Sold the XJ, now a long term 96 ZJ build.

[IllianaXJ]

I sold my 01 XJ about a year ago frankly because I lost interest in it. It didn't take long for me to miss it, so I started casually browsing Craigslist and local forums for another project. I happened across this 96 ZJ with the simple CL ad title 'Project Jeep'. Since I'm an idiot, I clicked it. The next day I was enroute with a trailer to bring it home.

This will be a long term build into a reliable DD/weekend wheeler. I'm not going to go full Expo kit on it since let's face it, I live in Indiana. I'm planning on a trip to CO/UT in 2013, but that's pretty much the extent of 'extreme' backcountry travel it will see.

Basics: 1996 Limited, 5.2, 249, 3" Skyjacker + 2" Tera BB, worn 265s, color matched ARB front bumper, K&N FIPK, Pioneer radio with ipod hookup. PO got it in a trade for another vehicle. The interior was hammered, both from abuse and leaking sunroof/HVAC drain. He stripped it minus the front seats and then the tie rod adjusting sleeve snapped and he didn't want to mess with it. I picked it up for $900.

Pics the day I towed it home:

Got it home, replaced the $13 adjusting sleeve drove it around the neighborhood. Seemed to run ok, front trackbar was making an awful racket, rear suspension was clattering and the exhaust was rusted through so I parked it until I had time to work on it.

 

[IllianaXJ]

A few days later I got a chance to work on the new rig. Removed the nerf bars and brackets, mesh grille, non-working white face gauges and put all the dash trim back on. Replaced the rear Skyjacker LCA bushings, put a proper 10mm bolt in the front trackbar to remove the slop caused by a 3/8" bolt and found a couple HVAC issues. I found the A/C drain leaking around the firewall seal and the blend door arm broken so it only blows at the floor. On the plus side, the A/C is ice cold!

We happened to get a wrecked 97 ZJ Laredo in at my part time job (towing company) that we bought for scrap value, so I was able to score the entire grey cloth interior (minus headliner) for $0. Now it looks like this:

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Nice score man... I have a 2000 XJ and often think about moving up the ZJ or WJ for the size and V8 (trailer towing). I would miss my XJ, so I would end up with a second Jeep...oh nos!

Will be following this one!
Greg

 

[IllianaXJ]

As time and funds became available, the ZJ got a new turbo muffler/tailpipe, serpentine belt and plugs/wires/cap/rotor. For Christmas I got a JKS adjustable rear trackbar I need to install.

It now rolls on 31" BFG ATs on black painted Jeep steelies. I sold the stock gold wheels and street tread 265s, but now I'm wishing I had just kept the stock wheels and waited for a good set of tires. Oh well.

Long term plans call for a 231 t'case swap, sliders/skids, rear bumper w/ tire carrier and lockers. For now it's a DD so I can save cold weather wear and tear on my 6.5L Suburban. All told I probably have $1200 in it as of right now.

 

[IllianaXJ]

My new serpentine belt started to squeal, and after investigating I found the power steering pump was sitting crooked. Further investigation found the PS pump bracket looked like this:

A trip to the junkyard and 20 minutes and it's all better.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

All told I probably have $1200 in it as of right now.

I don't know what they cost down there, but around these parts, that front bumper is worth about $1200.00...so you are doing great!

 

[Firehawkclone]

Nice find. I started with a $800 93 ZJ myself. Yours is alot nicer than mine was.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

I don't know what they cost down there, but around these parts, that front bumper is worth about $1200.00...so you are doing great!

I was thinking the same thing! Bought a bumper, and a Jeep came with it!!

Good score!

 

[MN ZJ]

This is the same rig that's on NAGCA, right? I've enjoyed following the thread.
-K

 

[IllianaXJ]

This is the same rig that's on NAGCA, right? I've enjoyed following the thread.
-K

Yep, that's the one. I need to update that thread, thanks for the reminder.

 

[OverlandZJ]

Good to see your back into this rig, all NAXJA guys should own a ZJ.

Whats the plans for the rig?

See ya in 2013 out there..

 

[IllianaXJ]

Scored a set of 5 245/75R16 old style MTRs on Soft 8s with 50-60% tread for a great price from a fellow member on NAXJA. No pics yet, not taking delivery until March.

Slowly coming together!

 

[IllianaXJ]

Current pic with temporary 31s on black steelies.

 

[TMPhoto]

Lookin good! I just got a 98 limited ZJ, black pro comp steels with 32s and a rubicon 4.5 long arm and I love it. I'm already in like 3 times as much as you haha I wish I could have found a cheap car that wasnt a piece of junk to build. Have you hit any trails or anything woth it yet? Im wondering how the heavy front bumper affects the balance going down inclines?

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[IllianaXJ]

Thanks. Haven't wheeled it yet, but I had the same bumper on my XJ. It's certainly heavier than stock, but not terribly noticeable.