Welcome ManiacXJ!!!

[4.3LXJ]

Hi ManiacXJ, welcome to the xjtalk forum!

We would love to know more about you and your Jeep. How you found us, etc...

Check out "Announcements" "How to post an image" for help posting images.

Got a Wrangler? Maybe a friend with one? http://www.WranglerTalk.com/

[cantab27]

welcome to xjtalk

[ManiacXJ]

Hey Guys

Found XJTalk.com from a post on CherokeeTalk.com by 4.L XJ about the swing down spare tire carrier.

I have a 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport, I bought it in September

~177,000 miles
4.0L I6
4x4 (just for the sake of clarity)
5 speed manual transmission

A lot of parts came from www.ironrockoffroad.com

Iron Rock Offroad 6.5" Long Arm Lift
Iron Rock Heavy Duty Tie Rod
4.10 Gears
33x10.5x15 BFG KM2
Corrected Speedo
JKS Quick Disconnects with studs to hold out of way when disconnected
2" Receiver Hitch on front and back
2.25" Cat Back Exhaust
Steering Box Support Bracket
JB Wide Chain Kit
Slip Yoke Eliminator
Cobra 19 Ultra III CB w/ Antenna on rear bumper
Steel brake lines
Front slotted rotors (stops the 33s easily)

Came with spare parts, hubs, axles, axle seals

The previous owner built and wheeled it in Colorado so over the past two years it has seen a lot of trails

I've added
Jerry Can
Recovery Strap
Receiver mounted D Ring
Most of my tools hang out in back

This is when I first bought it.
Click here for the full Album
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R4419lpR5Bk/TnpnhOWBIlI/AAAAAAAACjg/z74Nb5OutQk/s640/IMG_2168.JPG (https://picasaweb.google.com/maniaczx/NewJeep?authuser=0&feat=directlink)

Since then I've had it out to Rock Trails of Tolar in Tolar, TX for the LSJC Halloween run.
Click here for full Album
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9jXyrf2luc/Tq2lwBttqVI/AAAAAAAACqk/1F9HssKFvNE/s640/IMG_2522.JPG (https://picasaweb.google.com/101644223862724648943/Tolar10292011#)

Here is a video of my first obstacle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_wcupMBIOM

I also own a 1984 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 50th Anniversary which is my baby and the Jeep is for play and protecting my Z from bad weather and bad parking :D


Album Here
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nS_KUM7eVZY/S42oxL5slMI/AAAAAAAAAc8/b8CAu8-gUmA/s640/IMG_0759.JPG
(https://picasaweb.google.com/101644223862724648943/My84AEZ#)

I'm still learning but am trying to keep my cars worked on exclusively by me and my friends. Mostly has been on the Z as the Jeep is already pretty well built and running good, but I will get into things on it too.

On my Z I've dropped my tranny, changed flywheel, clutch and assorted items, replaced radiator, timing belt, water pump, thermostat, etc, mechanical to electric fan swap, replaced all fluids, brake pads, exhaust, plugs, wires, battery, upgraded alternator, A/C delete, upgraded headlights, steel brake lines, etc.

Jeep so far has just gotten an oil change and tightened up the steering some. Will be doing plugs, wires, battery, diff fluids, tranny fluid, front diff pinion seal has a small leak to fix, brake fluid and more I'm sure.

Here is what the steering was like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjsltyQgwlE

And what it is like now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-38i0uG0Ohk

[cantab27]

cool pics mate and very nice xj...

[bigjim350]

Welcome to the site. Good looking XJ. Like the 300zx alot too.

[4.3LXJ]

Glad you found us. Cool pics

[ManiacXJ]

Thanks guys.

Forgot to mention, the biggest thing I'm looking forward to getting into on the Jeep is the fabrication stuff.

The Z is a special edition so I want it to stay as unmolested as possible (at least visually, I've done mechanical enhancements and more coming).

The Jeep I want to make my own bumpers, will probably do a DIY Diff Cover kit from someone, custom roof rack, lighting, etc. Need to figure out how to make the doors removable since I have the later style hinge and fab some tube doors and whatever else I come up with.

[4.3LXJ]

Do you have tools for that?

[1ATony]

That XJ is awesome, nice job on that one! Welcome to the site

[ManiacXJ]

Do you have tools for that?

Tools for the fab work?

No, not yet, I will acquire as I go. Welder is high on the list of course, these aren't things that will be happening immediately but instead over time.

I do have the benefit of friends with some nice setups if I really need it. Such as, one friend has a 10,000 lb 2 post 4 arm lift in his garage :) (same one that Nissan has in their maintenance bays at the dealerships), needless to say we meet up at his house fairly regularly.

We did the tranny drop, clutch, flywheel and assorted items at another club members house for a club tech session.

The rest of the items I listed I've done on my own with my own tools.

Many years down the line, I hope to have a good sized property so I can build my "car barn" with storage for all of my cars and a nice big work area with tons of tools and equipment.

I want to get into engine work too, full tear downs to the raw block and back up again.

[BlueXJ]

Remember this simple rule when aquiring fab tools. "Buy the very best you can afford, and don't skimp"

[4.3LXJ]

Get your tools then. You will need the welder of course, preferably gas shielded wire feed. But you will need some way to cut steel, sawsall or plasma cutter, a good self darkening hood, grinder and some clamps and set up magnets. But you will need to practice on that welder so you can get good welds.

[BlueXJ]

As to welding "practice makes perfect" so weld when you have time and never rush.

[ManiacXJ]

Remember this simple rule when aquiring fab tools. "Buy the very best you can afford, and don't skimp"

Agreed, I have a scattered collection from HF, Northern Tool, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ace, Craftsman, Ryobi and more.

The HF items I am selective of what I buy there, some stuff is great like the jack stands and floor jack. I've also been really happy with the rotary tool I bought there instead of a dremel. It has the motor independent of the hand piece and have used it for a few different projects.

The HF welders seem to be a mixed bag, I'll read rave reviews and then a bunch of issues and since those welds are mine and others safety on the line, I'm keeping an eye out for a good deal on a better brand. However, I've heard nothing but good about their auto darkening helmets.

Have a sawzall and grinder. Plasma would be sweet but welder comes first, doesn't matter if I can get nice clean cuts if I can't assemble it.

Once I have the welder I'll get lots of scrap and practice for sure, and try and come up with odds and ends projects to make use of it.