Canadian Expedition XJ

[Canadian Moose]

Day 19

Day 19 - Interior Project - Stage 1

The warmer weather is motivation for to work on the Jeep.

Here are some photos from before: The previous owner left it in disgusting shape.

I started off by pulling all the carpet out of the 2000 limited. This carpet was way cleaner and was also higher quality. I proceeded to clean it so that it was like new.
Then I pulled out the seats, carpet and grey center console from my Jeep.

The rust situation wasn't that bad at all. I sanded it down a bit and hit it with some black rust paint.

I started replacing the carpet and grey trim pieces with the black stuff from the newer xj. I replaced the center console with the black one. I installed the heated seat controls as well as the part brake lever from the 2000 as mine was broken.

Side note on the heated power leather seats. All the wiring and controls are self contained. There are 3 wires then run to the jeep, a ground wire, ignition power and the main power. The main power simply plugged into the interior fuse box.

 

[Canadian Moose]

Day 19 Cont.

The results: ( I had already gone on a wheeling trip so there is a bit of mud on the carpet already!)

I removed the cigarette lighter and added a second power source. I also installed the CB radio, the wires were tucked nicely under the carpet.
I also installed a leather wrapped wheel skin. http://www.wheelskins.com/ This product is very high quality. It takes about 1hr to sew on. The tighter the better. You really can't tell that it is aftermarket.

It was a slow process but I am happy with the results. The next stage is redoing the headliner and installing the overhead console. Eventually I will add the matching interior panels for the doors as well power locks and windows.

 

[Canadian Moose]

Day 20

Day 20 - Flare Install and new CB antenna mount

I got pulled over by an Edmonton police officer earlier this week. Luckily I was on my way to a business awards dinner and was dressed up.... all responsible looking :2thumbsup:. The officer informed me that it was law to have proper tire coverage as well as mud flaps. I told him flares were in the works. I had purchased some rear Tj flares off a friend.

They took some fabrication to get even close to fitting.

The entire time I couldnt help but think how easier this would have been on a 2 door model.

Overall I am not 100% sure if I like them. But they should do the trick until I do some crazy tube flares/ Exo Cage.

CB antenna install: I knew I wanted the antenna somewhere on the rear of the jeep. I hate them upfront... they tend to get in the way in photos. While looking around the garage I found this piece of stainless steel that fit perfectly between that hatch and roof.

 

[Canadian Moose]

Winter wheeling trip

I had the opportunity to do some wheeling in the mountains this past weekend. I borrowed some "V" tire chains from a friend. While this helped big time for the rear. I think it hindered the front of my jeep as I was cutting through the hardened snow when I would have rather stayed on top.

Here are some photos.

Note, I also borrowed this hitch basket and attached it to my roof. Extra fuel was necessary as we were almost 2hrs away from the nearest gas station.

 

[Nikson]

great pictures from the trip... love the one with you in the water...

 

[Black Dog]

Haha! the jeeps made it through and the hummer had to winch itself out!

 

[Canadian Moose]

Haha! the jeeps made it through and the hummer had to winch itself out!

Haha, I had to get winched up that hill as well. The other jeeps made it up. :elkgrin:

 

[Douglas S.]

I need to move to Alberta

 

[Canadian Moose]

I need to move to Alberta

Hahaha, yeah man. Its nice to live relatively close to the mountains.

 

[Canadian Moose]

Day 21

Day 21, Finished up some odds and ends before heading out wheeling for Easter Long weekend.

I wired up a switch for the Aux fan. I followed these instructions. It worked perfectly.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/auxillary-fan-override-switch-write-up-pics-811703/

I also mated some 3" skyjacker leafs with the rough country AAL I had. The rear now sits about 7" above stock. This was necessary as last wheeling trip once loaded down the rear was sunk 3". It now sits level when loaded and a slight rake when unloaded. I am happy with the results.

I also fixed the rear exhaust hanger as it was rattling.

Trip report to follow.

 

[Dools]

FYI for the owner of the 4 door JK. You should never run chains on a single axle if you are in 4 wheel drive.

nice looking build BTW.

 

[Canadian Moose]

FYI for the owner of the 4 door JK. You should never run chains on a single axle if you are in 4 wheel drive.

nice looking build BTW.

My I ask why not? That JK is a Rubi btw, he just took the decals off as he was concerned with people stealing it.

Thanks for looking! :elkgrin:

 

[Dools]

I cant recal the exact reason but I have been told that it can be very hard on the transfer case. Similar to if you have an AWD you should run chains on all 4. I will have to look for the articles that explained it.

I love the area you are in. I live in Squamish, BC and the mountains kick *** to wheel in!

Interesting point about him taking off the Rubi stickers, but I would think that short of a flat bed the coded key would stop most theives!

 

[The Adam Blaster]

I've heard it's just a plain bad idea to run chains on only one axle, especially if you're going up or down any hills.
The axle with chains will grip, the other won't and your vehicle can rotate around the axle that has chains on it.
Kind of like being in a 2wd pickup on a side slope, gas it and the rear end slides right out.

P.S. Glad those springs helped you out!

P.P.S. I need to get out wheelin' with some local guys...

 

[Black Dog]

I've heard it's just a plain bad idea to run chains on only one axle, especially if you're going up or down any hills.
The axle with chains will grip, the other won't and your vehicle can rotate around the axle that has chains on it.
Kind of like being in a 2wd pickup on a side slope, gas it and the rear end slides right out.

I've been told something some what similar but have never used chains to test it. If you have an open diff with no locker, only put chains on the wheels that are going to be moving you forwards. So have one on your front drivers side and one on your rear passenger side (or vise versa, can't remember which is which). Does anyone do that?