What would you do?

[jdwillys]

This is similar to "theislandnut" thread recently/currently happening. I was going to hold back, but my scenario is a bit different. I'm getting close to having my project mj complete. It's an '89 short bed, 4.0 renix, ax15, sye,rear d44,front d30hp,5+\- inch lift, 35"bfg, upgrade steering, brakes, currently completing cruisers 27 commandments, bunch other stuff, this truck is coming together nicer than I expected. So, during this build,I have been "collecting" extra parts. I have the opportunity to pick up a rolling chassis. Bed and cab are rust free. I could, cut out the cab corners, rockers, floor pans, keep the chassis/bed for a trailer build, and salvage every part I could, like I just bagged me a deer. Or I could hold onto the roller, and with my extra parts, and incoming parts, do a slow build and very mild. Keeping it as inexpensive as possible. I do, however need to find a drive train. With patience, I should be able to come across a good find. So my big question is, buy?(300bucks), walk? Cut up for my parts inventory? Or do a slow mild/stock build? FYI: I do have an open bay in my garage (both jeeps would be in garage), the roller is 2wd, and needs a rear axle, body is solid, which is hard to find in my region. I'm a long time reader,first time writer. Thank you for all the help, and entertainment this awesome forum has given me. If I win the lottery, I will have a party and invite everyone.

[FrankTheDog]

Slow build. That way another MJ won't disappear.

That's what I'm doing with an 89 eliminator.

All I'm starting with is the shell, only parts on it are the pedal assembly and front control arms.

[87Warrior]

$300 for a rust free rolling chassis and bed!?!? That is a great buy and a great base to build upon.

[shelbyluvv]

Slow build. That is how I got my trucks. I bought them cheap and sink every spare penny I have into them...

[rmoore1031]

Slow build. Plus extras are always good to have.

[gogmorgo]

I always support keeping the MJ alive, however whether or not the rolling chassis has a good title would be the clincher for me. Depending on where you are, getting it retitled could be pretty difficult.

[rmoore1031]

^ good point I didn't think of that. Off-road only?

[jdwillys]

I too would hate to see an mj sliced up. But that is a good point about the title. I will get the info, and post pronto.Thanks.

[Pete M]

some areas allow you to re-title, others don't.  you need to check with your state. 

 

 

you didn't hear it from me that the VIN tag in the window is attached to the dash, not the metal body.  :peek:

 

I too have a rust free shell of an MJ waiting for a future resto or project. :D

[jdwillys]

Update: first of all, thanks for the help. So the roller dose have a clean title. How would a '94 Cherokee 4.0 be for a doner? Drive train, aw4,including electrical system. Although a may go with 8.8 rear? Going to look at the Cherokee today, so I'll have more info later.

[Pete M]

that should make for a good donor :thumbsup:

[jdwillys]

The doner Cherokee was sold before I got there. Quick draw Mcgraw beat me to it. Oh well. What are other good options? Just so I know to keep my eyes open.

[gogmorgo]

XJ's in general are good donors, although each should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as with any used car. I'm biased towards the 91-95, but that's just me. I think I would look at ZJ's next for drivetrain components, but XJ's will be best for bolt-on body panels and interior pieces.

 

I picked up a complete running driving '93 XJ this summer for $300 this summer as a donor for my MJ, although I mostly wanted the drivetrain, as the rest of it is a bit rough, but at that price it's to be expected.

[jdwillys]

Good. Thank you. I need no body parts. Only drive train with wire harness. So I will continue to be on the look out for 91 to 95 xj's. As for ZJ, drive train bolt in?

[gogmorgo]

The motor for sure, although some of the accessories might not be the same. The early ones had the same aw4 as the XJ/ MJ, (maybe '93 only?) and I think the front axle is the same. Lots of differences though, too.

The ZJ was originally intended as the next generation of the XJ, and as a result, there's quite a few similarities and parts re-use, especially in the first couple years.

I'd still look for XJ's first. More of a guarantee that everything will work.

[jdwillys]

Thank you!