Project Mass.Build 92 XJ 4.5" RC LA!

[vwfoolwhy]

As I said in the introductions I own a 92 4 Door Sport w/ 4.0 - AX15 - 231.

I bought this XJ 4 years ago for 300.00. It was a donation vehicle being sold for charity.

I watched the XJ sit on the car lot for over a month with the price slowly dropping from 1,800.00. I finally decided to stop in and talk to some one about it.

It came in as a non runner and there mechanic could not figure out why. I gave it the basic checks and found it to have no spark. Pulling the newly installed cap and rotor I discovered the cam sensor pick up was damaged.

I offered 300.00 and told them I would have it off the lot that day. They agreed but wanted the set of 10 holes off it it in return for another set of stock steels they had.

Went to the local U Pull it spot and grabbed a complete distributor for 35.00. After installation the 4.0 came to life and sounded great especially for having 300k Miles. Drove it home.

Now the body was straight and with out any rust. Interior was a little worn but still a good deal for a 335.00 driving XJ.

A year later I installed a Rough Country 3" ad a leaf kit I bought off CL for 150.00 Never installed. Along with a set of nearly new 31" Generals for another 100.00.

After three years and the toll of stock control arms and trac bar the front Ball Joints let go and wore the front tires out.

So I ordered all new ball joints 40.00.

Front Joints 23.00

RC 4.5" Long Arm Spring Kit along with RC Shackles. 1500.00

SYE and rear DS 350.00

Dyna star front Extended Front Bump Stops and a set of 1 3/4" Spacers 42.00

I also just scored a set of 15x8 - TJ Canyon wheels with 5.5" of BS. 200.00 (Have a good set of 30" wranglers Mounted)

So the search for a good set of 33" is on.

I'll be taking photos of all the parts along with a video of the installation.

Hope every one enjoys this.

[vwfoolwhy]

Here are a few PICs of the RC 4.5" Long Arm.

Trans Cross Member. "Very Well Built" One of the best I have seen.








TC Skid Plate. This as well is very built but the attachment points are a little questionable. We'll have to see about this over time.


Adj. Trac Bar w/ Drop Bracket: The bar it's self is not the beefy est I've seen but not the worst. The Bracket is very well made and should stand the test of time.




Lower Long Are: Very well built The Joint is not one of the best I have seen But RC has been working on these and always stands by them so we'll just see how they go.


If all else fails I'll replace with Ballistics's.


Upper Adj. Arm. The arm is well built but feelings are the same on the joint.




Front Coil: What can I say about them RC Has not let me down in the past in this department.


Rear Shackles: This will give me about 1" of lift more in the rear and are Adj. up to 2.5" I plan to run the rear a little higher due to towing and the rate of sag.


Rear springs: Not to impressed, not well packed with isolators. Might break down and install Teflon isolators for wear and flex improvement.


These are the main parts to the kit. If any one wants more detailed pics or dimensions feel free to ask. As well as pics of the other parts and hardware.

[vwfoolwhy]

Drop Pitman Arm: Very well Built


F/R RC2.2 Shocks: Always ran the cheaper RC shocks and had no problems so we'll see how these do.


Quick Discos: Only ever ran ones I made so we'll see about these ones.




Front SS Brake Line: Look really nice.


Rear:

[bigjim350]

Wow lots of great pics. You will fit in Great on this site, LOL.

[4.3LXJ]

Yup, we like pics

[vwfoolwhy]

I'm Glad you like PIC's because I a PIC Whore.

I also do a lot of video production so there will be a video of the lift installation.

This project has been a long time coming with plans stemming from many XJ & MJ builds over the years.

I don't want to spill to much, but the biggest part of this project is going to be a VW TDI 1.9l Diesel installation. It's already mounted to a AX15 Trans and running on the ground. This has been sitting for over a year waiting to go in, but I've wanted to see how many miles I can put on the 4.0L before it lets go.

I'm at 350K now on the original Head Gasket. and it still runs like new.

[OrangeXJ]

You will like it. I had a regular 4.5 RC lift and added the long arm conversion.

[vwfoolwhy]

Finally had a free weekend with good weather to work on the jeep.

Installed all 4 Balljoints and F/Axle Joints. Mounted a set of 31" I p/u on the Canyon Wheels and put them on the XJ.

Next week will be brakes all the way around and an Inspection Sticker. Then I'll be ready to install the long arm kit.

[vwfoolwhy]

Here is how it sits for now!

Still looks good for 350K miles.






Not bad for 200.00.

[modestmar00xj]

nice build man!

[Needmesome2]

Good start Big bro.......I miss the old time mudding

[vwfoolwhy]

Thanks Bro

Took Mom out for lunch today. Should have seen her getting in and out.

I'll have to carry a small step ladder for her when it goes up 3" more. LOL

[cantab27]

update please............................................ ....

[vwfoolwhy]

No updates so far lots of other things getting in the way of the XJ right now.

Waiting on some back ordered parts to come in so I can get this going.

Plans are to have it done for the 14th of July for when I go to the New England Forest Rally.

[alwaysxj]

looks like a great start. keep that 4.0 tell 450k just to see how long it will go.