Grape Ape's back!! TJ build - what to do?

Grape Ape

Grape Ape

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2005
Location
High Point, NC
Hey Guys,
What's goin' on!? It's been WAY too long since I've had anything to talk about on this board, but, I have some cool news. My father-in-law is giving us his '98 TJ!! The wheels are already turning in my head of what to do, but I wanted to get some advice from you on best / first mods for the money. Being a Ford guy, but wheeling with Jeepers, I was able to get some insight into what and how you built your rigs. Now I just need your help to refresh my memory!!!:)

Probably the first mod/tool I need is a good welder, but other than that, the rest goes towards the Jeep.
The TJ is a plain-jane 4-cyl, with a manual tranny. Knowing the kind of wheeling that I enjoyed the most, from driving my old Grape Ape, I sort of know the direction that I want to go. Cage, lift for 35's minimum (with some cutting), different gears (or different axles altogether), slip-yoke eliminator, winch, etc.

The build is going to have to be budget minded so whatever thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated. I really only want to do this once, with small tweaks later.

One thing that I keep toying with would be to just sell it and buy an already built (or mostly built) rig, with more room for the entire family. Not to be ungrateful with my father-in-law's gift, but he does not care what we do with the Jeep.

Thanks in advance for your advice.
 
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3.5" springs with long arms. High line front fenders. Stretch front and rear. Isuzu rodeo rear dana 44 and waggy front 44. Comp cut rear and 35's.
 
Welcome back to the show Dean! I'll never forget my first night ride at Uwharrie. The Grape Ape ranger was like the biggest thing ever.

As for budget TJ building, I'd do one of the following depending on your budget and how much you can do yourself.
$1500 Go lots of places, keep it simple:
32" MT/AT on stock wheels ($500)
2" Spacer lift/shocks ($200)
Slip Yoke Eliminator/driveshaft ($500)
Lockright in the rear ($300)

$3000 Go anywhere you need and most places you want, but still be fairly cheap:
35" MT's on larger offset wheels ($800 used, good condition)
Ford 8.8 Rear with 4.10s, Lockright, TJ Brackets ($800ish if you do the work yourself)
2" Spacer lift/shocks ($200)
1" Bodylift, ($100)
1" Motormount lift ($100)
Flat belly pan ($350)
Slip Yoke Eliminator/driveshaft ($500)
DIY Hi-line the front fenders ($50 in related items)
Trim the rear fenders ($free)



Feel free to PM me if you have any more specific questions or advice.
 
Good to see you back. I'm still hanging around too just don't post alot. Still have my ranger and it may get back out and ride as soon as I find a new house.

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2
 
Hey amajeepman,
That's sort of the direction that I wanted to go - lift, stretch the wheelbase, and maybe do a leaf spring conversion for rear.

Hey Matt and Sam,
Glad to hear that you are still around! Thanks for the quick budget breakdown Matt. That is really helpful.

I really am debating about whether to keep it or not. I don't think three booster seats will fit well in the back of a TJ. I would like enough room for everyone plus some storage space. I would love an Early Bronco, but an SAS Explorer, Sport-track, FS Bronco or FS Jeep would be nice. I feel bad turning around a selling the Jeep right after he gives it to us. I may just keep it for a year and then sell it.
 
hey Dean, the grape ape ranger will forever be stuck in my mind as it was my 1st inspiration when i got into offroading. But, ive since fallen off the RBV bandwagon as well. Ive moved on from B2's to fullsize broncos to landcruisers, landrovers, isuzu's and no finally went to the dark side and picked up an XJ but decided i needed a bit more room. so i found a WJ. If you do sell it, look at Zjs or WJs. ZJ being first preference for modibility and aftermarket support (budget boost approx $100 btw). WJ..well, asthetics mostly. but the 4 doors come in handy with a family. I would love to get back into a Fullsize bronco but they are just huge on trail (width). WJ/ZJs seem to be a nice fit as far as wheelbase and width. interior room is decent, with all the amenities of a luxo car that you dont find in the spartan EBs or cruisers.

the suspensions can start out with the basic 4.5-5.5 lift and be upgraded with long arm and adjustable trac bars later. ECGS ( a home town vendor) makes drop in dana 60s for them. DIY fab on them isnt too bad as the body lines (ZJ especially) are straight so you wont spend a lot time on the bender or cutting funky agles in the box steel.

did i mention wheel a family of 5 in comfort?

If jeeps arent youre thing go with an FJ land cruiser. 3rd row seating. strong axles. factory selectable lockers.
 
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