The past few days have been great.

Air System Install: I spent a ton of time getting all the fittings I need, the local ACE Hardware has been very helpful. I even found a pressure regulator with gauge and valve at Walmart! Who would of thought? I drilled two 1 1/4″ holes in my floor board under the storage area in the center console. This hole will let the main air line in and the other is to let the four air lines out to the lockers. I also ran the switch for the relay. I need to find some firewall rubber inserts to seal up the holes I drilled.

Compressor Mounting: I have decided to try and go a cheap route and not have anything built to hold the compressor. I decided to try cutting down the stock air box and attaching a hinged lid to the top of it; then attached the compressor to that lid. I’ll let you know how that works out.

Tranny Temp Gauge: Since my last XJ was parted out due a bad tranny, I want to make sure this tranny is well maintained and watched closely. I decided to add a tranny temp gauge. I used a simple 2″ AutoMeter unit. Bought the fittings from a local race shop and started the install. I loosely used Jason’s write-up on Jeepin.com. I mounted the gauge in the center console just in front of the t-case shifter on the angled piece(97+). I will post some pitchers soon on the LUVMYJP.com site. I am also thinking about pulling the tranny lines off the stock cooler and just using the aftermarket cooler. When the tranny cooler was installed it was installed so that the cool fluid runs throughout the stock cooler them back to the tranny. This could be heating the tranny fluid before sending it to the tranny. It’s running at 200-210 tops.

Tomken Gas Tank Skid: Pretty easy install. My custom exhaust needed some adjustment. I had to remove the tube past the hanger. I then installed the tank and had a new pipe shaped and welded in place.

Before the weekend I plan on running the air lines run, installing the compressor, JKS SuperNerfs, JKS boomerang shackles,

Today’s progress was good. I took a few minutes and picked up a relay, pressure regulator and some plugs for my on board air set up. I need to have a plate to hold the air compressor and relay. I’ll be build one out of cardboard then headed over to the metal shop to have it fabbed up. After I’m done the plate will fit in the stock air box position. I will be working on the air on Saturday afternoon.

The Tomken gas tank skid is on its way.

I found the Johnney Joint trackbar end locally, so the one I ordered from Currie will be an extra for the tool box. The more I think about this set-up the more excited I get. I think it’s really going to work great. This set up will also work with a standard RE1600 trackbar and HD bracket. Something to think about for those of you with that bar.

I meant to get this blog started while building the ’98 XJ, however with all the work to be done it wasn’t at the top of the priority list. So with the build 3/4 of the way complete I am getting started.

NAXJA Moab ’04 is looming and there is a lot to complete. The XJ must have the rock rails and onboard air system run. Next weekend I have to work so that leaves only two weekends to complete the XJ. For me that is pushing it.

AIR: I have some remote idea how to complete this, but I really need to enlist the help of some others around here to help sine my knowledge level about OBA systems is limited.

ROCK RAILS: The JKS SuperNerfs will ship in the next few days.

SHACKLES: The JKS boomerang shackles will also ship in the next few days. Those should help level out the rear and make the XJ look and ride a little better.