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The "Cheap" XJ Build....now 5.3L XJ build

12K views 77 replies 26 participants last post by  Why YJ? 
#1 · (Edited)
I am not sure how much of a build thread this is going to be. It may end up more of a spot to just keep track of where I am at in this Jeep.

Lets start off by saying I sold my 95 YJ on fullwidth 60's and 39.5 Iroks, due to it never leaving the garage. I wanted to build something to use for the next couple years and then buy a JK. This Jeep will remain very road friendly, economical, and family friendly.

I bought the 1997 XJ Country with 198,000 miles at the end of Dec. 2012 for $1,000. The body is pretty rough and it has been in a slight rollover. It already had a brand new Rustys Offroad 3" lift installed. I should have taken some pics when I first picked it up but, I didn't. The motor is a reman and has 10,000 miles on it (with paperwork) which is the main reason I bought the Jeep.

The first thing I did was to remove the rear sway bar and start trimming the fenders for 31"-33 tires".








The next thing I did was buy some DIY bumpers from JCR Offroad. This was done to save cost but, it also meant I was going to be busting a** to get the Jeep ready for Snofari.




While building these I had to start searching for tires. I searched for a good two weeks or so. I found tires all over the place but most were sold by the time I called or were completely bald. I finally found some 33/12.5/15 MTR with decent tread on here for $200.

With the tires found it was time to look for wheels. Again I was looking for used to save money but stumbled across some Cragar Soft 8 on Summit Racings site. A set of four cost me $152.00 to my door.

Time to get them mounted:


Its starting to look like a Jeep :thumb:

I finished up the bumpers and painted them up just in time for Snofari.



I had a blast at Snofari! I think this Jeep was even more fun than the old YJ :naughty:






Running total so far:

JEEP: $1,000
WHEELS: $152.00
TIRES: $200
BUMPERS: $622
ROCK SLIDERS (Not pictured) $225
MISC TOOLS AND SMALL PARTS: $60
REAR DISC BRAKE CONVERSION PARTS (not pictured) $150
CB RADIO, CABLE, AND MOUNT $63
ROCKER PANELS: $165
USED HATCH AND FENDER: $100
PAINT AND SUPPLIES: $125

Grand Total So Far: $2,862

Future Plans
Lock front and rear axle
Adjustable Front Lower Control Arms
Stiffen Unibody
Stay under $4,000 budget and have a capable wheeler

Wheel the snot out of it.

I will keep this thread updated with a running cost and future mods
 
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#6 ·
JCR ultimate deluxe sliders. They were returned by a customer because they didn't fit perfect. They posted them on Facebook and I jumped on them. Al brought them up to Snofari to save on shipping.
 
#16 ·
A little update:

Rocker panels are on their way, I will be installing the JCR sliders once I get them installed. I also replaced the rear hatch and passenger fender.

I will be ordering a new header panel and picking up some paint. I am going with Rapco on the paint. If anyone has experience with it please let me know.
This is what I will be ordering:
http://www.rapcoparts.com/336tancsucud.html

I am also in the process of removable doors. I miss that from the old YJ.
 
#21 ·
Oh I see, I nixxed the roof rack thing. So no extra weight up there. I see where you're coming from and I should probably look into the cage more. I don't plan to run with the doors off that often I just miss the open air feeling that the YJ had.
 
#26 ·
They are only as strong as what you have them bolted to. That is why I replaced my rotted out rocker panels before installing the sliders. They bolt to the uniframe, leaf spring box, pinch seam of the rocker and the fender. If all of these are solid I am hoping not to have issues. If any of these are not solid then you will have a weak point.

If you search Google for JCR Ultimate Slider Review you will find some threads about it.
 
#28 ·
Well, I missed having the old YJ. I like having a more capable rig. The chance came up to trade the 97 for a 96. So I went to Fremont, MI and traded with drew91xj (great guy by the way)

Here is the new rig. I have some changes to make to it but, it seems to be a pretty capable rig.


 
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