XJ Theft deterrent

[Markos]

With the continuing break-ins and thefts, I decided to beef up the security on my XJ. A few years back I learned how easy it was to penetrate the door of an XJ, by prying off the lock tumbler. I observed 4 XJ's in my company parking lot get hit this way. Another was missing from the lot. Basically, a theif uses a standard screwdriver to pry off the tumbler. As you can see below, it is held in place by a very thin metal clip. I decide to replace my lock tumblers with carriage bolts, painted to match the old hardware. On the inside of the door, I used two large washers to clear the square portion of the bolt, followed by a smaller washer that fits the thread diameter. I used locktite on the threads to keep the nut in place. Total time was about 30 minutes, excluding paint.

Advantages:

1. Theives cannot pry off the carriage bolt. No more quiet means of entry.
2. Looks factory from 5ft.
3. It's easier and cheaper to fix a broken window than to repair body damage, get a new tumbler, and respray. It cost my buddy $700 to color match his silverstone metallic '00.
4. Less linkages attached to locking mechanism. One less thing to reach at with a slim jim.
4. Cost a total $6.00

Disadvanges:
1. Requires power locks and working batteries. Keep a spare remote in the rear hatch. Worst case crawl over the seat to unlock door.
2. Theif could potentially punch carriage bolt through door, but this would be as loud if not louder than breaking glass.
3. This obviously doesn't prevent theft. Hopefully it will deter the average radio thief (i have a factory radio).


To begin, remove the door panel. Next remove the linkage that connects the tumbler to the locking mechanism. The linkage is held in place the same way as the linkages that connect the interior door handle and lock to the locking mechanism (plastic clips). Next, use needle nose pliers to remove the tumbler backing plate. Simply pull the plate towards the front of the door. Now you may remove the tumbler by pusing it out of the door. Next, add the carriage bolt and washers. Crank everything down as tight as you can. Replace door panel.

Parts List

Qty Part
2 5/8-11 X 1 1/2 CARRIAGE BOLT ZINC...$1.32
2 5/8-11 FIN HEX NUT ZINC..................$0.76
2 5/8 USS FLAT WASHER ZINC............. $0.70
2 7/8 USS FLAT WASHER ZINC..............$2.80
________________________________________
TOTAL............................................. $5.58


Painted Hardware
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3430&stc=1&d=1134957014

Original Tumbler - Exterior View
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3423&d=1134955911

Carriage Bolt Replacement - Exterior View, bolt heads are larger diameter than tumbler
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3424&d=1134955911

Original Tumbler - Interior View
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3425&d=1134955911

Carriage Bolt Replacement - Interior View
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3426&d=1134955911

Tumbler Mechanism and linkage rod - Notice thin metal backing plates
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3427&d=1134955911

[Y2K-XJ]

WOW that sounds like a lot of work!
what I did was got me one of these guys!

http://www.starterupsteve.com/swf/bigblackben.html

No but seriously that is a great Idea! I think I will do that to my junk!
Thanks for the info!

[Markos]

I haven't seen that video in ages!

Outside of painting, it took me about 30 minutes, even when taking pictures. It helps if you've taken your door panels off before...

[Dave@desertfab.com]

Markos,

Great idea, Only flaw I see is what happens when your battery dies and you have no juice to pop the door locks ???? you crawlin in through the hatch !!
or They decide to just bust the wing window like most crooks that break into or steal XJ's do.. I recommend the collar lock that was discussed a month or so ago.. Definately will keep your XJ from getting stolen. Also recommend a fuel pump kill switch.

[Markos]

Dave,

Thanks for the suggestions. I am now keeping a spare remote in the hatch just in case the remote dies. A '99 XJ can accomodate 4 keyless remotes. You can buy them on ebay for a few bucks each. The dealer charges anywhere from $0 to $50 to program two remotes. I called around and was quoted $25 for two, which is reasonable. The remote must be programed at a dealer, unlike earlier models.

This is just a theft deterrent. I realize that it does nothing to prevent theft. At the very least, a theif is forced to use a more abrupt method of entering the vehicle. Shattering glass is louder than a screwdriver to the door. Glass is also easier and cheaper to fix than a metal door and tumbler.

I also added a fuel pump kill switch and hid it in a descrete location. Even so, a theif could hear that the fuel pump isn't priming, and attempt to search for the switch or use a jumper on the fuel pump. Hopefully, these things will slow them down...

[Triple-XJ]

Markos,

Great idea, Only flaw I see is what happens when your battery dies and you have no juice to pop the door locks ???? you crawlin in through the hatch !!
or They decide to just bust the wing window like most crooks that break into or steal XJ's do.. I recommend the collar lock that was discussed a month or so ago.. Definately will keep your XJ from getting stolen. Also recommend a fuel pump kill switch.

One thing I havent seen is a Collar Lock for the newer 97+ XJ's :confused:
The Lock on my 93 works great and I use it every day, I just wish I could come up with something for my 98.



Markos,
I like the Idea, that creative. My 98 XJ doesnt have a wing window but does have Keyless Entry and Full Coverage just in case ;) , Before I mod. the 98 I may do the lock-removal trick :D

Thanks fer sharing :)