1997 Wrangler Overland Build - Road to Anchorage

[ihcj9]

The Ultra4 is missing a heart. Found some unhealthy metal flakes in the filter. Gotta tear through the motor now.




Got a start on he rear tire carrier. I'm going to call this the Recycle TJ. Or maybe the Craigslist TJ. I've been sourcing all the needed "large" parts from Craigslist. aka the rear Pro Comp bumper. So i'm going to try and build everything else I need from my parts piles.

I've got bins of spare and old Heims and weld in bungs. So I figured I'd use those for the swing out tire carrier. I won't likely ever have over a 35" tire on this Jeep (famous last words) so I'm building light.

Hi Lift will mount to the swing out carrier. And a table will fold down from the back side when open. I will be using a front unit bearing to mount the tire. This will provide me with a spare unit bearing and support the spare tire. Also considering mounting the spare outer shaft in the bearing as well.



Started drawing up the rear cargo box. Lower, "shorter" drawer is for tools such as wrenches, hammers, multi-meters, etc. I'd like to keep them flat and in a single plane as much as possible so I'm not digging through trying to find tools. Likely will use foam to support and prevent rattling.

 

[Rubicon4URE]

I had a 88 YJ 5 speed with a 4 cylinder with 32x11.50s it had plenty of acceleration and did good when i was wheeling it. But i just had to drop it into a lower gear when going up a steep incline and 5th gear was only used on the highway. I had very few problems with the 4 cylinder

 

[ihcj9]

Good to hear!

Took it around the block today to get it warmed up and set the fan controller. Not exactly the 400+ horsepower of the jeep next to it...

I think it'll suffice. Now comes the fun part of interior mods and getting it ready!

 

[ihcj9]

Put about 50 miles on it up here at 9000+ ft in the mountains. Cruises great. Can even use 5th gear with the 31's.

....But...

Any kind of incline and I'm grabbing 4th or 3rd. mostly 6-8% grades out here so I had it screaming at 60mph in 3rd.

I think it'll suffice. Shifting doesn't bother me too much.

 

[Septu]

Put about 50 miles on it up here at 9000+ ft in the mountains. Cruises great. Can even use 5th gear with the 31's.

....But...

Any kind of incline and I'm grabbing 4th or 3rd. mostly 6-8% grades out here so I had it screaming at 60mph in 3rd.

I think it'll suffice. Shifting doesn't bother me too much.

That's good... lots of mountain passes and whatnot between Ft St John and Whitehorse.

 

[Dan Grec]

Put about 50 miles on it up here at 9000+ ft in the mountains. Cruises great. Can even use 5th gear with the 31's.

....But...

Any kind of incline and I'm grabbing 4th or 3rd. mostly 6-8% grades out here so I had it screaming at 60mph in 3rd.

I think it'll suffice. Shifting doesn't bother me too much.

You'll do great. My 2.5ltr 5speed with 31s was great for 40,000miles from Alaska to Argentina.. I went over more mountain passes than I can count, including having it up to 15,500 feet more than a couple of times.

-Dan

 

[ihcj9]

That's good... lots of mountain passes and whatnot between Ft St John and Whitehorse.

You'll do great. My 2.5ltr 5speed with 31s was great for 40,000miles from Alaska to Argentina.. I went over more mountain passes than I can count, including having it up to 15,500 feet more than a couple of times.

-Dan

Excellent to hear. I was a little nervous after driving it. Especially after loading it up.

Thanks for helping to ease my mind a bit!

 

[ihcj9]

Going to pick this up tomorrow!

Normally I would shy away from a 3-1 combo machine but this is one of the biggest machines ever made. Huge 20" swing on the Lathe. And I can fit full bellhousings or transfer cases or diff housings on the mill. CNC ready if I pick up some motors for it.

With this and the 3D printer that's arriving this week, I am almost fully self sufficient in the shop. Been a long few years collecting all the tooling I need. Really excited. I'll probably be spending a lot of time making things I really don't need, but way better than buying them!

 

[ihcj9]

Well a few things have changed recently!

I had a guy make me an offer on the TJ that I couldn't refuse. Ended up making enough to pay myself back, plus pick up the Cherokee below, plus have a few dollars to spare.

It's a:
4.0 liter
Ax15 manual
Chrysler 8.25 rear
Bone stock. 165k miles
Throw out bearing went out on the guy. Pull tranny. Put in a new clutch and bearing and should be good to go.

Has a couple dings and dents. Plan is to make up fiberglass flare fenders. Low lift or no lift. Run 33's. Cage it. And then set it up for our trip to Alaska next year!

 

[redveloce]

Out a clutch in her, do a full service, and she's ready!