1990 Jeep XJ CARGO FLOOR REMOVAL / Renix 4.0 Ep:04

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Its the Jeep XJ 4.0 Renix's turn for some love, and in this video I'm taking out the rear cargo floor pan. Separating spot welds that you can barely see and getting the floor out in one piece will probably be a pain in the ass, but it should be worth it, as I can build a more accurate template for replacement. This Cherokee has been patiently waiting for its time, and my plan is to have all of the cutting, cleaning, and weld through primer and general prep completed before the first snowfall. So that I can park it in the garage and begin welding in the new metal. This video is a little on the short side. I've been pretty unwell with my UC, and I'm still recovering, so hopefully, you can see some more involved work when I gain all my stamina back. Thanks for all your support! Mike

[@BunkerDawes]

9:02 Nut Cooker Love your work 👍

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Yeah, not smart by me. The guards back on 😆

[@jamesa7506]

​@@WorkshoptoWildernessapparently you enjoy roasted nuts...

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

@@jamesa7506 I can only take the heat for so long, longer than most

[@williammessinger9819]

Almost every sunday it never fails I get my coffee and I come here for a new episode. Thats livin right there.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for tuning in and for the comment!

[@usndv]

two is one ,one is none mike do miss your bush craft and hunting used to go back and watch it for cleaning birds and small animals dont know the reason but respect your choice would love at some point to see a revisit to it as part of your overlanding

[@expeditionbound2722]

Not going to lie I clicked on this because I thought you looked like a Chinese Swat team in riot gear! Lol

[@DernsDesigns]

Hey Mike, I stumbled across your channel while searching for Jeep XJ tips and tricks. I’ve been in the media and entertainment space for most of my career, and I find your content refreshing on so many levels. I could go deeper into what I find most engaging, but that would almost be an exercise in futility-you have a rare gift for captivating an audience and making it genuinely fun to tag along on your journeys! Keep up the awesome work; your insights and storytelling are something special that deserves to be shared. Best, DG in the USA

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I really appreciate that! Honestly, that means a great deal. I do very much enjoy making the videos and communicating through them. Although in my tiny world, I don't really see in the impact or imagine what I'm doing to be particularly different. It's nice to hear from someone with your experience. Thank you very much!

[@russjowett2137]

Lots of work there Mike! Mike I did the cut and fold on my Xj. Because I had some bad rust there. But I left the part on above that holds the rear bumper caps in place. But my Jeep is a 2001. So different rear bumper corner caps I think? So mine still looks stock. But is cut and fold behind those bumper covers. Then I built rear wheel well fender liners that go all the way back to the rear bumper. To keep it all protected from the wheel spray. Just like your diesel xj. Mike I agree. I think 31” tires. 2 in lift. 👍Some extended brake lines front and rear. Front sway bar disconnects. Hockey pucks for front bump stops. Hitch for recovery point on the back. Factory tow hooks on the front. Or custom front bumper that is flush to the grill. So it looks stock. Limited slip differential in the rear axle. Keep it low. Keep it light. Put flexible control arms on the front axle for great flex. Upgrade the steering tie Rod to 98 v8 grand Cherokee steering parts. Way stronger and big enough for 31” tires. And don’t forget to add some welds to that front cross member by the steering gear box. My two spot welds let go there. And it took me along time to figure that out. Build an electric fan override switch with timed delay relay. 4.0L run hot. Having the ability to control the electric fan manually and have it run for 3 minutes after the engine is off makes a huge difference in eliminating fuel vaporization. And upgrade all the main power and ground wires on the engine to a bigger gauge. That right there is probably the best thing I ever did to mine. It now doesn’t even turn over. It just starts instantly!

[@bradleyboot7417]

Nice Mike! Not many USA Cherokees, let alone the RENIX platform, would see this much love. Watching you analyze where the rust must go, versus what is salvageable, is very interesting.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I must admit it all feels more enjoyable this time around. I suppose it's familiarity, which is the same with anything. Hopefully, I can get it all chopped up before the snow falls. Thanks for watching.

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

I have a 90 XJ that I have poured a lot of hours into. I just got done doing 2x6 rockers, boat sides, and floor pans. Next up is tucking the fuel tank, skid plate, and new trunk pan. I love my Renix, it is a unique engine management system that has been good to me. I appreciate how simple the system is.

[@RobB-z8o]

There are plenty..just are not looking I the right place.

[@RobB-z8o]

There are plenty just not looking in the right place .

[@chrisdewoody1529]

Dave canterbury will be proud!

[@nathanhyland910]

Huge fan of your channel and mannerisms, very entertaining. I am a fan of leaving it as close to stock as possible, 2 in and 31’s is currently what my XJ is sitting on and it’s fine and looks nice, but I wouldn’t do the cut and fold on the rear, I’d even go as far as to say keep the stock bumpers and fenders

[@outdoorsroyalty]

Enjoy watching your videos Sir! 🤘🏽 Showing some love from California (USA)

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching and greetings from Sweden!

[@RexDog]

When i did this i plated the open top side of the frame with 1/8 plating and sheet metal everywhere else, that way the "frame" is fully boxed at least - this gives me flashbacks as my jeep is same green and its a lot of dirty work. I just wanted to make a hitch but ended up having to remove fuel tank and interior and replace the whole floor..

[@thetinkerist]

This can be a great fake taxi Jeep. A friend told me to say this of course. On a more serious note, it took a lifetime for this vehicle to get to this point, so you're reasonably quickly going to get to the point to extend it another lifetime with some new bits of plate and a rust stopping paint. Great restoration story, happy to follow you on this journey.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

That's definitely another solid use for this thing when done. Line the inside with plastic flexi mirrors, and it will feel like a limitless dry bumming zone. To be fair to the jeep, it's in excellent condition for its age. Some love, and it will last a lifetime once ageing. Thanks for watching!

[@thetinkerist]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness and all your kisses too.

[@sdchaps]

Keep it classic. Did my rear quarters last year. Wasnt that bad at all.

[@Fisklina]

There's definitely a joke here...

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Wow, that's a lot of bloody work there.. But as you know it will be worth it in the the end. I personally would go down the path of keeping it more original, but give it a two inch lift, as you dsaid some 31" tyres etc. yea im sure your going to give it some personality of your own, but dont go overboard on it. You already have that awesome looking diesel. Thank god mine is rust free😀. Cheers🇦🇺😎👍

[@yipeeiaye]

Sweet - who doesn't like a good surgery! :) As always my OCD smiles big watching your content! This project is gonna be awesome to watch 🤘🏻

[@turbocooker]

Always enjoy your videos. Whenever I do a kit of grinding I duct tape The shop vac hose close to the grinder wheel to keep down on dust.

[@mikeradcliffe122]

Thanks Mike for sharing!! Well I did a 6.0 LS swap on my 96 XJ and didn't rebuild the motor (I was told it was good) NOT!! bad lifter took out the camshaft. So now i have to pull the motor and rebuild it!! Yay Me ! Ill be following the new build your doing so keep them coming!!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Ah, mate! Gutted for you. That's a lot of work..... it's never fun revisiting a job you just did when you were told all was well. Hopefully, it's a satisfying result when it's done. Thanks for watching

[@curtisb9424]

LETS GOOOOOO!!!!! 4.0 update!!!!

[@togray619]

You did great Mike with the tools available to you. I would just clean up the rust, preserve what is good, and run the rest of the jeep stock.

[@ronmccall6511]

Love it! Thanks

[@2dollarrip571]

I think some of us needed this video, hope big foot doesn’t ruin it 😂

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Once it's finished, I will get it out into the wilderness. Hopefully, this one doesn't get molested

[@88349]

Awsome Mike seein u dig right in no matter what tools u have brings me back as iv done this job for a living plus years of metal/fabrications on everything from ships plains trains bikes and autos and everything in between .. i did it the hard way then i learned to do it easier ways over time .. i was lookin into pricing for u on rear floor pans right and left ; prices ranging $65-75 each side but the shipping averages 20-40$ per pound so it may make more sence depending on ur fab guys cappabilities to just have them build it.. id make them in 2 pieces; first templating with 2"strips of wood door skin and glueing with hot glue gun quik and easy concentrating on making the outter edges as acurate as possible and leaving the center a bit over sized and trim for a more perfect fitment when doin final floor pan instal .. not sure how cheap door skin is there but here i can pick up a 4x8 sheet around 20 $ plus or minus... i cut a buntch of 2" strips and form the outer parimeter then add strips across the center to keep its over all shape and leavin it a bit longer in the center hot glue gun makes quick work of making a fairly acurate template.. sorry for the long letter but u started it now im hooked great vid lookin forward to this project keep up the good work im lookin forward to how i know u will transform this special vehicle thanks and cheers from "Rooster"...✨️🔥

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

There's something satisfying about achieving these things the hard way then being able to look back from easier times. I thought about making it in multiple parts, but I can get a full repayment in 2mm from Poland for 150 euros. It seems very reasonable, and from talking to another guy, it seems to fit good enough. I think I will have to drill it through for spot welds, but that shouldn't be too bad..... hopefully. Appreciate you watching and thanks for the tips!!

[@88349]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness that sounds good i was hoping u could find an easy option like that plus the price is right .. good hunting to u !

[@MrJamesThekat]

im doing the same job, would love to see some tips and tricks for welding the prefabricated trunk plate on. Awesome video!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It's quite the job but satisfying! How's it going on the XJ? I will make a video when the replacement arrives for welding. Hopefully, it's a good fit! Thanks for watching

[@rollingiron3834]

Mike, You have great opportunity to reinforce frame rails from the inside. Maybe fill them with c-channels.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

That's a good point. I was thinking of building an inner box channel tie-in. I did the same on my diesel, but obviously, it's much easier to see on this one how it all fits.

[@ericgunnyporter8964]

Hey Mike just make it a nice not so high lifted XJ for the wife , maybe you guys can go 4 wheeling or camping with random XJ's that similar the same but from different continents 😂

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I think that's a good idea. Megan is really excited about it now that she can see things happening. Just some light upgrades, but all in all, a usable daily is the plan. We plan on going out together, but she can do as she will, of course. She's always wanted a 4x4. Thanks for watching

[@RealMJSr]

This video makes me thankful I live in the south. 😳

[@lizardskins909]

Cut it all out and start fresh with new sheet metal.I when through this process on my 99 XJ. Did the frame and build new rear wheel well. When all done jeep was freaking solide like a tank. Before the rebuild on a small flex any doors would even shut. After the build all door including the rear hatch was closing at full flex. Private message me if you want photo "ideas" of my build.

[@2dollarrip571]

Cut and fold!

[@max4wd]

great video! reminds me that i will have to do this to my 1991 G Wagon at some point.

[@Carlos1010o]

Cut and fold. I agree to keep it simple.

[@doogee6157]

Brave man using a grinder without a guard.

[@spoonerbooner]

His old boys got a right roasting at one point didn't they!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It's not a bright move. Sometimes, the guard is a pain in the ass but it's stupid not to use it.

[@spoonerbooner]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness totally mate been there myself. Just getting in to job. Oh that's warm, great video mate looking forward to the up coming ones seeing you do an inspiringly good job on it. Crack on guard or not

[@KimiNL]

Cut 'n Fold looks better imo. Just do it!

[@bernhardgoetze4677]

Go Mike !!! 🎉

[@p3ggy80]

Really good to watch you tackle this. Speaking of which, watch those grinder sparks in your crotch, I imagine if one got through to your tinder bush it would roast your sausage and veg pretty fast! Very interested to see how your deal with the rust in different ways. Cut it out, treat it etc... Great vid. Cheers.

[@Winningpk3]

Impeccable, just in the process of doing the same, however all my floor pans are fucked. Eagerly awaiting the next videos on this job to steal all of your ideas. If you did have a crusty (uni)body what thickness can you butt in?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

That must be quite the job with all the floors! I got lucky on this old thing. Hopefully, once you have all the old out, it will be much more satisfying to put it the new. I'm going with 2mm on the rear, but I would do the same for all the floors if I had to. Thanks for watching

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats just surface rust Mike, a bit of Jennalite and some red oxide paint will sort it, just make sure you sell it fast :) Also don't bother with welding you could use some G flex epoxy and justb glue the floor in place. Why not even consider making it into a summer vehicle, remove the roof and use that as the floor instead. You could call it, "The Upside downer" How's about that then :)

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Haha, that sounds like a solid repair! I'm not sure I could bring myself to go top less with no roof. It might get a bit cold over winter! Thanks for watching

[@muldfox]

Hell yeah! My blue balls instantly turned pink.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

😂 happy to be of service! Thanks for watching

[@chrismadden1660]

I know you said you don't want to go to crazy with it but now that you have the unibody open I would say way not 1 POR15 or rust inhibit the inside of the rails and or B- slide some 2x3 or 4 tubing inside to internally stiffen the frame rails. I know this is not going to be a rcok crawler, mud jeep, or even an overnight "overlander" but hell you have it that far down, why not see if it is feesable to do that frame stiffening? Yes, I am sure the budget would prohibit this but even a test fit of some scrap to see if it could be something for a future project or give someone who is building an XJ an idea, suggestion, or a kybosh that it just wont work. Give them frame rails a bit of a test tickle while they are open for business and a bit of experimenting. May not even need to much to slide them pieces right on in from that gaping rear.

[@mrwes100]

2 is 1, 1 in the bum! OMG McQ Bushcraft!

[@ryanslade2591]

Howzit when you were talking about what you wanted to do with the jeep and you said 2 inch lift and 31 s would you recommend that as I've already got the 2 inch lift and I'm thinking about upgrading to a 31 tyre at the moment she has got a 235 70 R16 tyre so I feel this could get it where I want it .thanks for all the vids if I can get my jeep to half of your jeep I'd be happy going to start building the draws this December thanks for the inspiration regards Ryan from South Africa

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

31s on a 2-inch lift is a nice combination. You retain some fuel economy, you don't need to regear or worry about lost torque. But you gain more capability, and it's a nice balanced look for the XJ. I don't think you need to do any trimming, but there is always a possibility, I i think you would be fine, though. The drawers will be a nice addition! I'm glad you enjoy the videos and thanks for watching!

[@woodlandtroll4976]

Wow great job I think 1.5mm thk be more than thick enough

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I will see what I can get. They sell a 2mm full replacement in Poland. So it might have to be so. Thanks for watching

[@kristoffscuba5466]

I wouldn't do the cut and fold. I think your plans of 31's and a 2" lift would be better with standard bumpers. Tempting to use the bumper you have, but then I think you'd regret it when it looks like a partially built jeep rather that a lightly upgraded and well preserved jeep.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It's tempting to use what I have, and the cut and fold makes It easier to clean. But I think the quarter panels are in good condition so I will try and save them first.

[@jamesa7506]

Careful with that nose bashing technique, only true masters of that style of kung-fu can pull it off! The rest of us just end up looking silly. 😂

[@jerrya27]

i have fixed much worse my current xj project makes this look so good

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It's certainly a clean Jeep for its age. Some floors and rockers aren't much for me to complain about. Thanks for watching.

[@Ras5651]

Hi Mike, new to your channel and I’ve just recently had an offer for a 1998 XJ 2.5 TD accepted…only 60,000 miles and one previous owner. Is £6/7k a good deal for Jeep?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Hey, thanks for watching! That's very low mileage, so yeah, that's definitely a very good price for such a vehicle. If the engine has been serviced, then it should be fine.

[@north.by.northeast]

I'll chime on in this just cos it's the subject of this video... check for rust! If you can then get the carpets up for a really good look, poke and sniff; and thoroughly check the sills, and get under the vehicle with a good torch. I'm always astonished watching stuff like Matt's Off Road (in Utah) where they have loads of cheap old cars and jeeps with good bodywork, or if it's rusty then it's still solid - a free cool rat-rod look from the desert environment :) And as Mike says the usual engine checks - servicing, smoke, noises etc. I hope she's a good un :)

[@Ras5651]

Thanks to you both for your replies, much appreciated.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

With the 2.5 td. Drive it and take the rpms up to 2000rpm while driving normally and changing up through the gears. If you feel immediate power loss at 2000rpm, don't be alarmed. It's possibly your pulse injector or Maf. These are easy to fix and replaceable, but it means you can hammer the price down.

[@TaralgaBushAdventure]

Great work Mike. How's the tetanus shots going? Jagged rusty sheet metal keeps you paying attention!

[@deutschmanxspike]

4x2...... you´re not American.... ;-)

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Swedes predominantly speak American English here, I speak Swedish and English most days, so it's only natural to pick up lingo.