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  1. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    I originally had a camper shell latch and gas struts planned, but now trying the linear actuator setup to give the option to recline the "headboard" side by switch. Need to add a lid prop on each side to keep it stable, or try running dual actuators (if I can getaway without having them synced...
  2. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Appreciate it! Shouldn't run into any rubbing issues, the shocks sit a good bit into the wheel well. At 3.75" backspacing it definitely has added clearance. The sleeping platform has been involved, but that's by my own design. Ended up running two pieces of c-channel aluminum supported by the...
  3. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Fixed: Incomplete Catalyst Monitor Smog was due in this last month, and of course the battery had been disconnected while welding up the bed cage / chassis mounts. Catalyst monitor wouldn't set over a few hundred miles of mixed street and freeway driving. Been fighting with it the last few...
  4. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Painted & Reinstalled the XJ Shock Hoops / “Bed Cage”. Got the reservoirs mounted temporarily until I decide where they’ll go and get proper hardware in place. Here’s a few more pictures after paint:
  5. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Tube connectors came in the mail. Cage tie-ins fitted and tacked. XJ shock hoops are just about done after this last adjustment.
  6. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    King Air Bumpstops fitted and sleeved through the XJ rear unibody rails. The upper thread and schrader service valve stick just through the floorboards. This is a set of 2” x 2” king bumpstops. Similar to a typical Jeepspeed XJ configuration.
  7. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Test cycling the xj suspension to check everything clears. Have the travel running a full 10” - with a ~1” down travel cushion to account for limit strap stretch, and a 1” up travel cushion at full bump. Keep the shocks happy for years to come. Pictured above is fully stuffed - where things...
  8. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Bushings came in from Barnes today. Rubicon Express doesn’t offer a poly conversion kit for the XJ / Cherokee springs so on to improvising with a DIY. The smaller (shackle) side was easier to source with a common 1.5” OD poly bushing. The frame side was trickier, requiring a 2x3” outer...
  9. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    More little details while waiting on parts. Started cleaning up the leaf springs. These were originally from a junkyard pull and never got the full service they should have. Rubicon Express 3.5” Superflex Full Leaf Packs (RE1463). Prepped, soon to be painted.
  10. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    More pics of the XJ suspension fully tucked & drooped. This is with 12” king 2.5 bypass shocks. Bumpstops and limit straps to be figured next up.
  11. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Got the lower shock mounts cut and welded today. These will tie into the leaf spring U-bolt plates on the XJ. Few changes to how I want the shock hoops to fit in the rear of the Cherokee. Then will be ready to cycle the suspension and start working towards limit straps and bumpstops. The...
  12. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    And we’re back - returning to some unfinished projects on the cherokee camper build. With a little Jeep Speed inspiration the rear finally got some full-size shocks. King 2.5” x 12” Travel. Remote reservoir w/ adjuster clickers. Since these needed to go through the floor to fit, it opened a...
  13. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Post Pic's of your Jeep

    Out on the trail in Central California. Might just be the perfect Jeep Camping Setup.
  14. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    And... Part 2 The last installment of fiberglass moldmaking - and finally the end of the core DIY camper top build and fitment/install.
  15. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    New content drop on DIY fiberglass moldmaking. The final and most involved steps of the homemade camper build.
  16. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Right on! Yep looks like lot's of reinforcements on your end as well. Looked into the idea of a boxed rear shock mount - but in trying to fit all this under/around a bed platform the tube would keep a generally smaller footprint. Seconded on the endless list of projects - the camper build...
  17. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Dropped a timelapse style start-to-finish on the design / moldmaking / install of the XJ Camper Top as well:
  18. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Starting up on the rear suspension. In the typical side project fashion this gets an hour or a few a week - but looking to crunch out fitment and install soon. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/heGdYox_zcI King 2.5" 12" Shocks W/ Adjustable Reservoirs Punched through the XJ floorpan and...
  19. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Not a problem at all - the build is still alive and well and so is this thread. The hinges are similar in style to a westfalia top. (The rear pushbar is a repurposed westfalia part with bobbed springs/length. The front scissor hinges are a DIY beefed up version but work just the same as the...
  20. CraftsmanCollaborative

    Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build

    Builder Series Ep. 2 Is Live! Covering the custom shaping stage of the Homemade Camper Jeep Cherokee. Subscribe for the Fiberglass Mold Making Episodes Coming Next ?
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