Big Red XJ starting the "Overland" build

[BigRedXJ]

New front axle yoke has been delivered, Tom Woods driveshaft should be delivered tomorrow. Install will be on Thursday! It'll be nice to have 4wd again

 

[BigRedXJ]

Got a chance to install the new parts last night! Everything rides smooth with no vibrations. Looking forward to testing it out this weekend

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Nice to hear. My red XJ just got a little BIGGER today too...and fixed. I too will be back on the trails this weekend. Pics??

 

[Southwest Chuck]

New member the the ExPo forum, figured I'd post up my current build. Been off roading for a few years now and recently started getting more into the long trips. I'm on my second XJ, it's a 2001 Limited with heated leather seats
.........

Planned list of parts:
Proper length Bilstein shocks
Matching XRC rear bumper
Bead locks (sitting in the barn til I have time to install)
NP231 transfer case (also sitting in the barn)
Tom Woods front driveshaft
RCV from axle shafts
Chromoly rear shafts
37" Interco Irok tires
4.6 L stroker (have parts, need donor engine)

Plan on replacing the head on that 2000 4.0 since they are known to crack due to bad castings. It's not a matter of "if" it will crack, but "when". So find a donor from a 97-99.

'00 - 01 bad heads casting number = 0331
Good casting number = 0630

If you use a flashlight and look through the oil cap on the valve cover, you can usually see the casting number to confirm.

 

[BigRedXJ]

Oh I already plan on replacing the engine lol. Mine is running rough, and I have a 4.2L for donor parts to build a stroker. Just gotta get a different engine to build so I can still drive while I'm working on the other one.

 

[BigRedXJ]

This Saturday I'll be out wheeling with my 4x4 club, and Sunday I'm going to look at an Eaton M90 supercharger 😀 Why? Because supercharger!

 

[BigRedXJ]

Picked up the supercharger 😀 also found out what broke my front yoke last time. Apparently I get enough travel for the driveshaft to contact the radius arm where the upper mounts to the lower. I'll have to adjust the bump stops and get some limit straps.

 

[BigRedXJ]

 

[BigRedXJ]

Been a while since I've logged on, but haven't had anything to post. I ordered some new control arm bushings for the front axle. Hope to get those in this weekend.

 

[BigRedXJ]

Finally some good news on progress, I picked up tubing to make rock rails yesterday. That's Sunday's project as I need it ready for this weekend. Going camping with a good bit of off roading!

 

[nick_n_ii]

XJ looks sweet..

Given me idea's now that I'm back in a XJ..

 

[GenPatTuck]

I guess I must have missed it, but the hood scoop is it functional? do you have pics of it up close and what it looks like from the engine compartment?

 

[lunchboxmunchy]

Bro, I love your XJ. Beautiful! Did you trim your fenders at all, how much? Thanks!

 

[BigRedXJ]

GenPatTuck, the hood scoop is definitely functional! You should see the heat pour out of it haha. Lunchboxmunchy thanks! I did trim the fenders enough to fit those flares on made by Napier Precision Products. Doug N is a great guy to deal with. Pictures of recent work incoming...

 

[BigRedXJ]