scratch building a scrambler possibly

[Nullifier]

So after alot of debateing I think I have decided to scratch build my next vehicle. I have been searching for the right model to start with. I need something that I can use as a daily driver and one day move over to expo use. It has to be able to seat 4 since we plan on starting a family in the next 2-3 years, have good part availbility and reliability. I think a scrambler fits that bill. I have been studying them and as well as many others and keep coming back to scramblers. There are just not any real great options in teh new car market and if I am going to drop 25-30K on a new vehicle it might as well be what I want.

I have tried to map out a basic plan for a scrambler keeping in mind that daily driver is the first use. I was thinking starting with a really cheap CJ of some sort mainly for the title and odds and ends that nickle and dime a build.

Then really start with a TDK hybrid frame. Either with tj suspension front and rear or TJ suspension up front and leafs out back. I have not decided that yet. but am leaning to a split hybrid for a good mix of ride and hauling capacity. I would use rubicon express shrot arms and ome springs / shocks

Then an aqualou aluminum body and full length fiberglass great top. I guess the debate is steel or fiberglass front clip. Since it is not an original resto it would not matter from that stand point.

Drive train is where you get endless options. I would probably get some TJ rubi axles since they will be a direct bolt on to the front and easily moded to fit a leafsprung rear. I could stay with a factory 4.2 5 speed and dana 300, try to add a 2.8 diesel from a liberty, or get real crazy and slap in a toyota drive train like I say option are endless. However keep in mind that 31" tires are probably all it will see in D.D. usage. The big dilema is the liberty diesel. I am concerned about the tranny since I hear mixed things about it. I do not know if there are any other tranny options preferable manual that will match up to that motor and the issue of the ecu. I do not think the Internatioanl diesel is an option either due to cost but it depends on what the real world cost is. I have heard 10k+ for it.

Adding stuff like a/c, line x interior, good seats, guages, electronics etc would be critical. However the I like the idea of building a nice simple less is more daily driver that can turn trail rig in a few years. So far my wife is behind the build which as you know is half the battle. We have looked at a budget and based on several other scratch builts I have done we feel that it is in our ability to do this build over a 2 year time line. I would expect to have it as a roller with body on frame etc in about 6 months.

So any advice comments etc.

 

[kjp1969]

I like the idea, always liked those old Scramblers.

It would all come down to the budget, for me. Once I imagineered my way past $15k or $20k, I start thinking what I could buy for that kind of money that's new and trouble free(ish). It's a battle between what's cool and what's practical.

 

[rjcj-8]

cool idea.
If you have not found the site or posted their yet go over to www.cj-8.com, you should be able to get some good ideas over there. There's a couple that have done or close to what you are planing.

 

[Nullifier]

I like the idea, always liked those old Scramblers.

It would all come down to the budget, for me. Once I imagineered my way past $15k or $20k, I start thinking what I could buy for that kind of money that's new and trouble free(ish). It's a battle between what's cool and what's practical.

Yea I hear ya it's just that when I look at the current offerings all I see are vehicles that get are getting harder and harder to work on. They do not really offer any better economy that is for sure.

What I have planned is basically building a new vehicle that meets my needs and is something that I can work on with minimal tools or b.s. I think that when you factor in all the new parts going into the build the few untouched used parts would have minimal affect on over all reliability. I mean ont he lat scratch build I did I drove it every day for 3 years and only had to deal with normal service. So for me the what I could buy factor oir the reliableish nature of a new car is lost.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

......when I look at the current offerings, all I see are vehicles that get are getting harder and harder to work on. They do not really offer any better economy that is for sure.

Ahmen!

 

[tommudd]

can hook you up with a friend of mine who has a Liberty CRD engine for sale I think

Tom

 

[Rockcrawler]

Did someone say Scrambler???

:chowtime:

TJ suspension is a good idea... I've considered making that swap on mine... I have done a complete frame off rebuild on mine... AFW frame, Fiberglass body, Howell EFI, Scout D44 rear etc. etc. etc...

Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck!

And congrats on the cool wife! LOL

Kyle

 

[gary in ohio]

extreme 4x4 TV is running scrambler build. Might check out there form
spike tv.

 

[burke]

I would think seriously about the JK dana 44's (rubi axles) they are strong and relatively cheap.

 

[Nullifier]

extreme 4x4 TV is running scrambler build. Might check out there form
spike tv.

I know I started planning this build a few months ago and happened to be home sunday witht he tv on. When it came on I was surprised to see them building the same basic set up. Only they are going v-8 power and big tores so I will take a different direction there. I loook forward to watching the build and see how they do it.

 

[kjp1969]

Yea I hear ya it's just that when I look at the current offerings all I see are vehicles that get are getting harder and harder to work on. They do not really offer any better economy that is for sure.

What I have planned is basically building a new vehicle that meets my needs and is something that I can work on with minimal tools or b.s. I think that when you factor in all the new parts going into the build the few untouched used parts would have minimal affect on over all reliability. I mean ont he lat scratch build I did I drove it every day for 3 years and only had to deal with normal service. So for me the what I could buy factor oir the reliableish nature of a new car is lost.

The CJ8 you're describing would be very cool, but I've seen a few Jeep Rubicons under $20k and still under warranty. That's pretty tempting to my eyes.

 

[SinCityFJC]

BRAVO!

The only suggestion I can offer is to find a diesel motor with a mechanical pump rather than common-rail or ecu controlled pump.

X2 I have a 59 & a 71 CJ-6 thinking of a diesel powered resto mod on one of them

 

[greenhorn]

Wow, it's amazing. I've had thoughts like that for about a year. Hybrid frame, Aqualu, hardtop and all. The only thing I don't care for is the departure angle in the back. You can get Aqualu to make a "bobbed" CJ8, but then the hardtop won't fit. I've even thought keeping the body length the same and stretching the wheelbase slightly, to keep the ability of the hardtop. I've haven't had any problems with the wheelbase on my DCab Tacoma high centering yet. I've put in a Vintage Air a/c unit in a ride before (retired race camaro), and it worked like a champ.

I can understand what you are saying about load carrying in the back, but look into OME heavy springs from a TJ Unlimited. You get the load and the ride quality. The good thing is, Jeep CJ parts are cheap and you should be able to still find parts for a long time to come.

Do it! I'll make the trip down I-4 to help you wrench!

 

[JeepN95YJ]

One thing to consider with a 2-door Jeep and the family is the difficulty getting the kids in and out.

I have YJ (it's pretty tall) and it isn't too much of an issue with the top off. I can reach over the side to buckle the belts on the car seats. With the top on I have to slide the passenger seat forward and climb into the back to hook in my 4 year old on the drivers side. I can lock in the baby seat for the 1 year old from the ground, but have to climb in to "un" lock it.

We use it as a pleasure vehicle. As a DD, it would be a real pain with the kids. As they get older it is easier.

 

[robert j. yates]

I could stay with a factory 4.2 5 speed and dana 300, try to add a 2.8 diesel from a liberty, or get real crazy and slap in a toyota drive train like I say option are endless.

I would personally skip the 4.2 unless your budget includes some rather serious modification. In stock form, they are low on power and not at all easy on gas. Now a 4.2 with a modified 4.0 head or Hesco head, Mopar fuel injection and a bit of cam.........the only downside I see is the use of specifically modified parts but even then, the reliability IMO is stillt here and with a huge power and efficiency increase.

You might also want to consider building around a latemodel 4.0/AW4/231 drivetrain out of a Cherokee. My daughters XJ gets right around 20/23 mpg on 30" tires and 2" OME lift.