The Baconator XJ Build

T

TheBaconator

New member
Here is the Craigslist photos before I got my Jeep on Father's Day from my wife and Daughter.
1996 Jeep Cherokee Country
4.0L AW4 Chrysler NP231 8.25 D30HP 209,000 3.55

Wrecked front end. Story is that the kid driving rear ended a bigger truck punching a through the front grill, radiator, aux fan. I went to try to by the Jeep and she started up enough to move onto the trailer. 1.jpg2.jpg3.jpg4.jpg

First thing I did was take a picture of the rear axle and upload to forum asking what rear end. Thanks forums i knew in about 5 minutes
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I then went to work. Pulled off all the bad pieces of the jeep's wrecked front end and hit up my local Junk Yard to look for new (used) parts to get this soon to be "trail rig" going.
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You can see pictures of the front end being taken apart, the red donor jeep that i pulled the aux fan, front clip, and radiator from.
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Wanted to also change shocks while i was at it so when with Gabriel Ultra Shocks
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Then drove to work and had first adventure of Lunchtime Wheeling25.jpg26.jpg27.jpg28.jpg29.jpg

So far the list of installed parts since I bought it.
Radiator
Electric Fan <----now on a switch
Thermostat
Thermostat Housing
Radiator Fluid....kinda a must
1 Gabriel Ultra Shock <----3 more in garage needing to be installed
2 JY Tires in back <----Still need front Passenger replaced
Oil and Oil Filter

Things to do <----Have Parts but Just need TIME!
Replace Spark plugs
Replace Air Filter
Install 3 Gabriel Shocks
Install Rear Hitch
Find place to install fog light switch to Aux Fan

Ok so really ready for the Flat Black rattle can. Going to paint those gold fenders flat black. Once i scratch up the rest of the Baconator on the trails then i will sand down and flat black the rest.
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After
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First time out with Bacon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4achZDXRSmo

So I was looking through craigslist and found a post for a bumper for sale. Contacted CF's very own RatchetMaster10 and bought the bumper.
Also made a new friend that i'm pumped to go offroading with...when the schedules match up.

Installed the new bumper (still need to paint the front red clip)

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Went out offroading taking advantage of the rainy conditions from Hurricane Issac
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I finally got my pieces around my headlights on and the front end painted.
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Officially Licensed The Baconator
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Some photos of Baconator over last year with things that have been done and upgraded
Parked next to friends FJ, 31x10.5's, Wheeling at lunch, and parking at school in the Compact Spot
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Old bumper before new stubby bumper
Flex test before getting rid of 31's
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New bumper - Stubby Winch Bumper (being bedlined)
New 33x12.5 mud terrains
Stubby bumper clearance
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Before/After July 2nd Accident

On the Road again after bumper install, 33's installed, and new steering box brace installed.
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Baconator wrecked on July 3rd
Driveshaft pulled from transfer case
Popped 33s
Smashed door
Hole in rear door
Snapped leaf spring
Realized that leaf on driver side also twisted due to u-bolts being broken. The front Lower Control Arm bracket was bent due to impact. Passenger leaf was pushed through floor.
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5.5" coils Rubicon Express
3.5" Rubicon Express leaf springs
shackle extension and Shackle drop (already installed)
6.7" In Rear
Skyjacker Shocks 5" in front
Skyjacker Shocks 6" in rear
SYE Eliminator + Double Cardon Drive shaft (Not Done Yet)
Sliders - Bolt on + weld to Pinch seem (already have)
Adjustable Track Bar (4-6" lifted) Rough Country
A/C Condenser + Lines (Already have)
Tie Rod + Ends
Lower & Upper Control Arm 6.5" Lift - Ironrock Offroad
Extended Brake Lines - Rough Country
Bedliner entire jeep including rims
Hella Offroad Lights - Hella 700FF
Ironrock offroad throttle body spacer
BFG A/T 33x12.5x15

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Baconator lifted
HD tie rod installed
Front fenders trimmed
Alignment done as well


Just need new lower control arm bracket cut off and new iron rock offroad lower control arm bracket arms installed

Baconator is almost road worthy!!!!
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Sorry to hear about that. It was lookin good. Is everybody okay? Rebuild, or start on a new one?

Edit: you posted updates right after i posted comment. Sorry.
 
Weekday Wheeling
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Friday Jeep parking with a vw thrown in mix

At end of day a couple of buddies with 2013 10th anniversary Rubicons came to visit Baconator
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Hobolobo said:
Sorry to hear about that. It was lookin good. Is everybody okay? Rebuild, or start on a new one?

Edit: you posted updates right after i posted comment. Sorry.
Click to expand...

No worries....I end up dreaming about a JK build and go through these so much that i figured I'd create a big page and get my presence out there so when i buy a JK next few years i'll be known Lol jk

Rebuilt and ready to wheel.

I like this forum better than the others so I'll keep it updated pretty regularly.
Buddy just bought a 2014 Wrangler Unlimited Sport so I'll post pic of Baconator by it today.
 
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