My new ZJ Expedition Rig

[xjman88]

I had some spare time today so I trimmed the rear bumper cover from the tires to the metal brackets and I also took the black evap canister and located it sideways behind the front frame crossmember. Was pretty simple as I just took some spare rubber hose in different sizes and extended the stock ones to fit. Came out alright I think. I will get pics taken and posted up tomorrow.

 

[xjman88]

I found a set of 1 in taller rear coils from a member on jeep forum. Should have them early next week. Now my rig should sit even w the tire carrier and trailer hooked up. I will get pics up when its done. Planning on a 4 day trip next weekend.

 

[xjman88]

I acquired a chuck box for my camp kitchen today. I'm so stoked. It has 5 small drawers for silverware and what not on top, a large drawer on the bottom that my two burner stove fits in and long handled utensils. The main compartment has my coffee purcolator and large pots and pans along with plates and bowls. The box is made of aluminum so It will never rust. Pics to follow.

 

[xjman88]

Updated pics are up.

 

[xjman88]

That's really cool! My ZJ is having the same effect so I know what you mean. I often go hang out at Ranch Muffler where there are a lot of Jeepers working on repairs to their rock crawlers. I forsee a lot of these guys moving away from obsticle conquering and getting into Expo adventure. Keep up the good work man!!

I plan on it. Xplorenow is moving up here next month so we r both looking forward to meeting up. I'm hoping to put Maine on the expo map for people to come explore. We have a lot to offer the overlanding/expos community here along w great seafood.

 

[xjman88]

I spent some time in the shop today and found out my new chuck box fits in the back on top of the rear deck under the metal shelf. My youngest son/expo buddy was askin if it fit and it does. I also built a shelf underneath to store my folding camp table. It sits on top of my parts/fluid rubbermaid packer and the crate bin that has my 3 tool bags in it. Ill try to get pics up tomorrow.

 

[xjman88]

I started building a flat roof rack today to replace my safari rack. Got alot done. I haven't had a chance to get pics. Hopefully tomorrow.

 

[Recce01]

I like your chuck box man. I am regretting not going with aluminum for mine. It gets pretty heavy pretty fast. To be fair, the majority of weight is what we put in it Depending on how far you are on the roof rack, you may want to remove the factory rack in its entirety and just use the mounting holes. It worked out pretty good for us!

 

[xjman88]

Thanks a lot man. I appreciate it. Ive done a lot on my jeep on a budget. A lot of stuff I had donated like the chuck box, the materials for the rear storage area for example. Ive also been very inventive w my build up. Being a disabled vet ive done what I can. I'm proud of my work though and it works for me.

 

[xjman88]

I got my roof rack finished up and mounted. I mounted a small ammo can for tow strap/recovery gear. Also have a hilift and spare tire mount. Came out good I think. I also put together a passenger side awning. I used some poles and the canvas support system from a pop up camper I stripped out recently. Only expense was a 5.00 6x8 tarpaulin. I'm looking for a green one as the blue one doesn't match my rig. Its mounted to the roof rack. It came out really decent I think. Pics to follow.

 

[xjman88]

New pics are posted.

 

[xjman88]

I picked up a Bushnell Onix 400 Gps for free. Its new and I am using it as a secondary one for plotting and saving coordinates. Also got a Coleman extreme 28 qt cooler to try out. I have the 52qt one and like it. The new one is staying in the rear cargo area w the chuck box. Both fit great under the storage rack on top of the deck. I also made some adjustments on my awning.

 

[Recce01]

who is handing out free GPS units?

 

[xjman88]

who is handing out free GPS units?

My father in law gave it to me. He got it for his Atv but didn't like it as its too big. So score for me.

 

[xjman88]

I ordered a set of 32x11.50x15 Cooper Discoverer STTs today. Should have them by the end of the week or early next. I did a lot of research on them and they should work for my zj just fine. Actually a lot of folks here on the expo forum run em. I ran a set of the older STTs on my first Cherokee and they were ok. Stay tuned.