FRESH START

[EKXJ87]

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in"

Well I thought I was just going to do one more thing to the XJ, swap in a HP44/9 and I would be content famous last words. Four months ago I got the opportunity of a life time "barn find" I really wasn't looking for another build since I already had another XJ in the backyard that I was planning on building. It took me several weeks to mustard up the courage to tell the wife only because I had told her this was it no more and 2017 we were just going to wheel no wrenching!.


With the wife's blessing (I think) I sold my green XJ to a high school buddy back in Arizona he bought it sight unseen flew out and we did a road trip back to Phoenix , this was great only because I don't have to see it on the CO trails! and he appreciates all the work that went into it.

Did some trade work for the white XJ to a local buddy here in CO and got him back into a XJ (going to be a great build) 44/9 LCG on 37".

Sold the 81 Suzuki

I now officially have no more JEEP parts, so what would make me do such a thing well I hope in the spring to bring home a uncut/molested 1975 Bronco.

[dieseldoc]

wow steve! well bronco is not a bad start for sure.
Wild Horses is a great suplyer for your new toys bling that you cant or dont want to do.

Am a bit bummed you sold the XJ, but you do what you go to do and a nice uncut bronco is a good trade!

[EKXJ87]

Thanks Brandon,
I hope I don't regret my decision although having a V-8,removable hard top and no emissions along with the limited run only 13,500 produced. I had to take the risk!

[Patrolman]

Will be a really cool ride. I happened to see this one on CL.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5899509858.html

[The StRanger]

Very nice start.
Just goes to show there are still unfound jems out there...

[Hypoid]

Nice score!

I have been waiting for this post. One of the NAXJA guys posted up about getting a RENIX era XJ. He might have mentioned something about an E.B.
I remember cutting a '76 for fiberglass flares back in 1977. So, if you want to cut this one, it is still period correct...sorta. :speechless:

[EKXJ87]

Been waiting until I got everything ironed out, as you know Mike, Dutch is drinking the XJ Kool-Aid again! He actually texted me out of the blue asking about the "extra" XJ in the back yard just a couple of days after I came across the Bronco. He wont admitted it but XJ's are his true Love LOL

[Brucker]

Uncut '75?!?!?! Congrats!!!! Great find! Still one of my favorite platforms.

Seeing as you know they are getting rare, and it sounds like you appreciate their history, what are your plans with it? Going to restore and leave uncut? Going for a resto-mod, with updates all around and some minor trimming? Or going for a full out wheeler?

Lord knows I would be torn. Anyway you go, you will have an awesome rig, worth a pretty penny. Congrats again!

[redneck23ms]

nice steve. you have all winter to cut an weld. im ready to do some wheeling.

[EKXJ87]

[QUOTE=Brucker;309681]Uncut '75?!?!?! Congrats!!!! Great find! Still one of my favorite platforms.

Seeing as you know they are getting rare, and it sounds like you appreciate their history, what are your plans with it? Going to restore and leave uncut? Going for a resto-mod, with updates all around and some minor trimming? Or going for a full out wheeler?
Thanks Aaron,
The Stroppe History for sure was one of the "Pros" although its not a "Baja Stroppe" its the 2nd best thing! I can appreciate a restored rig although a stock Bronco is really not my style and will more than likely trim it up, cage,35's, HP44/9 low COG, flares with a Baja theme and keep the OEM paint (hopefully) in good taste as to not offend the purist. To help myself sleep a night I tell myself that's what Stroppe would do. lol

[dieseldoc]

Sounds like a good plan.
Look to reward to see the thing done and out on the trail.

[JandDGreens]

Steve, I am glad I got the chance to see all the work you did to your XJ. Sometimes a fresh start with something classic is a lot of fun. My son is going to abandon his XJ ties for something more reliable.

[dieseldoc]

Something more reliable.....Mmm Toyota?

[JandDGreens]

Really his XJ runs ok it is just he doesn't want to pick up a wrench to save his life and he is to busy to have me help him with the little things,

[EKXJ87]

Thanks David, XJ is a good platform but your right if you don't like wrenching it's not for you. I feel your pain my son has no interest in wrenching so he drives a Honda lol

[JandDGreens]

To be honest I am getting weary of working on things but at the pace I go I figure if I can make my XJ trail worthy for at least 3 more years I will be good. Then I'll be ready for a FJ or 4 Runner to take me into my latter twilight years.

[Java]

Love those old Broncos, congrats on finding one! Personally I'd not cut it, you can always cut it but you can't uncut it, and one of those restored is worth a brand new JKU. Whatever you do with it I'm a little jealous. :thumb:

[96EXXLTinCO]

Prices on the EB's have been insane. I've seen some junk out there going for $7k still, and restored or even cut-up all out wheelers are North of $20k. I'm a huge fan of the 78-79 Broncos. I had a 79 just after high school, and out of all the trucks I've owned, that's the only one I wish I could have back. Prices on those have been creeping up as well.

Good luck on the new project, hope to see a build thread started before long and cant wait to see your special brand of fabrication put into one of those beauties. Congrats on the find!!

[redneck23ms]

So any progress on this thing yet? Itz all most wheeling season.

[EKXJ87]

Hey Alex,
The Bronco is still 2 months out, although if this warm weather continues he may open the cabin earlier this year! I've liquidated all my side projects and have been gathering parts, I'm still undecided on the rear suspension leaf vs. link although I have decided to keep the 302 for now and wait on the 351. Here is what I have so far.

*1996 Explorer complete EFI intake
*1996 Explorer wiring harness modified (removed all unnecessary wiring to 8-wires )
*1996 Explorer 4R70W transmission with OD
*1996 Explorer complete front dressing ( for a 1-belt serpentine set up )
* A pair of GT40heads (this is claimed to add a boost of 30-40hp )
*1996 Explorer SLL3 computer re-flashed for a 4:56 gears, 4R70W tranny running 35" tires
*1994 Chevy Astrovan Hydro boost
*1976 Ford HP44/9" axles with 4W disc brake conversion

[JGRubicon]

Goodness Steve. Sorry to hear the XJ is re-homed, I was just showing a guy at Hooligan your XJ today. But... that said, I'm looking forward to the Bronco build.