Big Red XJ starting the "Overland" build

[BigRedXJ]

Lots of work done this weekend! Got the hi lift mounted to the roof rack. Used 3/8" hardware and wing nuts for easy use.

Got the USB wires for charging my phone and tablet run behind the dash bezel to keep them out of the way. Just used a drill bit to make access. I can push them back in when I don't need them.

 

[BigRedXJ]

Finished up the rock rails as well. Main tube was 2" x 6" with 1/4" wall. Bottom inside edge support was 2" x 2" angle iron, and the outer top edge was 1" stock.

 

[BigRedXJ]

And on top of all that, had time to go off roading!

 

[BigRedXJ]

Got some new bushing in the lower arms, rides much nicer now. More work to do this weekend, it's the last before a weekend trip.

 

[BigRedXJ]

Built the base for my drawers this weekend. It measures 36" x 40". The slide out shelf extends 24". I enlisted the help of my adventure buddy, Chester the Pug. The shelf holds at least 19 lbs haha.

Here's the side view. Not a huge shelf, but is more than big enough for meal prep.

Used some spray on bed liner to coat it. Turned out pretty good, but it'll need more coats. The ratchet straps are a temporary fix. I'll end up getting some latches that pull it tight and secure it with some bolts and plates through the sheet metal.

Added some tie downs to each corner as well.

 

[BigRedXJ]

Got to put some new stuff to the test this weekend!
The tent and Jeep with the table extended.

The lake near camp

My wife's KK

Another shot of my wife's KK

My XJ

Water crossing

Group shot at the end of the north trail

Camp set up to avoid the frequent rain

Got a little too friendly with a rock

View of the lake

 

[BigRedXJ]

Airing up in the town of Ardbeg before heading home

Poser flex shot, with a canoe!

 

[nd4spd71]

Nice

 

[Lecoq]

Good times it looks like. What steering setup do you have?

 

[BigRedXJ]

A slightly modified by a rock crossover set up haha. I bought the 7/8" heim kit from Ruff Stuff and cut and welded it together.

 

[BigRedXJ]

Did some damage to the Jeep over the weekend. The back door got crunched to the point where I'll be replacing it, and I almost took off the roof rack on a low tree. Other than that, I just ordered new spring perches to fix my improperly measured then welded ones now. Started putting away some cash for BDS leaf springs. I'd love to have them in a week or two, I'm going to Rausch Creek in a few weeks.

 

[BigRedXJ]

Cabela's just opened up a store 15 minutes from our apartment. Our first walkthrough of the store netted us about $1000 worth of ideas. Didn't buy anything, but got a lot of great ideas for stuff we want. Most of the big expenses come from clothing (coats and boots).

 

[LPIII]

Almost a month since your last post I thought I would give you a friendly prod, love your XJ.

 

[BigRedXJ]

Yeah haven't done much other than drive it around. I ordered some BDS 5" lift springs for it that I should be able to pick up today. My dad also picked up a 2004 WJ and we'll be lifting that too. I hope to get my leaf packs broken in and new shocks installed before Columbus Day because I'll be going on another trip to Ardbeg.

 

[BigRedXJ]

Slow updates due to lack of funds and time. BDS springs were installed, outer bearings replaced in the rear, all new brakes in the rear, and Bilstein 5125's ordered for the rear. Shocks should be here Thursday.