xaza's 94 XJ Build

[JeepWrench]

Really nice xj build, looking foward to getting on the trail with you

[xaza]

Got a little bit done today but cut short by the snow. Got the tire carrier hung after much more work than necessary but will follow up this post with a review on bumper.

[xaza]

Smittybilt XRC Rear Bumper with spare tire carrier review/help
After getting through the majority of my bumper install I thought I would write up a review on the installation of this bumper to hopefully help prevent others from the headaches I went through.

First hang up was with the mounting brackets for the bumper. Bumper came with nice nut strip that lined up perfectly with the frame holes. Mounting lined up great except for re-installing gas tank skid plate. Skid plate is held on by two bolts on each side. One hole on bumper lines up perfectly with one hole on skid but the other hole is covered by both the mounting bracket and the nut strip. This is a bumper that is going to be used for off road situations and designed for such use and should anticipate that an off road vehicle will likely have this skid in place. We intend to pilot the hole and install with a self tapping bolt. The skid will need to be marked and cut to allow for bumper bracket coming out from underneath at the corners to the rear of vehicle.

Next issue came also with the mounting brackets. When installing bumper onto brackets they bottom out into the back of the bumper before bolt holes are lined up. We used a grinder to trim the end of the bracket to allow clearance to line bolts up. Be sure to allow metal to cool and repaint where you grind to prevent rust.

The mount for tire swing was next issue. The cam plate for adjustment did not fit into the bumper. From the welding of the support plate the metal had warped at the ends causing it to pinch the plate. Just a little filing down with cutting wheel we got the cam plate fitting nice and snug but able to turn (this part is very important). If you have to do this be sure you don't take too much off and not too much on one side or the locking bolt will not fit in place.

Final issue we have come to is the thickness of the washer for the striking pin. It forced the strike pin out too far causing it to hit the tire carrier and prevent it from closing. This may have been due to issues with cam plate but the solution was as simple as using a thinner washer for install.

The mounts for the trail jack do not sit straight and I have not checked to see if that will be an issue yet. The u bolt does not want to sit straight because of the bracket hitting a weld and the other side it is on a sloped section of bar. Will see if that is an issue when installing jack.

Overall I do like the bumper and look forward to hitting the trails with it. Am a little concerned about the strength of the tire swing pivot but will test it out. The instructions were terrible and need improved. One section in particular is the install of the straps for the water/gas cans. Another was the light tab install.

[CS79bronco]

I like the look of how the tire carrier fits into the bumper, but how much would it take to bend the bumper so the carrier would not fit properly.

[xaza]

It is very finicky about where the striker meets the carrier so I could imagine it possible to be an issue but the bumper is very sturdy at 225 lbs. I have dropped onto the front bumper and not even scratched through the paint and the back is every bit as stout. I would imagine if there is an issue it would be from bending the tire carrier.

[xaza]

Got some help today and managed to hang tire and jack. Taught the importance of, and how to use a torque wrench. I personally do not like the way jack sets and may end up modifying it to stand upright in the middle. It is a swinging menace sitting the way it is and won't fit flipped around.

[xaza]

As of this week I am now working a new schedule that will allow for more days off to hopefully get some of the little things I have been putting off. In the mean time I decided to give us another project to work on, fitting my new tires! I opted to go with the BFG AT's this time. We started by taking off factory flares and will be looking into some new ones. Looks like we can move front axle forward to give a little more room and the back axle moving back will make for some more room there. Will be making the call this week to see when I can get frame stiffener extensions and leaf spring perches welded on.

[EKXJ87]

XJ is looking good did you biggie size your tires from the previous set?

[javaman34]

Looking good. Want to do my Bronco next?

[Stu]

Nice shoes!

[xaza]

EKXJ87 previously posted:

[Tnsejed]

Nice man! The increase to 35"s will be huge.

[xaza]

Surprise surprise surprise, I got sidetracked and started another project today. Not liking some of the layout and am looking forward to designing final rear rack. Decided with the bigger tires I need to be able to air them up after a trail run. At same time I am installing power inverter. Have to wait for inverter to be delivered, should arrive next week. Going to use one of the 400 amp circuit breakers for power. Decided to go with the Cobra 5000 watt max, 2500 continuous.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cobra-CPI-...erter/10746778
Did get the compressor installed. It is 120v, 150 psi, 6 gallon pancake. Opted for a 25 foot self retracting hose. For the 120v power I installed a 100 ft self retracting extension cord (no pics of this yet) to allow power to be used away from vehicle. Will have to install a new end on it before it will be ready for use.

[ctracy5]

I thought your Jeep was nice the first time I ran with you guys, can't wait to see what it can do now.

[xaza]

Thanks Chris, looking forward to running with you again also. It has been really nice to see how things have come along with your Trooper. I might be able to make it out for your shakedown run testing out new locker.

[Funrover]

Coming along great!

[xaza]

Got back on track today and implemented the second phase of my weight reduction, fender trimming. We basically followed the cutting instructions for the Bushwacker cut out flares. Made enough room for tires to clear fender but brought to light a new issue. Control arm is hitting drive shaft when flexed. We have some pinion angle changes and axle position changes and then will figure out bump stops from there. On the rear fender we cut notches in fender and massaged the tabs inside the fender.

[glacierpaul]

Very nice Cliff!!! Love the stacked tire flex maker , glad to see you putting your girl to work too

[xaza]

Got all these tires around here may as well put them to some use. She is very eager to help out. We recently learned she is likely inheriting a Cherokee from her mom when she get's a new car. I have already made it clear that I am not building her a truck and if she wants it done she will have to be out there helping. Hard to believe she is only a few years away from driving, should be enough time wrap the truck in solid steel and bubble wrap.

[glacierpaul]

Crazy how fast they grow up!! I meant to say she is getting tall! Very cool she may have her own Jeep! I love the wrap idea! If my fleet is still running , my kids will have their choice of one of the Jeeps.