I know there's some around, but I'm not having luck finding them. I have access to one cheap and thinking of going in that direction. 4 seats, V8, streetable, not too big, not too small. Only hangup is the unibody. My one tons and 44" mil tires already killed my blazer. Anyone ever build an integral cage to beef the "chassis"?

Thanks.

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa45/zj95maxx/DSC04052.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa45/zj95maxx/DSC04072.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa45/zj95maxx/DSC04090.jpg

claytons,tube fenders,bumpers,sliders,37 iroks

daily driver

cage
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa45/zj95maxx/DSC04010.jpg
how it ties in
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa45/zj95maxx/DSC04008.jpg


going tons and 39's
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa45/zj95maxx/DSC04094.jpg

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=627998

There's a link to HIS build thread...

Thanks. I actually came across the cherokee forum and found some, along with mallcrawlin.com...I feel so cool.

We should keep this thread going for pics of well-built ZJs, there doesnt seem to be one lingering anywhere like there is for XJs.

I'm just finishing up my build right now too. 9" /HP44 with 38.5" Claws.
Mallcralin is the perfect site for ideas and to see what works or doesn't....

Linking to some build thread would be a good idea. I'm still mostly interested in making the chassis hold up. My terrain and style of wheeling is rough on them.

is it just me or does the front axle look bent?

We should keep this thread going for pics of well-built ZJs, there doesnt seem to be one lingering anywhere like there is for XJs.

You mean like this one (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=258123)?

is it just me or does the front axle look bent?


it's not. It's the camera. See the build thread.

You mean like this one (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=258123)?


Ah, there you are.

So how about some input on making the chassis last, guru? :D

Ah, there you are.

So how about some input on making the chassis last, guru? :D

I never had problems with the unibody on any of my Grands. I would just build the cage to suit your needs for safety, and it should naturally stiffen the chassis. Other's might claim otherwise, and they might have their own experience with their unibody cracking/sagging or whatever, but again I never had much trouble.

BTW I'm not sure what you really want to do with your grand, but if you want it comfortably streetable I would shoot for ~4.5" lift with longarms, and stuff on some 35s. The ZJ I had setup like that was by far my favorite on and off-road. I don't know if you'll be happy at that level coming from something on 1-tons and 44s, though...

Don't know if it's considered hardcore, but heres mine. Still in the process...full cage, 38 sx's,3 link with panhard front, 4link rear.
Just a mock up to give me an idea of the wheelbase.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc27/fmtndrummer/DSC00608.jpg
Cage 1.75x.12 DOM
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc27/fmtndrummer/DSC00360.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc27/fmtndrummer/DSC00359.jpg

Build thread
http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum//showthread.php?t=14712

I never had problems with the unibody on any of my Grands. I would just build the cage to suit your needs for safety, and it should naturally stiffen the chassis. Other's might claim otherwise, and they might have their own experience with their unibody cracking/sagging or whatever, but again I never had much trouble.

BTW I'm not sure what you really want to do with your grand, but if you want it comfortably streetable I would shoot for ~4.5" lift with longarms, and stuff on some 35s. The ZJ I had setup like that was by far my favorite on and off-road. I don't know if you'll be happy at that level coming from something on 1-tons and 44s, though...

I don't need to DD it, just sneak out to the desert in it...and no, I would not be happy on 35s. Not by a long shot. 35s isn't wheeling, it's driving on unimproved roads :D

I'm wondering how much difference links vs. leaves makes on chassis life. I'll bet they live longer with links.

WheelNC94GC - Cool, I'd call it hardcore, but putting a 44 in the front is a waste of time and money and you will regret it. I ran 38s on my blazer with a 44 even thought I knew it would break until I got my 60 in. I broke shafts left and right without trying. I got sick of changing them. Sometimes when you break a shaft, you take out the diff too. Then you'll really hate life.

does this one count...?? 42's... 14 bolts... :grinpimp:

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/sureshot40sw/videos/th_100_1094.jpg (http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/sureshot40sw/videos/?action=view&current=100_1094.flv)

best one here...

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/sureshot40sw/videos/th_100_1110-1.jpg (http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/sureshot40sw/videos/?action=view&current=100_1110-1.flv)

WheelNC94GC - Cool, I'd call it hardcore, but putting a 44 in the front is a waste of time and money and you will regret it. I ran 38s on my blazer with a 44 even thought I knew it would break until I got my 60 in. I broke shafts left and right without trying. I got sick of changing them. Sometimes when you break a shaft, you take out the diff too. Then you'll really hate life.

Thanks man. Ya i've heard alot of mixed reviews on what will hold up. I'm just going to give it a shot with some alloy usa chromos and if it doesn't hold up then i'll kick my ass and buy a 60.

Thanks man. Ya i've heard alot of mixed reviews on what will hold up. I'm just going to give it a shot with some alloy usa chromos and if it doesn't hold up then i'll kick my ass and buy a 60.

the norm around here is that 44's suck.... I personally run a STOCK 79 bronco 44 with 38.5/14.50 SX's on 15x9 steel weldon beadlocks.... they aint light.... I have yet to break anything ... I do have an auto and drive with "some" sense but there are times when its full on, throttle down type shit.... this is all on a 2 door 'sploder weighing in at approx. 5300 lbs....

with that being said, I have USA chromos waiting to go in and I am about to chop it up and hopefully drop 1500 lbs or so.....

if you got it... run em and see what happens....

does this one count...?? 42's... 14 bolts... :grinpimp:

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/sureshot40sw/videos/th_100_1094.jpg (http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/sureshot40sw/videos/?action=view&current=100_1094.flv)

best one here...

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/sureshot40sw/videos/th_100_1110-1.jpg (http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/sureshot40sw/videos/?action=view&current=100_1110-1.flv)

they're built 60's... and the videos are not working. I was realy hoping to see the vid of me on ingrids.