89 MJ

I’ve heard that Timken is now moving production back to the US. Not sure if this is true or where in that transition they are though. Never heard of this Axiom company.

Well that figures. I’m in AZ and my parts are in WI. I’m surprised the black is hard to find, that seemed to be more common when I was looking.

I don’t know for sure, but depending on location, I have a full black set of front end trim (metal trim, turn signal bezels, headlight bezels, grille) that I would trade for chrome. The black might need a repaint though.

That seat turned out very well

I I always like watching the hardcore builds

Well that’s not cool at all…

That thing is running very rich.

Didn’t say that the difference wasn’t noticeable. I am saying that the effort of swapping the engine, trans, driveshafts, and engine wiring is a ton of work when there are other engines you can swap in for similar amounts of work.

Definitely an AW4. Is your truck 2wd or 4wd? The transfer case will make it trickier if it’s 4wd, but still not bad. Keep an eye on the trans dipstick as it’s coming out so you don’t bend it. You might want to add your truck’s info to your signature.

It rained on the way home, so the dust became mud on the Jeep

The Silverbell-Sasco loop north of Tucson can be checked off the list. 20 miles there, 50 miles on dirt, then 50 miles home and the Jeep didn’t miss a beat.

You’ll need the trans from the 4.0 Jeep too. Bellhousing was different between the 2.5 and 4.0. Though if you aren’t happy with the power of the 2.5, I think you’ll be disappointed with the 4.0 after doing all of that work.

Up to 650 miles and I’m still liking it. Tons of power and evening running around town, I’m averaging 21 mpg, per the gauge cluster. More importantly, my door ding protection came in. The bolt to the body, so they aren’t going to help a ton off road, but they’ll add a little more protection off road and more importantly they will help prevent door dings in parking lots. It was tricky finding some that weren’t going to look completely out of place. I ended up with these: https://www.extremeterrain.com/barricade-enahnced-rubi-rails-textured-black-2018-jeep-jl-2-door-jeep.html

I’m really enjoying this thread so far! Kudos for keeping the 2.5L instead of swapping to the 4.0

Maybe some air shocks to add some load capacity? Then deflate them when you’re not hauling?

I love that electric lime LJ! That MJ looks great too!

Ditch the V8 and IFS and they might have something. I’d like to see something fill the void between a JL and a JLU though. A 2 door Wrangler with a foot longer body would be about perfect, like the original Scrambler.

What do you need the vehicle to do? Performance, space, etc.. If money is no object, I’d get a Wrangler 392, Ram TRX, or a Raptor R. Off road capable, yet fast enough to get you out of harms way should the storm turn on you. If you want to build a Jeep, I’d look at an SJ Cherokee Chief and then add a set of 1 ton axles, a 4 link at least in the front, and an LS engine.

Perfect!

I think that depends on a lot of factors. The biggest factors are the amount you’re willing to spend and your ability to build what you want. If I were you, I’d start with a list of wants and needs that you’d have for the vehicle, then choose the vehicle based on that. If you’re unsure, the Pub would be a good place for a bunch of us to help with the list. In no particular order, here’s some of the stuff I’d be looking for. The ability to outrun a tornado. Seats/suspension that make the vehicle comfortable for hours. Easy to find parts for and easy to fix. Strong frame and axles. Ability to go anywhere. My brother has two J10s like Jo’s truck was. While they’re super cool trucks, I wouldn’t use a stock one for storm chasing. There’s also someone here on CC with a Comanche painted up like Jo’s truck.

I would think so. It would require changing window regulators most likely. And then to do it my definition of “right”, I would have to get the power window switch delete stuff. All in all, it would cost money to go backwards in terms of technology. For the time being, this is just a daily driver, not much of a project. Yes, it’s getting rock sliders right now, but that’s for door ding protection more than it’s for off road protection. For the same reason, it’s not getting lifted, bumpers, or wheels and tires right now. I would love to do a ton of stuff to it, but right now I’m living in an apartment, the Jeep is still under warranty, and it’s getting 21 mpg. Basically nothing is getting upgraded until parts are worn out, having problems, or I have a garage to work in, whichever comes first.

It makes me so happy to see that she is working on her Comanche

That looks really nice. Good protection without looking obnoxious.

Thanks! It does have power windows though

Also, this Jeep does not have the 3.6L V6, it has the turbo 4cyl instead. With 400 miles on it, I must say that I am impressed. First adventure was up Mt Lemmon near Tucson, AZ. 27 twisty, turny miles. The thing handles great and makes good power. I learned the Jeep needs a few things though. Firstly is a mesh sunshade for when the top is off. I didn’t, but some of my passengers got sunburned on the drive. Secondly is a set of rock sliders/running boards. Mostly for door ding protection.