Steves 98 XJ build

Well, I replaced the old pitman arm for two reasons. The one that was on there had been drilled out to a larger size. So, the steering I had didnt fit. Also, It was completely ovaled out. I happened to have another one on hand for free that was brand new so I threw it on.

I did a quick search on here to see what kind of problems people have had with DPAs. I couldnt find anything. Can you elaborate?

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1068732
Some info here I believe.
I'm not knocking what you have there, just saying what i'm seeing.

I didn't think you were. I appreciate what you are telling me. Thanks for the info.. Will check it out during much

I have been there many times myself. Keep up the good work!

Mark. Did a little research about your comment. I mentioned that the steering is loose. When I go to tighten up that drag link, the whole link is going to rotate up towards the grill. That will pull that bend up and out of the way and keep it from contacting the tie rod. I'll post another pic when it is all clamped in. Hope it ends up right.

So I just realized that I have owned my XJ for exactly a month today. Decided to make a list of everything I have done so far and a couple things I have yet to do. Stuff that is bold/italicized is yet to be done:


Rear End:
New seals
Changed diff oil
ZJ brake conversion
Repaint
New brake lines
New IRO 5.5" springs
1" lift shackles
HD offroad relocation brackets
Bilstein 5125s
Restudded spacer/adapters
Removed hitch
Replaced broken weld nut for front drivers spring perch
Repaired lower shock mounts
Repaired upper shock mounts
Modified E-brake cables for discs

Front End:
New bushings
changed diff oil
new brake lines
IRO long arm kit
6.5" springs
IRO steering kit
IRO track bar & drop bracket
Bilstein 5125s
Drop pitman arm
New U joint
Installed a sway bar
JKS quick disconnects
Removed front hitch
Alignment

Systems:
New gas tank J bolts from threaded rod
Replaced missing transfer case bolts
New trans mount
Changed tranfer case fluid
Changed trans fluid
New dynomax catback
New SS header
Freeze plugs
Block heater
New manifold gasket
New valve cover gasket
New proportioning valve
Motor mounts
Brake flush and bleed
Oil/coolant change

Interior:
New clock spring
Install B-Quiet sound deadener
New carpet
Chased down water leaks
Replaced missing plastic trim
New headliner
Fixed Roof Dent
Mod drivers seat
Seat covers

Exterior:
Cut and fold quarter panels
Remove green stripe
New gutter mounts for roof rack
Fix tailgate damage

Well it has been a while since I posted to this thread. Multiple frustrations have lead to me not wanting to think much about it while Im not wrenching.. but, I feel like I am past the awful stuff and coming down the home stretch. Unfortunately, I lost my passion for taking pictures of the build for a while since I just wanted to get it done.

I sold the super wide M/T MTZs and 18" rims last week. I am now having a kinda crappy experience with 4wheelparts about the new set of tires and rims that I ordered. I had ordered Dick Cepek Fun Country IIs in 33/12.5R15 with some D windows. Rush delivery. I get a call 3 days later and was told that those are no longer in production. So, I am now getting the ones that replaced those which are Dick Cepek Fun Countrys. Strange that they went backwards with the name... Either way, it looks like a good tire for what I aim to use the jeep for. Buuuuut, it is going to take 12 days for them to get here. I would think 4wheelparts would take the obsolete tires and put the new ones on their website. Would have saved me a lot of trouble. Either way, here is the tread pattern:



So, the xj is floating on jack stands right now. In the mean time, I chased down all the interior water leaks. Did the whole cabin in b-quiet and installed the interior minus the front seats:





So, that just leave figuring out this high rpm idle and no gauge issue. I have notions of whats going on for both but havnt gotten to them. I wanted a good moral boost first by finishing the interior  

From there, mount the wheels, alignment, lower the drivers seat and I am good to go!

I have a set of fc2s 305/70/16's load range D, they have the other tread pattern, rugged tires.
Also have a set of 33/12.5/15's load range C, mickey thompson MTZ tires they work well in the mud and on the rocks.

SHWING!

Lookin good! Nice trail rated badge haha

lol its funny that is one of the first things people notice. Got two for 5 bucks.. couldn't say no lol

Well, the day has finally come. The XJ is finally on the road today. It is about 90% complete but all there mechanically. Thank you all for your help getting me to this point. I learned A LOT doing this. Will get some pics later today.

Woot!

Good to hears it's working as good as it looks!