"Stormy": The Lifelong Build

[XJ Wheeler]

Its about time i got this going on here. Be prepared to be quite bored cause i get a bit detailed and there will be a few pics as well.

This build has been going on for 8 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, and 5 days. So, i've got a bit of backtracking to do and i'll try to test your patience with my procrastination.

I was looking for my first vehicle for my 16th b-day and knew i wanted an xj. After a little searching i got a Sunday paper and there was two candidates - an '89 xj limited for $1375 and a '92 xj Laredo for $1300. I called about the '92 and decided to look at it. I didn't even call about the '89. It had everything i was looking for - 4.0l, auto, 4x4, a/c, and was in good enough shape, so i went to take a look and fell in love. It, of course, had its faults, but seemed like a good vehicle. It had 172,xxx miles. The p.o. was a young girl that moved from Iowa, where the xj lived most its life. Her father had replaced the front/left axle u-joint earlier that day. It had some rust mainly the rockers, quarter panel behind rear tires, and a couple spots in the floor. It had been in a hail storm so it had quite a few small dings. A few things didn't work - driving lights on bumper, window washers, and few others. It didnt overheat, the a/c worked, ran and drove well, and i saw the potential even though it was filthy inside and out.

The p.o. worked at wal-mart and while it was in the parking lot for her shift somebody ran into the rear passengers side and broke the tail light and smashed that side of the bumper. It was parked just out of view of the cameras, so no one could be caught. She was brutally honest about its past. Her fiance was a volunteer fire fighter in Iowa. She told me he drove it threw mounds of snow, would floor it to get to emergencies, among other things. Anyway, i decided i wanted it and talked her down to $1100. From there we went on a several hour adventure to switch the title. She was very accommodating and went threw the whole thing to get it done. It did also pass an emission test with flying colors.

There's probably more to the buying story, but its been eight years and i don't remember everything. I didn't have a camera for the first few years so i dont have many pics from that time, just ones from when i borrowed my moms camera. This will be a recap of what i've done to it in the past seven years and once i've caught up with current times it will continue.

I love this jeep. I will never get rid of it, hence the title "Lifelong Build". Here's Stormy right after i bought it (and after a bath). Btw, i bought it on 4-8-2004.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15222628-2.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15222612-2.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15222640-2.jpg

[4x4Dalton]

Cant wait for more of this read man.:thumbsup:

[XJ Wheeler]

Cant wait for more of this read man.:thumbsup:

Thanks Bear, although its mostly little stuff so don't get too excited.

[XJ Wheeler]

4/04
Here's some more pics of Stormy when i got it. After i bought it i figured out what all it had - H.O. 4.0L, AW4, NP 231, H.P. 30, Chrysler 8.25", 3.55 gears, ps, pb, ac, tilt, cruise, power windows, power doors, rear defrost, etc.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15222500-2.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15222542-2.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15222640-2.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15222729-3.jpg

[4x4Dalton]

Thanks Bear, although its mostly little stuff so don't get too excited.


Cool bro.Thats what makes these build post great,the lil stuff.Well that and pics :D:popcorn::camera:

[XJ Wheeler]

Cool bro.Thats what makes these build post great,the lil stuff.Well that and pics :D:popcorn::camera:

Well i have a lot of both of those.:D

[XJ Wheeler]

Summer 2004
I was an amateur and pretty ignorant on how to fix a lot of stuff at the time so some of my earlier repairs will not make much sense. Well, after i got it home and did a major detail that made a huge difference i started doing some little things on it.

I replaced the broken tail light with one i got from a '89 parts xj. The license plate was taped to the rear window because someone had cracked the mounting holes in the liftgate. So, i used double sided tape on the back of the plate to stick it on its original spot. I could get one screw in it in case the tape let go. The rear view mirror had fallen off the windshield so i took it to a glass shop and they glued it back up. I spread some bondo over the rust on the rockers and quarters and painted over it with some rattle can that was a pretty close match. I know better now, and am paying the price. I peeled off some of the stickers and added a few of my own. Replaced the wipers and stuck some deer warners on the bumper. Again, its been a while so i've probably forgotten something. I know, very exciting huh.

[4x4Dalton]

Dude its what makes it yers.Enjoy.

[XJ Wheeler]

Fall 2004
Well, enough with the boring stuff. I had originally wanted to get an 8" lift for it, i wanted it big. But i talked myself down to a 6", then realized how much more money it would be and didn't have that kinda budget. So, i settled on 4.5" and wanted a complete and good quality system. I decided on Rubicon Express because of their reputation. I got the Super Flex 4.5" short arm w/full leaves. The kit came with upper and lower control arms, 4.5" coils, swaybar discos (first gen), front bumpstop extensions, adjustable track bar, full 3.5" leaves, 1.25" lift shackles, u-bolts, front and rear ss braided brake hoses, 3/4" t-case drop, and i found a package online that came with doestch tech shocks for the same price as R.E. had it w/out shocks.

Being a beginner, to actually working on vehicles, i had a local shop install the lift. I shopped around for a cheaper quote to install it. I did try 4 wheel parts and they said $3000 because they wouldn't do it without installing a sye and driveshaft at the same time. So, i settled on a local shop (closed their doors not long after i had my lift installed), they quoted cheapest. So, i took it over there with the lift in the back and dropped it off. They took three days installing it and couldn't get the front brake hoses off. They said it was the worst vehicle they've ever worked on due to rust. They said they had to cut off most of the old parts. They cut two holes in my unibody "frame rails". They also said that it wouldn't move after they installed the lift because the rear driveshaft was binding, so they put in some 6° shims to bring up the pinion. It worked pretty well, i only have minor vibes while slowing. Also apparently they didn't do an alignment (originally said it was included in quote), i lived with not going faster than 55 (death wobble) for more than a year. But at least after all that work and the hard time my xj gave them they stuck to their original quote.

The first pic is Stormy at the shop after they finished installing the lift. I didn't get bigger tires on it for a couple days, so its got the stock size 215s in the pics - kinda funny lookin huh. The other pics are at a storage facility, more on the storage later on.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15221620-2.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15221606-2.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15221525-2.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

Still Fall 2004

Next, i put some old 31" bfg muds that had been taken off my moms zj. The tread on the tires was very chopped, so the ride did suffer. Horrible pics, sorry.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15220746-1-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-15220849-1-1.jpg

[Brasscatz]

Just found your thread, Jake! Can't wait to read more! :popcorn:

[XJ Wheeler]

2004/2005?
Put on some tow hook bumper mounts that my brother gave me (he got an arb bullbar) and chrome tow hooks. While I had my bumper off i removed the air dam thing (it was damaged before i bought it, i'm guessing by a blowout) and cut the bottoms off the flares to line up with the bumper.
Newer pic - didnt have one from then.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/62776d1314051203-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg1813-1.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

2004/2005?
I ripped out the old aftermarket driving lights, they didn't work and the wiring was a mess. Got a $10 clearance set of driving lights from my brother and installed them. They just happened to be the exact same lights as the old ones. Got an optima blue top battery. Perfect timing too, when got home with the battery my old one died. Installed a 49" tailgate lightbar behind my rear window on top of the panel.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/63507d1314466597-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg0513-1-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/63508d1314466633-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-06-03-18.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

2005/2006
Borrowed my brothers tires and wheels for a couple years. His xj wasn't running and my tires were horrible and i had death wobble (thought they might help, they didn't). Thanks bro. They were 31"x 10.5"BFG m/t's (the original) and Eagle Alloy 589s 15" x 8".

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/64476d1315014820t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20110902_205332.jpg

Got a new stereo - Panasonic am/fm/cd/mp3/xm ready head unit and (4) Pioneer 5 1/4" door speakers.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/64478d1315014881t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg1263-1.jpg

[Brasscatz]

:popcorn: very nice

[XJ Wheeler]

2005/2006
Had a keyless entry with alarm installed. It made it so much better to push a button and all the doors unlock (easily pleased?, haha).


I installed a dual airhorn kit behind the front bumper that is a fair amount louder than the factory horns. Now i have a choice, like "excuse me the light is green (toot, toot), its been green for a while now please go (toot, toot), ----- (BONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNKKKKKK) move it before i turn your little car into my own personal speed bump".



Just kidding, muahaha

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/68258d1317331235-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-06-03-18.jpg

[bluedragon436]

Nice catchup on your build so far, look forward to seeing the remaining posts to catch up to where Stormy is today... as well as seeing as it progresses!!

[XJ Wheeler]

9/2005

In September of '05 hurricane rita decided to come on over to Texas/Louisiana and mess up a lot of peoples lives. With the massive storm heading our way we tried to give it our best shot to get as much as we could since we are about three miles from the gulf. We had decided to bring our chevy 1/2 ton to haul my moms zj and my xj on a trailer to my grandpas house a hundred miles inland (two separate trips). But by the time we got done taking the zj a mandatory evacuation had been called. As some of you know when that happens there's no good way to get back in, nor is it a good idea. So i had to leave it behind, and it was in a big boat stall at a storage facility in port arthur. We decided to head further away to waco for safety.

The whole time i was worried sick, watching the news and such as the storm devastated the whole area. All the while knowing they're was slim chance my xj would come out alright being just five miles from the small sea wall. When the storm was coming ashore we were glued to the tele, at one point i saw a fly over of the building my xj was in.

After the storm passed where we were we headed back. Its not a good feeling not knowing if your home, possessions, or jeep are going to be there. Police and National Guard were posted on the outskirts of the whole area keeping people from entering, but my mom was an active emt so we got to continue. With a fair amount of damage and power lines down we had to be careful.

First checking to see if we still had a home, with only an out building crushed by a big tree but it was ok since we still had our house. Next, of course, we headed to the storage facility. What i saw amazed me and gave me this overwhelming feeling that i was blessed. Two stalls down was collapsed, with doors on mine bent out a couple feet. Trailers were upside down, metal and wood from the building was thrown all over. Because so much was missing from it i could see my xj was in one piece, and no major damage. I went over, unlocked, and opened the building. The roof and back wall were gone but my xj only had a few sheets of plywood on it. The only damage was a few scratches on the liftgate and my antenna was broken. Got in it, cranked right up, got out of there.

Hurricane Rita was the most intense storm to ever enter the gulf of mexico (at the time), and wouldn't ya know it three years later we got hit with Ike. My xj was there for that one too. Although no damage this time. After this i figured the name Stormy was fitting.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/69128d1317763819t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111004_163009.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/69129d1317763866t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111004_163044.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/69130d1317763913t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111004_163131.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/69131d1317763970t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111004_163243.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/69132d1317764028t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111004_163333-1.jpg

[Brasscatz]

That's incredible! I can't believe how close that was!

[XJ Wheeler]

It was very close, i was amazed when i made the corner to see that.

To show how close

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/p20120808-183855.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

2006

One of my headlights went out, so i got some Sylvania Silverstar units. They have a more crisp pattern and pure white illumination. Had them in there for six years with no problems. Later picture.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/68442d1317428440-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-09-29-22.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

2006

Took it to 4 wheel parts to try and rid it of the "death wobble", also the shop that installed the lift couldn't get the front brake hoses off so i had them install the stainless braided hoses that came with my lift. Although when trying to remove the passengers side hose the brake line snapped, so they made a new one and didn't charge me labor on the replacing the brake line.

To help the wobble i had a new rancho stabilizer installed and an alignment done. Turned out they said the shop that installed the lift couldn't have aligned it because it was so far out, i think like 1.5" toe-in.

Finally, my "death wobble" is completely gone. I can go 70 mph and be as smooth as glass. Also i can now flex out the front end and not tug on the brake hose.

[XJ Wheeler]

2007

One of the front brake calipers locked up, that was fun. Replaced both front calipers, and rotor and pads were ok. By the way, o'reillys is cheap on calipers. $20 after core each, and that comes with lifetime warranty.

Mounted a pair of $15 small fog lights from wal-mart underneath for rock lights. One on the front crossmember and the other on the trans crossmember. They work pretty good for cheap.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-06-03182123-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/71538d1318903691t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111017_210802.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/71540d1318903782t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111017_210933.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/71539d1318903742t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111017_210855.jpg

[ArmyGuy45]

Sweet write up!


What axles do you have with that Jeep?

[XJ Wheeler]

Sweet write up!


What axles do you have with that Jeep?

Thanks, and just the stock h.p. Dana 30 front and Chrysler 8.25" rear.

[cantab27]

nice write up going on here Jake , keep posting mate..old mother nature can be a bitch sometimes cant she......funny how she can destroy all around her but little pockets are saved like where the jeep was parked...women huh cant live with em not aloud to throw stones at em......:rolleye0012:

anyways keep the pics coming brother..;)

[XJ Wheeler]

nice write up going on here Jake , keep posting mate..old mother nature can be a bitch sometimes cant she......funny how she can destroy all around her but little pockets are saved like where the jeep was parked...women huh cant live with em not aloud to throw stones at em......:rolleye0012:

anyways keep the pics coming brother..;)

Tell me about it! I never get used to these storms, probably much like those quakes you guys have. Although i did sleep through a cat 1 hurricane one time, and yes, i am a hard sleeper.:rolleye0012:

Thanks, and the pics are just getting started.:D

[XJ Wheeler]

2007

One night i noticed i had developed a leak and tracked it down to the plastic end cap on the radiator. So i just got a stock replacement radiator from Advance Auto Parts. Also thought it would be a good idea to get new upper-lower hoses, 180° t-stat, t-stat housing, radiator cap, and of course coolant. Got all that for just under $200.

[XJ Wheeler]

2007

I wanted more bass so i got a Pioneer 760w amp, Pioneer Champion series 1200w 12" sub, and a 12" ported box. Not the best experience with the installation though, the shop i had install it messed up a bunch of stuff and stole my sunglasses.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/75083d1320646829t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111107_002025.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/75081d1320646784-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-11-04-00.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/75082d1320646802-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-aug15_90.jpg

[Brasscatz]

Did you get your sunglasses back at least?

[Mudderoy]

I've mentioned this before, but since the opening post is about huricane Rita...

This storm is the reason why I decided to build up our XJ, and somewhat indirectly responsible for this site. Ultimately the Houston area didn't get any damage from Rita, but the possibility of a Cat 5 and the inability of me to evacuate myself and family, well lets just say I'm better prepared now. :D

[XJ Wheeler]

Did you get your sunglasses back at least?

Nope, they closed up shop right after they installed my system.


I've mentioned this before, but since the opening post is about huricane Rita...

This storm is the reason why I decided to build up our XJ, and somewhat indirectly responsible for this site. Ultimately the Houston area didn't get any damage from Rita, but the possibility of a Cat 5 and the inability of me to evacuate myself and family, well lets just say I'm better prepared now. :D

So good things can come out of bad.:D

[XJ Wheeler]

03/2008
Went on a day trip to the beach at Bolivar.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG0538.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG0543.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG0539.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

04/2008

Had a hole in the tailpipe blowing exhaust on the gas tank, so i thought it best to deal with it. Had a local exhaust shop make a custom cat-back with a Magnaflow muffler and stainless tip. Never regretted it, it has a great sound (to me) with a nice quality tone off idle but fairly silent during low rpms. Although i don't quite understand how a stainless muffler can rust.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/76272d1321241249t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111113_212719.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/76273d1321241287t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111113_212756.jpg

Also some little stuff.

In my attempt to fix the vent (blew on windshield when rpm's were about 2000 and above) i replaced the defrosters vacuum actuator (didn't work).

Retrofitted a/c for R134a, and put die in a/c to trace leak.

[XJ Wheeler]

04/2008
Made it out to the 4 wheel jamboree, the only time it was in Baytown. A couple other XJs made it out as well.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1021-2.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/XJs/CIMG1020.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/XJs/CIMG1038-1.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

Stormy 19
09/2008
Evacuated for some hurricane that wasn't even a problem. Don't remember the name. Loaded it up and there was only about 1/2" clearance on each side.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1506-1-1.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

12/2008
I think i left it in the freezer to long.

We don't get snow often at all, this was actually the last time. So, i had to let it get its chill on and snap some pix.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1718-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1738-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1698-1-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1695-1-1.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

1/2009

I thought there wasn't enough room between the throttle body and intake manifold so i installed a Poweraid throttle body spacer, and while i was at it i figured the throttle body could use a good cleaning. Never did do a mileage figure but definitely gave me a noticeable improvement in low end power.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1782-1.jpg

3/2009
Removed the tint from all the windows except the rear (didn't want to mess up the defroster). I can see a ton better especially at night. The old tint was a purple color and i was tired of feeling like i was driving a hooptie looking out.

[denverd1]

Cool story! And Stormy seems quite apropos

[bluedragon436]

Looks like some awesome times with Stormy!!

[XJ Wheeler]

Looks like some awesome times with Stormy!!

And they were! Hopefully more like that will come soon.

[XJ Wheeler]

02/2009
Just wanted to set up some flex (poser) shots:p and needed to look at how much of the front fenders i needed to cut.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1817-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1802-1.jpg

I just like this one.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1797-1.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

4/2009
Little back story: The p.o. worked at walmart and one day while working the xj was the victim of a hit and run. It was parked just out of view from surveillance so who ever did it got away. The damage mainly pertained to the taillight (already replaced that) and rear bumper and mounts.

I was tired of my bumper lookin all smashed up, and i had a better rust free one from an '89 xj sport. The '89 bumper had a few small dents in the center, so i pounded those out. Also it had a few holes in it (for plastic bumper guards and trailer hitch brace?), so for a cleaner look i chose to "shave" those. Getting the smashed up bumper off wasn't too bad, 7 out of 8 bolts broke quite easily.:bang: Once i got the bumper off i noticed the body was very slightly dented where the right bumper mount bolts up, but for the most part the mount crumbled. I had to drill and tap the mounting bolt holes, but while tapping one of the holes the tap snapped off quite deep.:bang::bang: After trying several methods i realized that nothing i know of can drill it, so in pic #4 you can see the tap that's still in there.:bang::bang::bang: I also stripped and painted the body behind the bumper cause a little rust was apparent. Anyway i was trying to get it ready for my first car show so i had a tight time crunch. I ended up painting the bumper, mounts, and end caps late the night before the show, got little sleep and woke up early to install it to get to the show. I know, long story for swapping stock bumpers but i like details. Before, during, and after pics.


http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG1802-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77136d1321632089-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg1862-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77137d1321632131t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111118_100206.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77138d1321632159t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111118_100230.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77139d1321632201t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111118_100314.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

4/2009
My '92 came with a power antenna but ever since i bought it the thing hasn't worked. Plus in the hurricane (previously mentioned) it got bent beyond repair. So i got a whole new assembly and replaced it. Still doesn't work. Not sure if its in the wiring, radio, or something else. There's just not much info on these out there.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77706d1321854271t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111120_234426.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

5/2009
Got a 5 L.E.D. courtesy light for $14 and wired it in as a license plate light. I had to rip it apart and re-solder a connection. I mounted it in the stock license light lens and flipped the lens so the light would point toward the plate.

Inside view

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77718d1321856631-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-10-08-17.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77717d1321856541t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg2572-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77716d1321856508t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg2570-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77715d1321856422t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111121_002018-1.jpg

[Brasscatz]

Very nice. I've been wanting to do some LED conversions in mine too

[XJ Wheeler]

You'll be seeing a lot more L.E.D.s on here, i've got 411 throughout the vehicle.

[XJ Wheeler]

04/2009
Beach time again!

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG2306-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG2301-1.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

5/2009
Thought i would do some maintenance and do a tune-up. Of course when we repair we upgrade, so i got a Performance Distributors' Firepower Ignition Kit. The kit came with distributor cap, rotor, "Livewire" spark plug wires, and "Screamin Demon" coil. I also picked up some Bosch platinum plugs. Didn't really see any power improvements but it does run smoother and of course i'm stoked with the new look.

Before
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77732d1321859592t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111121_011307.jpg

Old & new coils side by side
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77733d1321859638t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111121_011352.jpg

New
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77734d1321859708-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg2665-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/77735d1321859769t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111121_011605.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

"The buck stops here"
7/2009
Removed the rear swaybar. Not sure why the shop that installed the lift didn't do it, even says to in Rubicons instructions. Rides better in my opinion, not so stiff and doesn't buck the vehicle to the side when i hit a bump anymore. Little more lean in the turns but well worth it.

[XJ Wheeler]

"Brand loyalty"
8/2009
Got bored and decided to do something to my driving lights covers. Thought about painting "Jeep" on them but i wanted something more unique. So i cut out "Jeep" instead, using a hobby knife. Also they were textured since i sanded them smooth and painted em to match the grey/silver on the lower body.

After some sanding-

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/79997d1322806567t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg4916-1.jpg

After cutting-

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/79998d1322807097t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg4922-1.jpg

With the cut out letters-

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/79999d1322807159-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg4923-1.jpg

All done-

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/80000d1322807244-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-06-03-22.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/80001d1322807333-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-06-03-22.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/80002d1322807376-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-06-03-22.jpg

[Brasscatz]

Dang Jake! That looks pretty flippin' sweet! Nicely done!

[bigjim350]

Damn you did a great job cutting those letters out. Looks like a machine did it.

[Mudderoy]

"Brand loyalty"
8/2009
Got bored and decided to do something to my driving lights covers. Thought about painting "Jeep" on them but i wanted something more unique. So i cut out "Jeep" instead, using a hobby knife. Also they were textured since i sanded them smooth and painted em to match the grey/silver on the lower body.

After some sanding-

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/79997d1322806567t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg4916-1.jpg

After cutting-

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/79998d1322807097t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg4922-1.jpg

With the cut out letters-

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/79999d1322807159-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg4923-1.jpg

All done-

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/80000d1322807244-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-06-03-22.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/80001d1322807333-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-06-03-22.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/80002d1322807376-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-06-03-22.jpg

Nicely done, but I was kidding about suing you if you used the xjtalk logo. :smiley-whacky119:

[XJ Wheeler]

Thanks guys, my fingers were definitely aching after that. Those hobby knives aren't too forgiving.


Nicely done, but I was kidding about suing you if you used the xjtalk logo. :smiley-whacky119:

Great, so all those stickers i made and sent out are cool then?:D

[TheWeiss]

I'm enjoying this thread immensely. Keep'em coming!

[Mudderoy]

Thanks guys, my fingers were definitely aching after that. Those hobby knives aren't too forgiving.



Great, so all those stickers i made and sent out are cool then?:D

If you want to create xjtalk stickers and send them out to people, go for it. I did the free sticker thing at first. $300 later I started selling them. :D

[XJ Wheeler]

"Dim Witted"
1/10
I saw some L.E.D. pads (that's what i call em) at autozone and the gears started to turn. As well, i was tired of having to use a flashlight anytime i wanted to see anything at night inside ma jeep.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82021d1323703717t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111212_092830.jpg

They have 20 L.E.D.s each and i wanted to put them in my dome light housings. Also i got (two) 9 L.E.D. bulbs to match for the map lights. I had to do some "fabricating" to mounts everything up.

I started out by removing the old dome lights.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82019d1323703685t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg8238-1.jpg

I removed the old bulb holder and cut the wiring. The front light took a little to figure out the wiring (due to the power for the map lights running through the dome light). I got it wired up and sealed up.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82026d1323703901t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg8243-1.jpg

I used some plastic to make a base to stick the pads on. They are secured to the housing with some stainless countersunk allen head screws, 4 each.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82022d1323703739t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111212_092850.jpg

Painted those white to match the inside of the housings and reflect light better. Drilled and tapped the housings and secured them.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82023d1323703792t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg8573-1.jpg

Using the double sided tape on the backs of the pads i stuck them to the bases in the housings.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82024d1323703848t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg8583-1.jpg

As for the map lights i had to make some more plastic mounts for them because the angle wasn't right. The L.E.D.s being more pinpoint needed to be aimed straight out the lenses.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82033d1323705322-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg8586-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82027d1323703923t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg8581-2.jpg

I also went ahead and replaced the yellow'd lenses.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG8240-1.jpg

Dome light before:

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82029d1323703963t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111212_093231.jpg

Dome light after:

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82030d1323703998t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111212_093307.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG8595-1-1.jpg

Both dome lights done:

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82031d1323704046t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg8694-1.jpg

Map lights after:

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/82032d1323704070t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111212_093420.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

Do they light the interior better?

[XJ Wheeler]

Do they light the interior better?

Absolutely. I would estimate around twice as much light.

[4.3LXJ]

Cool, thanks

[Brasscatz]

Awesome job, Jake. I love the ingenuity you have in those!

[XJ Wheeler]

"Starlight Starbright"
1/10
Had a bulb blow in one of my bumper lights so since i liked the headlights i put a Silverstar h3 in to replace it. I tried it out and replaced the other to match. Here's some pix to show the difference, the Silverstar is on the drivers side.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/84927d1325227757t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111230_004909.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/84929d1325227783t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111230_004937.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

"Diamondbacks are for ever"
02/10
After having my new wheels sitting around for months i got a set of near new condition Bfg a/ts for FREE. Finally i had them mounted on my new wheels and gave my brother back his wheels and tires. It rides so much smoother as his tires were worn choppy (i might of had something to do with that, oops). The wheels are 15"x8" American Racing Diamond Backs with 3 3/4"bs and i knew they were perfect for my jeep when i saw them. The tires are 31"x10.50"r15 BFGoodrich All Terrains. What SUCKS is the little guy at Firestone put some nice scratches around the edge even after i asked him to be careful because they were my first ever set of new wheels.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG9129-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/87690d1326408158t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120112_164234.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/87691d1326408194t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120112_164310.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/87692d1326408223t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120112_164339.png

You know i had to get them at least a little dirty that night.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/87693d1326408255t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120112_164411.png

[Brasscatz]

I hope you complained about the scratches... they should take care of that for you.

[XJ Wheeler]

I hope you complained about the scratches... they should take care of that for you.

I didn't see them till later and figured they would deny it.

[XJ Wheeler]

"Silky Smooth"
02/2010
My shocks were looking well kinda nasty. So i pulled them off, cleaned all the rust off, then sprayed them down again in the silver. Also did the same to the diff covers.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/88759d1326866849t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120118_000726.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/88762d1326866954-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg9596-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/88760d1326866897t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120118_000805.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/88761d1326866927t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120118_000843.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG2999-2-1.jpg

[Brasscatz]

nice paint work!

[XJ Wheeler]

"Grilled"
Finished 03/2010
I didn't like having my subwoofer vulnerable, and my xj often gets stuff thrown in the back so i thought i would add something to protect it. I struggled with what design to go with and decided on the iron cross. Cool look, fits the shape, and has ties to custom classic vw's as i'm an enthusiast of those too. I chose to use 1/4" steel round bar for the design and 1/2" wide X 1/8" thick flat steel for the mounting. All welded together, and at 24 separate pieces it took a while to get it straight. After hours of grinding to smooth the welds i painted it. I wanted a clean look so i used countersunk allen head screws and had to drill and tap the sub box. Overall i'm pretty happy with it as this was one of my first welding projects.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/88860d1326927650t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120118_170047.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/88861d1326927686t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120118_170122.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/88862d1326927715t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120118_170151.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/88863d1326927757t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120118_170232.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/88864d1326927789t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120118_170304.png

[junglejuice]

I like the chrome door handles and mirrors etc, I have the chrome grille and clear indicators under the headlights but would love the thr rest of the chrome, we didn't get those items here.....

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x451/junglejuice72/30042012162_resizea.jpg

JJ

[XJ Wheeler]

I like the chrome door handles and mirrors etc, I have the chrome grille and clear indicators under the headlights but would love the thr rest of the chrome, we didn't get those items here.....

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x451/junglejuice72/30042012162_resizea.jpg

JJ

Seems like odd items to leave out, especially since they offered the grille in chrome.

Nice jeep, mate. Looks sorta like my brothers.

[TimmyTXJ]

Great Thread Jake! I'm inspired to start a build thread for my Jeep. Looks like Bolivar is a great place to wheel without getting too deep in the mud. Funny, I hadn't thought of taking my jeep to the beach until I saw those pics.

[XJ Wheeler]

Great Thread Jake! I'm inspired to start a build thread for my Jeep. Looks like Bolivar is a great place to wheel without getting too deep in the mud. Funny, I hadn't thought of taking my jeep to the beach until I saw those pics.

Yeah, fun place for the family. Just don't go too far east, clothing optional be down there. Never been but heard its nothing human eyes should ever be tortured with.

No mud, just some sand. Nothing horribly difficult, if you stay on path anyways.:D

[XJ Wheeler]

"Hold me"

Finished 03/2010


My old battery hold down was corroded and i wanted to fab up something so i decided to make a new hold down. Just as with the sub grille i struggled with the design. I ended up going with some jeep pride.

I started out with some 1/2" angle steel, cut and bent it to match the top of my optima. Then used 26 separate 1/2" flat steel pieces to make the braces and design. All this is 1/8" thick btw. Lot of cutting, welding and grinding later. I tried to get it powder coated but my welds couldn't handle it. So i fixed it and used some rattle can.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89906d1327359084t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165120.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89907d1327359107t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165142.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89909d1327359256t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165411.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89910d1327359286t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165442.png

Old vs.new

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89908d1327359208t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165323.png

Old

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89911d1327359336t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165531.png

New

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89912d1327359376t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165612.png

[4.3LXJ]

I have to say, I really like that. I might have to be a copy cat

[XJ Wheeler]

I have to say, I really like that. I might have to be a copy cat

Imitation IS the highest form of flattery.:p

One of the things i loved about doing it was it only cost about $10 in metal plus paint.

[Brasscatz]

Dang Jake! You're a freaking artist! Looks sweet! I might have to have you fab one up for me!

[XJ Wheeler]

Dang Jake! You're a freaking artist! Looks sweet! I might have to have you fab one up for me!

Lol, Thanks, Jim.

[junglejuice]

"Hold me"

Finished 03/2010


My old battery hold down was corroded and i wanted to fab up something so i decided to make a new hold down. Just as with the sub grille i struggled with the design. I ended up going with some jeep pride.

I started out with some 1/2" angle steel, cut and bent it to match the top of my optima. Then used 26 separate 1/2" flat steel pieces to make the braces and design. All this is 1/8" thick btw. Lot of cutting, welding and grinding later. I tried to get it powder coated but my welds couldn't handle it. So i fixed it and used some rattle can.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89906d1327359084t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165120.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89907d1327359107t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165142.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89909d1327359256t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165411.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89910d1327359286t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165442.png

Old vs.new

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89908d1327359208t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165323.png

Old

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89911d1327359336t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165531.png

New

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89912d1327359376t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_165612.png

That I like, bugger now you have given me more ideas damn you.... ;)

Excellent work....

JJ

[XJ Wheeler]

That I like, bugger now you have given me more ideas damn you.... ;)

Excellent work....

JJ

Glad i could be of some frustration, errr... inspiration.;)

[XJ Wheeler]

"Don't sweat the small stuff"

03/2010

Painted my fuse panel lid, coolant bottle cap, and washer fluid cap. I know, I know.:lame:

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89934d1327361723t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120123_173519.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89935d1327361757-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg0558-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/89936d1327361797-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg1267-1-1.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

Hey, it is the little things that count to making a clean rig

[XJ Wheeler]

"Just a little off the sides"

Finished 04/2010

This ones also kinda a "How-to" for others that may want to do it like this.

For a while after getting my lift and 31s i knew i need to trim the front fenders and just put it off. I was surprised that i even needed to trim with that much lift but it just flexed too much. I could have just bumpstopped it, just didn't want to limit it that much.

Anyway, my process is more complicated than most as i felt the fender was too weak once i trimmed off the lip. Lots of pics and description.

Stock
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/cimg9950-1-1.jpg

Flares removed
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG9955-1.jpg

I then cut off about 1 1/2 inches. I cut off all of the lip, basically i cut at the first bend. I also cut small 1/4" slits in the rounded portions of the fenders to allow easy bending.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG9963-1.jpg

Next i bent over about a 1/4" lip to add some strength back into the fender. This will chip the paint where the metal is bent.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG9973-1.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG9966.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG9970.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG0534.jpg

To add more strength i made some braces that would bolt up to the inside of the fenders. I used 1" x 1/8" flat steel. Sorry i don't have pics of them by themselves, just of them mounted.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-06-02184219-1.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2012-01-27172557-1.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2012-01-27172349-1.jpg

I wanted to keep the fender braces in the front for now so i cut it as much as i could and still get a bolt in to connect them.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG0535.jpg

Also i cut enough off in the back that i lost one of the fenders mounting spots, so i drilled another further back.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG0536.jpg

I wanted to keep the stock top brace as well so i cut the excess off and re-drilled the mounting hole.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG0541.jpg

Now for the flare. I wanted to keep the stock flares for coverage, but wanted to cut them for clearance and to add a custom touch. I also chose to move them up about 1 1/4" as i now had no mounting holes. I started out by cutting 1" off the outside lip up to the edge. Then cut the front bottom off to line up with the bumper. Cut the rear bottom as it use to tuck under the fender but now can't(red line). I also had to trim the flare to clear my side cladding (whatever its called)(the blue line). Plus i had to make the curve of the flare match the curve of the fender because of moving them up (green line). Also because i moved them up i now had a gap at the body line. So i cut up some of the old flare pieces that i had already cut off and made some pieces to follow the lines of the flare. Not the easiest thing to do. I epoxy'd them on once i was happy with the shape. Then i cut off some of the mounting surface cause it would have stuck down below the fender, leaving approximately 1". Then drilled some mounting holes, 10 to be exact. Sorry i don't have pics of just the flares (other than the gap filler piece) but you can tell most of it by the finished pics below.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG0584.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/p20110825-055109.jpg

Now i needed to drill the flares mounting holes in the fenders plus a couple more for the braces. Once i got all those lined up i painted the portion of the fender where the paint got chipped and the new holes were drilled. Although i didn't want to go past where the flare was in case the paint didn't match (it didn't match). I also painted the inside of the fenders cause i messed up the paint knocking on it. I chose to put silicone on the bent over lip to keep trash out of the valley.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG0530.jpg

Then i painted the flares after smoothing them. Hint: use Adhesion Promoter on the flare before painting, it will help prevent cracking.

Bolted it all up once the paint dried, and love the new clearance and look. Although at full stuff i still can't turn without hitting the flares and maybe the fenders.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-06-01174817.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-06-02184019.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-06-02184041.jpg

While flexing
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG2952-1-1.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG2951-1-1.jpg

See, this is at full stuff and the wheel turned straight ahead.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/CIMG2930-1.jpg

If i left something out i'll edit it in later.

[Brasscatz]

Dang! That's a lot of awesome work! Nicely done! Oh, and painting the little stuff under the hood isn't lame. I think it looks great :thumbsup:

[XJ Wheeler]

Dang! That's a lot of awesome work! Nicely done! Oh, and painting the little stuff under the hood isn't lame. I think it looks great :thumbsup:

Thanks, and the little stuff just isn't as exciting as some.

[TimmyTXJ]

Thanks, and the little stuff just isn't as exciting as some.

You'd be surprised how big an impact the little things can have! Really clean work, you have a great eye for detail!

[XJ Wheeler]

You'd be surprised how big an impact the little things can have! Really clean work, you have a great eye for detail!

Thanks, man. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and it kinda sucks sometimes. Even the smallest problem really bugs me, and it tends to take FOREVER when i do anything. :bang:But, i can then be proud to have done it right.

[XjMudder]

liking the jeep. any new work done to it?

[XJ Wheeler]

liking the jeep. any new work done to it?

Thanks! Not in the past 7(?) months but i'll still be adding to the thread. Still a good bit of catching up to do.

[XJ Wheeler]

"Don't forget to signal"

04/2010
I just wanted to make something cool, no other reason for these.

I got 2 new turn signal housing, (2) 6" oval parking/turn 52 L.E.D. lights, (2) three wire connectors, L.E.D. strobe kit, and some 16 gauge steel.

Don't have a pic of the new housings or steel, but i'm sure you guys know what they look like.

Here's the parking turn signals i used. They have 52 leds each and have both park/turn functions. I got ones that have the longer leads, not the kind that just has a place to connect to (they are too deep to fit into the housing).

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91013d1327812497t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_224814.png

And the strobe kit.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91014d1327812564t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_224920.png

Started out by carefully cutting the lenses off the turn signal housings with a dremel, and cleaning up the flange surfaces.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91012d1327812468t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_224744.png

Test fitted the lights, a perfect fit.

I made some brackets out of the 16 gauge to wedge the lights in between the brackets and the housings.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91015d1327812601t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_224957.png

By wedging the lights and the placement of the mounting bolts i had the ability to adjust the turn signals (i needed to be able to adjust them cause these L.E.D.s have a pinpoint type pattern). And i must note these brackets do NOT touch the housings at all, otherwise i wouldst be able to adjust them.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91016d1327812646t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_225042.png

I also had to reshape part of the housings to make clearance for the strobes. So cut part of the housing and bent it back. Then i sealed the gap up.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG0608-2.jpg

Horrible pic, sorry.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG0616-2.jpg

Once i had it to where i could assemble them i wired in the connectors for the new turn signals. These connectors make them have the ability to be removed easily.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91017d1327812736t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_225212.png

After test fitting the assemblies i painted the housings and brackets black. As much i like smoked lenses, its stupid. The whole point of this is to add light and the good thing about these leds is they won't use the reflectors. So, best of both worlds. I get a darker look but better lighting.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG0661-2.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG0656-3.jpg

I assembled them for the last time and mounted them on my xj so i could adjust the brackets to point the lights correctly. Once the lenses were put on it would be a bit of work to right any problems, so it had to be right.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91018d1327812804t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_225320.png

Next i removed them and epoxy'd the lenses to the housings.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91019d1327812858t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_225414.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91020d1327812900t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_225457.png

Then i made some plastic plates to seal up the back of the housings but still have room for the wires. Don't have a pic but just picture a plastic round flat piece epoxy'd over the bulb socket hole.

Mounted em up, and wired up the strobes. They have been on there for over two years now with ZERO problems and the turn signals are bright.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91021d1327812938t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_225534.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91022d1327813002t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_225639.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91023d1327813034t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_225710.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/91024d1327813063t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120128_225740.png


And to show the function, a video.

Jeep Cherokee Custom L.E.D. Turn Signals W/ Strobe - YouTube

I've been thinking about doing a write-up on this, but it will be SO lengthy it will probably be a while till i get it up.

[4.3LXJ]

Nice looking job as usual :thumbsup:

[bluedragon436]

Stormy is looking good... I really like that battery hold down... wish the bottom of my battery box didn't fall apart the last time I replaced my battery the I might look at picking up something nice to hold it down, not nearly as nice as yours though..

[Brasscatz]

Nicely done! I'd love to see that write up when you have the time! Have you ever used the strobes on the street? Possibly make people get the heck out of your way ;)

[XJ Wheeler]

Stormy is looking good... I really like that battery hold down... wish the bottom of my battery box didn't fall apart the last time I replaced my battery the I might look at picking up something nice to hold it down, not nearly as nice as yours though..

Thanks, James. I actually got the idea after seeing some amazing polished aluminum hold downs for Optimas. They aren't cheap though, the reason i made mine... and they didn't have one made for jeeps. :D

[XJ Wheeler]

Nicely done! I'd love to see that write up when you have the time! Have you ever used the strobes on the street? Possibly make people get the heck out of your way ;)

:D Lol, nope. But i would... in an emergency.:p

[XJ Wheeler]

"Switch on... Switch off... No waxing required"

Finished 04/2010
Got tired of having toggle switches mounted under my dash so i came up with an idea for a switch panel. Since i don't smoke i woulduse the ashtray as a place to mount it. This way i could close it for a sleeper look and so the L.E.D.s wouldn't blind me at night as well.

I used 16 gauge sheet metal cut into five pieces. Lined it up right and welded it together so it would sit down in the ashtray. Drilled the holes for the switches and cut out the indexes to line them up.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93177d1328732205t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141643.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93178d1328732242t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141720.png

Painted it the near matching blue.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93179d1328732271t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141748.png

Had to gut the ashtray to make room and removed the piece that keeps the ashtray from falling out.

Drilled and tapped the sides of the ashtray so i could put screws in to keep the switch panel from coming out.

Drilled two big holes in the back of the ashtray and lower dash panel to run the wiring.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93180d1328732307t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141824.png

Made some cables to keep the ashtray from falling like a tailgate on a pickup.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93181d1328732346t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141904.png

Wired in a ground under the dash for the switches.

All done and works great.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93182d1328732379t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141936.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93184d1328732442t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_142039.png

Just noticed... This is my 5,000th post. Woohoo!

[4.3LXJ]

Nice idea. I need to think on that some more

[Brasscatz]

Man that's slick! I forgot for a moment that yours was pre '97 and was wondering how many switches you could fit into the ashtray. LOL. I think that looks awesome bro!

[BlueXJ]

Congrats oh your 5000th post and congrats on a super clean switch panel.

[XJ Wheeler]

Thanks, guys!

[gajeepguy]

Really digging the led turn signal and strobe mod!!

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

[Mudderoy]

"Switch on... Switch off... No waxing required"

Finished 04/2010
Got tired of having toggle switches mounted under my dash so i came up with an idea for a switch panel. Since i don't smoke i woulduse the ashtray as a place to mount it. This way i could close it for a sleeper look and so the L.E.D.s wouldn't blind me at night as well.

I used 16 gauge sheet metal cut into five pieces. Lined it up right and welded it together so it would sit down in the ashtray. Drilled the holes for the switches and cut out the indexes to line them up.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93177d1328732205t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141643.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93178d1328732242t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141720.png

Painted it the near matching blue.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93179d1328732271t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141748.png

Had to gut the ashtray to make room and removed the piece that keeps the ashtray from falling out.

Drilled and tapped the sides of the ashtray so i could put screws in to keep the switch panel from coming out.

Drilled two big holes in the back of the ashtray and lower dash panel to run the wiring.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93180d1328732307t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141824.png

Made some cables to keep the ashtray from falling like a tailgate on a pickup.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93181d1328732346t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141904.png

Wired in a ground under the dash for the switches.

All done and works great.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93182d1328732379t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_141936.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93184d1328732442t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120208_142039.png

Just noticed... This is my 5,000th post. Woohoo!

Very "James Bond-ish"!

[XJ Wheeler]

Very "James Bond-ish"!

And i haven't even told you what they do yet. Wait for the updates: Flame throwers and Oil slicks.:D

[4.3LXJ]

Oil slick. I do that one without a switch :D

[XJ Wheeler]

Oil slick. I do that one without a switch :D

:rotfl2:

[4x4Dalton]

Hmmmmm think ill make one that changes the license plates :) Good lookin idea there bro. I like that. When I mounted my toggles in the green jeep I used the space where the clock was supposed to be.


Sent from my bulletproof iPhone using the Flapmyjaws app :)

[XJ Wheeler]

Lol, thanks. That will most likely be the spot if i choose to have more switches.

[XJ Wheeler]

Cloud... Er... Shroud cover!

Finished 04/2010
The previous owner had cut off the top of the fan shroud. Why?, i don't know. But i couldn't find ANY, new, jy, anywhere. And, i tired of fearing for my fingers whenever i opened the hood.

So, i made a template so i could make a top piece. After tweaking it so it would clear the fan and the hood latch rod i started making a real one out of 16 gauge steel. Ended up cutting and bending two pieces then welding them together. Grinded down the welds and smoothed it. Primed, painted, cleared, installed. Held on with two bolts.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93518d1328841477t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120209_203753.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93519d1328841512t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120209_203826.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93521d1328841538t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120209_203853.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93522d1328841561t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120209_203914.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93523d1328841613t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120209_204009.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93524d1328841649t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120209_204043.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/93525d1328841693t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120209_204129.png

[4.3LXJ]

Nice job Jake

[4x4Dalton]

Looks good Jake.


Sent from my bulletproof iPhone using the Flapmyjaws app :)

[Pookapotamus]

wow that looks great! nice job!

[LizardRunner]

Now that is a great piece of work Jake. Fingers will stay in proper place and your air flow will be as good as it can be. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[XJ Wheeler]

Thanks, fellas. I like fabricating.:D

[4x4Dalton]

I might get ya to make me one of those :)


Sent from my bulletproof iPhone using the Flapmyjaws app :)

[XJ Wheeler]

I might get ya to make me one of those :)


Sent from my bulletproof iPhone using the Flapmyjaws app :)

You have no idea what a procrastinator i am. That one took about six months from start to finish. lol.

[bluedragon436]

You should look into making a few of those shrouds to sell.... Heck I doubt too many folks on here still have one.....I did until the shop that replaced my radiator broke the top off and didn't bother telling me or giving me the pieces back... I haven't been able to find one in the JY either.... adn I am def not a fabbing person... at least not yet anyways...

[XJ Wheeler]

You should look into making a few of those shrouds to sell.... Heck I doubt too many folks on here still have one.....I did until the shop that replaced my radiator broke the top off and didn't bother telling me or giving me the pieces back... I haven't been able to find one in the JY either.... adn I am def not a fabbing person... at least not yet anyways...

It does seem to be a common problem from what i see. I haven't even thought about selling them, i guess to really be able to turn them over quickly i would need a few more tools in my possession, doing it the way i did took about 20 hours.

[bluedragon436]

Honestly I would love to pick up one just like the one you have made there.... but I am pretty sure you could probably make it a bit more of a bare design, heck even without grinding and cleaning up the look... and be able to get some sold... and if the buyer wants too.... they can gring up the welds and clean it up... heck I just want to be able to get better cooling flow through my radiatior again.... at least I don't have an overheat issue anymore... then again it is the winter time right now too...

[Brasscatz]

Looks great Jake! You're gonna have to teach me to weld some day...

[4x4Dalton]

You have no idea what a procrastinator i am. That one took about six months from start to finish. lol.

It's ok lol. Ya know what yer doin now so it should take 3 months now :D


Sent from my bulletproof iPhone using the Flapmyjaws app :)

[XJ Wheeler]

Honestly I would love to pick up one just like the one you have made there.... but I am pretty sure you could probably make it a bit more of a bare design, heck even without grinding and cleaning up the look... and be able to get some sold... and if the buyer wants too.... they can gring up the welds and clean it up... heck I just want to be able to get better cooling flow through my radiatior again.... at least I don't have an overheat issue anymore... then again it is the winter time right now too...

For sure, it can definitely make a difference. I'm sure you could make something, even if it was bolted together instead of welded to make it easier to build. Or maybe rivet? Hmmm.


Looks great Jake! You're gonna have to teach me to weld some day...

Lol, i'm just a novice myself. So, it would be a short tutorial. :D


It's ok lol. Ya know what yer doin now so it should take 3 months now :D


Sent from my bulletproof iPhone using the Flapmyjaws app :)
Maybe even two since i took a few weeks figuring out how to get around that pesky hood latch rod. :D

[XJ Wheeler]

Show-off!

04/2010
Took Stormy to a near-local car & truck show (Lake Front Tour 2010).

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/95193d1329503054t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120217_122404.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/95192d1329503002t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120217_122310.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/95194d1329503110t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120217_122456.png

Then wanted to flex it a little.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/95195d1329503192t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120217_122623.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/95199d1329503350t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120217_122903.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/95196d1329503264t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120217_122731.png

[nvygun]

Jake, great build thread. You have done some great work and I loved the fog light covers you made. Great idea!

[XJ Wheeler]

Jake, great build thread. You have done some great work and I loved the fog light covers you made. Great idea!

Thanks, Troy! I appreciate the comments. :thumbsup:

[XJ Wheeler]

Cover yer ears!

07/2010
About this time i bought a '90 Bronco 2 for $300. A few days after getting it home i finally had time to check it out. When i was sitting in it i noticed this box that looked kinda like a weird looking cb that had a mic. But upon further inspection saw it had different settings than a cb would. So i turned it on and VERY much to my surprise it blurted out a VERY loud yelp. Its a siren with pa! And not one of those cheap piles you get at the auto parts that also moo's and plays theme songs. lol. It also had a BIG speaker underhood.

As soon as i knew what it was i also knew it had to go in my XJ. So, without wasting time i took it out of the Bronco 2 and mounted the speaker beside the master cylinder underhood. I made sure the cone wouldn't be touching anything as i would think it might mess with the noise vibes. Then i put the siren box in my center console and wired it up. It is awesome having a siren & pa, and something not many have.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/96025d1329791933-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-06-03-18.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/96026d1329791985t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120220_203929.png

[4.3LXJ]

Too much fun

[NW99XJ]

Damn Jake,
I can't believe I haven't taken the time to read thru your whole build thread before.
Let me first say thanks for the great pics in your build.
I'd also like to say its very refreshing seeing someone take the time to do the smaller fabrication type stuff that makes all the difference in a build and completely customizes and sets your Jeep apart from the others.
May I now at this point point out and congratulate you on your skills and tenacious attention to detail. Its a lost trait, and its nice to see.
GREAT JOB ON EVERYTHING JAKE.... and Keep up the good work man.

[XJ Wheeler]

Damn Jake,
I can't believe I haven't taken the time to read thru your whole build thread before.
Let me first say thanks for the great pics in your build.
I'd also like to say its very refreshing seeing someone take the time to do the smaller fabrication type stuff that makes all the difference in a build and completely customizes and sets your Jeep apart from the others.
May I now at this point point out and congratulate you on your skills and tenacious attention to detail. Its a lost trait, and its nice to see.
GREAT JOB ON EVERYTHING JAKE.... and Keep up the good work man.

Hey, thanks a lot. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, especially when it comes to my vehicles. I like coming up with things others haven't, and still got a couple ideas waiting to come to fruition. Coming from a detail conscious person it means a lot, much appreciated Josh.

[XJ Wheeler]

Pop a cap!

12/2010
My brother got me some shiny billet covers for my oil & power steering caps.

I know its not much of a post, but it was a slow time and i like em. :D

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/97888d1330446643-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg0326-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/97889d1330446686-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg0108-1.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

This could inspire a whole new detail of the engine compartment :D

[XJ Wheeler]

This could inspire a whole new detail of the engine compartment :D

For sure! And i bet there's a lot of stuff out there for the 4.3l.

[4.3LXJ]

For sure! And i bet there's a lot of stuff out there for the 4.3l.

That there is. I have been daydreaming about 300 smog legal hp

[XJ Wheeler]

That there is. I have been daydreaming about 300 smog legal hp

You could probably turbo' it, would help in high elevations too. 300hp would move ya pretty good, one day i want 400 rw hp. :D

[4.3LXJ]

Turbo, that gets 545HP :D

[Brasscatz]

Pop a cap!

12/2010
My brother got me some shiny billet covers for my oil & power steering caps.

I know its not much of a post, but it was a slow time and i like em. :D

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/97888d1330446643-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg0326-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/97889d1330446686-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg0108-1.jpg

Now those are sharp! They come in red? :D:P

[XJ Wheeler]

Lol! Sadly... yes.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CFAQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.4wheelparts.com%2FPerformance-Parts%2FOil-Cap-Cover.aspx%3Ft_c%3D74%26t_s%3D46%26t_pt%3D3213%26t _pl%3D104360%26t_pn%3DNCMNCM-340-R&ei=DsrwUJmUD4KtqgGRlYGwDg&usg=AFQjCNG0FMIM6FrUPwalk3bk42MIYMcahQ

[Brasscatz]

SWEET! Lol!

[XJ Wheeler]

Lean on me!

3/2011
The original sway bar on my jeep had become quite rusted. So much that i was questioning its usefulness. Since i had another one from an '89 xj sport sitting around in better condition i cleaned it up and painted it. Then swapped out the original and put some poly bushings and new mounting brackets. While was under there i cleaned up the steering linkage and painted it. Also removed the stabilizer and painted it too. It is now a little more stable feeling thanks to the new bushings.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/97900d1330448614t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120228_110329.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/97901d1330448648t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120228_110405.png

[Brasscatz]

wow, paint does wonders! That looks like a brand new sway bar! BTW... I hate how clean your Jeep looks underneath... not fair ;)

[XJ Wheeler]

wow, paint does wonders! That looks like a brand new sway bar! BTW... I hate how clean your Jeep looks underneath... not fair ;)

Lol. Trust me, its just very photogenic. Its got lots of surface rust and even a few holes in the floor i need to take care of. And if you think that's clean you should see my bronco 2, i was essentially kinda restoring the underside before life got interrupted.

[oderdene]

when you have free time, clean old one and spray paint it. Then you will have brand new one :D


nice color, what paint did you use?

[XJ Wheeler]

when you have free time, clean old one and spray paint it. Then you will have brand new one :D


nice color, what paint did you use?

Thanks, its Duplicolor. I think maybe Platinum gray, maybe.

[XJ Wheeler]

Look out behind you!

3/2011
The bronco 2 that i had bought also had a kc type light mounted on the rear bumper and someone had wired it up with a 12 volt lighter plug) and about 20 feet of cord. It had a little rust and a small dent but it worked and was quite bright. It wasn't doing anything on there so i came up with an idea. Mount it on my XJ's hitch receiver. I took it down to bare metal to get rid of the rust and painted it. The main round part blue and the rings & base silver. Then wetsanded it. Also, i was going to remove my receiver out of the hitch but for the life of me couldn't get it out. I tried pb, bfh, and even a large sliding hammer for hours. Nothing. I would have tried heat but its very near the fuel tank. So its still in there and i just cleaned it up and painted it on the vehicle. Mounted up the light and love it. Its very bright, and i think people think twice about tailgating (at least a second time, lol). I planned on this being temporary and still do, but its growing on me. I eventually would like to make/mill/weld a handle to make it a handheld spotlight.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/97914d1330450268t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120228_113055.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/97913d1330450219-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg0115-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/97915d1330450316t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120228_113143.png

[92warwagon]

love it well done

[XJ Wheeler]

"Missed the strike, but picked up the spare"

03/11
I got tired of the straps holding my spare tire on my roof, both the look, safety, and security. So i devised a mount that would be easy and secure. Costing me around $30 plus paint & lock. It bolts around the stock roof rails and is easily removable. A write-up is at bottom of post.



Fabrication and mock up

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/114933d1336086782t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120503_181255.png

Base mount

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/114929d1336086538t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120503_180851.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/114940d1336086863t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120503_181412.png

Top plate

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/114930d1336086593t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120503_180946.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/114931d1336086659-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-cimg0244-1-1.jpg

Wing nut

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/114932d1336086707t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120503_181141.png

Base mount installed

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/114943d1336086964t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120503_181554.png

Top installed

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/114947d1336087081t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120503_181748.png

Here's a how-to for building your own. http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=10138

[cantab27]

nice jake...she make any nosie up there when driving on road

[XJ Wheeler]

nice jake...she make any nosie up there when driving on road

A little from the stock rails flexing but otherwise right as rain.

[nvygun]

Awesome work! Look like that will work with a roof basket too. Thanks for sharing.

[XJ Wheeler]

Awesome work! Look like that will work with a roof basket too. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks. I suppose it would, just either weld or bolt it to one.

[Jeep31"]

03/2008
Went on a day trip to the beach at Bolivar.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG0538.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG0543.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG0539.jpg

Thats a realy nice looking Jeep you have.

[XJ Wheeler]

Thats a realy nice looking Jeep you have.

Thanks a lot, Nicklas. I appreciate it. Its weird, i was just about to get back to updating this.

[XJ Wheeler]

"Could ya give me a lift"

05/11
Got a Hoodlift for my b-day, and love it. If you've got a little extra coin sitting around, get a set. No more burning your hands trying to get the prop rod in place. Easy installation too.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/122788d1339104420t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120607_162623.png

[Brasscatz]

What is this "extra coin" you speak of??? :D I've been wanting some of those though. I miss the old cars that had giant coiled springs that held the hood open.

[XJ Wheeler]

What is this "extra coin" you speak of??? :D I've been wanting some of those though. I miss the old cars that had giant coiled springs that held the hood open.

Don't know what they look like, only heard the myth. :D

[TimmyTXJ]

Don't know what they look like, only heard the myth. :D

They're easy to find! Just jump anytime you walk under a floating box with a "?" on it! :)

[XJ Wheeler]

They're easy to find! Just jump anytime you walk under a floating box with a "?" on it! :)

Lol, good one. :D

[JTsXJ87]

Wow, this is like a soap opera only better. I need to grab a new box of tissue so I can finish this.

[XJ Wheeler]

Wow, this is like a soap opera only better. I need to grab a new box of tissue so I can finish this.

Lol, i guess i need to work on the next season then. :D

[XJ Wheeler]

Episode 48 :D

"One Hella-va deal"

10/11
I got a screamin deal on some Hella 500 driving lights. My mind has always debated the thought of a-pillar lights, sooo i devised a plan. I never have fully agreed with the light brackets on the market, so i came up with a design that suited my style. These require no welding as they are one single piece of 1/8" steel each. Along with only drilling the back side of the pillars, then tapping the holes. I suggest coutersunk bolts, i went with Allen head stainless ones. Then paint, mount, and wire up the harness. Now, i did also trim the rubber isolation just to clean up the look. Absolutely love these lights, such a great bang for the buck. Plus the location really allows the light to flow greatly with minimal glare since my jeep is a dark blue. I do think the glare would be worse with a lighter color, say.... red. :D

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-10-20145616.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-10-23155001.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-10-23172512.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-10-23172432.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-10-23172630.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/2011-10-21233641-1.jpg
.

[BigJonMX]

that was a great read. thanks for sharing. And great looking motor :)

[XJ Wheeler]

that was a great read. thanks for sharing. And great looking motor :)

Thanks, Jon. I'll just say its... photogenic. It still has its leaks and creaks. ;)

[XJ Wheeler]

Stormy 49

"Got the blues"

10/11
I had some cheap strobes in the front turn signals, but when i made the l.e.d. signals i moved them to the wheel wells. After a while, for some reason, the bulbs went bad. Thinking on my feet (best way to think) i got two blue l.e.d. strips and wired them to the strobe lights' wiring.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/127231d1340972076-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-12-03-17.jpg

Also, finally mounted my fire extinguisher.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/127232d1340972263t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120629_071740.png

[XJ Wheeler]

"Scared straight... 6"

11/11

One day i chose to do some preventative maintenance (didn't know any better). I installed a flush kit, which is just a flushing tee in the upper radiator hose. This flush kit requires you to hook a garden hose to the tee, then run the vehicle with the water running to flush the system.

Installed the tee, hooked up the water hose, then ran the water to flush it some before cranking. Then cranked it. You ever get that horrible feeling like when your pride and joy runs unbelievably bad, smoking greatly, and spitting water out the exhaust? I did at that moment. I hurriedly un-hooked water hose and thank God after about a minute it returned to running normal sans a little smoke out the tailpipe. Whew, what a scare!

Next chance i got i performed a compression test. The results (only my second time doing this, so...) were pretty good. The best i could tell is cylinders 1-5 were around 120-130 and #6 around 150. Although i know your only suppose to have a certain percent variance between cylinders and i don't think that's within that variance. The engine has 180k on it, runs great except a moderate valve train tap (comes and gos mostly, but hasn't happened lately).

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-11-07162200-1.jpg


Also, replaced my shock bushings as they had deteriorated beyond any usefulness. One night out i heard the tops of the front shocks hitting the inner fenders, and nobody had replacements. I gotta give a kudos to Doestch Tech as they sent me new bushings no problem at no cost.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-11-30171937-1.jpg

My post count shows to be at 10,000!

[XjJeepacorn]

Congratulations :)

[XJ Wheeler]

"Jolly time of year"

12/11
Merry Christmas!
Pics and vids for all

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129146d1341732405t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120708_022613.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129147d1341732470t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120708_022726.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129148d1341732541t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120708_022832.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129149d1341732596t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120708_022926.png

Night

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129151d1341732758t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120708_023233.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129152d1341732908t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120708_023401.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129153d1341733041t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120708_023547-1.jpg

Its a Jeepin Christmas Part 1 Day - YouTube

Its a Jeepin Christmas Part 2 night - YouTube

[Brasscatz]

LOL, that's AWESOME!!

[XJ Wheeler]

"The tail-tail sign"

01/12

Got some shiny new Chinese tail lights. Lol The Jeep 2500 tail lights to be exact.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129903d1342077410-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-2011-12-29-16.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129904d1342077500t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120712_021810-1.jpg

Quality definitely needs work as well as fitment. In my research for these i didn't know they create nearly an inch gap below the housing. But overall they definitely modernize the back end, while being retro to a time of half moon tail lights and quad tail lights as well.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129914d1342078042t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120712_022711-1.jpg

I had to clearance a couple of the mounting holes on the passenger side housing to get it to sit right in the opening.

The 2500 housings have a total of four tail/brake light spots (two per side), so i wired in two more tail/brake light bulb sockets. I do enjoy the look of quad lights on the rear. I also put L.E.D. Bulbs in all the tail/brake lights.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129911d1342077699t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120712_022127.png

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129913d1342077821t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120712_022335-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129912d1342077781t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120712_022252.png

A few weeks later i finally dealt with a pesky little problem. In the past one of the mounting nuts broke off, so i welded a nut to a washer and welded that combo to the backside of the quarter panel. Hard to get to so my welds SUCKED and i burnt through in one spot. It was small but still.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/129910d1342077656t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20120712_022045.png

I still plan on adding side marker bulbs, L.E.D. reverse light or bulb, and something special for the turn signals. Which i got the "something special" a couple weeks ago.

[silver_xj]

Cool build. Gives me some inspiration for my rig.

[XJ Wheeler]

Cool build. Gives me some inspiration for my rig.

Thanks, man. I've gotten a lot of inspiration from other builds so its much appreciated.

[XJmike0122]

Looks good man.

[XJ Wheeler]

"Instrumental"

1/12

Figured my dash needed some sprucing up.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-01-01151305-2.jpg

So i thought it best to rip it apart.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-01-01160457-1.jpg

That way i could find out what's behind all those gauges, not as interesting as you'd think.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-01-01202354-2.jpg

It was tempting...

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-01-01200820-1.jpg

And in case you ever wondered what was on all those extra spots you never pay attention to.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-03-10142001-1-2.jpg

Decided to paint the faces... Kidding! They are glow gauge covers, and were tedious to get lined up right.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-01-01215812-2.jpg

Got some blue L.E.D. 194 bulbs for the turn signal and high beam indicators. But with the stock green lenses they looked an odd color, so i made some new white lenses. Very happy with this.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-03-26205221.jpg

The glow gauges make the needles near impossible to read at night so i wired the glow gauge faces so i could still use the factory backlighting to illuminate the needles, as well as the odometer. These gauge covers can't be wired to a dim-able power source like the dash lights, which there are none in the dash region. Plus i wanted them to come on with the parking lights to behave more like factory, so the best place i could think of was the front left parking light. And i still wanted the original back lighting on the gauges to look nice as well so i put white L.E.D. bulbs in there. Then i learned the L.E.D.s didn't provide enough resistance so i couldn't dim them much at all, that's all the dim-able lights included. i.e. shifter lights, dash lights, etc. I first tried electrical tape on a couple of regular bulbs but that only made it harder to see, due to the smoke coming out of the dash. The fog machine was kinda cool but instead i chose to paint a few bulbs with hi-temp black. I have a combination of 3 L.E.D. bulbs and 2 blacked out bulbs in the cluster. This made it to where i could dim them considerably more.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-03-26205335.jpg

In the meantime the gauge bezel/trim turned blue, and i put it all back together. Wired and assembled. Take note of the white turn signal indicator lenses.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-04-06202251-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-04-07185108.jpg

Just the glow gauges lit.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-01-02204353-1-1.jpg

Just the original back lighting with LEDs.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2013-06-22223440-1.jpg

The new turn signal indicator.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2013-06-22223548-1.jpg

This shows the turn signal/high beam indicators. The original back lighting looks blue but is actually a cool white.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-04-07212928-1.jpg

The finished collaboration of the back lighting and glow gauges.

3105

And... Here's a video. It was done before the L.E.D. back lighting and turn signal/high beam indicators.

Jeep Cherokee Custom Glow Gauges - YouTube

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Brasscatz]

Sweet Job bro! Looks like a professional job!

[XJ Wheeler]

Wrong post

[XJ Wheeler]

"Sorry, the battery's terminal".

02/12
Sick of my terminals looking horrible and it wasn't gonna take much more for that lead to give out so i got some new ones.

They are from Scosche and offer a sleeker look that i was after. Each one has four slots for cable. (1) 0 gauge, (1) 4 gauge, (2) 8 gauge. Although they are limited on how much you can put so i'm glad i have the extra threaded posts on my Blue Top if need be. And bonus points! The positive has a built in LED volt gauge that even works better than the factory one. You can tell how much it cleaned up the wiring. Although i still want to do an auxiliary fuse box.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-02-08172916-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-01-27170502-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2013-07-13221022-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-02-08185557-2.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

Very nice looking Jake

[Brasscatz]

Wow, how much did those run ya?

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 because my microwave couldn't do it

[XJ Wheeler]

Wow, how much did those run ya?

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 because my microwave couldn't do it

Both come out to about $40.

This is the best place i could find, and where i got mine from.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_21102_EFX-Status-S-Clamp-by-Scosche.html?from=847-701

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_21103_EFX-Status-S-ClampN-by-Scosche.html?from=847-701

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[4x4Dalton]

Cool Jake. Looks sweet nice work

[XJ Wheeler]

"I brake for upgrades"

02/12

Decided it was time to upgrade the front brakes and get the rusty stuff off of there, and always a good idea when you have larger tires. After a long research process i chose to go with the EBC Sport rotors and EBC Yellow Stuff pads. And got $40 off by hitting it at the right time at Autoparts Warehouse..com with free shipping.

I'll tell ya, these seem like quality parts. Only bad thing is fairly small. The powder coating on the pads is pretty bad, it will easily chip off.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-12-29170440-1.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2011-12-29164524-3.jpg

So i got to it. Here's the old crusty stoppers.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-02-25150323-2.jpg

Comparison shot. Old and busted. New hotness. (for those mib fans ;) )

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-02-25162000-2.jpg

Heavily considered doing the dual disc conversion but didn't want to have to mess with back spacing, axleshaft weights, tierod balancing. So, nahhhhhh.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-02-25204045-2.jpg

Okay. Rotors - check. Pads - check. Painted calipers - check. Lunch - check. Finally done. They may not look this good now but i'll always have these pictures to look at. :D

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-02-25194530-4.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-02-25205228-2.jpg




Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Scout272]

This is my 1990 Cherokee Laredo, it's a 5 speed manual

[XJ Wheeler]

This is my 1990 Cherokee Laredo, it's a 5 speed manual

Lookin good! I like the stance. Something special about the Laredos to me. ;)

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[scoot138]

Excellent work, gives me a ton of ideas. Your fab work is outstanding!

[XJ Wheeler]

Excellent work, gives me a ton of ideas. Your fab work is outstanding!

Well thank you very much. I like it when others are inspired by something i do, mostly cause its rare. :D Much appreciated!

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[SkillsHunte]

Here we go, went trought 19 page of your lifelong awesomness build! Absolutely amazing! Geez your jeep is amazing mate...gotta makes mine like it!

done with the S3

[XJ Wheeler]

Here we go, went trought 19 page of your lifelong awesomness build! Absolutely amazing! Geez your jeep is amazing mate...gotta makes mine like it!

done with the S3

Haha! Thanks! It still surprises me you guys read my dribble. :D

But it took me a while to get mine where its at. So have fun with it, make it your own.

Thanks again, bud.

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[SkillsHunte]

Oooh dw , having fun is probably the part i do the best

done with the S3

[XJ Wheeler]

Oooh dw , having fun is probably the part i do the best

done with the S3

Nice! Same here!

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[jimmixj]

What is this "extra coin" you speak of??? :D I've been wanting some of those though. I miss the old cars that had giant coiled springs that held the hood open.

I've seen one! It's right in between my seat and the console, kinda coppery colored! Sweet build Jake, and great pics!:D

[XJ Wheeler]

I've seen one! It's right in between my seat and the console, kinda coppery colored! Sweet build Jake, and great pics!:D

Lol. Thanks!

Gotta get back to updating this... :rolleyes:

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[Briosan]

I just picked up a 2000 classic. thanks for some really good ideas!!!

[jimmixj]

Wow! Finally read thru all 13 (!) pages of your build and I must say, Jake you are God's Own detail freak! Nice work, great fab and lots of good ideas. I own a mobile auto repair business and am often accused of paying too much attention to small things, I.E, broken, missing bolts, dirt rust etc. but I bow down before true artistry! Your battery hold-down alone may inspire me to work on my XJ some more...I've always hated my very functional but incredibly ugly piece. Well done!!!

[XJ Wheeler]

I just picked up a 2000 classic. thanks for some really good ideas!!!

Awesome! Love the "Classics"!






Wow! Finally read thru all 13 (!) pages of your build and I must say, Jake you are God's Own detail freak! Nice work, great fab and lots of good ideas. I own a mobile auto repair business and am often accused of paying too much attention to small things, I.E, broken, missing bolts, dirt rust etc. but I bow down before true artistry! Your battery hold-down alone may inspire me to work on my XJ some more...I've always hated my very functional but incredibly ugly piece. Well done!!!

Lol, thanks a ton. It does become a but of a bad thing because EVERYTHING takes so LONG! I would get more done if i wasn't so particular but it wouldn't turn out as good so i guess its a fine line. :rolleyes:

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[XJ Wheeler]

02-03/2012

"Lights and stickers. Lights. And. Stickers."

Put some LEDs in the shifter indicators (blue), dash switch indicators (blue), and a/c control panel (white).

Shifter lights

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-02-22181717-1-1.jpg

Dash switch indicators (just one of them to give an idea of what they look like).

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-03-10203802-1-2.jpg

A/C control panel

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2013-10-21223941-1.jpg

And i also put one of these on each front door window. You better believe its true. ;)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-03-10205403-1-1.jpg

[SkillsHunte]

Ooooh love thems light, Way less agressive than red my brother did with hes old WJ,Looks super clean man!

[NW99XJ]

And i also put one of these on each front door window. You better believe its true. ;)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-03-10205403-1-1.jpg

LOL, I have one of THESE behind my desk for all to see....
(great minds think alike!)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG727.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/jbchill1/media/IMG727.jpg.html)

[XJ Wheeler]

Ooooh love thems light, Way less agressive than red my brother did with hes old WJ,Looks super clean man!

Thanks! I really do like the blue, no complaints thus far.






LOL, I have one of THESE behind my desk for all to see....
(great minds think alike!)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG727.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/jbchill1/media/IMG727.jpg.html)

Sweet!

Heed the warnings people!

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[NW99XJ]

Heed the warnings people!

The word probably got around, hence why my Honda was stolen, and the jeep has never been officially pharked with...

[XJ Wheeler]

The word probably got around, hence why my Honda was stolen, and the jeep has never been officially pharked with...

Might need a "Don't touch my rice" sticker too then.

:D

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[JDeanMurray]

Just got done looking through the majority of this build. As previously said, your attention to detail is second to none. The interior lights look great and the A pillar lights are something I've always admired on XJ's. Thanks for taking so many pics and posting up. Great job!!

[XJ Wheeler]

Just got done looking through the majority of this build. As previously said, your attention to detail is second to none. The interior lights look great and the A pillar lights are something I've always admired on XJ's. Thanks for taking so many pics and posting up. Great job!!

I really appreciate it Dean! Hopefully one day its as nice as yours.

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[Xcitethephugoid]

I just went and read through your entire build, I can honestly say that it's the best build I've ever seen. Most guys drop heavy bumpers with stingers and install 6.5'+ long arm lifts, but yours? It's clean, it's simple, and most of all it's creative. Great build man, keep up the hard work!:patriot:

[XJ Wheeler]

I just went and read through your entire build, I can honestly say that it's the best build I've ever seen. Most guys drop heavy bumpers with stingers and install 6.5'+ long arm lifts, but yours? It's clean, it's simple, and most of all it's creative. Great build man, keep up the hard work!:patriot:

Wow, thanks man! Although, i have to admit bumpers and bigger lift is in its future but i promise to keep it clean! Its all a process and as i learn more i'll be more adventurous with mods/repairs.

You guys are making me feel guilty i have gotten more posts going on here. I am about to have some time so hopefully it'll happen soon. ;)

Thanks again!

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[XJ Wheeler]

Been far too long since i got one up on here...

"Got yer ears on?"

Noticed i had a leak coming from the compressed connection on the pressure power steering hose. Twenty bucks and some workin later it was in pieces and the new one in its place.

5312

5313

And since i didn't have one and hoped to one day travel in a pack of jeeps again i wanted a cb. My brother found one on ebay and i snatched it up for $20. Its just a little Cobra 19, but he had just bought one new for around $70 so i felt i got a good deal. :D

It looked a bit nasty when it arrived but a bit of elbow grease later it looked near new. I also wired in a 12v plug since i wanted it to be interchangeable between vehicles.

5314



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[XJ Wheeler]

"A Hard Days Work"

04-06-2012

I remember this very day quite well. It was a Friday, April 6th to be exact, and I probably accomplished the most for one day on the jeep ever and accordingly it was one of the longest days i've had with it. I'll let my former self tell it first...


Friday
Installed new fan clutch, painted fan, re-installed rear speaker grilles, installed headlight harness, cleaned up my new to me CB, wired in a new plug on the CB, installed factory fog light switch and panel to run my driving lights, wired in the fog light switch connector, wired in the fog light switch indicator light, installed black-out bulbs in gauge cluster, painted gauge bezel, re-installed gauge bezel, stuck some reflective tape on my rear bumper, vacuum'd and cleaned the interior

And what a day it was. Still remember i was still at it after midnight.
Now, the fan clutch was an attempt at curing an odd overheating problem it developed. The overheating oddly enough started the day i replaced the power steering hose, i doubt its related but found it odd the first time driving it after changing the hose it starts running hot. Never had a problem before that... And painting the fan was just an appearance thing. Like you needed an explanation. ;)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-04-06135047-1.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/stormy/2012-04-06135047-1.jpg.html)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-04-06133845-1.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/stormy/2012-04-06133845-1.jpg.html)

5340

I had gotten the headlight harness as a Christmas present, which is a Putco 230004HW heavy duty harness. My reasons for this addition are three fold. Better output from my silverstar sealed beams because they are getting more wattage, taking stress off the already taxed headlight switch, and for future higher output headlights which the harness is a requirement to be able to run them. Can't say as i noticed any big improvements but i forgot to take before and after pics, and without looking at them side by side its hard to know for sure anyways. But a worthwhile upgrade all the same, for peace of mind if anything.

5339

The speaker grilles were in pretty good shape... except for some rust. Of course! Everything else is rusted, why not these too! Just a quick scuffing and some plain black brought them back to new.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG3312.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/stormy/CIMG3312.jpg.html)

The fog light switch panel was just something i wanted to do for a while for cosmetic reasons. These jeeps had the option of driving lights on the front bumper, as i am sure most know, mine however didn't come with this option. With the lights, came a switch panel on the dash beside the headlight switch. At the time i just had my driving lights on my front bumper (aftermarket) with a switch mounted under the dash. Didn't care for that so ever since i saw the factory switch panel i wanted it. So i got one on ebay for $20 with switches. The switches weren't in the best shape but good enough once cleaned up. I had to rewire the switch end of my wiring to mate the new-old switch. Also these had a nifty little indicator light above the switch, so i had to wire that in too. I just spliced it into the one next to it and dropped in another blue led to match.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/CIMG3331.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/stormy/CIMG3331.jpg.html)

5341

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2013-07-132317072.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/stormy/2013-07-132317072.jpg.html)

The CB and gauge cluster stuff were in previous posts. Just felt it was better for continuity that way, but they were technically finished this day. ;)

And the reflective tape was to be the temporary replacement of the originals because the 2500 tail lights didn't have any.

Doesn't sound like a ton but i make a snail look like a track star so...

[bad luck]

9/2005

In September of '05 hurricane rita decided to come on over to Texas/Louisiana and mess up a lot of peoples lives. With the massive storm heading our way we tried to give it our best shot to get as much as we could since we are about three miles from the gulf. We had decided to bring our chevy 1/2 ton to haul my moms zj and my xj on a trailer to my grandpas house a hundred miles inland (two separate trips). But by the time we got done taking the zj a mandatory evacuation had been called. As some of you know when that happens there's no good way to get back in, nor is it a good idea. So i had to leave it behind, and it was in a big boat stall at a storage facility in port arthur. We decided to head further away to waco for safety.

The whole time i was worried sick, watching the news and such as the storm devastated the whole area. All the while knowing they're was slim chance my xj would come out alright being just five miles from the small sea wall. When the storm was coming ashore we were glued to the tele, at one point i saw a fly over of the building my xj was in.

After the storm passed where we were we headed back. Its not a good feeling not knowing if your home, possessions, or jeep are going to be there. Police and National Guard were posted on the outskirts of the whole area keeping people from entering, but my mom was an active emt so we got to continue. With a fair amount of damage and power lines down we had to be careful.

First checking to see if we still had a home, with only an out building crushed by a big tree but it was ok since we still had our house. Next, of course, we headed to the storage facility. What i saw amazed me and gave me this overwhelming feeling that i was blessed. Two stalls down was collapsed, with doors on mine bent out a couple feet. Trailers were upside down, metal and wood from the building was thrown all over. Because so much was missing from it i could see my xj was in one piece, and no major damage. I went over, unlocked, and opened the building. The roof and back wall were gone but my xj only had a few sheets of plywood on it. The only damage was a few scratches on the liftgate and my antenna was broken. Got in it, cranked right up, got out of there.

Hurricane Rita was the most intense storm to ever enter the gulf of mexico (at the time), and wouldn't ya know it three years later we got hit with Ike. My xj was there for that one too. Although no damage this time. After this i figured the name Stormy was fitting.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/69128d1317763819t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111004_163009.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/69129d1317763866t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111004_163044.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/69130d1317763913t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111004_163131.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/69131d1317763970t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111004_163243.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/69132d1317764028t-my-92-xj-laredo-stormy-forumrunner_20111004_163333-1.jpg

I just started reading your build thread Jake, I hope it doesn't get any more exciting than this. You had me biting my nails, hoping that your home and Jeep were o.k. I'm really glad the damage was minimal. I will continue reading more as I have time. Thanks, your a good writer.

[XJ Wheeler]

I just started reading your build thread Jake, I hope it doesn't get any more exciting than this. You had me biting my nails, hoping that your home and Jeep were o.k. I'm really glad the damage was minimal. I will continue reading more as I have time. Thanks, your a good writer.

Well... it has been in a couple more hurricanes since then. Humberto and Ike, both were a direct hit for our area. Thankfully there was no damage to the jeep or our house. Although at my late grandpas house Ike did tumble a 60' tree onto our water well. The blessing i saw was we had evacuated a month before for another storm coming with my xj in tow and parked it right where that tree fell a month later. If we had gotten a chance to evacuate the jeep to there it would have been a total loss i'm sure. So a little more suspense for ya! :D

Thanks for reading and for the writing compliment. Its doesn't come easy to me so each post takes a while to write.

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[bad luck]

I finally finished reading your build thread Jake, as a lot of other people have noted, your attention to detail is impressive. But I didn't see how well the new rotors and calipers worked out? Are you getting a lot better stopping power from them? Please update that for us, because I want to improve the braking power on mine and I am just starting my research on the best ways to do it. Thanks for posting about your super clean xj.

[Pookapotamus]

Yes it is a super nice xj, would be better if it was yellow though! 😉

[XJ Wheeler]

Thanks a ton guys!

Bob, to be truthful my rear brakes haven't been in very good shape from around the time i changed out the front rotors and pads. But i can't really say i saw a big improvement, although its not like i drive this everyday either so i don't get the feel for it like others. Sorry i'm not much help but i do feel more confident with these. And especially if you travel on mountain passes or other extended braking periods i do suggest a rotor like this. Now when i finally do the zj disc swap in the rear in a week or two then i will be testing these brakes well. Bad thing is i can't compare to the old ones. :rolleyes:

Dana, i do love a yellow XJ but i think the blue/silver fits mine well. ;)

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[XJ Wheeler]

"She's HOT!"

04-07-2012

Yet another day burned into my already fried memory. The previous post was all about a long, yet productive day. What i didn't say was all that work was to prepare for an event the very next day, a saturday to be exact. As most do this event started early so i had a shorter window to rest than i like but with high hopes and stress jacked up a few notches i got the jeep washed and packed it up. We set out for about a hundred mile trip. However, about thirty miles along the way, buzzing down the highway, i look down and guess what... about 250*! Just as quickly as i saw it we were on the side of the road shutting it off. It did boil over a bit, confirming the gauge was correct. It also did something i had never seen. Although i thankfully haven't had much problem with overheating, so it may not be that uncommon. The upper radiator hose sucked itself together, compressed so much i believe the two sides touched each other at points.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-04-07110547.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/stormy/2012-04-07110547.jpg.html)
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-04-07110600.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/stormy/2012-04-07110600.jpg.html)

Once it cooled down some i made the decision to tuck my tail and try to head back. Got about half way with the heater on and it just got too hot again. I wasn't gonna let it hit 250 again so we pulled into a gas station and i hotwired the electric fan to run full time. Oddly enough it will run on a 15 amp fuse. So, we headed home and parked it. Really hoping it was something simple we headed off in my brothers xj to get a radiator cap and thermostat. I didn't have time to put the thermostat in (which i did later and didn't fix it anyway) so i swapped out the caps and took it to get something to eat later... still overheated.

And i fought that problem for quite some time. A new radiator finally kept it from breaking 220*.

[bluedragon436]

Glad you got that overheat issue worked out Jake...

[XJ Wheeler]

Glad you got that overheat issue worked out Jake...

Me too James... Me tooooo! :bacondance:

[Pookapotamus]

Jake, I'm just funning you, love your jeep, it's well taken care of and that's good enough for me!

[XJ Wheeler]

Jake, I'm just funning you, love your jeep, it's well taken care of and that's good enough for me!

No worries, i understood. ;)

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[Brasscatz]

He meant RED anyways :D :poke:

[Pookapotamus]

Yup such a light red that it's yellow! 😝

[XJ Wheeler]

He meant RED anyways :D :poke:

You may be colorblind! :smiley-taunt002:






:D

[DicktheDestroyer]

Jake, I've gotta hand it to you. Stormy is one hell of a Jeep. Someone would truly have to examine every inch to appreciate your work. I was mostly impressed by how clean everything looked. Thank you for such a detailed build thread. Your perspective on each of your modifications is quite enlightening and inspiring.

[XJ Wheeler]

Jake, I've gotta hand it to you. Stormy is one hell of a Jeep. Someone would truly have to examine every inch to appreciate your work. I was mostly impressed by how clean everything looked. Thank you for such a detailed build thread. Your perspective on each of your modifications is quite enlightening and inspiring.

Thank you very much Richard. That is one awesome post!

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[XJ Wheeler]

5-12 of 2012

"So faaaar awaaay, blah blah blah blah blah blah blaaaah, so faaar awaaay"

At this point my mom had begun having some medical issues and eventually given the diagnoses of leukemia. So we had to move away from home to my late grandpas house to be close for her treatment. We had no time nor way to get the jeeps (my brothers and mine) to where we were at so they had to be left behind for several months. About once a month we got to go home to grab a few things and i would try to keep it going, as well as solve the overheating so i wouldn't need a trailer to move it. Although that would indeed be the manner i would have to use.

October
One of these trips i swapped out the thermostat with another 180° unit. The cooling characteristics did not change.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/2012-09-251554420.jpg

November
My Optima blue top finally gave up the fight after seven years. So, i bit the bullet and bought another. With the kind of life i got out of the first i was pushed to get the same. They had increased in price substantially since i bought the first. I remember the first being $139 through sears, and the new ones ran a good bit over $200! Thankfully i found it through advance with a coupon code so it didn't sting as bad at about $200. And by the way, i am now 2 years into this new battery and its holding up well. My brother runs one also since i had such good experience, and his is now 4 years and going strong. So they have a good rep in my book.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%202/2012-11-20181328-1.jpg

December
Right toward the end of the year i finally had the time and ability to rent a trailer and haul the xj to our new "home".


http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/stormy/P1060302.jpg

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[XJ Wheeler]

12-2012

"Cool Runnings!"

Now with my jeep with me once again i knew my first project. Fix the cooling system, and quickly. So, since i had a radiator with a lifetime warranty in it i figured its gonna be the cheapest thing to fix. I think it had a leak at the spout anyway. So i pulled that one out, exchanged it for a shiny new one and went to put it in but the fan shroud and efan wouldn't go back in their correct positions. So i discovered the tabs were made too big and got in the way. I didnt want to just cut into it not knowing if it would effect the warranty so i asked and got the okay.

6706

Out came the grinder and i cut them down to the proper size. Refreshed the paint a bit and perfect fit.

6707

6708

I also had to shorten the lower trans line fitting that screws into the bottom of the radiator. This proved flawed in the long run as i had to replace it due to a leak from the flare failing. It was my first time doing it so chock it up to a learning experience.

6709

Thankfully this did cure my overheating problem. I also swapped out one of the heater hoses and both radiator hoses. Although now it runs around 160* while at speed so i think i'll throw in a 195* to see if that helps.

At the same time I installed a B&M 70268 transmission cooler to help with idling temps on the trans. I could feel the transmission heat up during idling or slow cruising speeds and we all know heat is the main enemy of transmissions. And when I want to go wheeling I didn't want to be worrying about it. I still want to install a trans temp gauge but that will have to wait.

6710

6711

[bluedragon436]

Looking good, and glad you were able to work out the cooling issues... I like how you did the brackets for the transmission cooler.. will have to see if I can come up with a similar plan on my 97.. especially since I think the stock lines might be leaking around the back side of the metal sleeve anyways...

[XJ Wheeler]

Looking good, and glad you were able to work out the cooling issues... I like how you did the brackets for the transmission cooler.. will have to see if I can come up with a similar plan on my 97.. especially since I think the stock lines might be leaking around the back side of the metal sleeve anyways...

Thanks James! I decided to put in it the center so it wouldn't block too much of the mechanical fans flow but also get some. And it also get some airflow from the efan when it cuts on. Slow going is gonna be the main time both the engine and trans are getting hot anyway so the efan could help out both.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[XJ Wheeler]

02/2013

"Tanks A Lot"

Once i got the jeep settled and again able to drive without fear of overheating it was time to continue with the upgrades.

This is a multi part thread though. I had a few things i wanted to take care of in the same area so i figured why not kill three birds with one wrench. Strip and paint the fuel tank, install a fuel tank skid, and swap out trailer hitches.

First, since i was gonna be installing a fuel tank skid i thought it was best to clean up some of the rust on the fuel tank and paint to keep from happening again too quickly. It had always looked horrible and i didn't like the idea of it setting behind the skid rusting away and not being able to see its condition as it does so.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3495.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3495.jpg.html)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3508.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3508.jpg.html)

So, you know what comes next... Removal. This really gave me a look at the bottom of the cargo floor, which was really in better shape than anticipated. Only one area had really been taken down by rust and only had a small hole. I didn't however fix this properly but rather just filled it for now. But the top of the tank and bottom of the floor did have a lot of crud in there.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3506.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3506.jpg.html)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3505.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3505.jpg.html)

I was rather happy with the clearance, although shortlived of course. But because of this I have contemplated a fuel cell but not practical so i'll leave it for another, less road worthy xj in the future.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3507.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3507.jpg.html)

I like to do things the hard way so i went after the floor with a wire wheel.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3518.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3518.jpg.html)

Hit with some primer.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3520.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3520.jpg.html)

And finally a dressed in black.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3538.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3538.jpg.html)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3526.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3526.jpg.html)

The fuel tank got a less aggresive treatment of a wire brush and sandpaper, with some flat black for protection.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3547.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3547.jpg.html)

As long as they were out i freshened up the straps. They were in good shape so i opted to keep them.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3546.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3546.jpg.html)

Now, i didn't need the plastic cover anymore but i thought it was best to have something in between the straps and tank so i cut it up. What remained was simply strips to go right above the straps.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3544.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3544.jpg.html)

And finally, the whole lot got put back in place.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3553.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3553.jpg.html)

Next, I had gotten fed up with not having any under armor to protect the important vitals. So, i decided it was a good time to start with a fuel tank skid plate. After looking through the possibilities I chose to go with Rustys. For a review of that piece click here --> http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14611

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3427.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3427.jpg.html)

First up was getting the old hitch out of the way. The usual method for a rusty old jeep.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/2013-01-311844240.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/2013-01-311844240.jpg.html)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/2013-01-311959590.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/2013-01-311959590.jpg.html)

Finally, it was relieved of duty.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3492.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3492.jpg.html)

Now, for the installation. Rustys needs to take some time and actually install one of these to see the things that need amending. For starters, there's no hole to bolt the exhaust hanger back up. I had to drill the skid and cut my hanger down extensively. Also, as a tip to others looking to install one of these, use a jack. Its a heavy piece when you're on your back and trying to slip bolts in all at the same time. Just slide a floor jack under it, although i had to add some height with bricks, and set the skid on it to raise and hold it in place. You can see that somewhat here. I'll also add that i used a towel to cover the jacks pad to keep scratches down.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P1060981.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P1060981.jpg.html)

Battled with it for a while but lastly i won and it was in place.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3564.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3564.jpg.html)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3565.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3565.jpg.html)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3570.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3570.jpg.html)

Front view

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3569.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG3569.jpg.html)

One thing i always hated about my jeep was it only had a tiny 1 1/4" receiver hitch out back and i figured while i was messing around in the area i'd replace it. So, a few years before this i had access to an '89 xj sport parts jeep so i had a 2" Drawtite hitch in waiting, One problem, i had to find it. Being away from home i had to wait till i could go and look. Finally i found it buried in a shed out back and once i did i saw i had a bit of work ahead to remove the years of rust that had accumulated.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG35922.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG35922.jpg.html)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG35952.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG35952.jpg.html)

I had to make a few adjustments though. The skid plate and hitch weren't on speaking terms. The skid sat too far back and contacted the hitch enough i couldn't get the bolts through three layers of steel. It was a slow process but a file was the only means i had at the time to open up the holes about 1/4".

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG35942.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG35942.jpg.html)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG36122.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG36122.jpg.html)

Had to slice off a tad of the passenger side bottom of the mount. Didn't effect strength, just to clear the exhaust.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10702182.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10702182.jpg.html)

As well as cut the points off the brace plate. Again, didn't effect strength, just more aesthetically pleasing.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG36092.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG36092.jpg.html)

And something i'm still dealing with the aftermath of...

Because the skid plate takes up so much space the exhaust hanger had to be cut down... then again... and more. Till i ended up being nothing more than a tab.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG36032.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG36032.jpg.html)

My lackluster solution to isolating the exhaust was cut up the old hanger rubber part to go between the hitch (new mounting point) and tailpipe. This sucked because it was old and cracked almost immediately making the exhaust bang on the skid. To my credit i was only working with approximately 1/4" on either side, skid on one and leaf spring on the other.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG36052.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG36052.jpg.html)

Finally... FINALLY I got it bolted up. With the nutstrips... frame holes... skid plate... and trailer hitch it wasn't fun lining all that up. But glad to have done it and feel much better about not only the protection but pulling strength with the much more stout hitch.

Here's a shot without the bumper.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10706442.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10706442.jpg.html)

The mounting points. Although only two of those (per side) are for the skid.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10706482.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10706482.jpg.html)

This pic shows just how close the hitch set to the tank.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10706522.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10706522.jpg.html)

After all that reading, the payoff...

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10706582.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10706582.jpg.html)

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10706592.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/P10706592.jpg.html)

To top it off...

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG39712.jpg (http://s1108.photobucket.com/user/xj-wheeler/media/Stormy%20fuel%20tank%20skid%20and%20trailer%20hitc h/CIMG39712.jpg.html)

And if you want to read my review of the Rustys fuel tank skid plate click here...
http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?p=152369

Thanks for taking such a big part of your day to read this.

[4.3LXJ]

Very nice work as usual Jake

[Brasscatz]

nicely done Jake!

[autotech98]

Looks awesome..

[oderdene]

Well done bro, looks awesome

[XJ Wheeler]

Appreciate it guys. Took me forever to get that post done. :rolleyes:

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Basslicks]

Trailer hitch looks like it's from a ZJ. Mine has the same problem with exhaust routing and the shackle bolts being so close to the ends of the hitch tubing. Not a big deal, I made it work too, but it's a pain in my case 'cause the shackle bolts are too long so I had to flip them around. So anytime I need to do anything involving removing the leafs from the shackles - I have to drop the stupid hitch first.

ZJ hitch:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wMeIZWwxtPQ/VCnOh4_rLzI/AAAAAAAAMq4/oXv4lPvsYoE/s800/97_ZJ_Hitch-1.jpg

XJ hitch:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Amz5YLazq_U/VCnOGxbeT1I/AAAAAAAAMqw/8AS8d2nO52w/s800/trailer%2520hitch.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

Trailer hitch looks like it's from a ZJ. Mine has the same problem with exhaust routing and the shackle bolts being so close to the ends of the hitch tubing. Not a big deal, I made it work too, but it's a pain in my case 'cause the shackle bolts are too long so I had to flip them around. So anytime I need to do anything involving removing the leafs from the shackles - I have to drop the stupid hitch first.

ZJ hitch:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wMeIZWwxtPQ/VCnOh4_rLzI/AAAAAAAAMq4/oXv4lPvsYoE/s800/97_ZJ_Hitch-1.jpg

XJ hitch:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Amz5YLazq_U/VCnOGxbeT1I/AAAAAAAAMqw/8AS8d2nO52w/s800/trailer%2520hitch.jpg

Yeah, that's the reason i didn't want to flip them around. So i did end up cutting it flush with the nut.

You can get different hitches like that. Although i will say you don't see as many with the long mounting brackets. But this one in particular came off a xj and it didn't look new at all so i assumed it was original or put on when new.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Basslicks]

Yeah the one I have doesn't have mounting brackets that long either. It's a 6 bolt instead of an 8 bolt. I never thought about cutting the bolts flush, but I don't think that would work on mine... I'm tellin' ya it's really tight.

[XJ Wheeler]

Yeah the one I have doesn't have mounting brackets that long either. It's a 6 bolt instead of an 8 bolt. I never thought about cutting the bolts flush, but I don't think that would work on mine... I'm tellin' ya it's really tight.

Oh yeah, mine was pretty close. But was enough I think i'm alright. Here's mine before I cut it down.

7128

[Basslicks]

WOW! Yeah, that is tight for sure!

[XJ Wheeler]

02/03-2013

"Cover your filter with some tint"

Just some more small stuff to pass the time between bigger posts. Expect the next around december... :rolleyes:

Ever since i installed the Hellas on the a-pillars i couldn't stand the white and black covers. So i painted them in something a little closer to matching.

7751

7752

Thought it was about time to check the fuel filter off the list since i hadn't replaced it in all the years i've owned it. Just a simple job that no one wants to do...

7753

7754

One of the things i hated most about my jeep was the absolutely horrible purple hue tint. This stuff haunted me for years. I had stripped it off most of the side windows but always dreaded the rear window because of the defroster and fear of tearing it up. For this reason i couldn't use the scraping technique i had on the others. A long week later i had accomplished my goal. I tried numerous ways of removing it, or having it remove itself. Goo gone, small scrapes, using the steamer on an iron but all near useless. Each did removed small amounts but mostly elbow grease was what it took and moved slow. After the tint was gone, a ton of glue was left behind. Frustrated i paused to think of other ways to clean it up. Not sure how i came to it but the thing that worked in the end was a SOS pad. And boy, did it ever work! I've used it to clean glue/paint off glass since and continues to impress. Now i can use the rear window for more than just a wind block.

7755

7756

[Carves]

You really are addicted to that thing ayy,

... always plugging along, getting things done .. :thumbsup:


I think you need a break away from it,

... come down and do stuff to mine one weekend .. ;);) .. :D

[XJ Wheeler]

You really are addicted to that thing ayy,

... always plugging along, getting things done .. :thumbsup:


I think you need a break away from it,

... come down and do stuff to mine one weekend .. ;);) .. :D

You pay the fare and i'm there. :D