Build Never ending YJ project

[435JRW]

Hey everyone I wanted to share my build thread with you all. The idea behind this build besides taking it out wheeling of course is to build me a decent rig to get me around and some of the off road events that I cover. Having a decent rig to get around will help me get to places more easily as well as get to places some other photogs cannot get to.

Its a 1993 Jeep YJ with 4.0 and auto trans.
I have switched routes with this build 2 times before deciding to run a hp 44/9" combo. I had an 8 lug 44/60 and a 60/10.25" for it but decided that the 44/60 was not worth the weight and effort and the 60/10.25 was a bit much for my pocket and my wheeling style.

It started out as a bone stock Jeep

This is as it sits today.

Next on my list:
Roll Cage
Steering
Drivelines
Fuel Tank

 

[woody]

I totally get the plan changes...I've done that with too many over the past years.

What bender are you using for the cage? DOM I assume? I did DOM with my old FJ40 cage and the added cost over standard tube was well worth it...survived SO much better when I needed it (which was a lot)

It needs a stinger. One of those super sized 48" outrigger type jobbies...cause those are SO in line with the YJ vintage

 

[Lil Rich]

Looks great! I agree on the stinger

If you need a bender or help building a cage, let me know. I know a guy

 

[435JRW]

I totally get the plan changes...I've done that with too many over the past years.

What bender are you using for the cage? DOM I assume? I did DOM with my old FJ40 cage and the added cost over standard tube was well worth it...survived SO much better when I needed it (which was a lot)

It needs a stinger. One of those super sized 48" outrigger type jobbies...cause those are SO in line with the YJ vintage

I just have one of those affordable benders right now. It will take a while but it bends tube alright.
I would like to something like the GenRight bumper with the small stinger and the grill guard. Then I plan to run some tube fenders off of that.

Looks great! I agree on the stinger

If you need a bender or help building a cage, let me know. I know a guy

Help with the cage would be great, I have only built bumpers so a cage is going to be a learning process but one I am looking forward to doing.

 

[435JRW]

Well a little update and a little history, the front axle is a F150 D44 and the rear is a Ford 9". The guy I bought the front axle from had changed out the knuckles to Chevy 6 lug. In the pic I have it on a 12 bolt rear that I got to move my Jeep to my new house and 6 lug wheels.

With not wanting to run the 12 bolt since I have the 9" I have been looking around for a solution to make either the front work with the rear or vise versa. If I run the Chevy outers I will need to have custom shafts made for the rear and then I run the risk of breaking one and not having a spare or having anything readily available. I can convert the front back to the 5 lug with the Chevy knuckles but it takes quite a bit of mixing parts from like 3 different trucks. I don't like to idea of needing to remember that I'll have mid 70s knuckles and spindles and mid 80s brakes a late 70s axle. Then I'd need the Ford inner shafts and Chevy outers shafts... I'd rather just have it all simple for repairs and in case I ever want to sell it, I believe it'll make it easier.

So I have found some Ford knuckles from the same axle that I should be picking up this weekend the guy is looking for the same setup I currently have to put on his Toyota! I have been at a bit of a stand still until now, I know I can buy after market knuckles and down the road that may happen but for now I'd just like to get it on the trail.

 

[435JRW]

I am way too excited about these rusty greasy part! Lol

 

[woody]

Love it when a trade comes together

 

[435JRW]

Well its time to dig this old build thread out again! Wow a lot has changed since I started this thread, just like life changes so has this build. I have been through a divorce, sold my house, bought a new one, got married etc. etc.
A few of the things that have changed with this one is the purpose, before I was aiming for a weekend trail/media rig, well the media thing has lost its meaning for me and now this will just be something fun to wheel in and explore in which was the main purpose before.

New changes:
I sold the 44/9" and have now found a 78-79 kp 60 and an 02 GM 14 bolt. The plan here shortly will be gears and lockers and run 39-40" tires. I have picked up a couple parts like SYE, high steer arms, and skid plate recently and should be picking up a roll bar in the next weekend or two! For now SYE, tune up, heater core and rear main seal are in progress. Here are some pics and I'll get more soon!

 

[woody]

Old school simple, but effective! Looking forward to progress pics!

Keeping the leaf setup, or linking?

 

[Lil Rich]

Awesome to have you back! Let’s get that thing finished so you can have some much deserved fun with it!

 

[KaseyM]

Man I love YJ’s!

 

[435JRW]

Any plans for installing a lift kit? There are a lot of good selections on 4wheelonline.

No lift as it sits with a spring over it'll a little higher than I was hoping for. I have a 1" body lift that'll get taken off before I'm done.

 

[435JRW]

Old school simple, but effective! Looking forward to progress pics!

Keeping the leaf setup, or linking?

For now it will be on leafs, as time and money allows I think I'll link the front and use the Summit links. My wife just wants to go wheeling! lol

 

[midwestracer]

keep up the grind it will be worth it in the end

 

[435JRW]

I have made a little progress, I got the SYE installed, and the Barnes 4WD skid plate up. Along with that I did the transmission and oil pan gaskets.

 

[435JRW]

Well before I could make any real progress I needed some 220v power and a new welder! I struggled to find an electrician who would actually show up to the house so I put out an ad on FB and I got a guy who was licensed and here is what I ended up with. I am pretty happy with how it turned out!

 

[435JRW]

I am trying to make the Jeep look decent as well as function. So part of that is Raptor lining the inside.... and out. I did the inside of the tub black and I think it turned out great! Next will be white on the outside.

 

[435JRW]

Its been a couple years since I picked up the welder but hopefully it'll hold. lol
I have the rear axle in place (still needs gears) next I'll get the perches welded and shocks in place.

 

[435JRW]

Picked up a new old roll cage to put back in until I can swing the time and money for a custom cage. Also got the seats in, Its starting to look like a normal Jeep again. lol

 

[woody]

Gotta love progress! Hell, I've use my welder regularly and am still learning....lol

What's the wheelbase gonna end up at?