2001 XJ All Purpose build

[jscusmcvet]

Finished my locker and axle shaft install. Took about 3.5 hours. A few pics below. Naturally I struggled a bit and of course over stupidity on my part


INside the diff

Out comes the c clip

Shiny new axle shafts

In goes the locker

Ruff Stuff Diff cover - beefy

Proof in the grass behind the barn Locker is working and victory is mine...:smiley_drive:

 

[jscusmcvet]

Also picked up one of these from a fellow member here. A bit of insurance.

http://www.offroadtrailtools.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=140

Planning to install sway bar disconnects today if I can get a few things done around the property first. I guess that means I should get off my behind ...

John

 

[rdonahe]

Nice work! I got intimidated and paid to have my Aussie installed.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Nice work! I got intimidated and paid to have my Aussie installed.

Was not as hard as I expected, although I made a mistake that took the better part of an hour to correct... other than that it was step by step... and not that hard at all. I was very happy to have it work. Thought I'd get to disconnects today but alas, real life interferes... My sister and brother are coming over for my sister's bday party... good venison stew, music and a warm fire in the woodstove... nice.

 

[jscusmcvet]

First commute with the spartan locker. Found it to be barely noticeable, chirped tires once, pulling out and accelerating from a stop on a 90 degree turn. Rained this afternoon and had no issues on the wet pavement. So far seems like a winner...

 

[cupowar]

How do those 33s do with only 3" of lift? Any major rubbing issues? How are they with the stock gearing? Skinny 33s with a moderate lift and some fender trimming looks perfect IMHO. The XJ looks great, keep up the good work.

 

[jscusmcvet]

How do those 33s do with only 3" of lift? Any major rubbing issues? How are they with the stock gearing? Skinny 33s with a moderate lift and some fender trimming looks perfect IMHO. The XJ looks great, keep up the good work.

Thanks. I am happy with the way things are turning out. Skinny 33's are just about right I think and just a few tricks needed to make them work.

1) Stay with stock wheels. The deeper offset helps them tuck into the wheel well.

2) Fender trimming - no secret here, but it is not as hard as you would think and if you are not good at it (like me) you can cover it up with flares. I used Pacer Flexi Flares and it was inexpensive and easy. It is great from 20 feet, good from 10, even 5 and up close you body work detail folks would either laugh or puke

3) Aftermarket control arms - My Currie control arms are round, unlike the stamped stock ones. When the tires hit at full lock, they rub but do not catch. Works and is no big deal.

Stock gearing is working, but if I could afford regearing I would. Someday I am going to replace the rear axle, upgrade the front and go with 4.10 or 4.56. Just cannot swing it right now.

Thanks again for your comments.

John

 

[jscusmcvet]

Added Rough Country sway bar disconnects today. Install went fine. Then when back on the ground noticed that the links are too long. I already have them shortened as much as possible. I am going to contact Rough Country to see if there is any other method I can use or if they have shorter links available.

Open for suggestions, including other brands worth looking at.

Thanks.

John

 

[rdonahe]

Open for suggestions, including other brands worth looking at.

I've been happy with my JKS disconnects.

 

[MCObray]

I've been happy with my JKS disconnects.

X2. I am beyond satisifed with my JKS Discos. It takes less than 5 seconds to disconnect. They are a little more spendy, but you get what you pay for.

 

[MtnClimber]

I run 4.56's in my auto-driven, 4.0L powered 00 XJ, rolling on 33x10.5 KM2's (on stock steelies). Tach reads roughly 2K @ 60 mph. I love the power-on-demand and is capable of crawling moderate terrain in just 4HI.
Eventually you'll want to look into longer brake hoses too.

I'm slowly building mine as an all-purpose XJ too :coffeedrink:

 

[jscusmcvet]

Thank you for replies regarding the disco's. I am looking at those exact ones. I also wonder about cutting mine down and welding them back together at an appropriate length. Still contemplating...

 

[jscusmcvet]

Just a few more things:

Added some Gen Right hood vents that I had left over from my Rubicon, but had never mounted. Easy install. I have had some heat soak issues. Seems like the operating temp is approx 3 - 5 degrees less and so far (3 days) no heat soak. We have not had a very warm day since the install, but so far so good.

And a very important accessory...


Picked two up last week, one for me and one for my son. Looking forward to hitting those familiar trails next Sunday.

Next up on my build will be rocker guards and working out my sway bar disco issues. Have a committment from Ann to get me a winch for Fathers Day. Looking hard at the Engo 9000.

Also have been practicing my welding. Welded up a groll big enough to cover the fire pit over the weekend. It is ugly but strong. If I can clean up my act a bit there I may do the rocker guards and a brush guard myself. I have scrounged the metal for both.

Hope to see some of you at Uwharrie next weekend. Planning on Sunday morning to early afternoon. PM me if you'd like to meet up.

John

 

[jscusmcvet]

Battery crapped out today. Took the opportunity to upgrade to an Optima Yellow Top in prepartation for a winch in a few months.

John

 

[88Xj]

Battery crapped out today. Took the opportunity to upgrade to an Optima Yellow Top in prepartation for a winch in a few months.

John

Dang if you can, maybe you can take it back and pick up a Sear premium. Those Optimas are now made in Mexico and the quality has fallen.