Ultimate Weekend Warrior.

[ftpiercecracker1]

I know i know, back to back threads = :shake: :thwak: :roll: :nuts: but i have several ideas in my head that i know i will forget if i don't get them done all at once.

 

 

The question is simple, if you were to build the toughest/strongest MJ possible while keeping it as stock as possible (3in lift max) and costs reasonable, how would you do it?

 

 

I already have an idea and wondered what you guys might do differently. The goal here is to make a truck that looks near stock, but can be jumped 2ft in the air, framed in a mud pit, but can still be drove to work the next day and ride like a car. Note: I said car not Cadillac :D

 

 

Here is what i think is an excellent starter recipe.

 

DO NOT INCLUDE accessories like fog lights, winches, bead locks, rock sliders, OBA, half doors, fancy bumpers etc

 

 

> Chrysler 8.25 rear w/ chromoly shafts and ZJ disc brake swap

> Dana 30 front w/ chromoly shafts

> SYE of somekind (kit or HnT)

> Metric ton springs

> WJ knuckle, high steer, and brake swap

> Brown dog or some kind of HD motor mounts

> Bilstein or some other high quality shocks

 

 

 

Have fun, :thumbsup:

 

FPC,

out.

[dasbulliwagen]

Sleeve and truss the Dana 30 and truss the rear axle. Adjustable control arms maybe with drop brackets. Plate the frame where needed especially around the steering box. Dual diaphragm brake booster. Non intrusive interior roll bar and bed roll bar.

[88whitemanche]

Do the wj knuckle and steering swap...

Got a buddy with a cherokee with 13" lift and with one ton steering it would steering loosely and it was scary!!! Couldn't even let go of the wheel without it steering by its self

Once he did the wj knuckle swap everything is right and nice tight he can actually let the truck coast with no problems....

[Comanche County]

V8.

[ftpiercecracker1]

Do the wj knuckle and steering swap...

Got a buddy with a cherokee with 13" lift and with one ton steering it would steering loosely and it was scary!!! Couldn't even let go of the wheel without it steering by its self

Once he did the wj knuckle swap everything is right and nice tight he can actually let the truck coast with no problems....

 

WJ knuckle seems to be the be-all-end-all if you want trouble free steering after lifting. Only question is, can it still be done with minimal lift?

 

 

V8.

 

To complicated, expensive, and unreliable to be feasible for this kind of build. The truck would still 'look' stock at least. The only engine swap that would make sense would be swapping the 2.5 for the 4.0

 

 

Sleeve and truss the Dana 30 and truss the rear axle. Adjustable control arms maybe with drop brackets. Plate the frame where needed especially around the steering box. Dual diaphragm brake booster. Non intrusive interior roll bar and bed roll bar.

 

Sleeving yes, discreet, fairly inexpensive, and highly effective, but i think trussing is a little beyond the scope (lose stock look).

 

ADJ upper and lower control arms, yes.

 

Plating the frame, maybe. Only the most hardcore offroad guys go that extreme. It wouldnt be that hard to do, i just don't think it would be entirely necessary. :dunno:

 

I like and have done the brake upgrade and think it should be on the top of all MJ owners list, off-roader or not.

 

A roll cage would be nice, but it would definitely lose its 'stock' look, exterior or interior. However, bed bars, aftermarket, homemade, or factory that had been strengthened would be an excellent compromise.

 

 

 

 

Is there such a thing as heavy duty U-joints, wheel bearings, or coil springs?

 

 

A few more that come to mind.

 

HD all metal 2 row radiator

Large Trans cooler; for the auto guys.

ZJ mech cooling fan or dual electrics

Hotter ignition coil?

Higher quality plug wires

Cap and rotor w/ brass contacts.

Alternator relocation; for those that don't want or don't need a/c

Factory skid plates (front, gas tank, t-case)

[88whitemanche]

I just picked up a factory engine and transfer case skid...idk if I'll ever see a comanche with a gas tank skid in south Florida...I've only seen 2 in the jy for last almost 3 years

[dasbulliwagen]

I mentioned the trussing and frame plating due to your request to be jumping it. Once you do one jump, you'll want to do more. That is harder on your truck than you know. The shock load is huge even from the 2 feet you mention. Trussing isn't that far off from looking stock. How many people look under there anyways?

[ftpiercecracker]

I just picked up a factory engine and transfer case skid...idk if I'll ever see a comanche with a gas tank skid in south Florida...I've only seen 2 in the jy for last almost 3 years

 

I was lucky, as mine came with all the factory skids, but the dang nutzerts for the gas tank skid are all broke off and its a real PITA to put that thing in place anyway. With a lift or with some 'lift' it would be immensely eaiser.

 

 

 

I mentioned the trussing and frame plating due to your request to be jumping it. Once you do one jump, you'll want to do more. That is harder on your truck than you know. The shock load is huge even from the 2 feet you mention. Trussing isn't that far off from looking stock. How many people look under there anyways?

 

 

I suppose i was a bit misleading by saying that, to be honest i have zero intention of ever going airborne in my MJ, i only used that as a mental image to convey that i want to build something very tough. I absolutely agree 100% that if i did intend on jumping it, trussing would be very high on my list. 

[87Warrior]

I think the build recipe would be pretty simple, assuming you don't plan to be air born in a near stock truck.

- Progressive rate coil springs with adjustable control arms and trackbar.

- MT leaf springs

- High quality shocks

- Dana 44's with selectable lockers 

- 32's

- Big brake kit

- Steering upgrade

 

Wait, this sounds like my build  :doh: