Turning a commander into an Expedition vehicles

[miniyota]

i've got a jeep commander. i know everyone hates them. i don't care i like it.

its comfortable, has a V8, sat radio.

i've built a winch bumper, tmax 9000 lbs winch, rocker protection, and 32" tires and a stupid spacer lift. i have garmin gps.

i'd like to add more stuff to make it trail worthy. it has a pretty good traction control system as long as there isn't snow.

what parts should i add to make it more expedition worthy, theres no storage in it with two kids. i have my spare tire in the back and my winch recovery gear. i plan on building a rear bumper and tire carrier. we really don't have any extreme trails around here. so thats my reason for a non- hardcore vehicle.

this is a picture of it so far. stupid poser picture.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/DSCF0029-2.jpg

i'd like to get the JK's electric disconnecting sway bar and use it up front and then make some quick disconnects for the rear sway bar. it seems to 2 wheel and 3 wheel just fine, but some stability would be nice.

[the glassman]

sweet rig
id look into a safari roof rack
sweet ass bumper
as much undercarage protection i could get
lots of body protection...

spool the rear or a good locker and leave the front open

looks like all the travel you will get out of the front.....
on ifs rigs you will have to make up for the lack of front travel with rear travel it will help

[jforse]

Nice rig man. I agree about getting lots of underbody protection. A selectable locker for the rear. A good roof rack. Some storage options for the cargo area. Maybe a rack so you can keep your spare back there still. Good reliable battery.

[miniyota]

thanks.

under belly protection is needed. the gas tank has a huge thick skid plate. but under the engine its made from fiberglass. someone needs to shoot the jeep engineers.

if i disconnected the sway bars i might get another inch or travel. on the back when they are disconnected i get about 4 more inches of travel. right now i'm using bilstien 5150 12" travel shocks. they are valved at 255/70. they are amazing! the stockers would start fading after a few minutes of hard dirt roads.

i was thinking about building a safari rack. i have a tube bender in case you couldn't tell by my bumper and rocker guards.

i agree on the battery. i've used my winch a few times and have not had any problems. the commander comes stock with a 160 amp alternator.

no one makes any lockers for the rear axle yet. i'd love an ARB or electric locker. maybe i'll switch out the rear for a JK D44 with the electric locker and install 3.73 gears to match the front.

skid plates will be on the way. i was going to build those out of 12 ga. metal. hopefully that will be enough. i'm trying to keep it as light as possible.

the suspension so far is just a spacer lift. no one makes anything decent that i want to spend money on. i'd like to go with coil-overs up front eventually. and then get some taller coils for the rear and build some new control arms.

[miniyota]

heres a few more pictures. playing in the snow. i had to dig the heep out.

traction control is not a substitute for a real locker JEEP!!!!!!

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01058.jpg:smokin:

[OlympicYJ]

I love it. I'm a solid axle guy but I love the idea behind this rig though.

I really like your JK electronic sway bar disconnect idea. I would build a rack too and make it so I could mount some lights up top there. No expedition vehicle is complete without auxilary lights.

A cool idea for skid plating is 1/2 inch plastic cutting board. Here is an article in Fourwheeler about building up a Lexus GX470. They talk about the cutting board skid plate int the article. I thought you might get some good ideas from it. If you've already seen it sorry for the redundancy.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/projectbuild/129_0407_2004_lexus_gx470_customization/index.html

Keep up the good work and hope my rambling helped.

[MajorPayne]

Im sure youve probably thought of this, but I thought I'd put it out there in case you hadn't...

I know the commanders share a chassis with a few other vehicles (dodge nitro i believe, etc)....do they make any suspensions, lockers, etc for the other vehicles that share the chassis? If so they probably bolt right up. Just something to think about.

I like the rig though, a lot of good ideas have been posted already, but youre gonna have to find out the hard way with some of your mods, we've all been there

Keep up the good work :beer:

[miniyota]

the commander only share the same chassis as the new Grand Cheerokees. same drivetrains and suspensions.

i'm still holding my breath for ARB.

either that or i'll get the axles from the Quadra Drive 2 commanders. they have an electronic eaton limited slip in the axle, instead of just the brake traction control like i have.

the only place i've really need a real rear locker is in the snow and mud. the brake traction control actually works pretty good rockcrawling and in everything else.

i'll keep you updated on the progress. i plan on selling the bumper and rocker guards by the end of this month.

i think the commander will probably get a solid axle conversion. the frame on this thing is pretty beefy. i know its a unibody, but the main frame rails are 3/16's material and fully boxed. there isn't any chassis flex. you can have this thing twisted up and there are no problems opening the doors.

[Stonecoast]

AEV built a Commander for an Iceland Expedition..

http://www.aev-conversions.com/images/vehicles_show_iceland_xk.jpg

Site-
http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/show_xk_iceland.php

Looked like an interesting rig

[THECJWAY]

I agree with the safari rack idea and armor. that AEV version is sick.

[Mr. Mindless]

subscribed. I love unique newer vehicles. and I have a soft spot for solid axle swaps :)

what rearend does the Commander run? I expected a standard 9.25" which has a few options....

[silversuper]

i was going to sas "SAS it" but i didnt think you would be open to it on such a new rig, glad to see i was wrong.

the cutting board skid sounds like a good idea for weight, is that why you are selling the bumper and sliders?

[miniyota]

i'm starting a business selling parts to commander owners.

bumpers, armor, etc.

i think its a great vehicle. very well built, yet no aftermarket support. so i decided its time to do something about it.

[duolc42]

i'm starting a business selling parts to commander owners.

bumpers, armor, etc.

i think its a great vehicle. very well built, yet no aftermarket support. so i decided its time to do something about it.

Good for you man! That's really the only way anything gets done; You gotta make it happen!:D

[miniyota]

i did some surgery on the commander tonight. the rubbing on the tire wells was driving me crazy.

i cut the plastic out. and left a little.

there was a huge hole i filled in. a little tin, some welding, some grinding, no more hole.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01090.jpg

the piece to fill the hole.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01091.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01092.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01094.jpg

[miniyota]

here it is finished
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01096.jpg
tire on lots more room.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01097.jpg

the passenger side sucks. i just bent back the seam. and ziptied the plastic to cover the air-conditioning lines. i then used bedliner like i did on the drivers side. no more rubbing, the wife is happier and so am I!:D
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01098.jpg

passenger side finished, lines covered, seam bent back. bedlinered.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01099.jpg

[miniyota]

i know its nothing extreme, but i won't have the rubbing issues anymore.

the air-conditioning lines run back to the rear of the jeep for the heating in the 3rd row. which i only use when the kids and inlaws are all riding together with my wife and i.

someone needs to kick the engineer in the head that decided to run the lines through the wheel well.

[MajorPayne]

Looks good :thumbup:

cant beat functional mods :beer:

[Dirk Pitt]

either that or i'll get the axles from the Quadra Drive 2 commanders. they have an electronic eaton limited slip in the axle, instead of just the brake traction control like i have.


Our Commander has this and it kick ass in the snow.

The hemi is also a blast in the powder.

[W8ng4msrgt]

IIRC some 4x4 mag built a Commander for the Eldorado Cty Sheriff Office. It may have been the mag that 4 wheel parts puts out. I can't find a link for it at the moment.

[miniyota]

okay i finally had a warm enough day to go up and play in the mountians and test a few things out.

i took a few videos, acutally my wife took them.

the first ones are of testing the winch and bumper design. i wasn't really stuck, but i wanted to make sure the bumper wouldn't rip off. i knew it wouldn't, but you should know before you really need to use it. i pulled my commander up a 10-20% grade, it was pretty muddy. i left the engine running to keep the battery from totally dying. the battery held up, i stopped a few times just to keep it charged and let winch cool. the winch never really got too hot.

specs:

custom bumper
t-max 9000 lbs winch
tmax recovery kit

videos:

VIDEOS:
part1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a1AN0XH0H4

part2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsOGPf77Hmc

part3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4_NKanTB64

part4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5svyOwVUaI

4wheeling action

part1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o67B4A0XPVI


part2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22LPur1dUfQ

part3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1DRJZLWjng

part4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUmElgTjeE8

[miniyota]

sorry about the video quality, i used my digital camera. its a fuji finepix with 7.1 MP. it takes great pictures, but the video isn't the best.

i need to read up on the video a little more. with the 2G card it can take up to an hour of video. i think there are other settings for higher quality.

[The Adam Blaster]

I know a lot of the Landcruiser guys buy or build shelving in the rear of their rigs.
It's nice to be able to slide a 3' drawer out from under heavier objects like your cooler, or tent or whatever. I found this with a quick google search "landcruiser drawer":

[miniyota]

nothing special, just making brackets for the factory fog lights to fit into my bumper.

part 1 of the fog light brackets.

i've been putting these off for awhile. i don't know why, i just didn't want to mess with them. so i kicked my butt tonight and got to work.

nothing special. just some plate, holes and cutting.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01116.jpg

i'll finish the rest up wednesday night. i have stuff i have to do tomorrow.

[fjmf]

JK axles front and rear, not really that expensive when you consider it's what a $40k truck?

[miniyota]

D60 front

14 Bolt rear.

stronger. better,

the truck weighs 5000 lbs +

bought it used. $21k

it had 21K miles.

i've had it since october i have since put 12K miles on it.

[MossMan]

I love it! You know you can buy Rubicon D44's straight from Mopar for a really resonable price. I don't know if there is a width difference or not but that would be something to consider for a SAS.

[miniyota]

i know, they are narrower, nothing some wheels and spacers couldn't fix, but if i'm going to spend all that money i might as well put something strong under the jeep. my commander weighs a lot more then a JK.

I love it! You know you can buy Rubicon D44's straight from Mopar for a really resonable price. I don't know if there is a width difference or not but that would be something to consider for a SAS.

[miniyota]

okay i finished the fog light brackets. tight clearances need special design.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01117.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01118.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01119.jpg

[miniyota]

Rear Storage is now started. the floor and top will be plywood, the sides will be sheet metal.

it will bolt in to where the rear seats bolt in.

this is where the 3rd row of seats sit.

Just some teaser photos. i had some extra tubing laying around, and was tired of not having anywhere to store my stuff.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01120.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01121.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/01122.jpg

[mybg4x4]

Both my father and I wheel our DD commanders. He has the 4" superlift on his with 33's (we also had to hammer the plates back in the wheel wells for clearance) and the QDII. I wheel all stock with the QTII. (He has more $$$) Just wondering why you did not go with the superlift instead of coilspacers? I know it is more expensive, but for the extra 2" of clearence, you could gain much more articulation keeping the 32" tires. Very nice designs BTW.

[miniyota]

i plan on a solid axle front. no need to waste money on a suspension lift other then spacers right now.

all the superlift kit is is spacers up front and some longer springs in the rear.

Both my father and I wheel our DD commanders. He has the 4" superlift on his with 33's (we also had to hammer the plates back in the wheel wells for clearance) and the QDII. I wheel all stock with the QTII. (He has more $$$) Just wondering why you did not go with the superlift instead of coilspacers? I know it is more expensive, but for the extra 2" of clearence, you could gain much more articulation keeping the 32" tires. Very nice designs BTW.

[offroadjunkie]

i love how you are doing this to a brand new rig. It seems like we as wheelers use older rigs because less headaches but your taking a simple aproach to making you family vehicle very capable offroad. My hat is off :)

[MNorby]

Looking good. Trying to talk the g/f into a leveling type deal for the front of her commander and a roof rack. Need to make it to one of our runs and really test that thing.
Subscribed.

[miniyota]

a few more pictures. i need some skid plates. i have about 3 large dents in the muffler now. maybe that will be replaced with something a little more meaty sounding.

Matt these are up at Buffalo Bill Lake out side of Cody. it would be some awesome rock crawling. you need to get up there before the water comes up. these are up South Fork on the Resivour.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02012.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02005.jpg

and here is the final steps of the bumper for production. this is the center section, with the bolt on pieces underneith. i'll finish the "skin" tomorrow.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02004.jpg

[miniyota]

i'm thinking i'm going to build some frames that will hold UHMW for skid plates. that way it will help to keep the weight down on the jeep.

i'm trying to keep the jeep as light as possible.

on the bumper i'm using 3/16 for the center section that houses the winch, then on the sides i'm using 12 gauge sheet steel. so far everything has held up great.

heres a few more pictures, the jeep holds the two boys and the wife and I pretty well.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02009.jpg

the mountians are never going to melt so i can go hit some trails.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02006.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02007.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02008.jpg

[LS1Jeeper]

pretty cool kid hauler

[OlympicYJ]

Good lookin country and job on the bumper! Keep up the good work.

[miniyota]

okay i have finished the main part. the mounting system works great. everything came together great. this one will be going on mine. i only had to make a few minor adjustments on the design.

i ran out of gas for my welder, so i can't get anything else done until tomorrow.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02013.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02014.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02015.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02016.jpg

[miniyota]

i'll pick-up some gas tomorrow and add the stinger bar up front.

the blue things are the fog lights all tapped up. i was to lazy to remove them while i was grinding.

[miniyota]

i did a little tubing on the front. i still need to drill holes for the winch. then i need to build a farehead mount.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02017.jpg

[maxyedor]

I'd plate in the back side of the bumper, lots of companies make them like that for Rovers and they bend like a wet noodle when you touch a rock, add a little .125 plate to the backside and the problem's solved.

Truck looks pretty cool, always had pretty neutral feelings about the Commander, don't like them, don't dislike them, and I've never seen one on a trail so I have no idea how they perform, but yours looks to be working great for what you're trying to do with it.

[miniyota]

new bumper is finished, almost

i'm almost done and i ran out of wire in my welder. this is the top of the line model minus the bull bar.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02019.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02020.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/02021.jpg

[trz]

Love the bumper! Had you considered cutting the (front) crossmember to get a tighter fit? I'm working on building my '08 WK and after seeing the problems a friend of mine had with the mile-long ARB on his WK, I'm looking for a bumper that's as short as possible, which means I'll need to cut the crossmember to get as tight as possible. (I've already cut the rear crossmember so I can fit a 33" spare in the stock location as well as adding some fascia protection.)

So, 12 gauge is holding up, eh? What kinda of abuse have you subjected it to? My current thinking is building a structure out of 2x2 square tubing, then skinning it with sheet metal - sounds like I could use 12 gauge with no problems.

[miniyota]

it only sticks out 2" futher then stock. its much shorter vertically then the stock bumper as well. its only 4.5" at the nose. theres about 10x more front clearance now.

i thought about cutting the front crossmember, but the general consenioius i got from people as they were not comfortable enough to do that for an install. so now all that has to be done to install the bumper is cut the stock fender flares and inner fender plastic liner. it should only take about 3 hours to intall, including the time to take off the old plastic bumper.

[miniyota]

it is since its bent like it is. i have rubbed it on a few rocks. the only thing its hurt is the bedliner coating on it.:D

So, 12 gauge is holding up, eh? What kinda of abuse have you subjected it to? My current thinking is building a structure out of 2x2 square tubing, then skinning it with sheet metal - sounds like I could use 12 gauge with no problems.

[miniyota]

done!!!

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xkbumper003.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xkbumper002.jpg

[miniyota]

some more pictures, the winch is on. i still am trying to move my contoller box behind the grill. unfortunately the idiots at T-Max made the wires too short. so i might have to extend them.

i'll take some side view on some more challenging terrain. i just didn't feel like going anywhere to take pictures.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/DSCF0088.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/DSCF0086.jpg

i really need to wash my jeep. its a mess.

and take out the trash, i forgot that was there. opps.

now that this is finished, i'm going to build the skid plate that goes down from the bumper to the suspension crossmember. its going to be pretty stout.

[Dare44]

looking good for a jeep :flipoff2:

[miniyota]

mall crawler.

except the jeep has only been to the mall twice.

thanks, maybe some day i'll finish up all the crap i need to do. it works good for going almost anywhere, and where it gets stuck i pull out the winch.:smokin:

looking good for a jeep :flipoff2:

[pipehitter155]

i like that front bumper...when you gonna start a rear bumper???definately will be watching this thread....

[miniyota]

i'm working on the front skid plate right now and some body molded rocker guards

[Po' riggity]

I was wondering if you were going to make a front skid plate to cover up the exposed area under the bumper! Looks sweet brother!
Scott

[Mr. Mindless]

body molded rocker guards

Extremely interested in this. I've wanted to do that for a long time on my truck with some 1/4" plate welded right to the body, but have never figured out how to roll the steel to match the body lines.

[Sapper]

Just for a reference here is a unit that Evolution put together.

http://www.evolutionmachine.com/index.php?showtopic=2917

[RustyNailJustin]

Nice work on that bumper, looks and functions perfect, nice:D

[Scott00TJ]

Loving the build up thus far. Keep up the good work!

[Po' riggity]

I think I might try to get the wife to buy one for her next SUV so I can turn it into an expedition vehicle :grinpimp:
Scott

[miniyota]

very nice work on that other bumper. i will do something similar later. right now i needed something that would bolt up easily for the bolt up guys. i really like that grill guard.

[discotech]

First off, I am a Land Rover guy. Yes, yes, I know Rover guys and Jeep guys generally do not get along; however, you can't deny that Rovers were built for overland adventures. If you are building your Commander, which, by the way, is one of the nicest vehicles to come from Jeep in sometime, you should take a look at some of the Euro companies for ideas. Most of them cater to Rovers, but all you need is some ideas because you can obviously build your own shit. By the way, that bumper you built is the fuckin' tits, real nice work. Check out trekoverland.com, brownchurch.co.uk, and OECinternational.com. They all have neat ideas for expedition vehicles.

As for axles, if you are building the truck for pure rock crawling I say go for the 60s, if not, D44s with some heat-treated chromo axles will be plenty strong for an expedition type vehicle. Hell, beefed up D44s will probably be strong enough for rock crawling as well. I know on Rovers, the axles are the weakest part, and guys are running HD axles shafts (about the same strength as HD D44 axle shafts) and tires up to 37" with no issues and D2 Rovers are around 6000lbs. Plus, the D44s will be a lot lighter and offer better ground clearance than a pair of D60s.

Mike

[miniyota]

i don't mind rovers at all. i used to hate jeeps, now i love my commander. i was a toyota man through and through.

thanks for the complaments and links!

[bowtied_micky]

if you don't know... Old Man Emu has released a lift for these vehicles. It does not contain shocks though. Apparently they are just finishing up a valving issue and they will be out soon, but since you already have 5150's, its another idea. If you google it you will find people selling the suspension system.


micky

[miniyota]

finally got this done. it was pretty simple but sure makes it look more finished.

there are a few more pieces to add on the sides to protect the windshield washer res.

i also had to use my winch to bend the radiator support back into place. it was bashed back about 2 inches. this will add some needed protection, strengthen it up under there and make it look pretty. holes are there to help air flow through the radiator.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/03002-1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/03003-1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/03004-1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/03005-1.jpg

[gabroxy]

Looks great, I m not sure how much air these holes would allow.

Why didnt you extend it all the way down to the IFS ?

[Po' riggity]

I like it that way, and i like the fact that you didn't extend it down to the ifs.. its not a pre-runner :D
Scott

[miniyota]

ifs is not permanent! so no need to extend it there.

[Po' riggity]

Why not? If its an expedition vehicle, the IFS should do fine, and the ride is probably pretty decent.
Scott

[miniyota]

my wife and i took our 2 boys up morrison jeep trail in wyoming. we spent the night in the jeep. it wasn't too bad. its about 3 miles and then you hit some really scary switch backs, which are not open until july 15th.

heres some pictures of the mall crawler in action.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03079.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03084.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03080.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03081.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03083.jpg

[miniyota]

random four wheeling pictures.

blow sand.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03026-1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03025-1.jpg

rocks
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03006.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03086.jpg

[miniyota]

pictures of the gate to the switchbacks. these are very steep and winding. i've never been up them. this summer will be the first time.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03036.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03035.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03087.jpg

this is where i got the damage to the fenders. i didn't quite fit through. and the sand made it difficult to get going up hill.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03034.jpg

[Chainlink]

Nice pics....why did you choose to sleep in the Jeep over a tent? Just curious.

[miniyota]

grizzly bears and i did not have my 357 mag. with us.

Nice pics....why did you choose to sleep in the Jeep over a tent? Just curious.

[miniyota]

last few pictures finally uploaded.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03069.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03068.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03067.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03066.jpg

[miniyota]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03065.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/fathers%20day%20trip/03064.jpg

[miniyota]

i bought this for the jeep.

harbor freight.

$59.00

This compact, high volume air compressor will fill a car's flat tire in 3 minutes.

* Gearless direct drive for quiet operation
* Thermal overload protection
* Cast alloy pump casing with cooling fins
* Anti-vibration rubber feet


Weight: 11 lbs.
Includes 33 ft. coiled air hose with brass tire valve, pressure gauge and 10 ft. 4" battery cables; 12 volt motor, 30 amp, 150 PSI max., Air delivery: 1.35 CFM @ 40 PSI, 1.14 CFM @ 70 PSI, 1.05 CFM @ 90 PSI, Overall dimensions: 11-1/4" L x 5-1/2" W x 7-1/2" H

ITEM 93186-7VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/93100-93199/93186.gif

[kodiak1232003]

do you have any mpg ratings for your rig?

i'm looking for a 4x4 that will fit at least 6, that i can modify a bit for off-highway stuff.

i have lightly modified LJ unlimited right now, that gets 18 on a good day, and it only fits 4, so...any info would be great.

-Brian

[bowtied_micky]

i don't want to sound negative, but i would give that air pump a couple of good tests at home before I had to rely on it on a trail. Just blow the air out of 2 tires and fill them back up using your jeep as the power source. Not speaking bad of Harbor Freight stuff because I love it, but its cheap for a reason.

On a total side note did you get that at the HF n Ft. Collins? I lived in Laramie for a while and was curious.


micky

[Gibson]

:eek::eek: You are one of the best fabricators I've seen in a long time! That and the fact that you are venturing into unknown lands with the designing of parts for a vehicle with little after market support is just amazing. Subscribed!

[miniyota]

it just arrived while i was gone camping.

i'm going to give it a try this afternoon and see how it does. it seems pretty good so far. i'll take some pictures and do some time tests to see how long it takes to air up my 32" tires.

i don't want to sound negative, but i would give that air pump a couple of good tests at home before I had to rely on it on a trail. Just blow the air out of 2 tires and fill them back up using your jeep as the power source. Not speaking bad of Harbor Freight stuff because I love it, but its cheap for a reason.

On a total side note did you get that at the HF n Ft. Collins? I lived in Laramie for a while and was curious.


micky

[miniyota]

on the highway we get 18-20 with

32" tires
3.73 gears
5 speed auto
full time 4x4
4.7 V8

do you have any mpg ratings for your rig?

i'm looking for a 4x4 that will fit at least 6, that i can modify a bit for off-highway stuff.

i have lightly modified LJ unlimited right now, that gets 18 on a good day, and it only fits 4, so...any info would be great.

-Brian

[miniyota]

i live about 20 minutes from the montana boarder. and about 1.5 hours from billings. i bought the compressor online. there is a harbor freight in billings, but it would have cost more for gas then it did for shipping.:grinpimp:

i don't want to sound negative, but i would give that air pump a couple of good tests at home before I had to rely on it on a trail. Just blow the air out of 2 tires and fill them back up using your jeep as the power source. Not speaking bad of Harbor Freight stuff because I love it, but its cheap for a reason.

On a total side note did you get that at the HF n Ft. Collins? I lived in Laramie for a while and was curious.


micky

[miniyota]

i tried out the compressor. it seems pretty well built. the air chuck was stupid so i built it like a normal air chuck.

anyway.

it took me about 5 minutes to get from 20psi up to 35 psi. kind of slow, but thats without an air tank.

[MNorby]

I saw a compressor like yours at the OReilly in Powell the other day. Was like $70 or so. Thinking of getting for my dodge towrig for the rear bags and general little things, have the york for the 4X. What brand/ p/n is hyours and if it works good I'll compair to this one and maybe pick it up

[miniyota]

see this post. i bought it at harbor freight online.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8406964&postcount=75


I saw a compressor like yours at the OReilly in Powell the other day. Was like $70 or so. Thinking of getting for my dodge towrig for the rear bags and general little things, have the york for the 4X. What brand/ p/n is hyours and if it works good I'll compair to this one and maybe pick it up

[MNorby]

man i saw the pic but didn't notice the number, will compare specs

[miniyota]

i finally had some time to install some parts and try something out.:smokin:

The results are amazing!

i've had these parts to lower the rear brake lines for about 2 months now. i bought them from superlift. since no one makes longer brake lines right now, this was the route i went. it cost me $40 with shipping.

before pic
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/01041.jpg
after pic
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03015.jpg

[miniyota]

some more flex pics

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03012.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03013.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03014.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03020.jpg

[miniyota]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03019.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03016.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03017.jpg

[miniyota]

here is what i did.

i had to cut the gas tank to clear the suspension. but the arm still hits it. i'm going to build a different arm.

these are the brackets that relocate the rear brake lines.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03003.jpg
here they are installed.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03008.jpg
gas tank skid plate trimmed
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/swaybar%20removal/03009.jpg

[miniyota]

i'm amazed at the amount of suspension travel there is in the rear end.

i drove around with the sway bar unhooked in the rear. it wasn't bad at all. its just a little more loose in the rear around corners. off road the ride is 100% better, more suspension travel, smoother ride!

the downsides, your springs may fall out if you go to far. i just have the 2" spacer lift. i'm going to eventually purchase the OME 2" lift. i also have 12" bilstien shocks out back. i never did find out how much further the back will drop. i need longer bump stops to keep the wheel from ripping off the rear fender flare.

thats about it.

[offroadjunkie]

ripping off the fender flares.... I think your tires are telling you something... its time for the sawzall. Does bushwacker make bigger flares for your rig? you could open up your wheel wells a bit. Take some pictures of it flexed out without the sway bar in the rear please.

[miniyota]

the sway bar is off in those pics.

i couldn't find anything more to flex it out on. the springs would have fallen out.:D

ripping off the fender flares.... I think your tires are telling you something... its time for the sawzall. Does bushwacker make bigger flares for your rig? you could open up your wheel wells a bit. Take some pictures of it flexed out without the sway bar in the rear please.

[miniyota]

Rocker Protection

now please remember these are not finished. i'm still in the process of finishing these. this is pretty much the under structure. this is the easy part. hopefully next week i'll have the "skins" finished..


http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xk%20rocker%20gaurds/03010.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xk%20rocker%20gaurds/03009.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xk%20rocker%20gaurds/03008.jpg

[T151Rex]

looks good. :smokin:

[MilspecXJ]

Lookin good miniyota!

[michaels]

you're going to skin those sliders? excellent idea. i hate the space that tube sliders leave open. they'll look good with a flat top and bottom.

[bowtied_micky]

Mini - I saw where you said you are getting the ARB coils, are you still planning to SAS the truck? Just curious. I am looking at a CRD WK and since both of these vehicles have the same suspension, i just wanted your feedback.

thx
micky

[miniyota]

go OME coils and skip the spacer lift. spacer lifts suck! i hate mine.

i'm saving for OME coils front and rear. and i'm going to ditch the stock front strut for a Bilstien unit to match the rear.:smokin:

Mini - I saw where you said you are getting the ARB coils, are you still planning to SAS the truck? Just curious. I am looking at a CRD WK and since both of these vehicles have the same suspension, i just wanted your feedback.

thx
micky

[bowtied_micky]

If i could find some1 who didn't want to fuck me silly on the trade, i would have the jeep by now. but for some strange reason a lifted 06 f150 on 36s is not a hot comodity when gas is 4 bucks a gallon. Who knew?


micky

[miniyota]

updates!

1. lost my job yesterday

2. today i filed all my stuff for becoming an LLC

3. yesterday went on unemployment.

4. today. started a side project. i'm also building 4 more bumpers for customers.

enjoy.


mmmmm, rocker gaurds.

hope you like some teasers.

not quite done yet.just tac'd into place to check fitment. i've only test fit the driverside.

its been a busy day today. i filed for my Limited Liability Company status. and filed for a new EIN number as well.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xk%20rocker%20gaurds/Picture007.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xk%20rocker%20gaurds/Picture006.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xk%20rocker%20gaurds/Picture005.jpg

[miniyota]

one more for pics

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xk%20rocker%20gaurds/Picture004.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xk%20rocker%20gaurds/Picture003.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/xk%20rocker%20gaurds/Picture002.jpg

[miniyota]

i've still gotta cap the ends, add a little metal here and there, grind, weld, paint and put another piece on up front...

i'll finish this side today, and i'm now going back to working on a few bumpers.

have a nice day

[winkosmosis]

I used to hate IFS Jeeps, and curse whenever I saw one, but I've come to appreciate it. The main reason is control arm angles.. With a lifted 4/5 link, the front control arms angle downward, so the wheel has to go forward when it hits a bump, putting more stress on the chassis. It may not be a big deal for a body-on-frame truck, but it could shorten the lifespan of our unibodies.
With indie systems, the angles are set up so the wheel moves back when it hits a bump.

I just think IFS is appropriate for an expedition vehicle. Why not improve the IFS? The Jeep IFS for some reason has a lot less ground clearance than the Hummer H3's. Maybe you can build longer arms with better clearance.

[miniyota]

a friend of mine is working on new upper control arms. they are being engineered with spherical bushings. they will be very beefy!

I used to hate IFS Jeeps, and curse whenever I saw one, but I've come to appreciate it. The main reason is control arm angles.. With a lifted 4/5 link, the front control arms angle downward, so the wheel has to go forward when it hits a bump, putting more stress on the chassis. It may not be a big deal for a body-on-frame truck, but it could shorten the lifespan of our unibodies.
With indie systems, the angles are set up so the wheel moves back when it hits a bump.

I just think IFS is appropriate for an expedition vehicle. Why not improve the IFS? The Jeep IFS for some reason has a lot less ground clearance than the Hummer H3's. Maybe you can build longer arms with better clearance.

[Mr. Mindless]

nice looking sliders. what's the bottom look like when you're out photographing again? wondering what sort of a wrap you did on the body.

[miniyota]

they will match up to the pinch weld below the doors. then from there, there are a few kickers out to the frame to strenghten everything

[MNorby]

Nice. Saw some bumper blanks with your name at production the other day. Should come to powell and wheel with us on the bench saturday night. Nothing too hardcore or anything than a bonfire after for some smores and dogs

[UCTJ]

Looks really good. Love the bumper. Hope all goes well with your LLC and it seems like the loss of your job isnt a stumbling block but a stepping stone. Good luck and keep posting.

Shawn

[miniyota]

i was going to give you a call about saturday, but i'm taking my father in law, brother in law and my boys up to Kirwin to see the old ghost town up there. we are leaving here at 7.00 am.

i'll have to catch up with you guys on of these times. too much going on all the time.


Nice. Saw some bumper blanks with your name at production the other day. Should come to powell and wheel with us on the bench saturday night. Nothing too hardcore or anything than a bonfire after for some smores and dogs

[miniyota]

another commander bumper i'm building for a guy. its not finished yet


-light tabs on the top of the stinger bar
-recessed fog lights
-stinger bar
-fairlead mount
-d-ring tabs

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/a49erfan%20bumper/01040.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/a49erfan%20bumper/01039.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/a49erfan%20bumper/01038.jpg

more.........

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/a49erfan%20bumper/01036.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/a49erfan%20bumper/01035.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/a49erfan%20bumper/01034.jpg

[miniyota]

i still need to do some final tweaks, finish the other fog light, and then grind it all to perfection. it will be my first master piece.

[winkosmosis]

I like your bumper more than that one, because it matches the Commander front end.


Is the bumper aluminum??

[bowtied_micky]

No, theres rust on it

[winkosmosis]

I wasn't sure if it was rust or some effect from welding

[miniyota]

its from grinding. we have like 0% humidity and it has not rainded in a long time.

[miniyota]

took a trip today.

we took the morrison jeep trail. its pretty hard-core stuff. the commander did fairly well.

specs: morrison jeep trail 20 miles of fun, 2 miles of hell. 5 hours of travel time on the trail.

Damage: passenger side door, 1- BFG Mud KM (slashed side wall), passenger side rockers, passenger side front wheel (chipped), cracked the one stock fog light in my bumper.

minimum requirements for the trail: 2" lift, 31-32" tires, some armor, good driving skills.

Tested: front bumper and skid plate worked great. drivers side rock rail protected great, it didn't bend at all. the passenger side was not finished, i landed on a boulder and it bent it up into the rocker. it will be covered up when i finish that side.

[miniyota]

first part of the trail. nothing horrible. the guys on 4 wheelers kept telling not to go down the trail. that there were boulders larger then my wheels. i have been down this trail before in my toyota. i knew they were full of shat.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001001.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001002.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001003.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001004.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001005.jpg

[miniyota]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001006.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001007.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001008.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001009.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001010.jpg

[miniyota]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001011.jpg

stopped for lunch here. some scenery.

you can see the famous pilot and index peaks here. they are on your way into yellowstone park.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001028.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001029.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001015.jpg

[miniyota]

stretching its legs.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001024.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001027.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001026.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001021.jpg

[miniyota]

just a nice product shot.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001020.jpg

[miniyota]

heading tword the switch backs.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001033.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001034.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001035.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001036.jpg

[miniyota]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001037.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001038.jpg


took a little break in the shade.....

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001039.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001040.jpg

[miniyota]

surly they are kidding.....................right?????

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001041.jpg

here starts 2 miles of hell. blown tire, broken door and rocker gaurds. one guy in a cherokee opted to go back. even though its only 1.5 hours out from here as opposed to 3.5 hours to hit the highway from here.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001042.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001043.jpg

its a hell of a long way down. on false move and you are dead.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001044.jpg

[miniyota]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001045.jpg

[miniyota]

those are the last of the pictures we took coming down.....

we blew passenger side rear tire on a very sharp rock. and had to change it on the trail. that sucked.

now coming up we have some carnage pictures.

[miniyota]

door. my wife told me it would "THAT WILL BUFF RIGHT OUT!" i almost crapped my pants. it was so funny. its only a $35K vehicle.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001051.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001050.jpg

the front wheel is now screwed. who made this crap anyway. i barely bounced it off a rock and it just chipped off.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001049.jpg

i turned off the park assist because it was driving me nuts. and then i proceeded to put a large dent in the rear bumper. it popped out so i didn't take any pictures of it.

[miniyota]

at then bottom... i put air back in the tires with my harbor frieght compressor. it filled each tire up from 15 psi to 30 psi in 2 minutes. it worked great. i don't think i'll run my tires that low again. the commander weighs too much and the sidewalls are too weak.

the rear tire got pinched and then ripped on a rock.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001052.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001053.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001054.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001055.jpg

[miniyota]

a few more looking down the switch backs.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001046.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001047.jpg

[miniyota]

one more last one. this is how high the water was this spring. nice log

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/001048.jpg

[MNorby]

no pics of rig on the switchbacks?
Did you turn around or back down the switchbacks?

[miniyota]

we only backed down one short one. we did 20 point turns on the turns.

my wife didn't want to get out and walk the switchbacks for some reason. and i needed her to spot out the passenger side.

we started at the beartooth highway side and exited in clark. there was a group of 10 guys on 4 wheelers watching us from the bottom.

[miniyota]

heres all the pictures.

http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/morrison%20jeep%20trail%20aug%202008/?start=20

we were only going to go on a quick run down sawtooth trail. but then i saw that morrison was finally open so we hit it. it was much longer then i expected.

heres a few of my old yota on it as well.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/692000-692999/692620_29_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/692000-692999/692620_30_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/692000-692999/692620_33.jpg

a solid front axle is going to be needed soon. so far the front end is handling the pain. atleast it doesn't break anything like the hummers. this thing is pretty tough. i think its time you stole your girl friends commander and put a lift and tires on it. there's nothing like killing a luxury vehicle off road. i love leather off-road!

[calamaridog]

I love the mods you've done to the Commander.

The pictures are nice too. I've spent a good deal of time around Cody and up in the Beartooths.

[miniyota]

thanks. i love the beartooths. they are one of my favorite places to go 4 wheeling.

[Tikiclub2]

Looks like an awesome place to wheel. Keep up the good work.

[MNorby]

Also if your into GeoCaching theres one in the canyon there and a few more on dead indian and sunlight and up by top of the world.

[miniyota]

i was looking for some. have you run on morrison. you have got to get up there.

looks like i'll try to make that trail clean up. the guy that i have to install the bumper for can't make it until later in september. so i might be able to come up next weekend. i hope i can get a spare before then. maybe some new wheels as well. these stock ones suck.

Also if your into GeoCaching theres one in the canyon there and a few more on dead indian and sunlight and up by top of the world.

[MNorby]

Sounds good, let me know if so. The coords are on the m4x4 too to where we plan on camping.

[miniyota]

another bumper finished. this one goes out monday.

did a little test fit on the commander.

building jigs for it this weekend. it should be a blast.

i did a few tweaks on this one. we recessed the factory fog lights, redid the stinger bar, and put a strip of .5" metal under the lights and around the fender flares for a cleaner look. this is the final design. now i need to build a new one for my commander.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/overland%20bumper%20photos/1002.jpg

[kodiak1232003]

that bumper is rockin. great stuff.

[polarbz]

It all looks great! Can't wait to see it in use first hand!

[Gibson]

You start teh SAS yet?

[miniyota]

not yet. i have been back ordered on bumpers. i'm finally caught up this week. i have a few more small projects.

i'm thinking about going leaf springs upfront with bilstien 5150 12" shocks.

i can't decided on an axle. i'm thinking about going with a JK D44 front and rear. i'm not sure if then will bolt up in the rear or not.

i'm going to have to torch all the IFS crap, figure out the ABS for the axles, find a steering box and then plate the frame, get a new front driveshaft built and reroute the exhaust.

so hopefully i'll get to start it next year. i need to gather some parts.

You start the SAS yet?

[Root Moose]

Gah!

Don't do leaves. Do a proper 4 link. Leaves are way too retro for a XK (IMO).

I like the idea of a JK front 44 and Mopar semi D60 for the rear. Both with 5 on 5.5". Your Jeep is big/heavy enough to merit a 60 I'd think. Sure, maybe not the cheapest/strongest combo out there but you buy them and start to fabbing without having to reinvent the wheel wrt the axles themselves.

That or maybe the "traditional" 3/4 ton or 1 ton stuff out of a full size.

JAT

[miniyota]

Reasons for leaves.

less expensive
military wrap won't leave you standed like a 4 link
less parts
stronger
you can tune leaf springs really well
easy to set-up.
i don't plan on building this as a kit. most people that own commanders are only looking for bolt on stuff.

i went to the junkyard looking at axles, i've decided to just save the money for the the JK44 front and JK60 rear. When is tax money going to be here.



i want to be able to not worry about broken parts. so far the front end is starting to make a lot of noise. it sounds like a broken CV axle or something. i haven't taken it apart yet to look.

Gah!

Don't do leaves. Do a proper 4 link. Leaves are way too retro for a XK (IMO).

I like the idea of a JK front 44 and Mopar semi D60 for the rear. Both with 5 on 5.5". Your Jeep is big/heavy enough to merit a 60 I'd think. Sure, maybe not the cheapest/strongest combo out there but you buy them and start to fabbing without having to reinvent the wheel wrt the axles themselves.

That or maybe the "traditional" 3/4 ton or 1 ton stuff out of a full size.

JAT

[miniyota]

i ordered some heavy duty coil springs for the front from Old Man Emu today. they will provide a 2" lift and handle the bumper and winch combo. i'm going to keep the IFS. and i'll just get an old FSJ for rocks. so i'll come away with about 3-3.5" of lift. before the bumper i had 2" with ths spacer kit.

it would be to much of a pain to swap a solid axle under the front. the engine and suspension is bolted to the body with an engine cradle. kind of like a caddy.

i'll update with some pictures.

here is the new bumper and skid in place.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001011.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001014.jpg

[miniyota]

Alright. We'll see how long i keep this combo together. I added the springs because i felt the front end could use some help with the added weight of the winch and bumper.

this is a picture with the spacer lift and BFG 32" Muds
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/03078.jpg

With Spacers and OME Springs
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001009-1.jpg

The UCA's don't look great. and the CV joints might be maxed out.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001007-1.jpg
anyway. here you go.

OME's compared to stock.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001002-3.jpg

[miniyota]

View from the front. WOW, Clearance Gained!!!

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001006-1.jpg

Testing

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001005-1.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001004-1.jpg

[miniyota]

Measurements!

with spacer only!

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001001-3.jpg

Spacer + OME Springs!

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001003-1.jpg

[miniyota]

I can't believe the difference! the ride is smoother, the front end doesn't dive when i slam on the brakes. it takes the bumps so much better.

next upgrade!

-struts
-UCA's
-longer sway bar links

and i'll fix the rear next. i have a set of junk yard springs i want to try out.

[miniyota]

alright, i chickened out. the UCA's were at too steep of an angle. i don't want to destroy something in the mountains.

i removed the spacer.

[MNorby]

Where are the jumping pics?

[miniyota]

i would have had major front end damage with the spacer in.

i removed both spacers in 1 hour. it was like nascar this morning.

i'm heading up to Cooke City. We are going to try to get over LULU Pass.

Pictures coming tonight.

Wanna Meet us up there. your Blazer might be a bit on the cold side. you better steal the commander from your future wife.

do you guys want the spacer lift for your commander?

[miniyota]

Ready for today.

all packed.

*3-days of food for 4 people.
*Air compressor
*winch recovery equipment
*jack
*tire kit with tire plugs
*shovel etc.
*cooler with food and water

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001010-1.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001014-1.jpg

deflated 32" tire is stock location.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001011-1.jpg

[miniyota]

oh yea,

butt wipe and matches! both can work together or seperatly!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/images/smilies/laughing.gif

[miniyota]

its starting to get into the kids blood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIfYlBSZEMs

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JIfYlBSZEMs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JIfYlBSZEMs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[jeepn012]

That's awesome!! I think he needs a lift for the tricycle. Good looking products. When the wife and I start having kids, a Commander may be in the cards.

I like the new plate under the front with the slots much better.:)

[miniyota]

i've got a ton of shat to finish this week.

rocker gaurds
new springs in the rear
shock hoops in the rear
longer bump stops in the rear.

i also need to finish up the EB i'm working on and get paid.

and figure what the hell is making noise in the front end.

i need to go to the garage but i can't motivate myself.

[MNorby]

i need to go to the garage but i can't motivate myself.

Don't want a 37 year old k5 to show ya how to do it saturday do ya?

[Weasel]

I've been on the top of morrison but not down the back yet. I think I've wheeled with you miniyota, Red XJ and my Dad runs a White AEV XJ with 31's and ARB stuff, it's bee a few years.

[miniyota]

was that when i owned this one.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/692000-692999/692620_31_full.jpg

[miniyota]

alright. i may be a bit to high. i added the junkyard springs in the rear. i really like them over the stock crap. i gained about 2 extra inches in the rear. i'm going to trim them some more tomorrow.

here's what i did.

BEFORE
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001031.jpg

lengthened the rear bump stop. my tires where hitting inside the wheel well and my shocks were bottoming out. i added about 2.5" to them. i also removed the crappy spacer lift i sold to someone else.

stock bump stop
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001032.jpg

spacer lift.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001034.jpg

extending bump stop

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001036.jpg
installed
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001037.jpg
junkyard lift springs installed. $ freebe
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001039.jpg

[miniyota]

what it looks like now.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001040.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0001041.jpg

[miniyota]

okay.

tomorrow.

*cut springs a little more.

*install some coil springs keepers on the axle.

*throw away sway bar links

*finish rocker gaurd protection


i really need some better rear control arms. i'd like to 3 link the rear. there is one stupid control arm that hits the gas tank all the time. how stupid could jeep be. they stuck the gas tank on the drivers side so there is no room for the control arm to travel as much as the other side.

oh-well. i'll fix it.

i will also get a set of the upper control arms i sell and stick those on there. and some bilstien shocks for the front to go with the OME lift springs.

http://67.199.62.208/DesktopModules/Store/Thumbnail.aspx?IP=/Portals/0/UCA.jpg&IW=300

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/DSCF9142.jpg

[Weasel]

yep I think it was. Liking the comander

[Root Moose]

Have you given any more thought about how to get more lift in the front?

I know that a lot of lifts for other trucks space the whole diff assembly down to get the shaft angles correct. Is this viable? Not mechanically practical? Too much PITA for little gain?

[miniyota]

the main factor is not fitting in the garage anymore.

i'd go with a 4 lift for the front. but i just haven't do it yet. i'll do it when i get into a taller door with a taller newer shop.

Have you given any more thought about how to get more lift in the front?

I know that a lot of lifts for other trucks space the whole diff assembly down to get the shaft angles correct. Is this viable? Not mechanically practical? Too much PITA for little gain?

[Mr. Mindless]

I noticed how close to the door you're getting. What do you have, an inch? Tough to judge with the door shut.

The other advantage to doing it this way is you actually gain clearance. So many bolt on IFS kits just space every mounting point down by 4 or 6" and leave you with the only increase in clearance as the bigger tires you can then fit. This method reduces available down travel and increases operating angles and therefore wear but is a far more useful gain in clearance.

Enjoying the thread miniyota, I like seeing things done different, and well!

[miniyota]

i haven't been able to get as much done as i would like. but i have been busy with my business. i have sold 7 bumpers and i am international. i really like the vehicle, its not a rock crawler, but its gone everywhere i want to go. and its reliable, parts are easy to get and somewhat cheap

I noticed how close to the door you're getting. What do you have, an inch? Tough to judge with the door shut.

The other advantage to doing it this way is you actually gain clearance. So many bolt on IFS kits just space every mounting point down by 4 or 6" and leave you with the only increase in clearance as the bigger tires you can then fit. This method reduces available down travel and increases operating angles and therefore wear but is a far more useful gain in clearance.

Enjoying the thread miniyota, I like seeing things done different, and well!

[miniyota]

Getting ready to keep up with you Matt. i may not have 40" tall tires, but i think i'll be okay this weekend.

almost finished with rocker guard protection. sorry pictures suck. i had the garage door shut while i was welding. it makes it a bit smokey.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/rockerguards001.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/rockerguards002.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/rockerguards003.jpg

[Root Moose]

Looks great.

It's a damn shame ChryCo discontinued these trucks.

[miniyota]

they are still being built. 2009's are very nice compared to my 2006. many more features.

they are redesigning the Granch Cherokee's into a minivan thou.:laughing:

maybe they will keep the commander and drop the POS compass and other car garbage they are building.

Looks great.

It's a damn shame ChryCo discontinued these trucks.

[Root Moose]

We can always hope. Haven't heard much about GM buying Chrysler lately.

[miniyota]

i finished the driverside rocker guard. i did the jack the vehicle up by the rockerguard test. i put all the weight on the vehicle weight on the rocker and it only defleted a little. its still not attached to the frame rail. i'm hoping to finish that up today.

[miniyota]

i'm trying to get ready for a trip four wheeling tomorrow.

i didn't like them out on my bumper. i'm always afraid i'll rip them off on something.

so i made a few tabs. welded them to the radiator support and was done.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/rockerguards011.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/rockerguards010.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/rockerguards012.jpg

[johnwiseman]

Nice that you have a place close enought to go all the time. Great little build so far. You definatly have a direction and the tallent get it there. Especialy love the fact it is with a newer truck. Takes some cajones.

[MNorby]

few of my pics from today

[miniyota]

REAR TIRE CARRIER

Before i go and build a real rear bumper i thought i'd improve on a different design out there.

this should be pretty beefy. its built fron 2"x2"x.25" square tubing. it uses 1" grade 5 bolts for the hinges.

now, its not finished. hopefully tomorrow i'll have it finished.

i still need to get a wheel mounting plate.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0000001020.jpg

hinge. doesn't deflect at all with the tire and jack on.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0000001019.jpg

without the tire in place
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0000001018.jpg

doesn't cover up the rear park sensors. and you can still open the rear gate.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0000001017.jpg

[miniyota]

both sides open. showing jerry can side

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0000001016.jpg

both sides open

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0000001015.jpg

from the rear, closed

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0000001014.jpg

from the side. closed. thats the clearance between the door and wheel and jack.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/miniyota/0000001013.jpg

[miniyota]

this is what i'd like to do to the tire carrier

http://www.lodoffroad.com/images/Gen2Top.jpg