Ozarks Jeep Thing Club
Public Forums => Fabricators Forum => Topic started by: YJ_Aaron on 03/ 2/08 - 11:40PM
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Figured I'd post my build since this section of the forum is usually dead. So here is my current undertaking. Progress will be slow since living in an apt sucks, and the jeep isn't where i live.
Well decided to dovetail my jeep. Lots of work, but should lead to a cool custom ride. The basis for this was jeep was getting repainted and it seemed like a good time to go ahead and do it.
So total plan: Dovetail, new tail lights, new gas tank filler, herculine the interior, and most likely a twin stick while I'm at it.
PICS:
Heres the jeep after the basics have been removed
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0702.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0703.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0705.jpg)
Old Damage that is going to be fixed before hidden with rockers:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0704.jpg)
Cage we built over the summer getting cut out to be narrowed:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0707.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0711.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0713.jpg)[/
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Now the custom Brake Lights: (steel to make brake light buckets)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0712.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0717.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0715.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0716.jpg)
Finally the CJ gate I'm going to use unless I find one in better shape on the cheap:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0714.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0718.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0719.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0721.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0723.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0724.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0725.jpg)[/
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AWESOME! i loves builds like this. i cant wait to see the final product. and those tail lights are PIMP!
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going to be bada** when you get it done.
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I seen it today, it's looking good.
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Thoes lights look awesome, cant wait to see everything together and finished.
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Got the cage narrowed and back in. So far all those who have seen it seem to like how it is coming apart & together.
To those who have stopped by thanks for the help.
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For those of us that haven't seen it, would you mind posting some more pics? I'm looking forward to how this will turn out.
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I've only got 1 more. Thats when the cage got tacked back in place. For those wondering YES we did slug were the cuts were with DOM so it should lose no structural integrity.
For those who have seen it at this point the cage does look very narrow at the rear. As I'm certain the body will.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0728.jpg)
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Starting to look like something is happening now.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0733.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0732.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0731.jpg)
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lookin good Aaron (and Brad, don't want to leave Mr. Vice President out). going to be one mud throwing dude (just got back from SMORR and it was a little muddy today).
Scott
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Thanks Scott.
Here are the updated pics. Both sides are on, just lots of massaging of the metal left.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0734.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0735.jpg)
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looking good Arron, can't wait to see it done. are you going to try to go Safarri benifit?
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If I make it back in town in time I'll be out for the Safari benefit run, but the jeep wont' be there. It's got lots of body work and paint to finish before Jambo.
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are painting it the same color? I've got everything done to my 44 except get it assembled. Also hve everything except locker for the 30.
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Good man. Did you put a locker in the 44?
Its getting a new color as well as herculiner on the inside. Bittersweet Pearl is the new color.
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I got a Detroit soft locker, 4.10s, relocated the shockmounts, and relocated the vent hole. I'm just going to run the stock axles for now. Are you going to try modify you soft top to fit the jeep?
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I sold the soft top... going to "alter" a windjammer, just got a new windjammer, and my old safari top may have to be mod'd.
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That thing is looking sweet! How many hours do you think you have in it? It looks like it is going to be worth it though.
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he's changed his mind so many times on that Jeep I think he has about 500 hours minimum in it. :P
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Jimmy, I surprised you haven't talked him in to flames
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haha. Indeed it would look great with flames on it... as would your Cherokee!
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haha. Indeed it would look great with flames on it... as would your Cherokee!
Don't forget that they add horsepower.
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it will needed to be painted sometime in the future, maybe it will get a nice flame job.
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It was originally going to get flames, but I'm going single color now. As far as hours in it... I have NO idea and would hate to add it up.
The color is chosen and I'm going to pick it up along with hardener, primer, etc next week.
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Hey Aaron.. is the Bittersweet Pearl the same color you showed me last month? Kind of on the orange side of the color wheel?
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Ya, it looks to be about 2 or 3 shades off from larrys. I decided not to go the copperhead color like originally planned.
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looking good. can't wait till you want to sell it. i know it will be hard for you to hold on to it for a year. i may be ready for a different jeep by then.
scott
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I'm pretty sure there's a line already formed for this one IF he ever wants to sell it.
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I'm pretty sure there's a line already formed for this one IF he ever wants to sell it.
We have a "verbal" agreeement that he won't sell it until a year after it is finished!
I am the head of the line!
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That looks good. Can't wait to see it finished.
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Here it is today:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0765.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0769.jpg)
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Lookin' good!
Did you get that rocker damage fixed yet? How did you go about doing that, just curious.
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I sanded all the old paint off and Larry hammer and dollied it out.He had it done in 10 min.
The pass side I'm going to leave since it's smaller and would be a nightmare to fix.
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Looks great. I can't wait to see it.
You know, if you're gonna hack apart your jeep you really shouldn't do such a good job. It makes me think about what I could do to my not-yet-paid-off TJ. I've already got enough bad ideas, I don't need more.
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Update:
The fab work is done with the exception of a latch for the CJ gate. The filler neck looks good on there and the cap on the inner fender Brad did turned out excellent. I'll try to update the pics later this week. The body work is progressing and I finally bought paint. House of Kolors Tangelo Orange pearl is what sitting in here.
Also repaired gas gauge, and installed new gas tank skid plate to replace the old one which was as crumpled as they get.
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lookin good; good choice of color..i think the orange will really make the package.
LATA
Ryan
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Update:
Also repaired gas gauge, and installed new gas tank skid plate to replace the old one which was as crumpled as they get.
Yeah Marty beat the heck out of that Jeep.
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Well thanks to Alex & Brandon for coming by saturday and helping the project along. Alex wired up my rubi compressor after brandon made a bracket for it. I plumbed it and so far its working.
Doors and tailgate are ready to be primered and the rest of the body work is progressing. The jeep should be fully primered (except old grill) for Jeep Jamboree.
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(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0772.jpg)
Cap for the backside of the TJ fuel filler.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0773.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0774.jpg)
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Jeep got primered last night in prep for Jamboree this weekend. Body work isn't done but it's getting closer. All thats left is reassemble, tailgate latch (in progress), and a rear bumper and it's ready for Jambo.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0776.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/YJ%20Dovetail%20Build/100_0775.jpg)
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look's good. can't wait to see it with a pretty paint job
Scott
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look's good. can't wait to see it with a pretty paint job
Scott
you and me both man... I'm sure there are another half dozen that feel the same way since they've been dropping by to check it out and help when needed.
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I guess if you had to pick a time to have any trail damage now would be the time.
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I guess if you had to pick a time to have any trail damage now would be the time.
Tommorrow it goes on the trailer! Take it down and see if the Rubi locker works and if the sheetmetal is far enough out of the way!
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Good Luck!!! I hope everything works out. Wish I could come, but not enough cash in the pockets to go that far right now. Let me know how it goes.
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Tommorrow it goes on the trailer! Take it down and see if the Rubi locker works and if the sheetmetal is far enough out of the way!
let us know how it goes.
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It worked very well. We found a couple of little things that need to be addressed, but they were minor. Locker worked great with no noise.
All in all it was a great weekend. We didn't have to wrench on it at all.
It was even used for recovery to pull a couple of Jeeps up a hillclimb with no crazy noises!
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Yes I was happy with how the jeep performed. We didn't run any hard trails but dragging those up cherokee pass put a little strain on it.
I'll put up some pics in here even though they will be posted by Sara or myself in a jambo pic thread. She took like 400.
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Glad to hear everything went good. Was there a good turn out?
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I think the count was over 50 paying participants but I never heard the final count. We did have 1 from British Columbia there in a 2 door JK.
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Yes I was happy with how the jeep performed. We didn't run any hard trails but dragging those up cherokee pass put a little strain on it.
I'll put up some pics in here even though they will be posted by Sara or myself in a jambo pic thread. She took like 400.
Hey Aaron ... Why don't you post them on the SMORR site in the Jeep Jamboree Gallery along with all the others?
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I might, If Sara wants to upload them all twice once they are downloaded to my comp. Right now they are still on the camera in Branson. We'll put them on here tuesday most likely.
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Brad behind the wheel
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0029-1.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0046-1.jpg)
And of course Aaron had to let ME drive, here is the proof!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0189.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0082.jpg)
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looking good. now i can't wait to see it with paint on.
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Great job guys! Can you give anymore details on the lights! I have been looking for an option for a J10 Stepside build and I think this is it! I would like to find one a little shorter and wider... where is a god source to shop?
Have a great week,
Jesse
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I just knew the measurements of the room we had and started searching online. For the narrow/long lights it seems that enclosed trailer suppliers are the best source. Thats where mine came from.
Thanks Jesse, I can't wait to get it painted. The paint has been sitting on the counter and needs to be on the jeep!
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I'm coming down this weekend and seeing the jeep is most definately on the agenda. I've heard too mush about it, I gotta see it for myself.
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Well these pics are in the club album, but I thought that I should show the finished for now version in the build thread. So here they are.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/Hooters%20MG/100_0229.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/Hooters%20MG/100_0250.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/Hooters%20MG/100_0251.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/Hooters%20MG/100_0260.jpg)
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UPDATE since I haven't posted in this thread for a long while.
On Presidents day I had a bit of carnage...
THIS
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/broken44parts.jpg)
LEAD TO THIS
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/60frontaxle.jpg)
In that pic it's a stock (abused) junkyard chevy dana 60.
I'll update with some more pics this week. As of now It's got a detroit locker, and is in the middle of a full rebuild with lots of NEW parts!
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SO what tires are you gunna end up running?
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I'd really like a set of new pitbulls, but the height I want is a bit wide for my wheels... so jury is still out on that one.
If I don't go that route it's whatever I can find used in the 38-40" category. Then I'll continue to add to this thread as I lengthen the WB and go smallblock next winter.
Right now I'm just shooting to have it back on the stree/trail by the Bison Ranch run in May.
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60 put back together using LOTS of new parts:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/rebuilt60.jpg)
Mocked up under the YJ.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/60mockedup.jpg)
To Do List:
Bleed Brakes, Adjust Steering, install shocks, shorten front driveshaft, ubolts/spring plates.
Thanks to BLOVE & JEEPOLANTERN for help this evening.
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Any special parts on the 60? Are those knuckles aftermarket or did you paint them? Good job on the progress.
Can you please get a real camera the camera phone pictures suck.
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I do have a nice digi cam. The problem is I never remember to take it out there with me. One of the downsides of working 15 miles from your house.
60 has lots of non stock parts, knuckles aren't one of them (clint painted them). Has Detroit, Superior Alloy Inner Shafts, spicer joints, Mile Marker Stainless lockouts, SOLID cover,and Mad4WD Steering Arms.
You get your 44 built yet?
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You get your 44 built yet?
I knew that was coming. I'm working on making the adjustable control arms so I can get pinion and castor angle dialed in when it goes in. I might actually get something done today.
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Well get on it buddy!
I'll update later today with camera pics. I think I'm going to head back out and clean up the shop.
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glad to see your jeep coming together
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In true Jeeper fashion the batteries died before I could get new pics!
I did some looking and am trying to decide what my next move is, Brad and I were discussing this earlier. I have 2 options.
1. Leave the stock YJ springs in SOA form- shorten front shaft, move shocks, etc.
2. Add Waggy springs to the front raising my jeep 2" and gaining 2" of WB, and add 2" YJ springs in the rear to level it out. Thereby creating more clearance, and setting it up for larger tires in the future. Downside is it will raise my Center of Mass.
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Lower you seat! LOL
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I'm sure you added some unsprung weight with that 60, going to bigger tires will add some more. I would just go with the taller springs now. Unless your driveshaft needs repair, then go that route, wasn't it bent?
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Driveshaft is fixed and is now heavy wall tubing.
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I will make sure I bring my camera next time we are out, so I can get some good pics of your 60!!
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Hey but the knuckles look aftermarket, must be the high quality paint job!
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I got ten bucks that says he changes it back out for a 44 in year... any takers??
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If you'd been around to see all the work I put into that 60 you wouldn't bet that way Davo.
My next swap is likely to be a different REAR axle... got a couple good ideas for that.
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no, cause he'll sell the whole Jeep first.
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You've almost come full circle from when I first started coming to the meetings. I believe at that time you were just finishing up a 60/14 swap.
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YEP. This time around I'm locked etc. Jeep looks a lot better these days as well.
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I got ten bucks that says He doesn't have the jeep in a year.
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What defines "the jeep"? As in I will have it exactly as it is? No chance in HELL. Or that I will still have this jeeps title and registration in whatever incarnation I make it next?
I don't know why I catch all the grief about selling my jeeps? This is only my 13th one.... and I've had this one for 2 years in MAY!
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Thats why we are saying it's about time to get a new one... and cause we like giving you a hard time ole friend!!
The only reason I think you would keep it is becasue you don't have time anymore more due to the job and all. And you work on new stuff all the time now...why would you wanna work on the old stuff??
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I get to do more "cool" stuff to old ones. The new ones look cool when we're done and all, but it's just not the same.
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Austin,
I took some better pics for you man! LOL
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0464.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0465-1.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0466-1.jpg)
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Awesome! That's what I'm talkin' about.
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Thanks.
Need new brake lines since mine won't clear the casting on 60 calipers.
Need to shorten the front drive shaft.
Need to narrow my tie rod, and figure out if I can run it "under" the steering arms instead of above. Above my jeep sits to low and steering his the frame on compression. Also figured out my front drive shaft has been hitting my trans on full compression.
A lot of things are adding up to needing more height, but trying to avoid it!
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Looks good man!
Caleb
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and you need to through some dirt on the new axle cause it looks way to clean under that dirty jeep. i still like it though!!
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yeah, aaron, that's a pretty jeep. Need to get it on the trails and find a new weak point, being that you have replaced all of them that you had. looks good. When you said you hated that we spent a little time recovering you out there, you weren't kidding, you REALLY dont like to be the broke one do you?
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NOPE, I hate being busted... but I don't mind spending my time recovering others. Like you can see I'd rather build up than have a weak link. Next on the list after this round is a shaved 14 bolt rear when the new (thanks for hook up CLINT) motor goes in!
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new motor??? whats wrong with the one you got?? you wanna give it to me
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Nothing wrong with the one I have. However I'm thinking the project for next fall/winter will be a chevy small block and auto swap.
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Was your jeep trying to run off? I seen you had it in chains.
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I was trying to use them to beat it into submission.... we're still working on its understanding that I always WIN! >:D
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Got some wrench time on it yesterday, along with helping out on some dodge work.
Shocks are on (thanks for the help Brad), steering is on and toe is set, as well as the frotn suspension on and tightened up.
New driveshaft should be made this week, and waiting on another diff cover and brake lines to show up.
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Kool man looking forward to seeing it! 8)
Caleb
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Jeep made it to Bison ranch and did very well. Figured out a few things:
1. Know matter how much you know, sometimes you miss something obvious and a friend bails you out.
2. Dana 60's with 36" tires equal crappy ground clearance and a BIG stuck on a tree (thanks STEVE!)
3. Getting to wheel/camp with your friends makes all the wrench days worth while!
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(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0467.jpg)
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Are thoes the 37s you guys had up at 4ws there for a while? Good looking tire, what are you gunna do witht the iroks?
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Nope. Going with 39's. It's not on a wheel there. The IROKS will be for sale shortly.
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I like the tread pattern. Right on my friend!!
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That bad boy is going to be wicked with the 39's and a 350 amigo
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Out of curiosity did you decide if you were going to comp cut it or stretch it yet?
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I'm still trying to decide exactly. I may have come up with option C.
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I'm still trying to decide exactly. I may have come up with option C.
Option C: give Jeep to Keith and start over with something else.
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I'd follow that option if it came with a nice check! LOL. I like this jeep and don't really want to sell it, just need to get it lined out with what I want it to do.
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I say comp cut it, coil over, rocks, 49's, 86 the small block and go with with big block 496 - you know nothin to overboard! :15: LOL
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Na. I'm good with the direction it's going at this point.
Brad and I had a discussion today about a new idea I came up with he'd been wanting to do for a while!
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(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/yj39s.jpg)
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Looks like you finally got your tires. Looks good.
Brad and I had a discussion today about a new idea I came up with he'd been wanting to do for a while!
So what did you decide?
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Well the tires decided I have to stretch the rear 2" or so NOW. So that is the first priority. Then I'm going to start saving up and ordering parts to put air shocks on the front and 3 link.
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Nice. Any steering upgrades?
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To soon to know. Not sure how much I'll stretch in the front to know what I'll HAVE to do. If you want to give up your hydro assist parts I'd love to run that LOL.
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I think I'm going to try and get it installed with the 44, so no dice on letting it go.
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(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0474-1.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0475-1.jpg)
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Figured I'd take some pics of the 39s before the stretch. So here they are.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0478-1.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0476.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/100_0477-1.jpg)[/QUOTE]
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Man those look sweet - it will really look cool stretched!
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Your in bad need of a stretch and some fender trimming. LOL
It's sure is looking GOOD Aaron from when you got it from Marty... Keep up the good work; it's inspiring.
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Thanks. The stretch is coming have no doubt. If the rain lets up I'm planning on taking it to the MG tonight before I take it apart. Fuel cell is on order, 4.88's are on the way for the front (already have rear), and if someone can come up with waggy springs for me I'll be set.
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Do you have a 60 in the rear or a 14 bolt? What are you gonna do with your 44? Is it for sale yet?
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I already parted the 44 out. It has the 60 under the front and rear.
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Got some parts in today. 4.88's for the rear 60 (already had for the front), and some Corbeau baja SS seats!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/alarose41/CorbeauBajaSS.jpg)
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Looks spiffy man! 8)
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i know its not your jeep anymore, but are those pitt bull rockers you put on the h2 wheels?? I was checking those out and they come in 16.5's width...how well did they do air's down on the H2 wheels...?? I am kinda afraid that wheel might be a little narrow and it might pop a bead, but i could be comploetly wrong...let me know becasue i really like that wheel and tire combo
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You have it backwards. The narrower the wheel width compared to tire width the STRONGER it will hold a bead seat. Had I kept the jeep I would have aired down to 4-5 psi without to much worry.
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really? i did not know that ...well i will be contacting you within the next couple months to get a set of pitt bulls...my dana 30 is destroyed so im starting my one ton build as soon as my dana 60 gets here
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Sounds good. There is a good discussion going on with them in General on Pirate. If/When I replace the 35" Krawlers, it will be with either more of them of 37" rockers.
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Nice seats aaron, cant wait to see the jeep out wheeling again.