NOMADIC_LJ
Explorer
this is going to be good!
Thanks for all the great pics so far
Thanks for all the great pics so far
YJ Unlimited build
- Thread starter lamontagne
- Start date
A co-clubber did a similar thing to his. It turned out really well. He stepped up from 38s to 40s at the same time. Still has stock driveline though. D60 front and rear.
Before
After
I've got the hardware sitting in the garage, but can't make myself break down the TJ to install it all, I'll have to have some help from friends that actually have the proper work tools to get it done. Ford front D60R, 14B, orbital Alcan leafs (old Bronco project), long arm front arms, 4.3l/4L60 (2wd), Klune/205 (Ford) that I'd like to install. I'd like to keep the TJ stock body length but extend the frame/wheelbase for the use of the leafs.
Your frame extension is very interesting. Many just use box tubing and fish plates across the cut. You seem to have box tubing fitting the outer size of the stock frame.
Before
After
I've got the hardware sitting in the garage, but can't make myself break down the TJ to install it all, I'll have to have some help from friends that actually have the proper work tools to get it done. Ford front D60R, 14B, orbital Alcan leafs (old Bronco project), long arm front arms, 4.3l/4L60 (2wd), Klune/205 (Ford) that I'd like to install. I'd like to keep the TJ stock body length but extend the frame/wheelbase for the use of the leafs.
Your frame extension is very interesting. Many just use box tubing and fish plates across the cut. You seem to have box tubing fitting the outer size of the stock frame.
lamontagne
Adventurer
A couple other things I forgot to mention in my previous posts I thought I would share.
My first Jeep was a 2-door XJ Cherokee that transitioned through 3 different lifts and tire combos. I learned a lot from that Jeep, and I really grew to appreciate the coil front/leaf rear suspention setup. The flexy front and compliant, yet stabile rear allowed me to traverse up to 4.0 rated trails with little difficulty and still provided a comfortable ride as a daily driver. I knew I would be applying this to my next ride. For all the strengths of the XJ, the weak point is the body and lack of a frame. You can take a piece of metal and if you twist it enough, it WILL eventually break.
This brings me to my current YJ. After my XJ was stolen I used the insurance money to buy a sweet MJ Eliminator, and after that was stolen I bought the YJ. This jeep wont be daily driven and it will be kept in the garage, thank you very much!
I am trying to incorporate as many XJ components as possible in this build as they as plentiful and inexpensive. Things used so far are front suspention components, AW4 auto trans, 231 t-case with SYE, 2 front drive shafts have been relived of thier double cardan joints for custom shafts, and I will installing an XJ tilt steering colum as well.
Other interior accoutrements will be Renegade suspention seats, high backs in front and a bench in the rear for long range comfort, and storage cubbies built into the space that once was the front of the wheel wells. Communications will be addressed when I get toward the end, ham and CB will be a must, as well a DVD system for entertaining my daughter.
I am hunting for a deal on a 28 gallon gas tank right now, combind with a couple Jerry cans a 400 mile range should be doable on aspahlt, and 300 miles is definte on dirt assuming the worst possible milage.
I am looking long and hard right now at using some of the wasted space in the newly extended frame to locate a water tank. MMM lots of things to ponder!
My first Jeep was a 2-door XJ Cherokee that transitioned through 3 different lifts and tire combos. I learned a lot from that Jeep, and I really grew to appreciate the coil front/leaf rear suspention setup. The flexy front and compliant, yet stabile rear allowed me to traverse up to 4.0 rated trails with little difficulty and still provided a comfortable ride as a daily driver. I knew I would be applying this to my next ride. For all the strengths of the XJ, the weak point is the body and lack of a frame. You can take a piece of metal and if you twist it enough, it WILL eventually break.
This brings me to my current YJ. After my XJ was stolen I used the insurance money to buy a sweet MJ Eliminator, and after that was stolen I bought the YJ. This jeep wont be daily driven and it will be kept in the garage, thank you very much!
I am trying to incorporate as many XJ components as possible in this build as they as plentiful and inexpensive. Things used so far are front suspention components, AW4 auto trans, 231 t-case with SYE, 2 front drive shafts have been relived of thier double cardan joints for custom shafts, and I will installing an XJ tilt steering colum as well.
Other interior accoutrements will be Renegade suspention seats, high backs in front and a bench in the rear for long range comfort, and storage cubbies built into the space that once was the front of the wheel wells. Communications will be addressed when I get toward the end, ham and CB will be a must, as well a DVD system for entertaining my daughter.
I am hunting for a deal on a 28 gallon gas tank right now, combind with a couple Jerry cans a 400 mile range should be doable on aspahlt, and 300 miles is definte on dirt assuming the worst possible milage.
I am looking long and hard right now at using some of the wasted space in the newly extended frame to locate a water tank. MMM lots of things to ponder!
lamontagne
Adventurer
I would have done that too, but the YJ frames measure 2.5" by 4". I couldn't find anything that size in town so I had to be creative. I figured out that 3" by 4" tube with .250 wall thickness would have an inside width of 2.5" and would fit snuggly over the outside edge of the frame and even at the top and bottom. With about 20in of double pass weld area I think this will be stong enough.
XXXpedition
Explorer
i wish i had those fab skills, the space and tools!!!
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
I like the way you think! It's been a long time since I've seen a build where there are ideas to pilfer.
86cj
Explorer
I like the coil front and leaf rear idea, the ability to use LJ tops on your custom body is cool too..............
After all the years bouncing down the road in the CJ, I really like the smooth ride the coils on the LJ provide. The ride is my favorite part of the LJ in fact, but I think a good set of leaf springs in the back would be better for my use.
After all the years bouncing down the road in the CJ, I really like the smooth ride the coils on the LJ provide. The ride is my favorite part of the LJ in fact, but I think a good set of leaf springs in the back would be better for my use.
dukegnarley
Observer
Other than the leaf springs and the rear shock mounts it's turning out a lot like mine. I do like your shock mounts, but you might consider adding some extra bracing on the inside of the frame.
lamontagne
Adventurer
VERY nice YJ Duke, I'd love to see more pics. Do you have build thread somewhere? Edit, I found it!
I had a rough past 2 months or so, but I was able to get back it in the garage and make some progress.
I installed a 1in Daystar body lift as all of stock mounts were beyond repair. I dont like how high it is though, so I will be cutting the pucks down to stock height after I get the body put back together. Did I mention this took two full days! After 16 years, most of the stock mounts had absolutely no intention of going anywhere.
I also finished the upper portion of the shock mounts. I think they will work fine.
I had a rough past 2 months or so, but I was able to get back it in the garage and make some progress.
I installed a 1in Daystar body lift as all of stock mounts were beyond repair. I dont like how high it is though, so I will be cutting the pucks down to stock height after I get the body put back together. Did I mention this took two full days! After 16 years, most of the stock mounts had absolutely no intention of going anywhere.
I also finished the upper portion of the shock mounts. I think they will work fine.
Last edited:
lamontagne
Adventurer
I have also started to make some headway welding the body back together.
I have to say, I will NEVER do this again!
Here are the straps holding the body in position...
Some more random shots..
Here it is about as straight as I can get it..
And here is the inspiration that started it all...
I have to say, I will NEVER do this again!
Here are the straps holding the body in position...
Some more random shots..
Here it is about as straight as I can get it..
And here is the inspiration that started it all...
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
Looks great!
lamontagne
Adventurer
WHOOOO HOOOO!!!!! :wings:
The stretch is DONE!
One thing is for sure here, this thing will never win any awards. I've never welded sheetmetal before and it shows, there was some warping and the welds aren't perfect. But, its welded solid and as my father likes to say "It looks good from the freeway!"
Next weekend I will be extending the fuel, brake, and electrical lines.
I also need to detirmine what bedliner to roll into the tub.
Any thoughts?
The stretch is DONE!
One thing is for sure here, this thing will never win any awards. I've never welded sheetmetal before and it shows, there was some warping and the welds aren't perfect. But, its welded solid and as my father likes to say "It looks good from the freeway!"
Next weekend I will be extending the fuel, brake, and electrical lines.
I also need to detirmine what bedliner to roll into the tub.
Any thoughts?
Last edited:
lamontagne
Adventurer
Yes, I will be installing armor on the sides/corners with a proportionate wheel well opening.
I'd like to use these and cut the wheel well where I need to it to be.
http://www.genright.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=CNR8000
I'd like to use these and cut the wheel well where I need to it to be.
http://www.genright.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=CNR8000
