adriaanvn99 2 Posted December 20, 2017 A little bit of background info. Moved to Phoenix, AZ from Cape Town, South Africa about 2 years ago. Grew up my whole life around Jeeps and its always been a huge interest for myself. I am also a certified radio HAM and in the process of getting my ARRL license (ex de ZS1AVN). First thing I did when I arrived in Phoenix was to buy a XJ. The criteria I had was that it had to be 97+, good body condition (fortunately not a huge problem in AZ!) and less than $2500. So I found a 1998 XJ Limited on CL, which then happened to be in my neigborhood which I purchased March 2016. It had 240 000 miles on it, and a bad rear wheel bearing. It was bone stock, and had seen very limited off road use! Mileage was not a huge concern for me as I planned to keep it for a while, and eventually put a stroker in it. My intention for this build is to build a capable off road rig, be tolerable on road and have an enclosed cargo area for radio/camping/overlanding equipment. I got the car in my senior year of high school, and I am currently studying Mechanical engineering at ASU, so the build continues in my spare time! I do all of the mods/repairs myself. I went with a RC 3 inch lift with full leaf pack, and 305/70R16 on Pro Comp Alloys (33's) I have got some exciting plans coming in the next few months so stay tuned! The day I got it: After lift: After lift no flares: Most recent pic: Me left, with my dad right Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adriaanvn99 2 Posted December 20, 2017 So summer went by and as of November 2017 I decided it was time for some more upgrades and maintenance. Decided to pull my front axle off, replace all bearings and seals and respray it. Whilst in there and the carrier is removed, I decided to go and install a LockRight positive locking locker. Next up, I removed the carpet for a good cleaning and adding of insulation against heat and sound underneath. Possible idea for new set of tires - Mickey Thomson Baja MTZ Jeep on the stands Dana 30 removed Cutting LED insert into stock bumper LED's installed New axle parts Carpet removed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeep 0 Posted December 20, 2017 Good look'n XJ. Getting hard to find clean one's up here! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Azoutlaw480 0 Posted December 20, 2017 I always did like that color too! Shes looking great so far, keep up the good work! I love a clean xj!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzJeepChic 68 Posted December 20, 2017 It's a good looking XJ especially after the lift & tires. It's cool you're doing all your own work - not everybody these days knows how. Maybe we'll see you out on a run sometime, are you going to the Holiday Party? Details here: https://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5080 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottL 15 Posted December 20, 2017 Yippee, another XJ build thread! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 107 Posted December 20, 2017 nice looking XJ - welcome to the site, and a belated welcome to the US! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pelagius 0 Posted December 20, 2017 Nice XJ! Keep up the good work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ob1jeeper 35 Posted December 21, 2017 Nice Chero. And welcome to the site... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adriaanvn99 2 Posted December 27, 2017 Thanks everyone for the warm welcoming! Jeep should be back and running this week! On the hunt now for either a 29 Spline Chrysler 8.25 rear, or ideally a Dana 44 for the XJ to replace my Dana 35. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
