Project XJ

CaptainHenreh · 04-10-2010, 01:41 PM

Jeff Wrote:I was thinking a Defender 90 hull with blahblahblah shit that has absolutely zero percent chance of ever happening ever.

**Jeff** · 04-10-2010, 01:48 PM

CaptainHenreh Wrote:"500 things a day that will never happen if only I had $$$$$$ money I could get if I sold X, X, or X I bought last week as a new project but decided I don't want."

People in glass houses Rex. Tongue

LC619FR · 04-10-2010, 10:34 PM

Jeff Wrote:
Kaan Wrote:"Chrysler - Dodge - Jeep - Busted Shit Factory"

Think about that for a second.... :lol:

I was thinking a Defender 90 hull with a 5.7L Hemi, 4 speed truck automatic, NPG transfer case, Dana 44's with 4.10's and ox lockers front and rear... That would be a dream machine. But basically a Dodge pickup with a Land Rover body on it. Easy to work on at least. You could import a Defender from Canada for "parts" then buy a wrecked Hemi pickup for the donor drivetrain. Get it registered with a "hot rod" title and vin number and you could be set. Unique trail machine with plenty of reliable power. In before Rex with "WHY NOT A 350!!!??!?!?!!!!" The answer? Chrysler - Dodge - Jeep - Busted Shit Factory.

How bout a defender 110 hull (which I saw two of today BTW and one was a diesel) with a 350 TBI SB Chevy strapped to a Turbo 400 with a NP203/205 Doubled Tranny Case with a 6:1 low.A D60 up front and a Chevy 14 bolt rear....geared 5.38 with dual detroits...that is the dream machine :bow: :bootyshake:

**Jeff** · 04-11-2010, 07:18 PM

If you are gonna build a rig for nothing but off roading then build an all out buggy. I speced my Defender for reliable on road as well as capable offroad. A turn key, modern, useful take on a classic machine.

LC619FR · 04-11-2010, 09:42 PM

and that's why you drive a unibodied short bus :thumbup: :lol: :bootyshake:

**Jeff** · 04-11-2010, 10:52 PM

You love the school bus...don't hate.

**Jeff** · 05-10-2010, 12:08 PM

Well this past weekend I had a few more things that needed doing on the old XJ. First was to remove the trac bar bracket and the OEM trac bar and install the BDS trac bar I got. I picked it up used for just $40! New un-installed ends and all. Unlike the stock bar this aftermarket bar can be serviced as well as adjusted to compensate for the lift, so I no longer need the bracket. This is good because the bracket lost me ground clearance as well as being prone to coming loose.

Here is the bar reloaction bracket I wanted to remove as well as the stock trac bar end which was under a lot of stress.
[Image: DSC03682Large.jpg]

Here are the trac bars side by side. The ends were a real bitch to get in but I don't think they will be coming out any time soon. :thumbup: The gray one is the BDS obviously...HD.

[Image: DSC03684Large.jpg]

I also lowered the transfercase a bit more in order to rid myself of some vibrations...which it did...but there was a major negative side effect. The engine was pitched so much that the engine under torque moved so much that the mechanical fan actually hit one of the AC lines. The line was damaged but not cut (yet) so I had to do a ghetto fix with JB weld and hope it holds. Here is the damage done.
[Image: DSC03710Large.jpg]

These bolts held the original mechanical fan.
[Image: DSC03711Large.jpg]

To fix this I decided I needed to remove the mechanical fan for an electric one. $50 and a trip to advance later I had a 12in electric fan. The load off the engine is noticeable. I am a little concerned about cooling but we will see. Old fan looks like a water wheel compared to that electrical blade.
[Image: DSC03712Large.jpg]

CaptainHenreh · 05-10-2010, 12:13 PM

:thumbup:

Kaan · 05-10-2010, 12:23 PM

is that fan a two speed? i'm assuming since there was a mechanical fan on it, there wont be a relay to have it kick on at a certain temp, so you'll also probably be adding a switch to turn it on... based on that assumption and the fact that i rigged my honda two speed (default high) fan... you are going to run cooler than you think. i wouldnt worry at all about heat.

HAULN-SS · 05-10-2010, 12:51 PM

Yah, when I put an electric fan on my SS, I just rigged it to ignition so it is always on, and it runs cool. Only problem is it takes a few extra minutes to warm up.

**Jeff** · 05-10-2010, 02:03 PM

Kaan Wrote:is that fan a two speed? i'm assuming since there was a mechanical fan on it, there wont be a relay to have it kick on at a certain temp, so you'll also probably be adding a switch to turn it on... based on that assumption and the fact that i rigged my honda two speed (default high) fan... you are going to run cooler than you think. i wouldnt worry at all about heat.

Very good observation. XJ's equipped with A/C have two fans. One is Mechanical one is electric. So I rigged this one up on the same circuit as the other fan so once it gets above 210 degrees they kick on. Also they are on any time the A/C is on. So its like having only high fan speed but only when the PCM says it is needed. Overall the system might be a little less efficient, but I am hoping not. I plan to watch it closely. Diesel XJ's had two electric fans with two (hi/lo) relays I believe.

Kaan · 05-10-2010, 02:42 PM

i still look at my gauge (stock) much more than i ever have. i run "good" coolant and water wetter... i still watch too closely. time to find a junk yard with a Diesel XJ? I know 210 is a jeep thing... it just feels a little high for me.

with the one fan being manual, i'm going to assume this set up with "warm up" faster... I think i'd rather have it riggied to the ignition.

**Jeff** · 05-10-2010, 03:45 PM

Kaan Wrote:i still look at my gauge (stock) much more than i ever have. i run "good" coolant and water wetter... i still watch too closely. I know 210 is a jeep thing... it just feels a little high for me.

I did a complete coolant flush and installed new coolant. I probably could toss some water wetter in it. I watch gauges all the time...my oil pressure gauge has Parkinson's so I am always watching to see what they do next. 210 is pretty much "center" for most vehicles I think. Fans cut on at 212 and run til its back down to 210.

Kaan Wrote:with the one fan being manual, i'm going to assume this set up with "warm up" faster... I think i'd rather have it riggied to the ignition.

I plan to rig them both to a switch for when I am on the trail. Remember any time the A/C is on they are both on (which is most of the time it is hot out.)

Kaan Wrote:time to find a junk yard with a Diesel XJ?

For more reasons then the fans my friend.... Wink

.RJ · 05-10-2010, 04:10 PM

Water wetter wont help any if there's already coolant in the mix.

CaptainHenreh · 05-10-2010, 05:30 PM

.RJ Wrote:Water wetter wont help any if there's already coolant in the mix.

I meant to say this. Water wetter ONLY exists to break the surface tension in the water and inhibit corrosion...which coolant also does. Water wetter & water ONLY is better for cooling though, because since it only breaks the surface tension, the chemical that transfers heat the best (pure water, in this case) is not diluted by a less effective (but lower freezing point) chemical (Ethylene glycol or Propylene glycol, in most cases). Adding water wetter to a coolant/water mix does bupkiss.