xjtrailrider, checking in from Roanoke VA

[xjtrailrider]

Hello! I'm new on here but not new to Jeeps or to the Commander. You might know me from other forums; NAXJA, CherokeeForum, Jeepin.Com, The Commander Forum, JKOwners, CommancheClub and our local forums, SWVA4W and Star City Crawlers.

I have owned Jeeps all of my adult life, too many CJ's to list then I found the XJ and fell in love! I have owned a half a dozen XJ's and a MJ. I bought the Commander to haul the family and do some occasional towing of my trail rig XJ.

The first time I "off-roaded" a Jeep was in the mid 70's when my Dad asked me to take the 69 Jeepster Commando across the creek and get some garden tools and bring them back to him. I was 12 and was shaking but the excitement was a thrill. Locking in the hubs and pulling the T-case lever back into 4-hi was liberating! I remember that the 15' across the foot deep water was "the" moment that I was hooked on off-roading and it has become a way of life since that moment!

Here is my current fleet;

This is my Dads old XJ. It was sold after he died by my stepmother and I searched for 3 years to get it back. I found it with a blown engine and a homeless man living in it. I bought it for $450
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/P1020702-1.jpg

Our JK, a 08 Sahara with D-44LS, and all the bells and whistles
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/1023111408-1.jpg

My trail rig, a 96 XJ with too much to list;
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/0312121904-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/IMAG0030-1.jpg

Our MJ, I restored it, my son rolled it, its being restored again!
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/1313971010-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/0220120743-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/0224121553-1.jpg

We also have 2 other XJ's, a 94 Country and a 00 Classic, both are stock.

Then last but not least, my 09 Hemi Commander with QT2 and full loaded
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/0521111615-1.jpg

I am a diesel mechanic by trade but I hate diesels LOL! I work on diesel-electric locomotive components. My hobbies are wheelin my Jeep, fishing and coaching youth sports. I coach football and lacrosse.

[Sal-XK]

Welcome glad you made it over.


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[xjtrailrider]

Hey Sal!

[Lt_JWS]

welcome :)

[07JeepXK]

Welcome!

[criket]

Welcoem! That's quite a fleet you have there. Nice rigs.

[xjtrailrider]

Thanks everyone!

I really didn't say much about my Commander. Right now its bone stock, I have about 2 years left of payments then the fun will begin. I have been nothing less than impressed by this Jeep. It reminds me of the XJ just on steroids. I have wheeled with enough of them to know just how "Trail Ready" they really are!

Roanoke has a bunch of XK's on the road, most of those folks were XJ owners, its just a natural progression and a damn shame Jeep dropped it before it really got going good.

[AJeepZJ]

Welcome. I love all those Jeeps man. I smiled during the entire read. Maybe the Grand Wagoneer will be something the XK owners will like.

[xjtrailrider]

Welcome. I love all those Jeeps man. I smiled during the entire read. Maybe the Grand Wagoneer will be something the XK owners will like.

I think the only thing that would make the the new Grand Waggy replace my Commander in the driveway is if it had a SFA(solid front axle). We all know thats not going to happen! I was saddened to see that the new GC has IRS now instead of the solid rear that it did have. I was a Toyota guy breifly back in the early 80's when I was a Toyota Tech. I loved their solid front axle trucks but then they went IFS and I went back to Jeep. Unfortunately all the manufacturers have left the SFA design behind and now even the SRA.

My Commander may find a pair of D-60's under it one day. I've done 5 SFA swaps on Toyota trucks and its really not all that difficult but those were all done with pre-fabbed kits. The XK will be a challenge but it will work. I'm guessing a complete sub-frame and long armed/coil over front, 4 link/coil over rear. Now I just have to convince my wife hahaha!

[AJeepZJ]

My guess and you and Sal, if not already, REALLY get along lmfao!

[xjtrailrider]

Yep Sal and I think alike although I'm not ready to wheel my XK yet. But then again I had a XJ trail rig before i bought the XK so there is really no need. I do like the fact that Sal wheels his and wheels it hard! That's what Jeeps are supposed to do!

[Sal-XK]

Yep Sal and I think alike although I'm not ready to wheel my XK yet. But then again I had a XJ trail rig before i bought the XK so there is really no need. I do like the fact that Sal wheels his and wheels it hard! That's what Jeeps are supposed to do!

Yup thats the reason I have not purchased any lifts other then the spacer lift. I feel for me it's a waste of money. Money that would go a long way to a 60 up front :D I can live with the 8.25 for now just redo the arms for now.


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[BonesWK]

welcome!

Mmm that MJ is sweet, well was sweet. Keep us posted on the restore to that thing as well!

[stites-xk]

welcome

[pjmjr508]

Welcome to the site, nice rigs

[xjtrailrider]

welcome!

Mmm that MJ is sweet, well was sweet. Keep us posted on the restore to that thing as well!

Will do, I'm gathering parts right now. There is no structural damage, the A/B pillars are straight. Runs perfect. Just need the roof skin(already have) both fenders, both doors(going with XJ powered doors this time) and then straighten the dents. Once I get the parts it will happen quick.