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renojeepster
10-11-2007, 06:30 PM
Well, I've been lurking around for a while getting ideas for my next build. I might pick up a 97' 5.2 ZJ runs great w/ 140,000m, for $500.00, but it was hit in the front right wheel, and the left rear wheel. Both track bars are bent, most the control arms, and a rear axle. The body seems O.K. and the thing goes down the road good, although the axles are noticably off center.
So my plan is to build a new wheeler, that is more suitable for my growing family (my third boy is due next month). I plan to strip all the suspension, and axles, and t-case, and go with an Atlas 2, Clayton long arms, 4.5" springs, Hi 9 axles, and some 37-38" rubber. I will start a build thread once it goes under the knife. I owned a 96' 5.2 for years and totaled it about 4 years ago, and have wanted to replace it ever since.
EDIT: ZJ was too heavily damaged. I am building up my 04' WJ instead!

Here is my current wheeler, my 70 Jeepster. 4.3 CMFI Vortec, SM 465, twin stick-3.15:1 geared D20, Trussed and loaded Yota axles-ARB'd....

3164
3163

And here is the daily driver, which is going to get an IRO 3" lift this winter, and......

3162

CURRENT PIC OF THE WJ:
6776

BucYouUp68
10-11-2007, 06:33 PM
Welcome to the party:rock:

gonecheenin
10-11-2007, 06:54 PM
Welcome


Make sure you check the unibody on that ZJ for wrinkle from any crash, you'd be surprised how the stress's travel into different parts of the chassis on these vehicles

jfowlzj95
10-11-2007, 06:56 PM
Welcome to the site! Love the Jeepster. :D

renojeepster
10-11-2007, 07:06 PM
Welcome


Make sure you check the unibody on that ZJ for wrinkle from any crash, you'd be surprised how the stress's travel into different parts of the chassis on these vehicles

I looked pretty well, and didn't see any signs of unibody damage. It appears the spindly track bars bent and absorbed the impacts. Even the trackbar mount area seemed O.K.
I plan to incorporate a full integrated cage/ bumpers/ sliders, to stiffen the chassis, so hopefully, I don't find anything too ugly when I tear it down.

EDIT: So the unibody was tweaked, and I decided to pass on the ZJ. Instead read on as I will be building the WJ, while daily driving it.

Ted_Z
10-11-2007, 07:09 PM
Skip the Hi 9's and save the cash. ZJ's wheel base is long enough that you don't need the extra pinion height. If you really like 9-inchers, do a 609 in front and a standard 9" out back.

Love the jeepster, I had a '69 and '72 at various points in my life.

CurtP
10-11-2007, 07:10 PM
Eat shit.

renojeepster
10-11-2007, 07:12 PM
Welcome to the site! Love the Jeepster. :D

Thanks, I love the Jeepster too, but with gear in it, it's only a two seater, and I have to take turns taking the family out in it. I have spent over 10 years working and wheeling on this thing, but I might sell it to finance the new ZJ project, so I can take the whole family out, and have a heater, and windows. If I do, I will be building a Jeepster styled tube buggy, after the ZJ is done.

BigDaveZJ
10-11-2007, 07:14 PM
Skip the Hi 9's and save the cash. ZJ's wheel base is long enough that you don't need the extra pinion height. If you really like 9-inchers, do a 609 in front and a standard 9" out back.

Love the jeepster, I had a '69 and '72 at various points in my life.

I don't think he's going it for good pinion angles on the highway, but to help keep the driveshafts out of the rocks.

renojeepster
10-11-2007, 07:17 PM
Skip the Hi 9's and save the cash. ZJ's wheel base is long enough that you don't need the extra pinion height. If you really like 9-inchers, do a 609 in front and a standard 9" out back.

Love the jeepster, I had a '69 and '72 at various points in my life.

Specifically, I am looking at the Spidertrax housings, with 60 outers, and a hi-9 in front and a standard third out back. I am still in the early design stages here, so will be exploring all options for a while.

renojeepster
10-11-2007, 07:20 PM
Eat shit.

:smt089

redline61
10-11-2007, 07:31 PM
Welcome!

ILikeMud
10-11-2007, 08:15 PM
:smt089

Don't worry, it's the standard greeting around here.
Eat shit, welcome to MC.

Nice Jeepster.

cashflowdub
10-11-2007, 09:16 PM
shit never tastes good lol

DJJordache
10-12-2007, 08:23 AM
this is the kind of opening newb intro we like to see=) sweet Jeepster!

renojeepster
10-28-2007, 01:34 AM
Well, I won't be starting on the ZJ for a couple more months, so I thought I would post up some pics of the Jeepster in this thread.

Here are a couple on the Hunter lake trail, circa the year 2000, shortly after doing my spring over with YJ front springs w/2" add a leaves in the front, 13" travel Rancho shocks. In the rear, inboarded Chevy 56" springs, and Rancho shocks.

3194
3195

These were taken on Twister around 2005, after several hard rolls, I ditched the windshield frame, and chopped the rear section off. Did some new tube in the rear, and tied it in to a new bumper. The new fuel cell, and all new wiring went in with a 4.3 Vortec.

3196
3197
3199

renojeepster
10-28-2007, 01:45 AM
Here are some more wheeling pics from 2006 with the new beadlocks, and 37's

Bronco Canyon 2006

3200


Rocker Knocker on Pritchett Canyon a couple months later with new RE 1445 YJ springs in front and 14" travel Bilsteins.

3201


After experiencing some nasty axle wrap in Moab, I built a traction bar out of chromoly tube, RE superflex joint, and a couple heims. New rear shock mounts throug the floor, and 14" travel Bilsteins out back too. Still rockin the same rear springs, for 8 years!

3202


Here are some of the most recent wheeling pics from this summer, with the new T-max winch, and some 37X14.00 Iroks. I also re-grafted the taigate section back on minus about 10" of sheetmetal. I also replaced the windshield frame and put in some new glass, and had wipers again, but removed it to run this trail.

Clay Canyon 2007

3203


And the trail that did more damage to my Jeep than any other trail EVER, Lucky Canyon 2007.

3204

I know it's not a Grand, but I will be doing a detailed buildup of my ZJ starting around Jan.

Rubber Chuck
10-28-2007, 06:49 AM
Welcome to MC

Very Cool Jeepster!!!!
I will be following the ZJ build thread very closely. I like the idea of Hi-9s
Good Luck with it.

redline61
10-28-2007, 06:53 AM
I like the Jeedster. Lookin good.

redline61
10-28-2007, 06:54 AM
Wow, someone else up at four in the fuckin morning. Must have been a good night like mine or a good morning!!!!!!!!!!

JordanA
10-28-2007, 06:30 PM
I think you're in different time zones.

Love the Jeepster, looking forward to the ZJ build.
Welcome.

renojeepster
08-22-2011, 10:44 PM
Well since this thread has sat idle for almost 4 years, I guess I should re-introduce myself. It's been a rough few years, and I was forced to sell the Jeepster, and the ZJ I was going to pick up had pretty extensive unibody damage, so I passed.

I did get the WJ in the divorce though and have been using it as my DD and wheeler. I will get some updates and pictures posted soon.

renojeepster
08-23-2011, 09:57 PM
So, I am building the WJ. I started out with some IRO rock sliders, a 2" BB, ditched the 17's, got some 16's from the junkyard and some 265/75r16's.
Did a little bumper trim up front, and built a little skid in front of the lower radiator out of a peice of 1/8" stainless plate.

5977

I cut out the spare tire well, raised the gas tank 6-1/2", Cut and flipped the hitch, gaining almost 6" of clearance at the hitch.


5978

I plan to build my own bumpers soon, but just trimmed up the factory plastic for now.

Prison Hill 2011

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5980

Discconected the sway bar for the first time, and it tore the pumps out of the washer tank, so I removed it, and need to get a ZJ tank to replace it.

renojeepster
08-23-2011, 10:09 PM
Got a few more goodies from IRO, 4" springs, Bilsteins, adjustable track bar, JKS discos, stabilizer relocated, and 3" bumpstop extensions.

5981

I added 1" wheel spacers, and still rub the shock in the rear just a little. I can certainly fit more tire now, but need beefier axles and gears. I will be getting a 9" rear installed, but may have to beef the 30 up in front for a while. I also need to do more research on the speed sensor issues I will have.

Test rock behind my house figuring out bump stop extension lengths:

5982

These used to just touch the sheetmetal behind the door with the BB. Now I need more tire!

5983

Peterson Range 2011:

5984

Still to come, Claytons long arms, tie rod and drag link flip, IRO track bar drop bracket, Ford 9" rear with an ARB, front ARB, gears, 35's, t-case swap, more trimming........

just1more19
08-24-2011, 12:58 PM
welcome back and nice to see the grand

renojeepster
08-24-2011, 01:35 PM
Thanks, it's good to be back, and wheeling again!

Snake Lake trail July 2011:

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Made it through some nasty drifts, but were denied near the summit at Big Tree:

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renojeepster
01-05-2012, 06:56 PM
A few updates on the rig.

ZJ washer tank.
6202

Trimmed the front a little where the tires rubbed. I'll have to cut more when I go to 35's. Painted wheel background and lower body black, and installed some factory front tow hooks.
6203

Finally got my rear bump stop extensions done. No more shocks bottoming out!
6204

renojeepster
01-05-2012, 07:03 PM
Got some roof top storage, since I often go out with my G.F. three kids, and the dog. Doesn't leave much room inside for camping gear.
6205

Ditched the 8.6" travel front shocks that came with the IRO 4" kit, modified the lower mount, and installed some 10" travel 5150's. Gained a solid 1-1/2" of droop. Dropped a front coil out with short arms.
6207
6206

Current pic December 2011:
6208

Wheeling at the Moonrocks December 2011:
6212

renojeepster
01-05-2012, 07:11 PM
So, I have been stock piling parts and will be putting it under the knife soon. I will be installing Claytons long arms, IRO drop trackbar bracket, drag link and tie rod flip, NP231 t-case with 6 gear planetary, AAdapters 32 spline main shaft and fixed yoke, Ford 9" rear w/ 4.56 gears and ARB, new rear driveshaft.

6209

6210

The front Varilock 30 will stay up front for now. I sourced another axle and pulled the front axle assemblies for trail spares. I removed all the crap under the rear seats and dented the floor enough to fit them under the rear seats.
6211

renojeepster
01-11-2012, 02:15 AM
Finished my drag link and tie rod flip this weekend using the GoFerIt inserts, and a RHD drag link end. Had to clearance a few spots, but eventually got everything to clear.
Installed IRO's track bar drop bracket to keep my steering geometry correct. With 4" of lift the IRO adjustable track bar hits the diff cover. I ordered a 1.25" die so I can add some bend to the top of the bar. In the meantime, I reinstalled the stock track bar, which worked good, except it is about 1/4" too short to center the axle.
I can't believe how good this thing feels. Bumps that used to try and induce death wobble, now I can't even feel in the steering wheel.

Better clearance:

6222

Stock track bar back in for now:

6223

Steering angles are nearly stock. No bump steer, and No hint of wobble:

6224

renojeepster
03-24-2013, 02:40 AM
So, being a full time Engineering student, and a single dad of 3 boys, with the WJ being our daily driver means progress has been slow. I have been making some progress, however.

Finished sealing up the rear floor from the gas tank raise. I ended up using part of a Rubbermaid container and a bunch of polyurethane sealant to cover the evap system:
6753

Built some storage for all the gear, installed some on board air, and kept it so my dog can ride in the back:
6754

Got my ham licence and added an FT-8800 dual band for trail communications:
6755

renojeepster
03-24-2013, 02:48 AM
Pulled out the leaky 247 t-case:
6756

Swapped the input shaft from the 247 into my 231:
6757

Newly rebuilt 231 with Advanced Adapters 32 spline output and speed sensor that will replace my speed signal after the axle swap:
6758

I ended up taking the shift arm from the 231, flipping it upside down, cutting it in half and welding half of the 247 linkage to it. Works great:
6759

renojeepster
03-24-2013, 02:59 AM
Got my Clayton long arm parts finally. Installing the cross member:
6770

Rear link brackets and frame stiffeners:
6771

Everything works great! I will be modifying shock mounts to run 13" travel 6100 Bilsteins and adding limit straps when I swap in the 9" rear axle:
6772

What a difference ditching my stock arms finally. This thing handles like stock again. Everything works great, and I installed 90* zerk fittings, and rotated the Johnny joints so the zerk fittings are up, after this picture was taken:
6773

Made a little modification to the stock front control arm mounts. Should help keep them from getting hung up so much, until I get the 44 installed with high clearance brackets:
6774

renojeepster
03-24-2013, 03:33 AM
New axles are coming together. I ended up going with a high pinion Dana 44 H.D. out of a '78 F250 for the front axle. Not as cool as the 609 I wanted to build, but a lot cheaper.

Rear Axle:
Ford 9" from an '85 E-150 van. WMS-WMS 67.5"
31 spline ARB air locker and 4.56 gears.
Stock shafts.
TeraFlex rear disk brake kit w/e-brake.
Clayton Offroad 4 link truss and WJ bracket kit.

Front Axle:
High pinion D44 from a '78 F-250. WMS-WMS 66.5" (+ .5" spacers to match rear width)
GM flat top knuckles with high steer using GM 1 ton ends.
Ford 5x5.5" hubs and rotors.
ARB air locker and 4.56 gears.
30 spline chromoly shafts and CTM u-joints.
Clayton Offroad WJ bracket kit.

Rear axle torn down ready for new brackets. Front mocked up with new hubs, ready to tear down.
6765

6766

6767

renojeepster
03-24-2013, 03:46 AM
This thing has been a great daily driver, and weekend warrior!
I cant wait to finally ditch these 32" tires for some 35's when I swap axles.
6768

I will be running the 13" travel 6100 Bilsteins all around soon to take advantage of these long arms:
6769

YOUNGBLOOD
03-24-2013, 03:50 PM
That's the same axle choice I want to run, but that won't be for a while...

BigClay
03-24-2013, 04:57 PM
Check out BigGoofy's build thread and see the issues he has had with his 9", it may save you some head aches down the road.

biggoofy
03-24-2013, 07:09 PM
Fuck 9" axles. Save yourself the money and either replace all the stock crap in the 9" or get a 14b.

renojeepster
03-25-2013, 01:08 PM
Fuck 9" axles. Save yourself the money and either replace all the stock crap in the 9" or get a 14b.

Ya, it looks like you like to hammer that thing. I will be starting a buggy build soon for that kind of wheeling. I am going to do chromo axles as soon as I can after seeing your twisted splines, and am installing a billet "daytona" pinion support. Were you using a C7AW-E casting when you broke the caps? I have some experience running the 9" axle, and I am fairly confident that I can get it to hold up to the type of abuse this rig will be seeing. Hell I am wheeling the piss out of my stock D30 cv axles and haven't broke one yet.

renojeepster
03-30-2013, 04:11 AM
My Clayton Offroad WJ axle bracket kits and 4-link truss showed up today. Hopefully find some time to work on this thing soon.
6795

I will be fabricating a bridge over the pumpkin for the upper control arm mount.
6796

Also ordered a big bearing pinion support, ARP studs for everything on the 9", a pinion guard, and a drain plug and fill/inspection plug for the 9".
6797

renojeepster
03-30-2013, 04:24 AM
My other new addition. Will be decking this thing out with matching wheels and 315/75 R16's. Going to paint the whole thing to match the WJ, and installing a 12v electrical system w/ solar panel, interior lighting and a shower system.
6798

6799

renojeepster
03-17-2014, 11:50 PM
And another year has gone by. Engineering school and kids have taken most of my time. Rear axle is built and ready to go in, front progress has stalled out untill summer break. Bracketry is allmost done on it and I have a pile of parts ready to go in it. I think I am going to make GSW and tear it down as soon as I get home. I did get some adapters and threw my new wheels and 315/75R16 KM2's on it.
7085

renojeepster
01-14-2015, 05:25 PM
Some axle progress. Should be tearing the WJ down to get these under it soon. http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/14/e6b594da4098befd14859251da8947da.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/14/3bd9fe0f3127eacfb5c134b8d064c762.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/14/d7d942f06fc567c99cc04662158e57ea.jpg

renojeepster
01-14-2015, 05:29 PM
Some Wilwood front calipers.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/14/f38af652b7452769d3b96becb1815b08.jpg

renojeepster
01-14-2015, 05:31 PM
And some action from this summer on the Con, with stock axles and my 35's.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/14/5620ec2ce0d5068e0d85ce66d999772a.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/14/ecc3523bbf8877cb228b1aa981830126.jpg

scott
01-14-2015, 10:27 PM
Nice looking WJ

renojeepster
01-15-2015, 10:59 PM
Thanks. It's been a slooow build so far. The next phase is going to have it torn down to nothing. New axles, stretching wheelbase, new coil mounts, shock mounts... I just hope I have time to get it done in a few months and don't miss out on wheeling and camping this year.

Snotbubbles
01-16-2015, 04:37 PM
Thanks. It's been a slooow build so far. The next phase is going to have it torn down to nothing. New axles, stretching wheelbase, new coil mounts, shock mounts... I just hope I have time to get it done in a few months and don't miss out on wheeling and camping this year.

Looking good Justin, Can't wait to see this finished up. Let me know if you ever need a hand. I've got a new purchase in the garage you need to come check out. .....This is Wicks BTW...

renojeepster
01-17-2015, 03:25 PM
I'd like to see what you're up to! I will need a hand dragging axles around the garage soon. I'll be dealing with this ruptured bicep tendon for a few months, so I'm working with only my left hand. I did manage to lay down a few decent beads left handed, lol.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/17/0b68dfde9b01fe0b5186f3c223c3b172.jpg

renojeepster
01-23-2015, 01:49 PM
Got some Yukon Hardcore hubs. I wish these had been around when I bought my stub axles. I got the chromo 19 splines because I knew they were stronger than my hubs. Now I'm not so sure. I might upgrade to some 30 spline stubs and get a 30 spline gear for these.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/23/08b23b6e198d2ced50c1195745896793.jpg

Got some IRO 6.5" springs to replace my hammered 4" springs and 2" spacers.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/23/b3ed09445cc682e73e1a7019c52607c8.jpg

And a Clayton belly pan. Going to fab my own oil pan skid, boats sides, and make everything nice and smooth.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/23/bd343b8e4005dac5e023ffd242446379.jpg