My 95 YJ

[muddinmatt]

Thought iI would show what I have done with my YJ and look forward to getting more feedback & info from you guys as I continue on.
Where I started :
Unloaed off the trailer with :
3" Body lift
33x13.50x15 Baja Claws
Melted fusebox where shorted out & caught fire.
Radiator full of holes (think someone had shotgun practice with it)
Dryrotted top
Carpet ... Pee-- U !
Needless to say ... She was neglected.
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_soccer3232010374.jpg?t=1305245767

What's been done:
Purchased fusebox from junkyard and rewired.
New radiator installed.
New Tune-up ... everything plugs, wires, belt...etc.
Put on gloves and removed the carpet, sanded & painted inside.
New Top from Best Top
New 33 x 12.50 Baja Claws
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_jeep2.jpg?t=1305247832

BAM ! STOP!
Had to set around and look at it for alittle over 6 months while recovering from a nasty shoulder surgery.

OK.. Back to work!
New Brakes, Rotors, Calipers.....well ..everything
Added some cheap lights to the bumper
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_j4.jpg?t=1305247832

Installed 4" Rough Country Lift


http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_IMG00134-20110225-1803-1.jpg?t=1305247832
Slip Yoke & Driveshaft
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_IMG00136-20110226-1326.jpg?t=1305248326
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_IMG00141-20110226-1358.jpg?t=1305248326
Cleaned up under
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_IMG00142-20110226-1358.jpg?t=1305248450
Mounted Hi-Lift on Hood



http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_IMG00144-20110226-1533.jpg?t=1305248733
Installed CB
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_IMG00125-20110225-1751.jpg?t=1305248451
Installed XRC Front & Rear bumpers and winch
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_bumper2.jpg?t=1305248451
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_rear.jpg?t=1305248451
and Rock Guards


That catches me up to date.
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_YJ-1.jpg?t=1305248839

Plans are to keep streetable and nice enough to pile the family in and ride around but tough enough to trail ride.

Thinking now about re-gearing, locker, who knows what else!

[jamesrw30]

Good looking Jeep! I looked at that bumper but just couldn't quite swing it, found mine on here for cheap so I went that route. Definitely looking good, looking forward to seeing what else you do.

[BroncoMike]

Looking good man!

[Bluegill]

Nice plan & build, Matt! :kewl: I have similar goals for my TJ - a sleeper on the trails, but a pleasure to drive cross country if I want to.

[Hadfield4WD]

Plans are to keep streetable and nice enough to pile the family in and ride around but tough enough to trail ride.


I said that once too. Infact did that for several years. Drove the 6+ hours to Tellico wheeled the crap out of it and drove it home, after I fixed what I broke.

In some ways I wish I was back to that. In others I don't. I wish I had 2 rigs.

I do like your yj though.

[muddinmatt]

Thanks, I know its not a big build but I like what I have and slowly adding as I need and want. Ordered some protection for underside yesterday. Just waiting on Mr. UPS.

[jamesrw30]

Did you order the N2 series lift from RC? I have been toying with saving money and going all suspension instead of body and suspension but haven't decided. There is a N2 and an x series 4 inch lift for my TJ. One is significantly more expensive but comes with a whole lot more stuff.

[muddinmatt]

Yes sir, I got the N2 kit . The body lift was already on my Jeep when I got it. Im planning on taking the body lift out or down some as soon as I get time.

[jamesrw30]

Thank you for the response Matt. I can't decide if I just want to add the 2.5 inch lift with the 2 inch body lift I already have or take it off and go all suspension. You happy with the kit? How is the ride?

[muddinmatt]

Well, We dont have same springs but mine seem to be alittle rough on the trails but I dont mind. I have some well padded seats :tongue3:. I do like the kit from RC. On the blacktop I cant really tell much difference.

[jamesrw30]

I expect any kit to be semi rough off road but a good ride on road it definitely an important thing. Thank you for all the info Matt!

[muddinmatt]

Also, some of the other guys on here may have better advice ...but, Your like me as far as power with the 2.5L. No need to go with too much lift if you cant go with bigger tires ..Bigger tires = need for more power to turn em.

Its a never ending story... get lift...get bigger tires...get re-geared.... get more power...etc. etc. etc. <----- That my friend explains *It's a Jeep Thing*:icon_lol:

[jamesrw30]

HAHA no doubt. My plan is a 33 in tire. I am going to go either the 2 in body lift and the 2.5 in suspension lift or 4 in suspension with no body lift. Then start going from there. HAHA

[Jeep07]

I recommend a 2.5" Suspension lift and a 1" Bodylift. These compliment each other well. Also Matt has a YJ so it will give a completely different ride compared to your TJ. This will also allow you to run a 33" tire.

[jamesrw30]

I already have the 2 in body lift so I don't know if I will buy another one to replace it. I have just been going back and forth on taking it off and going all suspension but just using the 2.5 suspension is probably the way to go, and it is cheaper that the 4 inch haha.

[Ben]

i had the 2.5 in from rough country and rode awesome. i also am pretty sure i couldve fit 33s with out any trimming. maybe. but i recommend this lift it a great way to really start out.

[Gubni]

Just get rid of all the lift and do SOA.

[muddinmatt]

Something to think about before you mount your jack on your hood. Tree limbs do hang over the trail. I noticed it when the limb broke.
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_IMG00136-20111210-1641.jpg

Ripped the hood !
Soo today I mounted my jack on the spare rack.
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_IMG00137-20111210-1642.jpg
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_IMG00138-20111210-1643.jpg

[zach41]

Trade you bumpers? I have an arb with winch mount

[muddinmatt]

Finally picked up a 8.8
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_88.jpg

Rode it around in back of my truck for a week. Unloaded it today. This will most likely be the worlds slowest axle sway project.:tongue3:

Axle swap Note # 1 . Don't unload axles by yourself. You can smash fingers! :kewl:

[highrolrcustoms]

Nice!! just bring it by my house and ill put it in for ya...;):icon_lol:

i promise no body cutting :icon_mrgreen:

if you order the kit from ruffstuff specalities to do the swap we could do it one saturday afternoon.

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/88SS-31.html

[muddinmatt]

Lol I may take you up on that later, under one condition ..... I hold (HIDE) the sawzall !:tongue3:

I need to get the kit ordered .. may do that tomorrow and I'm going to get started cleaning it up alittle.

Just looked at ruffstuff link. Thanks. I have been looking at ECG site. http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-4985639-yj-ford-8-8-swap-kit.html

Do you see any major difference?

[Bluegill]

...This will most likely be the worlds slowest axle sway project.:tongue3:
Idk ... mine has taken 3 years+! :icon_lol: Nice find, glad you don't have to fool with all the brackets that I did.

[muddinmatt]

Idk ... mine has taken 3 years+! :icon_lol: Nice find, glad you don't have to fool with all the brackets that I did.

If it was anything other than a YJ with 4 brackets ... Someone else would be doing mine. This is first time I have ever fooled around with a axle.
Got old bracket off and cleaned everything up and shot a coat of paint on it yesterday.
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_orange.jpg http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_gears.jpg
Like the orange pumpkin?:tongue3:
I'm kinda wingin it now.
I have the swap kit that includes :
Spring perches
U-Bolds
U-Bolts plates
Shock Mounts
Also have the Yoke adapter.

Other than the above items, is there anything else you guys can think I will need before I try to con ... I mean ask Brian or someone to weld it up for me? :tongue3:
Or is there more I can do as far as prep work?

[jamesrw30]

Looks good Matt. When are you starting on mine? Haha

[Bluegill]

Looking good! What do you plan on doing for E-brake cables?

[muddinmatt]

Looking good! What do you plan on doing for E-brake cables?

Just carry a big rock around to put in front of a tire ! :tongue3:


Forgot to mention that ... need to order ...
http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-4974616-yj-ford-8-8-e-brake-cables.html

[muddinmatt]

Looks good Matt. When are you starting on mine? Haha

I thought you was gonna put mine in for practice ? ! :tongue3:

[highrolrcustoms]

Just carry a big rock around to put in front of a tire ! :tongue3:


Forgot to mention that ... need to order ...
http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-4974616-yj-ford-8-8-e-brake-cables.html


or you could just buy a line lock thats used for drag racing....thats what alot of people do

[Bluegill]

Forgot to mention that ... need to order ...
http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-4974616-yj-ford-8-8-e-brake-cables.html
Cool! Nicely priced too!:kewl: I paid too much for my TJ cables from M.O.R.E. :icon_redface:

[highrolrcustoms]

Matt dropped off the 8.8 and jeep and i was able to swap it in this weekend for him. everything went smooth except for having to replace the hard brake line on axle and the emergency brakes were froze up...didnt know about e-brakes til everything was assembled and i tried to take it for a test drive and it wouldnt move...lol got it all freed up and finished it up :)

[muddinmatt]

Thank You, Thank You !! The plan was guys for Me get my Jeep to Brians house Saturday afternoon and we get together and work on the swap. I get a text on Sunday that Jeep is ready to be picked up. Brian Again ... THANK YOU and I really appreciate it. This is one great guy. If you ever need me I'm a phone call away.

[muddinmatt]

Oh! and P.S. My Jeep came home with all body parts still intact !
:laughing4:
So... Brian can control his sawzaw addiiction !:tongue3:

[jamesrw30]

I am glad you didn't get it back looking like his hahaha. Jeepp looks good, I really like the looks of your jeep matt. Love those bumpers.
Also, nice job Brian. Looks really good. Definitely want to do this one day.

[muddinmatt]

Thanks James.
Bounced the jeep around on some logs. Brians welding work holding up:eusa_clap:
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/mattman944/th_IMG00220-20120408-1903.jpg:kewl:

[Mental]

Nice looking rig cuz !!!

[muddinmatt]

Nice looking rig cuz !!!

Thanks.
Glad to see ya posting up. You should start you a build thread on your rig.