99 Jeep XJ Intro and expedition "build" attempt! Plus some restoration.

Took the Jeep out on its maiden voyage to the Ozarks. I was pleasantly surprised :)

I also got a bull bar for super CHEAP. My bumper is bent to heck anyway. So this will do until I get a bumper/winch combo. Probably going with the Detours USA one. Love that setup.















 
The XJ looks great! Any plans to add a Jerry can to the stock carrier? Also, and I'm going back 15yrs from knowledge of hearsay, but isn't the capacity of the stock tire carrier hovering somewhere around a 31in tire?

One more thought is since you relocated your license plate, are you going to install a light above it for legality, or does your state not require it?
 
The XJ looks great! Any plans to add a Jerry can to the stock carrier? Also, and I'm going back 15yrs from knowledge of hearsay, but isn't the capacity of the stock tire carrier hovering somewhere around a 31in tire?

One more thought is since you relocated your license plate, are you going to install a light above it for legality, or does your state not require it?

Thanks! I thought about adding a jerry can holder to the stock carrier for sure. Even with all the brackets supporting the carrier/tire combo itself Im honestly nervous to add more weight to it. I'm pretty sure the tire combo weighs about 40lbs (I have not weighed it for the record). I feel as if the weak point would be where it attaches to the quarter panel right below the right rear window. Would it hold it? Im sure it would for a time. With the tire weighing over 40lbs plus the jerry can full @ 6lbs/gal equalling 30lbs that puts it to 70ish lbs (maybe 80 on the high end). I have "heard" as well that the carrier is limited to a 31" tire as well. Im not sure if thats the weight of a 31" tire or the over size of it. My current spare is a full size obviously. Its a 255/70/16 which is a little over 30" tall. It fits on there no problem.

Im glad you mentioned the license plate as you're not the only one I did order a light from amazon Im going to install for light (small LED one). Im sure its a 50 state requirement to have a light over your license plate (even though they're reflective in nature anyway), but Im not 100% sure for us here in AR.
 
I just looked up the weight of the rim I have on there and its 20lbs. Im sure it may be more around 50lbs for the tire/rim combo while full. You've sparked my interest. I may pull it off and actually weigh it.
 
Little update.

Got a Rubicon Express 3.5 super ride kit and a rugged ridge sye.








Here is a wide chain from a 231D out of a Dodge Durango. You can see its 1/2 inch wider.







 
I'm not familiar with the 231D Durango T-case chain upgrade. Can you elaborate on it?

The XJ looks great with the 3.5in RE. Are you planning on 31's or 32's? Also, are you going to re-gear the axles?

I spy a red jerry can mounted to that stock carrier. Pics and details man!! :D
 
I'm not familiar with the 231D Durango T-case chain upgrade. Can you elaborate on it?

The XJ looks great with the 3.5in RE. Are you planning on 31's or 32's? Also, are you going to re-gear the axles?

I spy a red jerry can mounted to that stock carrier. Pics and details man!! :D

Yeah any Dodge 231D will have a larger (1/2") wider chain than the normal 231J. You need the sprocket that the front output shaft is on and the gear that slides onto the main shaft.

I do plan on getting bigger tires. Probably going to run a 265/75/16 grabber at2. I think thats like almost a 32" tire.

Ill snap a pic of the jerry can. I did eventually throw it on the carrier lol. We'll see how it holds up. Its empty for normal driving and Ill fill it when I go on the trails.
 
Finally! New wheels and tires on after the lift. Had to install some 3* shims in the back to reduce the vibes. I for once am happy how it looks. Yes I have a 5th black rim I'm going to throw on there when I get another tire. Wheels are 16x8 . Tires are 265/75/16.



 
That rear tire carrier is a pretty cool solution that we don't see very often. How did you support the mount on the back side of the rear quarter panel?
 
That rear tire carrier is a pretty cool solution that we don't see very often. How did you support the mount on the back side of the rear quarter panel?

Thanks! I managed to put it together with grade 8 bolts, paint and the carrier itself for about $80 bucks. I can't complain as its done its job so far.

Theres a bracket that attaches to the inside of the quarter panel that the swing arm mount bolts into. Ill try and snag a pic of it in my phone somewhere.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
190,828
Messages
2,932,267
Members
234,630
Latest member
NMontanari
Top