The heep is almost complete...

[Deadman 94 xj]

I started out with a 94 with 6.5" lift and 33's. Everything else as far as drive line was bone stock. I beat on it pretty good and it held up for the most part.


It ended up going to the bone yard because of rust:



The rockers were shot on both sides as well as the front floor boards.



This is where I decided that I wasn't going to mess with it. I could push the wheel well out of the vehical 6". It had many other issues as well and I decided to look for something else.





The one I found was a 96 2 door with 105 on the clock. It was in great shape with zero rust.

[BigDukeSix]

Looks great Tom. Keep us updated.

[Deadman 94 xj]

I did a few little things like the ricer gauge swap and mounted the CB.







Then I switched some of the parts over from 94 to the 96. Really all I used was the tires and front coils. Everything else was trash.

I got the long arms in the mail and off to work I went.







It ended up being a little taller than I wanted but I used the parts I had available. After wheeling it a bit I think it turned out ok.

[Deadman 94 xj]

More to come. I hate using damn photobucket because the pics don't resize when I do it lol.

[MF Steve!]

Looks great! I swear I'll get you welded up one day this week. I've been experiencing the horrors of migraines off and on since Thursday.

[john00TJ]

looks good man ,lets see some action shots now

[BigDukeSix]

I'm liking those XJ's more and more.

[92YJCBG]

I'm liking those XJ's more and more.

x2 i will own a lifted XJ one day

[Deadman 94 xj]

Looks great! I swear I'll get you welded up one day this week. I've been experiencing the horrors of migraines off and on since Thursday.

No problem, I know how it is.

Next on the list were the axles. John you might recognize this one:


Believe it or not I had zero bump steer or DW when I had to drive around with it like this.



8.8. This one I made a special trip to ohio to pick up from MrShoeboy from another forum.

They were both geared 4.88 by Jay Stull and the rear has a detroit.

[Deadman 94 xj]

Obviously I had to do something to fix the weak steering and angles so I went with JCR OTK since Steve seems to be taking to long for his setups that he promised LOL.



Unfortunately I seem to be getting a bit of bump steer with this setup. I did the alignment myself so I might just have to redo it or have it done. I haven't messed with it yet.
Installing the setup was easier that I thought. I just used the reamer (snap-on) and put it in a drill. No way I was going to ream the pitman arm by hand like some have suggested. The only problem I had was that I used red lock tight on the TRE bolts. Not sure what the hell I was thinking on that one lol.

[92YJCBG]

wow a 4.0 with 4:88 must be insane!!

Great build and keep us posted!

[Deadman 94 xj]

wow a 4.0 with 4:88 must me insane!!

Great build and keep us posted!

Thanks, it's nice but it's no race car lol

[Deadman 94 xj]

Next is the only downfall in my opinion. After getting pulled over for the flares I new I had to do something. I had the Bushwackers from the old heep so after some hesitation I went ahead and put them on. I'm still not sure about the color I chose and I know they'll chip but I can touch up if it bothers me.

I didn't want to chop up the fenders since I already had enough clearence so I choped up the flares lol. What I did was cut out the inner portion on the flare and mount them over top of the factory flares. This way they will flex when I put them up against something and I could retain the front inner wheel well plastic stuff as well as the little mud flaps.

[Deadman 94 xj]

Next and most recent was the goodies. AJ's super rails, Superwinch EPi9000 and the front bumper.










It seems that Superwinch has upgrated to a lifetime warranty.



I haven't had a chance to test it out yet.

[92YJCBG]

id say Paint the flares and bumpers semi-flat black with krylon rattle can.

[Deadman 94 xj]

id say Paint the flares and bumpers semi-flat black with krylon rattle can.

Yeah it was kind of an experiment to see how it would all look. Now I think I should have left it all black. Still up in the air on it to be honest.

[Deadman 94 xj]

Next I had to do something about the rear shaft. It was running at 22.5* which for a cv shaft is about the max. Normal spring wrap was causing it to bind up and make a grinding noise during acceleration.

So I called up CarolinaDriveline and had them fab up a 32* 1350 model..whoohooo!

[Deadman 94 xj]

[Deadman 94 xj]

Next I want to upgrade to a more agressive tire. I think 35's will work out ok.

This was my first build on my own so feel free to leave honest feedback.
I didn't upgrade shafts yet because funds wouldn't alow it. I guess I'll wait untill I break a stocker lol.

I would like to go to a 4:1 t-case but what it has now seems to do ok. I think it has a 40:1 ratio right now or something like that. Plus that damn drive shaft cost too much to redo lol.

Thanks for the compliments.

[Deadman 94 xj]

Oh, I almost forgot, I got my ricer valve cover today. It is supposed to help with oil leaks, along with some "Right Stuff" sealent. I hope it's not the rear main seal lol.



I also upgraded the steering gear box since I fubar'd mine trying to get the pitman arm off. I found this used for about the same price as a stock replacement.



P/N (SG62M) Makes turning the tires a little easier.

[andrew2516]

Looks cool...how much did you pay for the winch cover?

I've been looking around but I'm not sure if I'm willing to pay $60 for a cover.

[BigDukeSix]

Tom those are great pics. It dont look like a first build. Nice work. Hope to see it in action, in person someday.

[92YJCBG]

wow, that looks great man.

I like the whole front set up with the bumper,winch and daylighters

[jeepxj3]

More to come. I hate using damn photobucket because the pics don't resize when I do it lol.

Hope this helps!

Heep looks sick!!! Im glad its almost done! You coming up to Charapp this weekend?

[XJchris98]

X2 Jeep looks good! With 4.88s you could easily get away with some 35 or 36"s under there. The 8.8 will take it and as long as the 30 isnt locked you shouldnt have to many problems, just cant be stupid with it. How do you like the claytons arms?


Did you get the rear shaft lengthened any when you got it made? With my 8.8 im still debating about getting the shaft lengthened. I like the idea that I can swap the front/rear shafts if needed, but im also not wanting to gernade the shaft because its too short. So far my pinion angle is really good so the angle isnt that much of an issue.