MichiganDuck

Part of my family owns a full autobody shop/custom shop.... Lift in the building next door that is rented out to...lol...another part of my family. Like i said, I'm not too worried... i just need a direction for what parts to obtain!!!

Why do you say that? I literally have a jeep graveyard of sorts with 50 or so XJ's parted out -properly- in it.

is it really going to be that hard of a project? I mean, I'm basically throwing in items that were available stock to the truck?

I can see the absolute hate towards the D35 here... so whats the recommendation for a front axle then? D30 and D35 are different. D35 is standard-issue rear axle for Comanches (like mine). D30 is what you'd have up front in any stock MJ/XJ. The D35 has a reputation as a boat anchor. Mine is ok so far, but when it dies, my truck will get something else. The D30 is a decent front axle. If you want to go bigger, lots of things are possible, but the beefier the axle, the more it'll test your fab skills. What are your goals for your truck? Good, all year DD, still capable offroad, and light trails as well as bumpy @$$ dirtroads. Low cost, low fab.

I can see the absolute hate towards the D35 here... so whats the recommendation for a front axle then?

So, when in 2wd, the front locker will not be engaged? How does it handle going down the road in the winter in 4wd witht hat front locker?

Correction: Will most likely be a Dana 35. Should of specified: 35/44 front/rear

I'm prettty good at driving RWD trucks all through winter/snow/ice... How different is a locker from the LSD? I know they are different, but I'm curious as to how much of that would be different in the slippery conditions.

Alright, I'm getting an 87 MJ that is a 4cyl/5sp/2wd... I want the exact opposite 4.0HO/Auto/4wd and i will be doing the swap. I pretty much have an open jeep parts yard, and the parts are out of 50 different XJ's/and a few Wranglers... Basically, what are the EASIEST parts to do this swap? Like, years/models/codes/whatever. I have a huge selection, but not one single donor vehicle. :dunno: Thoughts? Info? THANKS!!!

Are they any good? Anybody dealt with them?

I'm picking mine up for 750. SW Michigan, decent amount of rust, Blizzaks on all 4 corners, 2wd/5sp/4banger, 98k miles, SWB.

well, I've always been told not to lock the smaller axles since they are much more likely to break something... i don't think this truck will ever see any hardcore wheeling, or mud bogs, but it will get light, "upnorth"/Baldwin trails and deep snow time.

So, basically, lock up the front first? more effective offroad? Also, won't the locked front affect steering??? :dunno: Sorry for long reply, spent the day in Lansing at MEPs... Signed into the Navy today..

I've done lots of research/reading up on the basics when it comes to Jeeps while doing past "dream jeep", online builds, so i know most of the common knowledge like not trying to lock up basically anything below a 44. Though, I definitely don't know it all, so expect to hear from me a lot on here.. :banana: :grrrr: , right? haha My main background is foxbody mustangs, so i could tell you a good amount about those..haha

Haven't bought it yet [buying the jeep this week and parts shopping in a "jeep graveyard" right away.] Will most likely be a Dana44.

Definitely going to be a winter DD, part time trail/offroad toy. I will never use anything larger than a 33" tire also. Its going to be lifted/auto, so i won't be beating on it too much like i do with my mustang Was looking at lunchbox lockers, due to their price and i think i like the simplicity of the Spartan.

Oh, woah, you are close! lol. I'm like 15 minutes south of St Joseph. My grandpa had an MJ when i was growing up and i was always fond of them... found one local for the right price and just can't pass it up; for sentimental reasons and awesomeness reasons ofcourse. :D In fact, it looked exactly like this one->

What's a good locker for the rear? I'm not looking to go full blown air locker, but i want a good, somewhat cheap locker. Thoughts?

Yup! Got to go talk to the guy with the "Jeep graveyard" of sorts, and he's giving me a "friend of family" discount, looking like all my parts are gonna be $100+ cheaper a piece! :clapping: :cheers:

Pictures will definitely be put up asap! I'm from the SW corner of the lower peninsula.

Hello all! Buying my first MJ this week! Its an 87 with 98k miles, SWB, 4banger/5sp, 2wd. Rust isnt too horrible on the bedsides, and the floor rust isnt too horrible either. Going to look at a friend's Uncle's "Jeep Graveyard" to pick out a XJ for the 4.0/Auto/4wd conversion tonight, then going to throw the MJ on a 4.5" lift and some 32's or 33's after the swap! This will be my winter vehicle since my 89 Mustang will never see snow. :thumbsup: What a lame introduction... Jeeps rule! -Duck