New build ?'s

[SKINUM]

Open to advice on what steps to take on building a capable TJ.

I'm pretty set on the fact that I want to build a Jeep TJ for double duty. Something I can use to drive to the trails and back if I want. However, im not sure what would be the best way about doing this. I have several thoughts running around in my head. I'm curious as to what price I would end up with after paying for the Jeep, upgrading axles, lockers and transfer case.

Im thinking about trying to purchase a used TJ with a 4.0 and going from there. Im hoping to keep my eyes peeled on craigslist, ebay and the trading post and hopefully I can find a cheap used one for $3-4000 range. Then strip the axles and transfer case out for upgrades. I'd like to have front and rear lockers of course. Im curious as to what size axle would be best to go with? Probably looking at running a max of 35's. Im really looking to take the Jeep into the performance range of a modded Rubicon (lift, tires, sliders). I would actually like to stretch the frame to the 103-104in range similar to the 2dr unlimited Jeep versions.

I've never built anything of this nature. So, im not sure what I really should be looking for and what would be good and bad things to add. Im not even sure if my price range would even be feasible. I have even considered buying a salvageable jeep and starting from there.

I also am not sure about the whole frame stretching process. Im thinking it may be more of a headache then it's worth.

Any help in completing a build and where to buy and look for parts or jeeps would be greatly appreciated! :icon_salut:

[Want2Wheel]

Just wheel it and fix what breaks.

[Hadfield4WD]

With that tire size and wheelbase just buy a LJ Rubicon and put alloys in it and you'll be fine.

[Gubni]

Im curious as to what size axle would be best to go with?

Eventually you will go bigger, so go ahead and get 60's so you don't have to do it twice.


Probably looking at running a max of 35's. Im really looking to take the Jeep into the performance range of a modded Rubicon (lift, tires, sliders). I would actually like to stretch the frame to the 103-104in range similar to the 2dr unlimited Jeep versions.

Keep it low! Don't ask how I know, but put the lowest long arm kit you can find on it and cut the fenders from there. I'm not sure, but do you have to stretch the frame to stretch the wheelbase? Just locate the axles further front and back.

I've never built anything of this nature. So, im not sure what I really should be looking for and what would be good and bad things to add. Im not even sure if my price range would even be feasible. I have even considered buying a salvageable jeep and starting from there.

It's much cheaper to buy one that's already built.

I also am not sure about the whole frame stretching process. Im thinking it may be more of a headache then it's worth.

Yeah, stretch the wheelbase, not the frame

Any help in completing a build and where to buy and look for parts or jeeps would be greatly appreciated! :icon_salut:

Check for sale threads on pirate4x4.com and nc4x4.com

[SKINUM]

With that tire size and wheelbase just buy a LJ Rubicon and put alloys in it and you'll be fine.

Eventually you will go bigger, so go ahead and get 60's so you don't have to do it twice.




Keep it low! Don't ask how I know, but put the lowest long arm kit you can find on it and cut the fenders from there. I'm not sure, but do you have to stretch the frame to stretch the wheelbase? Just locate the axles further front and back.



It's much cheaper to buy one that's already built.



Yeah, stretch the wheelbase, not the frame



Check for sale threads on pirate4x4.com and nc4x4.com

Appreciate the info! I've been looking at the LJ's. So, do u all think it would work out better price wise to buy a LJ and put D60's and lockers under it or buy a LJ Rubi with D44's and lockers already installed? Seems like a LJ Rubi vs. a comparable LJ there is a difference of $7 to 8,000.

My goal was to buy something used cheap and hopefully get everything done for around $12000. Sounds like I will need to invest more to get a pretty capable TJ.

[1-tonmudder]

I would get a YJ over a TJ.Leaf spring susp will be a lot easier to deal with than a coil spring susp is,especially when you start changin axles.Unless you get lucky it will be hard to find a TJ in the 3-4k range that doesnt need a lot of work.

[Gubni]

For 12k you can buy one already built and ready to go.

[Jeep07]

Here goes..

TJ or LJ.
1" Body Lift + 1" Motor Mount Lift
A rear CV shaft and an SYE
Jeep Medic Tummy Tuck for a nice flat belly.(The body lift and Motor lift allow you to tuck the tummy)
Tube Fenders in the front and rear.
Cut the hoodline so the fenders are up higher.
Nice set of axles. Ford 9" or 8.8 or D60 or D44 for rear.
D44 for front or D60.
Long Arm suspension with springs that add very little lift if any.
35"-38" tires.

This is a YJ that sits lower than a stock TJ :) Made for go fast in the desert. I love it.


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/TeenyCAR/YJ%20Wrangler/Picture089-1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/TeenyCAR/YJ%20Wrangler/Picture086-3.jpg

[99NCXJ]

...or you could buy an XJ and build the snot out of it and still come out cheaper than buying a stock TJ. You would already have (or close to it) the wheel base you want too.

I've always wanted a TJ but just for around town driving.

Keep in mind, the rubicon D44's are really just D30's with 44 center sections and shafts.

[Hadfield4WD]

...or you could buy an XJ and build the snot out of it and still come out cheaper than buying a stock TJ. You would already have (or close to it) the wheel base you want too.

Keep in mind, the rubicon D44's are really just D30's with 44 center sections and shafts.

True but through in the Long's new CV's for the 30 and you'll be good. Right now with the way things are you can get a good deal on a well built rig. 12k you could get a monster. You can buy them already built for less than it takes to build them.

Personally, leaves are easier to deal with, but if it has coils stay with coils and if it has leaves stay with leaves.

[pookie]

If your budget is $12K I'd shop around for a early Rubi and wheel it stock for awhile. The Rubi is a very capable rig right out of the box, plus you could modify it down the line when funding permits. Or like others have said buy an already built rig and rock it. The only problem with buying an already built rig is that you don't have the satisfaction of building it, and unless you know the buyer you won't ever really know how it has been used/abused.

[SKINUM]

For 12k you can buy one already built and ready to go.

When I have been looking at prices the used Rubi's seem to be above $12,000. I have found a few used Tj's but it seems that most in my price range seem to have the stock axles and stock transfer case. Lift, tires and some chopping and the price seems to be at the top end of my budget. Maybe im just looking in the wrong spots.

Here goes..

TJ or LJ.
1" Body Lift + 1" Motor Mount Lift
A rear CV shaft and an SYE
Jeep Medic Tummy Tuck for a nice flat belly.(The body lift and Motor lift allow you to tuck the tummy)
Tube Fenders in the front and rear.
Cut the hoodline so the fenders are up higher.
Nice set of axles. Ford 9" or 8.8 or D60 or D44 for rear.
D44 for front or D60.
Long Arm suspension with springs that add very little lift if any.
35"-38" tires.

This is a YJ that sits lower than a stock TJ :) Made for go fast in the desert. I love it.


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/TeenyCAR/YJ%20Wrangler/Picture089-1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/TeenyCAR/YJ%20Wrangler/Picture086-3.jpg

I don't know how fast I would be going but that is definitely a sweet set up. Seems like it's almost the perfect setup for my needs though.

...or you could buy an XJ and build the snot out of it and still come out cheaper than buying a stock TJ. You would already have (or close to it) the wheel base you want too.

I've always wanted a TJ but just for around town driving.

Keep in mind, the rubicon D44's are really just D30's with 44 center sections and shafts.

I've noticed that the XJ's all seem to be quite a bit less then the TJ's. I have had a TJ before and im now wanting to get back into one. However, if the price is going to be a huge difference I may reconsider.


If your budget is $12K I'd shop around for a early Rubi and wheel it stock for awhile. The Rubi is a very capable rig right out of the box, plus you could modify it down the line when funding permits. Or like others have said buy an already built rig and rock it. The only problem with buying an already built rig is that you don't have the satisfaction of building it, and unless you know the buyer you won't ever really know how it has been used/abused.

If I can find a decent Rubi for cheap I may do this. They seem to be hard to come buy for cheap though. :icon_smile: That's why I started considering just building something on my own.

I wouldn't mind at all buying something already built. However, as u mentioned it all depends on the abuse. If the ride is set up to wheel that is fine but there is also a fine line between wheeling it and abuse.



Feel free to point me towards any deal if ya see any. :help:

Thanks again for all of the suggestions and help so far.

[garlandg]

http://kymc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4324

[Gubni]

Here's a good one well under your price. It needs a little work, but you'll have extra money left over to do it.

http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63697

[SKINUM]

http://kymc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4324

Here's a good one well under your price. It needs a little work, but you'll have extra money left over to do it.

http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63697

Thanks for the links! I think im leaning toward trying to build something similar to the pics below.

Here goes..

TJ or LJ.
1" Body Lift + 1" Motor Mount Lift
A rear CV shaft and an SYE
Jeep Medic Tummy Tuck for a nice flat belly.(The body lift and Motor lift allow you to tuck the tummy)
Tube Fenders in the front and rear.
Cut the hoodline so the fenders are up higher.
Nice set of axles. Ford 9" or 8.8 or D60 or D44 for rear.
D44 for front or D60.
Long Arm suspension with springs that add very little lift if any.
35"-38" tires.

This is a YJ that sits lower than a stock TJ :) Made for go fast in the desert. I love it.


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/TeenyCAR/YJ%20Wrangler/Picture089-1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/TeenyCAR/YJ%20Wrangler/Picture086-3.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/TeenyCAR/YJ%20Wrangler/Picture087-2.jpg
Anyone have a hook up on some axles that would be an easy swap? Im thinking 4.88's and maybe a Eaton e-locker in the back with a Eaton Trutrac in the front. Any advice on a nice Long arm kit and a cheap Jeep to make the conversion?

[mrlacy2]

2000 Sahara for Sale $5,500.00 Firm http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66983

[Jeep07]

Here is the build thread on that jeep http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=495084&highlight=acrophobia
It's PBB so be forewarned about the language.

[SKINUM]

Here is the build thread on that jeep http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=495084&highlight=acrophobia
It's PBB so be forewarned about the language.

Thanks for the thread link. :kewl: Reading through the thread im going to guess he put a major amount of money into that Jeep.