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**Chili Palmer** · 06-12-2009, 12:28 PM

I finally got some work done!

The other day I finally started finish welding my front bumper but I ran out of wire!

Yesterday I pulled the tank and cut the hole for some test fitting. Today I'm going to be picking up some 1" square stock to build a frame for it.

Here's factory...

Initial cut...

Just setting the tank in the hole...

That's better!

I plan on having the tank done tonight so I can start working on the rear bumper and cage tie ins so I can work on the cage tomorrow. Then I just need to get some misc. mechanical stuff finished up (bleed brakes, bleed clutch, front DS, etc.) before she's trail ready!

Kyle · 06-12-2009, 12:30 PM

Looks a lot better! Im really looking forward to pictures of the cage.

**Chili Palmer** · 06-15-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle

Looks a lot better! Im really looking forward to pictures of the cage.

Thanks and I can't wait for the pics of my cage either! As it turns out I didn't get crap done to it this weekend...not sure when I'll get to work on it again but as previoulsy mentioned I really want this on the trail the week of the 4th!

**littleblackxj** · 06-15-2009, 05:32 PM

Do you plan on boxing in the top of your tank so you can still put stuff in the back of your jeep?

It's looking really good btw. I'm definitely liking the fenders.

**Chili Palmer** · 06-15-2009, 06:09 PM

Yep, will definitely have a storage tray of some type on top. And right now I'm thinking of laying the spare flat between it and the seats then have a cover of some type coming off the cage that's hinged. This way the spare will be out of the way until I need it and it would give me more storage? We'll see what happens...

And thanks for the props on the fenders...

Quote:

Originally Posted by littleblackxj

Do you plan on boxing in the top of your tank so you can still put stuff in the back of your jeep?

It's looking really good btw. I'm definitely liking the fenders.

**jakeWI** · 07-04-2009, 02:00 PM

nice job chili. just came across this. you must have updated while i was gone. nice job on the raised tank.

any more updates?

**Chili Palmer** · 07-05-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakeWI

nice job chili. just came across this. you must have updated while i was gone. nice job on the raised tank.

any more updates?

No updates really. I have the main hoop bent for the roll cage (been done for a while) and got the tank mounted up. Still need to finish the cage, fix the clutch, misc wiring and few other odds and ends. I'm on vacation this week but have family in town so I won't be able to work on it until the end of the week. I also need to order some more tube so the cage won't get done (if even touched) this week

GardenGnome07 · 07-07-2009, 09:27 PM

Wow. Fantastic build.

CreepyKrawerOffroad · 07-08-2009, 12:22 AM

This is one hell of a build, great job on it. Looks like you got all the right fab gear for this. That is where I am lacking in my build.

**Chili Palmer** · 07-09-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GardenGnome07

Wow. Fantastic build.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CreepyKrawerOffroad

This is one hell of a build, great job on it. Looks like you got all the right fab gear for this. That is where I am lacking in my build.

Thanks for the props. As far as the fab gear goes; that's where I started. All my buddies were spending money on lifts, lockers, etc. while I was buying tools. Now I'm trying to play catch up with the vehicle...

matikos98 · 07-28-2009, 01:08 PM

looks good... i love cherokee trucks they look amazing!

GardenGnome07 · 07-29-2009, 07:27 AM

Anything new to update?

**Chili Palmer** · 07-29-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GardenGnome07

Anything new to update?

Yes actually; over the weekend I finally got around to working on my front bumper! It's not done yet but almost. All I need to do now is decide if I'm going to fix the air leaks and use it as an air tank (which I probably will) then give it a paint of coat and call it good...

Here it is after the final grinding and before I welded it to the brackets...

Here you can see the holes I drilled to plug weld the top, front (2 spots) and bottom of the bumper to the bracket. It's also fully welded on the back side...

Some of the plug welds...

Sitting on the bench for final welding...

And that's where it's still sitting. I drilled a hole and tapped it for 1/4" NPT and hooked up the air compressor and found a few leaks so I need to fix those then I can paint and install it.

I also shortened up my front DS about 3" (No pics). This year XJ came with the GKN style DS so I bought a used one but it was too long because it was for the 4.0L/Auto and I have a V6/manual. I ended up using a 5.5" piece of 1.75" x .120 wall DOM as an interior sleeve which was plug welded and seam welded.

EDIT: Next is the rear crossmember/bumper then I'll finish up the cage and get some wiring wrapped up...

And I still have to fix that damn clutch...

GardenGnome07 · 07-30-2009, 07:44 AM

Nice work man. Front bumper looks real clean. Can't wait to see that cage!
Good luck with the clutch. I recently replace mine and it sucked big time. taking it apart and putting the clutch and components in was a breeze. It was trying to put the tranny back in that was tough. You just have to muscle it in. Good luck.

Carl · 07-30-2009, 07:52 AM

Looking great man, I still need to get up that way to check out the rig! Maybe we can go wheeling after I get back from deployment.