***MF Steve's Project Wife Beater Commanche***

[Bill]

Sounds like you have made some progress since the last time I saw the Jeep...

[MF Steve!]

I've also made a decision on what my front bumper will look like. It's very similar to this, and I'll be making a rear that will wrap around the corners, and replace the lower bedside. The reason I like this so much, is the fact that I can make it sit tight back almost flush with the grill. The center section will basically replace the stock front crossmember, hiding the winch behind it. I'll also get a great approach angle out of it with the tapered up toobs, etc.

[pghxterra]

Very Nice.

[Leady]

damn sweet. I found one of those for sale that was lifted and 4x4 swapped form 2 wheel drive I like em alot.

[MF Steve!]

Steve, next time you're in the garage, could you get a quick measurement for me?


I just need the length from where the transmission bolts to the bell housing, to the furthest forward point (waterpump fan bolts).

Also, the length of just the engine itself w/accessories (back of the block to the furthest forward point...again waterpump fan bolts)

Updates?

damn sweet. I found one of those for sale that was lifted and 4x4 swapped form 2 wheel drive I like em alot.

Thanks! Did you buy it? If not, how long ago was it, and do you know if it is still for sale? I know someone who would be interested!

[Muzikman]

There is something about that bumper that I don't like. Maybe it will look better when mounted.

[MF Steve!]

There is something about that bumper that I don't like. Maybe it will look better when mounted.

The ghey speed holes? Yeah, I'm planning on 86ing that part. Keep in mind, that bumper was built for a YJ (forgot to mention that earlier.) I'm just basing my general idea off of it. The grill hoop will be much much lower, and so will the profile of the center section. It's just something I found on Pirate, and is supposedly built by Bluetorch, even though I can't seem to find any info on it at their website.

[bigrubbers4x4]

looking good so far steve, get some more pics of it up.

[MF Steve!]

I'll get some pix this weekend. I actually have to work tomorrow, for the first time in....A MONTH!

[red6rubicon]

whens the fabwork gonna start? all I see is swappin parts and spray paint

[MF Steve!]

whens the fabwork gonna start? all I see is swappin parts and spray paint

The fab. work is about ready to start. I have a good bit down on paper, and the rest is upstairs in my head. Waiting on some parts, and I'll be rollin on longarms, 2x4 rocker replacement, and bumpers.

The parts swapping came first because the deal on the parts was too good to pass on. Wrecked '99 XJ for $500. Made most of my money back in scrap, and selling off things I didn't need.

[Muzikman]

Have you fired it up yet? I know Last week you were just about ready.

[MF Steve!]

Have you fired it up yet? I know Last week you were just about ready.

Got sidetracked with getting things ready for my next big job to start. 20 replacement windows in a 100+ year old house. Fun...

The motor is sitting with the oil pan in a milk crate and the transmission bolted up sitting on a jack. I should have it in this weekend, and hopefully turning the key and diagnosing the random check engine lights and codes that appear on Dave's Snap-On scanner.

[Bax]

That is a really sweet bumper! I like it when people make stuff that doesn't look like everyone elses rig.

[MF Steve!]

This has got my gears turning. I've found a cage kit that is actually cheaper than the metal costs on its own! $250! I'm not exactly thrilled with the overall design, but it's at least good for ideas.





On the plus side: It gives me something to help visualize what I would do for an interior cage. I like the bed bars coming through the back of the cage, although instead of bringing them straight down, I would cross them in an X.

Things I don't quite like about it: The dash bar sucks. The idea of door bars won't work for me (using 96+ XJ doors...bigger interior panels.) I don't like the a-pillar bar in front of the dash.

Does anyone know of an XJ with a cage that uses a design similar to that of what is used on TJ's, where the a-pillar tube goes through the dash behind the side vents? The two dash designs are very similar, and I'm wondering if it has been done, or if it is even possible.

[red6rubicon]

you should have caged it before you put the dash in then trimmed around the dash to keep everything clean looking

[MF Steve!]

you should have caged it before you put the dash in then trimmed around the dash to keep everything clean looking

The dash is affixed to the dash chassis. It goes in in one large piece, inclusive of all wiring, etc. I would never get it in there with the tube in first. The side vent sections come off with two screws and provide access. It would be just as easy to trim, and If I have to take the dash back out, it's only 4 connectors, and 8 bolts.

[red6rubicon]

you get what i am saying though, the only way it will look clean is if the pillar tubes are behind the dash pad and the legs come down by the kick panels right? other wise you will be kicking them evertime you get in and out, as far as the windshield spreader bar make sure your defrosters will still get the windshield instead of pushing the heat away(I think some prefab cages use oval shaped tubing for the windshield spreader for better visibility)

[MF Steve!]

you get what i am saying though, the only way it will look clean is if the pillar tubes are behind the dash pad and the legs come down by the kick panels right? other wise you will be kicking them evertime you get in and out, as far as the windshield spreader bar make sure your defrosters will still get the windshield instead of pushing the heat away(I think some prefab cages use oval shaped tubing for the windshield spreader for better visibility)

Yeah...I def. gotcha. Thats why I was asking if anyone knows of an XJ through-the-dash cage kit. I know they make them for the TJ, and the XJ uses very similar side vents. I'm all about functionality with a big side of good clean looks. Do it once, make it strong and good lookin.

[red6rubicon]

I wouldn't waste the time looking for a kit, just bend one up most of those kits use cheap erw tubing, not dom and they require all the knotching anyway plus look like the one you posted shit!

[DMG]

Some more progress. The motor is in and mostly plugged in/hooked up.

[MF Steve!]

Some more progress. The motor is in and mostly plugged in/hooked up.

Nvm, fixed! Thanks again for all the help!

I also put the new front corners on today. I can now bolt a radiator crossmember up that will work w/ the '99 radiator!

[DMG]

Some of the new front inner structure is on.

[andrew2516]

That front end looks really clean, almost stock

[gonecheenin]

Coming together real nice

This has got my gears turning. I've found a cage kit that is actually cheaper than the metal costs on its own! $250! I'm not exactly thrilled with the overall design, but it's at least good for ideas.





On the plus side: It gives me something to help visualize what I would do for an interior cage. I like the bed bars coming through the back of the cage, although instead of bringing them straight down, I would cross them in an X.

Things I don't quite like about it: The dash bar sucks. The idea of door bars won't work for me (using 96+ XJ doors...bigger interior panels.) I don't like the a-pillar bar in front of the dash.

Does anyone know of an XJ with a cage that uses a design similar to that of what is used on TJ's, where the a-pillar tube goes through the dash behind the side vents? The two dash designs are very similar, and I'm wondering if it has been done, or if it is even possible.

Thats awesome, IMHO of what I was going for before, just halo it off of the bed bars to protect the roof if you get up against anything & your golden