Jazzman is upgrading The Green Baby

[Jazzman31]

Alright figured that it was time to start making Baby look just as good as it performs. Well mostly because I need new shocks the ones on it now are the orginial. So I have decided to spend the money and put a lift on. I figured a 2 inch would work or a 3 inch, with a 1 inch body lift so I could stick 33's to 35's underneath. then I plan to put a Manik Brush Guard up front.( I like the jeep square bumpers look.) Then a Warn 9000i winch. Followed by some rocker guards. I did find these, and I do believe that they will fit underneath the Saraha flares. http://www.quadratec.com/products/12052_102_07.htm

So first I will install the lift kit, but being new to the jeep tj, and never actually bought a lift kit. I made the one for the 1976 GMC. Reccomendations I found this one from Rusty's, and I can pick the 2 inch or the 3, and they are priced reasonably, Suggestions Please.

https://rustysoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=rustys&Category_Code=sus_tj_kit

[Redman_30_06]

The one on my rubi is a 4.5 rubicon express superflex and I love it. Even with the 4.5 inches of lift my 35's still rub my fender flares a little bit.

[Thumpszilla]

Yeah don't make the mistake of getting to big of a tire for your lift like I did. At first the 36's were fine until everything started settleing in.

[Gordon]

Sounds like a great plan.

[BillM]

You will need a minimum of 4" total to run a 33". If you can pop for a 4" suspension lift then go that route instead of the body lift. I know some who have bought the 3.5 RE lift and gain over 4.5" when done. After settling it was still just over 4".

As for the rocker guards you are looking at, they bolt to the frame just as my step does. If you hit a rock hard enough it will do the same thing that my step did. Just something to think about.

[Jeep07]

Hano was selling some long arms that came from a TJ lift.. Dont know if you could maybe use those and add the extras etc? Just something to consider. Might save you some $.

[Hokie_YJ]

Rubicon Express is probably the best kit out there, but also one of the more expensive. But it's worth the money. I'll say it again, if you're gonna buy stuff check www.dc4wd.com, I know it just sounds like I'm out here pimping for him. But he has the best prices and service around.

[Bluegill]

You will need a minimum of 4" total to run a 33".

:scratch: hhhhmmmm..... my TJ has less than 4" of lift, 33x12.50, no rubbing, and will go almost anywhere the "big boys" can. It is true that the normal recommendation is 4" for 33s, but my Jeep is proof that it can be done with less.

Jazzman, I believe I showed you my setup at the gas station in Evarts. I have a tight budget, so I went with 2" Skyjacker spring pads (with matching bumpstop extensions), Rancho RSX shocks & steering stab to match the lift, and a 1" Prothane body lift (no graphite blocks - it replaces the factory mounts with 1" taller polyurethane). I have 33x12.50 TrXus MT (these tires are awesome & cheap) mounted on 15x10 soft 8 style steelie wheels with 3 5/8" backspacing. So basically mine has a 2" suspension & 1" body lift.

With the front sway bar connected, there is absolutely NO rubbing whatsoever. But, with the sway bar disconnected (JKS) the outer lugs of the tires will give the top edge of the flare a few nudges when one side is stuffed to the bumpstop and the other side is at full droop. Either way my tires do not touch any metal part of my Jeep. If I had more wheel backspacing they probably would touch though. Overall, a TJ does "look" better with a 4" lift running 33s.

Hey Matt - you ever considered getting a 1" BL to keep the X-Terrains from rubbing? They are real easy to install.

[Redman_30_06]

I'm not to crazy about body lifts though I have given it some thought. My tires don't rub any metal just the sidelugs hit the fender flares. If I had any less backspacing they would eat my fender flares alive.

[redwings5]

or you could just run a 6in lift and not worry about rubbing. haha. only a joke they are kind of pricy. although i do have a friend that ran a 6in suspension skyjacker lift w/ 35in mickey thompsons, a green sahara like yours. and it is a force to be reckoned with ##( . its mean. he did have to repace the spider gears :( but it still is mean looking and does good wheeling

[Jazzman31]

Ok so since they bolt to the frame and I and new to side protection. Bill what do you reccomend to put on the jeep? I don't want to loose the Saraha look, and I don't want to bend my sides all to heck. What do you reccomend? I already plan to take the side steps off. Amd to be honest I may build my own, or have some help me build them. Hint Hint :grin:

And the lift well I said 35 inch tires which I didnt want to say. I think I am going to go with the 3 inch lift and then the 1inch body lift. So I will have 4 inches of total lift. That will be more than enough that I need and all that I can afford, unless some can point me in the direction to spend less than 500$. . And I am going to keep the 31 inch tires until they go bald. Then I may stick some 33inch tires, actually the same excat tire just bigger. And as for the winch I am going to borrow from my dad so I need to get the front brush guard taken care of first either I build or buy hint hint. So that is my plan. and Jeep07 i will pm hano and see if he still has them.

Sorry bluegill, can't go the spacer lift. The springs are too worn out. They have 100,000 miles on them. They are not are springing as they used to be.
Anything that I forgot, inform me.
Thanks,
J

[Jazzman31]

Found this instead what do you guys think, its cheaper, gives me two inches, and then I can buy a cheaper spacer lift.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/97-TO-06-RUBICON-TJ-WRANGLER-STOCK-SUSPENSION-1-5INCHES_W0QQitemZ110049542813QQihZ001QQcategoryZ33 585QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[TiredIronGRB]

Don't skimp, wait until you can afford to do it right. Go with a 4" or you'll end up wishing you had. The bottom part of the Sahara flares will have to go (one way or another).

[SurferSami]

Don't skimp, wait until you can afford to do it right. Go with a 4" or you'll end up wishing you had. The bottom part of the Sahara flares will have to go (one way or another).


X2 - I talk with people all the time who have the "I should have...." thing going. If you are patient and get what you really want, you will not regret it. It is less expensive to do what you want the first time than to come back and change 2nd choice to 1st choice later. My experience...eh, .02. :grin:

[Jazzman31]

Yes, I understand that well my self, but I don't want a big raven, tear 'em up four wheel drive vechicle, but I do want to have the ability to have some fun other than on the beginner trails. 4 inches is too much, 3 is closer, 2 is perfered. with a 32 inch tire. Nothing big, then I want some rocker guards to protect my sides but I want to keep the Saraha look. And George yes the easy way would be to just take the side panels off, but if there is a will there is a way. I will figure out how to get some good rocker guards under the fender flares. I may have to build them but I will. If it takes me 3 years to build it will take me three years. But until my tires go bald, more than likely, my jeep will remain stock, but I may have to find it earlier because my springs and shocks are just warn out, and the rubicon lift is 1.5 inches bigger than mine and with a 50 dollar 1 inch body lift and a 100 dollar 2 inch spacer lift will be excatly what I want and it will be within my budget. So I do appreciate the help and I am listening, but with your help, and other jeep owners, and the extensive research I have done, I think I have made the best decision. and if I havent or if I am wrong, please speak up.

[Bluegill]

Actually, the Rubicon suspension is only .75" (3/4") taller than a standard TJ. IIRC

[TiredIronGRB]

I think I have made the best decision. and if I havent or if I am wrong, please speak up.

That's what we were doing... :wink:

[Jazzman31]

Please explain, what you mean. First you tell me to do excatly what I want then you tell me no. I am confused? :-k

[TiredIronGRB]

You asked our opinions so we gave them, you should do what ever you will be happy with.

[zukinut]

Im NOT a jeep person but all my friends are. Theyre are opinions of rustys off road go from horrible to unmentionable. Ive seen some stuff of rustys and didnt like the quality but like i say im not a jeep person. Only passin on info that ive heard from friends that are jeep guys.

I would hate for someone to spend the dough and then find out the hard way about the quality of the product.

On the flipside, ive heard nothing but good about the rubicon express stuff.

HTH

[JustCreepin']

Advice? I don't have much, considering I don't have any type of 4x4 :( . But, I have been doing a lot of research, especially on Jeeps. If you haven't been there already, you may want to check out and search some of the Jeep-specific forums at:

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/index.php
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/ubbthreads.php
http://www.wranglerforum.com/
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/
http://www.ilovejeeps.com/forums/index.php?

Sorry if this is redundant 8-[ !

[Bluegill]

I've talked to alot of Jeep fanatics, everything from mallcrawlers to those obsessed with big rocks. The Rubicon Express kits are arguably the best overall rated Jeep suspensions. They have 2 downfalls; high price and reduced (street) ride quality when upgrading the control arms due to the solid ends (heim/johnny joint). Serious rockcrawlers rate RE as the toughest TJ lift kits out there when it comes to off-road abuse.

I have done alot of research over the past few years on suspension kits for my TJ, and I have narrowed my choices down to 2 four inch kits:
1. Superlift Rockrunner (w/ adjustable control arms)
http://www.superlift.com/suspension/jeep/97-TJ.asp

2. Rough Country X-series (w/ adjustable control arms)
http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_tj_4x.asp

Both are equally capable, well-reputed, and most importantly won't break the bank when purchased. The Superlift is a littler higher at around $1,300 and the RCX is currently at $900.

I'm thinking the 400 less sounds good to me, and the fact that Rough Country is based in the great state of Tennessee :wink: I also like the advertising pic for the X lift:
http://www.roughcountry.com/Graphics/LargePics/Jeep_TJ-4inX.jpg

[Jazzman31]

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=767170&page=4

About half way down the page, this is what I will stick on my jeep, without the exhaust, and I will cut in some side steps, with the ridges like the oem step. It will be sweet when I am done.

[Jazzman31]

I decided on going a different way with the front of my jeep. I decided to keep the stock bumper, and put a Warn 9000i on it, a 5 mount KC light bar. With four KC Hilites Slimlite (2) 130watt Blue Ice Titanium, (2) 130watt Blue Fog Titanium. I attached the winch through the entire bumper, frame and all, with 2 Grade 8 bolts. its a solid attachment. I am waiting for the light bar to come in on Tuesday. I will post up picks when finished.

[Derrickalda]

umm so you went lights and winch before lift and tires eh?

mall crawler

[SamuraiGuyTN]

I know a guy that has a Rubi with a 6" Rubi lift. he is running 35's and it looks really good. He did mention that he might sell it and go bigger.
Actually he is the owner of Bracken Paving. Comes out to Fly at the flight school I work at.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Your solution locally:
http://www.tedsoffroad.com/

Look thru this web site especially the Trail Pics 2006 and the YJ & CJ builds.

Ted has a shop near Bumpas Cove, down Hwy107 (Clark's Creek Area) and can help you plan out your build and can make anything for a Jeep! He has been working on my XJ the past week...we're stretching the wheel base out and setting up some suspension work. Will post some pics in the buildup page.

He just built his own tube fenders.....the dude has made alsorts of custom parts for his rig and does everything out of his shop. If he can't do it at his shop he does it at work at superior metals. He is very sharp and friendly...His shop is for fun and enjoying building cool rigs, not really doing it to make big money.

[Derrickalda]

I know a guy that has a Rubi with a 6" Rubi lift. he is running 35's and it looks really good. He did mention that he might sell it and go bigger.
Actually he is the owner of Bracken Paving. Comes out to Fly at the flight school I work at.

i don't like this rubi.....too bling, and ive heard questionable stories about the suspension

[Jazzman31]

umm so you went lights and winch before lift and tires eh?

mall crawler

Well at this point yes, but when you get free stuff, it kinda hard to turn down. I will get my lift next, maybe over spring break, but with the way work is going even sooner. My company CVS just gave me a 3$ raise, and a promotion from Pharmacy Technician to Pharmacy Technician/ Insurance Sever, Operating System Specialist. So that extra dough should help. Yes that Rubi is huge, I like its looks but it is about 3 inches to tall for me.

[Gordon]

Congrats on the promo.

[Dino1967]

Congrats on the promo. kool

[Jazzman31]

Thanks guys, CVS has been good to me, I am thinking that when I graduate I will get a front office job, considering how the CEO of the Southeastern branch of CVS was talking to me. But that is just a thought we will see what happens. The Computer division GM is retiring next year, and the DM also is, the CEO told me that if things keep going to way they are now I could be running the Computer division by the start of my senior year, in college.

[Jazzman31]

Your solution locally:
http://www.tedsoffroad.com/

Look thru this web site especially the Trail Pics 2006 and the YJ & CJ builds.

Ted has a shop near Bumpas Cove, down Hwy107 (Clark's Creek Area) and can help you plan out your build and can make anything for a Jeep! He has been working on my XJ the past week...we're stretching the wheel base out and setting up some suspension work. Will post some pics in the buildup page.

He just built his own tube fenders.....the dude has made alsorts of custom parts for his rig and does everything out of his shop. If he can't do it at his shop he does it at work at superior metals. He is very sharp and friendly...His shop is for fun and enjoying building cool rigs, not really doing it to make big money.

Thanks I will look him up, I will need a place to install my lift amd may need a few items made for it as well.

Well it turns out that with my promotion, and my raise. I must have either saved my money, or didnt realize that 3$ can add up real quick, but none the less, I now have the money to raise my Jeep.Now I have decided (and with dads help) to go with a budget lift, to start out. HANO hooked me up with the spacers. Along with the spacers, he also gave me a suggestion to add bar pin elimators, which with futher reading, doesnt sound like a bad investment, also I will not add new shocks, one becasue if I decide to get a bigger lift, I will of spent 200$ for shocks I cant even use anymore. Does anyone else have any suggestions on what else I need to add, so that I can lift my jeep safely? Also I had forgot to thank God in my last post, for the promotion and the oppurtunites he has given me. He also helped me move my family to Memphis closer to Dads new job. While allowing, our family to keep our house in Athens, TN

[Jazzman31]

Got the spacers installed yesterday, and man does it look sweet. I will post pictures tomorrow of my front light bar and the build on the spacers. Thanks again Chaser for the help, and the garage.

[Jazzman31]

Well I got the pictures taken until my camera batery died, I upload them to an album here is the link to it. http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=85

[Want2Wheel]

That is looking good.

[chaser]

No problem Cold but fun :wink:

[Derrickalda]

Well I got the pictures taken until my camera batery died, I upload them to an album here is the link to it. http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=85

you might have better luck with flex if you disconnected (sale the winch and buy those, then you wont need the winch) , and the lights make your rig look like a spider

[Jazzman31]

Alright I posted a topic on what shocks to get for the Baby Jeep, I installed the Rancho RS9000X and they are great. I had them on without the controller and they did ok, then I put the controller on and it was a great improvement with the push of a button I can change the whole ride of my jeep. Chaser can contest to it. It was excellent on Bays today, with good adjustment, the jeep had great traction. So here is the install pics. Also over break I installed a MTX Thunder8000 Subwoofer and a Alpine 800watt amplifier, Chaser fine tuned it and man it sounds great. Those pics will come when I get them uploaded from the house server.


http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?pos=-1977
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?pos=-1976
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?pos=-1987
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?pos=-1986
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?pos=-1985
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?pos=-1982
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?pos=-1983

More here
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=85

[Bluegill]

Looks nice man! Now you need some JKS sway bar discos to see how well it will flex :wink:

[Jazzman31]

I took the sway bar connects off and flexed it out on the ramp, it flexed madly. Now I just need to get the Discos and I will be set for a least another 2 months, maybe...LOL Inchitous is a very umpredictable diease.

[Bluegill]

Inchitous is a very unpredictable diease.

You sir, are correct 8) :lol:

[Jazzman31]

The front is installed.

[pplblazerdude]

The front is installed. Front what Lift?

[Derrickalda]

Inchitous is a very unpredictable diease.

this is the result of this disease...

http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10048/IMGP2788.JPG

[Jazzman31]

The front is installed. Front what Lift?

Yes it is a lift, a 4 inch lift from Rough Country, but I got to get my cam bolts to line up, the alignment is off pretty bad. The front passanger spring is rubbing the bumpstop tube, and even with a transfer case drop, the jeep has a bad driveline vibration. Oh I forgot I still have to adjust the shifter for the transmission. So yes it is all installed but I got a few problems to sort out, before they drive me crazy.

[Jeep07]

The front is installed. Front what Lift?

Yes it is a lift, a 4 inch lift from Rough Country, but I got to get my cam bolts to line up, the alignment is off pretty bad. The front passanger spring is rubbing the bumpstop tube, and even with a transfer case drop, the jeep has a bad driveline vibration. Oh I forgot I still have to adjust the shifter for the transmission. So yes it is all installed but I got a few problems to sort out, before they drive me crazy.

Rear adj UCA's, SYE and CV shaft are in your future if you have driveline vibes with tcase drop kit on.

did you drill a new hole for the panhard to attach to the axle?

[Jazzman31]

Hole for the trac bar bracket. Then yes.

[r1ng3l78]

the brackets for the rear. you just redrill the existing bracket on the front. if you attached the bracket to front somehow, then that's your problem. sorry, meant to tell you that you don't have to touch the cambolts, might have made life a little easier. :oops:

[Jazzman31]

Rough Country sent me a trac bar bracket for the front as well as the rear. It installed on the front to relocate the track bar, and I just had to drill a new hole for bracing. The same for the rear. Now for the cam bolts I did have to touch them, I had to install my new control arms,
But other than that the lift is installed, I had to front aligned today. And the steering tweaking a little. My rubbing of the spring will go away when the springs settle, and the driveline vibrations will go away as well when the spring settle. I am still to make and install some extended bar pin elimators. My new shocks are just a liottle short. But here are the pics of the build up.

It is sweet, looks really really cool.

[Jazzman31]

What the lift came in, Three boxes.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010141.jpg
The contents spread out on the nice warm garage floor.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010142.jpg
The rubbing spring problem.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010166.jpg
The rear installed.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010156.jpg
The bolt had to go or it was my insanity. so I drimmled it right off. So thta I could take a chisel and tap it off with a hammer then grab it with vice grips.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010151.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010152.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010147.jpg

[Jazzman31]

This is only the front installed. I finished it on day one.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010148.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010146.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010150.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010154.jpg

[Hokie_YJ]

I reccomend the Teraflex ESS kit for the SYE. I'm running it, and I believe Rob has it on his TJ. I got mine from DC4WD, other vendors couldn't touch his price. It also arrived on my doorstep in less than 24 hrs. :shock:

[pplblazerdude]

I reccomend the Teraflex ESS kit for the SYE. I'm running it, and I believe Rob has it on his TJ. I got mine from DC4WD, other vendors couldn't touch his price. It also arrived on my doorstep in less than 24 hrs. :shock: I give this a x2 I helped install this kit and it was a very nice kit.

[Jazzman31]

Yep thats what is going on the jeep next, then I am going to belly up the transfer case.

[Dino1967]

kool looks nice keep us posted

[r1ng3l78]

it's hard to tell from the pics but the tracbar bracket may be giving you your spring rubbing problem if you didn't get a longer tracbar in the kit. i wouldn't want mine lower anyways since you won't be able to steer if it gets broken. you want to keep it as close to neutral as possible to reduce bumpsteer as well.

[Bluegill]

it's hard to tell from the pics but the tracbar bracket may be giving you your spring rubbing problem if you didn't get a longer tracbar in the kit. i wouldn't want mine lower anyways since you won't be able to steer if it gets broken. you want to keep it as close to neutral as possible to reduce bumpsteer as well.

x2 - good advice!

x3 on the TeraFlex ESS, it was super easy to install, very detailed directions too. I like it ;-)

[Jazzman31]

Well I thought about that when I was installing it, Im not to worried about it, because with me just recently going to Tellico, I met a guy who has the same setup and he has loved it. So my plan it to drive, it play with it and if it breaks make it better.

[Gordon]

Lookin' real, good there!

[HANO]

To help with some of the spring rub problem, (mine would make a racket while flexing) I took a sawzall and cut the outer curved "lip" off of the bumpstop cup/retainer, and left enough for the bumpstop to still hold.. Makes much less noise and helps to keep the cup from snagging ....

Happy Times in Tellico, it can get nasty though, so take your time......

Don't be afraid to hook cable, Im overkill with alot of my parts and have no problem with throttle when needed, but I have no problem hooking cable in Tellico..... :!:


JR

[Jazzman31]

Yes I do agree it was nasty, nasty. Slippin and sliding, and it doesnt help to have just BFG all terrians in the mud, but I only did one trail yesterday. If I wasnt so tired I could remember the name. Oh well still I had fun.

[limegreenyota]

MORE PICS MORE PICS!!! :lol:

[Jazzman31]

You wanted more here is more. I had ordered four new wheels, they all shipped out the same time, in four different boxes. When they shipped out they all had the wrong zip code 37703, mine in 37303. They we wondering why they were going to Authur,TN. Anyways I got two today, and the other two will be here in the morning. But I install two to get the look, and a pic. So here ya go.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010172.jpg
The wheels that I bought.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010171.jpg
What the finished product looks like, sitting on Bronco Mud Terrians 33x12.50s
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/jazzman31/P1010170.jpg

[Bluegill]

Looking good Justin!

[Dino1967]

very nice

[Gubni]

Hehe, if you wanted a Bronco you could have gotten more than just the tires.

Those black rims with simu-locks change it from a pretty truck to a trail rig all in one step. Looks mean now!

[Jeep07]

Yep thats what is going on the jeep next, then I am going to belly up the transfer case.

BL + MML before the belly up.. Its hard to push all that up without lifting the tub. Also a MML will reduce your rear driveline angles and might make it liveable before you do SYE and CV shaft.

Looking good. Those real beadlocks?

L8r.

[LoOnaTik]

Nice, that changed the whole look of it!

[Gubni]

They are real beadlocks, doesnt look like it on the outside, but they are the real deal.

Wow! Hardcore. :shock:

[pplblazerdude]

They are real beadlocks, doesnt look like it on the outside, but they are the real deal.

Wow! Hardcore. :shock: Im guessing he is kidding?

[Gubni]

They are real beadlocks, doesnt look like it on the outside, but they are the real deal.

Wow! Hardcore. :shock: Im guessing he is kidding?

You must know him pretty well. :wink:

[tennbronco]

ya know with the new look of the Jeep ya almost look like ya could keep up with me on the trail now and hey maybe now ya won't get high centered tryin to come out of the hole at Shawns LOL. Lookin good bud keep up the good work can't wait to get in a good trail ride with ya.

[Jazzman31]

Let me rephrase the comment.

Yes they are real, the real simulated deal.

[duke_lover_13]

She looks good!!

[Derrickalda]

now bring her out here and ill show you some fun trails

[Jazzman31]

You got it. When and where?

[Derrickalda]

the road i live on is a unimproved muddy dirt road (CR53). during the winter we block it off and groom the snow into cross country trails. well the nordic season ended two days ago so me and some buddies decided to drive the road.........50-60 miles of 3-4 foot snow and mud......good times and no camera (it was a impulse thing)

thats just my backyard, so if you found yourself out here im sure we could find some fun trails to play on!

[Jazzman31]

Done finished, now Shawn are you busy this afternoon. I would like to try the hole.

[limegreenyota]

That sure dont look like the jeep i seen a couple weeks ago!! LOOKIN GOOD!!!!

[Jazzman31]

Got the finishing touches today on the jeep at Shawns. Removed the rear sway bar and dissconnected the front sway bar, the shocks are good dont need to be extended any. I didnt realize that I was using half the shocks length just sitting level, both front and rear. I also took the front bumpstop cup off and grinded it even, so no more rubbing noise.

So this means only one thing, Harlan here I come.

[pplblazerdude]

Got the finishing touches today on the jeep at Shawns. Removed the rear sway bar and dissconnected the front sway bar, the shocks are good dont need to be extended any. I didnt realize that I was using half the shocks length just sitting level, both front and rear. I also took the front bumpstop cup off and grinded it even, so no more rubbing noise.

So this means only one thing, Harlan here I come. Nice. Good to hear things are working out for you.

[Jazzman31]

Got the finishing touches today on the jeep at Shawns. Removed the rear sway bar and dissconnected the front sway bar, the shocks are good dont need to be extended any. I didnt realize that I was using half the shocks length just sitting level, both front and rear. I also took the front bumpstop cup off and grinded it even, so no more rubbing noise.

So this means only one thing, Harlan here I come. Nice. Good to hear things are working out for you.

Thanks, she is defiently a beast now. Went through Shawns hole a couple of times today twice dry, then when it started pouring, two or three times. Had a great time and the jeep on those Bronco Radial LTDs did great. I didnt realize that that the tires stuck over the edge of the fender flare so, ?Mud is everywhere. Makes it look cool.

[Jazzman31]

I forgot, I got the winch working again, one of the solenoids went bad, but for 20$ the winch is back in service.

[limegreenyota]

Ok so when you gonna come down here and we ride up to tellico!!

[Jazzman31]

I have another few guys who would like to come with us, so in the next few weekends, I will get a thread started for here as well as asking the other guys to go, but soon my friend, soon.

[limegreenyota]

Ok cool!! I just dont want to hit nothing real ruff!! Im still open front and rear and dont want any body work to fix im gettin the repaint itch real bad!! :lol:

[pplblazerdude]

I just noticed something and kinda got a laugh out of it. Your tires have a STD.

[NC_James]

I just noticed something and kinda got a laugh out of it. Your tires have a STD.

Dude this just cracked me up.

[Jazzman31]

LOL Yeah they do. LOL

[yotakrawler]

this thing is going to be bad!!!!

can't wait!!

[Hadfield4WD]

Sounds like a plan. If I had a bunch of money saved for this I'd buy axles prebuilt as well.

Quite honestly the only thing I don't like is bushwackers. I'd personally get some tube fenders, but thats just personal opinion. Either way this will be one awesome jeep.

[Jazzman31]

I'd personally get some tube fenders, but thats just personal opinion. Either way this will be one awesome jeep.

Thought about the flat fenders but it wouldnt give it that orginial jeep look. The pocket flares are still a maybe. I am hopefully going to find something I like. Yeah this thing is going to be sweet, I sat and thought long and hard about where I want this project to go. And after deep thought I dont want to piece things together or fab too much. The after market is way too big to try and build it. I know Ill spend more money but I want something I wont have to work on every three seconds. An I want her road worthy, I want to be able to take a cross country trip with her on day and hit any trail and not worry about breakage.

[Hadfield4WD]

Thought about the flat fenders but it wouldnt give it that orginial jeep look. The pocket flares are still a maybe. I am hopefully going to find something I like. Yeah this thing is going to be sweet, I sat and thought long and hard about where I want this project to go. And after deep thought I dont want to piece things together or fab too much. The after market is way too big to try and build it. I know Ill spend more money but I want something I wont have to work on every three seconds. An I want her road worthy, I want to be able to take a cross country trip with her on day and hit any trail and not worry about breakage.

That sure will be a nice Jeep. Have you seen the Rokmen fenders?

[Jeep07]

Any pictures of your garage floor overflowing with parts?

[96 coutry cherokee]

Any pictures of your garage floor overflowing with parts?

X2!!!! and of the jeep!!!

[SamuraiGuyTN]

sounds like me

[Jeep07]

Did you sell these parts?

[TiredIronGRB]

Hmmm...that would take some nerve considering most all storage facilities have video surveilence.

[SamuraiGuyTN]

Well at least you have a good additude about it. Just remember its just stuff. And you didn't really lose time...cause you learned something about it. ANd now it gives you a chance to fine toon what you were wanting to do.

[Jeep07]

Did you file a police report? Did you provide the insurance company with pictures of the stuff?

[Jazzman31]

Alright well lets get right to it.

I decided to put in a lunchbox locker, (yeah I know in the Dana 35), in the rear and wheel my jeep for a while. Well my rear axle finally gave up the ghost. A combo of going to the wrong driveline shop to locker, my 35 when boom. Gear oil everywhere, broken gears, and carrier.

I decided to go with an excat replacement. I searched for two days and I found the right axle. A Dana 44, 3.73 gears 50,000miles out of a 2004 Jeep Wrangler. This past weekend I put it in. I am happy with the results. I will next month more than likely install the ARB locker. I would of waited but the other half needed my grocery getter (XJ 2-door) for a few days as her car is in the shop.

I have also installed an ARB Bull Bar, tougher lover control arm mounts on the front.
Now I need to fab up some rocker panel protection, repaint and repair some of the interior plastic parts.

I will more than likely do and cluth install in the next few months, as my orginial clucth from the facotry is on its way out, I say thats not bad for 140,000 miles.

So far a slow maintained jeep build is the way I should of gone from the begining.

[tjrockcrawler]

Just curious, but, why did you decide on the D44 and not an 8.8? From what I understand, the two axles, strength wise are about the same. The real difference is supply and demand (AKA price) and the possibility of disc brakes all around.

Again, just curious.

[Hadfield4WD]

The D44 from a TJ will be bolt in. No fab required.

[Derrickalda]

picts?

[Jazzman31]

Sure thing will post them right after lunch. I didnt take any of the install but of the finished product yes.

[Jazzman31]

I got my Dana 44 for 700$ including tax. I didnt have to replace the bearing seals etc... I dont have to do a rebuild. The width is the exat same. Less fab work.
If I did go with a Ford 8.8 I have to find one with 3.73 300$ ish in good condition to reuse the bearings, buy the brackets 200$ish, an adapter 100$. Labor to weld brackets 200$, 500$ for SYE. Requirement I heard that is highly reccomended.

It came down to price.

1300$ vs 700$

And I can get alloys, a truss kit, and a locker, and still have less than 1500$ in a heck of a beefy axle. With axle spares.

[Jazzman31]

Here are you pictures

[Derrickalda]

:kewl: big fan of the ARB. looks good

[Jazzman31]

Yeah Im diggin it too. I got it from Rustys for 575$ he had a deal and he is only 2 hours away from me. I just need to get my fog, and long range light back from KC and all will be good.

[Jazzman31]

Well this weekend I installed Alloy Usa shafts in the Dana 44. When I got my axle, the flange on the drivers side shaft was bent. I took the 70 buy out and bought The alloys fro Rustys, picked them up Friday and had then installed by noon Saturday.

Was told even with 35's I should never ever have to replace a shaft.

Now here is my problem, My entire axle is shifted about an inch to the drivers side. My passenger side tire is almost tucked under the jeep. I want to think bent braket, but as I continue to look it may be track bar. Any ideas, Im thinking an adjustable trackbar will fix my problem. If not the trackbar bracket is bent. Ill post a pic after lunch.

[Hadfield4WD]

If you have a lift with the stock tracbar it will shift the axle to the driver side. You will need a longer one. That is what you can do with the adjustable one.

[Jazzman31]

True but shouldnt the trackbar bracket bring it closer to center?
The drivers wheel is pushed futher foward drivers side.

[Jazzman31]

Would putting the track bar back into stock location fix the problem. The drivers side tire is more foward than the rear, and the passanger is towards the back.

[Hadfield4WD]

True but shouldnt the trackbar bracket bring it closer to center?
The drivers wheel is pushed futher foward drivers side.

Sounds like you have a couple of issues. One is the wheel forward. Two is the axle side to side.

Would putting the track bar back into stock location fix the problem. The drivers side tire is more foward than the rear, and the passanger is towards the back.

The tracbar does nothing to push one axle more forwards than another it only controls side to side movement.

Sounds like you need an alignment.

This is what I would do to do it myself with a friend. Take all the tires off the jeep and secure the frame, not the axles on jack stands. Let the axles fall free so they are supporting no weight from the jeep. Remove one upper control arm, front trac bar and springs on the front axle. Support the front axle on jackstands to ride height without the springs in there. You'll have to measure that before you take everything apart. Find the exact centerline of the front axle and frame and center it under the jeep. Make several measurements to make sure you are right. Find the exact center of the rearmost crossmemer or hitch. Make sure it is the center from each side of the frame. This is important. Make several measurements to make sure you are right.

Then measure from this center part to the lower control arm bolt on both sides. This measurement should be the same. Do this several times and verify and reverify. If one is longer than adjust the lower control arms so they are the same. Making sure the axle stays centered under the front. Use plumb bobs etc. After this is right adjust he pinion angle to where it should be with the remaining attached upper control arm. Measure it and match the length with the one you took off and install it.

This will take care of your front to back.

So now that is taken care of it is onto the side to side. Once again make sure the axle is supported at ride height without the springs and is centered under the jeep. The tracbar should bolt up. If not you will need a longer one or shorter one (that is why poeple go with the adjustable). Bracket extensions sometimes help as well. You'll just have to see what you are left with.

All my Jeeps I have aligned this way with no problems. Driven on the road with no crab walking etc.

This is also why I have a ton of jackstands.

[Jazzman31]

Ok well I have aligned the jeep just as you said, I done this last weekend, and everything lined up. Except for the trac bar Ive had to take and move the axle to get it lined up. It is time for an ATB.

[Hadfield4WD]

I thought you said one wheel was farther forwards than the other?

[Jazzman31]

yes but if you unbolt the trac bar and move the axle back then everything is perfect. even sitting level with the tires on the ground. once you move to axle to connect the trac bar back, you have to move foward and to the drivers side.

[Hadfield4WD]

Ok. It's pulling it enough that it moves up. I'm a little slow some days.

[Jazzman31]

Lol thats ok. Im slow most days lol

[Jazzman31]

I just got my upper rear control arms to help with the pinion angle. I also got so quick disconnects and front and rear adjustable trackbars.

Any ideas on how to adjust the rear uppers to correct pinion angle? Yes I do have a dropp belly skid. I am kinda hoping I can get rid of it, but highly doubtful.

[Jeep07]

Got a cv rear shaft? With a CV shaft you point the pinion up towards the output shaft on the Tcase.. Technically point it 2* below the output shaft. With a standard shaft your supposed to have the yokes parallel to each other and the drive shaft in phase.