Another jeep xj build from zephyrhills Florida

Thegtwyo86

New member
Hi everyone.
My name is James, I'm a new member just getting into the fun of expedition camping. I've always been into the outdoors and jeeps,but love the fact I can have fun with both at the same time. I have started building my dd jeep xj. i have already installed a rustys 3 inch lift and right now have 30in at tires on it.im getting ready to build a rear bumper with swing out tire carrier.what I need is some advice on getting the most out of my jeep.(first pic is of how it looked when I first picked up the jeep and the others is how it looks as of now)
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1348729639.671187.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1348729676.538095.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1348729699.838297.jpg
 

bloodyWEST

Adventurer
Welcome! Looks good, very similar to my wife's xj sport

what I need is some advice on getting the most out of my jeep.

Get out and camp as much as possible!
I added a set of driving lights early on in my build and use them a lot. The jeep headlights aren't great. I run a set of 7" pro comps and they work well for the money
 

Thegtwyo86

New member
Welcome! Looks good, very similar to my wife's xj sport



Get out and camp as much as possible!
I added a set of driving lights early on in my build and use them a lot. The jeep headlights aren't great. I run a set of 7" pro comps and they work well for the money

Ok thanks for the info,I'm planning on taking it out in the next few weeks. I am also getting ready to build front and rear bumpers and a roof basket for it so that's when the lights will be going on. Do you guys have any preferences on roof top tents,are there any good ones for under 1k or would I be better off getting something like the arb or?
 

mudbutt

Explorer
The jeep headlights aren't great.
That's an understatement!!

Join NAXJA for all kinds of technical advice.

As for the headlights, look into what is called a headlight wire harness upgrade. Does wonders for the XJ's weak lighting.

Also, if you plan on going off pavement at all, I would consider rock rails one of the first mods.....
 

jscusmcvet

Explorer
I would suggest a transfer case skid plate. You might think, being in FLA that there is not a need but it you crawl under your jeep and look at how low the tcase hangs you will see it's vulnerability. A skid will help the jeep slide over sand berms as well and help keep the sandy soil from packing into your underbelly.

You'll need good front and rear recovery points and gear as well.

I recently sold a mildly built 2001 XJ and was quite pleased with it's ability off road, and as mentioned above, it's ability to carry gear for camping, etc... great vehicle. Good luck to you.

John
 

Thegtwyo86

New member
I would suggest a transfer case skid plate. You might think, being in FLA that there is not a need but it you crawl under your jeep and look at how low the tcase hangs you will see it's vulnerability. A skid will help the jeep slide over sand berms as well and help keep the sandy soil from packing into your underbelly.

You'll need good front and rear recovery points and gear as well.

I recently sold a mildly built 2001 XJ and was quite pleased with it's ability off road, and as mentioned above, it's ability to carry gear for camping, etc... great vehicle. Good luck to you.

John

Ok thanks for the info it will help a lot
 

Thegtwyo86

New member
Will the d35 rear end be able to keep up with trail riding and pulling a expo trailer. I am wanting to build an expedition trailer in the future, for long distances would the d35 hole up to the task with a super d35 kit installed.i also have an 8.8 out of a fox mustang,that I was going to install into my jeep mj after cutting off all the control arm mounts. Would that be a better choice?
 

Bbasso

Expedition goofball
don't waste your time or $ with a D35. use it til it blows and either a C8.25 or 8.8.
But I'd rather have the C8.25...
 

Thegtwyo86

New member
Ok sounds good.im probably going to go with the 8.8 bc I already own it and its set up for rear disks.thanks for the info
 

Nullifier

Expedition Leader
Looks good nice platform to work with. Being a fl guy and having a yoda with all the goodies my priorities would be as follows. Up grade your tires. For the type of stuff your doing tread selection is more critical then huge size. I can second the trans skid and sliders but make sure you elevate all the breathers and waterproof as much as you can. Hit all connectors with die electric grease etc. Personally I'd ad a snorkel, water ruins more vehicles then anything else in fl. Then go straight to outfitting for camping. Add drawers or tie downs for cargo boxes in back, dual batteries, inverter etc. You can bypass bumpers at first but get a recovery hook system like this http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=19292&cat=268&page=2 it is my my most used piece of recovery gear. It works for any rig on the trail as well as a car stuck on side of the road. have fun building but just go trail riding.
 

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