The Panda

[afbond03]

Original look when purchased while in Hawaii:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/JeepOriginal.jpg
2in BB, Cragars, 30” Retreads.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/Jeep2in.jpg
Wally World Light Bar Mod:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/JeepLights.jpg
Surco Rack:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/JeepRack.jpg
Surco gone and fenders trimmed:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMAGE_020-1.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/DSCN0505.jpg
Then I got some bigger tires.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/DSCN0881.jpg
I also got a winch bumper, and winch. Also tested out the bigger tires:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/DSCN0932-1.jpg
Fast forward to how she sits now. New tires, wheels, and vents.
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww185/XJ98Jeep/DSCN1871.jpg

[Melissa]

Ooohh, I'm lovin the look!!!

[TXstiGUY]

Looking Good Can't go wrong with White :D

[alwaysxj]

wow love the look of that i love a white jeep. you *** i wish i had one.

[afbond03]

Thanks for the comments. First time I have looked at the pictures like that and the progression over time is pretty neat to see. Hopefully in another year, axles, bumper/tire carrier, and just odds and ends. Going higher is the last thing on my list. I love my COG as it is right now, it is enough for the my skill level on the trails.

[xjjeepthing]

Thats hot dude. Been thinking about doing my hood for a long time, was never sure, Looks hot on yours

[afbond03]

Thanks.
I lucked out on the hood. A guy in my Jeep club had taken it off his Jeep a year ago and was just letting it sit behind is shop. Vents were already installed, I just repainted it. So I have still have my unmolested hood as well. Just in case I ever would need it.

[BlueXJ]

Just one small question. I have a Surco and love it but see you removed yours. Any reason you did that? Am I missing something?

[afbond03]

Just one small question. I have a Surco and love it but see you removed yours. Any reason you did that? Am I missing something?

Nope, keep it! I bought it, had it a few months, used it once and was like bah I am not using this thing, I will sell it. So I did, this summer was a pain without it. I will be buying another one before to long. So nope no reason in removing it besides the fact that I thought I wasn't using it as much as I should have been.

[COSXJFAN]

WOW Bo, your Jeep is looking great since the last time I saw it at the M&G in Castle Rock!! :camera:

Glad you joined XJT, welcome aboard!!

[afbond03]

WOW Bo, your Jeep is looking great since the last time I saw it at the M&G in Castle Rock!! :camera:

Glad you joined XJT, welcome aboard!!

Yep it certainly has.

Yea, I joined awhile back but since out of all the forums I visit this is the only one that is blocked at work. So I am only on here when I am at home.

[4.3LXJ]

Looks good. It is developing character.

[N1TZU]

Awesome job on the Panda there afbond03,looking pretty sweet I must say..........

[toast018]

afbond03 and n1tzu's XJ's are making me want a white one now... I hate you guys... lol...

[afbond03]

Couple of updates.
33" GY MTR/Kevlar
Cut and Fold Quarter pannels
2 KC's on the bumper
4 Hella Optilux's on the roof rack
Roof rack: Rage Powersports
LED Rock Lights: http://www.xkglow.com/60PC_Ultra_Bright_Motorcycle_LED_Engine_Neon_Kit_p/xk034001.htm
I think that is it.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMAG0070.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMAG0078.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMAG0082.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMAG0069.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMAG0064.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMAG0066.jpg

[cantab27]

nice mate ........

[4x4Dalton]

Sweet lookin XJ :thumbsup:

[steph74]

I like the 2 tone color scheme..... I was heading toward the yello and black..... now I might do the hood like yours with vents in yellow....



Can;t wait for spring to be able to finish the paint job ;)

[alwaysxj]

lookin really good... I bought the same roof rack after i seen you post the link. seems like it will work for the price...

[OverEasy]

Thanks to you, I think I have found the direction I wanna go with mine! Looks great! I like the setup!

[Jimmy James]

Whats up man... I know that rig. Thats my old Black XJ in the background where yours is on the ATI ramp in Castle Rock. I bought the brake lines from ya. The rig is looking real nice man. Maybe we can meet up sometime this summer in the Ft Collins area to wheel.

[BrianXJ]

Nice Rig!!!!!

[saar]

Very nice XJ, I like it.
Saar.

[afbond03]

Added some Detours A-Pillar light mounts this week. Mounted some Hella 500ff's on them:
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww185/XJ98Jeep/IMAG0090.jpg
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww185/XJ98Jeep/DSCN2948.jpg
A little better picture of the LED lights for rocklights:
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww185/XJ98Jeep/DSCN2951.jpg

[bluedragon436]

The panda is looking good, and those light mounts look good as well..

[modestmar00xj]

yes! looking good man!

[afbond03]

Some pictures of my Kayakin trip I went home to Arkansas for in May.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/2011-05-2605-39-28-120.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/2011-05-2605-39-32-259.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/2011-05-3105-24-50-372.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/2011-05-3105-25-07-754.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/2011-05-2605-39-00-235.jpg
The Rage Powersports rack held up great!
This happened about 360 miles from Cheyenne:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMAG0212.jpghttp://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMAG0213.jpg
Driveshaft bounced off the concrete running 75 and scared the crap out of my dog.
Ran about another 160 miles in FWD after pulling the driveshaft, ears are gone on it.
Was about 200 miles outside of Cheyenne after stopping for gas the Jeep wouldn't turn back over, ended up having to have a buddy come get me with his truck and trailer. SUCKED!
Wife goes "well weren't you wanting to do that SYE thing with a new driveshaft anyways?'
So ordered the IRO hnt/driveshaft combo this morning.

[cantab27]

well it pays to listen to the wife......nice pics thanks

[Mudderoy]

What was the solution to the problem of getting it started again?

[afbond03]

What was the solution to the problem of getting it started again?

Really wish I knew. When it did it I tried to jump it and nothing. Basically once I turn the key nothing happens and I lose accessories. I would have to disconnect the battery and reconnect it just to get accessories back on.
Once home I let it sit for a day and then got it to jump. It has been starting on its own for about the last 2 weeks now so I don't know. It is def. something I need to figure out.

[afbond03]

Well I got the IRO SYE and DS installed. Highly recommend btw.
Well had a leak on the transfer case and found out the cone on the 242 back plate had a broken mounting ear.
After not finding it anywhere I was able to source one through a part hoarder down in CO thankfully.
So this is what is going on now:
Install and get transfer case back in working order.
Ordering Serious Offroad Longarmz hopefully within the next 24 hours when I see some money in my Paypal account
Going to order 4.5" coil springs and 2" rear shackles
Hoping to come up with the money to also order relocation brackets for the shackles
My AAL has held up pretty good so until I can swing full leaf packs I will stick with them and the shackle.

[afbond03]

Here are some updates to Panda:
RC Shackle Relocation Brackets and Shackles
4.5" RE Coil Springs/ Also used my 1.75" RE Spacer
Serious Offroad Products Longarms
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMG_20110905_160042.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMG_20110905_160053.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMG_20110905_160112.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMG_20110905_160122.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMG_20110905_160130.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c184/afbond03/IMG_20110828_190242.jpg

Should be able to move on to the TNT Leaf Packs before too long. For now it will have to do.

[4.3LXJ]

Yup, that looks like Franks skid plate design. Thinking about that one myself.

[bluedragon436]

The Panda is looking good.. Think I might look into the Serious Offroad front bumper for my XJ..

[prcjeep]

I didn't see anyone else post about the rear quater panel cut and fold... Do you have a write up for this/ additional pics?

[4.3LXJ]

I don't think we have one on that here. Post up anyone! You might make a request in the write up section and see if you get any responses

[xj4life2]

here ya go http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=29750&highlight=cut+fold+rear+quarter:

[afbond03]

I didn't see anyone else post about the rear quater panel cut and fold... Do you have a write up for this/ additional pics?

Follow the NAXJA link and you will be golden. Do the passenger side first though. That way when you get to the side you see everyday you will have experience from the passenger side and it will come out better.

[prcjeep]

Follow the NAXJA link and you will be golden. Do the passenger side first though. That way when you get to the side you see everyday you will have experience from the passenger side and it will come out better.

Cut and fold would also require some body work... The drivers side has a large dent that covers above and below the crease and the passenger has a bit of a crunch on the bottom from a good drop

[xj4life2]

Well I got the IRO SYE and DS installed. Highly recommend btw.
Well had a leak on the transfer case and found out the cone on the 242 back plate had a broken mounting ear.After not finding it anywhere I was able to source one through a part hoarder down in CO thankfully.
So this is what is going on now:
Install and get transfer case back in working order.
Ordering Serious Offroad Longarmz hopefully within the next 24 hours when I see some money in my Paypal account
Going to order 4.5" coil springs and 2" rear shackles
Hoping to come up with the money to also order relocation brackets for the shackles
My AAL has held up pretty good so until I can swing full leaf packs I will stick with them and the shackle.

I wasn't aware that IRO made a SYE kit for the 242 , is this something new for them ? As far as I knew Tom Woods was the only one who had one. Also next time you need a rear tail for the 242 call me I have plenty of them. Rigs lookin very nice keep it goin !!

[afbond03]

I wasn't aware that IRO made a SYE kit for the 242 , is this something new for them ? As far as I knew Tom Woods was the only one who had one. Also next time you need a rear tail for the 242 call me I have plenty of them. Rigs lookin very nice keep it goin !!

Yep, IRO kit is universal basically.
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-X_HNT&Category_Code=XDT

Worked like a charm. Great price for a SYE and rebuilt DS for sure.

[bluedragon436]

The Panda is looking good.. liking that long arm setup.. I like the incorporated skid too..

[xj4life2]

Yep, IRO kit is universal basically.
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-X_HNT&Category_Code=XDT

Worked like a charm. Great price for a SYE and rebuilt DS for sure.

I agree excelent price for all you get, nice find !!!

[afbond03]

Well I installed my RE track bar and drop mount today. I then started working on installing my Serious Offroad steering setup, hoping to wrap that up in the next day or two. Having a 6 month old really slows things down. First time I've really been in the garage since she was born.
I purchased some JCR gutter mounts this evening, hoping to get my rack off the stock bars and closer to the roof.
Also purchased this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&item=221050985206&nma=true&rt=nc&si=dvTyjHyz%252Fh8H7h6Xo%252Bu2%252BjnZPwg%253D&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
I've been wanting an interior rack for awhile and was about to fork over the dough for an Olympic Mountaineer but just couldn't do it. Once I came across this and measured for fit I made an offer. I can't weld and the folks I do know that can would probably procrastinate building me a rack, so for what I paid for this one I am happy.
So hopefully I'll get these projects rolled up soon enough. The next major purchase will probably be a Knucklebone if it is still being made. I hope to one day go to a full bumper but for now, I just don't see that in the cards.

[Mudderoy]

Well I installed my RE track bar and drop mount today. I then started working on installing my Serious Offroad steering setup, hoping to wrap that up in the next day or two. Having a 6 month old really slows things down. First time I've really been in the garage since she was born.
I purchased some JCR gutter mounts this evening, hoping to get my rack off the stock bars and closer to the roof.
Also purchased this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&item=221050985206&nma=true&rt=nc&si=dvTyjHyz%252Fh8H7h6Xo%252Bu2%252BjnZPwg%253D&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
I've been wanting an interior rack for awhile and was about to fork over the dough for an Olympic Mountaineer but just couldn't do it. Once I came across this and measured for fit I made an offer. I can't weld and the folks I do know that can would probably procrastinate building me a rack, so for what I paid for this one I am happy.
So hopefully I'll get these projects rolled up soon enough. The next major purchase will probably be a Knucklebone if it is still being made. I hope to one day go to a full bumper but for now, I just don't see that in the cards.

Mountaineer rack is great, but not for $200 (in my opinion) I got mine used for $75. :D

[afbond03]

Mountaineer rack is great, but not for $200 (in my opinion) I got mine used for $75. :D

Yea! You lucky fool! HaHa. There was one on Craigslist for $100, on the other side of the state though. Very hard to find used goodies living in Cheyenne. I can get lucky here and there and find stuff in Colorado but sometimes the gas cost can out weight the savings. I think the rack I ended up buying is going to make me happy, priced some metal flooring for it this morning at Home Depot so shouldn't end up having to put to much more money into it.