- Joined
- Mar 17, 2005
- Location
- N. N. Raleigh, NC
TJ Build Discussion
-----------------
I'm posting this here as this could pertain to many peoples projects.
As I look to get started on my 'build' and do anything talked about here, I will post it in that build thread (not started yet)
Background: I had a TJ I had bought new back in 1998, It was my first 4x4 and had it for 3-4 years then sold it to pursue other projects and more consistent DD transportation. My old TJ was a more/less basic 'cookie cutter' build RE4.5" lift 33" TSLs lockers etc. Not as built as compared to my current Jeep, but that is/was my reference point. So I'm looking for some input/advise/discussion on where things have gone in the TJ build world. I've seen many on the trails these days, but honestly just haven't paid attention.
I've seen these things selling for dirt cheep and people doing all kinds of swaps etc.. I'd like to hear what you have to say about stuff you've done, seen, things you wish you didn't do, or things you would do different etc..
I probably won't even get this thing home for another 3-4 weeks, so I have some time to do some homework and research out some options. Here are some ideas I have and I'll add questions I have about the ideas or comments. Most are stuff I've seen others build here or on PBB that I liked and wanted to incorporate, just not sure if they add value.
Current Project State: (All TJ parts)
1 extra frame, w/ no suspension mounts,
1 good tub w/ clean rear fender trimming, good hood, W/S-Frame, etc.
1 TJ tub/body, complete, that's got some damage, good 1/2 doors, softtop etc.. Possible frame damage.
so, more/less 1 complete TJ w/ a pile of extra stuff
no driveline, assume stock axles are of no use.
Short list of items I'll be swapping over: (more/less the running gear from my stalled out buggy project)
- TJ 2.5 Engine
- Toyota W56/T-case
- Toyota axles ~5.29s
- 36" TSL Radials
- Full Hydro (have parts)
- 7/8+3/4" Heims (not sure if these are sufficient on 4k rig, possibly need to switch to cartridge joints)
- Suspension seats.
Thoughts/Concepts: (no specific order)
* zero lift, low slung
* Need to get WB close to 100" (stock = 94")
* willing to cut/trim frame and/or slice up 2nd frame for pieces/brackets etc.
* NO major tub surgery, NO back half,
- cut fenders, hood, etc. = OK
* retain full soft top
* more/less street drivable
* improved front approach angle
Some of my Ideas:
* Push front end out ~4-5" rear back ~1-2"
* Full Hydro
* Try to keep gas tank in stock location, possibly raise up few inches.
* recessed front winch
Questions:
* Given the above, I'm trying to break the project down into break points where some of the major items can be done separately to allow for less overall down time maybe it just won't work out that way but who knows...
* In the big scheme of things, I wonder the merits of doing a 1" body lift, motor lift etc. just to push the drive train up to claim a flat skid vs a slightly V'd skid etc..
* Anyone know the weight distribution (WD) on a 4cyl TJ. Or have weights? I'm thinking of sliding motor forward equivalent distance with front axle to help rear shaft length angle. (possibly more if it offers any advantage with out messing up WD)
* Skids - What's the latest greatest in skid plate setups? Still standard 1 plate deal?
* Home made link suspensions, designs. I['m won't be looking to 'buy' a kit but will buy components should they be a good labor/time saver.
- Lower Links - Under frame, up inside, or up outside?
- Coil buckets, cut off stock axle vs make own ?
- Anyone done a 4link on the front with out huge lift?
- Stock (type) coils, any good stock height coils to look for, (better rate)
- Shocks - whats the latest greatest in shocks and placements on the TJs.
- I've seen the rear outboard kits, are they better/worse ? I'd like to see 12-14" travel in the rear and 14" up front.
* What else ???
-----------------
I'm posting this here as this could pertain to many peoples projects.
As I look to get started on my 'build' and do anything talked about here, I will post it in that build thread (not started yet)
Background: I had a TJ I had bought new back in 1998, It was my first 4x4 and had it for 3-4 years then sold it to pursue other projects and more consistent DD transportation. My old TJ was a more/less basic 'cookie cutter' build RE4.5" lift 33" TSLs lockers etc. Not as built as compared to my current Jeep, but that is/was my reference point. So I'm looking for some input/advise/discussion on where things have gone in the TJ build world. I've seen many on the trails these days, but honestly just haven't paid attention.
I've seen these things selling for dirt cheep and people doing all kinds of swaps etc.. I'd like to hear what you have to say about stuff you've done, seen, things you wish you didn't do, or things you would do different etc..
I probably won't even get this thing home for another 3-4 weeks, so I have some time to do some homework and research out some options. Here are some ideas I have and I'll add questions I have about the ideas or comments. Most are stuff I've seen others build here or on PBB that I liked and wanted to incorporate, just not sure if they add value.
Current Project State: (All TJ parts)
1 extra frame, w/ no suspension mounts,
1 good tub w/ clean rear fender trimming, good hood, W/S-Frame, etc.
1 TJ tub/body, complete, that's got some damage, good 1/2 doors, softtop etc.. Possible frame damage.
so, more/less 1 complete TJ w/ a pile of extra stuff
no driveline, assume stock axles are of no use.
Short list of items I'll be swapping over: (more/less the running gear from my stalled out buggy project)
- TJ 2.5 Engine
- Toyota W56/T-case
- Toyota axles ~5.29s
- 36" TSL Radials
- Full Hydro (have parts)
- 7/8+3/4" Heims (not sure if these are sufficient on 4k rig, possibly need to switch to cartridge joints)
- Suspension seats.
Thoughts/Concepts: (no specific order)
* zero lift, low slung
* Need to get WB close to 100" (stock = 94")
* willing to cut/trim frame and/or slice up 2nd frame for pieces/brackets etc.
* NO major tub surgery, NO back half,
- cut fenders, hood, etc. = OK
* retain full soft top
* more/less street drivable
* improved front approach angle
Some of my Ideas:
* Push front end out ~4-5" rear back ~1-2"
* Full Hydro
* Try to keep gas tank in stock location, possibly raise up few inches.
* recessed front winch
Questions:
* Given the above, I'm trying to break the project down into break points where some of the major items can be done separately to allow for less overall down time maybe it just won't work out that way but who knows...
* In the big scheme of things, I wonder the merits of doing a 1" body lift, motor lift etc. just to push the drive train up to claim a flat skid vs a slightly V'd skid etc..
* Anyone know the weight distribution (WD) on a 4cyl TJ. Or have weights? I'm thinking of sliding motor forward equivalent distance with front axle to help rear shaft length angle. (possibly more if it offers any advantage with out messing up WD)
* Skids - What's the latest greatest in skid plate setups? Still standard 1 plate deal?
* Home made link suspensions, designs. I['m won't be looking to 'buy' a kit but will buy components should they be a good labor/time saver.
- Lower Links - Under frame, up inside, or up outside?
- Coil buckets, cut off stock axle vs make own ?
- Anyone done a 4link on the front with out huge lift?
- Stock (type) coils, any good stock height coils to look for, (better rate)
- Shocks - whats the latest greatest in shocks and placements on the TJs.
- I've seen the rear outboard kits, are they better/worse ? I'd like to see 12-14" travel in the rear and 14" up front.
* What else ???
"s.
