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NC_Xplorer
07-29-2015, 10:14 PM
Starting a build thread even though I probably won't have any mods to the XJ for a few weeks. Figured it would be a good way to start. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/29/c404e8b59aa9beeb31b8e7eef34f03b2.jpg
So after having my XJ for about 3 weeks, I found this when I went to drive it today.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/29/1a9051b29f4f15d67b03a76a9e337d29.jpg
Yup, dang review mirror fell off. [emoji34] Oh well, I guess it was just looking for attention since it is not a dd.

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XJ Wheeler
07-29-2015, 10:43 PM
Gotta start somewhere right! ;) Had that happen with the mirror too. They hate heat and this time of year mirrors be dropping like flies!

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81scramblermike
07-29-2015, 11:40 PM
yes what @XJ Wheeler said gotta start somewhere

NC_Xplorer
07-30-2015, 05:48 AM
Hahaha, yeah. It's been on the mid to upper 90's since end of May around here.

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xj-jake
07-30-2015, 08:26 AM
I love the color Bryan! (same color as mine) Looks like a good starting platform. What do you have planned for mods?

NW99XJ
07-30-2015, 08:39 AM
Man i DO love those color of Jeep.
Cant wait to see this progress.

Pookapotamus
07-30-2015, 10:27 PM
Pfft! XJ's don't need rear view mirrors, or reverse gears! Just put it in 4 low and drive over stuff!

Consider it your first mod! No looking back now!


Translated from Pookanese.

NC_Xplorer
07-31-2015, 04:13 PM
I love the color Bryan! (same color as mine) Looks like a good starting platform. What do you have planned for mods?

Thanks! My plan is to start with a lift kit (leaning towards RC'S 4.5" long arm kit) and fender flares. Engine upgrades will be an intake (99-01) & headers along with a cold air kit. I already have a set of 31x10.5's mounted on Soft 8's. I have to find another set of wheels to put on the Explorer so I can sell it and have more money for mods on the XJ.


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tinythexj
08-01-2015, 04:17 PM
Can't go wrong with that color and it sounds like you have a great plan to start with. The mirror was one of the few I had to deal with in mine at the beginning. I can't remember which adhesive I ended up using but it took me two or three tries before it finally held.

autotech98
08-01-2015, 05:57 PM
Good lookin xj. I think we should start a blue xj club...As for the mirror loctite makes a great kit to put it back on. Thats what i used when mine fell off...then upgraded to a bigger mirror. Sounds like a solid plane for your XJ. Cant wait to see more

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NC_Xplorer
08-10-2015, 03:34 PM
8039

Not a Jeep, but it is tied to my Jeep build. I promised my wife that I wouldn't start wrenching on the XJ until I had repaired the Explorer and sold it. I need the money anyway if I am going to modify the XJ. So the garage was cleaned out and the Explorer backed in. Hoping to get it up on jack stands so I can drop the Trans and replace the clutch, slave cylinder and throw out bearing. Gonna have the flywheel resurfaced if it's not too bad. Also have to check rear main seal too, gonna replace it if needed. Damn...that's too much like work...

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xj-jake
08-10-2015, 03:40 PM
Nice looking Exploder too!

NC_Xplorer
08-10-2015, 03:48 PM
Nice looking Exploder too!
Thanks! I am the second owner. Bought it in 2001, it is a 2000 with 187k on the clock. 4.0 OHV V-6, 5 spd manual, 2wd. I seriously considered converting it to 4wd but decided I would be able to do more with my budget if I started with a 4wd. That is the main reasons I bought the XJ. I still want a JK for a DD, but that will have to wait.

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NC_Xplorer
08-26-2015, 10:01 PM
So I am taking a road trip up to New Jersey Friday morning for my brother's wedding on Saturday. I really want to put my 31x10.5 's on the jeep, but it is still on the stock suspension. My question is whether I can run those tires on it without a budget boost as long as I am staying on pavement? Or will I have to cut the fenders to make them fit at this point? My plans haven't changed for the XJ, I just have the itch to put bigger tires on it.

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XJ Wheeler
08-26-2015, 10:13 PM
You can but you may need to trim the front and back a tad to keep it clear in turns. If it's sagging it may be tougher to fit though. And if you're on stock wheels they will rub the lower control arms in tight turns, but this is minor.

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NC_Xplorer
08-26-2015, 10:20 PM
I have them mounted on Crager Soft 8's with 3.75" of back space. I may mount them and see how they fit. I know it needs shocks. Maybe I'll get some nitrogen gas shocks to help keep it sagging as much.

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xj-jake
08-27-2015, 08:51 AM
You should be fine as long as you're not going offroad. Throw them on and post up some pics!! They will probably rub on control arms as previously stated only at full turn.

XJ Wheeler
08-27-2015, 03:53 PM
With 3.75" backspacing you'll be clear of the control arms. I run that same measurement and no problems. The backspacing might hurt you on clearing it more on the fender when turning as it pushes the tire out.

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NC_Xplorer
08-27-2015, 05:53 PM
Wow, my steering components were totally shot! Big difference in steering now with new tie rod ends and a new drag link. Gonna have to clearance the front fenders for the 31's. Time for a tune up now. New plugs, wires, cap and rotor going in.

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NC_Xplorer
08-27-2015, 06:30 PM
8136
Yeah, they are a tight fit....

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XJ Wheeler
08-27-2015, 07:26 PM
Looks good though! Isn't that what really matters... :D

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NC_Xplorer
08-28-2015, 09:14 PM
8156
So....I drove up to NJ with my 2 oldest children (25 & 21 yrs old) and quickly realized that I should have left the smaller jeep tires on it. With 3 adults in the XJ, I kept bottoming out the tire on the fender flares when we hit any bumps. At about 120 miles into the trip, I had to pull over and remove the passenger side rear flare. It was only held on with one screw. This is a picture of the driver side rear flare

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NC_Xplorer
08-28-2015, 09:28 PM
81578158

So, after driving another 200 miles without the passenger rear flare, I stopped fir gas and to check the tire. It was contacting the sheet metal worse than I thought. Realising that the tire was getting cut, I had to make a roadside repair. Luckily there was a Lowe's right next door. After purchasing a small hack saw and a ball peen hammer, the cut and fold was performed on the sheet metal.

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NC_Xplorer
08-28-2015, 09:29 PM
8159

Now I have some clearance!

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4.3LXJ
08-28-2015, 10:00 PM
I see you have aftermarket wheels. Stock wheels or wheels with the same backspacing don't do that. I have run 31s for the last ten years on the stockers without doing that. That is why I kept them. On a more positive note, I think it is time for a lift :D

NC_Xplorer
08-28-2015, 11:38 PM
Yeah, a lift is definitely on my radar. Gonna have to buy flares too.

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XJ Wheeler
08-30-2015, 01:24 AM
Sorry to hear that you had to go through all that. Your rear springs must be a little tired.

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NC_Xplorer
08-31-2015, 09:42 PM
8179

CARNAGE! This is the right rear flare, the left one flew off after hitting a large dip on the ride home Sunday while traveling down the NJ Turnpike. Stopped a few miles later to clearance the left rear fender to match the right side.

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xj-jake
09-01-2015, 11:50 AM
Flares are over rated. Yet I understand they are required in some places...

NC_Xplorer
10-22-2015, 09:49 PM
8454
8455

Soooo, I've been busy with work and family (home projects too) the last couple of months and haven't made much progress on the Mk1. A friend at work asked me today if I wanted some LED lights for my Jeep. I promptly answer yes without even looking up from what I was working on. He handed me these lights that he has had in his tool box for a couple of years. They were still in the box. Both are flood style from NAPA. I hooked them up to the battery after it got dark and they throw out a good amount of light. Now I just need to determine where I will mount them. I'm thinking about using them as back up lights. Maybe mount them on the roof rack (when I get one).

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4.3LXJ
10-22-2015, 10:07 PM
I was just looking at LEDs today myself. Cool stuff nowadays

ZachXJ1993
10-22-2015, 10:22 PM
Best Jeep color ever. Pearl Gunmetal is what the color is in case you didn't know.

autotech98
10-23-2015, 06:32 AM
Love that color myself[emoji41]

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NC_Xplorer
10-25-2015, 05:26 PM
Does this recovery ring make my bumper look fat? Hahaha
Picked this up at Wal-Mart for $25.

8460

Can ya guess what I started doing?

8461

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NC_Xplorer
10-31-2015, 04:16 PM
8488

Decided it was time to ditch the plastic bumper covers.

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NC_Xplorer
11-02-2015, 06:05 PM
Finally ordered my lift kit. Bought the 4.5" short arm from Rough Country. Now I have to play the waiting game for the brown Santa!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/02/2a3d9ff410ef5294d636c082dac0a96e.jpg

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NC_Xplorer
11-04-2015, 08:24 PM
8505

Got my lift kit today! Put the Mk1 on jack stands and got some wd40 rust blaster working on the bolts. Let the fun begin!

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NC_Xplorer
11-06-2015, 06:54 PM
8508

8509

Started on the rear for the lift...Figured I deal with the leaf spring bolts first. Yep...those bitches be tight! Soaked them again. Got the rear shocks and sway bar off. Found my rear bump stops? What's left of them anyway. Have to check on replacements. I know my front bump stops are trash. Time for a parts run this weekend!

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4.3LXJ
11-06-2015, 07:42 PM
It is the elusive make believe bumpstop :D

ZachXJ1993
11-06-2015, 08:04 PM
I got so frustrated trying to get my leaf spring bolts out I slit my wrist with a grinder.... no seriously though. It really sucked to go to the urgent care at 11PM and explain why I was using a cutoff wheel on my Jeep. So I would recommend letting them babies soak for a week and then give em heck.

4.3LXJ
11-06-2015, 09:42 PM
I have cut a few bolts, and myself now and then too. Stuff happens

NC_Xplorer
11-07-2015, 05:56 PM
8516
Old passenger side leaf springs unbolted and ready to come out.

8517
New 4.5" leaf pack installed, bolts snug but not torqued yet.

8518
Driver side leaf pack decided to be a pain. Got all the bolts from the rear out. Front bolt was stubborn. After fighting with it for 2 hours, it gave up....but not without stripping all the threads. Guess I need to go to a dealer for a replacement?

8519

8520
Got in some LED goodies today! Got 4 of these pods for $36 off of Amazon. These will get mounted to the front bumper soon.

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4.3LXJ
11-07-2015, 06:35 PM
Take your bolt down to a good fastener store, like Fastenall or the equivalent and get what is called a frame bolt. They are made for things like a suspension

NC_Xplorer
11-07-2015, 06:43 PM
Ok, thanks! I figured I could find one somewhere besides the dealer.

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NC_Xplorer
11-10-2015, 09:31 AM
8529
Finally got the rear lift in last night. Whew! That is some altitude! Hoping it will settle on my trip up to WV for Thanksgiving. Gonna start taking parts off the front end tonight. More pictures soon.

8530

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NC_Xplorer
11-11-2015, 12:02 AM
8531
Found out that my exhaust pipe has some major restriction to it.

8532
New adjustable lower arms going in.

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GoneWithTheWind
11-11-2015, 01:12 AM
8531
Found out that my exhaust pipe has some major restriction to it.

8532
New adjustable lower arms going in.

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Mine is like that. The exhaust guy told me the factory puts a dent there for clearance. He wouldn't fix it.

4.3LXJ
11-11-2015, 11:02 AM
That is right, it is tight there

NC_Xplorer
11-12-2015, 12:59 PM
8537
Passenger side spring installed

8538
Driver side spring in place

8539
What's left of the stock anti-sway bar mount

8540
Stock Anti-sway bar didn't want to play nice....I fixed that with my grinder and drill.

8541
Passenger side shock installed

8542
Anti-sway bar installed with sway bar disconnects

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GoneWithTheWind
11-12-2015, 01:17 PM
:eek:What did you do to your Jeep?!?!?
Just kidding, it looks like your off to a good start.:D

NC_Xplorer
11-13-2015, 09:36 PM
8553
Finally got the Mk.1 back on the ground!
All bolts are torqued to spec. Only have a few things to finish (bleed brakes, put 1 inch spacers on crossmember, cut 2 bolts for shakle clearance) before I can take it out for a spin.

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NC_Xplorer
11-17-2015, 10:49 PM
8560
My Napier Precision flat fender flares came in yesterday! Got my headliner back in tonight. I'll start on the flares tomorrow. More pics soon!

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XJ Wheeler
11-18-2015, 11:58 PM
Man, really coming together! Those flares are gonna be very nice too, no doubt!

I would think with the lift you should be fine to fix that downpipe. I guess I need to look into it though. I'm planning on getting an exhaust shop to make me one in 2.5", since no one makes one you can buy.

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NC_Xplorer
11-19-2015, 06:30 AM
8564
Headliner turned out ok. Found a couple of spots where the headliner didn't stick. Oh well, it's better than it was.

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NC_Xplorer
11-19-2015, 06:58 AM
856585678568
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/19/2bb86063b5bfe3876c586d26802cd339.jpg
85708571

Flare install was ok, directions could have been a little more clear. Measured everything about a dozen times before I cut metal. Stress level 10, because if I screwed up it would have meant either a crappy looking install or replacing the fender and starting over. Start to finish took about 5 hours. 1 down, 3 to go.

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NC_Xplorer
11-19-2015, 07:06 AM
85728573

My wheels have 3.75 in of backspacing. Which is just right for these flares.

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4.3LXJ
11-19-2015, 12:00 PM
Do you have an adjustable upper or lower link on the front suspension? Your castor angle is not enough

NC_Xplorer
11-19-2015, 12:33 PM
Do you have an adjustable upper or lower link on the front suspension? Your castor angle is not enough
I have both upper and lower adjustable arms. They are set to the specs per Rough Country. I still need to take it in for a front end alignment.

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NC_Xplorer
11-20-2015, 01:42 PM
8577
Started on the driver front fender last night but didn't get too much done, due to taking my kids to Taekwondo and dance class.

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NC_Xplorer
11-22-2015, 08:11 PM
85838584
Installing front and rear driver side flares.858585868587
Started on the rear passenger flare.
8588
All finished!

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NC_Xplorer
11-22-2015, 08:18 PM
Took it out for a quick spin just down the road where there are some mounds of dirt. I didn't disconnect the sway bar, but I got it flex some.

The Mk.2
8589

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tinythexj
11-23-2015, 05:53 PM
Looks great, i really wish i had gone with the flat fenders on mine, but the ones i went with are more budget friendly.

NC_Xplorer
11-25-2015, 08:34 PM
8601
Low beams from stock headlights.

8602
LED lights

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