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View Full Version : ***PART 2 - Return of The Low Buck Big Bang Build***



joshs1ofakindxj
02-23-2009, 12:15 PM
Yesterday I purchased another 95 Jeep Cherokee Sport for $170. The price was a little steep but I still think I did alright. :gear_lol2: Got it off a friend up here in Rochester. This weekend it's coming home on the trailer.

4.0L with 167k
AX-15
NP231 that is dieing
Dana 30
8.25

You really have to fight the 231 to get it into 4wd and in 2wd when coasting it sounds like its completely dry and makes a shitload of noise. I already stripped the interior and the floor is going to need a "few" road-sign patches before I'm going to wheel it.

The old buggy is going to be stripped - tires, suspension, drivetrain, gas tank, etc...and then taken for scrap so I can get my investment in it back. :016:

The plan for this jeep is to leave a few more things on. I'm going to run half-doors I made awhile ago on the front and then keep the back doors and hatch on. Also I will leave on the front fenders and just trim them for the 33's. I want to stay a little dryer in the jeep this time and I'm sure everyone will feel I'm safer haha. :080: Wheeling a naked jeep was the most fun I've ever had though.

Pictures coming soon.

If you're interested in any parts, I'm not sure at all what I'm keeping an what I won't need. This time next week I should know.

jeepxj3
02-23-2009, 01:56 PM
can I has stock bumper?

joshs1ofakindxj
02-23-2009, 10:03 PM
haha sure

LordAthens
02-24-2009, 08:27 PM
You really have to fight the 231 to get it into 4wd

I betcha it has a body lift. My TJ did that when I first did the BL :D

tjblair
02-24-2009, 08:45 PM
Kinda hard to put a body lift on an XJ. Durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
You should know this, you know, being a king and all.

J/k

LordAthens
02-24-2009, 08:49 PM
Sorry, I thought the smiley conveyed the joking / sarcasm ;)

tjblair
02-24-2009, 08:58 PM
Ahhhhhh gotcha!:026:

joshs1ofakindxj
02-27-2009, 09:23 PM
Got a lot of teardown done today. I almost like working on stuff more than I do wheeling...almost...

Steering still broke so ole Olivar had to lend a hand...

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2459/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6038807_320040.jpg

The "structural straps" aka ratchet straps are holding it together.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2459/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6038808_2496893.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2459/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6038809_5326389.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2459/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6038811_7728687.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2459/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6038848_8092285.jpg

Should have the motor out on Monday.

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2459/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6038852_3140442.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2459/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6038853_5724087.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2459/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6038855_8147053.jpg

The Lowe's snorkle...

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2459/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6038861_6217612.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2459/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6038865_6496887.jpg

Got a lot done today, front axle almost out, should be able to finish it on Monday when I get back home with the replacement jeep.

mxracer513
02-27-2009, 11:21 PM
Lookin good. Keep the pics coming.

joshs1ofakindxj
03-04-2009, 12:26 AM
Got the other jeep home this weekend and got the motor pulled today then crushed the best $100 I ever spent for scrap.

http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/hphotos-ll-snc1/hs034.snc1/2595_134040330342_755350342_6090115_7412754_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2595/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6090116_1719543.jpg

http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/hphotos-ll-snc1/hs034.snc1/2595_134040340342_755350342_6090117_6805657_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/hphotos-ll-snc1/hs034.snc1/2595_134040345342_755350342_6090118_456049_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/hphotos-ll-snc1/hs034.snc1/2595_134040360342_755350342_6090121_5780665_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2595/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6090122_5552688.jpg

http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/hphotos-ll-snc1/hs034.snc1/2595_134040370342_755350342_6090123_6400370_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2595/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6090124_5927138.jpg

http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2595/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6090125_6607285.jpg

http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2595/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6090126_5536081.jpg

http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2595/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6090127_6346987.jpg

http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/hphotos-ll-snc1/hs034.snc1/2595_134040405342_755350342_6090130_5448419_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/hphotos-ll-snc1/hs034.snc1/2595_134040410342_755350342_6090131_60656_n.jpg

village_idiot
03-04-2009, 12:45 AM
100 bucks for an XJ, where the hell did you find a deal like that?

hyperbuzzin
03-04-2009, 09:46 AM
LMAO!!! "structural straps"!!! LOL!!!!!

Leady
03-04-2009, 12:27 PM
nice shifter knob

joshs1ofakindxj
03-05-2009, 04:49 PM
enjoy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJfsQ9FGPQI

joshs1ofakindxj
03-05-2009, 06:48 PM
Got a little done to the new jeep. Fenders trimmed and snorkel put on. Needs the t-case swapped and the lift put on next time I'm home. Until then, it sits and waits.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2665/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6097512_4120860.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2665/239/123/755350342/n755350342_6097513_5264184.jpg

village_idiot
03-05-2009, 10:54 PM
Damn, that was fast! After seeing this thread I'm seriously looking for a sub-$500 4wd.

joshs1ofakindxj
03-06-2009, 12:04 AM
Ya, it's nice being able to have cheap jeeps when you have a truck and trailer to move them and equipment to work on them. Just keep that in mind before you go getting yourself in over your head ya know? It's hard to keep my kind of builds streetlegal. Thats most of the fun of it. But anyways, by all means, be cheap!

village_idiot
03-06-2009, 12:42 AM
The truck part is semi-covered (if you can call a 4 banger S10 a truck) the trailer part, not so much. How much is insurance on your average sized car trailer?

OverkillZJ
03-06-2009, 12:54 AM
You know you crushed the body for fun, it was worth the same either way for scrap :overkill:

joshs1ofakindxj
03-06-2009, 01:21 AM
The truck part is semi-covered (if you can call a 4 banger S10 a truck) the trailer part, not so much. How much is insurance on your average sized car trailer?

youd have to ask my parents, and an S10 can't pull a trailer that is properly sized to haul a vehicle and a vehicles. your towing truck needs to weight the same or more, or else you need some damn good trailer brakes.

joshs1ofakindxj
03-06-2009, 01:22 AM
You know you crushed the body for fun, it was worth the same either way for scrap :overkill:

damn it feels good to be a gangsta.

2002wranglerX
03-06-2009, 02:33 AM
The truck part is semi-covered (if you can call a 4 banger S10 a truck) the trailer part, not so much. How much is insurance on your average sized car trailer?

ummmmmmmmmmm you have a chevy cavalier with a bed dude.

i'm just giving you a hard time. But in all seriousness. i woudln't plan on driving a sub 500 rig on the road.

joshs1ofakindxj
07-07-2009, 10:01 PM
PROGRESS

I've got vacation this week from work so I'm home and the weather is perfect for wrenching.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs187.snc1/6253_226716295342_755350342_7636341_4628580_n.jpg

Swapped in a good trasfercase and did some other things. Got gas tank moved into the back and working on the tow points. Today I got the rear springs on and welded the shock mounts to the top of the axle.

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs167.snc1/6253_227479170342_755350342_7658508_6099171_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs167.snc1/6253_227479175342_755350342_7658509_5701882_n.jpg

I got the springs in the front tonight and tomorow it should be driving around if all works well.

cityslicker
07-08-2009, 01:44 PM
why do you weld the shock mounts on top of the axle housing?

SirFuego
07-08-2009, 02:09 PM
I'm gonna guess ground clearance.

joshs1ofakindxj
07-08-2009, 02:14 PM
Not only ground clearance, but I'm cheap and I just run the stock length shocks, so I move the mount to the center of the shock travel. Seems to have worked fine on the last beater.

joshs1ofakindxj
07-09-2009, 04:15 PM
Pretty much done after some driveshaft shortening and floor replacement.

My stick welds...7018 rod at 75 amps with a Miller Econotig.

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs167.snc1/6253_228523505342_755350342_7686099_3062674_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs167.snc1/6253_228523515342_755350342_7686100_5554359_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs167.snc1/6253_228523525342_755350342_7686102_1583138_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs187.snc1/6253_228523540342_755350342_7686104_1736143_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs187.snc1/6253_228523560342_755350342_7686106_333393_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs167.snc1/6253_228523580342_755350342_7686109_5229646_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs187.snc1/6253_228523590342_755350342_7686111_5013956_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs187.snc1/6253_228523600342_755350342_7686112_3338926_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs187.snc1/6253_228523610342_755350342_7686113_2367778_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs167.snc1/6253_228523620342_755350342_7686115_4498885_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs187.snc1/6253_228523670342_755350342_7686124_2665584_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs187.snc1/6253_228523690342_755350342_7686127_4294612_n.jpg

limegreentj
07-09-2009, 05:41 PM
that thing is pretty sexual man....me likey

toocheaptosmoke
07-09-2009, 09:30 PM
Nice arc welds man. :023:

joshs1ofakindxj
07-09-2009, 09:51 PM
Thanks guys! It's sexual and violent.

Dozer45
07-10-2009, 12:02 AM
thats wierd my shop/vac has the same snorkel...

jeepin ruby
07-10-2009, 12:04 AM
I like it! Are you gonna leave more "structure" on this one? If it stays like it is Id be willing to bet it lasts longer than the last one :unibrow:

Oh and love the snorkle!!! Thats awsome!!

joshs1ofakindxj
07-10-2009, 12:12 AM
I'm keeping the doors and hatch on this one.

Jeepin'Jones
07-10-2009, 12:45 AM
Looks cool

limegreentj
07-10-2009, 01:20 AM
it'd be nice to go front doorless....but the "structural integrity will be compromised"

Mykal
07-10-2009, 08:53 AM
Ive been wheeling mine for about a year with no front doors and have no problems at all.

joshs1ofakindxj
07-10-2009, 09:35 AM
I have half doors I made for the front.

SirFuego
07-10-2009, 09:44 AM
I have half doors I made for the front.
Nice! That was the plan for my ZJ until it got chopped up.

I don't think wheeling my ZJ doorless really did any major unibody damage (it was already well tweaked before I started wheeling doorless), but, in retrospect, it just didn't feel "safe" having my entire body exposed on the side with just the factory seat belts.

joshs1ofakindxj
03-24-2010, 08:01 PM
Mods from last August

half doors

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs125.snc1/5373_252553145342_755350342_8289325_8277352_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs125.snc1/5373_252553155342_755350342_8289326_5654464_n.jpg

welded rear 8.25

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs145.snc1/5373_252553190342_755350342_8289329_6967347_n.jpg

and then the flogging at cable creek offroad park

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs125.snc1/5373_256163770342_755350342_8377053_4012289_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs125.snc1/5373_254778710342_755350342_8341382_1494104_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs125.snc1/5373_254778720342_755350342_8341383_2710717_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs145.snc1/5373_254778735342_755350342_8341384_4350925_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs125.snc1/5373_254778760342_755350342_8341388_6348393_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs145.snc1/5373_256163775342_755350342_8377054_1288951_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs145.snc1/5373_256163780342_755350342_8377055_448954_n.jpg

needed new brake lines after that trip, currently rear axle seals need replaced (big surprise)

For this summer - I picked up a hydraulic tank for free to use as a fuel cell so I can stop strapping down leaky stock gas tanks in the back

This build can go 2 ways this summer...bigger tires and full width axles, which my pocket book might not support considering other ventures, or I can start adding a cage and removing body, maybe make a sweet XJ/truck set-up with lots of unibody bracing and keep rocking the 33s that take me everywhere.

village_idiot
03-24-2010, 08:05 PM
i vote juggy-ize it.

cityslicker
03-25-2010, 02:20 PM
looks like she crawlz prety good. build the cage.

betrayed93
03-26-2010, 12:01 AM
I look forward to your cheap builds,, I Just can't see spending tons of money on something that just gets BEAT in the woods! I had 750 in my last jeep which was a tank and I will have maybe 1500 in the one im building now and the fact that they are cheap and offroad only makes the adventure 100 times better! Ill have my cheap Heap built by may so I hope you still plan on some trail rides near your house

joshs1ofakindxj
03-28-2010, 07:57 PM
Thanks guys I think I'm going to add armor and a cage this summer before I go bigger with tires and axles.

The more beer I drink and dream the more I get excited for this summer.

GrimJeeper01
04-08-2010, 10:17 AM
Leave the swampers in the back and the street tires in the front. :hitit: Lmao!

GrimJeeper01
04-08-2010, 10:20 AM
Damn...totally missed the second page. Lol. I guess she's sitting on swampers all around now. Nice job! She looks like a beast.

joshs1ofakindxj
05-31-2010, 09:44 PM
Updates...

Fixed a leaky rear axle and a broken front shock mount.

I found a 24 gal hydraulic tank off of a snow plow truck good condition so I made a fuel cell. It was free of course. Leaky factory gas tanks ratchet strapped in the back were bringing the suck. This bad boy is welded to square tubing that has 8 bolts going to the subframe and I cut the factory fuel pump assembly mount out of a stock tank and riveted it to this fuel cell with some RTV in there. No leaks.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs635.snc3/31879_10150203596490343_755350342_12761377_373016_ n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs605.snc3/31879_10150203596510343_755350342_12761378_2218197 _n.jpg

joshs1ofakindxj
05-31-2010, 09:45 PM
So I read this... http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=267239

I think its something I can try. Anyone have experience with it? I have two XJ 231 cases but I guess I need to find one from a GM (which one?) and I need that adapter piece?

joe_and_jeep
06-01-2010, 12:10 AM
So I read this... http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=267239

I think its something I can try. Anyone have experience with it? I have two XJ 231 cases but I guess I need to find one from a GM (which one?) and I need that adapter piece?

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=383730&highlight=doubler Check this one out. Its a little simpler for you. I've made a few.

joshs1ofakindxj
06-03-2010, 11:04 AM
Joe, could I make a doubler with my existing NP231 and a GM 207 or 231 if I just make an adapter plate like you did?

joe_and_jeep
08-15-2010, 04:57 PM
Joe, could I make a doubler with my existing NP231 and a GM 207 or 231 if I just make an adapter plate like you did?


Sorry I dont get on too often. You ever end up making one? Thats how I made mine.

joshs1ofakindxj
02-21-2012, 11:22 PM
Time to start throwing money at this heep so it's ready to beat over the summer.

I'm putting on the Skyjacker track bar I have that I used on the daily driver XJ and didn't like because it wears out too fast: http://www.jeep4x4center.com/front-track-bar-assembly-adjustable-2-5-skyjacker-sj-tba10.html

I'll throw a dirt cheap heim joint in it because the one in it now is junk: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-4-16-RH-Heim-Joint-Spherical-Rod-End-3-4-heims-/150443684473

I'm taking the upper and lower RE super flex control arms out of the daily driver XJ, which never gets wheeled, and put them in the beater.

The daily driver will get stock uppers and these lowers: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Cherokee-XJ-Fixed-Front-Lower-Control-Arms-3-4-5-Lift-84-01-/260906219435?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACherokee&vxp=mtr&hash=item3cbf38f7ab

Also the beater still has stock shackles with a Dodge Dakota AAL, so might as well throw these in to try and get more flex: http://www.ebay.com/itm/84-01-JEEP-XJ-CHEROKEE-2-1-REAR-LIFT-SHACKLES-SHACKLE-2WD-4WD-/170770759085?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACherokee&vxp=mtr&hash=item27c2bafdad

I should probably pick up some YJ brake lines for it.

I really want to hack off the rear roof and then make a 6 point internal cage and bolt on the sliders I made for the daily driver XJ and took off it.

Last, I'm still hunting for 4.11 or deeper gears for the Dana 30 front, or a replacement Dana 30 axle with 4.11s, and a Ford 8.8 with discs and 4.11s for the rear.

joshs1ofakindxj
06-24-2012, 08:27 PM
Took a little time today to blow the dust off the beater jeep. I don't think it's moved since I wheeled it at the Toys for tots event at Rock Run. The deuce and a half has been getting all the attention.

First I had to break free the alternator (nothing new), then I put on some lift shackles in the back and cut off the rear roof. I left some meat on the top part cause I'm not sure how to finish it. Probably a rolled over edge.

It still goes everywhere and runs like a champ. I can't wait to do the 4.11s, front locker, and front suspension upgrade.

It REALLY is going to need a cage soon though.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/luvherinmyjeep32/0624021805.jpg

joshs1ofakindxj
12-06-2012, 10:10 AM
Well, decided to part out and scrap it. Time for another XJ build.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/luvherinmyjeep32/IMG951948.jpg

HeepH8erTy
12-06-2012, 10:29 AM
Are the shackles being parted? if so, how long, how much? if they're for 2" of lift, I want em. I have 1" lift ones on there now with beat ass springs...wanna get her ass up a lil bit while spending as little as possible lol

joshs1ofakindxj
12-06-2012, 11:58 AM
I already slapped those on my DD XJ to give it a little boost up. I'm holding on to all the suspension parts. I'm sure I'll use them in the future.

HeepH8erTy
12-06-2012, 01:26 PM
i gotcha

village_idiot
12-06-2012, 05:16 PM
if you need a longer set of bumpstops for the next beater, i have some brand new ones your welcome to.

1999tjsport
12-08-2012, 11:52 AM
Josh i have a D30 with 4.56 gears all in good condition if your interested. It was fully functional in my Tj when i dropped it for a D44. It still has brakes, steering, & track bar mounted to it. I also have a 4.56 gear set for a d44 rear if you'r thinking of swapping a 44 in the rear.

Make me an offer.

joshs1ofakindxj
12-10-2012, 04:42 PM
I did buy a set of used 4.11s. I don't think I will be needing those though if my new beater jeep is my DD which has a 4.0, AW4, and 3.55s. I can life with that with 33s offroad.