REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL

VEHICLES, CAMPERS, and BOATS => Build Threads => Topic started by: xjteeg on January 28, 2018, 06:00:26 PM

Title: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on January 28, 2018, 06:00:26 PM
Recently I purchased a 2000 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) with the help of my dad. So he is pushing for me to start a build thread so... here we go.

(https://i.imgur.com/O3V5zl0.jpg)

Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on January 28, 2018, 06:11:30 PM
Currently the XJ has 31 inch BFG All terrains on 15 inch wheels, 4.5 inch lift the best we can tell, it also has SYE, and detachable sway bar links.

Goals for the XJ is to replace the front and rear bumpers, add light bar, mount the rack properly (hose clamps don't count), proper sized battery, remove the getto sub and amplifier wiring, add an anti-theft kill switch, and new gas struts to replace the broomstick handle currently residing in the trunk.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: KensAuto on January 28, 2018, 06:52:36 PM
 :likebutton:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: cudakidd53 on January 28, 2018, 07:09:40 PM
Awesome!  Welcome to the Forum and we’re glad to see your father has someone to keep him in line!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Nate on January 28, 2018, 07:44:41 PM
Looks good baylee, looking forward to the improvements.  Just make sure you keep your dad on track and dont let him go all crazy.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on January 28, 2018, 08:50:53 PM
I like that, and interestingly enough, I plan to buy my 15 year old one of those and build it as a father/son thing sometime this year.
I will be watching with much interest!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on January 28, 2018, 09:10:38 PM
Very cool!  I wish my girls were into vehicles.....I think they think they'll uber everywhere they go.....

Welcome to the forum. 
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on January 28, 2018, 10:20:46 PM
Looks good baylee, looking forward to the improvements.  Just make sure you keep your dad on track and dont let him go all crazy.

I’ll sure try, no promises lol.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 28, 2018, 10:23:16 PM
Don, start looking early. It was an exhausting search & at times I had to take a break for a few days as it was frustrating the crap people try to gloss over & pawn off.

Charles, well at least one of my three are into vehicles. I honestly think Baylee will be the only one we will be modifying a vehicle for to any extent. I tried real hard to talk her into something with more girly features such as sunroof & leather aka a grand Cherokee. She just wasn’t having it & finally I threw in the towel. Of the three she is the most outdoorsy girl, enjoys hunting and shooting I think more than the other two. She field strips and cleans all of the ar’s after a day of shooting. So in that regards she is very hands on.

We’ve done a few things already to the XJ we will detail when she has time. Most of it was just to get it ready to run thru emissions testing.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on January 28, 2018, 10:27:12 PM
I like that, and interestingly enough, I plan to buy my 15 year old one of those and build it as a father/son thing sometime this year.
I will be watching with much interest!

Very cool!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on January 28, 2018, 11:23:08 PM
Welcome to the forums. Hope you understand we tend to stray time to time (DOT).

I think we have a couple bumper threads and someone who even makes em for others!

My youngest wants a 2 door, happy to help in a couple years.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on January 29, 2018, 06:32:24 AM
Baylee, you ought to hug your dad.  I have 4 vehicles right now and a 14 year old.  Here's the plan:

The mint condition honda odyssey mini van will be the test monkey for the first driving daughter.  I told her that if she drives it for two years and does't wreck it, she gets to hand it down to her younger sister and take over momma's SUV or get something different.  If she wrecks it, she keeps it.  The youngest wants my 2001 duramax crew cab 4wd.  If she drives for two years and doesn't wreck what ever she starts in, I may just let her have it...maybe

Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bigdave_185 on January 29, 2018, 09:17:39 AM
I’ll follow this one, I like these jeeps, wish we had some out here with out rust


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on January 29, 2018, 04:21:29 PM
Don, start looking early. It was an exhausting search & at times I had to take a break for a few days as it was frustrating the crap people try to gloss over & pawn off.

Charles, well at least one of my three are into vehicles. I honestly think Baylee will be the only one we will be modifying a vehicle for to any extent. I tried real hard to talk her into something with more girly features such as sunroof & leather aka a grand Cherokee. She just wasn’t having it & finally I threw in the towel. Of the three she is the most outdoorsy girl, enjoys hunting and shooting I think more than the other two. She field strips and cleans all of the ar’s after a day of shooting. So in that regards she is very hands on.

We’ve done a few things already to the XJ we will detail when she has time. Most of it was just to get it ready to run thru emissions testing.
Shawn, Just did!
Start, that is
With your daughter showing up with something this cool, it got me all inspired to find Nate's first truck, and I was wanting an XJ forever, and get started on it doing the father/son thing.

My thought is pressure wash, repair, then sand and paint with fender cutouts, lift 4.5" 32's or 33's. Home made F/R bumpers, winch out of my truck (So I can buy a 16.5K!) homemade roof rack, side exhaust, homemade, Rock rails, snorkel, limb risers, then off to the races with ya!

I'm looking for that perfect 2K-3,500 ish 110 mile vehicle...
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on January 29, 2018, 04:24:37 PM
I’ll follow this one, I like these jeeps, wish we had some out here with out rust


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Dave, I think these things rust everywhere.

But that can be easy-peasy

Fenders rust at the lip...Easy, just cut the fenders out for tire clearance! Rockers rust...Easy: just remove them and weld in some 2" X 3" rectangle tubing

Bumpers rust...Easy: Trash em, build new ones

Floorboards rust...Easy: Cut em out and weld in new ones, Rhino and move out

Nothing I have heard about these XJ's is hard

And if the truth be known, I would like to own a ZJ or a WJ myself...Granddad's 4-wheeler and all that
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: BobbyB on January 29, 2018, 08:39:41 PM
Nice jeep. Wish mine would've been that good of condition. I wouldn't have gotten rid of it.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bigdave_185 on January 29, 2018, 11:22:31 PM
Don, start looking early. It was an exhausting search & at times I had to take a break for a few days as it was frustrating the crap people try to gloss over & pawn off.

Charles, well at least one of my three are into vehicles. I honestly think Baylee will be the only one we will be modifying a vehicle for to any extent. I tried real hard to talk her into something with more girly features such as sunroof & leather aka a grand Cherokee. She just wasn’t having it & finally I threw in the towel. Of the three she is the most outdoorsy girl, enjoys hunting and shooting I think more than the other two. She field strips and cleans all of the ar’s after a day of shooting. So in that regards she is very hands on.

We’ve done a few things already to the XJ we will detail when she has time. Most of it was just to get it ready to run thru emissions testing.
Shawn, Just did!
Start, that is
With your daughter showing up with something this cool, it got me all inspired to find Nate's first truck, and I was wanting an XJ forever, and get started on it doing the father/son thing.

My thought is pressure wash, repair, then sand and paint with fender cutouts, lift 4.5" 32's or 33's. Home made F/R bumpers, winch out of my truck (So I can buy a 16.5K!) homemade roof rack, side exhaust, homemade, Rock rails, snorkel, limb risers, then off to the races with ya!

I'm looking for that perfect 2K-3,500 ish 110 mile vehicle...
Maybe you can build a removable top that opens and closes.  Oh never mind lol


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 29, 2018, 11:27:51 PM
You mean like a JK? Now that’s just silly, everyone knows xj’s are just grocery getters...... :popcorn:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 30, 2018, 09:00:20 PM
Grocery getter had a hidden gremlin. So yesterday I drove it over to emissions because I just love dealing with those knuckleheads. In reality it’s because I live in the people’s republic of boulder county Colorado. So it’s maybe a ten minute drive from the house. Worth noting I drove this vehicle twice before and the oil pressure held strong and steady both times. As I pull into the emissions wait lot I hear the top end developing a tick. As I pull to a stop I look down and the oil pressure gauge is dropping from ten to zero  :shocked: uh that’s no good! So immediately I shut it down, jump out looking at ground for oil and nothing. Pop the hood and check the oil, it’s good. So I jump back in and start it up. If I rev it to 1k we have 10psi, 2k & above we have solid 20 psi plus. So I decide we are going to forgo that enlightening conversation I was going to have with said knuckleheads. I manage to limp it back to my local mechanic by using neutral drops at stop lights and gauge stays ten or above whole ten minutes back to his shop. Motor sounded good whole trip back.

So today after installing a real gauge on the port the old girl got herself a new oil pump. As of 1700 the Jeep is fixed and my bank account is a bit smaller. Baylee now knows what an oil pressure gauge is and proper procedure when it is at zero.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on January 30, 2018, 09:04:54 PM
So why is the top end clicking? Does the OP sending unit pressurize the top oil galley?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 30, 2018, 09:34:03 PM
So why is the top end clicking? Does the OP sending unit pressurize the top oil galley?

My best guess is when the xj went to idle and the pressure dropped to zero it was starving the top end. I didn’t hear the tick on the way home while keeping up the rpms and subsequently the oil pressure. Prior to pulling in the emissions lot there are a couple stops lights, I hadn’t realized the pressure or lack there of issue at that time.

At the stops lights the dash light warning of the zero pressure never came on. Once in the parking lot it did come on. So I think it was failing little by little, once I got to that lot it dropped low enough for the dash warning light to flash on.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on January 31, 2018, 05:33:44 AM
How hard was replacing the pump?


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Farmer Jon on January 31, 2018, 05:58:23 AM
Thats why I like full gauges. By the time the dummy light comes on its usually too late.

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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 31, 2018, 06:33:32 AM
How hard was replacing the pump?


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As easy as signing a check! Reality on these not bad though from my understanding. Drop pan and swap it out, installing pickup tube in new pump I think is the most complicated part. Then sealing it back up. My personal rule is I try not to work on engine or trans internals. I’ve done shift kit mods & filter changes on transmissions in the past along with an oil pump on small block chevy’s but at this point I leave that stuff to guys that do it for a living. My local guy backs up the work for a year so that is decent insurance as well.

I agree with a real gauge, this has one albeit electronic sending unit so you never really know about that as they go out occasionally.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on January 31, 2018, 06:41:49 AM
ROFL.  Don't sprain a knuckle writing that check...

I'm good with engine internals but transmissions have always intimidated me.  I do also understand the need to sometimes just stroke the check..
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 31, 2018, 06:55:26 AM
ROFL.  Don't sprain a knuckle writing that check...

I'm good with engine internals but transmissions have always intimidated me.  I do also understand the need to sometimes just stroke the check..

None of it intimidates me really, if you have the time & tools why not? The information is available if you have the desire. I agree transmissions seem the most intimidating, a bit of finess needed for them I think. I’m a steel guy, we beat the crap out of stuff to make it work at times. I don’t think transmission rebuilding would lend itself well to that atmosphere?  :rolleyes:

Currently I have projects already backing up & a daughter who wants to drive this more than around the block. So there you go & my signing hand is in good shape still!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 31, 2018, 02:30:15 PM
So I put about 60 miles on the xj today & that was about 59 too many for me. I like my memories of driving an xj but the thing is tiny. Guess I like my jk more than I thought.....

Ok, so cold start this morning the Jeep showed 60 psi. Once it was warmed up the operating psi was anywhere from 18-35. At idle it dropped back to 10-12ish. Manual states at idle it should be 13 psi so I think we’re good. While mechanic had the pan off he gave the internals a once over and said it look clean and tight. No sludge build up etc, I’m thankful for that at least.

It also passed emissions with flying colors so we’re good for 26 months going forward on that. While digging in the glove box I found brake paperwork they paid for back in June 17 so maybe 3k on the brakes. After paying for the oil pump that was nice to see.

A few parts showed up today and Baylee has wrenching to do once again.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on February 01, 2018, 06:39:19 PM
Good report!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on February 01, 2018, 07:59:44 PM
Baylee has driven the XJ to practice and home the last two nights. Bump steer is the newest term she has learned and has been experiencing first hand. This has a bit of it, steering feeling a tad loose and rather than drive it you honestly herd it down the road. To me it's nothing I'm concerned about but to a new driver it gives her a little uneasiness.

So since the snow from this morning had melted off the concrete & after returning home with it after dropping her at practice I crawled under it. I don't think the setup looks that bad, although I see an opportunity to take some potential slop out of that steering for her. Another upgrade is in the works.

So stay tuned and in short order we will have her wrenching and learning the terms "single shear versus double shear" and a quick run down on how to combat the dreaded bump steer in a lifted XJ........
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on February 11, 2018, 08:36:47 PM
First Update...

Out with the old junk.. still trying to figure out who Blain is?

(https://i.imgur.com/8IRD97Y.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dvgZWLM.jpg)

In with 300 more CCA's

(https://i.imgur.com/NS2tdXd.jpg)

Then we crimped on new military grade battery terminals that I stole from dads secret jk stash...

(https://i.imgur.com/zQmFYbg.jpg)
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on February 11, 2018, 08:41:55 PM
removed ghetto wiring and rack mounts

(https://i.imgur.com/aqV7e7J.jpg)

Then so the broomstick could be retired we had to replace one lift struts and add another, also am now aware of what the difference between single and double shear is...

(https://i.imgur.com/YUyAjZU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YANFVun.jpg)

Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on February 11, 2018, 09:54:16 PM
Stealing parts off her dad's jeep stash...

And gettin' it done!

I like this girl!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on February 11, 2018, 09:59:03 PM
I like she is working on it.

Looks like the rear bumper needs attention?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on February 11, 2018, 10:10:51 PM
It needs front & rear bumpers which I’ll help her build. The next up on the list is steering though....

When we get to wrenching on the steering she’s gunna need to downgrade to something other than that nice white jacket.  :wink:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on February 12, 2018, 08:00:24 AM
I like those terminals.  Hadn't seen those before. Good to be building something with your daughter! I'm still building bird feeders with mine.  I hope that I get to build trucks with them....

Youngest wants the Bus, but I'm not sure I want that to be her first.  Lifted CCLB is probably not the right call
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on February 12, 2018, 08:51:30 AM
I like those terminals.  Hadn't seen those before. Good to be building something with your daughter! I'm still building bird feeders with mine.  I hope that I get to build trucks with them....

I never managed the bird feeders, although the oldest two have assembled ar’s & I think I mentioned Baylee the last couple times after the range has field stripped & cleaned the weapons.

As far as the terminals I have been buying kits from amazon that come with crimp on terminals (although in xj’s case, wrong size) and short chunks of heat shrink tubing. They run about $20 a kit & are quality made even having positive & neg markings cast in them. There are several different suppliers on there of these terminals, note on several variations the terminal is not near as beefy so choose wisely. They make adding future power very easy. I need to do a review but that $26 Amazon crimping tool works great so far.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Nate on February 12, 2018, 11:49:34 AM
the us army uses complete kits like these

https://www.amazon.com/Military-Spec-Battery-Terminal-Post/dp/B00X36RILW
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on February 12, 2018, 12:46:45 PM
I don’t care for those rubber covers that are a pain as they wear & get used / abused.


https://www.amazon.com/Military-Style-Battery-Terminal-ShrinkTubing/dp/B01LT8J8IQ
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Farmer Jon on February 12, 2018, 08:49:52 PM
Dang them are pricy. We just use the solder on ones around the farm.

https://www.amazon.com/Pico-Straight-Positive-Battery-Terminal/dp/B00030COUQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1518486481&sr=1-5&keywords=solder+battery+terminal

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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on February 12, 2018, 09:00:56 PM
FJ, if you’re buying bulk you can get the style we used for under $5 each
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: cj7ox on February 28, 2018, 03:41:38 PM
Good looking XJ! Always liked that body style. Welcome to the board, Baylee!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on March 08, 2018, 11:25:02 PM
Baylee will be doing an update this weekend on a couple things that have been completed. As a bit of a teaser we were able to correct I would guess 70-80% of the bump steer without ever touching the steering components, details on that shortly.....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: OldKooT on March 09, 2018, 07:07:00 AM
Baylee.... welcome ma'am.

I'd wager that's more than a 4.5 lift. I have one of these behind the barn that died via oil pump failure, and it has a 4" lift on it. The fenders had to be cut to fit 31's. Just FWIW.

But either/or, nice rig.  Hard to go wrong with the XJ platform honestly.. solid little Jeeps. I look forward to watching you guys have fun with it.



Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on March 17, 2018, 10:23:02 AM
So my oldest Baylee turned 16 yesterday (yes I feel older). Being Dad screwed up in getting an appointment for her learners permit she has to wait until May 8th to get her actual license, little bit of learning curve I guess. In the meantime she has a couple more things to address on her XJ.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on March 17, 2018, 10:38:39 AM
This is the jeep as first purchased with the OEM bumper minus the end caps.
 
(https://i.imgur.com/kX093BI.jpg)

strip down minus the OEM bumper

(https://i.imgur.com/xqvVxBP.jpg)

then we started with a couple pieces of 1/4 x 6 flat stock to create the frame mounting plates.

(https://i.imgur.com/Z5OgOLL.jpg)

Then my dad cut and bent 1/4 x 8 flat stock and added holes for the winch mount. It was then tack welded to the frame mounts. One goal was to keep the winch low and tight out of the grill so the winch wouldn't restrict air flow to the radiator.

(https://i.imgur.com/GDcPfSX.jpg)



Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on March 17, 2018, 10:45:17 AM
here we added d-ring mounts and a lower 1/4 x 2 facet.

(https://i.imgur.com/yhjWxQu.jpg)

dads old winch from the early bronco that we drug out of the shed and mocked up, it fits!

(https://i.imgur.com/qfvxrdT.jpg)

me with some elbow grease cleaning up this dirty winch

(https://i.imgur.com/OZxgvOB.jpg)

finished up each side with 1/8 flat steel to create wings and then painted it with a textured grey and black paint.

(https://i.imgur.com/tdq0Rr9.jpg)
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on March 17, 2018, 10:49:12 AM
square nuts fit into the winch mount but we couldn't find any locking square nuts so we made our own.

(https://i.imgur.com/6FHcBp7.jpg)

here is the finished product including the battery cable quick disconnects and el jeffe winch cover courtesy of amazon.

(https://i.imgur.com/P2wyNa1.jpg)
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Nate on March 17, 2018, 10:58:14 AM
great job baylee
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on March 17, 2018, 11:02:38 AM
Couple things I will add in here. First the winch and bumper maybe added 150# to the front end which did help the ride.

Warn doesn’t include battery disconnects in the cables when they send you a winch however it’s good insurance to add them. The contacts in winches especially as they age have been known to stick while winching. This actually happened to me years ago and luckily the old timer who was winching me with his eb had his battery relocated to passenger rear with no tailgate. I always wondered why he never tightened up the negative battery terminal on that truck. Occasionally while riding he would have to jump out and twist the terminal to get it to start. This always annoyed me and I would just shake my head. That is until late one evening early one morning he was winching me and doing so from a side access road to this particular trail. He was parked up on a 15’ ledge, the contacts stuck on that old 8274 winch and started dragging him towards the edge. He panicked for what seemed like an hour putting both feet to the floor on his brakes. Then he recalled why he kept that battery terminal permanently loose.

The other thing we were very surprised at is how much bump steer adding this front bumper fixed. If I would have to guess it took a good 80% of the steering issues away. I had figured it would help some with the large lift and flimsy unibody frame design but was overly surprised how much it helped. I have no doubt once we add cross over steering and a better track bar mount with its own brace that the steering will be 100%
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bigdave_185 on March 17, 2018, 12:11:45 PM
I am extremely pleased to see the proper use of socks to protect ones feet, open toed shoes can be bad but using socks closes them right up,   I chose to weld and grind with out socks as to burn off the hobbit feet hair


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on March 17, 2018, 01:51:14 PM
Funny, I won't let my kids work on anything in the garage without shoes.

Nice job there Baylee. Are you welding too or is that dads job?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on March 17, 2018, 02:29:18 PM
Funny, I won't let my kids work on anything in the garage without shoes.

Nice job there Baylee. Are you welding too or is that dads job?

I tell them not to come in my garage barefoot (steel shavings main culprit) and can't get them to do that on a regular basis. I thought sandles and socks was a huge achievement!  :popcorn:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on March 17, 2018, 03:53:47 PM
I hear you, and they have found the nasty little things!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Farmer Jon on March 17, 2018, 06:02:52 PM
That looks great.

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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on March 17, 2018, 08:32:36 PM
Nice job, really nice!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on March 17, 2018, 11:01:43 PM
thank you.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on March 17, 2018, 11:04:49 PM
I am extremely pleased to see the proper use of socks to protect ones feet, open toed shoes can be bad but using socks closes them right up,   I chose to weld and grind with out socks as to burn off the hobbit feet hair


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Since you liked those socks so much just wait until the next post :)
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on March 18, 2018, 09:02:02 AM
That is a pretty good looking bumper.  Me thinks your dad may have done something like that once before.


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: cj7ox on March 18, 2018, 12:18:51 PM
Happy Birthday, Baylee! And good looking bumper!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: KensAuto on March 18, 2018, 01:31:47 PM
Just noticed the bumper...looks great!!
Did you guys make the d-ring ears, or store bought? either way they look cnc-good
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on March 18, 2018, 02:25:10 PM
Just noticed the bumper...looks great!!
Did you guys make the d-ring ears, or store bought? either way they look cnc-good

I bought those Ken, A to Z fab parts.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on March 18, 2018, 06:51:13 PM
Just noticed the bumper...looks great!!
Did you guys make the d-ring ears, or store bought? either way they look cnc-good

I bought those Ken, A to Z fab parts.
Was actually spying them meself

Thinking they'd weld onto the backside of that new Kubota of mine...Ya know, just for looks, not that I'd actually try to yank anything with the machine...
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on March 18, 2018, 07:25:32 PM
Just noticed the bumper...looks great!!
Did you guys make the d-ring ears, or store bought? either way they look cnc-good

I bought those Ken, A to Z fab parts.
Was actually spying them meself

Thinking they'd weld onto the backside of that new Kubota of mine...Ya know, just for looks, not that I'd actually try to yank anything with the machine...

Zack, the guy who owns it is a decent guy. I wheeled SE KY with him once years ago, family owned business & always been a straight shooter with me over the years. Parts have always been quality pieces everytime.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on March 18, 2018, 07:55:16 PM
They have some cool stuff, bookmarked for sure. (maybe another potential link add here?)

For just winch plates I found summit has some killer stuff too. I got my plate from them for mine and they were 1/2 the price of HF.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on March 19, 2018, 10:27:58 AM
They have some cool stuff, bookmarked for sure. (maybe another potential link add here?)

For just winch plates I found summit has some killer stuff too. I got my plate from them for mine and they were 1/2 the price of HF.
Go get him
Put him in the for sale section...If you guys think he is a good person and all that, invite him in.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: rpar86 on March 20, 2018, 01:21:08 PM
Birkenstocks?? tisk tisk... I guess you do live in CO though... ;)

All joking aside, bumper looks great!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on April 24, 2018, 03:31:44 PM
Birkenstocks?? tisk tisk... I guess you do live in CO though... ;)

All joking aside, bumper looks great!

You know, I wouldn't be able to tell a Birkenstock from any other brand and both my wife and daughters wear them just saying......... :popcorn:  you related to Al Bundy?

So slight update, we haven't done any real work on it in a bit. I purchased steering and track bar system on March 27th and still do not have all of the parts. At this point I am not recommending Cavfab.com for anything and I spoke with the owner a week prior to purchase. More to come shortly.

Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: rpar86 on April 26, 2018, 05:38:48 PM
My dad always wore them around the house when I was a kid, so that's how I know. Always thought they were god-awfully uncomfortable.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on April 26, 2018, 06:41:12 PM
My dad always wore them around the house when I was a kid, so that's how I know. Always thought they were god-awfully uncomfortable.

Copy, too expensive for my taste & what I do with sandals.....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on May 04, 2018, 08:19:12 PM
6 weeks later & we finally have all the front end parts to do major surgery, tear down starts in the am.......

Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on May 04, 2018, 09:04:38 PM
:popcorn:


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on May 05, 2018, 08:31:41 PM
Got it stripped down today, test fit all the parts. Had to drill a hole & ream some others. Modified one part that just wasn’t going to work in stock form. Welded & painted new mount & modified part. Baylee will most likely post a full review of the build once we finish up tomorrow. Paint was just taking forever to dry today so we called it quits after about 5 hours. I’ll leave you with this, she showed up late and had camo shorts which I forgot to snap a pic of as she rolled in groggy eyed. No fuzzy socks this go around.....

Edit: oh & she fixed her non functioning speedo with the help of Dave our great neighbor who owns a 96 xj & does all of his own wrenching.

(http://i.imgur.com/TnWPq47.jpg)
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: cudakidd53 on May 05, 2018, 09:49:29 PM
OSHA Approved Footwear!  :likebutton:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on May 05, 2018, 10:30:28 PM
OSHA has never been allowed in my shop, it’s too dangerous for them & they might get hurt.....

I’m not joking either.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bigdave_185 on May 05, 2018, 11:58:02 PM
That’s not a photo of a Jeep or of work or progress


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on May 06, 2018, 12:06:45 AM
RMTWS footwear,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on May 06, 2018, 12:18:18 AM
That’s not a photo of a Jeep or of work or progress


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Not my build thread boss........


& JR it’s hippy land, I’ve welded in less footwear!  :tongue:

But I did get to use my new instant on weld helmet today, wow all I can say is when I can see the weld (meaning the screen isn’t flashing on & off at random) I weld way better!!  :popcorn:  my old helmet has been giving me fits for awhile now. I just didn’t realize to what extent. Here I was thinking I was just out of practice, that is not the case apparently. Lol
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on May 06, 2018, 11:45:58 PM
So here goes the two day steering and track bar replacement/ reinforcement with an add in of a speedo fix...

the system i had was called an inverted y

(https://i.imgur.com/HSsmVhd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/EIGg7oU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/q8jJwDT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/FeVzTKv.jpg)

so basically this is the gutting of the old system

(https://i.imgur.com/NVehqnp.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ecBDqct.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0Z9wO0T.jpg)

at this point all of the old is gone and we need to ream the tapered holes, started to pull the pitman arm then decided to just do it on the steering box

(https://i.imgur.com/HqYgg8O.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GA9MwI1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/iB2Mtkw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QN0xYBF.jpg)

the knuckles went pretty smooth as they appeared to be soft material versus the pitman arm which appeared to be semi hard.




Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on May 07, 2018, 12:07:22 AM
For some reason cavfab decided to paint the drag link and tie rod but not the track bar. As mentioned prior it took six weeks for our steering and track bar system to show up from them. Quoted lead time was two-three weeks. Quality of parts were high, customer service not so much.

(https://i.imgur.com/73Rxsb9.jpg)

Next order of business was to install the new lower track bar bracket, which dad did while Dave (next door neighbor and xj owner) and i worked on speedo.

Had to trim out part of the old lower track bar mount to make room for the new one.

(https://i.imgur.com/8wr9gQo.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IJaAGzN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/R06maAs.jpg)

As we let the paint dry on the new lower mount we replaced the upper single sheer mount with a sturdier double sheer mount that incorporates a cross member that ties both frame rails together underneath the oil pan.

(https://i.imgur.com/WByABUz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WzGsQKN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YKKjpb1.jpg)

Went to install the steering box brace which also ties both frame rails together of sorts as one end mounts to the steering box. It is a Rusty's offroad part which was a half inch too short. So we sleeved it with some 3/4 inch black pipe and paint.

(https://i.imgur.com/iHzAtPL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GcuecJz.jpg)

Once the steering brace was installed loosely we tightened down all the upper structure. Next we drilled the drag link and tie rod bolts for cotter pins. Cavfab sent us bolts long enough to accomodate cotter pins but no pins or holes included. Also no instructions...

(https://i.imgur.com/5IvVl6o.jpg)

Then we installed the drag link and tie rod.

(https://i.imgur.com/U6JstN9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Wv7iQo8.jpg)

New system has no provision for a stabilizer shock, at time of writing xj has no bump steer and no need for the stabilizer shock. Handling is night and day difference once again. Front end feels extremely rigid.




Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on May 07, 2018, 12:19:46 AM
Last but not least Dave and I took on the speedometer. He has had to tear apart his dash several times before on his XJ so he was kind enough to show me how to take the entire dash apart and clean two components.

We first removed the plastic surrounding the stereo and A/C that just snaps in.

(https://i.imgur.com/XkUBnV5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OVYaNDD.jpg)

Secondly, we removed the plastic pannel that covers this metal pannel in order to get to the speedometer. The metal pannel is held in by three small screws underneath.

(https://i.imgur.com/HL2lAl4.jpg)

Then the metal pannel was removed.

(https://i.imgur.com/Pv5R8ml.jpg)

After removing 16 screws total we were finally able to get to the speedometer. Which we then took out and blew out the dust with an air hose. The final step was to spray the backside of the speedometer/connectors with contact cleaner/ enhancer.

(https://i.imgur.com/GNYSaiG.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GNYSaiG.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ug7X0Gd.jpg)

Putting the pieces back together wasn't all too complicated, but after finishing the steering today and rotating the tires it took about 10-15 minutes of driving until the speedometer to start working again.




Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on May 07, 2018, 12:47:58 AM
Nice detailed post. Is it normal for the speedo to take 10 minutes to work after a repair?

Who is trying to stay out of the picture?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on May 07, 2018, 01:01:51 AM
I’m trying not to break the camera, as for the speedo didn’t think so but it started working now so we will see how long it lasts. The engine light is still on from it not working, my understanding is that the small plug in gets corroded which is why we sprayed it with cleaner. But it didn’t seem to make a difference immediately so not sure exactly what is going on. The rest of the gauges always work.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on May 07, 2018, 01:51:02 AM
Sounds like my dash lights. Still inop.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on May 07, 2018, 08:20:35 AM
Speedo is probably off a bit due to tire / gear ratio anyhow. So we were thinking about downloading an app for her phone then just use a nice phone mount up by the radio.


Worth noting, I had to trim both Currie Johnny joints on the track bar. Even with the 6” or so of lift she has the track bar had to be fully collapsed & she is only running one jam nut on the one end in order for the axle to be aligned under the front end. We also ended up at 3/16 inch toe in up front. Our option was that or 1/16 & I opted a little more than little less which seems to be fine for now. May take it in for real alignment at some point again but my track record in doing so on modified jeeps isn’t the greatest.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bigdave_185 on May 07, 2018, 08:59:31 AM
I have used speed hud in the past to check my speedo, it works really well and has a large display for long distance reading


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on July 14, 2018, 09:23:37 PM
Rear pinion seal is leaking, so we’re going to tackle this soon.

Pics and some other updates coming shortly.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: OldKooT on August 13, 2018, 01:34:36 PM
Looking good guys....I was just in Colorado, they have to wear sandals. I think it's a law.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on August 13, 2018, 04:45:38 PM
Looking good guys....I was just in Colorado, they have to wear sandals. I think it's a law.
It is, I was able to secure a pass to wear full enclosed shoes when welding though....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on September 02, 2018, 05:01:15 PM
XJ has gone through a couple of new modifications over the past couple of weeks...

Firstly, stock grab handles were taken out to be replaced by oh shoot purple and black paracord handles. With the help of dad 1/8 x 1.5 aluminum flat bar then was cut and drilled to make a cover plate for behind the handles. A former navy guy makes these handles and can be found on Ebay I got them for my sixteenth birthday.

(https://i.imgur.com/7TxYehL.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/m4PlmSB.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/UFJBesv.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/CgnaeMW.jpg)

Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on September 02, 2018, 05:06:14 PM
Secondly, after countless trips to the hardware store... fabricated proper roof rack/ light bar mounts. Then roof rack and mounts were primed and painted black. Then roof rack and 22" LED Cree light bar was installed.

(https://i.imgur.com/X9zYWRI.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5wZtB6r.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/oRnq2OP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ua5Y0Xj.jpg)

Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on September 02, 2018, 05:17:41 PM
Lastly,  Dad finally got the hydraulic tube bender working so a "bull bar/ light mount bar" was created. The bar goes up and across for added winch protection and to add a place for the two extra 4" x 6" driving lights to mount. The formed tubing was welded onto the front bumper. Then the whole front bumper color was changed from grey to black. I decided to change the color for a cleaner look. Then the winch was reinstalled and the lights were installed.

(https://i.imgur.com/h0NDZqq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QtbMcP5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UzZaSHE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/riQBo01.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/qD9XRAK.jpg)



Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on September 02, 2018, 05:29:19 PM
We also added on rocker panels with nut zerts... this process took a lot longer than needed because dad broke the cheaply made chinese manufactured tool because he is " too strong".

(https://i.imgur.com/4GyMOkS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3Jn0U38.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gNXLeo0.jpg)

Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Nate on September 02, 2018, 05:47:01 PM
Nice work baylee
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bigdave_185 on September 02, 2018, 06:56:39 PM
Looking good. Now to let that thing see some rocks and some mall parking lot flexing on a light pole or something. 


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: cruizng on September 02, 2018, 08:53:13 PM
Very nice looking. Great work!


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on September 02, 2018, 09:33:11 PM
Pretty cool Baylee. Shawn that looks pretty good.


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on September 02, 2018, 10:28:26 PM
Pretty cool Baylee. Shawn that looks pretty good.


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Thanks, part she left out was that we had to have these upgrades done before the first day of school. Some kids get new school clothes and mine wants Jeep upgrades....

She’s staying at friends house tonight so we’ll see if she is able to stay awake tomorrow to do a couple small upgrades.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on September 02, 2018, 11:03:00 PM
Are you getting her into the family business??

She does nice work, does she need coaxing or does she have the eye for it all alone?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on September 03, 2018, 12:17:28 AM
Are you getting her into the family business??

She does nice work, does she need coaxing or does she have the eye for it all alone?


IDK, she did start a Facebook page about her build and link her Instagram to this xj thread.

She knows what she wants, so obviously the fabrication is mine but she painted most everything and is doing the wrench turning. Doesn’t shy away from it at all. In fact she has been wanting to help me install the fenders on the jk for last couple months.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on September 03, 2018, 12:35:06 AM
That's great.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on September 03, 2018, 12:43:13 AM
That's great.

Yes, tentative goal is to have this fully wheeling ready by next spring. We’re tossing around the idea of building the stock jk axles for her xj. Wouldn’t take all that much and I have a set of wheels and tires she can run for awhile. Max she would want is a 35” and those axles can be built to handle that.

As far as family business she honestly takes after her mom. Has been taking college AP courses in high school and her goal is to graduate with a capstone diploma. She should also have 5 AP courses under her belt in science alone. Hoping that colleges take notice and this helps her get into pre med easier.

But I believe she does like having a cool vehicle that everyone knows her by.....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on September 03, 2018, 12:52:34 AM
Sounds great. My daughter is leaning towards being a pilot. She has done the Young Eagles a few times and is great in school taking all kinds of AP classes.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on September 03, 2018, 12:58:33 AM
Sounds great. My daughter is leaning towards being a pilot. She has done the Young Eagles a few times and is great in school taking all kinds of AP classes.

She thinking service? Are you considering letting her do that? Baylee has a friend (both parents served) who I believe is going AF route with goal of being a pilut.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bigdave_185 on September 03, 2018, 03:21:03 AM
Boys it’s a real good thing all of our girls are smarter than us. 


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on September 03, 2018, 11:36:21 AM
We also added on rocker panels with nut zerts... this process took a lot longer than needed because dad broke the cheaply made chinese manufactured tool because he is " too strong".

(https://i.imgur.com/4GyMOkS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3Jn0U38.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gNXLeo0.jpg)


Baylee, did he break the nutsert tool that I sent him the part number for?

What a brute if he broke that one!

Jeep looks awesome, really good work!

Why can't I get these Pre-Rangers of mine interested in doing the same thing??????
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on September 03, 2018, 11:52:50 AM
Don, I’m impatient. It took you a week to respond on that nutsert tool. I already had one by time you gave me part number. Down side you can’t buy parts for it but upside is amazon had great return policy so I just ordered another....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on September 03, 2018, 11:54:17 AM
Don, I’m impatient. It took you a week to respond on that nutsert tool. I already had one by time you gave me part number. Down side you can’t buy parts for it but upside is amazon had great return policy so I just ordered another....
My Bad!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on September 03, 2018, 01:26:25 PM
Probably playing on the kabota,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on September 03, 2018, 04:38:00 PM
Probably playing on the kabota,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Probably...
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on September 03, 2018, 05:00:04 PM
XJ no longer squeaks as of today...

another lacking detail to the heavy duty cross over steering are ungreasable heim joints... we tore the steering apart joint by point and drilled the bolts for press in grease zerks and grease veins. Only one trip to the hardware store for a 3/16 drill bit. Then we put it back together.

(https://i.imgur.com/DR9gZLM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/T22qqgr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/87aYsjx.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Agbmkaw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hrLOohd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IS9gUg3.jpg)



Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on September 03, 2018, 05:23:55 PM
 :likebutton:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on September 03, 2018, 07:01:16 PM
Does that pony tail ever get caught in the wheels of the creeper?

Real question

Cause, I get my shirt tails, my sleeves and anything else left dangling caught.

I use those bolts a lot for hard to grease areas
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on September 03, 2018, 07:21:10 PM
Does that pony tail ever get caught in the wheels of the creeper?

Real question

Cause, I get my shirt tails, my sleeves and anything else left dangling caught.

I use those bolts a lot for hard to grease areas

It does sometimes but I try and keep it pulled back and out of the way lol.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on September 03, 2018, 08:04:51 PM
We drilled those bolts on the lathe. The one passenger knuckle bolt is over 5” and to get grease veins in right spot we needed a longer drill bit. So I had to make one trip to hardware and buy a 12” drill bit then cut it to around 6”.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on September 03, 2018, 11:02:06 PM
There was some concern voiced to me about using heims on this steering setup. Mainly due to a ton of cheap Chinese joints flooding the market of questionable quality. I’ve personally ran into them over the years myself. So I understand the concern and if nothing more than a learning moment will cover this topic a bit.

First, I always try to buy FK Rod ends. They are one of two American made products I would recommend the second being QA1 (I think that is correct). Both have options for a self lubricating Teflon lined rod end. The ones Baylee has I believe are the QA1 version best I can tell. She has around 4K on these and they are tight still.

We are buying a second set to have in the xj as spares. If one goes we will replace all 4. Just good maintenance procedure in my opinion. Similiar to the cotter pinned nuts on each connection we run steel “safety” washers so in the event a rod end would pop the socket it cannot come completely unhooked. Baylee is additionally aware that these will wear out and as much as we work on her vehicle it is checked regularly just like the oil level etc. She further understands that her vehicle is modified and with that comes more responsibility & added work.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on September 04, 2018, 10:46:27 AM
Hey Shawn, those teflon lined bushings don't last when used on helicopter applications when exposed to a dusty environment.

May or may not apply to this situation, dunno, just sharing
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on September 04, 2018, 12:32:14 PM
Hey Shawn, those teflon lined bushings don't last when used on helicopter applications when exposed to a dusty environment.

May or may not apply to this situation, dunno, just sharing

Copy, none of them last as long as we would like!   :likebutton: :tongue:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on September 08, 2018, 08:38:47 PM
not a build thread update but finally got the facebook page up and running after being disabled by facebook twice... https://www.facebook.com/baylee.xj (https://www.facebook.com/baylee.xj)
 
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on September 08, 2018, 08:43:05 PM
Must be a conservative....


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on September 08, 2018, 08:45:10 PM
Well, she is my kid..... :popcorn:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on September 08, 2018, 10:19:41 PM
Well, she is my kid..... :popcorn:

 :likebutton:

Its ok, I don't facebook, myspace or those. Here is bad enough.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bigdave_185 on September 08, 2018, 11:32:36 PM
Well, she is my kid..... :popcorn:

 :likebutton:

Its ok, I don't facebook, myspace or those. Here is bad enough.
Your not kidding right there.   


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on September 09, 2018, 06:54:03 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/4ZrgRIb.jpg)
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: cudakidd53 on September 09, 2018, 08:53:56 PM
Baylee works on her own Jeep and is funny too!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: EL TATE on September 10, 2018, 12:52:54 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/4ZrgRIb.jpg)

YES!!  :grin:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: xjteeg on October 15, 2018, 09:26:13 PM
Finally took el jeepo to the mountains... took some pics on the way down figured I'd share them...

(https://i.imgur.com/sNXTA8N.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3z0THm8.jpg)

Hopefully get to take it on some trails next time...
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on October 16, 2018, 12:29:57 AM
 :likebutton:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on October 16, 2018, 05:49:51 AM
Good job Baylee. Where’s dads jeep?  ..oh wait....


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: cudakidd53 on October 16, 2018, 06:40:09 AM
Nice pictures Baylee!  Nice to see your work being rewarded with the ability to enjoy the vehicle and intended!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on October 16, 2018, 08:55:47 AM
Good job Baylee. Where’s dads jeep?  ..oh wait....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey now! Leave my poor 2wd Jeep out of this....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on October 16, 2018, 09:54:23 AM
 :likebutton: :likebutton:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 24, 2018, 05:30:19 PM
Well the xj build is officially done as of today. When I was back in Indiana in Nov Baylee got rear ended. Hard enough it pushed her hitch (minus receiver at the time) forward and down bending both frame rails if you can call them that? along with making her rear hatch inoperable. Waiting on USAA to get back to us with a payout, we believe they will total it. The starting fix quote by their approved shop was just shy of $5300

So Baylee asked the other day what I would do. After sleeping on it overnight I told her I would get the Jeep I really wanted (after she told me her limited criteria for a vehicle  :rolleyes: ). She’s going to be a senior next year and figured now was a good time to upgrade. As of 1300 the new rig is in my shop awaiting a couple small fixes and some plates and insurance that will come after Christmas.

Sure Baylee will update soon enough
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 25, 2018, 02:20:20 AM
Hope she wasn't hurt, sorry about the xj though.

Are they paying market or BB for the XJ. My wifes Saturn was totaled and they tried to lobal us. I gave them current selling prices and we got double what they offered.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: cj7ox on December 25, 2018, 05:02:38 AM
Well the xj build is officially done as of today. When I was back in Indiana in Nov Baylee got rear ended. Hard enough it pushed her hitch (minus receiver at the time) forward and down bending both frame rails if you can call them that? along with making her rear hatch inoperable. Waiting on USAA to get back to us with a payout, we believe they will total it. The starting fix quote by their approved shop was just shy of $5300

So Baylee asked the other day what I would do. After sleeping on it overnight I told her I would get the Jeep I really wanted (after she told me her limited criteria for a vehicle  :rolleyes: ). She’s going to be a senior next year and figured now was a good time to upgrade. As of 1300 the new rig is in my shop awaiting a couple small fixes and some plates and insurance that will come after Christmas.

Sure Baylee will update soon enough

Sucks to hear this! Hopefully the payout covered what Baylee really wanted. USAA usually does a pretty good job.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 25, 2018, 06:49:06 AM
Hope she wasn't hurt, sorry about the xj though.

Are they paying market or BB for the XJ. My wifes Saturn was totaled and they tried to lobal us. I gave them current selling prices and we got double what they offered.

No one was hurt, thankfully. Still dealing with them, my guess is I won’t accept first offer....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 25, 2018, 08:18:00 AM
We had to fight tooth and nail with State Farm about our first traverse.   They tried to give us half.   


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 25, 2018, 01:36:25 PM
If you think the offer is fair, go for it. Just pointing out what I did.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on December 25, 2018, 01:41:44 PM
Oh No!!!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 26, 2018, 09:44:14 PM
Well, the fight is on.....


They low balled us compared to any xj I can find locally for sale with low miles. I told them how low and gave three good examples for reference. We’ll see what they say next....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: EL TATE on December 27, 2018, 10:34:53 AM
Dang Shawn, I'm sorry. Tell them they need to look outside of your zipcode (since that's where you had to go to buy it right)? I found out they use those demographics to make their decisions when I wrecked the piece of junk Aveo. booked at $800, cashed out at $2400 because of the waterfront zipcode, or how they put it, "where the vehicle was garaged".
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 27, 2018, 02:41:05 PM
We actually bought this one about ten miles north of us. However, Colorado front range brings large price tags for anything with word Jeep on it. I did a 50 mile quick search on cars.com and found three examples a good $1500 higher with similiar vintage and mileage. So we’ll see, they told us not to drive it. So I’m going to start charging them a rental fee next if they drag their feet.....


Another funny coincidence, we just bought her second rig 5 mins from the first one
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 27, 2018, 03:31:51 PM
Another funny coincidence, we just bought her second rig 5 mins from the first one

 :likebutton:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 27, 2018, 06:02:11 PM
So Carlos with USAA calling from a San Antonio number is apparently the hard nosed initial adjuster you get to deal with (not sure what it is with these Texas insurance guys..... Poke- Charles!) at the moment. Apparently they like to get you on the phone and throw a bunch of legal insurance jargon at you.

Me personally I like to tell them to pound sand on the phone and then follow up with an overtly nice email thanking them for their time among other things while explaining if you can’t get your crap together I’m going to need a rental vehicle and with your below market valuation you gave me it may take some time to find a comparable replacement vehicle in the price range you are giving me to work with at the moment. Then finish it off with I sure hope I do not need to seek legal counsel over this matter and would really like to find some middle ground if possible.

The saga continues....

I did follow up with my insurance guy (Allstate and he’s been great to work with for last 3.5 years) and he stated USAA has a great reputation but they have had several interactions with them over the last year where they initially low ball you hoping you take their offer. Carlos even mentioned I may have to have my insurance cover this claim to which I literally laughed out loud and told him that wasn’t going to happen. 
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 27, 2018, 06:52:17 PM
Yep. It’s a business.

As for the lawyer.  That can backfire. Depending on the situation if your case is weak that’s an invitation for me to toss it to a group of 150 internal lawyers and make you do it the hard way. Everything in writing. No phone calls and the process slowed way down.


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 27, 2018, 07:32:28 PM
Copy Charles, I don’t care for lawyers but I guess it’s always a last resort option. The case is this, heavy slow traffic on a single lane highway and the usaa client is not paying attention. Slams his truck into rear of suv, totals his truck and suv on impact. Suv who was tailgating the xj gets shoved into baylee which as it turns out totals Baylee’s xj too. Pretty cut and dried, although I’m sure internal lawyers can play letter writing games etc.

My take is this, USAA is low balling us (no surprise) and they need to try a little harder. I told him this was the case in fact & he didn’t deny it. Wanted more info on my comparisons I sent which I provided then. Honestly, I can’t find anything close to his offer for sale and I’ve looked quite a bit.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 27, 2018, 08:36:16 PM
Might want to check, but in most states if you are hit from behind. It is automatically the fault of the driver who hit the other from the rear.

 
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 27, 2018, 09:01:03 PM
Might want to check, but in most states if you are hit from behind. It is automatically the fault of the driver who hit the other from the rear.

The fact a third vehicle pushed a middle vehicle into Baylee is pretty cut and dried no matter the state I would think JR. I could understand an issue between the very rear vehicle and middle one (non functioning brake lights etc) however the front one is pretty well in the clear one would think.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 27, 2018, 09:34:09 PM
Gotcha, guess I missed that. Just hope you get whats its worth and glad she is not hurt.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 27, 2018, 09:39:18 PM
Gotcha, guess I missed that. Just hope you get whats its worth and glad she is not hurt.

 :likebutton: me too!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 28, 2018, 07:08:19 AM
 Think you’re on the right track Shawn, just adding some general context. Bad media exposure is kryptonite. More potent medicine than lawyers usually.


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 28, 2018, 01:16:04 PM
I appreciate it guys, you all have varying expertise, experiences and knowledgeable view points (except you Ken or if your name is Dave, then it needs to be vetted by 3 or more knowledgeable members here before we even consider it....)  :tongue:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 28, 2018, 06:24:55 PM
I won’t stand for abuse from you like this! 


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 28, 2018, 06:48:16 PM
I won’t stand for abuse from you like this! 


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Dave, just be glad your name isn’t Ken!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 28, 2018, 07:02:11 PM
Could you guys at least get the comma's fixed while you DOT things?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 28, 2018, 07:23:13 PM
JR, it only does it from my phone but not my laptop
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: rpar86 on December 28, 2018, 08:12:28 PM
Could you guys at least get the comma's fixed while you DOT things?

I believe you're talking about the apostrophes (not commas) turning into question marks, right JR?

DOT incoming... I hit up Dawg about it a while back, but I don't think he's been around much. I looked into this a bit and it looks like the forum needs to be converted to UTF-8 instead of ISO-8859-1 (aka Latin 1). This is techy speak for how the text is interpreted by the web browser.

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/7048745/what-is-the-difference-between-utf-8-and-iso-8859-1

https://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=282676.0

/DOT off
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 28, 2018, 10:11:06 PM
Back on track and quick update, USAA had enterprise contact me for a rental today. Not sure what to make of that but I declined until Monday stating I was out of town on business. Technically I’m one town over wrenching on Baylee’s new ride at my shop this weekend and will pick up rental Monday. Didn’t have time to mess with it today but did send USAA another email explaining why I didn’t take them up on offer today.....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 28, 2018, 11:04:40 PM
Apostrophe's, that's it!!!! I see it when you guys use tap-talk so sure it is a bug. Does it show that way on your phone or does it just get sent that way?

How about pics of the new XJ?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: rpar86 on December 29, 2018, 12:27:40 AM
Apostrophe's, that's it!!!! I see it when you guys use tap-talk so sure it is a bug. Does it show that way on your phone or does it just get sent that way?

How about pics of the new XJ?

Weird, I’m seeing the opposite. On Tapatalk they show fine, but in Chrome on my PC they’re always a ?.


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: rpar86 on December 29, 2018, 12:30:47 AM
And now when I switch to web view on my phone I see the apostrophe as a ?.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181229/33ada993b889d4b3025dee4f126b0580.jpg)


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 29, 2018, 08:51:36 AM
How about pics of the new XJ?

I don’t think it was ever stated new rig was an xj?  :popcorn:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on December 29, 2018, 12:01:02 PM
Could you guys at least get the comma's fixed while you DOT things?

I believe you're talking about the apostrophes (not commas) turning into question marks, right JR?

DOT incoming... I hit up Dawg about it a while back, but I don't think he's been around much. I looked into this a bit and it looks like the forum needs to be converted to UTF-8 instead of ISO-8859-1 (aka Latin 1). This is techy speak for how the text is interpreted by the web browser.

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/7048745/what-is-the-difference-between-utf-8-and-iso-8859-1

https://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=282676.0

/DOT off
I can convert to UTF-8
Its available, but I never knew of a reason to change, let me take a look...
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on December 29, 2018, 12:04:57 PM
OK, I just converted the webSite to UTF-8

Lets see if it fixes the apostrophe and other strange characters issue...
Title: 2000 XJ
Post by: rpar86 on December 29, 2018, 12:58:21 PM
Test’s testing’s....

By George, I think we got it!!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181229/d040ec9e519303057a6aeb6121c7a4fc.jpg)

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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on December 29, 2018, 02:34:07 PM
Yippee!

I got something right!

Man, that's one in a row!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 29, 2018, 02:39:49 PM
Yippee!

I got something right!

Man, that's one in a row!

Good, about time now go on and get back to DOTing your own threads..... :tongue:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Nate on December 29, 2018, 02:44:56 PM
So bn if ots not an xj, what is it?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 29, 2018, 03:03:18 PM
 :lipsrsealed:

Kids ever stops working she might post up about it I think, maybe we’ll get some pics tomorrow.....

So bn if ots not an xj, what is it?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: KensAuto on December 29, 2018, 04:33:46 PM
So bn if ots not an xj, what is it?
English please?  ;)
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 29, 2018, 06:06:52 PM
I think he is leaving that for her to post,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 29, 2018, 06:37:24 PM
I heard on good authority it’s a unimog doka with the diesel


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 29, 2018, 06:43:45 PM
I heard on good authority it’s a unimog doka with the diesel


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Negative sir, if it was that cool I would have already posted about it myself!  :wink:

For the record GLO used to sell unimog 404 axle parts...
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 29, 2018, 07:38:25 PM
That’s my dream one day. A doka with super fast axles and a turbo on the OMB diesel


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 29, 2018, 08:03:51 PM
That’s my dream one day. A doka with super fast axles and a turbo on the OMB diesel


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If you ever do that I’ll help you mod the axles with a 9 center chunk or similiar type unit....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 29, 2018, 08:12:15 PM
Thank you Shawn. I will take you up on that. Will have to wait until I win the lotto or the girls leave college


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 29, 2018, 10:08:54 PM
Thank you Shawn. I will take you up on that. Will have to wait until I win the lotto or the girls leave college


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Trust me I understand....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 29, 2018, 11:06:23 PM
If someone wins the lottery maybe we can just buy a few thou acres near someone in the tuck. Realman Valley Keep out, violators will not be found.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 30, 2018, 07:14:02 AM
That would be awesome.  I have a door mat, that says “trespassers will be shot, survivors will shot again.”


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on December 30, 2018, 04:14:12 PM
A RM community!

How cool

I'd be up for that!

No hippies or G-men!

Well, maybe some G-men
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 30, 2018, 09:24:03 PM
Here’s a sneak peak since Baylee is MIA at the moment.

(http://i.imgur.com/JPHhMSG.jpg)

And not surprising because about 14 years ago she owned a smaller one...

(http://i.imgur.com/37WtINU.jpg)
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 30, 2018, 10:11:28 PM
Sweet!!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on December 30, 2018, 10:12:32 PM
So cute!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 31, 2018, 06:49:33 AM
You gonna have to weld a second set of axles now?


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Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 31, 2018, 10:09:23 AM
You gonna have to weld a second set of axles now?


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Don’t believe so, she wants to run 33’s so minimal lift and replace the sun faded fenders with flatty’s. Then gears and lockers depending when she saves up some funds.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: EL TATE on December 31, 2018, 10:10:43 AM
Soft top yeah! start em off right Shawn.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 31, 2018, 11:13:38 AM
Soft top yeah! start em off right Shawn.

Her idea, but I am fond of half doors!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bob Smith on December 31, 2018, 12:12:52 PM
 Very nice, hope she has better luck with this one. Nice color too.
Soft tops are nice but they don’t play well with the rain.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on December 31, 2018, 01:38:02 PM
Put some good bumpers on it fast!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on December 31, 2018, 05:13:14 PM
Put some good bumpers on it fast!

Don't jinx her JR! Plus this one has a real frame under it, so lets hope it won't be needed!

Currently she is tooling around in the family beater aka my Dad's former car which is a 2010 Honda Insight hybrid, 450 miles to a 9 or 10 gallon tank but it sure is ugly! :tongue:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 02, 2019, 01:17:11 PM
Back on track and quick update, USAA had enterprise contact me for a rental today. Not sure what to make of that but I declined until Monday stating I was out of town on business. Technically I’m one town over wrenching on Baylee’s new ride at my shop this weekend and will pick up rental Monday. Didn’t have time to mess with it today but did send USAA another email explaining why I didn’t take them up on offer today.....


Well, it gets better. Called to get rental and they have it set up as self pay meaning me! Unbelievable...
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on January 02, 2019, 02:31:43 PM
Just get it covered under your insurance (that's why you pay for it) and be done with it. Then let the companies battle it out. Not your fault so no points or rate hikes.

I understand its not what you want to do, but is it worth the bother?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Bear9350 on January 02, 2019, 03:35:28 PM
Just get it covered under your insurance (that's why you pay for it) and be done with it. Then let the companies battle it out. Not your fault so no points or rate hikes.

I understand its not what you want to do, but is it worth the bother?

Been there, done that.  No bump in my premiums, got a check for more than I expected to and had everything wrapped up in a couple weeks even though it happened on my travels home the weekend before Thanksgiving and basically nothing happened for the first week.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 02, 2019, 06:35:14 PM
Well, they got rental straightened out but came back and made excuses why they could only use one comp. During all of this they now told me (even though the 98 I provided was similiar mileage and valued more than there offer) they can only use 2000 or 2001 comps.

Well, ok so I provided 4 new comps in those age ranges. Now mind you one of the prior comps was a 2001 but they disregarded it because get this. It was the same price as a 2002 model....

Jeep officially retired the xj model in 2001 so how can they have pricing for a 2002 model!

So we continue on.....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 02, 2019, 10:06:18 PM
Picked up rental, USAA had a full size car reserved. Nice gal behind counter asked what happened & I told her. She offered up a Chevy equinox & I asked if USAA would pay for the upgrade? She commented they normally did but you need to let them know it was your descision. So as I waited for them to pull it up I shot them off another email informing them that I decided to rent it as it was closer to the vehicle they totaled..... :tongue:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 03, 2019, 03:17:49 PM
As of last night I sent 4 more comps all of 2000 & 2001 xj’s locally for sale.

Today I realized an inoperable vehicle cannot reside longer than 60 hours without being moved per HOA guidelines. So I found a ahop that would store it for $100 a month plus deposit (going rate here on front range). Downside the guy who runs that place (goes by the name GLO) is a real piece of work... :facepalm:

Anyhow let USAA know they were on the hook for that too. This Chevy equinox rental sure does drive better than that xj.... :tongue:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: wilsonphil on January 03, 2019, 04:14:59 PM
Never in a 100yrs will would I ever live in a neighborhood with HOA just for that reason!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 03, 2019, 04:17:48 PM
Never in a 100yrs will would I ever live in a neighborhood with HOA just for that reason!

I’ve done it once and going to do it again. They (HOA) folded every time we had an issue. I used their “rules” against them to my adavantage.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on January 03, 2019, 06:21:23 PM
I hate HOAs too and have beat them.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 03, 2019, 06:46:36 PM
I hate HOAs too and have beat them.

My shop has an HOA too!  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: KensAuto on January 03, 2019, 08:34:10 PM
Hipsters of America?
Hang Over Association?
Hashish Or Alcohol?
Hippies On Acid?
We are still talking about Shawn's place,  right?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on January 03, 2019, 10:24:53 PM
I hate HOAs too and have beat them.

My shop has an HOA too!  :rolleyes:

And no bathroom,,,,,,,,,,,
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 03, 2019, 10:43:24 PM
You old guys must spend a lot of time in there....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on January 03, 2019, 10:54:08 PM
House full of kids on vacation, its quiet.
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 03, 2019, 11:23:47 PM
House full of kids on vacation, its quiet.

Copy, they’re driving me nuts in this 1500 sq ft town home.....
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 13, 2019, 05:29:13 PM
So USAA hasn’t been very much fun to deal with. Other then negotiating to remove add on items such as winch bumper, winch and lights we really haven’t gotten anywhere. I’ve provided example after example of the high cost these low mileage xj’s bring in Colorado run. So long story short the Xj needs to find a new home. I passed on buying it back for $1300 as well. So today Baylee and I stripped the good parts from her Xj.

(http://i.imgur.com/JGdW0yZ.jpg)

Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Nate on January 25, 2019, 09:07:01 AM
is there a final word on this?  did usaa pay up or?
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: stlaser on January 25, 2019, 09:58:12 AM
is there a final word on this?  did usaa pay up or?

I could not convince USAA to pay more. I submitted 6-10 various comps and they found BS issues with 90% of them. Honestly, it was a joke. I needed it out of my shop so we negotiated pulling winch and bumper then reinstalling original (tack welded it on) and pulled light bar off rack. For the record I think they valued all three of those at about a bill so if there was any good news that was it.


My 12 year old side came out b4 copart picked it up and I added to Baylee’s clown sticker on her back window.  :evil:

(http://i.imgur.com/jqqjYDC.jpg)

Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Nate on January 25, 2019, 11:24:11 AM
 :beercheers:
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: Flyin6 on January 25, 2019, 12:52:55 PM
Just for clarification, Shawn is saying they are "Friends-United"

He's a big guy with a big heart!
Title: Re: 2000 XJ
Post by: JR on January 25, 2019, 01:43:05 PM
Was wondering about the outcome. At least you got the good stuff off and "ON".
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