NewBie from Chicago

[codybutz]

Hello everybody. My name is Cody. I'm from Chicago and I'm 26. I am a welder by trade and my full time job is a Chicago fire fighter. I belong to a couple other jeep forums on the web, and I came across Expedition Portal through a Google search. The other forums are a wealth of information but I was looking for something other than the usual trail builds and ********-chat. So far from what I have read this site is exactly what I am looking for.

My jeeps of choice are a 1987 MJ ( soon to be daily driver) and an 2001 XJ. My plan is to turn my XJ into my expedition vehicle. While i have been to quite a few states and places, I feel there is much to be seen in this country. I hope to by this time next year to take the XJ on a 2 month loop around the U.S..

So far I have done the following things to the XJ.

-RE 4.5" lift with full rear lift spring packs and 4 degree shims (soon to be 6*).
-RE . 75" coil spring spacers up front (soon to be 1.75").
- A/A SYE kit and new drive shaft.
-Cragar soft 8 steel rims, 15 x 8 with 4" backspacing (x5).
-BFG km2's 32x 11.50 (x5).
-JCR offroad front stage 4 steel bumper.
-Hella 500 offroad lights (x2).
-RE Gen 2 front sway bar disconnects.
-B&M auto transmission cooler, w/ driver side A-pillar gauge pod and mount.

And things in the works right now are, building a roof rack, skid plates, rear bumper, and rocker panel guards, repairing my Warn xd 9000i winch, and ordering my cut-out bushwhacker flares.

So I think I have a pretty good start on a jeep that will take me on this journey. I would love some input from you guys and tips/ ideas. Anything anybody would recommend would be great. I'll be waiting to hear what you guys have to add. Thanks. - Cody:safari-rig:

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

So far I have done the following things to the XJ.

-RE 4.5" lift with full rear lift spring packs and 4 degree shims (soon to be 6*).

Sounds like a really nice build. If you're a welder by trade, why not remove the shims and reweld the old spring perches to the correct angle, or weld on a new set. For an experienced welder is a very simple process.

Oh, welcome to the forum, it's a great place! :ylsmoke:

 

[SWbySWesty]

Sounds nice, but we demand photos to be in the XJ club here! just kidding, but we do want some!

There is a wealth of camping info here so sit back, make some time and read away!

 

[Brian McVickers]

Welcome to ExPo Cody!

Chicago native, where do you live / fightfires.

You may also be interested in our SAR section, lots of other firefighters here.

Regards,
Brian

 

[codybutz]

At first I was thinking the new shims, because I don't want to put to much time into the stock Dana 35 rear axle. And your right it wouldn't be hard at all. From the time I posted that and now, I managed to score a usable Dana 44 out of an other XJ. :victory: So the plan now is to re-gear both axles and maybe put in a locker. I'm not to sure about the locker idea since this will be used to drive on the highway just as much as to drive off the pavement. Any ideas?

I live on the north side of the city 4 blocks from Wrigley field. My firehouse is on the west side of the city. I'm a truck man, Truck 29.

I'll try and get some pictures up in the next couple of minutes, seeing is believing right? lol

 

[codybutz]

I'm going to attempt to post some pictures so bare with me...

[/URL][/IMG] The XJ

[/URL][/IMG] The MJ and co-pilot

 

[kenallwine]

Looks like a loyal co-pilot you have there:sombrero:

Nice XJ you have there. This site is great for what you are looking for. I have learned a ton already from here!:elkgrin:

Looking forward to seeing the build process on your rig!

 

[Nikson]

Looking Good...

Welcome to the ExPo...

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

.......From the time I posted that and now, I managed to score a usable Dana 44 out of an other XJ. :victory: So the plan now is to re-gear both axles and maybe put in a locker. I'm not to sure about the locker idea since this will be used to drive on the highway just as much as to drive off the pavement. Any ideas?

Nice score on the D44!

Easy recommendation on the locker is to get a selectable one. If you're going to be doing any mild or wild rock crawling also, that's probably the way to go. If this will be strictly for mild Forest Roads & scenic trails, probably a limited slip is the way to go. Perhaps like the Detroit True Track <-clicky

Personally, I can't recommend an auto-locker (like a LockRite) since my experience hasn't been that great, so I won't ever install another one.

 

[codybutz]

Just a little update here. :wavey:

Couple of things right off the bat. First I knew that I would need to do something about my flares. With the 32 x 11.50 km2's covering my doors and windows in mud and water, with even the slightest drizzly, I knew id have to modify them. Not to mention I'd like to avoid all tickets as much as possible. Second off my stock located flares are limiting how much of the tire I can stuff up into the wheel wells.

I know I wasn't going to run without flares, I just don't like the looks of that. And I'm also not a big fan of relocating the stock flares.

What I finally decided to do was go ahead and order a set of bush whacker flares from Jeepinoutfitters.com. Since I ordered my lift kit and SYE from them, and was more then happy with the costumer service, I wouldn't mind paying the couple extra bucks for the shipping.

I'm not exactly sure as to how these will look with a 32" tire, but we will soon find out.

I'm also waiting on a new sending unit from B&M, for my trans cooler gauge. This has been a nightmare. The one I originally was sent never worked and supposedly they have now sent me two replacements, either I am getting fed a good story or the post office does not like me.

Once I receive the new parts I'll try and get some more pictures up.

- CODY

 

[mdnky]

Easy recommendation on the locker is to get a selectable one. If you're going to be doing any mild or wild rock crawling also, that's probably the way to go.

I'd second that. The ARB air lockers are simple and dependable, there when you need `em and transparent otherwise. Also gives you an excuse for on-board air.

 

[ox4mag]

Welcome to ExPo!

 

[dirty Bakers]

Welcome freind to the expo. Are you ever planning on checking Arizona?

 

[codybutz]

YA one day I plan on driving out there. I have been many times before, I have family in AZ. I have been four wheeling and dirt bike riding out there just have never had my own jeep out there.

 

[codybutz]

I haven't really posted any updates lately, since Ive been kinda busy moving. I still have my brand new bushwackers in the box, uninstalled.

I have a couple questions for you guys, in a couple of areas that I'm a little unsure of.

bushings ? Ive been hearing some squeaking sounds lately while driving. I have greased every fitting there is. I'm beginning to wonder if i should replace some bushings. any suggestions? brand? type?

shocks? My next question is about shocks. When I ordered my RE lift kit a couple years ago I upgraded the shocks, to the middle of the line ones offered from Rubicon Express. After two Chicago winters they are rusting to hell and make a bunch of noise. I've tried using wd40 and some other lubes, but I'm really kinda disappointed in them. Ive been thinking about fox, or bilstiens. thoughts? comments?


Thanks. - Cody