BrettM

I found it in the classifieds here, which someone linked to on NAXJA. Drove down to Ohio on Monday and picked it up. It's pretty good, but definitely needs a little care. -There is very little rust, except for some reason it got through both sides just below/behind the doors. -Haven't decided what I'll do about that yet, either replace the sheet-metal (unlikely), do a 2x6 tube rocker replacement, or use aluminum diamond plate covers like CW did in his buildup. -The doors are also junk IMO, someone tried modifying them for a different style handle and it came out really hack. -It's rattle-can black, I'll probably paint it nicer at some point, though it doesn't look too bad -The interior is basically perfect; definitely the cleanest '88 interior I've seen.

I've built a rock buggy out of my last MJ and just picked up another one (2wd) to make my new daily driver. 88 MJ, 2wd, 4.0, AW4, D35... It's got a few exterior cosmetic issues that will be easily addressed, but the drivetrain is solid and running well. This thread will document the modifications, though they will likely be more simple and subtle than what I've done to my other MJ. My first two thoughts/questions: Lowering. I think I want to lower it. It's gonna be a total street truck, and I don't feel right about owning a Jeep at stock height, but I don't know if I can bring myself to lower it.... someone talk me into or out of it! Bumpers. I think I'm going to make some custom bumpers for it, but since it won't be an offroad vehicle, does anyone have examples of sturdy bumpers that still look stockish? I could make a roll-pan easy enough, but I like the idea of having a little more protection... [/

You don't need any driveline mods, though you may want to get the driveshaft lengthened a tiny bit. If you're putting in an axle with a longer pinion you won't even need that. Definitely change out the u-joints in the current shaft though, they often self-destruct if you change the operating angle on them. My shortbed MJ has been at 6-8 inches for several years and a couple cross-country drives. It is even doing great with 6 inches taken out of the rear wheelbase. Your longbed will only fare better.

yeah, that second clip is me. and it's not all leaf sprung now, it's just backwards with leafs up front and coils in the rear. when you wheel with a 115" wheelbase for a couple years you sure learn to use the sliders as pivots.

I've met dozens of Scotts, all guys, never even heard of that being used as a girl name.... weird... Anyway Scott, nice MJ, definitely a good start, but get some rock-rails on there before the Sierra rocks take a bite out of them. You should check out the NAXJA Sierra Chapter, it's a good group of guys.

linking the rear is amazing. unless you wheel with a ton of stuff in the bed, it's impossible to get a leaf pack together that flexes well and controls axle wrap. plus, you get a sweet departure angle!

Very simple, the transmission is not getting any shift signals from the TCU (if you even have one).

That is the Transmission Control Module, and if your MJ doesn't have one, it needs one. Without it you should be able to shift with the stick from 1st (1-2) to 3rd (3) to 4th (D). When you say there is a lot of slip in your XJ when you try driving it without the computer, I assume you are just putting it in Drive, in which case the transmission is in 4th without the computer, so yes, there will be LOTS of slip (bad idea).

check the buildup link in my sig. it's only cheaper if you're set on swapping a D44 anyways, the little stuff ads up quick. keeping coils and the D30 would be cheaper.

i did the same tranny swap, but had already lifted. when I put in an axle with about 1" longer pinion it was perfect for the lift though (d35 to toy8"), so I'm guessing you'll be about perfect in the rear. the front may be another matter....

I'm registered here, but don't check in often. Glad you guys enjoyed the video, JV is an awesome place.

what, you can't chew gum and walk at the same time? :wink: :P I always get annoyed by how auto trannies shift, never at the right time or hunting between gears. However they are great for rock-crawling, so I made the best of both worlds.

I once had about 5.5 inches on RE coils, home-made lowers (slightly longer for caster), RE adjustable uppers, SOA rear. IT RODE LIKE CRAP. Shortarms SUCK

Good to see this MJ site runnin! here's my junk: -4.0 engine -swapped in AW4/231 -Leaf sprung D44 front, hydro assist, ARB -shaved Toyota 8" rear, lockright, 4.88s -35" MTRs on steel -tube bed, doorless with door bars -115" wb coming soon: -3 link rear and 109" wb -chop-top w/ inner/exo cage