Building an Unlimited (Lj)

[TexasTJ]

So right now I own a 1998 Tj and a 07 2 door Jk. The TJ was built for rocks and the Jk is a street jeep. Both are on 35's go figure.

I will soon have the Jk payed off and am thinking of then selling both jeeps and buying a 06 LJ rubicon. This I would build as an Expedition jeep. This was first my idea with the Jk, but there is really just not enough room for gear for the weekend a Golden Retriever and 2 people in it.

I was thinking of putting it on a 3.5" RE short arm with 35 pro comp extreme AT's. I would leave in the 4.11 gears for high way driving and with the 4 to 1 Transfer case It would handle trail alright as well. From there bumper and a winch will be easy and the little jeep would be ready to go.

Im just looking a some feed back on this little plain and maybe a little help in the cooking.

thanks

Nate

 

[Metcalf]

I was thinking pretty hard about building an unlimited....

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11912

If your going to build one from scratch I would think heavily about using the AEV hi-line kit. It simplifies SOOOOO much stuff. You can run 35s with 1-2" of lift and 37s with 3" of lift if its tuned correctly.

The gearing will be OK with 35s, but you will most likely want to upgrade at some point.

Add a Tummy tucker for sure. That fixes one of the tragic flaws of the TJ.

Keep it clean, simple, light, don't bolt a ton of stuff on the back, keep it low, don't build a flex monster, travel quality vs travel quantity.

Good luck on your project!

 

[Scott Brady]

These trucks are impressive, right out of the box. Good advise from Metcalf.

The AEV and OME parts are all reliable and reasonable. I would limit the modifications to the truck and focus on the loading system, communications, recovery solutions (winch, etc.) and a set of good bumpers.

I look forward to following your progress.

 

[ddog45]

Lj Lj Lj

You may want to check in with TheMike he is talking about parting with his 06 rubicon that is built and ready to go anywhere. If you cant get in touch with him pm me and I will get you his personal email.
I have an 05 Lj with ome lift and rokmen goodies that is sweet. Im starting to look at golen engines to add a little more omph while pulling my adventure trailer.

 

[TexasTJ]

thanks for the info. I like the idea of the OME stuff all thought im not a huge fan of the AEV high hood. its all good to think about.

 

[RedRocker]

Well, you've got your rock crawlers and you've got expedition vehicles. I just did what you're talking about, 06 LJ from CJ rock crawler. I've had to fight my natural instincts to beef it up beyond recognition. They're very capable bone stock, Tummy Tuck and a few inches of lift and you're ready to go. I've got a 1.25 body lift, 2.5 OME lift, 33's, bought it from a friend that way and I'm not going to screw with it cept for a TT. I'm sticking with 33's since I've gone everywhere my friends with 35's have gone, but I may go to 5.13's at some point. 4.10's and 35's will suck really hard on the highway because 33's and 4.10's do. My goal is to keep the weight down, so no swing out tire carrier, no tons of armor plating, no Dana 60's and 6 inch lifts. JMHO.

 

[TexasTJ]

really I have the 4.11 and 35 on my JK and have no problem holding 70 with the Cruse on in the hill country. Plus It gets 17 city 19 hwy. That the main reason I have for sticking to stock gears. I have kind of decided that 33 10.50 are the way to go on this jeep Im just so use to 35's on everything. I was only thinking of a rear tire carrier so I could get on with the gas tank holders to open up the range, but may be the safari tank from GenRight is the way to get that. thinks for the input.

 

[Root Moose]

...all thought im not a huge fan of the AEV high hood.

Just curious what you don't like about it. Is it the look? Price?

I'm on the fence about it. Like the look but...

 

[TexasTJ]

well I don't want to get in to a flame war on over this, But Mostly its the look. I think its a cool idea and I know some people who have made there own using there stock finders, hoods and some creative cutting. Really what gets me is that AEV did not carry the seam over from the Tj tub. that there makes it look not original to me. Im i big body purest on my jeeps I don't flat finder or comp corner and that little seam is enough to make the AEV high finders look after market. All there stuff looks so good and OME that I have always found it odd that they didn't include a seam there. So there you go Im am a Jeep dork what can I say.:smiley_drive:

 

[Root Moose]

Hey no worries. I don't think this is the type of board that flames for differing opinions.

 

[Metcalf]

Tig weld the seam and make it flat

They did use the hood line/cowl seam which carries the lines over pretty well.

In all reality most people don't even notice the body kit. Have you seen one in person yet? I tell ya...they are trick. If your going to run anything over narrow 33s, I think its just about the only way to go. I know I will get flamed for that, but I think its that good of a product and option. Keeping the TJ/LJ suspension at 2-3" of lift with short arms is just about the magic spot. Long arm kits add way too much weight and complexity in my opinion.

I tend to promote the 'keep it low, light, simple, and clean' approach to building things. I'm NOT saying that you have to keep it stock by any means....I daily drive a full size truck with 39s and no lift

Now if only I can get a turbo diesel in an LJ! I do have a pretty darn good option for a turbo diesel swap that I worked out a year or two ago. It would work well with the 6spd manual transmission, stock 4.10s, and 37s. An atlas 4spd would be ideal, but the stock rubicon 4spd case would be just fine for most peoples needs. Dang, I really need to win the lottery and build all the things I have planned out over the years!

 

[TexasTJ]

Dang, I really need to win the lottery and build all the things I have planned out over the years!

LOL I know what you mean Im a School Teacher.

Im really looking at the Full Traction or Tera Flex 3" economy kit. Any word on using stock control arms on a lifted Lj? I know that on a Tj the adjustable are a must. bit it seam on the Lj you could get away with stock of at least fixed control arms.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Hey no worries. I don't think this is the type of board that flames for differing opinions.

your opinions are lame and you must leave.
















:elkgrin:

 

[nwoods]

Nice choice in the LJ....but I don't understand. You stated that you can't fit the stuff you need in the JK (2 people plus a big dog), not sure the LJ will be that much better. I made a platform in the rear of our LJ that really provided a lot of room for stuff, but I need that room for stuff! Not sure where I'd put a dog.

Progress photo (before carpet and tie-down rails)

Platform with rear seat installed (its a two piece modular platform)

Loaded for a trip to the Rubicon

 

[SeaRubi]

JK unlimited, rear ARB or rubi locker, 33's, and an Atlas? I had an 06' LJ rubi and am liking my new JK X Unlimited a surprisingly large amount better. No need for a tummy tuck - better suspension and frame, and I think in the long run this little V6 will be lower maintenance. it also gets much better gas mileage than the rubi ever did and I can hear myself think on the highway.

edit: forgot a main point of my post the JK Unlimited has significantly more cargo space. Heading out with 3 people and a dog for a long weekend of camping is possible. My 8yr old daughter on the 40% seat upright, and our 70lb collie dog beside her on the split 60% seat folded down leaves the whole cargo area in back available for gear.

fwiw - food for thought!

cheers
-ike