TxGunner 90 xj build

[TxGunner]

Picked up a 86 xj last year to start a build but after I got it tore apart realized there was way too much rust to put any money into. Also have an 85 GMC that I have been driving but wanted a better daily driver plus I like the jeep platform. This week bought a 90 xj from a friend for $500. He said fuel pump or relay was out cause it wouldn't start. Pulled it home on trailer and as I was unloading it off the trailer saw the plug to the fuel pump hanging. Plugged it in and it cranked right up.
This weekend I did all the usual tune up, plugs, wires, and oil. Also changed water pump and thermostat.

Plans are:
Flex fan
Radiator
3" lift
31x10.50 bfg km2
Build bumpers and roof rack
Paint
Cargo area drawer



Installed gauges to replace dummy light gauges


Installed cold air intake

 

[TxGunner]

Cleaned up the interior and decided to build a cargo box from the plans in the Cherokee forum.
First built a jig for the box



Here it is tacked and test fit



All welded up



Ready for paint




Today made a basket that fits on the driver side of he cargo area where the factory spare goes. This will be used to hold tow straps and other recovery gear.

 

[Fursphere]

Looks like you're off to a good start.

What are those gauges you installed? I'm guessing automatic tranny temp and something else?

 

[TxGunner]

Looks like you're off to a good start.

What are those gauges you installed? I'm guessing automatic tranny temp and something else?

They are water temp and oil pressure. The Cherokee doesn't have any gauges in it, just lights that come on when it gets too hot or loses oil pressure. I installed these so I knew exactly how it is running.

Worked on the cargo area this morning. Got box and basket mounted and built a platform for storage underneath.



Built a tray that slides underneath for tools but still haven't put the dividers in it yet. Still have to built the tray for the other side



Also ordered my lift from Rustys Offroad. Went with the 3" AAL kit. Can't wait for it to show up.

 

[beardus supremous]

Really digging the cargo storage case and basket. Great start to your build.

 

[stoicalpear]

Looks good! I enjoy the older jeep build threads.

 

[Mitch502]

Likin' it man

 

[BigDaveZJ]

Love those old XJ's. My dad bought a 90 XJ new and that started me down the path.

 

[TxGunner]

Lift showed up today. Will probably put it on this weekend. Also got a new fan clutch to replace the worn out factory one.





Am also in the process of building a roof rack do should have it done in the next couple days.

 

[TxGunner]

So put the lit on today. Took a few hours but everything went pretty smooth. It was a chore getting the rear tires off. They had been on there so long that wheel had rusted to the hub so had to pry the wheel away from the hub.



Here is the finished project. I put some 30x9.50 tires that I had from my other xj that I am going to use until I get some new wheels and tires.

 

[Overland History]

Your XJ looks great so far! I really like the storage bins that you welded up for the cargo area!

One thing that I would recommend considering, is going to full leaf packs and ditching the add-a-leaf setup, money permitting. The add-a-leaf setups are known for stiffening up the rear end to an uncomfortable ride and also limiting articulation. If neither of those things are a concern, then you're good to go with your current setup!

Keep up the good work!

 

[TxGunner]

Installed roof rack today.



D

Your XJ looks great so far! I really like the storage bins that you welded up for the cargo area!

One thing that I would recommend considering, is going to full leaf packs and ditching the add-a-leaf setup, money permitting. The add-a-leaf setups are known for stiffening up the rear end to an uncomfortable ride and also limiting articulation. If neither of those things are a concern, then you're good to go with your current setup!

Keep up the good work!

I would like to go with full leaf packs in the future but these actually don't ride too rough. It's not smooth but definitely isn't real bad.

 

[HercDriver]

Nice and simple rack. I like it.

 

[TxGunner]

Why aal and not new leafs?

Mainly because of price right now. I may upgrade in the future though.

This past weekend I had a few problems. I broke my fan shroud while putting a new fan clutch on and just zip tied it up to be able to use it but while on my way home from work, the shroud hit the fan and broke and poked a hole in the radiator. So I got a new radiator and hoses and got them out in. I also changed out the thermostat while I was there so I could get the cheap Murray stay out and put in the Stant superstat that I had ordered. After I got that sorted out it was back to the fun stuff. I got some LED light strips from Amazon and put in for interior lights. I also mounted a couple quick fist clamps to hold my axe in the cargo area. Today I plan on mounting a couple led 18w flood lights on the back of the roof rack and tracking number says adjustable track bar and new steering stabilizer is supposed to show up today.

Here is some pics of the lights