Project XJ Walk-Around

Since this is a project rig I purposely chose one that needed work. The XJ will not be a daily driver (DD) or used for long road trips but will be street legal. The primary purpose of this build is a light to medium duty trail rig. Therefore cosmetics (paint, sheetmetal, etc) are of little value. Function over form with this build. And I hope to stay true to the mantra 'don't buy it, build it' throughout the course of the project. With that, let's see what we are working with...

The good - mechanically sound drive train. Starts easily, shifts smoothly, transfer case engages without issue. Clean underbelly with minimal surface rust. No cracks, creases, bends or other unibody-associated failures observed. Doors are all aligned and open/close smoothly.

The previous owner (PO) installed a number of upgrades and included some extra parts that can be used.

Items installed buy PO:
-Rubicon Express 3.5" suspension lift with full rear leaf pack

-Aftermarket stereo/equalizer/amp/speakers

-Homemade roof rack

-Homemade rear bumper
-TJ "Ravine" alloy rims (x5)
-OEM steel rims (x4)
-Mixed tires, all in poor shape.
-Crossmember drop? Need to confirm but appears to have spacers...

Items included by PO but not installed:
-TJ fender flares
-Rough Country sway bar quick disconnects (NIB)
-Ball joints (NIB)
-Ujoints (NIB)
-Spark plugs (NIB)
-Wires (NIB)
-Distributor cap and rotor (NIB)
-Haynes service manual

The bad - issues noted during walk-around and test drive:
-Sloppy steering/wandering
-Power windows/door locks only work from select controllers and intermittently
-Rear lift gate difficult to open, does not stay open
-OEM brake lines (too short)
-Parking brake does not hold
-AC does not blow cold
-Battery very weak
-Drivers seat cushion needs rebuilt (flat)
-Headliner needs replaced
-No slip yoke eliminator (SYE); apparently not an issue as there are no noticeable driveline vibrations. Likely a result of the x-member drop
-Class I leaks around valve cover, oil pan, transmission pan... no drips or puddles under the vehicle

So much potential! Where to begin...

Project Cost: $0

Total Build Cost: $2,532