Morticon's '00 XJ Limited "SuperStock" Build

[Morticon]

I've had super good luck with my D30 Solid dif cover. It's met rocks and ledge numerous times and just laughs at it. Definitely worth the coin.
No matter what you install for covers tho, put some LubeLocker gaskets on them. You'll never regret it!

Yup I have Solid diff covers on my built JK. Just not sure I need something as heavy duty as them for what this thing will see. Also I ordered the lube lockers way back when I bought my lift, so I could get the free shipping on them.

 

[MtnClimber]

With something lower to the ground, you'll be thankful you have them

 

[Morticon]

I think my jeep just got dissed. Hard!

 

[reece146]

Ive been looking into some armour for my next steps. I like the warn transfer case skid and I have found a used one for sale. I have concern about 2 things. Firstly on the Warn website it states that their skid does not work with the 242, which I have. I had never head this before, but as the 242 is somewhat rare this could be why. I do however have a 1" transfer case drop. This could potentially solve my first issue. However it may cause another issue. As the skid bolts to the crossmember that is dropped 1" as well as the "frame rail" of the Cherokees unibody. I'm sure it would be easy to put a spacer in place and bolt it up. But would this in turn just create a shovel to grab dirt? I love the idea of some protection but it seems like a bit of a headache for this piece.
I have contacted Warn to see what they have to say.

I don't think 1" is enough room to fit the NV242.

I bought a used TNT long arm lift for my Jeep that was meant for a NV231 transfer case. I ended up cutting a pocket out of the skid plate and welding a fixed cover to go around the transfer case to make room by about an inch, maybe 1-1/8". This is after spacing the entire driveline up into the tunnel by about 5/8" (IIRC) via a spacer at the transfer case mount.

I would say I have around 3/8" - 1/2" of space between the transfer case and the bottom of the new pocket and seems to just clear when the driveline is bouncing around under load when off-road. Working backwards that means the case needs about 2-1/4" if you are pessimistic and assume that the clearance that is there in my configuration is marginal. Maybe you can get away with less but with a stressed aluminum housing I'd prefer not to tempt fate and ensure it doens't touch the cross member under any circumstances.

IIRC there is someone out there making a transfer case skid for the NV242. I don't remember the manufacturer or if it was worth a damn but certainly doing some web searches may provide some further insights.

HTH

2¢

 

[MtnClimber]

I think my jeep just got dissed. Hard!

Definitely not. Just saying since it's not sitting on 33's w/a 4"+ lift, you'll more likely hit any protrusions that may pop up during your two-track and trail adventures.

 

[Rebelord]

Remember that the added bonus of the Solid diff covers and the other style that is "solid" vs just some plate welded to it. Is that is actually strengthens your diff housing up quite a bit. Which can help keep it from flexing in high traction low gear times.

 

[Chi-Town]

Remember one thing about heavy duty steel or cast iron diff covers is they don't dissipate heat well which can become an issue during street use. Warn makes a set of bolt on diff guards that will take quite a bit of beating.

 

[Morticon]

So I got a few things done last weekend. First was the rad, no pictures of that as I was rather busy. It was rather easy to do other than breaking the fitting that attached to the rad from the transmission. (10 dollar part plus a couple hose clamps) At the same time I put in a new battery as the old one wasn't holding a charge whatsoever.

Put in a interstate battery with 700 CC amps.
Here's a link to the rest of the info on it
http://www.interstatebatteries.com/...|Jeep_Cherokee|2000_Standard+Battery_L6/4.0L)

Also finally got these installed:

Wasn't so bad but I had to cut the plastic fairing below my bumper as they wouldn't fit through. They aren't the cleanest cuts and I probably will clean them up next time it needs an oil change.
Left side:

Right side:

I'm just happy to have tow hooks on the front now. Don't have to worry so much about getting stuck when goofing around in the snow and for the trails in the spring!

 

[MtnClimber]

It's amazing how much more brave you get when you know you have sturdy tow points, hahaha

 

[Morticon]

Did some clean up and prep today on the XJ for next weekend. I'm leaving Friday for bald Eagle State Forrest with my brother and his Xterra. Should be fun. I picked up some extra load bars for dirt cheap because I was getting a lot of noise with my tire up top. So I remounted the roof rack. It sits a lot higher now. Not sure if I like it. May look into another solution. Rain gutter mounts would be ideal but unable to find anything that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Anyway. Pictures:

 

[vonguido]

Have you looked into JCR offroad? They sell gutter mounts for cheap and are sturdy as heck. Idk how much it would run to have them shipped up to Canada though.

 

[Morticon]

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Morticon]

Off to PA in the morning. So excited to hit some trails. I'll be headed down with my brother in his Xterra. I'll be sure to post up about the trip.

 

[Morticon]

Back from Bald Eagle State Forrest,

Had an absolute blast. My brother is doing a write up about the trip so I wont say too much, but here are a few teaser photos.

 

[MtnClimber]

Didja try and drive thru the tunnel? :smiley_drive: