XJ Help out there?

[Kinsey]

I just bought my first Jeep. It's a project that I have started. Just thought I would see if there was any suggestions out there. Pictures to follow. Thanks Jobin cause I sure couldn't figure out how to post them! It's a 1987 XJ. I bought it at an online auction place. Paid 725. It has a small lift, sitting on 33's with 112,000. It was in a roll over and has a salvaged title but runs strong. I need to get this thing on the road and on the trails. Any words of advice would help!

[Jobin]

first of all Pete you should intoduce your self in the new user thread and here are the pictures.


the way he got it





and it now

[White trash]

87... renix 4 liter backed by a peugot trans, disco 30 and a 35c. You paid more than its worth in scrap. Have fun while it lasts.

[Kinsey]

Well at least your honest thanks for that.

[White trash]

Love me or hate me I won't lie to ya.


So you're in bentucky, know anyone on the fire dept?

[Grumpy]

Yeah, watch out for Trashy! And they say I'm grumpy Actually, Trash would be more of misanthrope

[White trash]

Grumpy you know me all too well.

[Wrench]

I just bought my first Jeep. It's a project that I have started. Just thought I would see if there was any suggestions out there. Pictures to follow. Thanks Jobin cause I sure couldn't figure out how to post them! It's a 1987 XJ. I bought it at an online auction place. Paid 725. It has a small lift, sitting on 33's with 112,000. It was in a roll over and has a salvaged title but runs strong. I need to get this thing on the road and on the trails. Any words of advice would help!

Dont let Trashy get you down. Mine is an '84 4-cylinder hunk of junk and it provides me plenty of good times!

I would build a roll cage for that thing and tie it to the frame sections. I bet the body flexes quite a bit more with the top/back cut off.

[OldGreen]

I just bought my first Jeep. It's a project that I have started. Just thought I would see if there was any suggestions out there. Pictures to follow. Thanks Jobin cause I sure couldn't figure out how to post them! It's a 1987 XJ. I bought it at an online auction place. Paid 725. It has a small lift, sitting on 33's with 112,000. It was in a roll over and has a salvaged title but runs strong. I need to get this thing on the road and on the trails. Any words of advice would help!

Dont let Trashy get you down. Mine is an '84 4-cylinder hunk of junk and it provides me plenty of good times!

I would build a roll cage for that thing and tie it to the frame sections. I bet the body flexes quite a bit more with the top/back cut off.

This and the renix set-up isn't bad at all. The tranny is a pile of crap, but just run it until it breaks and then do an AX15 from a later model. The D35 rear is probably OK if you leave it open, but I am pretty sure that everyone that I know with a locked D35 (except Danny) has broken it a few times. I think that the key here is to NOT spend a ton of money on this project. Do the safety stuff and stiffin it. . .from there, keep it simple.

[White trash]

I think that the key here is to NOT spend a ton of money on this project. Do the safety stuff and stiffin it. . .from there, keep it simple.

Exactly 100% my point! Once you start spending money on high dollar stuff you're doing it wrong. Its a cherocar so keep it cheap, simple and enjoy it till it falls apart and start all over again with another one or step up to something better.

[OldGreen]

Yep. . .
Another thought is to upgrade a few things that can be transferred to a different rig. . .like a winch for example.

OR

If you dig fabricating, use it as a testbed for all the stuff you would be afraid to do to your daily driver.

[Jobin]

I think petes goal is to just go out and have some fun with little worry about having to drive it to work monday morning.

[OldGreen]

Then just weld stuff to it to make it stiff and put in some basic safety gear. . .or it will fold like an origami swan.

[Kinsey]

Yeah thats pretty much the idea. I am just thinking a front and rear bumper, with winch and a fairly stout roll cage. If it breaks, its not a big deal you guys are right I can get a new one I find another project to start.

Think it will pass WSP to be licensed on the road?

[White trash]

If its got lights, your tires don't stick out, you have bumpers more than 4" tall under 27" off the ground, "anti spray devices" that go down to the centerline of the axles on all 4 corners, a horn and wipers you're golden.

[Kinsey]

Thanks Trash Don't care what they say about you. To answer your question I don't really know anyone from Benton City Fire. I just moved out near Badger Canyon like a year and half ago or so

[benw]

Double check the rear end, '87 is the most likely year to find a factory dana 44. Is it a 5-speed or automatic?

[Kinsey]

Its an automatic!

[benw]

Nothing wrong with the auto, the aw4 is a good transmission. Much better than the manual that came in 87.

[Jobin]

pete if you need to we can swap tires for you inspection mine should fit under the fenders fine and bolt on let me know.

[Lud]

You got a good start. Just go out and wheel it. I think for $725 you'll get your money's worth in fun.

[Kinsey]

I was just curious today. Where can I get some DOM piping here locally and does anyone know where I can get my hands on a tube bender?