So, the cameras come with wipers??? :D

I've seen them used before (mounted to front and rear axle tubes, underside of rigs, license plate area, etc), but the plastic that they are encased in attract dust due to static electricity. That and they end up encrusted in dirt like your rock lights and the rest of the underside of the rig. Hope they work out for ya.

ya I figured I would have to actually wash the underside now :)

more progress

upgraded the winch and I am going to wire in cab controls
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6959.jpg

gas tank cover and spare tire mount
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6960.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6962.jpg

with tire and high lift in new location
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6963.jpg

rear bumper still furthest point back
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6965.jpg

and I still have visibilty out the rear over tire
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6967.jpg

got a little more done today

added a second roof bar so I could tie in X support bars
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6970.jpg

added B pillar bars
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6974.jpg

also added bar for harness and to tie B pillars together
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6975.jpg


http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6976.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6977.jpg

covered fuel tank/spare tire frame
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6979.jpg

looking in thru back
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_6980.jpg

thanks to john, scott and steve for all the help today

Very cool build. Glad to see you're still wheeling it and making improvements. When I was trying to decide which axles to put under mine I read through your thread a ton of times to see how your ford arms were holding up. I ended up going with a cast wedge 44 and modified ford arms. Keep it up man.

no pics, but we got the winch wired to inside the cab and it works :) did a tune up, plugs, wires, dist cap, etc.. made some bump stop steel stops.. gonna flex it out tomorow in rti ramp to see what is correct size shocks I need to order.

more work done

dropped front axle took out springs to add new progressive bump stops
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7002.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7003.jpg

all back together
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7007.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7008.jpg

used rti ramp to test bump stops, flex, etc
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7004.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7005.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7006.jpg

added some side mirrors, harness
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7010.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7013.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7015.jpg

what're those bump stops your running in the front called? ya like um?

what're those bump stops your running in the front called? ya like um?

I have never run them before a buddy has and loves them so I figure why not try them

http://www.jegs.com/p/Prothane/Prothane-Coil-Spring-Inserts/762178/10002/-1

I got the 10" ones

I have never run them before a buddy has and loves them so I figure why not try them

http://www.jegs.com/p/Prothane/Prothane-Coil-Spring-Inserts/762178/10002/-1

I got the 10" ones


cool idea and reasonably priced. so how did you mount the pad on top?

I've seen those before and forgot all about them. Thanks for bringing it up again. I just use my tire on my inner fender as a bumpstop now.

good thing too. i have been seriously thinking about going the uber-cheap stacked hockey puck route the past few weeks.

cool idea and reasonably priced. so how did you mount the pad on top?

here is what I did..

I cut about 2" off the top tube that is welded to the vehicle that keeps the top of the coil in place then welded a 3" diameter piece of flat steel to the bottom of that tube.

i then cut a 2" diameter piece of flat steel and welded that to a 1.5" piece of .120 wall DOM tube about 2" long.. this piece slides inside red bump stop so that way the top of the bump stop does not get destroyed when it hits flat steel i welded to top tube.

i also took another piece of 1.5" DOM tube and welded that to the coil retaining plate at bottom of spring.. the bump stop then slides down onto this to keep the bottom in place..

hope that makes sense

well we got the seats final bolted in and the 5 point harness final in and adjusted to each of us..

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7129.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7137.jpg


roof bars are all done and painted
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7136.jpg

and made some tube doors, these are not done yet
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7132.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7134.jpg

NO pics, but I added rear storage box for tools, etc... mounted CO2 tank, installed down bar from harness bar to floor. I also took power steering pump off to modify it and put on a different pulley to help with hyrdo assist steering

hope to have pump back on this weekend and all the little things done so next weekend we can take it out for a test run

here is what I did..

I cut about 2" off the top tube that is welded to the vehicle that keeps the top of the coil in place then welded a 3" diameter piece of flat steel to the bottom of that tube.

i then cut a 2" diameter piece of flat steel and welded that to a 1.5" piece of .120 wall DOM tube about 2" long.. this piece slides inside red bump stop so that way the top of the bump stop does not get destroyed when it hits flat steel i welded to top tube.

i also took another piece of 1.5" DOM tube and welded that to the coil retaining plate at bottom of spring.. the bump stop then slides down onto this to keep the bottom in place..

hope that makes sense

So the top piece of 3" flat makes contact with the round piece of 2" flat on the bumpstop? How loud is it because of the metal-to-metal contact?

So the top piece of 3" flat makes contact with the round piece of 2" flat on the bumpstop? How loud is it because of the metal-to-metal contact?

that is correct..

as for noise.. I will find out next weekend when I go test it

Well today sucked it was 101 degrees and I was in my metal garage :(

but I did some more done.

added a storage box to hold tools for race
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7139.jpg

got rear tire mounted with inner lock and got strap tie down system done.. all we do is release center rear ratchet and throw strap into back and we can take off spare easy and quick
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7141.jpg

also got middle support bar for harness bar welded in
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7143.jpg

PSC shipped me my new smaller puley to help with hydro assist when rig is going slow
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7144.jpg

also put new dodge diesel shocks on rear
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7145.jpg

and added a power steering cooler
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7147.jpg

added some plexi to doors so I have a place for race numbers :)

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7149.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7153.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7156.jpg

and I found my 12 volt cooler, what would a grocery getter be without some wine and cheese on board
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7157.jpg

Well took Jep out for a pre run test and it did great..have a few things to fix like rear shocks but all in all we are ready to run..

also added some stickers :)
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7158.jpg

hood ( not done yet )
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7160.jpg

front
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7162.jpg

rear
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7163.jpg

look from rear with quick disconnect spare tire hold down
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7167.jpg

my son wanted to have a seat
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7169.jpg

well after prerun we found rear shocks need to be moved.. so I cut holes in floor and stuck them up threw :)

also welded in a connector bar that will double as 5 point harness bar for rear seat and shocks attach to it
shocks are dodge diesel 3500 shocks :)

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7233.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7237.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7238.jpg

all Logo's up for the Race

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/hood.jpg

Well after all the work I took the jeep out and beat on it..

was the most fun I have ever had in the jeep.

here is my write up:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=910453

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/25069/2142874260102225043S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2142874260102225043jzzNGD)

write up by BUsted Knuckle Films:
http://www.bustedknucklefilms.com/race-writeups/harlankohq10/

and lots of pics of the race:
http://picasaweb.google.com/cncjeeper/ECORSHarlen?authkey=Gv1sRgCLjjjeu37a-ztgE&feat=directlink#

So what was up with the suspension, Joint failures?

So what was up with the suspension, Joint failures?

the bushings in the control arm ends are trashed.. completely failing apart.. worst part is i pulled them apart and checked them all before race :)

maybe I should have replaced them..

as some of you know I raced in the KOH Qualifier at Harlan (best time I ever had )

my write up:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=910453

well the 2 things that took me out of the race was broken front axles and front suspension just turned to slope.

so it is time to upgrade :)

this is a RuffStuff axle housing that I am going to build into a hi9 front axle.. I figure if I build it custom and strong I hopefully will not have as many issues and I also plan to redo
the front suspension

it will take some time to build it but it will be well worth it

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7637.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7638.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_7639.jpg

Ooooo... :smokin:

wow... im jealous.

tryin turn this thread into your own build thread huh.!! and if tht jeep isnt bad ass. i dnt know what is

tryin turn this thread into your own build thread huh.!! and if tht jeep isnt bad ass. i dnt know what is

Actually this is his build thread.:shaking:

good news is.. my hi9 center section with 5.29 gears and an ARB in it should be here this week :)

hehehe.. I am like a kid in a candy store..

Awesome. Did you get the mega?

hehehe.. I am like a kid in a candy store..

Or a bull in a China shop... :flipoff2:

Christmas in Sept :)

Hi9 w/ 5.29 gears & ARB 35 spline

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/hi9box.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/hi9.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/hi9gears.jpg

Bling Bling :D


Why the centered housing? He sells offset tube front housings AFAIK.

Nice piece.

Good luck with the 35 spline 9" ARB... Everyone I know that has one has blown them apart. But they were all in the rear.

When I switch over to a 609 front I am going to run a spool.

Bling Bling :D


Why the centered housing? He sells offset tube front housings AFAIK.

I bought it used.. so did not have the choice

Nice piece.

Good luck with the 35 spline 9" ARB... Everyone I know that has one has blown them apart. But they were all in the rear.

When I switch over to a 609 front I am going to run a spool.

yup and most of them also have huge v8's which I do not :)

yup and most of them also have huge v8's which I do not :)

This is true. I am just thinking ahead for when mine will have a huge V8. :laughing:

Nice. Hopefully ARB has improved the seals in the locker (RD99 I believe). Had a True HI9 in my rig a couple years ago and it has been through at least three sets of seals. Never had a problem with the strength :mr-t:

Subscribed - this is like punctuated evolution. I love it, who knows what next on this rig!

well I am still in collecting parts stage to build the new front axle but I wanted a better front suspension so I am doing a little work this weekend hope to have them in by end of weekend :)

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/swayaway.jpg

Holy CRAP! This is an amazing build.

I am down in Hope Mills (around Ft. Bragg). If you ever need to sell some of your old stuff as you upgrade shoot me a PM. :D

Well ended only having about 5hrs of work time yesterday ( family time was needed )

but I did get a bunch done and should have it all finished today

took out coils, shocks, etc.. then had to move the air box on drivers side and the radiator over flow on passenger side then I cut some holes :)

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/fenderhole.jpg

supported jeep with engine hoist, some jack stands, and set axle at ride height.
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/leveljeep.jpg

made some bottom brackets and welded them in
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/axlebracket.jpg

made frame stiffners on both side and welded them in then made some tube slugs and then the tube for shock mount
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/shockmount.jpg

got drivers side in and done
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/uppermount.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/shockin.jpg

plan to get passenger side done today and a brace connecting both shock hoops in.. then charge with nitrogen and see how it rides

Wow, thats great Ken I had no idea you did a qualifier. Best of luck in your racing endevours!

I think I have this sorted out in my head but verify for me....

My guess is your only leaving the radius arms up front until the new housing goes in right?

Wow, thats great Ken I had no idea you did a qualifier. Best of luck in your racing endevours!

I think I have this sorted out in my head but verify for me....

My guess is your only leaving the radius arms up front until the new housing goes in right?

ya.. arms will change once new housing is in

well it is all done and I drove it around the neighborhood a few times with no issues :)

shocks are even tuned..

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8287.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8290.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8291.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8288.jpg

everything fit except air box.. need to fix that..it is a little tight on passenger side
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8305.jpg

plenty of room on drivers side
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8304.jpg

took a few pics outside with everything closed up and my little helper :)

what shocks.. I do not see anything out of place..
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8297.jpg

from the side
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8298.jpg

engine bay
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8300.jpg

from below showing angle
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8308.jpg

best news is that it drove very very smooth..

thanks for Scott, John and Craig for all the help

is that crossbrace removable? other than that, looks great!

is that crossbrace removable? other than that, looks great!

There is a thing called a Sawzall, they work well.

is that crossbrace removable? other than that, looks great!

not yet :)

but it will be when I add those tube cut aways in.. that will be done after KOH.. if need to be removed while out there we will just cut it off and make a new one later when we get back.. it is only about 3 feet of tube :)

nice shocks :flipoff2: youll have to tell us all how you like them in a full bodied xj, ive been kicking around doing them in the rear on my junk

nice shocks :flipoff2: youll have to tell us all how you like them in a full bodied xj, ive been kicking around doing them in the rear on my junk

thanks.. and fyi these are 2.5 shocks not 2.0 with 12" travel. anything longer and it would have been a lot more challenging to get in.

had to make a temp air filter location and move radiator bottle to other side.. just could not get air cleaner over cross brace bar without crushing the tube

but this will work
http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/imag0031.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/imag0032.jpg

No real mods but did get all the stickers on for KOH :)

look for us on the lakebed

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/XJ/LRside2.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/XJ/LRside3.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/XJ/LRback.jpg

nice idea on the shocks, that's exactly what I'm going to try on mine.

What length are they? Mine are 14"s and I'm thinking I'll have to mount them similar to your but on the inside of the hoop rather then the outside as you did. Also mine will be setup to us about 12" not the full 14".

nice idea on the shocks, that's exactly what I'm going to try on mine.

What length are they? Mine are 14"s and I'm thinking I'll have to mount them similar to your but on the inside of the hoop rather then the outside as you did. Also mine will be setup to us about 12" not the full 14".

these are 12"

thanks I saw you said it in the post above but I read it as not 2.0s 12" :homer:

thanks I saw you said it in the post above but I read it as not 2.0s 12" :homer:

ya they are 2.5 - 12"

well back at it, almost have all the parts to start on new front axle.. :)

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8446.jpg

where do all the gloves go? :flipoff2:

What are you running for rear shocks? How do you have them mounted?

What are you running for rear shocks? How do you have them mounted?

shocks are stock dodge 2500 diesel shocks off a 2007 dodge

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11740008&postcount=274

Lookg great, I ahve the exact same set up on a 89 the only hting i am having issuies with is that i have disks on the rear. I have not pedal , i have hear lots of ideas and i have guys that have doen the smae thing and have no problem. I am looking for a new booser and mastercylinder for disk/disk hope that works.

Are the bead locks working good for you , we make them on the side at our shop if you are looking for any more or no anybody looking.

I am also looking for a sweet deal for some 38's let me know if you knwo anybody.

Again jeep looks good.

Thanks Ben

inner c's and doors to make half doors for when racing :)

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8447.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8448.jpg

Sweet build and just what I was looking for. So many builds on here just start out with a tare down and after 2+ years and a shit ton of $ it leaves the shop. I don't have the resources for all that. And would like to wheel as much as I can in between mods while keeping it street legal for now. Only a few ?'s for you. When running the ford arms did you use stock upper location? And did you have a 3 or 4 link. I ask because my plan is 3 link mid arm with track bar on same side as upper arm. Rebuild able Joints at ends except axle side of lowers. Appreciate any help.

Sweet build and just what I was looking for. So many builds on here just start out with a tare down and after 2+ years and a shit ton of $ it leaves the shop. I don't have the resources for all that. And would like to wheel as much as I can in between mods while keeping it street legal for now. Only a few ?'s for you. When running the ford arms did you use stock upper location? And did you have a 3 or 4 link. I ask because my plan is 3 link mid arm with track bar on same side as upper arm. Rebuild able Joints at ends except axle side of lowers. Appreciate any help.

Thanks..

ford the radius arms I modified them with control arm bushings at the end and then made new mounts inside the XJ frame rails further back then stock.

I run 2 radius arm and a trac bar and that is it.

I do have a set of johnny joint ends I was going to swap out the bushing with but with this new axle build I am holding off on updating this setup any more

Question, when you did the rear fender wells, how much did you have to trim out?

:laughing: Your avitar is awesome Ken!

Rig looks great!

Question, when you did the rear fender wells, how much did you have to trim out?

I trimmed about 1 inch then cut slots and bent the rest under

added a high flow power steering pump and reservoir

605929

605930

605931

Hell yeah, luv the steering oil reservoir location :D nicely done

aftermath of a barrel roll at speed when pre running for DPG race

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8788.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8789.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8790.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8791.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8792.jpg

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8793.jpg

Damn! Looks like it actually held up quite well for being "at speed". What's the story? Everyone walk away unhurt?

Damn! Looks like it actually held up quite well for being "at speed". What's the story? Everyone walk away unhurt?

story: I was not able to get to race location early so my co-driver took jeep down to get it tech inspected and do some pre running on the course.

well he was driving it down a long hill area that comes out into a field and at the bottom you make a 180 degree turn and in middle of turn is a dip.. needless to say he made turn and was fully committed when the front dipped and he said it just went over , did a full roll and end back on its wheels.. they then drove back to the pits to check it out and go from there. we spent hrs replacing parts, wrenching on it.. got it all back together raced it and got 2nd place so not bad for a beat up rig..

story: I was not able to get to race location early so my co-driver took jeep down to get it tech inspected and do some pre running on the course.
...........and he said it just went over , did a full roll and end back on its wheels.. guess thats why he is "CO":D

This actually makes me feel pretty good about my cage. Our designs are very similar and yours held up really well. What are your plans now?

Hey, I'm one of the tards standing on the trailer in the background of this pic. :D

http://www.impaks.com/images/ken/xj/100_8791.jpg

Good to finally meet ya, congrats on the 2nd place. I would've liked to hang out more but we ended up bailing right after the class C debacle was over.

This actually makes me feel pretty good about my cage. Our designs are very similar and yours held up really well. What are your plans now?

short term is fix as much as possible so I can race in November at final ECORS race.. then over winter I may tear it all apart and start over or build something new.. I have been wanting a full tube buggy for a while.. just not sure yet..I think a lot of it will be based on what I find when I tear into it and see if there is more damage then I see now..

Hey, I'm one of the tards standing on the trailer in the background of this pic. :D

Good to finally meet ya, congrats on the 2nd place. I would've liked to hang out more but we ended up bailing right after the class C debacle was over.

yup sure was good to put a face to a name..

next year I let ya know when we are coming to wheel at Rausch and maybe we can wheel together..

Well good news is I can fix the little things and brace the tubing so I can race in November.. the bad news I am 99% sure that will be the jeeps last ride.. then I will tear it apart and start something new..

The wife really wants a TJ or something like that so my XJ era may be coming to an end..

time for something new..

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1021890

Hey man I'm in the middle of doing same swap and was wandering how long your radius arms are and how well they flex

Hey man I'm in the middle of doing same swap and was wandering how long your radius arms are and how well they flex

not exact sure on true length.. but they are stock length arms that I then cut off the bolt on frame end side and welded a control arm end on to.. probably extended them overall of 3".. as for flex they flexed great this way and never had an issue them them making noise or not doing well.. even after a full barrel roll the arms were fine and still road fine.

if I ever get a bronco this is what I would do to make the arms flex better..

That was a good looking rig. And thanks that pretty well was what I was wanting to know! And on other question I know this isn't right thread but how is you trailer doing? That's how I did mine but ain't got to use it yet cause I gotta buy another axle. Lol

I am guessing you are talking about the bed camper on trailer setup?
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=808408
If so I sold it and it is now in Ohio.

I upgraded to another project
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=993526

I was actually talkin bout your car trailer. Lol

oh well that sold as well to a fellow off road guy..