving!!!


haha that would be valid if he ever actually even drove the thing.

yeah..well no...i'm really just learning now. doing some track days and getting instruction so i can be ready when i do go to race wheel to wheel when i have a car for it. gotta fulfil the dream of racing f1...haha

yeah nick use the 42's...the dana 30 should hold up. i promise

[gearwhine]

been on the job for a few weeks and already cruising NAXJA, nice greg.

yeah, I once again become a beginner in driving since it's been so long. The stalls from the first NACfest will come and haunt me next time I get out.

I'll borrow the 42's if I can borrow axles too. You still on 35's andy?

It will still be a while till it's on the trail. My inspection has been expired for over a year, and nowhere near close to pass one yet.

I need to figure out rear shock mounting....which will more than likely go through the floor. I really like to cut my floor by the way.

Also need to figure out rocker guards, and frame to roll cage attachment. plus a lot of small things, and that's before I will even drive it.

[Andy in Pa.]

Yep, my 35's will be bald before I jump in tire size. My D30 is very definitely on borrowed time. One of the tubes is spun slightly, but it does not affect it enough to be a problem. Otherwise my Jeep just has more trail damage, but is still the same. I added a York air compressor to it before this past NAC-Fest. Also made my own taillight boxes out of 12 gauge 304SS. You can guess why I decided to do this. Remember 04 Nac-Fest? The only thing I broke?
I am building a HP44 at the moment though. I got it almost ready to bolt in, it just needs to be slightly narrowed (for waggy shafts), UCA mounts, and outer hardware. It has 5.13 gears w/ an ARB already, so my XJ44 is going to be fitted with matching gears and Superior shafts to get to 5 on 5.5. I won't get this done til mid-late fall though, so the D30 has to survive for a few more runs.

Cut the rockers out and replace them with 2x6 or 8" 3/16 or 1/4 wall Rectangular tubing. I have a friend that did that, and it ties the whole thing in real well. We got his rails into quite a few rocks this past weekend and it survived quite well. It is on my list for things I want to do, but it is not a priority at the moment.

No more excuses, get your junk done, or steal your brothers Pathlooser and bring it out.

Andy

[gearwhine]

I'm am looking into replacing the whole rocker with rect. tubing like you said, defintiely not 2x6 or larger though. I'll get away with 2x4 or 5 from what I measured... however I'm trying to figure out how to tie that into the cage and frame without having anything hanging down(flush with the bottom of the rocker). I have seen CRASH's and Jes's set-up and am not really a fan of how it was done....strong as hell, yes, but just too much. maybe i'll cut my floor some more...hehe.

If I make typical rock sliders, it will be very easy to hook to the cage and frame rails, and not have any snaggers hanging down. Who knows, that's next on my list after this steering box stuff, which hopefully will be done tomorrow.

....and it sounds like I'll be the major underdog soon, which will be amazing.

[magoo117]

Hey Nicko,what happened?I keep searching Bens thread for more info on your ride!!!I dint realize you would start your own thread.It looks real nice and very beefy.I like the cage and everything tied into it.You are eventually going to upgrade axles right?Lemme know if you want to borrow the 42's.

[gearwhine]

axles are pretty much the last thing on my mind really. I'm getting EVERYTHING else ready before I go bigger....meaning....roll cage, strengthen frame, new suspension, steering, etc, maybe even t-case and tranny stuff. I want all the kinks worked out while I'm small, then I'll think about new axles, which can then pretty much just be plopped right in, and work flawlessly right off the bat.

it will cost me a little more money and time in the long run, but I think I'll be much happier as well.

The only thing I double think is cutting off all the stock brackets on the 30 for custom ones...which will make it that much harder to sell when I do eventually go bigger, but that's it. I doubt many people buy partially loaded dana 30's anway, so it kinda doens't matter, I can part it out.

[gearwhine]

BTW Mitch.... your avatar scares me for some reason

[magoo117]

How about this one?

[ROCKREADYXJ]

Where do you find them?

[gearwhine]

miss vida I presume?

[Andy in Pa.]

Nice avatar Mitch, looks like a decent roll cage and traction bar, something tells me Nick would still find something to "engineer" on it though, just so he had an excuse not to bring her out in public.

[XJBrother]

BTW Mitch.... your avatar scares me for some reason

by your avatar be means girls, and by mitch he means love of his life

[gearwhine]

by your avatar be means girls, and by mitch he means love of his life


learn how to talk

[magoo117]

by your avatar be means girls, and by mitch he means love of his life
WTF does that mean????

[magoo117]

Greg,Too much road racing for you,come back...back to the rocks where you belong.

[Lawn Cher']

Using my trusty nonsense translator, I think that Greg is calling Nick a homo.

[XJBrother]

fine.... :rattle: haha

mitch you gonna be ready to go out soon? minus The Punisher though...?

i'm feeling a non-AAA ride home sometime in the near future...maybe???? "The Pathlooser" just doesn't like to drive itself home.

[magoo117]

No,mine is probably a couple of months away.Oh yeah,I saved the Punisher,it will return!!!Ahhhh,the AAA trip...good times. :laugh3:

[gearwhine]

...and here I only knew about 1 AAA ride home for you, and now I hear of 1 or 2 more?! That's jsut from paragon...there were 2 more just from the road...what...lost steering, and losing a tackbar axle mount...nice.

[PeterBuilt]

Nick wtf! Thought that you were dead. Well the buildup looks good but what about those 33s. Thought that those were spacesaver spares. Thinking about running the moderate trails?


Pete

[gearwhine]

haha, I'm gonna run death valley on 33's, I don't know what you're talking about.

But yeah, I will pretty much attempt anything that's not just plain insane. I plan on finding some used 33" TSL's so I can at least get some more traction, but that's about it as far as tires go right now.

_nicko_

[gearwhine]

ok, well I'll add one more thing, but it's kinda small. Got the J20 box in, with the JKS/ORGS steering box plate. I used a 1979 j20 box, and it was straight up bolt on..I've read that it could have used different hoses, and have a different steering shaft spline count depending on years, but luckily, it was all the same. Great standardization!

I've done welding of thick steel to the frame before, and never had a problem, but for some reason, my welds look absolutely horrible this time...I suck.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_90_full.jpg

It was definitely a pain to weld the inner plate in, but it got done, and was well worth the hassle of it all.

You can see the extra part that drops down to add a tow hook...a nice addition, plus it took place of the bumper bracket.

There are 6 plug welds on the inner plate and 13 on the outside, plus sleeves through the frame welded to each plate. this thing is not budging.

just for reference, here is the comparision of stock to j20 size.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_92_full.jpg

now I just have to fil it with fluid, and hopefully it doesn't leak...yeah right

[gearwhine]

severely burned and bored.

So I burned myself pretty badly on monday, and today it's absolutely kiling me. I was welding up some rear cage to frame supports, and I burned through the tubing...molten metal splashed on the leaf springs and happened to bounce right into my shoe. with my welding gloves and helmet on, I was squirming on the ground trying to rip my shoes off, but it wasn't working....haha. I was laughing an in massive pain all at the same time. took out part of teh inside adn backside of my heel....making it very hard to put shoes on and to walk.

So since I'm bored, I'm going to post what I did this week...even with my hurt foot.

-filled steering system with fluid...no leaks...yahhhh.

-got the rear cage to frame braces in...they look pretty slick..:)

-cleaned our entire garage, and part of our shed/shop (took pretty much all day)

-started rock sliders....

using 2x4 3/16" tube, cut out old rockers(not as easy as I thoguht it would be) The pinch seam is very out of control, and not in the same place on both sides...so don't mesaure off of that, at least on my jeep.

I don't trust welding just to the sheetmetal for these things, and as I stated before, I didn't want things hanging below to act as more things to catch up on rocks, so trying to go from the new sliders, to the framerail was almost entirely out of the question.

What I noticed was my front and mid rollcage hoop were in the perfect spot (as with most cages) to cut a hole through inside of part of the rocker, and use a piece of tubing going from the rollcage to the new slider. This gives me the support I wanted, connects the roll cage to the body (not framerail), and you can barely even notice it...peerrrfect.

this is pretty much as far as I got yesterday..today I cut the left side rocker out, but then my foot almost made me cry :rattle:, so I'm done for at least a few hours today.

you can see both braces/arms sticking out in the front and the mid(close one)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_94_full.jpg

here is the brace on the mid hoop, front looks pretty much the same
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_95_full.jpg

Now I can easily go from the rollcage to the frame rail without anything that will hang below which makes me very happy.

I haven't finished either side yet, but figured I'm bored, so why not give an update.

_nicko_

[gearwhine]

ok, finished the rockers, and all cage to frame connections.

I was wrong before, I used 2x4 1/8" wall for the rockers.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_97_full.jpg

there are 3 connections to the rockers (1 to frame, 2 to cage), but you can only see one of them here, which is the middle one to the frame. The other 2 are shown in the previous post. I notched out the floor for that so the tubing did not have to hang below the 2x4.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_96_full.jpg

Close up of the notch out, and showing the other 2 tubes are frame to cage connections.

I am not worried one bit about the 1/8" box with how these are all connected to each other. I can even say my 6 point cage has 8 frame connections. Plus the connections and the 1/8 wall are probably still lighter than just 2x4 3/16 wall only welded to sheet metal.


here is therear cage connection...goes from the rear hoop about 15" up, and diagonally though the floor behind the wheel well. It's welded to 1/8" plate which was first plug welded and fully welded around to the frame.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_98_full.jpg

_nicko_

[gearwhine]

haven't work on this since I got to school, but just gonna post up what I did before I got here.

Here is a shot of my cage, I just added supports to the seat belts and rear shocks hoops.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_102_full.jpg

close up of seat belt support.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_103_full.jpg

attachment of shock hoops.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_101_full.jpg

that's it, just felt like adding to this thread.

_nicko_

[gearwhine]

well, I missed nac-fest, sorry about it. It looked like a great time. I was going to drive up to to hang out and ride along with someone, but then my friends here got together a camping trip at high point state park in northern NJ. It was beautiful, and probably the last time I could do that with all my buddies before I move away. And Mitch, your called got dropped, sorry about that.

About a week before nac-fest I tore apart my whole front suspension to get started. I have had almost all the material needed for almost a year, and just let it sit. Now that I'm moving to houston, I need to get this done. I will defintiely be trying to organize some kind of unofficial weekend ride after I get this thing done.

First thing is the front suspension. Getting rid of the drop brackets, and building a 3-link with track bar. I stared for hours trying to find the frame end mounts for the LCA's, and finally picked this. They will be welded to the frame, and bolted from the bracket to the crossmember so I can remove the cross without worrying about the LCA's. Exhaust will need a bit of work, and either the arms will be slightly bent to clear the frame, or I will notch the frame a bit. We'll see when I get them on there.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_111_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_112_full.jpg

The bracing on the back is not done, but there will be a tab welded to the x-member with gussets, and then a small bolt clamping that and the LCA mount together.

The upper link mount is not started yet, but as of now I'm probrobably going through the floor into the passenger side floor pan next to the alternator. It will be close, but it should work out. If not, then I get to think some more.

These might be the tabs for the upper link. From A&A mfg. They are 1/8" thick with 1/2" holes, I'll drill to 9/16". I may not be able to use the middle two holes due to the size of the RE joints. I may just use them to model my own larger tabs.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_116_full.jpg

These are the frame end joints, all rubicon express joints. 1" - 14 B7 alloy threaded rod.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_114_full.jpg

it appears my welds are getting better I hope
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_113_full.jpg

I will also be doing some steering work while I'm at it. Just a typical crossover steering. I plan on mounting both drag link and tie-rod above the knuckle, and do some welding of the knuckle to support the top of the bolt. Hopefully that goes well... if not I can get a new knuckle easy enough. Yes, I still have the D30, and yes it's staying. I don't have the time and/or money to purchase all the parts, narrow the axle, and all that stuff. With that said, 33's are still my size of choice. I may jump to something more aggressive though. The axle will get all new brackets and a truss to keep things nice and happy.

These are all QA1 XMR's 3/4 shank, 5/8 bore from campbell enterprises, I got them for $24 each including jam nut, the best price I found anywhere. Misalignment spacers, and tube adapters are from art morrison enterprises (race car supplier). silver spacer is just from lowes.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_115_full.jpg


And to continue with those rear shocks hoops I made so long ago, I finally bought the shocks. 15" BBCS charged monotube shocks from poly performance, valved for leaf springs obviously. They are pretty sweet looking shocks, we'll see how they work when I actually get this going. I will work to get my leafs to get full use of these shocks. I know they are super long.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_110_full.jpg

Well that's all I got, haven't added to this thread in a long time as I haven't worked on it in a long time. Hopefully I can get it all done by the end of the month.

[gearwhine]

a little progress...

got the LCA's basically together. Wheelbase is set at stock.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_118_full.jpg

a bit closer showing space between the frame and arm. I may not need to do much frame mods at all if I get my trackbar pretty flat.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_119_full.jpg

clearance is good
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_120_full.jpg

angled the bracket in a bit so the joint isn't misaligned at when on flat ground
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_117_full.jpg

And the massive UCA mount. It's obviously not cut down yet, but that's approximately where it's going. It's going to be angled towards the rear to clear the track bar better. It will also be gusseted and tied into a truss. The arm will be going right next to the starter, and I will be cutting the stock UCA mount out and going through the floor more than likely.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_121_full.jpg

I'm also plan on setting the axle into full compression soon and bend the trackbar around the pumpkin just like the stock one. Basically so I know I'll never have a problem.

that's it, I work slow. I'm finally making progress though.

[magoo117]

looks sweet Nicko,are going to try and finish it before you move?I mean finish it and use it(Paragon)?

[gearwhine]

thanks Mitch..and yes, it must be done before I go, and be used at least twice. That's my rule.

and dude, I mentioned earlier, but the call got dropped on saturday. How was nac-fest, and when is your MJ gonna be done? My brother said he'll be up for taking his out soon again too.

[magoo117]

yeah,I guessed that,I was down by Red Ridge,very $hitty coverage.The MJ is waiting on axles,the front should be done any day.I've been using my "street" XJ for wheelin' so whenever your ready let me know.

[XJBrother]

My brother said he'll be up for taking his out soon again too.

my truck is looking "rough" to say the least. so i'm up to go if i can find some free time to freshen it up a bit. I could be telling gearwhinerbabyboy this directly though as i can see you from where i'm sitting right now...

[gearwhine]

Your pathfinder is a perfect example of why you need to maintain your vehicle.

Put the subaru down and get it going.

[always_eating_mud]

not to jack your thread (your buildup is sick!) but im lookin for rims and tires, or just tires for my cherokee (33's) muds not a/t

[gearwhine]

not to jack your thread (your buildup is sick!) but im lookin for rims and tires, or just tires for my cherokee (33's) muds not a/t

no problem...but are you asking if I have tires I'm getting rid of, or are you asking for opinions on what to get? I personally do not have tires I'm getting rid of at the time.

[magoo117]

Nicko,your runnin' 42's,right???:)

[gearwhine]

Nicko,your runnin' 42's,right???:)

actually I just ordered the new 47" swamper LTB's :bs:

[gearwhine]

took about a week and a half off from working on this thing because I'm lazy. Back at it, and have some progress from today.

Front links and mounts all tacked on
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_122_full.jpg

Frame mount for upper link. This will probabaly be braced back to the seat mounts
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_125_full.jpg

clearance upper link has
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_124_full.jpg

Knuckle mod for over the knuckle steering with heims. Still not too sure about this, but figured I'd give it a shot. Gotta get this sorted out before the trackbar gets worked out.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/170000-170999/170272_123_full.jpg

[Jeepxj94]

A few days ago 1994 XJ's voltgauge dropped to about 11 volts and stayed. Then drove a few more miles got home..next morning it was down to about 9 volts in the red zone.

I replaced the atlernator and got an optima yellow top battery. Thinking this problem was fixed I turned the XJ on. The voltgauge was at 10 volts and the check engine light was on. I've checked the wiring and all is good.

I was thinking it was the ECU pin 50 Alternator Output. I'm just not sure on how to fix this problem without swapping in a new ECU for $590$.

If anybody knows anything about this let me know Please!!

Thanks,

Scott

[steelmen]

any updates?

[Andy in Pa.]

Nope. Nick moved about 1100 miles from his Jeep for a new job almost a year ago.

This is the only Jeep that may take longer to modify than ROBZ95Xj.

[magoo117]

Nope. Nick moved about 1100 miles from his Jeep for a new job almost a year ago.

This is the only Jeep that may take longer to modify than ROBZ95Xj.
mmmm, I have a Comanche sitting in my driveway saying I have to be in the running also.:wave:

[ROBZ95Xj]

mmmm, I have a Comanche sitting in my driveway saying I have to be in the running also.:wave:
is it gonna be ready for nac fest?

[OverlandXJ]

I thought Nicko was busting his butt to get this completed to drive out to Texas?

[magoo117]

is it gonna be ready for nac fest?
It could be...:dunno: :confused1 well it should be,I hope?

[rokspydr]

dam it's not done yet. how is your brother? what happened to his project? how is texas.

Marc
ps. What's up John B.

[OverlandXJ]

dam it's not done yet. how is your brother? what happened to his project? how is texas.

Marc
ps. What's up John B.

Sup Marc...tried to visit you and RockSteady over "there" but couldnt register. Did you sell the XJ?


I would have assumed Nicko would have chimed in here?

[rokspydr]

unfortunatly I did. It's in Mass. if I remember correctly. I have been wheeling my YJ for 3 years. but still miss my XJ.. How about you?

Marc

[XJBrother]

hmm let's see. He did get some work done while he was back in NJ over Christmas break. Mainly just got it done enough to get it back on its wheel so we can move it around the yard. It's still got some work to be done before it'll be usable again.

My truck is in the same condition it was in 2 years ago. I've finally ordered some pieces to get it back in working order but it's looking like I may also be moving to texas in the near future. It won't be so much as a drive for our trucks to texas as it will be paying a hauler to bring them.

I'm gonna go with a no on NACfest for him most likely unless I can convince him to fly up and just use my truck for it. Or maybe one of you kind gentleman would like to sponser me so I can join in again.:loveu:

I'll tell him to come check in when I speak to him next.

[Andy in Pa.]

hmm let's see. He did get some work done while he was back in NJ over Christmas break. Mainly just got it done enough to get it back on its wheel so we can move it around the yard. It's still got some work to be done before it'll be usable again.

My truck is in the same condition it was in 2 years ago. I've finally ordered some pieces to get it back in working order but it's looking like I may also be moving to texas in the near future. It won't be so much as a drive for our trucks to texas as it will be paying a hauler to bring them.

I'm gonna go with a no on NACfest for him most likely unless I can convince him to fly up and just use my truck for it. Or maybe one of you kind gentleman would like to sponser me so I can join in again.:loveu:

I'll tell him to come check in when I speak to him next.

Dude, yer sponsered...now get yer junk together and get out to NAc-Fest!!!!!

[XJBrother]

"junk" would be the correct terminology at the moment, I just found food in the other day from the last time it was out. So thats about 2 and half years old. It was nasty.

I should be able to get it together in time. I'll just have to split the time between that and building my porsche racecar, it's only a 944 but still fun to drive. I'll just have to be careful on the rocks so I don't tear my new ACL that I just got put in 2 and a half weeks ago.:(

[magoo117]

hmm let's see. He did get some work done while he was back in NJ over Christmas break. Mainly just got it done enough to get it back on its wheel so we can move it around the yard. It's still got some work to be done before it'll be usable again.

My truck is in the same condition it was in 2 years ago. I've finally ordered some pieces to get it back in working order but it's looking like I may also be moving to texas in the near future. It won't be so much as a drive for our trucks to texas as it will be paying a hauler to bring them.

I'm gonna go with a no on NACfest for him most likely unless I can convince him to fly up and just use my truck for it. Or maybe one of you kind gentleman would like to sponser me so I can join in again.:loveu:

I'll tell him to come check in when I speak to him next.
you know you can always ride with me:yelclap: even though we fight like brothers:eek: :gee: :cheers: I know someone who could transport your rides to Texas also,check the pic of my new ride.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v616/magoo117/Magoos012.jpg

[OverlandXJ]

http://www.magoosautotransport.com/


:thumbup: Best of luck Mitch!!

[XJBrother]

Thanks Mitchy, you were definatly on my list of people to talk to when the time comes. It's been a while since I've ridden with you, probably a good thing because I seem to remember my shoes burning on your floor :laugh: I'll definalty try to have my truck going, but if I don't I'll be taking you up on your offer.

Sweet invisible truck, haha. Images are blocked at work so I can't see it at the moment.:thumbdn:

[gearwhine]

My brother told me you guys were wondering what's up, so I figured I'd come and check in. Yeah, in December I got the truck on it's wheels, everything is fully welded. Basically, just have to add some trussing to the upper link mount and paint stuff (axle, links, cage, everything, it's definitely all rust by now). I just didn't have enough time when I was home, and I have no idea when I'll be back to it. Bless the parents for leaving that crap in the yard....

On a personal note, Houston is doing great...it was weird at first from yankee terrain to the gulf coast, but it's growing on me more and more each day. I really have no complaints about coming here, my job is doing just fine, got a good group of friends, and as Greg said...when he visited, he liked it enough to decide to try and move down here. Grand Prix of Houston is coming at the end of the month as well, which should be a decent time...Greg's much more into that crap than I am though.

That's all, I'll try to stop by more often. later

_nicko_

[gearwhine]

Hey all,

I have since moved from Texas to Denver, CO. Now...I've met some XJ people and other wheelers, which has given me the motivation I need. I will be heading back to NJ the first weekend of May. Expect some updates...and hopefully an operable XJ again. Figured I'd throw that out there.

If you've got ideas for me to finish this stuff up...shout them out. I can't be sitting and staring at it for hours coming up with ideas like I used to do.

-Nick (about 4 years older since I started this thread...)

[Andy in Pa.]

LOL!!! Have your dad take lots of pics so you can re-aquaint yourself with the rig. Have you checked with your parents? Is it still there? It might be faster to steal Gregs pile and fix that.:cheers:

Good to hear from ya Nick....where are you working now?

A.

[gearwhine]

haha...I've been scouring all my old pictures to remember what I actually need to do on this thing. I bet I'm gonna need a full day to just perform basic maintenance and get all the rust off...not looking forward to that at all.

I'm at a company called Alliance Engineering right in Downtown Denver. I'm loving it here so far...work is still work, but the atmosphere here is great and I'm just loving Denver in general. I'm enjoying this moving around stuff...

The jeep was supposed to leave my parents house quite a while ago but hasn't. My brother has been renting a garage and has an extra space. I told him I'd give him some rent $ if he trailers my junk there...he still hasn't done it. So yep...my parents haven't sold it to a junk yard yet! They still complain about it every time I talk to them...I sweet talk/lie pretty well!

Oh yeah...Greg's Pathfinder is no more! So...sad to say, mine will be the quickest route. He sold all the good stuff off it... axles, tires, links, etc. and just sold the body and the rest of the junk to a metal recycler. Only junk left is mine.

If anyone wants to come help....I'll be around between Friday May 1 through May 4. I can provide beer and possibly some food. I have a little more tube to bend, lots to cut, lots to weld, lots to clean and paint, lots to renenergize (new battery and all new fluids), and lots to put back together (entire interior), and only about 3 days to do it.

This isn't a bolt-on work party invitation. Normally I'd say come and learn something if you don't know how to do it (general fab stuff), but I'm on a tight schedule and need people that can really help right now. I'm right near Princeton, NJ (central)

I've got a wedding to go to on saturday night, but the rest of my trip is dedicated to this crap (yes, I consider it crap now).

[magoo117]

:party::cheers: Nicko back in da house. I PM-ed ya

[nhrocker]

If I lived closer I'd give ya a hand. Little too much of a drive for me though.

Sad to hear your brother's rig is gone. It did great until it decided to lose a couple rear links at NACfest. I think some of his paint is still on my front end from a little bumper car action that day.

[gearwhine]

If I lived closer I'd give ya a hand. Little too much of a drive for me though.

Sad to hear your brother's rig is gone. It did great until it decided to lose a couple rear links at NACfest. I think some of his paint is still on my front end from a little bumper car action that day.

Haha...I'm sorry to say, but it's really not sad that it's gone! I was just sad that my jeep is the fastest route for me to get back on the trails. That pathfinder was a nightmare every time I went out with him...and it seems to everyone else also! Links ripping off, trackbar breaking off at the axle, trackbar mount ripping the frame apart (not the welds...the actual frame), draglink coming undone on the highway...christ, the list can go on. And with me being the brother, I was always the one driving out with him getting stuck with not being allowed back in the park without an escort. He'll be better off just taking my passenger seat and I'll let him drive once in a while.

If he reads this, he's gonna be not so happy with me. :shhh:

Thanks for the semi-offer to come help out though.

[Andy in Pa.]

If he reads this, he's gonna be not so happy with me. :shhh:


LoL, is he still in the area?? You might find your Jeep in a bigger pile than when you left it.:D

[gearwhine]

LoL, is he still in the area?? You might find your Jeep in a bigger pile than when you left it.:D

Yep...he's living in Morristown, NJ at the moment. I'm sure he'd be happy to hitch a ride with any of you guys if you head out for a run.

[ARB-XJ]

Well time to update a build that was started over 5yrs ago lol

...bought the jeep last week, but finally got it off the trailer this weekend...

I was pulling out into my back yard when the drag link broke...great way to start. Back to stock steering for now.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a335/surfquiksilver/2010-11-27150500.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a335/surfquiksilver/2010-11-27150541.jpg

Pic of the red jeep waiting on its axles and a few other things...
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a335/surfquiksilver/2010-11-27150516.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a335/surfquiksilver/2010-11-30163519.jpg


Sanded, primed, and painted the front bumper today. Also started work on sanding the interior. Has some minor rust on the floors to fix, then will be herculined. The cage is covered in a light amount of surface rust so that will take minor sanding an then paint. Other then that some minor fixes, change the fluids, and take a look at the brakes then she'll be ready to go!

[Andy in Pa.]

Looks like that weld bung was not fully welded into the DOM.

Hey Chris... I have a good set of front fenders off my MJ that are already cut for big tires. They just need factory flares mounted on, holes are drilled for them and everything. I have the header panel too if you want it (I swapped a 97+ front end on the MJ). Its also in good shape. If your interested, just come get them, I don't need any $ for them.

A.

[rweaver138]

nice, 2 xj's now

[gearwhine]

A little late to check up on this.

Yeah, If i recall, the drag link was just tacked in, as I was thinking it may have required a slight bend in it for clearance. Not sure if it actually did or not...never got that far.

A headliner will fit in above the roll cage if you want one. It takes a little finagling to get it in, but it will fit. The one I had just sagged so badly that I ripped it out.

I hope the work on it is going well! And please check everything carefully before driving it, I really don't recall what I completely finished or did not finish.

Again...let me know if you have any questions about it!