Amauri's build thread: 1996 ZJ

[Amauri]

Whats the backspacing on the wheels? Have any clearance issues flexing the suspension?

I'll also be running a 33x10.5, hoping to pull it off with factory Canyons but not sure.

Your gonna hate that heavy fiberglass antenna on the fender mount. Get yourself a base loaded steel whip. Much lighter and it'll be easier on the mount.

4-3/4 I still need to flex her out, I think I'm going to have to trim a bit but nothing drastic. I'm lower(3") than most people than run 33's.

I hate it already, I need to buy a steel whip or move the antenna to the rear.

 

[Amauri]

Here you can see just how close it is to the rocker in the rear:

Overall:

The wheels will still tuck into the fender when I flex but I think I'm going to open them up more for appearance. Kind of like this:

He is at the same height as me with 32's.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Saawwwwwzzzzaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! :ar15:

 

[Amauri]

Saawwwwwzzzzaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! :ar15:

This weekend :elkgrin:

I also just registered for a welding class next semester, I'll be building front bumper like this for her:

 

[Amauri]

Me and a lady friend went splorin' yesterday here are some shots of my Jeep:

:smiley_drive:

 

[Lewybrewing]

Back Window?

 

[Amauri]

Removed it for the summer, it makes it easier to carry my surfboards. :snorkel:

 

[Amauri]

Changed my oil today, looks like there is coolant in the old oil. That explains my mystery coolant leak.

But it's running fine, we'll see what happens...

 

[Root Moose]

Find the source and get it fixed asap or there will be a new engine in your future. Crank bearings and other important stuff really don't like coolant.

 

[Amauri]

I'm going to let it sit until I have time to figure it out. But I wouldn't mind a stroker, my wallet would though.

 

[OverlandZJ]

How is the 4wd conversion and other work coming?

 

[Amauri]

Well other than fixing things and maintenance the Jeep has been on the back burner. I have all the parts for my conversion sitting in my garage. I've just lost some steam with this project, my Fiat other hobbies have been taking up all my spare time. Should be coming together soon though now that it's cooling down...

 

[K2ZJ]

When you buy the 4x4 stuff again get a Dana 30 out of a XJ. It's bolt in and at the same time has a high pinion differential housing. It's a touch stronger as a result. Some argue that it is as strong as a Dana 44 but the housing itself and the bearings don't compare so that is more urban legend or internet lore than anything. While you have it out consider welding a truss on to the housing.

Careful! An XJ HP 30 can be a disconnect housing, so you need to check years. But most important, ZJs use a cam bolt on the axle for alignment while Xjs use one on the body. You will need adjustable control arms to do this swap. Also with a BB the drive shaft may hit your exhaust manifolds as it will be much higher up.

Well other than fixing things and maintenance the Jeep has been on the back burner. I have all the parts for my conversion sitting in my garage. I've just lost some steam with this project, my Fiat other hobbies have been taking up all my spare time. Should be coming together soon though now that it's cooling down...

What parts did you get?

 

[Amauri]

Well I have a LP and a HP D30, I'm going to put the LP one in for now and build the HP for later use(when I move up to 35's). I decided to go with a 242 for my t/c, and the overdrive unit from a 4x4( I used to think that I had to swap the whole tranny but I don't). I'm also debating pulling a D44a from another ZJ that will bolt right up, it's much stronger than the D35 and throwing that in and I'll regear it and such when I finish the hp30. Easier than the 8.8 but the 8.8 is a stronger axle, the 44a should be enough but more than enough is better than not enough.

Should be an easy swap(knock on wood).

 

[Amauri]

Also debating a set of these: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f197/truckviva-projector-headlight-review-1106949/