Fryedaddy

Purchased a Truss kit for both axles from Barnes 4wd https://www.barnes4wd.com/Jeep-TJ-LJ-XJ-and-MJ-Wagoneer-Dana-44-Front-Swap-Kit_p_833.html Once they arrive I'll start on the 8.8 and get it installed SOA (Spring Over Axle). I'm hoping once it's spring over I won't have to add additional lift for 35" tires.

Bought a cheap plasma cutter on Amazon and was thrilled with what I've been able to accomplish. I've cut all the mounts off the 8.8 and dana 44. Also cut the fender opening preparing for larger tires as well.

Got the front clip fitted but I’ll be hooking the bumper to a tree hopefully pulling it another 1/4”. The bottom of the header panel is held 1/4” off the bumper due to the grill guard.

I'm not sure of the final color yet. Will prob be primed black for awhile.

I bought it early in 2018 and have drove it 8hrs since buying, hour at a time to see how reliable it is. I was surprised! for an 88 with 180K it runs and drives great! It did have a leak in the cooling system. I decided to switch to an open cooling system for simplicity and change to the new 97+ front clip at the same time.

I've pulled the front and rear bumpers to be replaced with JCR units. I have a set of dirt bound offroad rock sliders in my shop as well as their protection panels for the bed. Excuse the mess, I sold our home and bought another. Still organizing from the move.

It's in fairly good shape. I pulled the carpet, trim and headliner. The floorboard was good enough, I just bought POR15 and their version of seam sealer to fix the pinholes. I also replaced the rear window for a slider unit.

I've owned jeeps my whole life (Currently 40yrs). I've had CJ's, XY's, YJ's, TJ's, I own a JK now but have always dreamed of having an MJ. When I was 16yrs old a friend owned one and I've wanted one since. My wife passed around two years ago which sped up completing my "bucket list" items. I've dreamed of going to Moab, UT from a very young age, this is my current bucket list item. I found an MJ locally for a reasonable price with a few goodies already included. I hope to build this project over the next year and a half, four wheeling on the way ending up in Moab at some point in 2020. It has the factory dana 30 & 35 axles but I've already purchased a wagoneer dana 44 and ford 8.8 to replace the weaker axles, prob regear to 4.88 with selectable lockers.. Thinking stockish width, 35-37" tires with a long arm suspension in the front and possibly a 231 doubler or rubicon transfercase. I'm leaving the trans and engine stock for reliability.