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mudtoy67
09-04-2009, 09:27 AM
So I've been out of the wheeling side of things for about 5 years now. After hiking the trails the past three years at Clayton I'd had it with not wheeling. With the baby here I've had even less time to work on the FJ, so about a month ago I decided to start looking for a cheap rig I could actually have some fun with and not take away a bunch of money/time from the FJ. I've been impressed by Tommy's rig over the last few trips so I had been looking at Cherokees among the other usual suspects like toyota pickups.
So I picked this up for a pretty sweet deal:

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/DSC00151.jpg

Details:

97 XJ
4.0
5 spd
SYE
ARB up front (you'll read more about this later)
lift - 2" or 4" I'm not sure
ARB winch bumper
XD 9000 winch
some tire carrier

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/summer2009546-b.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/summer2009547.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/summer2009549.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/summer2009554.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/summer2009555.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/summer2009559.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/DSC02748-b.jpg

mudtoy67
09-04-2009, 09:28 AM
It looks like this family bought the XJ about 5 years ago for their boy. He's been driving it since. Everything was already done to it when they bought it, so it appears they didn't really know what was in it, just it was a cool jeep. All in all the deal was very legit...I had to fill out title transfer paperwork and a bill of sale in duplicate. :laughing:

So...this truck did have ARBs front and rear at some time. What I understood from their story was that somehow the boy blew up the rear axle and driveline about a year ago. They got another rear axle and driveshaft (my guess is the rear ARB went with the old one because I didn't see an air line on the new one) but the "new" driveshaft wouldn't fit because this has a SYE. So he then proceeded to drive around on the front axle until it finally blew up about 6-9 months ago, and it's been sitting since. The neighborhood association finally told them it needed to disappear, so here we are.

I believe the front ARB is still there...though in what condition I don't know. The front diff is making a very bad popping/knocking sound and locked up on me a couple times while unloading from the trailer. If I can get the garage somewhat in order this weekend I'll pop the cover and have a look.

Other than the front axle the Jeep appears to be in good condition. The transmission occasionaly seems like it doesn't go into gear easily. Maybe a bad shifter bushing. The engine starts and runs fine, I think they thought there would be a problem since it had been sitting for so long. The brakes are a little squishy and the brake light is on, I may try bleeding the brakes first because they may not have done it right when they swapped the axle. The ARB compressor is still there.

I'm excited. :gigem:

mudtoy67
09-04-2009, 09:41 AM
Plans? WHEEL IT!:D

Need to:
fix the front axle (see if the ARB can be salvaged)
lock the rear, probably weld
find some tires with tread
some general maintenance
pick up some spare parts before clayton (ujoints, axle shafts, etc)

KrazyKarl02
09-04-2009, 09:48 AM
Excellent!

What gears are in it? It might be a candidate for 8.8 or 9" swap if the gearing works out. I know a guy, he has a 9" w/ 3.55's in it, it is just holding up some crappy blue jeep thing, he calls it an FJ.

What size tires are you thinking? 33's or 35's?

Does the A/C and Heater work?

uglyota
09-04-2009, 09:54 AM
wow that thing is so straight...

jerryg79
09-04-2009, 09:57 AM
wow that thing is so straight...

its a jeep, so that's kinda relative:D

good find bdr! What kind of resale you expecting?

Sharpe
09-04-2009, 10:10 AM
Bet Tommy still has less cash in his :flipoff2:

bcolman
09-04-2009, 10:13 AM
i have some 35's for a 16 inch rim if you are interested let me know

mudtoy67
09-04-2009, 10:13 AM
I'm not sure what gears it has yet. I may throw an 8.8 in it eventually if I find a good deal on one. I don't know what size tires probably 33" for now if they'll fit. It has 31s now. The A/C works but I didn't have it running long enough to see how cold it gets.

Cherokees really hold their value, this one is a rare two door. That's why I wanted one.:flipoff2:

mudtoy67
09-04-2009, 10:14 AM
i have some 35's for a 16 inch rim if you are interested let me know

Maybe. I'd have to get some rims too. Kopecki already tried to sell me a bunch of tires last night.:gigem:

mudtoy67
09-04-2009, 10:15 AM
So now that I have a Jeep does that mean I have to trade in my Miller High Life for mike's hard lemonade?:flipoff2:

bcolman
09-04-2009, 10:17 AM
i think robbie still has his old rims which i think are 16's for a jeep

jerryg79
09-04-2009, 10:17 AM
Cherokees really hold their value, this one is a rare two door. That's why I wanted one.:flipoff2:


Good call!

jerryg79
09-04-2009, 10:28 AM
oh lu also told me that he saw on the news cherokee's were like the 3rd most traded-in car in kash for klunkers.:)

mudtoy67
09-04-2009, 10:29 AM
Well there you go! I should trade it in, get 4 times what I paid for it, and by a Prius!:gigem:

robertf03
09-04-2009, 10:34 AM
this mod shouldn't cause it to lose value at auction
http://www.the-house-of-jeep.com/jeep-body-parts/interior/cup-holder/1984-1996_Cherokee_1_Cup_Holder.html

eight
09-04-2009, 10:58 AM
I assume you asked about the current whereabouts of the old rear axle? If it was previously regeared the ratios probably don't match. I do know a guy with a set of 3.73s for an 8.8. You know what model the rear axle in it now is?

JB
09-04-2009, 11:03 AM
I thnk I should take the ZJ to Clayton this year to show you what you missed out on!:flipoff2:

Nice looking XJ though

redcagepatrol
09-04-2009, 12:18 PM
good deal! I can't wait to see a dent and some glass break!

eight
09-04-2009, 01:14 PM
Like the John Deere sticker.

junior88mj
09-05-2009, 06:56 PM
i'v got a lot of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!

colman
09-06-2009, 10:26 AM
robbies rims are 5x5.5 so they won't work for the xj it is 5x4.5

TxCruzr
09-06-2009, 07:17 PM
Is that a jeep? wtf? I'm going to go removed you as a friend on facebook....wow, just wow :rolleyes: :flipoff2::flipoff2:

mudtoy67
09-10-2009, 11:27 PM
Took a break from the house to turn a few wrenches on the XJ. Popped the cover off the d30. Found an ARB and a bunch of pinion teeth in the bottom. ARB looks good though. The ring was stamped 43_14 making for a 3.07 ratio, so looks like I might as well regear higher. Took a gander at the rear axle and I'm thinking that it didn't have an ARB because there are no signs that an air line was ever there. So since the rear is stock I have a couple options:

1. Try to find a good deal on a set of 4.56 for front and rear
2. Find a set of 4.10 for the front and swap an 8.8 in the rear (should be able to find one with 4.10s)

I'm thinking option 2 because the axle itself would cost about the same as a ring and pinion for the D35, plus I would get better brakes. What do yall think?

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo007.jpg

The rear CV is definitely blown. I thought the guy said it already had a new one but I guess he was talking about the slip yoke version in the back. While playing with the CV I noticed the SYE flange was loose on the tail shaft. Looks like a hack-n-tap SYE...if the shaft looks worn I'll probably drop the tcase and swap the tail shaft out.

Going to need a track bar bracket. Someone didn't know the spacers went on either side of the heim. The bolt was loose and has wallered out the hole pretty good.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo009.jpg

Also found these sweet sway-bar quick disconnects... :laughing:

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo008.jpg

Fredo
09-10-2009, 11:33 PM
Don't forget about the carrier break on the D30. I don't remember if the break is the same on reverse rotation axles or not. Looks like 3.54 is the top of what you can do. Unless there is some gearset I forgot about that works with that carrier. Some of my jeep knowledge has finally left me apparently. Thank God.

mudtoy67
09-10-2009, 11:35 PM
Crap...I did forget about that.:(

mudtoy67
09-10-2009, 11:47 PM
Is there such a thing as thick 4.11s for the high pinion D30?

85cj7
09-11-2009, 01:30 AM
8.8 fo sho

eight
09-11-2009, 09:12 AM
I do think there are some 3.07 gears for that dana 30, and a complete d35 rear with matching gears in my axle pile.

mudtoy67
09-11-2009, 09:17 AM
I think I'd rather regear than cuss a burned clutch on the trail. Thanks though.:)

mudtoy67
09-14-2009, 02:04 PM
While I've got the axle out to install the gears I'm going to reinforce a few things. The bottoms of the LCA mounts have a bit of rash on them, so I'm going to straighten them up then weld a plate on the bottom of each for a skid. I also read some people weld a plate to the front of the passenger UCA bracket to beef it up, so I figure why not. Any other areas I should look at?

TxCruzr
09-14-2009, 02:20 PM
Any other areas I should look at?

yeah, why don't you tear this one apart a little further so you'll have two rigs that will never see pavement or rock again. :flipoff2:

mudtoy67
09-14-2009, 02:37 PM
yeah, why don't you tear this one apart a little further so you'll have two rigs that will never see pavement or rock again. :flipoff2:

Quiet. We're playing with grown-up toys here.:flipoff2:

uglyota
09-14-2009, 03:31 PM
I think I'd rather regear than cuss a burned clutch on the trail. Thanks though.:)

you'll learn to love it!

Graystroke
09-14-2009, 03:36 PM
put a doubler or a low range kit and keep the 3.07's?...they should be stronger anyways than 4.10s

mudtoy67
09-14-2009, 03:38 PM
I've actually decided to go with 3.55s for now because they're not far off from the 4.10s, I can keep the locker, and can get a set for free. I just hadn't mentioned anything yet so that nobody would accuse me of changing my mind like a girl.:flipoff2:

mudtoy67
09-16-2009, 09:53 AM
Pulled the rear driveshaft last night to have a look at the sye flange. Looks like the installer cut the shaft too short...there's only about 3/4" of spline on the end. There's a bit of wear on the splines which is why the flange wiggles a bit. The flange bolts to the shaft with a washer on the ID that is only held in with a snap ring, so it doesn't help any with keeping the flange straight. Think if I welded the washer to the flange it would hold the flange tight enough to slow any further wear? Or would the wiggle be enough to cause the bolt to back out?

85cj7
09-16-2009, 12:11 PM
could help?
http://www.lonestarjeepclub.org/board/showthread.php?t=36630

mudtoy67
09-16-2009, 12:13 PM
Saw that...but I don't need a whole tcase.:)

Eckert
09-28-2009, 09:30 PM
you need this:

http://www.texas4x4.org/showthread.php?t=29459

TexTJ209
09-28-2009, 09:35 PM
you need this:

http://www.texas4x4.org/showthread.php?t=29459



Took a picture with the name in giant letters, and still spells it wrong twice. :gigem:

mudtoy67
09-28-2009, 10:53 PM
Did a little "un-pimp ze auto" tonight. Picked up a stock airbox at the jyard this weekend...it practically jumped out of the donor (complete box was sitting there on top of the radiator... hose clamps and all :) ). Removed the "cold" air intake. I wish someone could explain to me how the air on top of the engine is colder.:laughing:

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo023.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo026.jpg

Looks like someone's aftermarket motor mounts? I think the bushing may be shot.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo024.jpg

Think I could sell this dinky intake to some Jeep dummy for 100 bucks?:eek:

http://www.turbocity.com/product_info.php?products_id=104

mudtoy67
09-28-2009, 10:57 PM
you need this:

http://www.texas4x4.org/showthread.php?t=29459

I saw that...it may be worth it for the shafts. I'll see if it hangs long enough for a price drop.

TexTJ209
09-28-2009, 11:12 PM
Did a little "un-pimp ze auto" tonight. Picked up a stock airbox at the jyard this weekend...it practically jumped out of the donor (complete box was sitting there on top of the radiator... hose clamps and all :) ). Removed the "cold" air intake. I wish someone could explain to me how the air on top of the engine is colder.:laughing:

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo023.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo026.jpg

Looks like someone's aftermarket motor mounts? I think the bushing may be shot.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo024.jpg

Think I could sell this dinky intake to some Jeep dummy for 100 bucks?:eek:

http://www.turbocity.com/product_info.php?products_id=104



Those kinda look like MORE mounts.

And somebody actually spent $120 on something that could be accomplished with a $15 cone filter and a hacksaw? Nice.

davido
09-29-2009, 12:47 AM
Trust me, you don't need bushings. :)

mudtoy67
10-04-2009, 09:49 PM
Finished pulling the front axle yesterday to do the gear swap. Found the heim joints on both lower control arms are pretty worn out. They are a 3/4" x 3/4" heim with a bushing to reduce the hole to 5/16" (I think it's actually metric...close enough ;) ) The 3/4" heim seems a bit small for something like a control arm...yall think I should just pick up another 3/4" heim and run it or should I look into something like a bushing - http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/Ballistic-Forged-Poly-Bushing-263quot_p_1646.html. I also found a guy that has a pair of RE lower control arms for 100 bucks...seems like not a bad deal. Thoughts?

bburris
10-04-2009, 10:06 PM
I'm pretty sure that a lot of people build lowers with 3/4" heims. That's what mine are and I'm guessing something else will fail before they do.

uglyota
10-05-2009, 08:53 AM
replace them with 3/4 x 5/8 heims and you can get rid of the reducer. They're way stronger than 3/4 x 3/4 too. Or get the RE arms

ol burj
10-05-2009, 01:02 PM
i have a 9 inch housing sitting in my shop back home if you want it. $50 and i can give you the housing and brakes and what not. it needs new gears and stuff. it came out of my bronco

mudtoy67
10-05-2009, 10:34 PM
Allright, gonna pick up another set of heims. I remembered a few years ago heims seemed to be the standard for aftermarket links, but looking around now most everyone uses either a bushing at both ends or a bushing and a johnny joint.



i have a 9 inch housing sitting in my shop back home if you want it. $50 and i can give you the housing and brakes and what not. it needs new gears and stuff. it came out of my bronco

Thanks, I've got a few already, but I'll keep it in mind.

85cj7
10-19-2009, 10:02 PM
Pulled the rear driveshaft last night to have a look at the sye flange. Looks like the installer cut the shaft too short...there's only about 3/4" of spline on the end. There's a bit of wear on the splines which is why the flange wiggles a bit. The flange bolts to the shaft with a washer on the ID that is only held in with a snap ring, so it doesn't help any with keeping the flange straight. Think if I welded the washer to the flange it would hold the flange tight enough to slow any further wear? Or would the wiggle be enough to cause the bolt to back out?

found this, might help you out. . . http://lsjc.org/board/showthread.php?t=37677

KrazyKarl02
11-05-2009, 01:50 PM
This jeep sucks! You will never finish it! You are a little girl! BDR, if you disagree, just reply and tell me I am wrong! :flipoff2:

jerryg79
11-05-2009, 01:59 PM
This jeep sucks! You will never finish it! You are a little girl! BDR, if you disagree, just reply and tell me I am wrong! :flipoff2:

But he can't repl-.....oh wait that's why its funny!

BDR smokes pole!

uglyota
11-05-2009, 02:34 PM
I heard that Buffalo Bob guy shoved a road flare up BDRs bunghole!

Sharpe
11-05-2009, 02:36 PM
Hoo ra!

jerryg79
11-05-2009, 02:37 PM
I heard that Buffalo Bob guy shoved a road flare up BDRs bunghole!

Oh man. If BDR doesnt respond within 24 hrs, then legally I am obligated to confirm this as the god's honest truth.

KrazyKarl02
11-05-2009, 02:41 PM
I heard that Buffalo Bob guy shoved a road flare up BDRs bunghole!

That is 100% true, my friend's brother's cousin's sister saw the video tape.

uglyota
11-05-2009, 02:42 PM
Oh man. If BDR doesnt respond within 24 hrs, then legally I am obligated to confirm this as the god's honest truth.

it's the only logical explanation...the truth may hurt but BDR's no liar!

stx4wheeler
11-05-2009, 04:09 PM
I heard bdr's gone underground and immersed himself deeply in the gay jeep culture. He also now calls his fj a Jeep.

KrazyKarl02
11-05-2009, 06:37 PM
I heard bdr's gone underground and immersed himself deeply in the gay jeep culture. He also now calls his fj a Jeep.

FJ's aren't made by jeep?

85cj7
11-05-2009, 06:39 PM
FJ's aren't made by jeep?

toyota

KrazyKarl02
11-05-2009, 06:41 PM
toyota

No, I'm pretty sure BDR told me FJ's are made by jeep. BDR, please respond within 24 hours if this is incorrect.

mudtoy67
04-13-2010, 10:42 PM
Karl likes dudes. :flipoff2:

DRAGOONRANCH
04-13-2010, 11:22 PM
R???

KrazyKarl02
04-14-2010, 07:37 AM
No, I'm pretty sure BDR told me FJ's are made by jeep. BDR, please respond within 24 hours if this is incorrect.

Must be true, he did not respond within 24 hours.

Sharpe
04-14-2010, 08:06 AM
Must be true, he did not respond within 24 hours.


I heard that Buffalo Bob guy shoved a road flare up BDRs bunghole!


Oh man. If BDR doesnt respond within 24 hrs, then legally I am obligated to confirm this as the god's honest truth.

This one too!

mudtoy67
04-14-2010, 03:49 PM
Nothing happened with that guy...I swear!

mudtoy67
04-14-2010, 09:02 PM
So here's how this thing sits now...


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo091.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo092.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo096.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Photo109.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Clayton09015.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/mudtoy67/XJ/Clayton09014.jpg

eight
04-14-2010, 09:51 PM
Still on the slicks?

mudtoy67
04-14-2010, 09:57 PM
At the moment...I've got some better 33s, but I'm also shopping for some 35s.

TxCruzr
04-18-2010, 08:02 PM
Retro wheels ftmfw!
Oh, you're still gay for building a jeep :gigem:

mudtoy67
04-18-2010, 08:29 PM
Hell ya!

And you're still gay for loving the cawk.:flipoff2:

mark
04-19-2010, 06:45 AM
I think those are Greg Higgs old wheels. What happened to the indestructible Thronbirds?

Cajun
04-19-2010, 10:46 AM
I think those are Greg Higgs old wheels. What happened to the indestructible Thronbirds?

No way, those are MudBug wheels! :gigem:

davido
04-19-2010, 10:47 AM
Yes, we both had them. In my defence, they came with the vehicle. :D

mudtoy67
04-19-2010, 10:50 AM
What can I say? I saw Higgs' and Davido's rise to fame and figured I'd give it a shot...:gigem: