Stock no more

[Muddy Beast]

Ok so as most of you know I went to NWFest with a stock XJ and had a blast, but didn't get to do any real trails with it due to the stock status. Well I finally got the exasperating 3" lift and 31's BFG Mud terrains on and thought I'd throw some pictures out there! I also have a few other goodies from various NAXJA members to put on later this week.

http://a26.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/32/l_3531bbb8a9b432e49c1c3f1ba2502209.jpg

Stock when I first got her, flexing by my work (Greggs) at the 4wheel ramp. I'll get some pics of the new flex when I go to work tomorrow. And I'll take more when I get my quick disconnects on too, since I'm currious what difference that would make.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/2641214782_36d42dcf1c.jpg

Tucked with rub. Does anyone want to tell me how to trim my wheel wells (front and rear)? Also what about the rub I have on my front sway bar?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2641214280_3d07a81fd4.jpg

Repping the NAXJA sticker, dont you think I should become an "honorary" NAXJA member? :wave1:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2640385231_7dccf4631b.jpg

Dropping like it's hott. :guitar:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2641213142_9237b2db7d.jpg

As she sits today.

So yeah, what do you guys think? After I get my paycheck Tuesday I think I'm going to order some AJ rock sliders, and try and find some junkyard armor...as I need more.

~Scott

[2xtreme]

Scott,
Looks great!
Do a search on the tech forums about trimming, there will pages to read.

Get the gas skid and tranny skid's on (these are the most important).
2nd priority is tow points front and rear (either hooks, hitches or bumpers).
3rd is rock sliders.

Personally I would READ as much as you possibly can on the tech forums about each of these subjects. Look around here for used stuff as much as possible, it will make your money go much further!!

Looks good.
Michael

[Muddy Beast]

Scott,
Looks great!
Do a search on the tech forums about trimming, there will pages to read.

Get the gas skid and tranny skid's on (these are the most important).
2nd priority is tow points front and rear (either hooks, hitches or bumpers).
3rd is rock sliders.

Personally I would READ as much as you possibly can on the tech forums about each of these subjects. Look around here for used stuff as much as possible, it will make your money go much further!!

Looks good.
Michael


Thanks, I'll do that!

I'm getting the gas tank skid on Monday or Tuesday, and I'm going to try and see what I can do about that Transfer case skid you gave me, but it doesnt look like it will fit with my aftermarket exhaust and 242 transfer case (need to make measurements). But monday for sure I'm going to try and put the new tow hooks on that I got, I just need to figure out if I need to buy any bolts, and if I do, what kind I need. And I figure I'll have the skids and tow points on by the time I get rock sliders.

P.S. You can cash the check Wednesday if you want, I get paid tuesday, and by 12PM Wednesday I'll have the money in my account. Thanks again for holding it for a bit, and let me know if it doesnt go threw or something.

[Ba-Riedo]

I loved my AJ's rock sliders, get the superrails, your doors will thank you. Or at least mine thank me because apparently I drive my jeep like I stole it.

I didnt really bang my gas tank or trans until I got skids and knew I could hit them, same with just about everything. If you wheel carefully you can get away without the skids for a little while, personally I feel that sliders are more important then skids as I hit my rockers alot more.

The tow points are very important and can usually be had for pretty cheep.

As Michael has said search before you buy, I didnt use to and I have made some mistakes. NAXJA is a great resource, use it to its full extent.

-Alex

[Muddy Beast]

I loved my AJ's rock sliders, get the superrails, your doors will thank you. Or at least mine thank me because apparently I drive my jeep like I stole it.

I didnt really bang my gas tank or trans until I got skids and knew I could hit them, same with just about everything. If you wheel carefully you can get away without the skids for a little while, personally I feel that sliders are more important then skids as I hit my rockers alot more.

The tow points are very important and can usually be had for pretty cheep.

As Michael has said search before you buy, I didnt use to and I have made some mistakes. NAXJA is a great resource, use it to its full extent.

-Alex

Way ahead of you on that. :-)

I want the super rails to save my doors, and I made some pretty sketch stuff today with phat sticks pointing straight up and all...I just made some varrious line choices and kept hoping out and looking if I wasn't sure I'd make it. I'm just trying to get an idea of my limitations right now...my goal is to never get stuck when I'm messing around without a winch near by.

[GI-John]

It looks great Scott! I'm curious to know what problems if any that you ran into during the install.

We also need a pic of your rig on flat ground for posterity.

John

P.S.
I expect you to show up for the Noobfest.

[TRSCobra]

And I'll take more when I get my quick disconnects on too, since I'm currious what difference that would make.

Disconnects and removing the rear swaybar (if you haven't already) will open up a whole new world of flex for you, which is VERY important when you're running open diffs.

[Feva]

Nice Rig, As for trimming this is what I found.
http://www.geocities.com/tsgolo60/tsgolo_flares.html
http://www.geocities.com/green6173/

[TORX]

Looks good!

It sounds like your on the right track with armoring it up first. You'll have a solid platform to learn on, and I bet you'll be surprised at its capabilities.

See you on the trail!

[NickThePyro]

Looks realy good!

I dig the green valve stems ;)

[rooneypower]

X2 on reading everything this site has to offer. I have learned so much by just reading random shit on the tech fourms...

I see that you live in Everett, go to the Arlington Pull a part off of the Smokey Point exit. They had tons of new XJs that had armor on them, before you go though, make a list of anything that you can think of and see if they have any of it. Its a great rescource.

As Alex said, get yourself the rock sliders as soon as possible. Around here, you will be using them a lot.

P.S. If you end up going to Pull a Part, do yourself a favor and pick up a tie rod off of a V8 Grand Cherokee, its like 3 times sronger than your stock one and its a direct bolt on. Can be had for like $5. (that is what I got mine for)

Keil

[Muddy Beast]

Thanks for all the thoughts and comments everyone!

And rooneypower, I can't go in the pull apart, my dad does it, so yeah making a list is probably good. I think my dad went to the Arlington one not to long ago...which is where he got my new dash (clean and uncracked) and a new seat bottom (bottom of mine was cracked on one side, so I had the "gangsta lean" going on). But thanks for the tips!

EDIT: Oh, and my dad wont let me take the rear swaybars off...cause this is my DD, is he in the "wrong" or is he right I would pretty much die on the freeway?

And John, the problems I ran into were my own fault...more or less me figuring out how to put things on easily, the hard way. And of course, my Dynomax exhaust now hits my leaf spring, but I had it all welded up so I can't move it.

[fubar XJ]

Scott, does your tailpipe hit the shackle bolt? Mine did, stick a pry-bar in the end of the tailpipe and give it a couple of gentle heaves away from the bolt. It'll settle with about 1/2" clearance, good to go.


The XJ looks great, keep plugging away at it. You're on the right track, tow points and armor next.


p.s. your rear swaybar is all but worthless once you have lift leaf springs installed. The factory leafs are very soft, necessitating a sawy bar. Aftermarket lift springs are much firmer, you don't need the rear sway-bar now. Take it off, you won't even notice a difference driving it.

[2xtreme]

p.s. your rear swaybar is all but worthless once you have lift leaf springs installed. The factory leafs are very soft, necessitating a sawy bar. Aftermarket lift springs are much firmer, you don't need the rear sway-bar now. Take it off, you won't even notice a difference driving it.

X2. If I am not mistaken the up-country versions never came from the factory with a rear swaybar either? Once you have stiffer rear leaves the swaybar is useless.

If you search home made front disconnects you can make your own very inexpensively and they work great. If your dad says you still have to keep the rear sway bar you might be able to make an extension and disco there also?

Michael

[Love2Ride450]

X3 on removing the rear sway bar. My XJ has less body roll with new rear springs and no rear sway bar than it did with stock springs and swaybar installed. Granted it would have even less body roll with the rear sway bar, but why?? It is already very stable without the rear sway, and it flexes off road better without it.

[Matt_West]

Good deal Scott!

I might be able to help you out on the front recovery points. I have a front receiver hitch that I plan on replacing with a winch bumper the second or third weekend of August. If you want to show up at a scheduled time and pull it then it is yours.

The advantage of the front hitch is that it make an extremely stout front recovery point while also stiffenning the front end. The down side is that you loose some approach clearance.

[TRSCobra]

I've been running no swaybars for over a year and I'm not dead! :)

[90exjay]

I've been running no swaybars for over a year and I'm not dead! :)
A miracle that is.:D

Sean

[Muddy Beast]

Well as far as the front discos go, I already got some from RC, I just need to cut them an inch. And as for the rear swaybar, I think I'll remove it and just not tell my dad....haha.

And I have front recovery points Matt, I just need to find some bolts that will work. I got some front tow hooks from the Canadian/Wisconson fella at NWFest, but he didn't have any bolts.

EDIT: More pics...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2644728402_ba0e7d1428.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/2643899647_d3f4d0afb9.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2644726190_25ca0f5302.jpg?v=0

Not much more flex than stock right now...I blame the front stock sway bar (and rear) which will be removed tomorrow.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2644725172_8231157a4b.jpg?v=0

It went up one number on the ramp from the stock suspension...(I tried going right at it and the flex was almost the same, so I backed up during lunch for more flex)

[Ba-Riedo]

The bolt you need for your front hooks... Is it the furthest one back on the brackets? Or which bolts are you talking about, I still have my brackets and can take measurements of the bolts if that would help.

-Alex

[Muddy Beast]

The bolt you need for your front hooks... Is it the furthest one back on the brackets? Or which bolts are you talking about, I still have my brackets and can take measurements of the bolts if that would help.

-Alex

The furthest back I believe...because arnt the other bolts the same ones used to hold up the front bumper? (I was going to take my bumper off tomorrow to find out...)

But yeah if you could measure that, that would be great!

[WheelinJR]

Meh, you won't really see much difference from removing a rear swaybar, they don't do jack anyways.

[IXNAYXJ]

Since when does Greggs have an RTI ramp in their parking lot? :D

Looks good...time for some dents.

-----Matt-----

[NickThePyro]

Since when does Greggs have an RTI ramp in their parking lot? :D

Looks good...time for some dents.

-----Matt-----gotta love 4WP;) Speaking about that I need to call Rob this week.

[Muddy Beast]

gotta love 4WP;) Speaking about that I need to call Rob this week.

Haha ya it's interesting working right next to my new hobby store. And you're not talking about my boss, Rob, are you?

[1sickhick]

Hey!! Looks good..Next thing you know youll be adding 2-3 inches and getting bigger ties.

JACK

[NickThePyro]

Haha ya it's interesting working right next to my new hobby store. And you're not talking about my boss, Rob, are you?Yeah, they just built a new one next to my house as well. Rob works at the 4WP you work next to. 4 Wheel parts is a magnet that attracts all the money in my wallet.

[GI-John]

I really miss 3" and 31's it was so much simpler then.

Life was good.:gee:

John

[fubar XJ]

I really miss 3" and 31's it was so much simpler then.

Life was good.:gee:

John

Ain't it the truth. To the fellas that just light/occasionally wheel their XJ's, a small lift and smallish tires = fewer problems overall. No need to go all longarm/big tire crazy unless you know you're going to wheel the piss out of it.

Doug

[Muddy Beast]

Ain't it the truth. To the fellas that just light/occasionally wheel their XJ's, a small lift and smallish tires = fewer problems overall. No need to go all longarm/big tire crazy unless you know you're going to wheel the piss out of it.

Doug

My hopes are to get this Jeep started....and in a few years buy another car or something so I can make the Jeep bigger and not have gas hurt me to much.

[Mc2KXJ]

Looking good, Scott.

[fubar XJ]

My hopes are to get this Jeep started....and in a few years buy another car or something so I can make the Jeep bigger and not have gas hurt me to much.

That's a good plan.

[2xtreme]

That's a good plan.

Yep, my diesel tow rig gets much better milage than my XJ :twak:

Thinking about it, I think my XJ gets better milage than ALL of my other vehicles and it is the only one that doesn't get driven on the street :D

Keep in mind before you go too far Scott that it is very reasonable to create a VERY capable off road toy that is very daily driverable and an XJ's usually gets pretty reasonably gas milage as long as you are not commuting long distances regularly. Just something to think on a little before you "jump" too soon ;)

Michael

[Muddy Beast]

Yep, my diesel tow rig gets much better milage than my XJ :twak:

Thinking about it, I think my XJ gets better milage than ALL of my other vehicles and it is the only one that doesn't get driven on the street :D

Keep in mind before you go too far Scott that it is very reasonable to create a VERY capable off road toy that is very daily driverable and an XJ's usually gets pretty reasonably gas milage as long as you are not commuting long distances regularly. Just something to think on a little before you "jump" too soon ;)

Michael

heh, well I have years to worry about it. Just shouting out some thoughts.

(I wasn't saying I'd get another car to tow the XJ, but something small, or maybe a crotch rocket for work commute.)

[BPB]

hey you could be like dellstopjeep and build a jeep and never wheel it.

[Muddy Beast]

hey you could be like dellstopjeep and build a jeep and never wheel it.

:huh:

I thought god made lighting strike down and smite anyone who did that...

[Wang90xj]

If you wanna get rid of the rub up front you'll need different wheels. The offset on stockers don't allow for that wide of a tire. DONT USE SPACERS, unless you wanna be "that guy". To get more clearance, remove the plastic inner fender liners, look up in the fender well. See that pinch seam? Make relief cuts with a die grinder and fold it over with a BFH. And you can remove or cut off the plastic valance below your front bumper and trim the flares. This is mostly cosmetic, but it will give sort of an optical illusion that you have more lift. see pics below

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jeepdogg/muddybeast2.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jeepdogg/muddybeastchop.jpg

[IXNAYXJ]

Nice paint skills, Jesse. :roflmao:

-----Matt-----

[Wang90xj]

Nice paint skills, Jesse. :roflmao:

-----Matt-----

My work has been described as being very "vaginal"

[TRSCobra]

LOL, Jesse! And you just doubled your post count!

[WaXJ_Skier]

LOL, Jesse! And you just doubled your post count!

probably because PNW is down right now.

[Wang90xj]

probably because PNW is down right now.

Touche!

[BPB]

:huh:

I thought god made lighting strike down and smite anyone who did that...


No, not eric, he is a jew (god's chosen race.)

[Muddy Beast]

So how the heck do I get rid of the liner? I'm trying to install the tow hooks...but I just realized I'm probably going to need to pick up new bolts and find a manual online.

This is how my Jeep sits right now...

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4633/img0728er9.jpg

[WheelinJR]

Getting rid of the inner fender liners:

Step 1: Pull.
Step 2: Removal is complete.

[Muddy Beast]

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2873/img0726hs9.jpg

Oh, and here are my new discos.

EDIT NOTE: Picture was taken before I chopped a little more off the tube and added rubber bands so the pins dont ping so much when I drive around.

[Muddy Beast]

Getting rid of the inner fender liners:

Step 1: Pull.
Step 2: Removal is complete.

Well I meant for a "clean" look. Will a reciprocating saw work? Saw off the 2 bottom parts of the fender and unbolt the rest?

[Wang90xj]

The fender liner attaches behind the fender flare nuts, soak em in WD40 as they tend to break after 18 years of rust. I just ripped the things out, its pretty light duty plastic. As you sit now, you're in a good place to pull that plastic right off the bottom of the core support. I assume that since you have the bumper off, you are installing tow hook brackets.

[Muddy Beast]

The fender liner attaches behind the fender flare nuts, soak em in WD40 as they tend to break after 18 years of rust. I just ripped the things out, its pretty light duty plastic. As you sit now, you're in a good place to pull that plastic right off the bottom of the core support. I assume that since you have the bumper off, you are installing tow hook brackets.

Trying to...but I realized I'm going to need new bolts, and I have no idea what size to get...


And yeah I think I'm just going to try ripping it off, or just cut it.

[Muddy Beast]

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/355/img0729ng1.jpg

Let the cutting begin.

[WheelinJR]

No No No...cut HERE

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f191/travisroy/img0729ng1.jpg



That way you're ready when you decide to do this.




http://gitout.com/v-web/gallery/d/17933-1/trim08.jpg



then this....

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f191/travisroy/sides12.jpg

[Muddy Beast]

That actually looks pretty clean, but with a stock bumper it wouldn't!

[WheelinJR]

That's when you buy one of these.

http://www.rjroffroad.com/warrior-steel-bumper-for-jeep-cherokee-comanche-offroad-pr-16638.html

[2xtreme]

No No No...cut HERE

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f191/travisroy/img0729ng1.jpg



You can cut it like this with the stock bumper and it does look good and will be much better protected on the trail. You bumper end caps will help it all tie together.

Personally this is what I did (a LONG time ago now) and was glad I did. You can get a really nice clean cut with some shears or tin snips. And then cover with door molding (like in the other pic's of JR's).

Michael

[Muddy Beast]

That's when you buy one of these.

http://www.rjroffroad.com/warrior-steel-bumper-for-jeep-cherokee-comanche-offroad-pr-16638.html

Sure, or I could just buy a winch bumper. I dont think I'll be able to afford a winch right away, but it seems like I'll get on eventually...

[WaXJ_Skier]

Sure, or I could just buy a winch bumper. I dont think I'll be able to afford a winch right away, but it seems like I'll get on eventually...

I have to agree
Why doesn't warrior make a winch bumper... or a rear bumper with a reciever ? :anon:

[TRSCobra]

Those disconnects look about 1-2 inches too long. They'll be contacting the metal above as soon as you hit a good bump in the road.

[IXNAYXJ]

Those disconnects look about 1-2 inches too long. They'll be contacting the metal above as soon as you hit a good bump in the road.Yeah, shouldn't the top part of the bar be parallel to the ground?

-----Matt-----

[rooneypower]

thats like my discos. my back most bolt for my custom bumper sticks out just a little too much and when i hit a big bump it bottoms out on that.. so I just trew some spacers on the sway bar, the part that connects to the frame. Problem solved.

Keil

[Muddy Beast]

Those disconnects look about 1-2 inches too long. They'll be contacting the metal above as soon as you hit a good bump in the road.

It's because they are. But I measured it all up, and they wont hit unless I basically bottom out the suspension, which I figure I'm very unlikely to do unless I'm off-road, inwhich case I'll have disconnected the sway bar.

More or less I kept cutting and going back and forth and finally I thought I got it right so I drilled the hole, but once it was drilled and I tried it out it turned out to be about 10 degrees higher than it should be...but I didn't have enough time to start over so I let it be for now.

EDIT NOTE: Remember though, that picture was taken before I was done, it's farther down than that.

[WheelinJR]

I have to agree
Why doesn't warrior make a winch bumper... or a rear bumper with a reciever ? :anon:

I am prototyping a winch bumper as we speak.

As for a rear, we make one now it was just released. It's notched to work with class 3 receivers.

[Muddy Beast]

http://a339.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/128/l_1d867e86f1b4aced96234edd8f3bf022.jpg

http://a632.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/9/l_e6d9e3e730911c6c55e49da6c43007f7.jpg

So what does everyone do with the sway bar when they disconnect it?

P.S. Anyone want to go to Reiter this weekend?

[mojojojo]

i put a bolt with a loop on it thru the air box. bungies and zip ties are your friend. if you havn't bump stopped, make sure and put a few extra ties on. mine rubbed all the time and ripped the bungies and zip-ties loose. so a few extra isn't a bad idea.

[TRSCobra]

http://a339.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/128/l_1d867e86f1b4aced96234edd8f3bf022.jpg

http://a632.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/9/l_e6d9e3e730911c6c55e49da6c43007f7.jpg

So what does everyone do with the sway bar when they disconnect it?

P.S. Anyone want to go to Reiter this weekend?

Nice flex! :yelclap:

I bought a set of stainless cables with hardware to hold mine up on one side. $20 on ebay a few years ago. DPG makes similar cables, but you can easily fab something up for a bit cheaper.

[Muddy Beast]

Nice flex! :yelclap:

I bought a set of stainless cables with hardware to hold mine up on one side. $20 on ebay a few years ago. DPG makes similar cables, but you can easily fab something up for a bit cheaper.

I owe it all to Discos! A HUGE difference with it disconnected.

I suppose I'll go to the local tacoma screw again and come up with something there to hold the sway bar up.

P.S. Does anyone have a problem with ripping their brake cables or ABS cables out from flexing? I'm worried I may have been flexing the rear to it's limit with the ABS cable.

[WaXJ_Skier]

what size tires are those?

[Muddy Beast]

what size tires are those?

31"

[rooneypower]

I owe it all to Discos! A HUGE difference with it disconnected.

I suppose I'll go to the local tacoma screw again and come up with something there to hold the sway bar up.

P.S. Does anyone have a problem with ripping their brake cables or ABS cables out from flexing? I'm worried I may have been flexing the rear to it's limit with the ABS cable.

Dont know what everyone thinks but just loose the ABS on the axle?? More shit to go wrong when you break stuff..?

Keil

[tomcat]

Dont know what everyone thinks but just loose the ABS on the axle?? More shit to go wrong when you break stuff..?

Keil

f-that, i am running 4.5" lift with 31's and still have my abs, and it has saved my ass enough to warrant keeping it. it is especially useful for young drivers of modified vehicles, you just have to pull the ABS motor fuse when hitting the trail

you can make some slack in the wires in the engine bay to let the wires flex with the axle, and disconnect them from the bracket in the rear (and take slack out under the seat) for them. i am running extended stainless lines all around with mine and ABS still works fine.

[Mc2KXJ]

When I did my axle swap I had no choice but to delete my ABS. I don't really even notice the diference. Much better off road. When I'm able to lock 'em up to avoid going off a cliff instead of having the system pulse, I'm extremely happy.

[CanMan]

This might be a start for you. The gearing is better than what you have now, all you'd have to do is find a rear. $100 aint bad if its in good condition.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/pts/753938723.html

[Muddy Beast]

This might be a start for you. The gearing is better than what you have now, all you'd have to do is find a rear. $100 aint bad if its in good condition.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/pts/753938723.html

Well I figure I'll hold off on the gearing and what not for now. I need to get armored up and all the trail stuff (like hi-lift and fire extinguisher) then I'll look more into getting a D44 rear and figure out what regearing will cost, and save.

[Muddy Beast]

Just removed my rear swaybar today...and holly crap does it wobble when both sway bars are off/disconnected. Off-road it doesnt seem to be much better other than, well, swaying on me.

But this week since I dont have enough money to go wheel I'll be putting on my engine and gas skid, and hopefully start some rear fender trimming (my body is starting to cut my tires up).

[kndrewa]

(my body is starting to cut my tires up).
yeah, not good!
get out the 4.5" angle grinder for the front.
then the sledge/tin snips for the rear - two simple snips in the upper corners and then pound away.
thats what i did anyhow, heres a photo --> http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=960762
some people snip a ton in the back, or cut it a bunch, but i don't think thats necessary.
i just folded in/up the three 'tabs' that were created by my two snips.
you just have to 'pound carefully' to keep the paint from cracking too much.
i taped off and painted afterwards, and would recommend the same.


glad the tow hooks worked out for ya!

[Muddy Beast]

yeah, not good!
get out the 4.5" angle grinder for the front.
then the sledge/tin snips for the rear - two simple snips in the upper corners and then pound away.
thats what i did anyhow, heres a photo --> http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=960762
some people snip a ton in the back, or cut it a bunch, but i don't think thats necessary.
i just folded in/up the three 'tabs' that were created by my two snips.
you just have to 'pound carefully' to keep the paint from cracking too much.
i taped off and painted afterwards, and would recommend the same.


glad the tow hooks worked out for ya!

Thanks, I'll look into that option...I want to keep the fender...so I need to look at the whole thing and see what I can come up with.

P.S. Here's a picture of the tow hooks working out for Alex too!

http://a581.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/124/l_6b516ad7d9eba66502344834a1674ebc.jpg

Granted we ended up backing my Jeep up and using my hitch (more slack to do a rubber band type pull) but the tow hooks held up none the less.

[Ba-Riedo]

Thanks, I'll look into that option...I want to keep the fender...so I need to look at the whole thing and see what I can come up with.

P.S. Here's a picture of the tow hooks working out for Alex too!

http://a581.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/124/l_6b516ad7d9eba66502344834a1674ebc.jpg

Granted we ended up backing my Jeep up and using my hitch (more slack to do a rubber band type pull) but the tow hooks held up none the less.

Holy hell, look at the hole my right front tire went into.:wierd:

-Alex

[Muddy Beast]

Holy hell, look at the hole my right front tire went into.:wierd:

-Alex

Ya man, that was deep shiat. :yelclap:

[CanMan]

Alex getting pulled out by newbie. :laugh:

[Ba-Riedo]

Alex getting pulled out by newbie. :laugh:

It was that or wait till the whole dried up...

-Alex

[Muddy Beast]

It was that or wait till the hole dried up...

-Alex

Fixed.

Alex getting pulled out by newbie. :laugh:

And I find that offensive. :tears:
I'm a Noob, not a Newbie. :wave1:

[Ba-Riedo]

Fixed.



And I find that offensive. :tears:
I'm a Noob, not a Newbie. :wave1:

Wow alright mr smartie pants, last time I go wheeling with you.:twak:

-Alex

[Muddy Beast]

Wow alright mr smartie pants, last time I go wheeling with you.:twak:

-Alex

Oh shush, you know you want to wheel with me again. Gives you another excuse to bring those girls.

[CanMan]

Oh shush, you know you want to wheel with me again. Gives you another excuse to bring those girls.

Girls and Alex?

[WaXJ_Skier]

Girls and Alex?
I'm confused... Every time Ive wheeled with Alex he brings guys with him.

[mrpopo573]

:roflmao::looser: That was funny

[Muddy Beast]

Well I was running threw my bolts today and replacing a broken nut for my u-bolt and I noticed one of the shims for my rear leaf was snapped in half and half missing, I'll blame Alex for that one.

Rough Country is sending me a new one though, another good experience with Grimus at RC.

Good thing I noticed it though...hah.

[IXNAYXJ]

Rough Country is sending me a new one though, another good experience with Grimus at RC.Hmmm. My good experiences with companies involve them not screwing things up in the first place. :)

-----Matt-----

[WaXJ_Skier]

Hmmm. My good experiences with companies involve them not screwing things up in the first place. :)

-----Matt-----

at least they are fixing it, I tend to find the companies that make good on bad experiences have just as much credability as companies that you don't have problems with. It sucks when you have a good product fail and you can't get response from the mfr when you need it.

[Muddy Beast]

at least they are fixing it, I tend to find the companies that make good on bad experiences have just as much credability as companies that you don't have problems with. It sucks when you have a good product fail and you can't get response from the mfr when you need it.

Exactly the way I see it.

It's not their fault that the shim snapped, it was just because the U-bolts managed to work loose at Reiter is my guess. After all, Reiter was not only my first 100 miles, but also my first hard ride on the lift.

[Muddy Beast]

Turns out I lost one of my shims, in addition to the snapped one.

I was wondering why my U-bolts were so loose...hah.

[Ba-Riedo]

Turns out I lost one of my shims, in addition to the snapped one.

I was wondering why my U-bolts were so loose...hah.

You shouldnt be able to lose a shim unless you crack it down the center, were your centering pins broken or anything?

-Alex

[Muddy Beast]

You shouldnt be able to lose a shim unless you crack it down the center, were your centering pins broken or anything?

-Alex

I know for a fact I cracked one down the center because I still have half the shim, thats how I even realized it was missing. No matter how much I tightend them up there was still a space between the axle and the leaf, so I was like "WTF?".

As for the passenger side...thats a good questions, I'll have to see if the center pin is still there or not later.

Good thing I'm riding my bike to work tomorrow.

[Muddy Beast]

UPDATE:

So my dad put in the new TPS (finally) while I was putting on some RE 1.25" lift shackles I picked up from a fella on here. I drove around and let me tell you, this thing MOVES with that new TPS. I can actually accelerate quite well, and get past 2.5k RPM (I know that doesnt seem like an accomplishment, but its nice to watch the RPMs move for once).

Plus I finally got a full-size spare, again from the same fella (Gus) I picked the shackles up from. Brand new BFG Mud-terrain, same size as mine, on a black steelie...I BARELY sqweezed it into the back of my rig in the stock location. So now I feel a little safer with my rig.

In addition to all that, I figured out how to install my gas tank skid...but I managed to strip my nutzert strip...so I'm in search of a new one. Until then I bought all new 10.8 grade bolts for the rear hitch and skid. And I also put on my new shims, a long with picking up multiple spare high grade lock-nuts for the u-bolts and some spare higher grade washers.

It's been a good week of work, and now I'm just waiting on my JKS Sliders to come (expecting them sometime next week) and I'll be ready to wheel.

[KyleLou]

Are those pics at the 4 Wheel Parts in Lynnwood? Lol I live but a couple of minutes away from it.

[Muddy Beast]

Are those pics at the 4 Wheel Parts in Lynnwood? Lol I live but a couple of minutes away from it.

Yeah, I work right nextdoor. Dont be surprized if you see my Jeep parked in that area on a regular basis.

[rooneypower]

I've got a set of nut strips if you want them.. just let me know.

Keil

[Muddy Beast]

I would dig that Keil!

And of course, I got home today to my dad telling me, "Your going to have to fix some dents in your skid plate tomorrow, mom ran over it"....WTF!? Cool, my gas tank skid was just run over by a big Chevy Avalanche...

I guess it would be good to have that nut strip for when I do get a new skid.

[KyleLou]

Yeah, I work right nextdoor. Dont be surprized if you see my Jeep parked in that area on a regular basis.

Hehe now I remember why your Jeep looks familiar.. I see it there almost every time I pick up parts from 4WP. Very nice XJ! :flipoff:

[Muddy Beast]

Hehe now I remember why your Jeep looks familiar.. I see it there almost every time I pick up parts from 4WP. Very nice XJ! :flipoff:

Yup, that would be why!

I park on the close end of 4WP usually so that the XJs that come in will see it and see my NAXJA sticker and join!

:guitar:

[thethinginthewoods]

Hey man your jeep looks like night and day from the stocker I remember at NWFest '08! Your jeep did pretty well, but I imagine the new lift will take you to places you've always wanted to go to. Jeeps never cease to amaze me how capable they are in stock form, but throw even a small lift and some bigger tires and they are unstoppable! You and I will have to meet up again soon and put it to the test! -Brian