Got another one! Project: PolarXJ - Page 13

6DoF · 10-04-2023, 08:30 AM

dual pattern template ... 12deg up or down depending on if you have a soft top or tin top trans.

i fukking love 3D printing!

xj_man_646 · 10-04-2023, 10:59 AM

The thought has come up periodically about getting one. Is the design software for them generally easy to use? I haven't used CAD since 2012.

6DoF · 10-04-2023, 11:07 AM

in my mind there are only 2 printer options .... the cheap and more set-up intensive ENDOR Creator 3 ... the more spendy, just works every time PRUSA

CAD systems are a learning curve, but you used em before and a quick google will get you YouTube how-to's for anything you wanna manipulate. CREO student is free to anyone if you just tell em you are learning and promise not to sell stuff you design with it. it's easily the most powerfull 3D system, but can be one of the more cumbersome to use. more power, more mouse clicks kinda thing.

nblehm · 10-08-2023, 06:22 PM

Nice! I made and 3d printed a broken clip for a ford slave cylinder the other day and felt pretty cool

Edit* I use freecad and have been watching YouTube videos. I have a cheap Ender 3. Was pretty cool to take measurements off the broken clip and print something that snapped into place like factory.

6DoF · 10-11-2023, 07:38 AM

as i made these new engine mounts ... i started thinking ... why did i make them 1000lb-ft capable

i guess if i was really doing that i needed to extend the gussets on the back one down between the bolts, but it'll be fine at 150hp

Cobound · 10-12-2023, 08:40 AM

You know they’ll hold

nblehm · 10-14-2023, 10:34 AM

Sounds like a reason to make more power

6DoF · 10-16-2023, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nblehm

Sounds like a reason to make more power

that's the plan! :evil:

6DoF · 10-16-2023, 07:35 AM

it's back on the road!! and it's soooo much better.

trans swap was a huge win, i think the ax15 gearing even feels better and works more correct with the little Diesel. the rebuild it silky smooth, and the new CORE shifter is absolutely amazing. these shifter are so tight and let you feel exactly where you are. plus an XJ specific stick vs the TJ one is better too.

new hydraulic engine mounts make a noticeable difference at idle for a less vibratty jeep, but i swear actually have a tiny bit more at cruise. still nicer and over-all worth it, they are the correct choice.

vnt-17 from an 04-05 Passat spools great and has to be making more air everywhere cuz the jeep is just less smoky at part throttle. it also saw 26psi. new downpipe is easier to get to and more air around it. even re-routed some hoses and electrical to clean up the engine bay, better access to everything now.

xj_man_646 · 10-16-2023, 09:37 AM

Sounds awesome!

6DoF · 10-16-2023, 10:08 AM

i really need to get a new actually custom tune for it now ... would have to be way better. just not going to drop the coin right now before our BVI's vacation.

6DoF · 10-20-2023, 07:37 AM

this has been easily one of the best DIY weld-it kits of any kind for a long time. the fit to the jeep is great, the fit between the parts is great. i'm excited to get it smoothed and painted.

mine came pre-bent vs the kit as pictured on their website too. rear bumper still came full flat.
https://dirtboundoffroad.com/collect...ep-cherokee-xj

xj_man_646 · 10-20-2023, 01:53 PM

That's a really nice looking bumper!

Dennis · 10-20-2023, 07:44 PM

Yeah, bumper looks great.
All after market bumpers should have integrated receivers

6DoF · 10-23-2023, 07:49 AM

started in on the rear this weekend and got it almost wrapped up. as i pulled the factory bumper i was super impressed with how clean this jeep is! popped off the side plastic and ... womp. probably need to get some of those rocker armor plates to cover it.

front bumper had way easier brackets, and came pre-bent. this rear came flat and the brackets alone took as long as the entire front. seriously, between the unibody mods, fitting, and final welding, they took as long. then the bumper itself, i would never buy a flat DIY bumper ever again, the amount of extra welding and finishing is just stupid.

that said, i still really like this bumper, both Mohave from DirtBound. great fit, great structure, very little fiddling outside of getting the bends right.

FINALLY got it fully welded and started in on the finishing. randomly got shown a YouTube of different levels of weld finishing last week and that was a win. i'm pretty happy with how this is coming out!

-80grit 6" flap wheel to cut down the bulk of the welds
-80 or 100grit 5" velcro sanding disc on firm foam backed pad chucked into a drill to smooth
-120grit in a random orbital sander to finish

Cobound · 10-23-2023, 12:47 PM

Lotta work, but damn that is nice!!!

Unique build, so cool...miss but don't miss our XJs. To have one super clean w/ light mods would be nice, but I'd never let it see winter if I ever got another one.

6DoF · 10-23-2023, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobound

but I'd never let it see winter if I ever got another one.

this one is clean, but not THAT clean ... I'm going to drive this to save some salt on Hank if i can. but i'll FluidFilm the cccrrraaaaappp out of it first.

Cobound · 10-23-2023, 12:59 PM

Yeah, if I had one that was just clean, same deal...drive it like I stole it.

Our last two were really clean, for MN standards especially...but once you start seeing a HINT of a bubble, or discoloration somewhere, it's too late, and you either cut it out and go to town, or live with it and let it take its course.

I sold the last one for more than I paid - but I also stuck some coin into it. It was reliable, drove great, but after a few instances of being "stranded", my daughter was paranoid. "Dad to the rescue" was getting old for her and the wife, so we tossed her the JK and got the wife a car.

She misses the space, but loves the JK...all's good. Think we're done w/ XJs now - they just got to be too old for the daily.

6DoF · 10-23-2023, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobound

Think we're done w/ XJs now - they just got to be too old for the daily.

... this is the newest vehicle i own/drive!

(wife's rides excluded)

Cobound · 10-23-2023, 03:28 PM

LOL - right on!! Got some mad respect for you and Nate - running the old iron is cool.

Your wife's ride is definitely the exception, to a lot, cuz you drive it all year, correct? I mean, when there's no snow anyway?

10-04-2023, 08:30 AM	#241
6DoF AKA: jeepnski Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 16,864	dual pattern template ... 12deg up or down depending on if you have a soft top or tin top trans. i fukking love 3D printing! __________________ ...................................___ .................. ________\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;\|/_(O)\______ /_(O)\|

10-04-2023, 10:59 AM	#242
xj_man_646 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: MN Posts: 27,732	The thought has come up periodically about getting one. Is the design software for them generally easy to use? I haven't used CAD since 2012. __________________ - James I like diesels

10-04-2023, 11:07 AM	#243
6DoF AKA: jeepnski Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 16,864	in my mind there are only 2 printer options .... the cheap and more set-up intensive ENDOR Creator 3 ... the more spendy, just works every time PRUSA CAD systems are a learning curve, but you used em before and a quick google will get you YouTube how-to's for anything you wanna manipulate. CREO student is free to anyone if you just tell em you are learning and promise not to sell stuff you design with it. it's easily the most powerfull 3D system, but can be one of the more cumbersome to use. more power, more mouse clicks kinda thing. __________________ ...................................___ .................. ________\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;\|/_(O)\______ /_(O)\|

10-08-2023, 06:22 PM	#244
nblehm Needs moar dagger Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 26,780	Nice! I made and 3d printed a broken clip for a ford slave cylinder the other day and felt pretty cool Edit* I use freecad and have been watching YouTube videos. I have a cheap Ender 3. Was pretty cool to take measurements off the broken clip and print something that snapped into place like factory. Last edited by nblehm; 10-08-2023 at 06:24 PM.

10-11-2023, 07:38 AM	#245
6DoF AKA: jeepnski Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 16,864	as i made these new engine mounts ... i started thinking ... why did i make them 1000lb-ft capable i guess if i was really doing that i needed to extend the gussets on the back one down between the bolts, but it'll be fine at 150hp __________________ ...................................___ .................. ________\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;\|/_(O)\______ /_(O)\| Last edited by 6DoF; 10-11-2023 at 07:41 AM.

10-12-2023, 08:40 AM	#246
Cobound - The Don - Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: MN Posts: 49,168	You know they’ll hold __________________ To each his own. Not all those who wander are lost. The great irony - triggered snowflakes accusing triggered snowflakes of being triggered snowflakes

10-14-2023, 10:34 AM	#247
nblehm Needs moar dagger Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 26,780	Sounds like a reason to make more power

10-16-2023, 07:35 AM	#249
6DoF AKA: jeepnski Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 16,864	it's back on the road!! and it's soooo much better. trans swap was a huge win, i think the ax15 gearing even feels better and works more correct with the little Diesel. the rebuild it silky smooth, and the new CORE shifter is absolutely amazing. these shifter are so tight and let you feel exactly where you are. plus an XJ specific stick vs the TJ one is better too. new hydraulic engine mounts make a noticeable difference at idle for a less vibratty jeep, but i swear actually have a tiny bit more at cruise. still nicer and over-all worth it, they are the correct choice. vnt-17 from an 04-05 Passat spools great and has to be making more air everywhere cuz the jeep is just less smoky at part throttle. it also saw 26psi. new downpipe is easier to get to and more air around it. even re-routed some hoses and electrical to clean up the engine bay, better access to everything now. __________________ ...................................___ .................. ________\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;\|/_(O)\______ /_(O)\|

10-16-2023, 09:37 AM	#250
xj_man_646 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: MN Posts: 27,732	Sounds awesome! __________________ - James I like diesels

10-16-2023, 10:08 AM	#251
6DoF AKA: jeepnski Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 16,864	i really need to get a new actually custom tune for it now ... would have to be way better. just not going to drop the coin right now before our BVI's vacation. __________________ ...................................___ .................. ________\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;\|/_(O)\______ /_(O)\|

10-20-2023, 07:37 AM	#252
6DoF AKA: jeepnski Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 16,864	this has been easily one of the best DIY weld-it kits of any kind for a long time. the fit to the jeep is great, the fit between the parts is great. i'm excited to get it smoothed and painted. mine came pre-bent vs the kit as pictured on their website too. rear bumper still came full flat. https://dirtboundoffroad.com/collect...ep-cherokee-xj __________________ ...................................___ .................. ________\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;\|/_(O)\______ /_(O)\| Last edited by 6DoF; 10-20-2023 at 07:42 AM.

10-20-2023, 01:53 PM	#253
xj_man_646 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: MN Posts: 27,732	That's a really nice looking bumper! __________________ - James I like diesels

10-20-2023, 07:44 PM	#254
Dennis Semper Fi ! Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 38,810	Yeah, bumper looks great. All after market bumpers should have integrated receivers

10-23-2023, 07:49 AM	#255
6DoF AKA: jeepnski Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 16,864	started in on the rear this weekend and got it almost wrapped up. as i pulled the factory bumper i was super impressed with how clean this jeep is! popped off the side plastic and ... womp. probably need to get some of those rocker armor plates to cover it. front bumper had way easier brackets, and came pre-bent. this rear came flat and the brackets alone took as long as the entire front. seriously, between the unibody mods, fitting, and final welding, they took as long. then the bumper itself, i would never buy a flat DIY bumper ever again, the amount of extra welding and finishing is just stupid. that said, i still really like this bumper, both Mohave from DirtBound. great fit, great structure, very little fiddling outside of getting the bends right. FINALLY got it fully welded and started in on the finishing. randomly got shown a YouTube of different levels of weld finishing last week and that was a win. i'm pretty happy with how this is coming out! -80grit 6" flap wheel to cut down the bulk of the welds -80 or 100grit 5" velcro sanding disc on firm foam backed pad chucked into a drill to smooth -120grit in a random orbital sander to finish __________________ ...................................___ .................. ________\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;\|/_(O)\______ /_(O)\| Last edited by 6DoF; 10-23-2023 at 07:52 AM.

10-23-2023, 12:47 PM	#256
Cobound - The Don - Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: MN Posts: 49,168	Lotta work, but damn that is nice!!! Unique build, so cool...miss but don't miss our XJs. To have one super clean w/ light mods would be nice, but I'd never let it see winter if I ever got another one. __________________ To each his own. Not all those who wander are lost. The great irony - triggered snowflakes accusing triggered snowflakes of being triggered snowflakes

10-23-2023, 12:59 PM	#258
Cobound - The Don - Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: MN Posts: 49,168	Yeah, if I had one that was just clean, same deal...drive it like I stole it. Our last two were really clean, for MN standards especially...but once you start seeing a HINT of a bubble, or discoloration somewhere, it's too late, and you either cut it out and go to town, or live with it and let it take its course. I sold the last one for more than I paid - but I also stuck some coin into it. It was reliable, drove great, but after a few instances of being "stranded", my daughter was paranoid. "Dad to the rescue" was getting old for her and the wife, so we tossed her the JK and got the wife a car. She misses the space, but loves the JK...all's good. Think we're done w/ XJs now - they just got to be too old for the daily. __________________ To each his own. Not all those who wander are lost. The great irony - triggered snowflakes accusing triggered snowflakes of being triggered snowflakes

10-23-2023, 03:28 PM	#260
Cobound - The Don - Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: MN Posts: 49,168	LOL - right on!! Got some mad respect for you and Nate - running the old iron is cool. Your wife's ride is definitely the exception, to a lot, cuz you drive it all year, correct? I mean, when there's no snow anyway? __________________ To each his own. Not all those who wander are lost. The great irony - triggered snowflakes accusing triggered snowflakes of being triggered snowflakes