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Finally want to build my jeep again

xCWolf

Bring the Boom
NAXJA Member
Location
Boston
Anyone else just get disenchanted with the build for months on end?

After I came home from nacfest this year I was pumped to build up the XJ and after I replaced my motor mounts and installed my SYE I just kind of didn't want to do anymore. Now it's the end of December and I finally want to/have the motivation to build her up again. Really hoping I can keep said motivation to put my vision for it together before nacfest 2018

Finishing the 4" lift all around.
Figuring out what to do about the track bar hole (honestly I'm thinking junkyard axle that isn't ruined.)
Replacing my shift linkage so I can get my 4wd back.
Patching some rust holes so it can pass inspection.

Honestly I think it's less work than I make it out to be. Just wish I had this motivation in the summer when it was warm.
 
If you've got access to a welder the trackbar hole issue can be solved by cutting a plate, drilling a new hole and welding it over the elongated hole. Assuming the back isn't also elongated. That's what I did on my '99 before I ended up swapping fronts.
 
X2 on the weld a washer over the hole. It's a quick and easy fix.
I've had a cut apart 98 taking up my garage for a few years now, and honestly, there have been times I just wanted to stick with my black one and cut my losses. But lately, I've been going gangbusters on it for many reasons. Don't lose the faith. You and yours clearly enjoy getting out there and that counts for an awful lot. None of it happens overnight and there is no shame in saying "ugh, not today". It will come to you. As extra incentive, I will look to see if I have the linkage and will gladly get it up to you. I know I have the shifter itself, unsure of the rest. Keep on keeping on!
 
Yeah I actually cut a piece of 1/16" steel larger than a washer about 60% the size of the front of the bracket cleaned it up real well and welded it on but then I realized the backside was just as bad. That's why I'm thinking "new" axle that isn't ruined. Last time I was at the junkyard I grabbed the trackbar bolt and flag nut and it was in good condition I reallly should have taken it.

Yeah man if you have a linkage you could send me I'd love you forever. If not I'm not overly worried I'll be getting one before June I promise that much!
 
ya, we all have that point, mine was this fall, I have to put the jeep in a rented garage do to lack of storage here at the house, an i'm in no mood to fix the list come spring. when it's time to come home, and the wife wants it ready for r/c by april.
 
If you need t-case linkage, take a look at the cable shifter that Novak offers. I had one on my 231, and it worked really smoothly. The kits are pricey, but you'll never have linkage issues again.

A.
 
Boostwerks makes linkage replacements too. Relatively affordable. Mine on my MJ is solid. Love it.
 
Listen to these guys on the linkage..I checked and must have let it go with the case I gave kastein a couple years back. Sounds like you'd be better off with an improved setup anyway. The stock stuff can be finicky over time
 
I got really burnt out on working on cars/Jeeps last year after building my '99. Still don't feel like working on much, but with a new baby, dont have much time for it anyway. The few times I've gotten to wheel the 99 it's been a blast so that keeps me going I guess.

+ 1 on the Boostwerks linkage. Works really well and it's inexpensive. The Novak is nice too but obviously a bit more costly
 
I hear you though... My MJ project is dragging on 2 years now and it was supposed to be a short one... I'm dying to get to work on the XJ, but to do so I have to get the MJ done.

I also decided that after the MJ project I wasn't doing any more big, multi-part upgrades at once ever again... I wish I would have broken up the MJ project into multi-step projects where I could have the vehicle back in between.

I'm planning a lot of upgrades for the XJ, but I'm going to do them piece meal, and after each re-evaluate before starting the next one.

Its now too cold to work outside, and my garage only offers so much protection from the cold without a heater. I did a belts and brakes job on my nieces civic and man I was numb by the end of it.

It's definitely tough to keep the motivation going in the cold and so I'm going to stick to small jobs and get the satisfaction of finishing something every now and then to keep me going.
 
I hear ya, Tim! When I laid out plans for my 98 I fooled myself into thinking I'd be done in maybe 2 seasons. Yeah.
Lesson learned. When you go all at once, you get wrapped up in making every detail perfect, which is time and expense. I made the dummy move of looking into the entry price of the spider9 housings...wow looked awesome, and was right up until you start trimming them out......then things get pricey real quick on you. Now here I sit still at it but not so happy about bleeding cash like a drunkard at a casino. I sure hope this damned thing works right, because I've had one hell of a time in my black 01, which was supposed to be the mild build to keep me in it.
 
My jeep chose for my project for me, Christmas night on the way to work something in the motor let loose. The repair list for the current jeep is far to long so I've taken to looking for a good "new" xj to start over with.
 
I have five years into mine. I should have an indoor workshop in a couple of months which will be helpful.
 
My jeep chose for my project for me, Christmas night on the way to work something in the motor let loose. The repair list for the current jeep is far to long so I've taken to looking for a good "new" xj to start over with.
What a bummer... Hope you find a new rig soon!
 
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