About a year ago I went to look at some axles for my buddies XJ but I ended up buying the hole truck. I wheeled it for the rest of the year as is with only a few changes it did good for what we wheeled.

Original Specs

Rubicon 44 w/ 5:13 and Air Locker
Dan 44 w/ 5:13 and Spool
2.5 4 Cylinder
36" TSL w/ 15" DIY Bead locks

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/DSCN1184.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/5733_1193813927827_1302807736_53908.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/5733_1193813847825_1302807736_53907.jpg

Ill be damned....no bacon :laughing:. Rig looks sweet man! Hows that 4 cyl do?

Just showing off? Or whats the further plans? Better throw some tech in here :flipoff2:

Around December I decided that I was going to make some small changes to the truck and then it sort of snow balled from there. It went from just redoing steering w/ hydraulic assist to full on Tons build.

Plans:
1979 Ford Dana 60 Front Haven't figured out gears yet
Dana 70 Rear
4D's
Full Hydraulic
Transfer case - Dana 300, NP231 Tera Low or Atlas we will see how much money I have
4 link Rear w/ 14" Fox Air shocks.
Cage

The first thing I did was sell the axles and wheel that were currently on the truck. That left it like this.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random023.jpg

I then got to work striping the Dana 70
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random211-1.jpg

Dana 35 shaft vs 35 Spline Dana 70
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random214-1.jpg

Popped the cover looks like it has a Power Trac of some sort.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random221-1.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/NewImage.jpg

Ill be damned....no bacon :laughing:. Rig looks sweet man! Hows that 4 cyl do?

Just showing off? Or whats the further plans? Better throw some tech in here :flipoff2:

You are to fast I am working on it!

The 4 cyl does just fine with the 36" but I am guessing it will not like the 4D's

Took the Dana 60 to my buddies house and used the plasma to cut all the brackets off. It is amazing how much easier this is than doing it by hand it took me forever taking all the brackets off the 70
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Dana60.jpg

Brought it home and worked on wire wheeling it and getting the slag cut off left from the plasma.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random024.jpg

This is about where I am now. I have a bunch of parts for this build so now its just a matter of getting going. I will take so more pics of the parts I have at the house and it will give you a better Idea of where I am going.

My first goal of now is to keep working on the front 60 and get it ready to mock up under the truck. I am going to use the Rockcrawler 3 link that is currently under the truck for now with a TnT Truss. I also have some front frame plates to stiffen up the front a little.

I figured this thread will keep me on track a little! I hope to not be down longer than one year but it really depends of money. :D

I figured this thread will keep me on track a little! I hope to not be down longer than one year but it really depends of money. :D

Careful, might turn into my build. 1 year, 8 months as of March. :shaking:


Rig looks good man! Nice work! Subrscibed.

I like it!! Looks good can't wait till we role out West with our new builds!

Careful, might turn into my build. 1 year, 8 months as of March. :shaking:


Rig looks good man! Nice work! Subrscibed.

Thanks, predicting time and budget are the two worst things about building!

I like it!! Looks good can't wait till we role out West with our new builds!

Thanks Adam

I built a crossmember to mount my rear links to on my MJ buggy, I went with a wishbone 3 link with 36" lower links that mount to the brackets on this crossmember:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e149/barillms/photo-114.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e149/barillms/photo-113.jpg

nice. i liked the before pics. looks like it worked well.

were those pics at the badlands?

I built a crossmember to mount my rear links to on my MJ buggy, I went with a wishbone 3 link with 36" lower links that mount to the brackets on this crossmember:

That is a nice crossmember but I am going to mount my lowers off the frame. I am hoping lowers somer where in the 40" range

[QUOTE=ohiozj;11049422]nice. i liked the before pics. looks like it worked well.

were those pics at the badlands?

It did work well just ready for a change. Yes that is the Badlands its about an 1.5 hours away from me. It is a good place to wheel.

I have been ordering parts now for a while, this will give you a better Idea of where I am going.

Front Fram Plates
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random011.jpg

Front Bumper Plates to build the Bumper off of
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random004.jpg

BTF Rear Truss
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random005.jpg

Balistic Upper Control Arm Brackets: I am using this hoping it will give me the vertical seperation I need at the frame end.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random006.jpg

Lower Contro Arm brackets for the frame end
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random007.jpg

Joints for links, steering, and panhard
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random009.jpg

Fox 14" Air Shocks
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random010.jpg

Last night I worked out in the garage for a while on the front TnT truss and gringing on the 60. I had heard some not so great experiences with TnT but I had no problem with them and had the Truss in 5 days from ordering.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random002.jpg

I guess I am going to have to hack off a good amount of the leaf spring pad to get it to sit down on the axle tube.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random003.jpg

Had a little help working tonight!
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random001.jpg

I misplaced the measurement I took off of my Rubicon Dana 44 does anyone know the measurements for the lower control arm brackets off center of the axle? Any help is much appreciated!

I should get some more work on it this weekend and have some updates come Monday. :D

Careful, might turn into my build. 1 year, 8 months as of March. :shaking:


Rig looks good man! Nice work! Subrscibed.

or it could be 2.5 years and a samurai that was built and turn around sold for a 4K loss :shaking: i'm fuckin retarded....

Last night I worked out in the garage for a while on the front TnT truss and gringing on the 60. I had heard some not so great experiences with TnT but I had no problem with them and had the Truss in 5 days from ordering.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random002.jpg

I guess I am going to have to hack off a good amount of the leaf spring pad to get it to sit down on the axle tube.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random003.jpg

Had a little help working tonight!
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random001.jpg

glad that my talk with Bob at TNT paid off for so many people; it seems that alot of Unibody folks are really benefiting from the front truss on those 60's...i'm sure he's making plenty of $$$ off my idea...nice pup...good luck with your build....i like where your head is at...subscribed....:smokin:

Where are you in Indiana? I think I've seen that truck before...

I'm up around South Bend area. Also a member of Michiana Jeep Club...

Nice build. Keep it coming...

my tnt truss dropped right on without having to grind at all.



now shipping on the other hand, it took alot longer to get in than i had planned.

what kind of front suspension are you doing? i didnt see it in your posts. looks like a upper link mount is missing. 3link? i hope not a single sided radius arm.

Where are you in Indiana? I think I've seen that truck before...

I'm up around South Bend area. Also a member of Michiana Jeep Club...

Nice build. Keep it coming...

No I am just north of Indianapolis the person I bought it from was from Goshen and I know he wheeled in Michigan.

my tnt truss dropped right on without having to grind at all.



now shipping on the other hand, it took alot longer to get in than i had planned.

what kind of front suspension are you doing? i didnt see it in your posts. looks like a upper link mount is missing. 3link? i hope not a single sided radius arm.

I am running a Rockcrawler three link. I have a bushing that goes inside of that hole and the upper link mounts on both sides of the link mount. I am still up in the air on it though. I may just cut it off and go with a traditional heim joint.

How'd you do your rear fenderwells?

How'd you do your rear fenderwells?

I guess I am not sure what you are asking. It already had fenderwells in the truck bed. When I cleaned up the openings I just used a 4.5" Cut off wheel.

Like the new progress front 60 is starting to look good!

sick build my friend.. whose frame plates are those?? what'd they set ya back if you dont mind me asking... I really like how they're one big piece...

no bacon here for sure..

I guess I am not sure what you are asking. It already had fenderwells in the truck bed. When I cleaned up the openings I just used a 4.5" Cut off wheel.

The pinch seam on the rear is lower than the raised portion of the fenderwell opening.

Did you cut it out and re-weld the fenderwell to the bedside?

Like how this fellow Pirate did.

http://www.bsfab.net/gallery.php?gallery=body/

The pinch seam on the rear is lower than the raised portion of the fenderwell opening.

Did you cut it out and re-weld the fenderwell to the bedside?

Like how this fellow Pirate did.

http://www.bsfab.net/gallery.php?gallery=body/

The previous owner did all of the bed work I just cleaned up the openings. But to answer your question nothing has been done to the wheel tubs. This is actually a Comanchee so it has a truck bed in the rear. The pictures in that link where a cherokee and they just moved the wheel well and made it a little larger from what I can tell.

Worked out in the garage on Sunday when I started I figured no big deal I will finish stripping the 60 an get it ready for mock up under the truck.

Well at the end of the day the score is Dana 60 - 1 Me - 0 this thing fought me the hole day. Not one thing in the hubs came out easy! They where just a mess from water and grease mixing that is an awesome combo let me tell you.

At this point I have all of the bolts out of the knuckles but they are not off. I have the top off on the passenger side and the bottom off on the driver side. Any hints or tips to get these off will be greatly appreciated! I have tried BFH, heat, BFH again, and a hammer and punch.

Below are some pics from Sunday.

35 spline inner 30 spline outers
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random001-1.jpg

Passenger Knuckle
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random003-1.jpg

Drivers Side Knuckle
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random002-1.jpg

I finally gave up around 6:00 hopefully I will have better luck later! :mad3:

This is where I am at now.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Random004-1.jpg

Looks man did you get the brake calipers off? I feel the same way had bigger thoughts on how the weekend progress would go on mine also. Keep after and look forward to you coming down on Friday.

sick build my friend.. whose frame plates are those?? what'd they set ya back if you dont mind me asking... I really like how they're one big piece...

no bacon here for sure..

Thanks, I got the frame plates from H.D. Offroad Engineering. I paid $105.00 + Shipping. I believe he offers 3/16 version and a full set for the Cherokee crowd.

http://www.hdoffroadengineering.com/collections/frontpage/products/xj-front-frame-stiffeners

The previous owner did all of the bed work I just cleaned up the openings. But to answer your question nothing has been done to the wheel tubs. This is actually a Comanchee so it has a truck bed in the rear. The pictures in that link where a cherokee and they just moved the wheel well and made it a little larger from what I can tell.

Haha. I understand that. I wasn't asking about the tubs, just about the cut fenders/fenderwells.

I've also got a Comanche and am trying to figure out the easiest way to cut/redo the rear fenderwells. Yours has it done, so I thought I'd ask.

EDIT: Would you mind possibly taking some pictures of them for me? From inside the bed and from inside the fenderwell? Thanks!

Haha. I understand that. I wasn't asking about the tubs, just about the cut fenders/fenderwells.

I've also got a Comanche and am trying to figure out the easiest way to cut/redo the rear fenderwells. Yours has it done, so I thought I'd ask.

I will take some pictures of the bed next time I am out there but I am pretty sure the only thing done to the bed is being bobbed 8" I will let you know what I find out.

At this point I have all of the bolts out of the knuckles but they are not off. I have the top off on the passenger side and the bottom off on the driver side. Any hints or tips to get these off will be greatly appreciated! I have tried BFH, heat, BFH again, and a hammer and punch.

I don't know what to tell you. Mine came right off with several swings of a BFH and a big steel chisel. I doused it with PB Blaster and I had both of them off in 30 min or so.

one thing I would do On that TNT truss is cut off the spring pads and turn them around the other way so they are centered over the axle tube. Makes life a little easier when moving the axle forward a little bit. Did it on my buddys truss and it worked out great. Just an idea for ya

Keep whackin! Gotta remember its possible that thing hasn't been off in 30 years for all you know.

When I redid my BJ60, it took me almost 6 hours of solid hammer descruction before I got the passenger Unit bearing out. And it an 02'. Rust does some miracluous things.

Looking good man! Hopefully yours won't be down as long as mine has been! I'm ready to go wheeling! I ordered new tabs from Branik today for my harnesses. I told them you'd probably be calling them soon for some parts. Brandon remembered who you were.

one thing I would do On that TNT truss is cut off the spring pads and turn them around the other way so they are centered over the axle tube. Makes life a little easier when moving the axle forward a little bit. Did it on my buddys truss and it worked out great. Just an idea for ya

I had thought about that but I want to reuse all my existing front links for cost for now. If I decide to ever redo the fornt I am going to Airshock or coilover.

Looking good man! Hopefully yours won't be down as long as mine has been! I'm ready to go wheeling! I ordered new tabs from Branik today for my harnesses. I told them you'd probably be calling them soon for some parts. Brandon remembered who you were.

Ya I want to wheel to but right now it is a money thing for the big items. I think I have everything I need to get both axles at least under the truck. I will be giving Brandon a call about some high steer arms maybe some gear set up we will see how much I want to do myself.

Keep whackin! Gotta remember its possible that thing hasn't been off in 30 years for all you know.

When I redid my BJ60, it took me almost 6 hours of solid hammer descruction before I got the passenger Unit bearing out. And it an 02'. Rust does some miracluous things.

I am going to say that it is a good possibility that they have never been off. The hubs where a mess and every bearing and seal in the axle is junk!

Just remember.. Without triangulation in your lowers and without a wishbone upper link, you will need a rear track bar.

Man, i wish I could have bought trusses and brackets, it would have shaved months off my build time! That front truss looks awesome, the BTF rear too. So clean.

Good luck, this thing is gonna be pretty badass. You need to head east over here in eastern Ohio to wheel with us at Wellsville.

It is just going to be single triangulated on the uppers l/\l and my understanding is that does not require a trac bar as the uppers locate the axle.

I am looking forward to just wheeling period but I have a lot of work ahead of me.

Get building!!!!

I know the guy that use to own that thing. When he bought it it was 2wd, and he was the one that converted it to 4wd.
Glad to see its still around.
I have always liked the MJs

Where are the updates from what you did yesterday???

I got some time out in the garage on Sunday! It seems like i should have a lot more done for the time I put in.

Anyways the first thing I did was finally clean the Front 60. I got all the axle tubes cleaned up with the grinder and started working on fitting up the front TNT Truss.

I posted a picture a while back in the thread of the truss sitting on the 60 and due to the spring perch on the driver side it did not sit on the axle tubes. I decided the easiest method was to use a sawzall on hack it off. After that I just used my grinder to fine tune it as needed.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/SpringPerch.jpg

After getting the axle cleaned and wire wheeled a little more I had the truss sitting where I felt it needed to be with the pinion angle and getting the spring pads to sit as level as possible.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Axletrussfitment.jpg

At this point it was getting late in the day but I at least wanted to get it under the truck and see what I was working with. Now I am ready to start measuring and get the truss on so I can burn it in. I am pretty sure that I am going to need to get a smaller set of coils or the truck is going to sit pretty high but that will come down the road.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Dana60undertruck.jpg

I know the guy that use to own that thing. When he bought it it was 2wd, and he was the one that converted it to 4wd.
Glad to see its still around.
I have always liked the MJs

Yes I asume that it is the same guy, he did a good job on the truck I am just ready for a change.

Looks good and good to see some progress. Looks like maybe 2" high with the truss? You would hate to have that truck sit to high.

I think it will be fine with a smaller coil. The plan is for it to not sit much higher with the ton's underneath it.

Ever get some pictures of the rear wells for me?

I think you should add another 6" to the springs and put 33's under it to make sure you have plenty of tire clearance!!!:flipoff2:

These builds make me want an MJ.

Ever get some pictures of the rear wells for me?

I got this picture. As far as I can tell nothing has been done to the fender wells.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Bed.jpg

I worked on the Manchee a little bit on Sat and got a few things done. Twistedcrawler came over so we can get his jeep ready for Big Dogs in VA in a couple of week so when we were done with that we put a couple hours in mine.

We started out by getting the axle square under the truck then we put the truss on and clamped it on.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/DSCN0160.jpg

Once we had it square and level I got it tacked on and ready to weld.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/DSCN0169.jpg

I decided it would be easier to weld out of the truck so we pulled it out and got it ready to weld.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/DSCN0171.jpg

Then I got busy welding! I started at the ends and jumped around not to put to much heat into one area on the axle.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/DSCN0172.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/DSCN0182.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/DSCN0174.jpg

I think it turned out pretty good only time will tell I guess!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/DSCN0181.jpg

Probably won't get much time on it until after Big Dogs so if you see us there come buy and drink a Beer with us. We will be in twistedcrawler's rig.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/25718_419284767393_725687393_571870.jpg

Probably won't get much time on it until after Big Dogs so if you see us there come buy and drink a Beer with us. We will be in twistedcrawler's rig.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/25718_419284767393_725687393_571870.jpg

Damn that's a sexy looking bitch!!! I'm hoping to get some more paint time in tonight! I have got to strip the interior first though.

Yes progress!!! I like it alot looks good ready to see it under with springs and links. I will ship springs tomorrow and should be able to get your rim and tire also. What is next on the rig.

And Russ your shit looks good.

I got this picture. As far as I can tell nothing has been done to the fender wells.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Bed.jpg

Hmmm. Very odd. Is there any way you can get me one or two from the underside looking in and looking up? Thanks for the pictures!

Nice progress. Loving the updates. Should have my build thread coming soon.

I picked up some drive flanges from RPM offroad! Great customer service I ordered them on Friday and they showed up today.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/DriveFlanges.jpg

oh fuck yeah.. i want some of those.. ^^

Those are fucking awesome!!!:smokin:

looks like a lot of work vogel, get to work and we might be done around the same time. build looks sweet though; always had a soft spot for these trucks just never stumbled upon a good deal for one

There is a shell going for $300 around here that is already caged, lifted, and frame plated. Just needs driveline.

A dana 60 front goes for more than complete MJ's around here.

Any pics of suspension yet?

Subbing. !

looks like a lot of work vogel, get to work and we might be done around the same time. build looks sweet though; always had a soft spot for these trucks just never stumbled upon a good deal for one

Thanks Mitch I hope to be done not later than April of next year but I guess time will tell.

Any pics of suspension yet?

Not yet I have to finish up the front frame plates and then I will be moving onto the rear 4 link!

damn! april of next year that sounds like mine! im working on mid summer at this point, the bitch has gotta roll :smokin:

lets see some updates pimpin

Updates would be nice

Been a little busy as of late but I was able to get a little work done this weekend. I started working on the front frame plating.

Started with this.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FramePlate1.jpg

Then I started the fun task of grinding!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FramePlate2.jpg

I got everything mocked up and pretty much ready to weld just need to do a little more grinding before I start welding.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FramePlate3.jpg

Maybe this week I will have time to finish up this side and start on the drivers side. I think I will have a little more work on that side. I think I am going to ditch the factory panhard bracket and go with something else so I can put it where I want it. As it looks now it will be tight.

Looks good man... I need to order mine

Looking good stay after it so we can hit the trails! Have you welded any of it?

lookin good pimpin, Keep the ball rollin its tuff to get it going again if you stop!

I mocked up the frame stiffeners a couple of weeks ago and I got around to welding them in. I am a firm believer that just about anyone can make a decent looking weld on thicker plate but if you want to test your skills try welding to a uni-frame! I am not very happy with the way that they turned out but i am sure that they are not going anywhere.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FramePlateWeld2.jpg

I have them about 95% welded I still need to do a couple more welds.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FramePlateWeld1.jpg

I also finished up the welding on the front axle and its now ready for gears and lockers. Lower control arms brackets are fully welded.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/LowerControl1.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/LowerControl2.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/LowerControl3.jpg

When I bought the front truss I ordered it to fit the Rockcrawler three link that I already have but I have decided that I don't like the mount on the upper link. So I ordered some brackets from Ballistic that should be here this week to just use a traditional rod end. I think this has to be better than the rockcrawler joint.

I also started to working on taking the bed off so I can start working on the rear four link. That is about where I am as of now I need to start getting the rear axle ready for mock up.

looks good but that close up of the frame plate makes me dizzy, welding horizontal like that pretty much just blows in general... like you said though im sure its not going anywhere. Sorry i didnt get back with you on the badlands trip, I dont even have a rig to go out in right now! I sold that sammy and the rear 44 i put in the yellow jeep, a fully assembled new axle mind you was making noise pulled it apart to find that the all of the pinion bearings and carrier bearings are fucked:barf: funny part is it got a good break in and has less than 1000 miles on it!:shaking:

on a lighter note my 4-link is in on the rear of my project, just gotta mount the coilovers!

looks good but that close up of the frame plate makes me dizzy, welding horizontal like that pretty much just blows in general... like you said though im sure its not going anywhere. Sorry i didnt get back with you on the badlands trip, I dont even have a rig to go out in right now! I sold that sammy and the rear 44 i put in the yellow jeep, a fully assembled new axle mind you was making noise pulled it apart to find that the all of the pinion bearings and carrier bearings are fucked:barf: funny part is it got a good break in and has less than 1000 miles on it!:shaking:

on a lighter note my 4-link is in on the rear of my project, just gotta mount the coilovers!

Ya it is not the best picture! No big deal about the badlands it was short notice. Sucks to hear about the axle on the yellow jeep what is the plans for it now?

just throwning new bearings in it for now see what happens

Ever get some pictures of the rear wells for me?

I cut my rear fenders out before te bed came off.

You can cut about 1" out of the factory fender well with no worries, anything more and the inner will seperate from the outer sheetmetal and you need to connect them back togethre.

For reference:

34x9.5 TSls on 3" of lift.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b38/NSJAMES/DSCF0619.jpg

that's about as much as you can cut before the bedsides and inner wells aren't connected anymore. I never had any problems with rubbing on the inner fenderwells.

Damn it used to be sooooo clean.

now it looks like a whore that had a date with a bag of hammers.

get to work!:flipoff2:

I know I am slacking at the moment! I am in the process of finding a parts jeep for the drivetrain. I am not going to do all this work and have a 4 cylinder just doesn't seem worth it to me. I still need a lot of parts and money is the big issue now that I have a baby on the way! I will get there soon hopefully by this time next year I will be ready to go.

I know I am slacking at the moment! I am in the process of finding a parts jeep for the drivetrain. I am not going to do all this work and have a 4 cylinder just doesn't seem worth it to me. I still need a lot of parts and money is the big issue now that I have a baby on the way! I will get there soon hopefully by this time next year I will be ready to go.

and so begins the balance of woman, child , jeep in yer life..





welcome to the club :laughing:

Got some work done this weekend! Most of it was not picture worthy however. I finished welding up the front frame plates now I just need to paint them. Then I started cleaning up the Dana 70 with the wire wheel and started fitting the rear truss.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/AxleTrussRear.jpg

I bought the truss for a Dana 60 so I will have to do some modifying but it should not be that big of a deal.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/AxleTrussFitingRear.jpg

damn, now i really want an MJ.
looks like it will be a great rig when your done.

I just bought a set of 40" LTB's off a guy here on the board they should be here in a week or so, and now I am thinking about rims for this. I just plan on using a 17's steel wheel and going with DIY beadlocks. My only question is to go with a 3.5" or 4.5" backspace does any body have any real world experience with this and which one will work better. I am leaning towards 3.5" to keep it further away from my lower links but I could be way off hell I don't know!!!


Edit: I have also been looking at putting a 4.0 in this and I have been looking at propane injection anybody have any thoughts. I like the simplicity.

4.5 backspacing will be fine clearance-wise as far as the knuckle, I have 16.5 H1 locks... with 5.5" BS... The inner wheel lip clears my stock Ford steering arm/TRE by like 3/8". With a 17" & 4.5 BS wheel you'll have even more clearance.

Not sure about the tire clearance, those are wide meats. you'll have to think about turning radius and potential rubbing issues. I'd go with 8.5" wide wheels.

I don't think running an 8" rim with a beadlock would be a good idea I think I would be loosing inner beads. My plan is to use a 9" rim with beadlock.

Tires showed up today. So I had to roll them in place.
http://tapa.tk/mu/631c0b7d-2b34-9686.jpg http://tapa.tk/mu/631c0b7d-2abb-611f.jpg

cool, now get back to the fab:flipoff2:!

I have been slacking on the updates but that is mainly due to the fact that I came to the realization that my garage is to small. This weekend me and a couple of buddies set to the task of moving my jeep to my buddies shop to start work on the cage.

Since my axles where not ready to go under the truck we borrowed a set!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/RusssTruck.jpg

I was able to get it out of the garage for the first time in about a year to bad it was just to move it.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Outside.jpg

We make the trek down the road and it is now in my buddies shop ready to start the cage.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Truck.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/NewShop.jpg

During this down time I still have been collecting parts. Last weekend I went to Branik Motorsports and picked up a 4.0 Jeep motor that Brandon had.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Motor.jpg

Went and worked on the Jeep this weekend. I am trying to get it ready to start on the cage work. In preperation I bought a tube notcher. This makes notching not even like work!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/TubeNotcher.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/NotchedTube.jpg

I stripped down the truck and it is about ready to start on the cage. I still have a couple more things that needs to come off but you get the idea. I plan to start bending tube on December 4th and once that is complete I hope to have the rear 4 link set up.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Stripped1.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Stripped2.jpg

This is all of the left over!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/LeftOver.jpg

what was wrong with the last MJ?

what was wrong with the last MJ?

Nothing was wrong with it per say. It was a good wheeler but I felt like I had reached my limit with it and it has a four cylnder and I am pretty sure it will not like the 4D's

I stripped down the truck and it is about ready to start on the cage. I still have a couple more things that needs to come off but you get the idea. I plan to start bending tube on December 4th and once that is complete I hope to have the rear 4 link set up.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Stripped1.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Stripped2.jpg

This is all of the left over!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/LeftOver.jpg

Damn the shop looks really good in these pics!!!

Looking good and make some progress! I am ready to come up and help build the cage Dec. The cage will give you motivation to finish!!!

All I have left is the cage on my MJ build as well, and a few other small things. Can't wait to wheel again!!! Looking forward to seeing your cage design.

I am getting ready to order the DOM for the cage and was wondering how many feet everyone had in there's? I think that I am going to start with a 120' and see where that takes me.

I am getting ready to order the DOM for the cage and was wondering how many feet everyone had in there's? I think that I am going to start with a 120' and see where that takes me.

:beer: I'm ready to start bending some tube!!! :beer:

Finished up the prep work to start bending the cage.

The Interior is completely gutted.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/GuttedInterior.jpg

I have decided to back half the truck so I cut the rear off! I was surprised by how easy this was to do with a 4.5" cut off wheel.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FrameCut1.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FrameCut2.jpg

No going back now!!!!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FrameCut3.jpg

It is now ready to start on the cage next weekend! I have 140' of 1.5" x .120 DOM on order and should be here any day. Hopefully it will start taking shape soon.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FrameCut4.jpg

No going back now!!!!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FrameCut3.jpg

Fuck it dude just needs a little JB Weld and she'll be good as new!!!

Fuck it dude just needs a little JB Weld and she'll be good as new!!!

I was thinking duct tape!

Good call on the duct tape, more flex that way!!! You won't have to worry about getting hung up in the center!!! :laughing:

I would say it looks god but you keep taking parts off vs. adding them!!! I am ready to start bending tube this Sat. Looks like we have a good start to work with.

I would say it looks god but you keep taking parts off vs. adding them!!!

I think we are going to need to invest in a metal dumpster for all the scrap metal we are taking off this thing!!!

I like how projects like this just snowball ;)

How do you like that Miller 211 autoset?

I just picked one up a week ago.

I like how projects like this just snowball ;)

How do you like that Miller 211 autoset?

I just picked one up a week ago.

Yes it happens quick! This started out as replacing ball joints and hydro assist and now look at it.

I have no complaints with the 211 I don't use the auto set feature very often as I don't feel that it is very accurate. I wanted a 252 but just couldn't swing it.

Picked up around 160' of 1.5" x .120" DOM. Ready to start bending on Saturday.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Tubing.jpg

How much did the DOM set you back?

How much did the DOM set you back?

$3.24 a foot.

nice build. subscribing.

$3.24 a foot.

ouchy.. :eek:

ouchy.. :eek:

What did you get it for? I didn't think it was that bad I had some quotes over $4.00 a foot.

What did you get it for? I didn't think it was that bad I had some quotes over $4.00 a foot.

x2
$3.24 isnt bad at all around here.

That's about what I paid too in Akron, OH for .188 wall with a group buy... .120 HREW is like $1.93 a foot.

Started working on the cage on Saturday it was cold as hell in the shop but I think we got a lot done for 10 hrs.

I started with B pillar.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Cage9.jpg

I got that mocked up then I started work on the A pillar.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Cage8.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Cage7.jpg

I drilled all the holes for the cage to go into the cab of the truck and mocked up the door bars. I will mount those later I still have a lot to do in the cab.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Cage5.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Cage1.jpg


then I started working on the dash and header bars as well as the V for the windshield bars.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Cage3.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Cage4.jpg

I am very happy with the outcome so far I still have a lot to do and the hole back part but I will get there.

I will say if you are going to bend a cage I would highly recommend a pipemaster and a JD notchmaster it makes coping the tube so much easier and it looks a lot better.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Cage6.jpg

Last overall shot for now!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/Cage2.jpg

Awsome cage so far!! I enjoyed helping this weekend even though it was cold as hell! I 2nd on the tube notcher and the pipe master tools. Russ buy a heater and we will finish the rear!

Who is going to pay the fuel bill if I buy a heater??? :flipoff2: At least we have room to work!!! It was cold, and the cage does look great. Can't wait to see it finished!!!

I have some questions on your tnt truss. I am thinking about getting one for one of my rigs and was wondering if you thought it saved you enough of a hassle and time for what you paid? How close to the fit was it? I looked and it looked like the driver side leaf perch was the only thing that got in your way.
Mine will be set up on pretty much stock locations for the mounts. Which mounts were and were not connected on the truss and needed to be burned in separately?

Thanks

I have some questions on your tnt truss. I am thinking about getting one for one of my rigs and was wondering if you thought it saved you enough of a hassle and time for what you paid? How close to the fit was it? I looked and it looked like the driver side leaf perch was the only thing that got in your way.
Mine will be set up on pretty much stock locations for the mounts. Which mounts were and were not connected on the truss and needed to be burned in separately?

Thanks

I have mixed opinions about the truss. I feel that if you are going to use stock locations for mounts and want to keep the axle in the same location than yes I believe its worth what I paid for it. However as my build has progressed I feel like it will hold me back because I don't know if my axle will be in the stock location. The only welding you have to do is burn it to the axle the rest are already attached. It fit ok but I had to do a fair amount of grinding and fitting to make it work and I cut off almost all of the drivers side spring perch.

At this point I am tempted to cut it off because I want to change the links on the front suspension and maybe go air shocks or coilovers up front.

I have mixed opinions about the truss. I feel that if you are going to use stock locations for mounts and want to keep the axle in the same location than yes I believe its worth what I paid for it. However as my build has progressed I feel like it will hold me back because I don't know if my axle will be in the stock location. The only welding you have to do is burn it to the axle the rest are already attached. It fit ok but I had to do a fair amount of grinding and fitting to make it work and I cut off almost all of the drivers side spring perch.

At this point I am tempted to cut it off because I want to change the links on the front suspension and maybe go air shocks or coilovers up front.

Let me know if your gonna cut it off. I will buy it from you. haha

Let me know if your gonna cut it off. I will buy it from you. haha

I'm not sure I could cut it off and it still be usable. If I do I will let you know!


Most likely I will not be getting a lot done until after the first of the year. I have a baby due the first of Jan, and honestly it is just to cold to work in the shop. I will however still be buying parts as I get the cash. I will post up some pictures as things come in.

I'm not sure I could cut it off and it still be usable. If I do I will let you know!


Most likely I will not be getting a lot done until after the first of the year. I have a baby due the first of Jan, and honestly it is just to cold to work in the shop. I will however still be buying parts as I get the cash. I will post up some pictures as things come in.

Yeah just let me know if you cut it off and it could still be usable. If not that's a lot of money wasted for the truss. So why did you not like it very much? I was always considering it because of the time it would save.

Not much of an update but I did get a 12 gal fuel cell for Christmas!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FuelCell.jpg

u gonna get your heep done for this kentucky trip?

I like what you are doing with the mj. This is something I would like to do in the future with mine but it will be a while. Also, where at in indiana are you located out of curiosity?

u gonna get your heep done for this kentucky trip?

I wish I still have a lot to do. It needs to get a little warmer to hang out in the shop all day.

I like what you are doing with the mj. This is something I would like to do in the future with mine but it will be a while. Also, where at in indiana are you located out of curiosity?

Thanks, I live in Noblesville but I am building this in Greentown. Where are you located?

[QUOTE=vogelj;12519840]I wish I still have a lot to do. It needs to get a little warmer to hang out in the shop all day.
QUOTE]

Actually... I was out there thursday night when it was 10 degrees or so, and with both of TC's heaters we were just wearing sweat shirts... Wasn't that bad as all.

I got a little work done this weekend but nothing to crazy. I moved the front 60 under the truck and hooked up the links and got some springs under it. So far it looks like its going to work just fine but hard to tell since I don't have a bushing on the upper link.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/FrontAxleUnder.jpg

I also got my Motor on the stand so I can start cleaning it up and getting it ready to install.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/MotoronStand.jpg

I hope to start working on boxing in what is left of the rear frame and getting the 4 link set up soon. That is the plan for now.

I think you need a couple more jack stands under that thing!!!

Started boxing in the rear frame so I can finish working on the rear part of the cage.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/RearFrame1.jpg

I need to work on my out of position welding I am going to have to grind some down and redo a few.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/vogelj/Jeep%20Build/RearFramePlate2.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/Twistedcrawler/Trailrigorher.jpg

When are you going to update this thing?