Dawnpatrol
Jesse Higgins
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2016
- Location
- Raleigh
I figured since I had some down time this weekend I would start a build thread. That way it can help me remember what all modifications I make, as well as help others learn from any of my mistakes. This little YJ has been a ton of fun, and has all been on a pretty reasonable budget for what it is. I'll start off below with the highlight reel of when I got the jeep to where it is today. Then go over winter changes I have planed.
This 95 YJ was my first 4wd purchase back in 2016. I was looking for a vehicle to have as a backup and a fun weekend driver. The YJ had the 4.0, AX15, 33" duratracs and a cheap RC lift. The previous owner did swap in a 8.8 from ECGS with 4.10 gears, however it was open open. That first fall, I proceeded to add a Aussie lunchbox locker up front and a grizzly auto locker in the rear, as well as a SYE and rocker gaurds. As the picture from Uwharrie shows, it has just a little more flex than a shopping cart.
After wheeling it a Gulches and putting a pin hole leak in the 33's that first winter, I decided it was time for 35's and a better suspension. I had started collecting waggy springs to get a better ride and flex. I would typically buy the whole front D44 axle with springs and then resale the axle to get the springs at no cost. The waggy spring swap required the gas tank dimple modification as well as doing some body work to clear the tires for the stretch. At the time, I also added onto the front of the factory cage, and went to a flat belly (flat at first, then had to drop it an inch).
I wheeled it like this for a couple years and was always impressed by what a YJ on 35's would do. I wheeled it like this at all the typcial parks: Gulches, Windrock, Harlan, Rausch Creek, The Flats, ect, and never had any major problems with it. The worst break at the time was when the front factory shackle mount wanted to let go at Rausch Creek. Luckily @Buddy Holly was there to glue it back together, and we kept on wheeling the rest of the weekend.
This 95 YJ was my first 4wd purchase back in 2016. I was looking for a vehicle to have as a backup and a fun weekend driver. The YJ had the 4.0, AX15, 33" duratracs and a cheap RC lift. The previous owner did swap in a 8.8 from ECGS with 4.10 gears, however it was open open. That first fall, I proceeded to add a Aussie lunchbox locker up front and a grizzly auto locker in the rear, as well as a SYE and rocker gaurds. As the picture from Uwharrie shows, it has just a little more flex than a shopping cart.
After wheeling it a Gulches and putting a pin hole leak in the 33's that first winter, I decided it was time for 35's and a better suspension. I had started collecting waggy springs to get a better ride and flex. I would typically buy the whole front D44 axle with springs and then resale the axle to get the springs at no cost. The waggy spring swap required the gas tank dimple modification as well as doing some body work to clear the tires for the stretch. At the time, I also added onto the front of the factory cage, and went to a flat belly (flat at first, then had to drop it an inch).
I wheeled it like this for a couple years and was always impressed by what a YJ on 35's would do. I wheeled it like this at all the typcial parks: Gulches, Windrock, Harlan, Rausch Creek, The Flats, ect, and never had any major problems with it. The worst break at the time was when the front factory shackle mount wanted to let go at Rausch Creek. Luckily @Buddy Holly was there to glue it back together, and we kept on wheeling the rest of the weekend.
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