87Warrior

I would recommend finding a truck that is RUST FREE (bed sides/rockers/cab corners/floor) not paying much attention to the drivetrain. If you buy a solid truck first, swapping the drivetrain of your choice is really not much trouble and easier than forming/welding/painting new body panels. I was in your position a few years back. But, I did not do my research and decided it was best to find a truck with a solid drivetrain. Needless to say, my 92 was rusted out and is now down to the shell to stop the rust. A major pain!

I am just about 25 and have only burned through one car, a stock 1997 Miata. I bought it in September '08 to take DD duties away from my TJ. The next January ('09) I bought my MJ to DD and sold the Miata very quickly. I realized that the car was not big enough to be a DD, granted it was very comfortable to drive even though I am 6'3". My TJ was the first vehicle I paid cash for, in 2003, and I am still daily driving it. The MJ is...umm, down to the shell but will be my DD once complete. I get it from my Grandparents. They drive their cars until the wheels fall off. In all of my life I have only known my grandfather to have two vehicles, a 70s El Camino and now a late 90's Explorer.

I have a suspicion that the 'Yoda driver wouldn't cry as much when his rig flops. Looking forward to my 12th year wheeling the rockies this summer. :brows:

With Jeep motors it is two-fold. They like to run on pure gasoline, which premium is more of. On the other hand, it is very difficult to ignite the high test stuff in our low reving, low compression engines. I have achieved my best mpg running 85 octane when I lived in Vail with my lifted TJ, 22 mpg everyday. At that time it would only pull 16mpg in KS. Also, when coming out of the Wyoming high country in my wifes Camry, full of 85, we managed 41mpg (typical is 32). I ran premium (91) in my TJ once in the same configuration as it was when I was in Vail. 15mpg highway.

Oh no you didn't :fs2: :no: ;)

Build it bigger and badder next time

1997? Look at the gauge cluster. That is quite ugly.

My 91 MJ D44 in the garage does not have the drain plug, 03 Rubi has two of them :brows:

Eagle already answered it... This is one of those deals where your life and others depend on that part to survive. I have seen a few postings on jeep forums in the relatively short period of time I have been Jeeping, where somebodys wheel studs sheared off on the road. Once due to the owner using washers as wheel spacers and once due to the owner using cheap wheel spacers. Do it right. At least for the sake of your truck and your safety.

Do we get to critique it? :jump:

:help: Now I am going to have nightmares!

I haven't been able to test the durability of the U-Pol Raptor yet since the truck is still being torn apart. But, I did a lot of research prior to buying and the general consensus was that the liner will maintain its color and not chip. One of the benefits to growing up outside the city limits... nobody cares what you do :yes:

Would give the 'round-light' crew something to get excited about. I don't dis-like it, but I would not do it on purpose.

I run 4 Spidertrax spacers on my TJ because I wanted to maintain the factory wheels. Been on for 3 years and have not had any issues. I daily drive it. Hub-Centric is in reference to the design of the hub and wheel and how the weight is carried.

How well would you say it adheres to the paint/metal? I want to put deadening in the MJ when the time comes, but I refuse to use any of the "stick on" kind on the floor. Don't want to replace the floors again!

I used the U-Pol Raptor spray on bed liner. It turned out great and gave my my first taste spraying with with air. Below is a quote out of my build. http://www.tptools.com/Product.aspx?display_id=2600

I would just recommend learning how much your speedometer is off and live it it until you get the 33's. My Rubi's speedo is 12% fast, when I set cruise at 80 it is actually going just a shade over 70. With 4.10s and 33's my Rubi's speedo was right on the money :yes:

Wow, glad you are ok! I believe it is important to share these experiences with everybody. That way we will be consciously thinking of ways to prevent these accidental misfortunes from occurring.

This is what will end up on my MJ: 2003/2005 TJ Rubicon - Moab Wheels - Factory Control arms - Front Dana 44 1999 XJ - Engine/Transmission - Wiring Harness(s) engine/interior - Dash/Doors - Nose 1998 XJ - NP242 Transfercase 1998 ZJ - Rear Disk Brakes 2000(ish) Dodge Dakota - 40/20/40 Split Bench seat

I hope you're not surprised by this. Wikipedia has to be one of the most unreliable information sources on the internet. Most teachers will toss your paper out without even reading it if you cite wikipedia. Every single one of my teachers had a 15 minute speech on the bad things that will happen to you if you use wikipedia for a paper. Actually, some of my professors liked to see a variety of Wikipedia sources... Granted those were courses regarding Design Theory, which is nothing but a whole lot of washed up opinions anyhow. The kicker, these were professors in my graduate program. Of course none of those Wikipedia theory sources could be included in my thesis, but they did a good job at providing information so I could find the root source and utilize that. "Jeep" as defined by Merriam-Webster: And the from Merriam-Websters Learner Dictionary

The site/sample forums are way to busy for me. Then again, I am kind of old-school and enjoy simplistic things. As long as CC stays CC, I am good :yes:

:wrench: Better late then never, eh? There are several members in the greater KC area, just not much activity in this forum.

Did they do a sonogram and pregnancy test? I once went in for strep throat and those charges were on my bill. I did manage to get them removed. And yes, medical costs are outrageous!

Ah, well in that case I would still base the build off of the tube frame and slide the MJ sheet metal over it.

My opinion? Don't cut up an MJ. If you want a buggy, build it off the tube frame. Buy parts as needed. Then if you want the MJ/XJ look, find the front clip and mount it. If you want a truck, buy that 91 and have fun.