The Money Pit- Lockedup5's YJ on Tons-- Updated Phase Two 2016-- 6.0 swap!!!

lockedup5

lockedup5

overcompensating underachiever
Joined
Jan 30, 2008
Location
Burke County (Hildebran)
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Out with the old and in with the new!

As many of you know or have figured out I've started on a new Jeep build and I figured it was about time I started a build thread since I've been working on it and collecting parts since the first of March. I'm building a new crawler for alot of different reasons such as needing more space for the kids and just not wanting to put more money in the ole CJ-5. But safety for my kids is the main reason. I had a friend and fellow CTB (VortecJeep)barrel roll his Jeep back in Feb. on a simple trail I'd taken my kids down many times in my short and narrow CJ-5. I realized then it was time to do something different. The CJ has been a super wheeling machine for four years and has taken a beating beyond my wildest thoughts along with others but it is time to retire it and go with something a little longer and wider (Safer).

I had originally bought a set of scout 44's to put under my CJ and stretch it but the axles were already set up under a CJ7 frame and thought I'd just find a nice YJ body and build that. As I was looking for a YJ body I found out a fellow CTB member (Lankford) had a pretty much complete Yj he was looking to sell at a reasonable price so I went and bought it. To my surprise it was 99% rust free and everything looked to be in good shape and that's when it happened. I went STUPID!!!! I thought since the YJ was in such good shape I'd go ahead and spend a little extra money and do it right. It didn't take long and that little extra turned into a whole lot extra. I sold the 44's to a good friend (5onpane) who intends on completing that build and I went out and bought a set of tons and it has just snow balled from there.
 
Some of the plans have already been applied to the Jeep but these are the plans and as I've already figured out they are subject to change at any moment:

-Built Chevy 60 4.56 w/ ARB
-14 bolt w/ a Detroit(factory), disc brake conversion
-xj/wagoneer spring stretch
-body armor
-360 running on propane (transplant from the ole CJ)
-42'' tires w/ beadlocks
-CJ front end conversion w/ BTF tube fenders
-warn 8274 (from CJ)
-full cage


It's been fun and agrivating so far collecting parts and doing what I can on the Jeep but this is what I've got done so far with quite a bit of help from some good friends which I will mention:

-engine/tranny out of YJ (Thanks Rodcycle)
-engine 90% out of CJ (Thanks Rodcycle)
-roll cage is half done (Thanks Jeramie)
-engine compartment is cleaned up ready for the engine install
-axles are cleaned up and I finally got the 60 built after many snags such as parts supplier problems and broke spring studs
-BTF body armor mocked up

My biggest hurdle so far has been the Dana 60 build but it is done finally. Both bolts holding the spring plate down on the passenger side were broke off so I had to drill/tap them out to 3/4''. That was a job in itself. I also added some insurance by drilling/tapping another 5/8'' hole between them. I was a little nervous about installing the ARB but it went in fine after many, many trials and errors. I bet I had the pinion and ARB in and out 20 times each. The pinion wasn't to bad but that ARB/carrier was hell on my left arm since I had to lift it with one arm in order to catch the bearing cup as I pulled it out. All in all I'm really happy how it's turned out I worked till I got the pinion/carrier/backlash perfect. I ended up w/ .0075 backlash after having to order a whole shim pack which costed $21.49 for a .015 shim I needed. W/ no real consideration from my parts supplier.

Dana 60 contains:
-ARB locker
-Chromolly inners/outers w/ spicer joints
-1350 yoke
-new seals/bearings/calipers/brakes
-high steer arms drilled for heims set up for full hydro
-ruffstuff diff cover
-over sized/extra spring plate studs
 
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Then Santa came by one day and dropped a few things off. Since that day seems like he's been here every other day after.
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Since then I've added Chromolly inners also. I wasn't happy about where the axle seal was riding on the factory shafts. That was extra I wasn't planning on.
 
Gotta love it when Mason (4) and Maddox (2) wants to help. Dad can get so much done when they're around. LOL

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Instead of calling this Jeep My Money Pit I should call it My Memory Maker because I know it will make alot of memories for my family over the years to come. Both my boys are hooked on wheeling bad. The oldest asks if were going to work on the jeep every evening. He wants it done NOW. The wife says "your going to work on that jeep again this evening!" LOL. She's not quite as hooked as the boys. YET!! Although she said if I made this one nice read comfortable she would go more. Guess I'm going to have to get her a fan for her side.
 
If anyone has anything to add or comment on please feel free. I'm always open to advice. I have already learned alot and I have alot more to learn. I'm just wanting to do it right the first time w/ the plans I have now. I will most likely link it in the future but for now I think I will be happy w/ it on springs. I already know this will be a never ending project and I will most likely never be 100% happy w/ everything so I'm sure the future holds many changes for this Money Pit. The way I see it building it is half the fun and is something I can be proud of.
 
I'm jealous! Wish I had some boys still around to work on stuff with me! You're a lucky guy Kenneth, enjoy your family, and good luck with the build :driver:
 
Oh no... another big one on 60s with a V8... can I still ride with you guys when I get my little toy done? :lol: Glad to see you doing this Kenneth.

I do have to ask... are you going to make this one as pretty as that little CJ-5 was before you wheeled it? :)
 
JC said:
I'm jealous! Wish I had some boys still around to work on stuff with me! You're a lucky guy Kenneth, enjoy your family, and good luck with the build :driver:
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I love every minute of it Jphn
Granny said:
Oh no... another big one on 60s with a V8... can I still ride with you guys when I get my little toy done? :lol: Glad to see you doing this Kenneth.

I do have to ask... are you going to make this one as pretty as that little CJ-5 was before you wheeled it? :)
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Of course you can Don..You know your self that bigger is not always better. I was at the Flats the other week and seen lots of stockish stuff just crawl on past stuff like I'm building. I'm hoping that being bigger doesn't take the fun out of it for me.

And yes I'm hoping this one is going to be pretty when I get done. Atleast for a while.
 
Well, first off, it's about time!

Did you ever decide if you are going to graph the wiring harness and cut out all unneeded? Or , are you going with the painless set up?

John can vouch for this comment, make sure you have a very functional traction bar in the rear with those XJ leaves, John bent so many of those things it's funny on his old crawler.

Talking about making it pretty and comfortable so the Boss(Ashley) will go more, get her out to some rides and events and let her get up in and try out some different seats. Some look great, but not too comfortable, others look so so, but feel great! I love mine, first time with seats that I don't hurt after riding all day. Not sure of the model number, you'd have to ask Mr Cutler about that. Also, I hear that the Corbeau (or how ever you spell it) rear bench type seats are pretty good. And, they are set up to run harnesses through.

Gonna have some tunes? If so, I like the kiss method, keep it simple stupid. Am Amp, some speakers, and in MP3 player, and it will do you really good. Probably what I am gonna go with as my unit has giving up. I may even have an Amp laying around to help ya out.

I know you like to wheel in what ever weather, you might want to consider a heater in the back for the boys. You can actually make one with a smallish heater core, a small fan and an Ammo box. Do some searching and you will see what I am talking about. Nice comfort, little cost.(and everyone knows you like little cost! LOL)

Also, talking about keeping it "pretty". I really recommend some body armor like I have. Matt did a heck of a good job on it, and it has held up beyond what I would have thought it would.
 
upnover said:
Well, first off, it's about time!

Did you ever decide if you are going to graph the wiring harness and cut out all unneeded? Or , are you going with the painless set up? I'm just going to graph it. It shouldn't be to hard to figure out. The 4.2 that was in it was already running on Propane so anything needed to change I guess has been done. Also going to run mechanical gauges so that eliminates that electrical headache.

John can vouch for this comment, make sure you have a very functional traction bar in the rear with those XJ leaves, John bent so many of those things it's funny on his old crawler. I've got a brand new Blue Torch Fab traction bar w/ heims setting in the garage waiting to be installed. Also going to run two main leaves in the xj spring pack so hopefully that will help. BTW I'm needing a second set of XJ springs if anyone knows where any are.

Talking about making it pretty and comfortable so the Boss(Ashley) will go more, get her out to some rides and events and let her get up in and try out some different seats. Some look great, but not too comfortable, others look so so, but feel great! I love mine, first time with seats that I don't hurt after riding all day. Not sure of the model number, you'd have to ask Mr Cutler about that. Also, I hear that the Corbeau (or how ever you spell it) rear bench type seats are pretty good. And, they are set up to run harnesses through. Probably going to go w/ some Corbeau if the wallet allows and also some Jr. suspension seats in the rear for the boys. Going to be tough buying extras before long. I've got another rental house I'm getting ready to gut and remodel.

Gonna have some tunes? If so, I like the kiss method, keep it simple stupid. Am Amp, some speakers, and in MP3 player, and it will do you really good. Probably what I am gonna go with as my unit has giving up. I may even have an Amp laying around to help ya out.
In 4 years I hardly ever had the radio on in the CJ. I always like hearing yall jabber on the CB. But since the wife says she's going to go more she'll have to have a good radio. The Mp3 player sounds like a good idea. I just don't want it laying around lose where I have to keep picking it up. On the flip side I won't have to worry about ripping the radio antenna off the side.

I know you like to wheel in what ever weather, you might want to consider a heater in the back for the boys. You can actually make one with a smallish heater core, a small fan and an Ammo box. Do some searching and you will see what I am talking about. Nice comfort, little cost.(and everyone knows you like little cost! LOL)
Sounds like alot of work.LOL I'm going to have a functioning full top so they should be ok.

Also, talking about keeping it "pretty". I really recommend some body armor like I have. Matt did a heck of a good job on it, and it has held up beyond what I would have thought it would.
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I've got new BTF comp corners and rockers mocked up on it now. I need to pull them back off and get them to the powder coater. First I'm going to add a step tube to the rockers. All I have is 1-3/4 .120 hopefully that won't look to big. What yall think?
 
VortecJeep said:
Can't wait to see it on the trail!
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Your roll was pretty much the last strike against the CJ5. Your way wider and longer than that and still had a freak accident. I'm hoping to be about 102'' long and will be full width so hopefully that will make it safer. I know accidents can happen in any rig but I'm going to try and prevent it as much as I can.

Is yours done? What kind of up grades did you do? Havent seen a build thread.
 
lockedup5 said:
I've got new BTF comp corners and rockers mocked up on it now. I need to pull them back off and get them to the powder coater. First I'm going to add a step tube to the rockers. All I have is 1-3/4 .120 hopefully that won't look to big. What yall think?
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very good start man, I think 1", max 1.5" on the rockers for tube
 
guffey24 said:
very good start man, I think 1", max 1.5" on the rockers for tube
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Not what I wanted to hear. Don't want to have to buy more tube or a die. Who can bend 1 or 1.5''?

Also I've now got your old fenders.lol You need them back? They are going to be for sale again. 99% sure I'm going to go w/ the CJ front clip. I now have a set of BTF CJ fenders and two sets of YJ fenders one of the yj are already spoken for though.
 
lockedup5 said:
Your roll was pretty much the last strike against the CJ5. Your way wider and longer than that and still had a freak accident. I'm hoping to be about 102'' long and will be full width so hopefully that will make it safer. I know accidents can happen in any rig but I'm going to try and prevent it as much as I can.

Is yours done? What kind of up grades did you do? Havent seen a build thread.
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Well, I've had it at the Cochran property and driven around town. MarsFab did the cage, I've put shorter springs on it and some limit straps. I replaced the door and repaired the front locker. I have a straight hood, but I really like the character of the beat up hood, so I haven't swapped it. I ordered the DIY tube fenders from BTF, but haven't had time to do them. I need to replace the front driveshaft, it got bent in the rollover and I didn't know it until I was repairing the front locker.
 
lockedup5 said:
Not what I wanted to hear. Don't want to have to buy more tube or a die. Who can bend 1 or 1.5''?

Also I've now got your old fenders.lol You need them back? They are going to be for sale again. 99% sure I'm going to go w/ the CJ front clip. I now have a set of BTF CJ fenders and two sets of YJ fenders one of the yj are already spoken for though.
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So you got the yj BTF fenders, you need to see OLD JEEPS for 1", or 1.5" tube bending
 
I've got new BTF comp corners and rockers mocked up on it now. I need to pull them back off and get them to the powder coater. First I'm going to add a step tube to the rockers. All I have is 1-3/4 .120 hopefully that won't look to big. What yall think?

Not too big, IMHO, But too thin. It will dent about every time you rub something with it.
I recommend nothing less than .250 wall. You'll need some type of traction pad on them too.
I also am not too keen on the powder coating idea. A good rattle can paint for easy touch ups. Powder coat will get scratched off and then good luck finding a perfect match to touch it up. Remember you are putting the Armour on there to be used, so it will get messed up anytime you are wheeling it hard.

BTW what's up with the 3 diff covers??

You can get one of those IPOD cases that straps to your wrist, to attach to the roll bar. Also, when you wire it, put a switch on the AMP, that way you don't have to fumble with the vol control when there is chatter on the radio, just kill the amp and kill the tunes.

Josh had bought some Jr suspension seats for his, but saw real quick that the life would be very short due to fast growing kids. He has full size seats now, but you won't have room for those, that's why i suggested the better than stock bench seat.
 
upnover said:
I've got new BTF comp corners and rockers mocked up on it now. I need to pull them back off and get them to the powder coater. First I'm going to add a step tube to the rockers. All I have is 1-3/4 .120 hopefully that won't look to big. What yall think?

Not too big, IMHO, But too thin. It will dent about every time you rub something with it.
I recommend nothing less than .250 wall. You'll need some type of traction pad on them too.
I also am not too keen on the powder coating idea. A good rattle can paint for easy touch ups. Powder coat will get scratched off and then good luck finding a perfect match to touch it up. Remember you are putting the Armour on there to be used, so it will get messed up anytime you are wheeling it hard.

BTW what's up with the 3 diff covers??

You can get one of those IPOD cases that straps to your wrist, to attach to the roll bar. Also, when you wire it, put a switch on the AMP, that way you don't have to fumble with the vol control when there is chatter on the radio, just kill the amp and kill the tunes.

Josh had bought some Jr suspension seats for his, but saw real quick that the life would be very short due to fast growing kids. He has full size seats now, but you won't have room for those, that's why i suggested the better than stock bench seat.
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Haven't decided about the step bars but everything your saying makes sense.

The reason for three covers is I ordered two covers one was wrong brand and my wonderful supplier decided to pacify me by sending the wrong cover so I got them to send the right one and sent the wrong one back.

As far as the radio I just want to fill the factory hole. I may just put the CB in there some how.

I know the kids grow fast but i figured They would be an easy sell when we were done with them.
 
Chip is right .120 on your rocker is sure to dent. I have 1 3/4 .188 and there are no dents but if u need 2 inch .250 bent I can do it.
 
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