XJ Mods VSB 14

[alexbrown64]

Its been a while, but i have been working and collecting parts. Now i am just about ready to begin the final phases of the project.

Below is a pic of some of my stuffed parts.

The cooling system has a new silicone top hose and older style rubber and inserted spring bottom hose. The rad is a ASI 3 row all ally without tranny cooler. I will go to a HD Mopar if it does not work out. I have a FlowKooler 1747 water pump and new Stant 195F theromstat with new rad cap and thermostat housing.
A Derale 12741 tranny cooler is being installed with fan switch as per GoJeep.
I have a new set of Wildcat extractors (WILD091) to fit in (after they have been ceramic coated) and while i am there, i will fit the new Brown Dog engine mounts and new 50mm brass welch plugs.
New molded heater hoses are being fitted to completely update the cooling system.
There is also a Brown Davies 125 liter long range fuel tank going in, and i have a new o'ring for the back.

Total parts cost including delivery was about $1500 as i got the tank for $200 used. I think i have calculated a bit over 100 hours to fit everything up at my nice slow project pace... including some other bits and pieces i have to finish off.
Then its nearly time for the engineer, who can also check off the tank.

[junglejuice]

Will be curious to see how you like the vibrations from the engine with those mounts?

[rustynuts]

Originally Posted by junglejuice

Will be curious to see how you like the vibrations from the engine with those mounts?

I would like to know too as I am about to purchase a set.
I think they will be fine. Their web site states you can have them with poly' bushes for a more sporty feel.

[junglejuice]

Originally Posted by rustynuts

I would like to know too as I am about to purchase a set.
I think they will be fine. Their web site states you can have them with poly' bushes for a more sporty feel.

I made a set, just never fitted them.....

[bruggz351]

Originally Posted by rustynuts

I would like to know too as I am about to purchase a set.
I think they will be fine. Their web site states you can have them with poly' bushes for a more sporty feel.

Lol. Sporty 'feel'.
I have the material there to make a set, and I'm endeavoring to use shackle bushes.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

[alexbrown64]

I have heard good reports about these Brown Dog engine mounts.. Made in USA and for RHD XJ's, and once fitted, i just want to forget them and hopefully have no problems in the future.
I didn't want a sporty feel or have vibes, so i went with the ultra flex rubber. Even the Brown Dog website recommends the rubber over the poly for the XJ..
http://browndogindustries.com/CU2919...ts-Rubber.aspx
When i fit them up, i will post a write up.



Edit: I have been running them for a while now and while they are a great upgrade, even the rubber ones introduced a lot more vibes into my ride.

[alexbrown64]

I wanted to put a winch on the XJ. I like my OEM Jeep bull bar, and didnt want to fork out for a winch compatible bar. I decided i will mount through the existing alloy bar and only have the hawse fairlead bolted to the bar, through to the winch mounting plate. I have purchased one of those generic winch plates that accepts all the common winches. This will be cut and welded under the existing bull bar to the thick steel bull bar mounting plates. These plates are the same as the ones you get with all the ARB style bars, and are very strong and run along and are bolted to the chassis. All i have to do with the OEM alloy bar is cut some of the top ally plate out so i can drop the winch down and in. I have a 1995 Jeep accessory brochure and you could buy an OEM alloy bull bar with winch slots in it, although i have never seen one.
When i was applying for my XJ to pass engineering, they sent me the requirements for bull bars,and this should pass easily, as it is still airbag compatible and the winch does not attach to it. It just has slots cut in the same as the OEM Jeep brochure mentions.
I got the idea from members on here. Below is a pic that one of you made up and posted a while back. Its the general idea of how i am mounting the winch. The OEM alloy bull bar then just mounts to the box frame.

I wanted to get a Runva 11XP as i believe they are good value. They seem to have gone up a bit in price lately, so i searched for an alternative. I wanted a winch with a good reputation and no reports of problems, good value, good performance and good specs.
I think i found what i was after in the T-Max. They have been in Au for 15 years, and seem to have a good following.
I found an incredible deal with Gearshifters in Brisbane. $520 including express delivery to Perth for the 9000lb Dyneema rope model with 5 years warranty. The Runva has a lifetime warranty and a little better specs, but is running at $800 now. So, for me, a saving of $300 will go a long way, and i believe i will still have a respectable first winch for the XJ.

Cheers,