TimJ408 has joined!

[Mudderoy]

Glad you could find us TimJ408!

[TimJ408]

Hey thanks Mudderoy! Allow me to introduce myself...

Hello everyone. My name is Tim Johnson. I am 18 years old and purchased my first vehicle about a month ago. It's a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Limited. Spotless in and out! 97,000 miles, Auto, non-ABS=8.25" rear, 3" Rusty's Suspension lift, 31" MTR's, Warrior Front Bumper, Rusty's upper and lower control arms, Rusty's drop pitmint arm, Rusty's drag link, Rusty's steering stabilizer, Rusty's throttle body spacer, K&N intake w/ rustys mount, cat back flowmaster stainless exhaust, optima red top battery, thule rack... and I have to say, I love the heated leather power seats... Note that I did nothing to the Jeep. I would however like a full size safari rack to keep the spare on and to hold some junk.

Anyways, although I'm not one to abuse, I do like to use. My best friend has a 88 fullsize bronco that he paid $500 for. Since I've had my cherokee, I've been trying to get him to go wheelin with me. Finally, about 2 weeks ago held the day. We hit a spot that I had checked out called Jockey Hill. It starts off at Rt 28, kingston. You turn onto Jockey Hill Rd, and pull off onto a side lot (so your buddy can lock his hubs on his bronco and figure out how to put it in 4x4 for the first time, lol!). Then you turn back onto the gravel road and head up the mountain. It's a little bumpy and there's no way a 2wd could make it up the road. The road lead to where the state blocked it off (way back when, before it was blocked off, my dad drove his ol' cj5 through there. But that was when he was my age...) But before that there is a hill on the right. To be honest I had only walked a short bit of the trail, but knew people used it and that it went on for a while. The very first obstacle, if that's what you want to call it, is some tree roots. They were very washed out were spaced out just right to catch a tire in, and just the right distance apart that you couldn't go around or throught (lots of trees!!!) To get one thing straight, you need to understand my friend George. He is reckless and knows he only paid $500 for his truck, which by the way came with 33's on it. He got pissed that I was going slow up the road and when we got to where the dirt trail starts, HE JUST WENT FOR IT! He pretty much floored it, bounced around when he hit the roots, probably hit his head a little, and surprisingly when right over it. I was laughing my *** off and decided to go again and go for it too, but a little more gentilier. He took off and his eyes popped out when he saw the mud pit/"puddle" ahead (lol!). Then it was to the right and downhill. Some tight turns and a real good water pit. Sadly, we hit a deadend that only quads could go through. We took some pictures of our rides, since it was kindof a special day, and turned around. We decided to take videos of going through the water on the way back, I'll post the link if he puts them on youtube, nothing really special but cool at the time! The way back up the hill after he kept stalling out, lol. And as much as I wanted to hit the other trail, I couldn't get him to do it. We got back out and through the tree roots. I have to say that he really impressed me, and I impressed myself. The trail was so tight that he knocked the mirrors on the bronco in (adjustable, but he doesn't used them anyways, lol). We both had a good time, and we'll be back to hit the other trail (which may connect to another road that I know of!)

Hope you enjoyed my story. I graduated last friday what do you know, now it's summer for me! (Work and play) Then College, George will be there so we can still have fun and go wheelin. I'm always wheelin when I get a chance. I took it out at 8:30 a week ago friday during my friend's graduation party. I stuck George in the back and my buddy Ralph on shotgun and hit some DEP land (Ashokan Reservoir) where they were logging. That was the first time I hit a road made out of logs (extra rough!) and impressed ralph by not getting stuck or getting a single scratch (the way I plan to keep it since it's my daily and only driver!) If anyone around here knows of any trails or events let me know!

Next post will hold some pics! Thanks for reading! -Tim

[Mudderoy]

Great story, thanks. It sounds like you have the better "wheeling" head on your shoulders. If the rig is right you shouldn't have to floor it. ;)

[xjjeepthing]

Welcome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Melissa]

Hello and welcome from Oregon!!!!

[kmanxj]

Welcome!!!!! how do you know mudderoy?

[firehawk]

Hello from Indy!

[Voldemort]

Welcome to xjtalk

[weaselguys]

Welcome from Montana

[Dirt Dogg Rydas]

welcome!!!

[BlueXJ]

Welcome to xjtalk we are very glad to have you. Post up pics when you can. We love to look.

[UKJeepThang]

Welcome from waaaaay over here in the UK!! :thumbsup:

[ol"blue]

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/DLHTURBO/10mnc4m.gif

[92BLKDAK]

Welcome from another newbie from Texas!

[TimJ408]

Thanks for the welcome everyone. Here's a few pictures.

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/My%20Jeep/1.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/My%20Jeep/CooperLake.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/My%20Jeep/JeepandBronco2.jpg

When I get some time and a nice day I'll take some pictures of whatever else. Stand by for a help request. I have a horn that I would like to wire up, that is if it's worth doing. I do not have any experience with electrical work, so any help would be apprieciated.

-Tim

[N1TZU]

Nice looking Xj there TimJ408,Good story to.Welcome from Bob here in Maine..........

[Mudderoy]

Nice looking rig. As long as the $300 ring in the steering column hasn't gone out on you wiring up the horn should be pretty easy.

[TimJ408]

Hey, thanks. Well, don't laugh, but here's the horn I wanted on my jeep:

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/Horn/1.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/Horn/2.jpg

But unfortunatly it's a 6 volt. I'm sure there's a way to do it, if anyone knows, let me know. I wanted to put it on, not only because I like the sound of big horns, but because it was my grandfathers. He was hell of a gear head and built numerous vehicles: His own frontend loader, an old ford that was designed to hold 5 people and do wheelies, an old cj, and until he passed he was working on some kind of 25 ford (I think) from the ground up that would have had wood paneling.

-Tim

[Melissa]

Pretty XJ!!!!

I like the horn, keep me informed if you find a way to get it installed!

[Mudderoy]

I'm not laughing. I'm going to install an air horn in mine. It's going to be the "get off the ****ing cell phone and drive" horn!

[TimJ408]

Lol. I hear ya mudder. I want something that you can definatly hear when I blow it. Any ideas on how to wire a 6 volt horn to a 12 volt system? Oh, and I'm having some problem with the site. I go to make post and create new threads and the screen goes to log in. I log in, it goes to "wait until redirected", then it goes right back to the same screen. The only way I could post this was by using the quick reply, but I can't get around anything else.

Let me know what kind of horn you use and how it works out. And if you could diagnose what I'm doing wrong let me know, this hasn't happened before to me on other sites, but maybe I changed something with my internet options...

-Tim

[Mudderoy]

Lol. I hear ya mudder. I want something that you can definatly hear when I blow it. Any ideas on how to wire a 6 volt horn to a 12 volt system? Oh, and I'm having some problem with the site. I go to make post and create new threads and the screen goes to log in. I log in, it goes to "wait until redirected", then it goes right back to the same screen. The only way I could post this was by using the quick reply, but I can't get around anything else.

Let me know what kind of horn you use and how it works out. And if you could diagnose what I'm doing wrong let me know, this hasn't happened before to me on other sites, but maybe I changed something with my internet options...

-Tim

I'd have to look but I'm sure someone makes a 12 volt DC to 6 volt DC converter. You could always install a 6 volt motorcycle battery and run a 6 volt charger off your electrical system.

vBulletin (the software that you are using) uses COOKIES to keep up with you being logged in. If you go to http://xjtalk.com/ the cookie isn't written the way the software is looking for so you have that problem. If you have cookies turned off it MAY cause the same issue.

If you are not going to http://www.xjtalk.com/ try that, and I bet it fixes your problem.

[okeedokee]

welcome from Washington
Duane

[TimJ408]

I know everyone loves pics... Let me know what you think:
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1428.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1429.jpghttp://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1431.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1432.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1433.jpg

Yes, that is a undropped transfer case. So that's the next thing I gotta make an order for, and I think I'll go with a new crossmember with the 1" drop so I don't loose any ground clearance... Right?

[TimJ408]

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1434.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1435.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1436.jpghttp://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1437.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1438.jpg
I know I'm parked on a slight hill, but does it look like the back end sags a little?

[TimJ408]

And after the crossmember, does anyone think spacers would be a good idea to get a wider and a more agressive look?
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1439.jpg
Gotta get that lock off, already bought new lugs, but I don't have tool (Dad was a roofer, not a mechanic. lol).
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1442.jpg
This one's kinda funny to me. Only had the jeep a little over a month and have already slept in the back twice.
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1443.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1444.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1445.jpg
And that red hangy thing means I just graduatted... wahwho!!!

[TimJ408]

Found some JEEP floor mats... and the price was right, free!
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1446.jpg
Don't expect to use the thule rack, so I want a safari rack. Workin on a guy right now for one.
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1447.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1448.jpg
Gets the job done... (Notice the nice new recharged k&n. Did a pretty good job for my first one.)
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1449.jpg
BIG QUESTION!!! Is anyone else's hood like this? I think it's cracking because of the heat? But the temp inside never goes over 210, although I do think the radiator leaks... (level stays up but every now and then I have to fill it the res up a little.)
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1455.jpg

[TimJ408]

This really grinds my gears! Until I want to go recking things, I want a clean vehicle. I don't know how this happened..
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1456.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1457.jpg
This to. Water ends up sitting on the inside there. Any ideas on what to do about this?
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1460.jpg
And as you can see it's going through to the outside.
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1461.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1463.jpg
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/7-4-09%20Jeep%20Pics/IMG_1465.jpg

[Mudderoy]

Wow great pictures. Yes everyone loves pictures and we resort to begging quite often. :D

Really pretty Jeep. That's a shame you're having a cracking problem on the hood. That must somehow be related to the climate you are in or the salt. I'll let the other weigh in with their thoughts.

I know you just graduated, so money might be a little tight, but any plans for a SYE (Slip Yoke Eliminator) instead of a drop?

[TimJ408]

Well, when I bought it, he told me that it had a SYE from Rusty's (where he bought just about everything for it). Can you tell by the pictures? If not, how can I know?

[Mudderoy]

Well, when I bought it, he told me that it had a SYE from Rusty's (where he bought just about everything for it). Can you tell by the pictures? If not, how can I know?

Maybe I mis-read. I thought you were wanting to get a transfer case drop. To me that told me you didn't have a SYE.

[Mudderoy]

I know everyone loves pics... Let me know what you think:

Yes, that is a undropped transfer case. So that's the next thing I gotta make an order for, and I think I'll go with a new crossmember with the 1" drop so I don't loose any ground clearance... Right?

Yeah right here. The only reason I know to drop the transfer case is to keep the vibrations out of the drivetrain. The SYE is supposed to be the "correct" way of fixing that issue. Dropping the transfer case is ok, but it exposes more important Jeep stuff to damage.

[TimJ408]

So anyways, I'm not a active member... But here's an update of my jeep.

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/Roof%20Rack%20Lights/IMG_1500.jpg
A NEW RACK! It just happened to be on a jeep forum and was one of the first things I wanted to do to my jeep. Lights and Horn are all wired up and work great!

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/Roof%20Rack%20Lights/IMG_1498.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/Roof%20Rack%20Lights/IMG_1499.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/Roof%20Rack%20Lights/IMG_1495.jpg

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/Roof%20Rack%20Lights/IMG_1496.jpg
Thanks Tony for the sticker. Notice I put it where I will see it every day, haha.

http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss103/TimJ408/Roof%20Rack%20Lights/IMG_1497.jpg

So what do you think? The next thing I wanna do is possibly bed line the rockers and the fender flares. If anyone can find a picture of a xj the same color as mine with that done to it let me know.

[Mudderoy]

Thanks for the pictures. Looks good. Always like seeing how the other folks live. :thumbsup:

[96xj]

:welcome: to xjtalk from florida

[JG-Man]

That horn will scare the deer away from the long-gun hunters for miles!

[JG-Man]

The rust on the inside of the lower door is common with all Jeeps and Dodges of that era, (my 99 Dodge Ram has the same exact problem, I traded it for a 2000 XJ and hello! -- that looks familiar!! I think it's a fact of life here in the North-Eastern states unless its a garage queen. Someone said to get a door from a west coast car and start over when it gets bad enough.

[alwaysxj]

welcome from utah. thanks for all the pics and the novel :cheerleader:

[N1TZU]

Thanks for more pics of your Nice looking XJ Tim in New York.....

[TimJ408]

Thanks everyone! (and thanks for the thankyou's) I've been laughing my **s off with my horn, sitting in the college parking lot. I'm glad I put it on, because if that thing doesn't put a smile on your face... well, then either your a cyclist in the road in front of me, or just a grump, lol. (And since it came off a boat, it sounds like a tug boat coming down the road :^) ...) It's nice to hear everyone's thoughts. Thanks again
-Tim