PDA

View Full Version : CJ's Blue 97 build



Cjsmithfl
05-09-2016, 03:22 PM
Whats up everyone?

So last Friday I picked up a new project/daily. This ride will be used to commute to and from work and become a weekend exploring rig when time allows.

http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_1.jpeg

On to the details...

97 2.5L :rolleye0012: Ax5, Np 231 and the good ol' 8.25 (4.10's) in the rear.

the chassis has 213,xxxk currently and the motor was changed about two years ago from what the last owner told me, reasons unknown to me. She was originally asking 3k I ended up getting it for $1,800 after pointing out every blemish and fault with it...

Now that I have it home it will be getting prepared for my daily travels etc., first things first. I removed the seats and set them in the garage and cleaned the carpets as best as I could to remove the funky smoker smell and whatever funk was in this thing (so far so good).

in the mail currently:

New Clutch Kit (clutch, pilot bearing, pressure plate, throw-out bearing)
Flywheel and new flywheel bolts
Rear main seal
IAC Valve (I think the current one is acting up)
1.5-2" budget boost for the time being.
5) 15"x8" 4.75 B.S. D windows
thinking 30's maybe 31's General grabbers, Coopers, or BFG's not sure yet..
Motor mounts, trans mount

I still need to pick up some random stuff here and there from the JY:

ZJ tie rod
passenger tail light
plastic sill piece over license plate
rear window wiper arm

Now I'm more familiar with the 4.0 honestly but I figured Jeep built this thing and this 2.5L has been used in wranglers for years so I can't imagine its a total poor motor. And the 4.10's will help with anything I'm personally going to do with it here in Florida (Mostly exploring trails and such in FL and the occasional trip to NC). Is there any thing you guys can recommend with these motors?

I do have one fluid leak that I know about but its been kind-of hard to diagnose without physically driving it. I think it could be power steering/maybe something to do with the brakes. It looks almost like it is coming from the "T" located just below and to the left of the Brake master, I'm not personally sure if this is our proportioning valve or not.

Prior owner has replaced these parts fairly recently:

Starter, Radiator, water pump & hoses, thermostat, Fan clutch.

Should be ginning more photos as the build begins to progress, not too much but bolt-on's honestly, but I plan on keeping it a simple exploring rig/daily.

Until next time,

Chris.

Pinkyman
05-09-2016, 03:25 PM
Welcome! Looks like a good platform to start off with :thumbsup:

Cjsmithfl
05-09-2016, 03:29 PM
Thanks, I'm hoping so. it seems really well kept aside from the coffee and cigarette smell that was looming inside the day I drove it home. My 96 had some rust from being up north for awhile, this one looks mint underneath. it does have the typical slight paint bubbling on the rear corners on the roof but I'm about to take care of that before it becomes a bigger problem.

Pinkyman
05-09-2016, 03:39 PM
Thats understandable. I had the infamous smoker smell in mine too, and the windows didnt go down....... I fixed the windows and shampooed the carpet, and used about 2 dozen air fresheners and xxx cans of Febreeze. A few months later it was finally gone.

Mine is a midwest Xj also, and the rust on the underside is embarrassing lol.

Ill be looking forward to updates as this build gets going!

blazer2
05-09-2016, 07:47 PM
Nice looking ride and for a great price.
If the previous owner was a smoker. Go or call your local
Equipment rental store and see if they have an ozone machine.
In a day no more smells.

Cjsmithfl
05-17-2016, 01:55 PM
Blazer2 : thanks for the tip, I will look into that. currently the new spare tire is releasing its fresh rubber smell in the back so the smell is quite tolerable now especially after the long cleaning process that commenced earlier this week.

Update : 5-17-2016

I have finished installing the 2" budget boost and all went well. I think I will be upgrading the shocks to some bilstine's with my next bonus check from work and I'll start looking into some storage solutions for the rear. however I think I'll need a rear tire carrier before I get into that so I can get the 30" spare from the trunk.

So I installed the Flywheel, Clutch kit and got everything finished up while going through a sickness I called the plague, I still have a nasty cough after the meds from the doctor but all is well in the world of Chris.

http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_3.jpeg

Unfortunately I found that Amazon's seller had sent me the incorrect clutch disc at the sacrifice of the new pressure plate.. As I was tightening everything down the pressure plate fingers didn't look right they were beginning to compress and I had second thoughts about it and sure enough, I pulled it back apart and found the inside edge of the clutch disc that holds the springs in had come in contact with the pressure plate surface and left some less than appreciated indentions on the surface. needless to say after a call to Amazon they refunded the entire purchase and I was able to find a clutch kit locally :beer: .

The next morning I installed the new power steering line that had ruptured, refilled the reservoir and with the front end still in the air did some rotations of the steering wheel back and fourth from full lock.

Yesterday I received a call from the tire store that my rims and tires were ready, so on my way home I used the wifes truck to haul the payload home :smiley-scared003: . All went on great and even had some time to fix the collapsed trans mount and a quick test drive before the long drive today to work and back.

http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_2.jpeg

Just a heads up I drive roughly 120+ miles per day for my daily commute so keep in mind this is the reason I didn't go 33" tires and 4.5" lift on this Cherokee. so far so good, today will bring fresh oil and I believe I will be changing the motor mounts today.


Lift: 2" Terra Flex
Tires: 30"x9.50"x15" 4.75" Back spacing (No control arm rubbing at full lock)

Thanks,

Chris

XJ Wheeler
05-18-2016, 05:25 PM
Came out really well!

Sent via messenger pigeon. I talk, he types.

Cjsmithfl
05-18-2016, 07:26 PM
Thanks, it's coming along. I have a lot of thing I still want to do. The rear hatch struts were shot so I replaced those today. Filler her up and took it for a cruise.

XJ Wheeler
05-18-2016, 11:40 PM
Finally replaced mine a while back after ten years of banging my head on it... :D



Sent via messenger pigeon. I talk, he types.

Cjsmithfl
05-20-2016, 03:17 PM
yeah my buddy has been doing the same thing on his Toyota forever..

bluedragon436
05-21-2016, 12:27 PM
It is coming along nicely Chris...

Cjsmithfl
05-25-2016, 03:02 PM
Thanks Bluedragon436

Update 5/25

This past weekend me and a couple friends went for some trail riding through the national forest in our area. place is really neat, tons of trails and some crazy assortment of trails. being in Florida we don't have much in the way of large rocks like out in the mid west but we do have some sand and small elevation changes here and there. couple of sink hole areas that can be fun to play with.

Overall the xj performed great, I didn't have any complaints for the most part (A/C is dead haha). I'm thinking on doing a full 3" lift on this with the new leaf packs and some bump stops. and looking into some bumpers for recovery and protection (maybe some limb raisers) most of the area is thick with underbrush and hanging limbs and they are very tight trails.

Picture from a clay pit the park rangers mistakenly left open, there are no keep out signs but usually the 4" steel pipe that blocks the path is locked, this day it wasn't so we got to play.
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_4.jpeg

so yesterday driving home on I-4 I noticed that I was starting to get a vibration and the xj was pulling to the left. I pulled over to the shoulder and investigated what I had already somewhat assumed was going on and sure enough the driver side brake caliper was stuck (thankfully I caught it early and it didn't get too hot). I backed it into the shade by an on ramp and tore it apart to investigate.
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_5.jpeg

It appears that the caliper piston boot is torn so I will be replacing the calipers on this xj too. cheap fix for the most part. I ended up having some left over lube from my last encounter with this issue on my last xj still in my tool box so I compressed the piston with a 6" c-clamp worked it a little and lubed up the slides (they were pretty dry) either way it made it home and I drove it in today with no problems. I need to make a run to the u-pull it this weekend if possible and snag some stuff. my buddies want to do another trip out exploring the north area of Ocala, we will see what happens though. I'd rather get everything squared away.
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_6.jpeg


Question for the gurus: What OBD2 tool are you using to stream data to your phone? I have seen this several times but I'm looking into one of these setups any advice? I have an Iphone so I would need something applicable for that. My cluster has only the dummy lights and it really bothers me cause I can't even see what my RPM's are at or temps while on the trail. I imagine these sensors might not display digital data possibly just open and closed switches?

Thanks Guys !

abebehrmann
05-25-2016, 03:19 PM
Thanks Bluedragon436

Update 5/25

This past weekend me and a couple friends went for some trail riding through the national forest in our area. place is really neat, tons of trails and some crazy assortment of trails. being in Florida we don't have much in the way of large rocks like out in the mid west but we do have some sand and small elevation changes here and there. couple of sink hole areas that can be fun to play with.

Overall the xj performed great, I didn't have any complaints for the most part (A/C is dead haha). I'm thinking on doing a full 3" lift on this with the new leaf packs and some bump stops. and looking into some bumpers for recovery and protection (maybe some limb raisers) most of the area is thick with underbrush and hanging limbs and they are very tight trails.

Picture from a clay pit the park rangers mistakenly left open, there are no keep out signs but usually the 4" steel pipe that blocks the path is locked, this day it wasn't so we got to play.
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_4.jpeg

so yesterday driving home on I-4 I noticed that I was starting to get a vibration and the xj was pulling to the left. I pulled over to the shoulder and investigated what I had already somewhat assumed was going on and sure enough the driver side brake caliper was stuck (thankfully I caught it early and it didn't get too hot). I backed it into the shade by an on ramp and tore it apart to investigate.
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_5.jpeg

It appears that the caliper piston boot is torn so I will be replacing the calipers on this xj too. cheap fix for the most part. I ended up having some left over lube from my last encounter with this issue on my last xj still in my tool box so I compressed the piston with a 6" c-clamp worked it a little and lubed up the slides (they were pretty dry) either way it made it home and I drove it in today with no problems. I need to make a run to the u-pull it this weekend if possible and snag some stuff. my buddies want to do another trip out exploring the north area of Ocala, we will see what happens though. I'd rather get everything squared away.
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_6.jpeg


Question for the gurus: What OBD2 tool are you using to stream data to your phone? I have seen this several times but I'm looking into one of these setups any advice? I have an Iphone so I would need something applicable for that. My cluster has only the dummy lights and it really bothers me cause I can't even see what my RPM's are at or temps while on the trail. I imagine these sensors might not display digital data possibly just open and closed switches?

Thanks Guys !

I have this one.

Amazon.com: ELM327 WIFI Wireless ELM327 OBD2 OBDII Auto Diagnostic Scanner Tool Adapter for Smartphone / PC / iOS / iPhone/ iPad/ iTouch /Mac: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WrTHFAlDL.@@AMEPARAM@@41WrTHFAlDL

I'm not sure if this is the case now, but at least when I purchased mine they didn't offer any bluetooth ones that work with iphones. The wifi one works just fine, but it's kinda annoying to have to turn off the wifi if you want to use your phone's data. Mine had the idiot light gauges too, and it works just fine with those, all the late model sensors are the same no matter the gauge cluster you have. I ended up replacing my gauges with a full gauge cluster I picked up from the junkyard because I was tired of dealing with connecting to the app every time I wanted to see my temp/oil pressure.

PS- I'm jealous you get to explore Ocala Nat Forest. That's probably my favorite place in Florida.

abebehrmann
05-25-2016, 03:29 PM
I forgot to mention that I use the OBD Fusion app with the Elm327. It's pretty cool what it can do, it will log all of the data your OBDII system gives you and can overlay it on a map with other data like elevation that I think it gets from your phone. I tried a few of the free apps that work with it but the few I tried were crap, so I sucked it up and paid the $10 for the app. Pretty sure it's still the only app I've paid for.

Pinkyman
05-25-2016, 03:44 PM
Thats a nice looking Xj! Were you disco'd in that picture with you flexing?

As far as live data, I use this one. It came with my Xj, but combined with the Torque App it seems to work really well.

Amazon.com: BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41qPjS0dkUL.@@AMEPARAM@@41qPjS0dkUL

Cjsmithfl
05-25-2016, 03:52 PM
thanks Abe, that's a good idea too, I was concerned that I'd have to pick up the sensors too. thanks for clarifying that I will look at the jy and see if I can find any clusters.

I love Ocala always something to do out there. we have been exploring that area for years and it never gets old. always a new spring fed lake or something to check out. here is a video I put together really quickly of our trip. https://youtu.be/xsbTowu247M

Cjsmithfl
05-25-2016, 03:55 PM
Thanks Pinkyman, Yes I have both the rear and front disconnected. it could go more but my fenders are limiting me if you know what I mean. I'm not for the hacked up look anymore so I may clean it up and remove the fenders and trim a little (I just would like the keep the factory appearance as much as possible).

Pinkyman
05-25-2016, 04:22 PM
Thanks Pinkyman, Yes I have both the rear and front disconnected. it could go more but my fenders are limiting me if you know what I mean. I'm not for the hacked up look anymore so I may clean it up and remove the fenders and trim a little (I just would like the keep the factory appearance as much as possible).

I really like how it looks with the fenders. Im trying to stay away from trimming as well.

Cjsmithfl
05-31-2016, 09:30 AM
Pinkyman : well the decision was made on sat evening after cleaning the jeep from the weekend trip to remove them, I kept everything so they may find their way back on after paint and a little modification.

Update 5.31.16

This past weekend was quite eventful. Some friends and I went to the local u-pull it and found two late model Cherokees for parts. One was the same color and thinking back, I wish I would have grabbed the header panel for future use if needed. It had the cluster I was looking for, I was concerned if the Tach. would work because it came off of a 4.0 and mine is the 2.5 however no problems what so ever and everything works great. I also have confirmed that the reason that the heat doesn't work in the xj is related to the thermostat either A) stuck open or B) was removed. The thing never gets over 150* even on the trails.
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_8.jpeg
Camp that evening.
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_9.jpeg

In route to the junk yard my drivers side brake caliper got stuck again so I stopped at O'rilleys and picked up a new or refurbished one. Later that day I installed it and the CB radio. Tuned it up for the evening for the trip to Ocala and it worked flawlessly. The evening was great nice cool temps at night (67* at least). The next morning we spent about 5 hours on the trails exploring and went home where the cleaning commenced and the fender rubbing was temporarily investigated. I kind of like the look however the lower areas of the jeep will be sprayed with bed liner soon for protection and the flares will most likely find their way back home.
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/bulowchris/Mobile%20Uploads/image_10.jpeg
sorry for the cell phone picture but that's the only current picture I have at the moment.

Here's a short video of how the day went.
https://youtu.be/cGMa9a6v8DI

Have a good day everyone, until next time :patriot:

Chris

MattybPDX
05-31-2016, 02:21 PM
Normally I'm a keep the fenders kind of guy but it looks pretty clean without them.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Cjsmithfl
05-31-2016, 02:41 PM
Normally I'm a keep the fenders kind of guy but it looks pretty clean without them.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Thanks, I was thinking so too, glad I wasn't the only one. I will come together soon with the Bedliner on the lower rockers/doors. I think it's needed with all of the rocks these tires have been kicking up on the trails.

Cjsmithfl
09-19-2018, 10:50 PM
-Update 9/20/18-

So I haven’t updated or been on here in a while but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been doing anything haha. About 7 months ago I took a trip up into the Smokey mountains after visiting my parents in NC. Had a blast exploring around solo, didn’t do much in terms of wheeling but the experience itself was well worth the trip. The Cherokee did great even with the 2.5L overall I think it was a little over 1,800 miles in total without any issues.

http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad100/cjsmithfl/A7AC2951-79BC-47E4-B9CF-FB42C1A3D46D_zpsuvva34pl.jpeg (http://s925.photobucket.com/user/cjsmithfl/media/A7AC2951-79BC-47E4-B9CF-FB42C1A3D46D_zpsuvva34pl.jpeg.html)
http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad100/cjsmithfl/DDD3C8B7-7745-44DE-A996-C800618AE3A4_zps2exycl01.jpeg (http://s925.photobucket.com/user/cjsmithfl/media/DDD3C8B7-7745-44DE-A996-C800618AE3A4_zps2exycl01.jpeg.html)
http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad100/cjsmithfl/AD8A26DE-2516-4579-9763-993D3271E907_zpslhzn6wop.jpeg (http://s925.photobucket.com/user/cjsmithfl/media/AD8A26DE-2516-4579-9763-993D3271E907_zpslhzn6wop.jpeg.html)

About 4 months ago I purchased a 2000 sport auto 4.0 4x4 with 142k on it from the original owner for $1,300. The original plan was to swap my stuff over to it but after further inspection I decided against this due to a past accident it was involved in. The drivers side front subframe was beyond what I felt acceptable to repair and trust for recovery etc. later found substantial rust on the tub.. sooo that lead to converting the 97 se over to a 4.0, auto sport knowing the drivetrain was good on the 2000.
http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad100/cjsmithfl/3A6AD2F9-DD7D-44D9-8147-11C7AAA0EEC8_zps3k5mfqol.jpeg (http://s925.photobucket.com/user/cjsmithfl/media/3A6AD2F9-DD7D-44D9-8147-11C7AAA0EEC8_zps3k5mfqol.jpeg.html)

I’ve taken my time with the swap and overall I’m pleased with how everything has come together. She actually fired up first crank today and runs great so far. I moved her around the driveway today (cleaning the garage and driveway) still have some things to finish up waiting on some more parts to arrive this week. During the swap I’ve replaced the following : Valve cover and oil pan gasket, transmission filter and gasket, water pump, thermostat, harmonic balancer, starter, upgraded to full aluminum radiator, external trans cooler, spark plugs, pcv, ccv, heater core and a/c accumulator. I’ve also added sounding deadening material to the cabin floor (have enough left for the inside of the doors and roof too). I purchased new replacement carpet for it and hope to get it all installed tomorrow. Overall I’ve got a bunch of tedious things to do like swapping the power door locks and power windows stuff. I’ve already swapped over the tilt steering column and auto pedal assembly as well. Things are going great. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask. I might do a write up for those that might be interested in doing something like this. Thoughts?

Have a good evening you all ✌🏽
-Cj

Cjsmithfl
09-19-2018, 11:13 PM
Also purchased this patio umbrella and converted it into a shade/canopy for camping. Helps at the beach and surprisingly enough it works decently in the rain. I cut the pedestal and used just the “tube” portion of it and fastened it to my tire carrier with stainless steel hose clamps. It works great. I stow the umbrella in the trunk while traveling etc.
http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad100/cjsmithfl/0AD4E5C7-9224-451E-8653-DE691DB30673_zpsw1jccixc.jpeg (http://s925.photobucket.com/user/cjsmithfl/media/0AD4E5C7-9224-451E-8653-DE691DB30673_zpsw1jccixc.jpeg.html)

Thought I’d share that with you all too.

4.3LXJ
09-20-2018, 09:55 AM
Congrats on the swap. You will be happier with some extra ponies under the hood. Camping out of the back of the XJ is a great thing. Much better than having a Prius

carloxj
11-09-2018, 12:53 AM
Looks like you're having fun with your rig! That umbrella is a neat idea.