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View Full Version : ***Josh's Low Buck Big Bang Build***



joshs1ofakindxj
01-27-2008, 12:11 AM
This is the official build thread for my 95 Jeep Cherokee!

The main concepts...

-Low weight and stupid simple
-Low budget (so far only $100 invested - excluding parts already owned)
-Prove to the nay-sayers that an XJ can be wheeled without doors. Those people that think they are XJ structural engineers can look at my jeep that wheels without doors or even a floor for the most part!

This past summer it started...

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v132/239/123/755350342/n755350342_1267356_1724.jpg

4.0L, AX15, NP231, D30, Limited Slip D35

Then a few days later I added some 30" MTRs on Cragar wheels, some 1.5" Teraflex lift shackles, and I took off a few parts.

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v132/239/123/755350342/n755350342_1267359_2427.jpg

Then I took off some more parts.

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v184/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2165063_9863.jpg

Today I relocated the gas tank half-way into the cargo area and I added some rear tow hooks. The gas tank relocation wasn't hard. I had to patch two pinholes in the bottem of the tank. I also found time today to remove the rear fenders flares and pound the metal up with a BFH. O ya and I removed the catalytic converter since it's almost new and it will be saved as a spare for a jeep that needs it.

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v184/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2165060_7784.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v184/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2165061_8412.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v184/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2165062_8964.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v184/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2165064_415.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2166559_7969.jpg

Tow hook bolted to the subframe...

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2166560_8350.jpg

Every weekend I come home from school I want to try and do some more to it...

Next-

-Front recovery points - I'm thinking of putting a piece of angle iron behind the front bumper and mounting some trailer tie-down bracket-ring-thingys to it for recovery points. Kind of shitty but seems to work for some people I've scene do it.

-OEM T-Case skid

-Fix the MF'ing heater

-Waterproof some engine electronics

-Rear shocks - I'm currently running without them and that is scary!!! Anyone have any 2 shocks they don't want that would fit an XJ with 2-3" of lift?

And eventually this jeep will get a front aussie locker. Just need to put in some more time at work...at least the factory limited slip dana 35 is working really well. The ass end is so light that the rear tires scrub a little when turning on pavement. Impressive for an old ass trac-lok.

I can't wait for this summer to roll around when I can start trailering this jeep everywhere.

I also found some time today to make sure the jeep can break through 4" thick ice and get stuck as hell...

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2165417_4206.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2165418_4443.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2165419_4672.jpg

2002wranglerX
01-27-2008, 12:23 AM
http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/239/123/755350342/n755350342_2166560_8350.jpg

This seems like a bad idea to me... if tha'ts straight to the unibody, that can pull right out of there.

but other than that. cool.

joshs1ofakindxj
01-27-2008, 12:26 AM
Same holes the OEM trailer hitch would mount to except it uses one more hole and goes into a nut strip instead of a single nut.

92YJCBG
01-27-2008, 12:35 AM
looks awsome

rangerman538
01-27-2008, 02:07 AM
Looks cool but im kind of curious as to why you need to fix the heater. I am thinkin heat is out of the question when there is nothing to contain it.

92YJCBG
01-27-2008, 02:14 AM
^ somethings better than nothing

I had the doors off yesterday and it wasnt that bad with the heater cranked

wozz
01-27-2008, 02:33 AM
looks sweet and think if it folds up like a can we can shoot the hell outa it:s-minigun:

95TacoKid
01-27-2008, 02:37 AM
maybe its leakin antifreeze... he doesnt need the heater but im sure he doenst need the leak

village_idiot
01-27-2008, 03:02 AM
kick ass man, weld up the rear diff, and build a bunch of skid plates

2002wranglerX
01-27-2008, 09:35 AM
Same holes the OEM trailer hitch would mount to except it uses one more hole and goes into a nut strip instead of a single nut.

ok cool, in the front i know people have to run long strips down the unibody to make sure they don't pull out. I guess the rear is different! (i'm not an XJ guy)

joshs1ofakindxj
01-27-2008, 10:30 AM
Ya, tow points suck for XJs on the front and I don't feel like making those big brackets again but I think I might have to...

Haha, and for the heater, the issue is none of the HVAC controls work so I think it's electrical and I think some heat blowing on my feet or on the windshield would be nice at times and also to help cool the motor more at times.

2002wranglerX
01-27-2008, 10:45 AM
so it's basically stripped down, going to be locked up front, on 30" tires?

If you went throughallthe trouble to strip the XJ, you might as well try to get some LTB's or some 33's on it or something.

just a suggestion.

cal7308
01-27-2008, 12:31 PM
your nuts josh. but in a good way:042:

andrew2516
01-27-2008, 02:06 PM
so it's basically stripped down, going to be locked up front, on 30" tires?

If you went throughallthe trouble to strip the XJ, you might as well try to get some LTB's or some 33's on it or something.

just a suggestion.

x2 30" tires will kill the clearance, you should have enough room for some 33"s atleast, if not 35"s.

I would still be nervous about that rear hook...it doesn't look all that sturdy.

john00TJ
01-27-2008, 02:37 PM
so what kind of strengthing do you plan on doing ??that thing is a serious accident waiting to happen ..if it ever rolled it would be a mess and crumple like a pop can ..i hope no one gets hurt in that

joshs1ofakindxj
01-27-2008, 06:13 PM
x2 30" tires will kill the clearance, you should have enough room for some 33"s atleast, if not 35"s.

I would still be nervous about that rear hook...it doesn't look all that sturdy.


I plan on larger tires but they aren't in the budget right now unless I find something used...

And I don't plan to do any strengthening right now. All the main unibody pillars are there and the jeep is a lot lighter than it used to be so I don't plan on adding anything. Perhaps a test is in order...

MF Steve!
01-27-2008, 06:40 PM
After seeing what happens to a complete unibody rig after being wheeled to its full potential, you wouldn't catch me dead running without any key components without serious reinforcement and or cage work.

andrew2516
01-27-2008, 07:10 PM
After seeing what happens to a complete unibody rig after being wheeled to its full potential, you wouldn't catch me dead running without any key components without serious reinforcement and or cage work.

I don't think the doors/ hatch gives any structural strength to the XJ...but it would help in a roll.

MF Steve!
01-27-2008, 07:17 PM
I don't think the doors/ hatch gives any structural strength to the XJ...but it would help in a roll.

Right, and typically you don't choose when you flop or roll.

mxg342
01-27-2008, 07:25 PM
I just really don't understand why no hood? I mean of all the weight saving things the hood would be the last thing I wanted left off.

92YJCBG
01-27-2008, 07:33 PM
josh is that the avalanche that blew the rear end?

red6rubicon
01-27-2008, 07:39 PM
I don't think the doors/ hatch gives any structural strength to the XJ...but it would help in a roll.
please tell me your joking

andrew2516
01-27-2008, 07:41 PM
please tell me your joking

The doors and hatch all connect in 3 points...how does that help structurally? I can see if the door was welded all the way around it would be more of a factor. In a roll over they would all help just because you would have to smash the doors/hatch down as well as the roof instead of just the roof.

red6rubicon
01-27-2008, 07:49 PM
ask this guy, he ripped his hatch off the night before,the next day i was following him for awhile when the jeeps suspension would flex the roof and shell would flex with it.
http://blwa.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2484&sid=fcf1e38b03d47e0fc1f8e92b8f212bec

MF Steve!
01-27-2008, 07:50 PM
They fit together like puzzle pieces. Everything is in support to adjacent panels regardless of how many attachment points. Look at a unibody rig that was beat to shit. The doors rub, the gaps and lines are not even. The doors and hatch basically limit the amount the surrounding structure can move.

If you need further proof, convince Josh to wheel the shit outta that thing with no reinforcement and then try and put the doors, and hatch back on. I'll bet it does not go very well.

andrew2516
01-27-2008, 08:01 PM
They fit together like puzzle pieces. Everything is in support to adjacent panels regardless of how many attachment points. Look at a unibody rig that was beat to shit. The doors rub, the gaps and lines are not even. The doors and hatch basically limit the amount the surrounding structure can move.

If you need further proof, convince Josh to wheel the shit outta that thing with no reinforcement and then try and put the doors, and hatch back on. I'll bet it does not go very well.

I see where you are coming from the flex probably would get limited to a point just from having the doors in the jambs.

XJchris98
01-27-2008, 08:06 PM
The doors and hatch all connect in 3 points...how does that help structurally? I can see if the door was welded all the way around it would be more of a factor. In a roll over they would all help just because you would have to smash the doors/hatch down as well as the roof instead of just the roof.

X2....The doors and hatch add no structural integrity to the jeep under normal conditions. Now if you chop the rear roof off, then you can start talking strength.

As steve said, they help keep the jeep from 'flexing' and tweaking, so yes, the doors and hatch might not bolt back up even...but its by no means going to fold like a taco.

joshs1ofakindxj
01-27-2008, 08:23 PM
For the record I don't plan on ever bolting the doors and hatch back on this jeep.

And there is no hood because the latch is broken and the radiator is half gone so the motor cools better without the hood.

joshs1ofakindxj
01-27-2008, 08:24 PM
josh is that the avalanche that blew the rear end?

no, that was the 2005 and we traded it in on a new left-over 2007 avalanche. it is sweet!

92YJCBG
01-27-2008, 08:29 PM
no, that was the 2005 and we traded it in on a new left-over 2007 avalanche. it is sweet!

nice dude

john00TJ
01-27-2008, 08:55 PM
X2....The doors and hatch add no structural integrity to the jeep under normal conditions. Now if you chop the rear roof off, then you can start talking strength.

As steve said, they help keep the jeep from 'flexing' and tweaking, so yes, the doors and hatch might not bolt back up even...but its by no means going to fold like a taco.


Your totally wrong ..the doors and hatch add to the structual integrity on all unibody cars ..the shell is mearly that just a shell ..a unibody setup is in no way strong enough on its own to take any kind of abuse without twisting and ripping ..the doors and hatch X out the door jams areas between the roof and rocker structure same goes for the rear hatch or gate ..it prevents the body from twisting itself apart to a degree ..youd be suprised how light weight the steel is on those posts and unibody rails ..anyway i have repaired more Xjs then i care to count and you couldnt pay me to ride in that set-up ...like i said before i hope nobody gets hurt

joshs1ofakindxj
01-27-2008, 08:56 PM
Well I have been wheeling it like I stole it for the past few months and no signs of the body twisting itself apart yet.

john00TJ
01-27-2008, 09:05 PM
whats going to save you if it does flop ?? anyway i dont care what you do or how you do it nor do i care ..i just hope no one is hurt if that thing rolls

92YJCBG
01-27-2008, 09:09 PM
just dont roll it, problem solved

john00TJ
01-27-2008, 09:10 PM
does anyone really try to roll ???? nope it just happens like shit

MF Steve!
01-27-2008, 09:12 PM
does anyone really try to roll ???? nope it just happens like shit

My thoughts exactly.

92YJCBG
01-27-2008, 09:15 PM
its his Jeep if he wants to wheel like that more power to him. Im sure he knows the risks

john00TJ
01-27-2008, 09:26 PM
no i doubt it ..we were all young before ,i know i was and lived throught it however some i know didnt live cause of silly stuff someone should have told them ..either way your right its totally safe and there is nothing wrong with it ..

92YJCBG
01-27-2008, 09:36 PM
^ i get what your saying, but he might not

OverkillZJ
01-27-2008, 10:12 PM
X2....The doors and hatch add no structural integrity to the jeep under normal conditions. Now if you chop the rear roof off, then you can start talking strength.

As steve said, they help keep the jeep from 'flexing' and tweaking, so yes, the doors and hatch might not bolt back up even...but its by no means going to fold like a taco.

I know I'm late on this, but the hatch DOES add some serious structural integrity. Anything the doors add is negligible.

Ever flex out your rig an try to open the hatch? It won't, it's under stress.

I know you said you won't put them back on, but can you build some kind of X in the rig to help tie the roof into the unibody, crossing sides? (What I just said makes sense in my head, I swear!)

limegreentj
01-27-2008, 10:14 PM
I know I'm late on this, but the hatch DOES add some serious structural integrity. Anything the doors add is negligible.

Ever flex out your rig an try to open the hatch? It won't, it's under stress.

I know you said you won't put them back on, but can you build some kind of X in the rig to help tie the roof into the unibody, crossing sides? (What I just said makes sense in my head, I swear!)


excellent idea....you wouldnt even need a tube bender...simple and safe

XJchris98
01-27-2008, 10:28 PM
Your totally wrong ..the doors and hatch add to the structual integrity on all unibody cars ..the shell is mearly that just a shell ..a unibody setup is in no way strong enough on its own to take any kind of abuse without twisting and ripping ..the doors and hatch X out the door jams areas between the roof and rocker structure same goes for the rear hatch or gate ..it prevents the body from twisting itself apart to a degree ..youd be suprised how light weight the steel is on those posts and unibody rails ..anyway i have repaired more Xjs then i care to count and you couldnt pay me to ride in that set-up ...like i said before i hope nobody gets hurt


Your right by saying that jeep will 'twist'. Everything twists when put into torsion. Just because something has a frame or a unibody doesnt mean that it will twist more or less...it just determines where it twists. Look at the older style Ford trucks....their frames twist up more than the worlds strongest redneck twisting a pop can in half. If you put a cherokee...or any unibody rig onto a ramp...sure the hatch may not close perfectly as it does sitting on the ground, but likewise its not the sole factor keeping the whole body from twisting up like a pretzel. Your not going to get the 'ripping' kind of twist that you describe by simply driving it...or wheeling it. Sure things are going to flex and move around, but its not going to simply shear apart.




http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k161/JeepinXJchris/IMG_0324.jpg
:icon_fU: :icon_fU: :icon_fU: :icon_fU: :icon_fU:

joshs1ofakindxj
01-27-2008, 10:29 PM
I'll consider putting an X across the back hatch area...

doesn't seem like a fiberglass hatch does much though.

gonecheenin
01-27-2008, 10:53 PM
I know I'm late on this, but the hatch DOES add some serious structural integrity. Anything the doors add is negligible.

Ever flex out your rig an try to open the hatch? It won't, it's under stress.

I know you said you won't put them back on, but can you build some kind of X in the rig to help tie the roof into the unibody, crossing sides? (What I just said makes sense in my head, I swear!)



Thats why I'll never even pull the doors off my ZJ, every little bit helps on an already "weak" chassis (for wheeling I mean)

andrew2516
01-27-2008, 11:00 PM
Thats why I'll never even pull the doors off my ZJ, every little bit helps on an already "weak" chassis (for wheeling I mean)

I wouldn't either, the doors help significantly in a roll over.

The weight of the XJ/ZJ would have to crush the doors as well as the roof instead of just the roof.

OverkillZJ
01-27-2008, 11:26 PM
I'm not saying the doors will hurt, believe me, but in a rollover they will just buckle out at the top (the same way they did when I twisted my unibody) - but if you want to be on the safe time, not like doors will hurt!

Either way man, seriously, put some kind of roll bar in there, preferably with an X in it to help the "frame" - but put something in there that will (literally) save your life.

DodgeMudder
01-28-2008, 08:13 PM
I'll consider putting an X across the back hatch area...

doesn't seem like a fiberglass hatch does much though.

If your putting in a brace put it where it will do the most good, right behind the driver.

joshs1ofakindxj
01-28-2008, 11:25 PM
ya, thats what I started thinking after I posted...

stesul411
01-29-2008, 05:42 AM
Not sure about the doors and rear hatch adding any strength to an XJ but, I did notice a big difference ON road after I rebuilt the floor and rockers on mine. Before I wasn't able to notice any difference ON ROAD with or without the front sway bar connected. After the rebuild the body roll was really noticeable, and scary as all hell. Off road almost all of the creeks and popping noises were gone.

gilly95
01-30-2008, 09:45 AM
if it was me, id put the X in the rear hatch and atleast a single bar to triangulat the door openings. thats the one thing i remember from hiigh school, triangels make great bridges, (but they dont help you spell, lol)

2002wranglerX
01-30-2008, 09:59 AM
back in teh day, when i used to drive sports cars, on teh bigger cars we would run subframe braces for the unibody.

They really stiffened things up.

jeepxj3
01-30-2008, 10:48 AM
even though the rear hatch is fiberglass on his model, it does add to the overall structrual support to the vehicle. And yes I have flexed my old red XJ out back in when I was in college on a big ice pile, I kept my back pack in the back, and when I went to open the hatch to grab it I couldnt close it because the body was twisted so much.

Im not saying that its not a good idea, but you may want to rethink your direction on this...

joshs1ofakindxj
01-30-2008, 11:09 AM
Im not saying that its not a good idea, but you may want to rethink your direction on this...

no way man :119:

I am going to try and figure out a simple internal cage design though...

fmlyof4whlrs
01-31-2008, 10:51 PM
put a brace behind the seats and some kinda harness. yes I know a roll cage would be better but who needs doors and a roof. My tj evens says that the doors and roof won't protect me incase of a rollover. It's on a sticker right there above the windshield.

joshs1ofakindxj
05-31-2008, 05:21 PM
UPDATE!!!

Finally I can get back to working on it...

Put the 33" TSLs on it the other night and it looks badass.

So far today...
-changed oil (went to oversized filter)
-fixed leaking heater lines
-fixed the no-spark problem (CPS wasn't grounding)
-ripped out the dana 30

I'm going to truss the dana 30 and make control arm mount skids. At first I was just going to replace the leaking seals but I figured what the hell, might as well pull the axle and add some beef to it since it will probably last longer than the jeep.

Also need to
-finish rewiring the CPS
-relocate the brake line mounts lower
-fab a rear driveshaft
-fab a tie rod
-fab a t-case skid

I'm also debating on putting in some F150 coils and dodge dakota leafs I have for more lift but I'll have to wait and see about that.

Who knows what else will pop up...

LordAthens
05-31-2008, 06:05 PM
just dont roll it, problem solved

I realize I'm quoting an old post, but...

Look at the picture's of Dave's YJ (notmyj) in the Memorial Day Pictures thread.

He was sitting stationary on the waterfall when the undercut gave way. He didn't have the option of "just don't roll it". The rock ledge that was under his tires decided it didn't want to be there anymore.

Short of Matt @ the SHBC car show, I don't personally know anyone that intends on flopping their junk.

betrayed93
06-01-2008, 11:11 AM
Ever flex out your rig an try to open the hatch? It won't, it's under stress.

!)


lol.. Yeah This is so true! I tried to open my hatch to get a drink out of the cooler to find out my hatch didn't open till I had the jeep back on the trailer lol.. Solution to that was Remove the rear glass in the hatch and reach in ;)

Josh I rigged up some d hooks on my unibody in the rear like you have done with regular hooks and to be honest with ya I laughed and thought they would be worthless but I have been swamped and Yanked out with them normous times with out any issues!

And if your looking for cheap suspension parts I got a ton of them laying around.. 3 inch coils.. shocks.. 6 inch leafs...


Now my main question for you is Why? Why you building another jeep to do the same job you built you 89 for? Paying for double the lockers.. Weaker rear axle.. etc etc? I know your like me just like to play but I ve been wondering

SirFuego
06-01-2008, 12:28 PM
Josh I rigged up some d hooks on my unibody in the rear like you have done with regular hooks and to be honest with ya I laughed and thought they would be worthless but I have been swamped and Yanked out with them normous times with out any issues!

Any chance you could unbolt the d-hooks and see if the holes got any bigger or any signs of stress are shown on the unibody? Just curious as to why you did that in the first place when you thought they were going to be worthless? Were any of the "normous" pulls at an angle?

betrayed93
06-01-2008, 10:25 PM
Any chance you could unbolt the d-hooks and see if the holes got any bigger or any signs of stress are shown on the unibody? Just curious as to why you did that in the first place when you thought they were going to be worthless? Were any of the "normous" pulls at an angle?

Some of the pulls was around a 45 degree angle with success.. Im not saying these are bullet proof but I am just impressed they actaully held up! Only reason I mounted them like I did was because I was planning oon going to a meet on here and I didn't want to come out and get stuck with out no tow points so I slapped some d Rings on for that day

XJchris98
06-01-2008, 10:44 PM
Only reason I mounted them like I did was because I was planning oon going to a meet on here and I didn't want to come out and get stuck with out no tow points so I slapped some d Rings on for that day


:thumbsdown:
...Thats usually worse than not having any recovery points at all

betrayed93
06-03-2008, 12:39 PM
:thumbsdown:
...Thats usually worse than not having any recovery points at all

Yeah ok.. Thats why there still on after months of 4 wheeling and being pulled out.. You make alot of sense:flipoff2:

BAD_GNR
06-03-2008, 12:51 PM
Short of Matt @ the SHBC car show, I don't personally know anyone that intends on flopping their junk.


I flop my junk all the time when I'm alone. I don't remember seeing Matt do that at the car show, but he did roll his buggie.:041:

joshs1ofakindxj
06-03-2008, 12:59 PM
Now my main question for you is Why? Why you building another jeep to do the same job you built you 89 for? Paying for double the lockers.. Weaker rear axle.. etc etc? I know your like me just like to play but I ve been wondering

Well its just getting out of hand. Wheeling this jeep without a care for the the jeep was the main reason but its just been evolving into something more fun than my red Cherokee since the doors are off and the fenders are trimmed and all, so why not. I'm not doing lockers or axle upgrades this year (except maybe swapping in an 8.25) and for all the more I do, its plenty of jeep for now. Full widths and lockers are further down the road, even though I might be getting a 77 Ford HP D44 soon.

The red Cherokee will start getting wheeled again when I move up to Rochester in the fall cause I can't take the green Cherokee up there with me.

SirFuego
06-03-2008, 01:19 PM
Any chance you could unbolt the d-hooks and see if the holes got any bigger or any signs of stress are shown on the unibody?


Some of the pulls was around a 45 degree angle with success.. Im not saying these are bullet proof but I am just impressed they actaully held up! Only reason I mounted them like I did was because I was planning oon going to a meet on here and I didn't want to come out and get stuck with out no tow points so I slapped some d Rings on for that day


Yeah ok.. Thats why there still on after months of 4 wheeling and being pulled out.. You make alot of sense:flipoff2:

My original question about unbolting them was serious. Just because it has held up to four months of wheeling and getting pulled out numerous times doesn't convince me in the least that it's a "good" or "safe" idea. My concern is that each pull is putting too much stress on the mounting points thus causing it to eventually fail.

My main concern is that your justification and support for doing it might lead other people to do the same thing in order to save a few bucks.

I will admit that I have not seen "proof" that such a set up will fail (and I hope I never do, because flying tow points are never a good thing), so that is why I am asking for pictures. Something like tow points, in my mind, should be "bulletproof". Safety and responsibility should be the utmost concerns for any four wheeler, so I hope you can appreciate my concern for safety in this case.

Sorry for the hijack.

betrayed93
06-03-2008, 02:43 PM
.

I will admit that I have not seen "proof" that such a set up will fail (and I hope I never do, because flying tow points are never a good thing), so that is why I am asking for pictures. Something like tow points, in my mind, should be "bulletproof". Safety and responsibility should be the utmost concerns for any four wheeler, so I hope you can appreciate my concern for safety in this case.

Sorry for the hijack.

To be honest I never really thought about flying tow points.. and misleading,, Basically now that you got me thinking about it ill pull them off and check them out and get pics.. Can't tell you when exactly and most likely reinforce them because i love them where they are for Hauling and retrieving!

Another Idea I got from the russians was to use a chain to hang from each d ring and pull from the center to use the equal amount of tension on each side..

Krod
06-03-2008, 02:58 PM
Another Idea I got from the russians was to use a chain to hang from each d ring and pull from the center to use the equal amount of tension on each side..


Please don't do that.

Muzikman
06-03-2008, 03:44 PM
next yourgoing to say that you use only straps with metal hooks. :)

recovery is serious business. secure recovery points, no chains and no metal hooks are best.

yes, people use chains, but i won't be around to see it.

people do, do what you are talking about with tree savers. i woud be ok with that.

andrew2516
06-03-2008, 03:47 PM
To be honest I never really thought about flying tow points.. and misleading,, Basically now that you got me thinking about it ill pull them off and check them out and get pics.. Can't tell you when exactly and most likely reinforce them because i love them where they are for Hauling and retrieving!

Another Idea I got from the russians was to use a chain to hang from each d ring and pull from the center to use the equal amount of tension on each side..

I know if you came to a trail ride and I was there...I wouldn't pull you out with tow points like that...it wouldn't be worth risking my own life. Stock, OEM tow hook brackets do not just bolt into 2 holes and they do use nut strips(stock even makes me nervous!).

Either way I'm not trying to be a dick but this site is here to help fellow wheelers be safe and avoid bad publicity for the 4x4 community.

Buy tow hooks, or a bumper.

Heres the stocker...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c43/andrew2516/HPIM0173.jpg

XJchris98
06-03-2008, 04:12 PM
I know if you came to a trail ride and I was there...I wouldn't pull you out with tow points like that...it wouldn't be worth risking my own life.

Either way I'm not trying to be a dick but this site is here to help fellow wheelers be safe and avoid bad publicity for the 4x4 community.

Buy tow hooks, or a bumper.


^^^Agreed.



Even tow points that you think are stout should still be checked on occasion...
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k161/JeepinXJchris/IMG_0464.jpg

...Does this make enough sense for you? :075:

gonecheenin
06-03-2008, 04:17 PM
I spent alot of time on my Grands bumpers for exactly that reason

Which is why they are tied into the uni-body in 12 points with grade 8 hardware & sandwich plates

joshs1ofakindxj
06-03-2008, 10:44 PM
sandwich plates

mmmm I need a late night snack :icon_eyes:

joshs1ofakindxj
06-04-2008, 11:26 PM
Ok, since this past weekend...

Dana 30
-simple 2"x3/8" strap truss across the top of the axle
-fabricated 1/8" LCA mount skids
-extended shock mounts 3" and trimmed for LCA flex
-new seals
-new driver side u-joint
-ford fullsize bronco coils and 1.75" spacers
-painted the cover a lovely shade of green

also

-relocated front brake line brackets lower so I don't need longer brake lines

-fabricated a heavy duty rear driveshaft using the factory ends and sch40 pipe over them (about 1/4" thick)

-fabricated a heavy duty tie rod by straightening the OEM rod and then clamping it between two pieces of 1"x1"x1/4" angle and then welding it all up to make a square tie rod

-swapped in a drag link that wasn't bent

-picking up some used JK shocks tomorrow

still need to

-fabricate a simple front bumper with solid tow points

-fabricate track bar bracket brace and maybe relocate axle mount

I'm thinking Dana 35 will need

-simple truss

-dodge dakota AAL with 3 degree shims

OR swap in a Chrysler 8.25 rear axle if I can find one with 3.07 gears and lincoln lock it.

96greenxjjeep
06-04-2008, 11:39 PM
check dawsons junkyard in heman pa 724 283 6000

joshs1ofakindxj
06-05-2008, 09:35 PM
Thanks!

Today I got the axle in and it looks like I might need Wrangler brake lines in the front for the lift. O well...

Pictures coming soon...

96greenxjjeep
06-06-2008, 04:20 PM
where you get the axle from

joshs1ofakindxj
06-06-2008, 11:37 PM
I was talking about the front dana 30.

I got it back in. Today i took care of some loose ends and I drove the jeep out of the garage to find the brake pedal going straight to the floor...now what...

joshs1ofakindxj
06-16-2008, 12:26 AM
Front axle all done-up...

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v258/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3170224_8545.jpg

old rear driveshaft that dented compared to the new rear driveshaft material

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v258/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3170226_8844.jpg

new driveshaft is on the stool and the square tubing tie rod is on the bench

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v258/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3170227_9138.jpg

track bar brace that will go on the red cherokee

http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v258/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3170228_9443.jpg

and the rest of my time goes to

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v258/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3170219_7696.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v258/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3170229_9753.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v258/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3200415_50.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v258/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3230866_503.jpg

and cruising in the 98 H1 Hummer Wagon my boss decided to get so I had something new to beat around this summer. It has the 6.5L turbo diesel, lockers, front brush guard, warn 12k lb winch, full skids, and I drive it like I stole it.

http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v258/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3230868_1135.jpg

Sycotik Skier
06-16-2008, 07:03 PM
i like the holster in the cab of the tractor

joshs1ofakindxj
07-02-2008, 08:42 AM
Yesterday I bored out the throttle body on the drill press as practice for doing it to my 2wd cherokee and it came out really well.

Also put the Dodge Dakota springs in the rear and with the Teraflex shackles I have about 6" or 7" of lift in the back I think. Had to cut the shocks mounts off of the bottem of the axle and weld them to the top.

Also put new brake shoes and brake lines in so I don't run into anyone on the trail.

Going to make a rear bumper of sorts here soon and then maybe a snorkel but I think it's about ready to wheel.

joshs1ofakindxj
07-02-2008, 11:27 PM
The front bumper...

http://photos-f.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v258/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3269045_4951.jpg

basically a piece of channel with plates going back the frame rails catching all the necessary mounting holes with tow hooks on the sides.

the rear bumper I made tonight is basically identical in appearance.

betrayed93
07-03-2008, 01:12 PM
looking good, did you end up welding the rear end? Any luck with suspension? I got rough country 3 inch shocks if you still need them, less then 1k on them

joshs1ofakindxj
07-03-2008, 06:32 PM
I'm debating on it.

Would be dana 35 be c clip?

I'm going right now to pick up a dana 30 and 8.25 with 3.55s I found for $165 so I might as well weld up the dana 35 and go till it breaks. Wozz has spare shafts anyways.

The rear bumper I made yesterday...

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v275/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3415562_6254.jpg

It mounts similar to a trailer hitch, except there are two pieces of angle sandwiching the "frame" instead of the nutserts being used in the "frame" and a piece of channel matching the front bumper ties the sides together.

and throttle body boring

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v275/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3415561_5899.jpg

joshs1ofakindxj
07-12-2008, 07:58 PM
I went out to do some wheeling the other day and I sucked water into the intake due to the stock design sucking hard so I sealed up the box and ran a hose out the side and to the roof to make a snorkel. It looks ridiculous but it works well.

Went to the junkyard today and for only $35 I picked up a Cherokee transfer case skid plate and a set of grand Cherokee V8 coils since the bronco coils shift around too much.

I replaced the broken brake line and put in new spark plugs so I think the jeep is finally ready for some wheeling.

Damn I need a camera.

andrew2516
07-13-2008, 12:48 AM
Use some of that money your saving on building this jeep to buy a camera!

Either way...I'm glad to see this jeep is working out for you.

joshs1ofakindxj
07-14-2008, 10:32 PM
Some pictures today from the camera phone at work...

http://photos-342.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v275/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3529876_1842.jpg

http://photos-342.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v275/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3529877_2159.jpg

I already shortened that snorkel by about 3 feet after taking the pictures.

And some pictures of my buddy's bronco that always gets stuck or breaks...

my back yard
http://photos-342.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v275/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3529871_191.jpg

at work
http://photos-342.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v275/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3529872_525.jpg

crushed a little jack stand
http://photos-342.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v275/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3529873_829.jpg

we are the reckless masters of the farm jack
http://photos-342.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v275/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3529874_1197.jpg

wozz
07-14-2008, 10:34 PM
wow that think is looking sweet

Muzikman
07-14-2008, 11:59 PM
Umm, why does that not look like a trail?

Please, have all parties involved in a picture pull up their pants.

A chain is not a tree saver.

joshs1ofakindxj
07-15-2008, 08:56 AM
Umm, why does that not look like a trail?

Please, have all parties involved in a picture pull up their pants.

A chain is not a tree saver.

Notice the title says "at work" which means private property and my job recently on the 300 acre farm I work on has been to blaze new trails and widen old ones due to the new H1 Hummer we have.

And that tree will probably be cut down anyways.

So :fu:

:gear_tounge:

joshs1ofakindxj
11-07-2008, 12:56 PM
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v321/239/123/755350342/n755350342_3909499_5465.jpg

I'm getting ready for Thanksgiving break soon and its going to be 2 weeks of wheeling but first I need to weld up that dana 35 and put a new u-joint on the back driveshaft.

joshs1ofakindxj
11-19-2008, 12:44 AM
Been getting the jeep ready for the Toys for Tots run this weekend.

http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v363/239/123/755350342/n755350342_4873687_4263.jpg

http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v363/239/123/755350342/n755350342_4873689_6184.jpg

I noticed this today...steering box bolts that weren't reinforced by the front bumper mount were ripping themselves through the subframe. Decided it should be fixed before the weekend.

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v377/239/123/755350342/n755350342_4882743_8478.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v377/239/123/755350342/n755350342_4882744_9336.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v377/239/123/755350342/n755350342_4882745_216.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v377/239/123/755350342/n755350342_4882746_1083.jpg

And the completed reinforcement bracket for those troublesome bolts welded to the bumper mounting bracket on the side and the still solid unibody underneath.

96greenxjjeep
11-19-2008, 10:23 PM
wheres the toys for tots run this weekend at i know theres one on the 5th of dec in the bandlands

XJchris98
11-19-2008, 11:27 PM
wheres the toys for tots run this weekend at i know theres one on the 5th of dec in the bandlands

Natrona Heights area....
http://www.stillermotorsports.com/StillerMotorsports2008ToyRunsFlyer.pdf

EDIT: Woops! Wrong toys for tots run

dan58
11-19-2008, 11:30 PM
wheres the toys for tots run this weekend at i know theres one on the 5th of dec in the bandlands

Rock Run

96greenxjjeep
11-20-2008, 07:30 AM
oh yeah, i heard about that thanks.