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**jonzer12** · 01-22-2010, 10:09 AM

31 spline explorer 8.8 uses the same 5x4.5 bolt pattern.

**ZackXJ** · 01-22-2010, 12:51 PM

very nice!

XJ Philly · 01-22-2010, 02:00 PM

Slick looking rig!

wicked xj · 01-23-2010, 06:02 PM

nice how do you like the tires?

**jonzer12** · 01-23-2010, 11:31 PM

See my post #14 in this thread.

**jonzer12** · 01-29-2010, 01:09 PM

Wife let me spend some cash!

Got JCR to send me some frame plates with 6" of extra steel on the end. Will be starting a front bumper build in the next couple weeks.

**jonzer12** · 02-19-2010, 12:18 PM

Bumper parts are taking while to arrive so instead of building a winch bumper I started on the next thing on my list. Gas tank skid. My plastic tank has a quite a few battle scars on it and some of them are pretty deep. A skid will bring lots of peace of mind.

I am broke so I am building this entirely out of steel leftovers and scraps in the garage.
the plate is only 1/8 so I am going to brace it all with 1" x 1/8 tube and some 1" x 1/4 angle. All of it is getting welded to my mopar hitch.

Getting started:

Quick test fit:

Adding strength:

Still have more tube and plate to add. My exhaust runs under the hitch for a bit so I am not sure how to get around that yet. Will post pics up once it is complete and painted.
So far all it cost me is some grinding wheels and mig wire.

jimma3788 · 02-20-2010, 06:13 AM

nice jeep. and good job with the skid plate! 1/8th should hold up pretty good. especially with all tha bracing.

XJcoupe · 02-23-2010, 09:20 PM

well well, jonzer- this is the short version of your local build thread, good for you, cant wait to see some pics of that winch bumper, your starting this weekend, cheers

**jonzer12** · 02-27-2010, 06:02 PM

Hitch is fully boxed and installed.

Could have made it a tighter fit more more clearance, but with the pig of an 8.8 right in front it tank clearance doesn't matter that much.

on to winch bumper build!

Got the factory bumper removed, relcated horns and vacuum bottle, trimmed fender supports and bolted up my JCR frame plates. Broke a steering box bolt in the process. PITA but got past it.
Took lots of measurements and tommorrow its fabricaton time.

XJcoupe · 02-27-2010, 06:12 PM

your missin a bolt buddy

**jonzer12** · 03-05-2010, 11:40 PM

Bumper progress. Working like a mad man to get this thing done.

Frame mount fab:

Winch Plate welded in, first tube mockup I got it level after:

Moose · 03-06-2010, 01:49 PM

That's really nice lookin'! Down here though a lot of the snow is melting, don't know about for you. But if it is, serious mudding.

**jonzer12** · 03-15-2010, 07:40 AM

A little bit more progress,

Still have to add some tube to the ends to run under the fender, add some plate to cover the corners and I am going to cut some more 3/4 plate and taper the shackle mounts top and bottom. Then it is finish welding and paint. At the rate I am going it won't be done until this fall!

89xjgrey · 03-15-2010, 01:06 PM

Lookin good man.