Se7en62
Adventure Seeker
Welcome to my build thread.
My name is Stefan and I'm from Hutto, Texas, on the outskirts of Austin and this is "GROOT." I picked up this '97 XJ in Houston on Friday, 2/3/17. When I found my (1st) Jeep on Craigslist the picture (below) was used. - I think it's pretty obvious that there's a tree on the roof, hence the name "GROOT".
The PO was from WI, where the Jeep lived for 15 years. That being the case, it has it's rust, but nothing I can't stop and repair. The PO then moved to Houston, where it spent the last 2 years sitting in a garage. I bought it as-is in it's "current" state for $1,600 and with the help of a friend, towed it back to Austin.
It drives just fine, a little noisy since there isn't a muffler, but fair otherwise. Super Bowl Weekend, I drove it 150 miles round trip to a friends's BBQ in Fredericksburg. No issues other than a dead battery when I went to leave.
First on the agenda, is to get it inspected so I can go get it registered and make it a proper TX Jeep: New Battery, New Fluids, New Filters, New Brakes, New Exhaust, Alignment, New Wheels and Tires, Inspection, then Registration. In that order.
Next up will be to go through the entire undercarriage to stop the rust from spreading. Rocker panels rotted, so they're getting cut out and replaced by steel rock sliders. The carpet's getting pulled, and the entire floor and undercarriage are getting taken down to bare metal, Corrosealed, coated in POR-15, then rhino lined for insulation. I've found a couple spots where it needs some welding, but nothing major so far. As far as I can tell it's mostly surface rust. Regardless, it's all getting stopped in it's tracks.
Along the way, I hope to get the rest of my build put together as efficiently as possible, so we can hopefully be back to Ouray before the end of this year.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
***UPDATE FOR FACTORY JEEP BUILD SHEET TOOL:***
BEGAN AS:
1997 4.0L Sport 4x4 w/ 143k ($1,600)
Power Windows & Locks
AX15 5-Spd Manual w/ NP231 Transfer Case
Dana 30 Front / Chrysler 8.25" Rear w/ 3.07's
Old Man Emu 3.5" HD Lift
Old Man Emu Shocks
Old Man Emu Dakar Leaf Packs
JK's QD Front Sway Bar Links
Monroe Magnum Steering Damper
31"x10.5"R15 BFG M/T's on 15" Grizzlies (Sold for $350)
NECESSARY MAINTENANCE & UPGRADES: $1,883
[CHECK] 285/70R16 Firestone Destination M/T's on 16" Rubicon Wheels ($850)
[CHECK] Rough Country Wheel Spacers and Gorilla Lugs ($0)
[CHECK] Dirt Bound Battery Tray for Group 34 ($65)
[CHECK] Interstate Mega-Tron II Group 34 ($138)
[CHECK] MSD Ignition Coil and Accel Coil Adapter ($72)
[CHECK] Accel Cap and Rotor ($27)
[CHECK] Taylor Spiro-Core Pro 8mm Wires ($55)
[CHECK] Champion Copper Plus Spark Plugs (RC12LYC) ($12)
[CHECK] Upgraded CherokeeForum Headlight Harness ($18)
[CHECK] New Front/Rear Brakes (New Calipers, Rotors, Pads, Drums, Shoes, and Drum Cylinders) ($253)
[CHECK] Convert C8.25 to KJ Disc Brakes ($170)
[CHECK] LubeLocker C8.25 Diff Gasket ($22)
[CHECK] Yukon YMS5778 Pinion Seal for C8.25 ($15)
[CHECK] Timken 8516N Pinion Seal for D30 ($11)
[CHECK] Dynamax Cat-Back Exhaust ($140)
[CHECK] Welding Labor on Exhaust Install ($100)
[CHECK] RuffStuff Cure for Stock Steering ($26)
[IN-PROGRESS] WJ Sway Bar Upgrade ($26) <-----I still need to get new Grade 8 Hardware, Bushings, and Drill the Holes.
Clayton Long-Arm Kit ($650)
Cav Fab Crossover Steering System ($215)
Supreme Suspension Adjustable Track Bar ($139)
[CHECK] Alignment (FREE)
Replace OME Dakar HD Leaf Packs w/ New OME Dakar HD CS033RA Packs ($272)
[CHECK] Motor Oil - 6.0 Quarts (5.7L) Rotella T6 5w40 ($50)
[CHECK] Valve Cover Gasket ($38)
[CHECK] Oil Pan Gasket ($24)
[CHECK] Oil Pan Drain Plug ($3)
[CHECK] Replacement Oil Pan ($56)
[CHECK] Rear Main Crank Seal ($18)
[CHECK] Motorcraft FL1A ($4)
[CHECK] Transmission Fluid - 3.3 quarts (3.12L) Lucas 75w90 Synthetic Gear Oil ($65)
[CHECK] Differential Fluids
--------- Dana 35 - 3.5 Pints (1.66L) SAE 85w140 Gear Oil ($8)
--------- Chrysler 8.25 - 4.4 Pints (2.0L) SAE 85w140 Gear Oil ($9)
[CHECK] Transfer Case Fluid - 2.2 Pints (1.0L) Dexron III/Mercon ($5)
[CHECK] Replace Radiator Cap ($6)
[CHECK] Radiator Flush - 10.5 Quarts (9.9L) ($44)
[CHECK] Brake Fluid - DOT 3 High Temp. ($3)
[CHECK] Steering Fluid ($6)
'99 V8 4x4 Durango Steering Box ($150 new)
'99 Dakota Steering Pump
[CHECK] (2) Pentius PFB59161 UltraFLOW Fuel Filter ($7)
[CHECK] Replace A/C Compressor ($138)
[CHECK] Replace A/C Dryer ($21)
[CHECK] Replace A/C Evap. Coil ($62)
[CHECK] Replace A/C Heater Core ($34)
[CHECK] A/C Seal Kit, Freon, PAG Oil, and Can Valve ($60)
[CHECK] Replace Bumpstops F/R ($65)
AXLE SWAPS $175
Ford 8.8 w/ 3.73's and LSD from Explorer ($175)
[CHECK] Dana 30 w/ 3.73's from ZJ ($175)
NECESSARY BODYWORK: $352
[CHECK] Window Tint ($150)
[CHECK] Trim Front Fenders
[CHECK] Radius Cut and Fold Rear Fenders
[CHECK] Body Trim for Fender Edges ($12)
[CHECK] Cut, Tuck, Fold, and Seal Rear Quarter Panels ($20)
[CHECK] Replacement Driver's Side Passenger Latch Mechanism ($18)
[CHECK] Replacement Driver's Side Tail Light ($11)
[CHECK] Remove/Repaint Cowl Panel & Wiper Stalks ($0)
[CHECK] Bosch Clear Advantage Wipers ($35)
Monstaliner Sans Panties ($200)
[CHECK] Plastidip MOAB Wheels ($18)
[IN-PROGRESS] Rust Mitigation w/ Corroseal and Rust Bullet ($106)
INTERIOR & ELECTRONICS: $463
[CHECK] Rustoleum Bed Liner ($20)
[CHECK] ArmorAll All-Weather Floor Mats ($16)
Cover King Spacer Mesh Front & Rear Seat Covers ($120)
[CHECK] Water-Resistant Pyle Head Unit & Pioneer Speakers ($84)
[CHECK] Ellipsis 8" HD Tablet Running GAIA GPS ($55)
[CHECK] Torque Pro App ($5)
[CHECK] OBD-II Bluetooth Adapter ($13)
[CHECK] RAM Mount Tablet Mount ($65)
[CHECK] RAM Phone Mount ($45)
[CHECK] Midland 1001LWX CB Radio ($32)
[CHECK] Firestik 4' CB Antenna ($20)
[CHECK] Firestik 18' Coax Cable and Spring ($31)
[CHECK] Firestik Fender Antenna Mount ($12)
Yeasu HAM FRS Handheld
Midland GMRS Handhelds
[CHECK] SuperBrightLED's Interior LED Upgrade ($20)
[CHECK] (2) 18W 2x6 Flush-Mount LED's in Rear Hatch ($20)
[CHECK] Kidde Fire Extinguisher ($25)
ARMOR & BODY UPGRADES: $513
RuffStuff Full Unibody Stiffeners
Custom Rock Sliders w/ Mini-Boatsides
Filthy Addictions Steering Box Reinforcement
[CHECK] Rough Country Winch Bumper ($400)
[CHECK] Rough Country D-Rings ($80)
[CHECK] X-Bull Hitch D-Ring ($24)
Napier Precision Flat Fender Flares ($372)
Dirtbound Offroad Mojave Cut-N-Fold Rear Bumper
Dirtbound Offroad Mojave Tire Carrier
[CHECK] High Beam Offroad 'Predator' LED Headlights ($210)
[CHECK] Rough Country 5"x7" Rock Guards for Headlights ($10)
Replace Front LED Light Bar on Rack w/ Primalux 9" LED Round's x4 ($520)
Aussie Locker - Front ($280)
Dual Battery Setup ($325)
Napier Precision Hood Ventilation ($70)
Dometic Refrigerator w/ Slide and Travel Bag ($700)
OVERLAND & RECOVERY GEAR: $1,877
[CHECK] CVT Mt. Shasta Extended Pioneer RTT ($850)
[CHECK] Custom Full-Length Rack w/ Front and Side LED's ($550)
[CHECK] (2) 5 Gallon Jerry Cans ($40)
[CHECK] (2) 3.5 Gallon WaterBricks w/ Spigot ($49)
[CHECK] Custom Cargo Box ($120)
[CHECK] (2) Pelican iM2700 Storm Cases ($0)
[CHECK] Viair 88p Portable Compressor ($50)
[CHECK] ARB Inflator ($27)
[CHECK] Trasharoo ($45)
[CHECK] Hi-Lift 48" ($80)
[CHECK] Hi-Lift Bumper Lift ($32)
[CHECK] Boulder Tool Tire Repair Kit ($34)
[CHECK] Smittybilt XRC 9500 Winch ($200)
[CHECK] Ranger 25,000 lb Winch Hook ($40)
[CHECK] X-Bull Recovery Boards ($110)
Estimated Total Project Cost: WIP
Total Spent: $7,921 (thru 10-24-17)
My name is Stefan and I'm from Hutto, Texas, on the outskirts of Austin and this is "GROOT." I picked up this '97 XJ in Houston on Friday, 2/3/17. When I found my (1st) Jeep on Craigslist the picture (below) was used. - I think it's pretty obvious that there's a tree on the roof, hence the name "GROOT".
The PO was from WI, where the Jeep lived for 15 years. That being the case, it has it's rust, but nothing I can't stop and repair. The PO then moved to Houston, where it spent the last 2 years sitting in a garage. I bought it as-is in it's "current" state for $1,600 and with the help of a friend, towed it back to Austin.
It drives just fine, a little noisy since there isn't a muffler, but fair otherwise. Super Bowl Weekend, I drove it 150 miles round trip to a friends's BBQ in Fredericksburg. No issues other than a dead battery when I went to leave.
First on the agenda, is to get it inspected so I can go get it registered and make it a proper TX Jeep: New Battery, New Fluids, New Filters, New Brakes, New Exhaust, Alignment, New Wheels and Tires, Inspection, then Registration. In that order.
Next up will be to go through the entire undercarriage to stop the rust from spreading. Rocker panels rotted, so they're getting cut out and replaced by steel rock sliders. The carpet's getting pulled, and the entire floor and undercarriage are getting taken down to bare metal, Corrosealed, coated in POR-15, then rhino lined for insulation. I've found a couple spots where it needs some welding, but nothing major so far. As far as I can tell it's mostly surface rust. Regardless, it's all getting stopped in it's tracks.
Along the way, I hope to get the rest of my build put together as efficiently as possible, so we can hopefully be back to Ouray before the end of this year.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
***UPDATE FOR FACTORY JEEP BUILD SHEET TOOL:***
- In case anyone else needs this resource, click HERE for to obtain a PDF of your Factory Build Sheet.
- Then, Type your VIN into the search box and Hit ENTER.
BEGAN AS:
1997 4.0L Sport 4x4 w/ 143k ($1,600)
Power Windows & Locks
AX15 5-Spd Manual w/ NP231 Transfer Case
Dana 30 Front / Chrysler 8.25" Rear w/ 3.07's
Old Man Emu 3.5" HD Lift
Old Man Emu Shocks
Old Man Emu Dakar Leaf Packs
JK's QD Front Sway Bar Links
Monroe Magnum Steering Damper
31"x10.5"R15 BFG M/T's on 15" Grizzlies (Sold for $350)
NECESSARY MAINTENANCE & UPGRADES: $1,883
[CHECK] 285/70R16 Firestone Destination M/T's on 16" Rubicon Wheels ($850)
[CHECK] Rough Country Wheel Spacers and Gorilla Lugs ($0)
[CHECK] Dirt Bound Battery Tray for Group 34 ($65)
[CHECK] Interstate Mega-Tron II Group 34 ($138)
[CHECK] MSD Ignition Coil and Accel Coil Adapter ($72)
[CHECK] Accel Cap and Rotor ($27)
[CHECK] Taylor Spiro-Core Pro 8mm Wires ($55)
[CHECK] Champion Copper Plus Spark Plugs (RC12LYC) ($12)
[CHECK] Upgraded CherokeeForum Headlight Harness ($18)
[CHECK] New Front/Rear Brakes (New Calipers, Rotors, Pads, Drums, Shoes, and Drum Cylinders) ($253)
[CHECK] Convert C8.25 to KJ Disc Brakes ($170)
[CHECK] LubeLocker C8.25 Diff Gasket ($22)
[CHECK] Yukon YMS5778 Pinion Seal for C8.25 ($15)
[CHECK] Timken 8516N Pinion Seal for D30 ($11)
[CHECK] Dynamax Cat-Back Exhaust ($140)
[CHECK] Welding Labor on Exhaust Install ($100)
[CHECK] RuffStuff Cure for Stock Steering ($26)
[IN-PROGRESS] WJ Sway Bar Upgrade ($26) <-----I still need to get new Grade 8 Hardware, Bushings, and Drill the Holes.
Clayton Long-Arm Kit ($650)
Cav Fab Crossover Steering System ($215)
Supreme Suspension Adjustable Track Bar ($139)
[CHECK] Alignment (FREE)
Replace OME Dakar HD Leaf Packs w/ New OME Dakar HD CS033RA Packs ($272)
[CHECK] Motor Oil - 6.0 Quarts (5.7L) Rotella T6 5w40 ($50)
[CHECK] Valve Cover Gasket ($38)
[CHECK] Oil Pan Gasket ($24)
[CHECK] Oil Pan Drain Plug ($3)
[CHECK] Replacement Oil Pan ($56)
[CHECK] Rear Main Crank Seal ($18)
[CHECK] Motorcraft FL1A ($4)
[CHECK] Transmission Fluid - 3.3 quarts (3.12L) Lucas 75w90 Synthetic Gear Oil ($65)
[CHECK] Differential Fluids
--------- Dana 35 - 3.5 Pints (1.66L) SAE 85w140 Gear Oil ($8)
--------- Chrysler 8.25 - 4.4 Pints (2.0L) SAE 85w140 Gear Oil ($9)
[CHECK] Transfer Case Fluid - 2.2 Pints (1.0L) Dexron III/Mercon ($5)
[CHECK] Replace Radiator Cap ($6)
[CHECK] Radiator Flush - 10.5 Quarts (9.9L) ($44)
[CHECK] Brake Fluid - DOT 3 High Temp. ($3)
[CHECK] Steering Fluid ($6)
'99 V8 4x4 Durango Steering Box ($150 new)
'99 Dakota Steering Pump
[CHECK] (2) Pentius PFB59161 UltraFLOW Fuel Filter ($7)
[CHECK] Replace A/C Compressor ($138)
[CHECK] Replace A/C Dryer ($21)
[CHECK] Replace A/C Evap. Coil ($62)
[CHECK] Replace A/C Heater Core ($34)
[CHECK] A/C Seal Kit, Freon, PAG Oil, and Can Valve ($60)
[CHECK] Replace Bumpstops F/R ($65)
AXLE SWAPS $175
Ford 8.8 w/ 3.73's and LSD from Explorer ($175)
[CHECK] Dana 30 w/ 3.73's from ZJ ($175)
NECESSARY BODYWORK: $352
[CHECK] Window Tint ($150)
[CHECK] Trim Front Fenders
[CHECK] Radius Cut and Fold Rear Fenders
[CHECK] Body Trim for Fender Edges ($12)
[CHECK] Cut, Tuck, Fold, and Seal Rear Quarter Panels ($20)
[CHECK] Replacement Driver's Side Passenger Latch Mechanism ($18)
[CHECK] Replacement Driver's Side Tail Light ($11)
[CHECK] Remove/Repaint Cowl Panel & Wiper Stalks ($0)
[CHECK] Bosch Clear Advantage Wipers ($35)
Monstaliner Sans Panties ($200)
[CHECK] Plastidip MOAB Wheels ($18)
[IN-PROGRESS] Rust Mitigation w/ Corroseal and Rust Bullet ($106)
- Remove Front Carpets
- [CHECK] Remove/Replace Cargo Carpet
- Replace Front Floor Pans
- [CHECK] Remove Rocker Panels
- Replace with Steel Rock Sliders in Mini-Boatside Arrangement
INTERIOR & ELECTRONICS: $463
[CHECK] Rustoleum Bed Liner ($20)
[CHECK] ArmorAll All-Weather Floor Mats ($16)
Cover King Spacer Mesh Front & Rear Seat Covers ($120)
[CHECK] Water-Resistant Pyle Head Unit & Pioneer Speakers ($84)
[CHECK] Ellipsis 8" HD Tablet Running GAIA GPS ($55)
[CHECK] Torque Pro App ($5)
[CHECK] OBD-II Bluetooth Adapter ($13)
[CHECK] RAM Mount Tablet Mount ($65)
[CHECK] RAM Phone Mount ($45)
[CHECK] Midland 1001LWX CB Radio ($32)
[CHECK] Firestik 4' CB Antenna ($20)
[CHECK] Firestik 18' Coax Cable and Spring ($31)
[CHECK] Firestik Fender Antenna Mount ($12)
Yeasu HAM FRS Handheld
Midland GMRS Handhelds
[CHECK] SuperBrightLED's Interior LED Upgrade ($20)
[CHECK] (2) 18W 2x6 Flush-Mount LED's in Rear Hatch ($20)
[CHECK] Kidde Fire Extinguisher ($25)
ARMOR & BODY UPGRADES: $513
RuffStuff Full Unibody Stiffeners
Custom Rock Sliders w/ Mini-Boatsides
Filthy Addictions Steering Box Reinforcement
[CHECK] Rough Country Winch Bumper ($400)
[CHECK] Rough Country D-Rings ($80)
[CHECK] X-Bull Hitch D-Ring ($24)
Napier Precision Flat Fender Flares ($372)
Dirtbound Offroad Mojave Cut-N-Fold Rear Bumper
Dirtbound Offroad Mojave Tire Carrier
[CHECK] High Beam Offroad 'Predator' LED Headlights ($210)
[CHECK] Rough Country 5"x7" Rock Guards for Headlights ($10)
Replace Front LED Light Bar on Rack w/ Primalux 9" LED Round's x4 ($520)
Aussie Locker - Front ($280)
Dual Battery Setup ($325)
Napier Precision Hood Ventilation ($70)
Dometic Refrigerator w/ Slide and Travel Bag ($700)
OVERLAND & RECOVERY GEAR: $1,877
[CHECK] CVT Mt. Shasta Extended Pioneer RTT ($850)
[CHECK] Custom Full-Length Rack w/ Front and Side LED's ($550)
[CHECK] (2) 5 Gallon Jerry Cans ($40)
[CHECK] (2) 3.5 Gallon WaterBricks w/ Spigot ($49)
[CHECK] Custom Cargo Box ($120)
[CHECK] (2) Pelican iM2700 Storm Cases ($0)
[CHECK] Viair 88p Portable Compressor ($50)
[CHECK] ARB Inflator ($27)
[CHECK] Trasharoo ($45)
[CHECK] Hi-Lift 48" ($80)
[CHECK] Hi-Lift Bumper Lift ($32)
[CHECK] Boulder Tool Tire Repair Kit ($34)
[CHECK] Smittybilt XRC 9500 Winch ($200)
[CHECK] Ranger 25,000 lb Winch Hook ($40)
[CHECK] X-Bull Recovery Boards ($110)
Estimated Total Project Cost: WIP
Total Spent: $7,921 (thru 10-24-17)
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