So I bought this TJ last summer with every intention of just haveing a mild streetable runaround Jeep. After a few months of contemplating what I would do I soon realized that there was much, much more that I wanted to do. I have had several Wranglers, but always wanted a little more in the wheelbase area. The problem I ran into was I am not a fan of comp cuts, and I really did not want to tube the back out. I love the LJ's and Brutes, but I had a hard time with the cash needed for one. After seeing a few threads where people have streched their tubs, I decided that is what I wanted to do. I wanted to get a little more leg room for the backseat, and have something more of a bed like the Brutes.
Here is the plan;
I plan to run a soft half cab(for easy removeal), and some type of a tonneau(Lj duster cover probably) for when I dont have rear passengers.The Jeep will have a full buggy style cage to cover both front and rear passengers. Eventually one of the last items on the list will be to upgrade the seats, I have to make room for three boys in the back. Other that that I am going to try and leave the interior stock.
The Jeep is an auto, that will stay the same, The t-case will under-go a rebuild to include a SYE and 4 to 1 kit. Currently the rear is a 44 and the front a 30, those will both go to the wayside and be replaced. I am currently working a deal for a 9"/hp 44 combo from the guy next door. I plan to do a motor swap down the line, for now the inline six will do.
I purchased an LJ lift kit from a guy on Pirate. It was a prototype that had been sent to a Mag for a write up, that never was. He was a member of the staff who ended up with it. It is a long arm with a triangulated 4 link in the rear, and a 3 link up front. I want to keep it as low as possible, so it will get a varity of springs thrown at it untill I get it dialed in. Money and time later will determine how soon I get to coilovers. This should give me the room I need to run the 37" MTRS on 17" wheels.
As far as the body go's, I will cut it right behind the factory B pillar and pinch welds by the fenders. I purcahsed 12" of the factory rails from a guy who was dumping his tub, and picked up some 20 gauge sheetmetal to graft into the void. The frame will be cut infront of the factory lower controll arm mount and body mount, and given the same 12" treatment. I am hopeing for 104"-106" wheelbase
This should give me the wheelbase and room I am looking for. I am really excited about it and cant wait to get it rolling.
Thanks to James K for all his help, on the frame Strech!!!
Here is the plan;
I plan to run a soft half cab(for easy removeal), and some type of a tonneau(Lj duster cover probably) for when I dont have rear passengers.The Jeep will have a full buggy style cage to cover both front and rear passengers. Eventually one of the last items on the list will be to upgrade the seats, I have to make room for three boys in the back. Other that that I am going to try and leave the interior stock.
The Jeep is an auto, that will stay the same, The t-case will under-go a rebuild to include a SYE and 4 to 1 kit. Currently the rear is a 44 and the front a 30, those will both go to the wayside and be replaced. I am currently working a deal for a 9"/hp 44 combo from the guy next door. I plan to do a motor swap down the line, for now the inline six will do.
I purchased an LJ lift kit from a guy on Pirate. It was a prototype that had been sent to a Mag for a write up, that never was. He was a member of the staff who ended up with it. It is a long arm with a triangulated 4 link in the rear, and a 3 link up front. I want to keep it as low as possible, so it will get a varity of springs thrown at it untill I get it dialed in. Money and time later will determine how soon I get to coilovers. This should give me the room I need to run the 37" MTRS on 17" wheels.
As far as the body go's, I will cut it right behind the factory B pillar and pinch welds by the fenders. I purcahsed 12" of the factory rails from a guy who was dumping his tub, and picked up some 20 gauge sheetmetal to graft into the void. The frame will be cut infront of the factory lower controll arm mount and body mount, and given the same 12" treatment. I am hopeing for 104"-106" wheelbase
This should give me the wheelbase and room I am looking for. I am really excited about it and cant wait to get it rolling.
Thanks to James K for all his help, on the frame Strech!!!
I love seeing stuff like this, sounds like you have a great plan & a good start on the project. I think you'll be happy with the lower COG that you're going for. That combined with a 104-106" wheelbase ought to make that TJ a great trail rig with plenty of room for gear & kids.
