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nvygun
03-06-2013, 02:42 PM
So finally getting around to starting my build thread and I'll start with the back story first. Purchased a 1999 XJ with a blown head gasket for $900 to turn into an expedition style trail rig to hit the trails out and around northern Nevada.

So here is picture after I purchased it.

nvygun
03-06-2013, 02:51 PM
So hopefully this is the photo...

http://www.xjtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1522&stc=1&d=1362602876So hopefully this is the photo...

nvygun
03-06-2013, 03:35 PM
Hopefully I have the photo thing figured out I'll bring you up to date. The previous owner had hit a deer with it so that is where the front end damage came from. Which means also but a brand new radiator on it before the head gasket went out. I think he got a little frustrated with it and that is how I managed to get it do cheap.

Heres just a couple of pictures of the work in progress.

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=478&pictureid=3490[/IMG]

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=478&pictureid=3489

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=478&pictureid=3492

In addition to replacing the head gasket I installed a new Accel Coil, Wires and E3 plugs and a set of new Pace Setter headers.

Once I got it fired up and running good took it out for it's first real drive and it did great other than the loud grinding noise every time I made a right hand turn. Finally figured out it was the front u-joint rubbing my new headers. Thinking it might be my motor mounts I installed a new set from Brown Dog.

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=478&pictureid=3497

Here is the one busted one I found on the drivers side. Which didn't fix the problem either!!!

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=478&pictureid=3498

Anyway it shouldn't be a problem after the lift kit goes in. So this is where I am at now.

Front end repaired from parts from amazon.com. Used the xjtalk.com link btw

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=478&pictureid=3491

Cleaned the inside up and did some detailing while waiting on some parts to come in.

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=478&pictureid=3495

Installed a new JENSEN heavy duty stereo with Weather Band.

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=478&pictureid=3496

Finally got my lift kit in. Decided on a 2" OME lift from Rocky Road. I went with the heavy duty springs and half inch spacer up front. From all I have read will probably end up with 2.5" to 3" lift out of it. Also replacing the track bar, upper and lower control arms. This is the kit I put together so far.

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=478&pictureid=3499

So now I am waiting on my 31" ProComp M/T to come in and JKS quick disconnect.

More to follow...

denverd1
03-06-2013, 03:42 PM
sweet! lookin good

bluedragon436
03-06-2013, 03:42 PM
Def looks like some good progress you got going there... Hope it continue to progress the way you want it too!!

XJ Wheeler
03-06-2013, 03:56 PM
Nicely done! That front end came out great. Good start.

nvygun
03-06-2013, 04:02 PM
Thanks Jake. The dash work was inspired by your build thread. Painted flat camo green with a satin topcoat.

xj4life2
03-06-2013, 04:16 PM
Great start , but I'm anxious to hear how the E3 plugs are working out. its been my experiance that anything but cheap champion copper plugs are a waste of time and energy. Next what are your plans for the rest of the vehicle, rack,tent, kitchen ect ect. I've always wanted to do a expedition veh. out of an XJ but could never figure out the proper way to carry everything and people too.

Brasscatz
03-06-2013, 07:40 PM
Great start , but I'm anxious to hear how the E3 plugs are working out. its been my experiance that anything but cheap champion copper plugs are a waste of time and energy. Next what are your plans for the rest of the vehicle, rack,tent, kitchen ect ect. I've always wanted to do a expedition veh. out of an XJ but could never figure out the proper way to carry everything and people too.

Before I knew about the champion copper plug thing, I installed the Accel kit too. I've always had a noticeable misfire ever since. Might not be true for all jeeps, but....

XJ Wheeler
03-06-2013, 11:54 PM
Thanks Jake. The dash work was inspired by your build thread. Painted flat camo green with a satin topcoat.

Awesome, bud. Cool idea going with satin.