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ATL ZJ
11-16-2004, 03:46 PM
Current:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/driveway2.jpg


The History of it:

I started wheeling my Jeep back when it was 2wd with a 2" BB and a set of 31s. Then I stepped up slightly to a 3" front to rear. Here's a pic at the now-closed Rich Mtn. Trail.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/stuckinrut.jpg

Then I converted it to 4wd back in the spring of 2002. A lot went wrong, but, after a month, it had a 3.73 geared d35 and d30 under it, along with a 242. A shot of it in the garage:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/zjmid-conversion.jpg

I swapped back and forth with the ATs and MTs for a while, wheeling it a little on each. The Jeep got an 8.8 from a 97 Explorer during this time, in January of 2004.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/ZJ_March_9_2003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/ZJ31s0003.jpg

Then in the summer of 2004, I decided to go a little bigger. A waggy 44 went up front. Longarms allowed me to go up to 6" to run 35s.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/DCP_0483.jpg

First trip to Tellico:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Tellico%20Nov%2013/Camflexed.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Tellico%20Nov%2013/Cam1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Tellico%20Nov%2013/Junctionof6and4.jpg

LouisianaZJ
11-16-2004, 04:58 PM
looks good

are you running some sort of 5 lug>6 lug spacer on the 8.8 or did you get custom shafts?

ATL ZJ
11-16-2004, 05:19 PM
They're custom alloy shafts from Dutchman. 5 on 4.5" to 6 on 5.5" adapters cannot be made narrower than about 2" per side. So that would gain me 4-5" trackwidth in the rear and essentially make it fullwidth. I had to get the rotors redrilled also.

ATL ZJ
11-16-2004, 05:37 PM
2004 Specs:

Waggy 44 front, raised spring perches 1.5", disc brakes, Aussie Locker, Yukon 4340 shafts with Yukon SuperJoints, 4.88 gears
Ford 8.8 rear, custom Dutchman alloy 6 lug shafts, disc brakes, custom truss, ARB air locker, 4.88 gears
Homemade Inverted T steering using Chevy "1 ton" TREs
PSC 621MR steering box w/ SurplusCenter 1.5" ram hydro assist
RE 4.5" coils and .75" spacers up front, RE 3.5" front coils + 1.5" pucks in the rear
Modified Kevin's Offroad Long Arms
Rockrails by Tim (timzjatl)SYE'd np231 from a 98 TJ. CV rear driveshaft.
37" Iroks on 2" backspacing ATOR weld-on beadlocks
York OBA setup, homebrew intake with K&N filter, Optima Red Top in BTF battery box
custom front and rear bumpers, Milemarker 9k electric winch
8 point hybrid internal/ external cage constructed from 1.75" .120 wall DOM

2010 Specs:

1988 Ford HP Dana 60 Front, 5.38 gears spooled, Yukon 4340 inners and outers, 35 spline Warn drive flanges
1989 GM 14bolt rear, 5.38 gears welded
40" Interco LTBs on 17x9" DIY beadlock wheels, 5" BS.
double trianglated 4 links. FOA 16" reservoir coilovers front, 14" Fox reservoir coilovers rear, Radflo air bumps
2006 LQ4 motor, hooker headers, Amsoil filter, AA bell, NP435 transmission, NP205 transfer case
homebrew 1350/1410 driveshafts, .120 and .188 wall
PSC/POS hybrid full hydro steering
Milemarker winch, Corbeau seats, optima yellow top battery

Grandsrus
11-16-2004, 05:49 PM
Nice RIG!!
Did you already sell the 8.8?

Jeepinparrothead
11-16-2004, 06:25 PM
Who is Tim Carlton and how do I get him to make me a set of Rock Rails??????

ATL ZJ
11-16-2004, 06:45 PM
Nope, still running the 8.8, just with custom shafts so I can be 6 lug all around.

Tim is timzjatl on this and other forums. He originally built those sliders for his Jeep. He buggied it this summer though, so he sold them to me. Sorry, but I don't think he's interested in mass-production.

MaineZJ
11-16-2004, 07:00 PM
um, my buddy has an 8.8 with adapters to match the BP of his front waggy 44- and they are less than 1" thick

ATL ZJ
11-16-2004, 09:09 PM
um, my buddy has an 8.8 with adapters to match the BP of his front waggy 44- and they are less than 1" thick

Wow. well I wish I had known that it was possible then. M.O.R.E and Spidertrax both told me that they would have to be 2 piece spacers at least 2" wide to go from 5x4.5" to 6x5.5".

But I am still confused becuase there is overlap on my 8.8 rotors that were redrilled for 6 lug. Where did he get his? Are you sure he didn't convert the front to 5x5.5" and then get spacers to go from 4x4.5" to 5x5.5"?

Jeepinparrothead
11-17-2004, 08:35 AM
Nope, still running the 8.8, just with custom shafts so I can be 6 lug all around.

Tim is timzjatl on this and other forums. He originally built those sliders for his Jeep. He buggied it this summer though, so he sold them to me. Sorry, but I don't think he's interested in mass-production.

Oh, Well that's fine. Kevin's it is I guess.

MaineZJ
11-17-2004, 05:43 PM
Oops, my mistake.
Adapters from performance wheel - 5x4.5 to 5x5.5 to match the front dodge hubs on waggy 44

FinlayZJ
12-06-2004, 12:40 PM
Nice rig..................too bad you never wheel it.





















:oops:

ATL ZJ
12-06-2004, 02:39 PM
Nice rig..................too bad you never wheel it.





















:oops:

Ha, you even had that Boobicon of yours in 4lo yet?

FinlayZJ
12-06-2004, 05:17 PM
Ha, you even had that Boobicon of yours in 4lo yet?

Yes, I had to go get some Messkins unstuck on the farm land in North Carolina. Apparently 1980's Chrysler Vinivans aren't that good at wheeling.

ATL ZJ
12-07-2004, 05:02 PM
Ha, you even had that Boobicon of yours in 4lo yet?

Yes, I had to go get some Messkins unstuck on the farm land in North Carolina. Apparently 1980's Chrysler Vinivans aren't that good at wheeling.

Pics of the Vinivan please. haha

FinlayZJ
12-07-2004, 06:12 PM
I can't type.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/FinlayZJ/m473502.jpg

Pearce
12-07-2004, 06:51 PM
Both of you come wheeling with Tim and I! :shock:



See, I can say that now because I dont have a ZJ to worry about. :oops: YJ :arrow: 37's

ATL ZJ
12-09-2004, 10:54 AM
Both of you come wheeling with Tim and I! :shock:



See, I can say that now because I dont have a ZJ to worry about. :oops: YJ :arrow: 37's

Oh I will. Even though my ZJ is still non-trailered and daily driven. It's broken before and I'm sure it'll break again.. :lol: Finlay might be a different story in his shiny new Bubi.

FinlayZJ
12-09-2004, 11:26 AM
What day? I've got to get my high clearance skids on and i'll go. Assuming work doesn't kill me first :x

Cam, why do you bust on my shiny new Rubicon? I think it's because you're jealous that my dana 44 front end has dana 30 outers. :shock:

ATL ZJ
12-09-2004, 01:15 PM
Cam, why do you bust on my shiny new Rubicon? I think it's because you're jealous that my dana 44 front end has dana 30 outers. :shock:

:oops: Ahh, you got me.

No, it's really just because i like to say Bubi/ booby/ booooooby

Pearce
12-09-2004, 02:01 PM
What day?


Dec 18th.

ATL ZJ
03-11-2005, 02:31 AM
Front Bumper started:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/d53ddb61.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/c12cd832.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/edf6872b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/d2258e00.jpg

phillyzj
03-12-2005, 03:35 AM
what size c channel? 2X5?

i'm in the design stage of mine right now. i haven't decided how complicated i'm gonna make it, my 98 has that extra bump on each side of the grill.

ATL ZJ
03-12-2005, 01:55 PM
Yeah it's 5" channel in the 3/16" variety. The top and bottom extend 1.75 inches back from the face of the channel. I thought about this design for a 96-98 and I think you could just snag a grille from a 95 or so and your problem is solved. Seems a hell of a lot easier that way than to account for that drop when you're working with 3/16" or 1/8" steel.

ATL ZJ
03-12-2005, 02:03 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/bumper_0065.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/bumper_0063.jpg

ATL ZJ
03-28-2005, 09:01 PM
Front bumper mostly done- I know the sides aren't grinded down and painted yet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/242_0102.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/242_0103.jpg

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
03-28-2005, 09:35 PM
looks good, i take it you have kevins rad support under that? cant quite tell from the pics.

ATL ZJ
03-28-2005, 10:06 PM
Nope, I just have the stock radiator support. I'll weld on some shackle tabs on the front once I get a chance to pull it off, weld the backside and add a little more strength.

ATL ZJ
05-30-2005, 01:30 AM
I got the tube doors done.. Should help out a lot on the trail and be a lot of fun to drive around town with. I think they look OK too :mrgreen:.

Pics:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/tube%20doors/DCP_0633.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/tube%20doors/DCP_0638.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/tube%20doors/DCP_0632.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/tube%20doors/DCP_0637.jpg

nate
05-30-2005, 04:55 AM
Sure pick the skinny dude to sit on them :mrgreen:

ATL ZJ
05-30-2005, 02:40 PM
Sure pick the skinny dude to sit on them :mrgreen:

Yeah I might need to try and gain some weight :drinkers:

Kraqa
05-30-2005, 03:02 PM
nice work man.

ATL ZJ
07-14-2005, 08:24 PM
Alright, time for an update. I've been working on a lot of stuff at the same time. Most notably an OBA setup, which is almost done. Also added are some spacers up front to even out the height, an Aussie locker in the waggy 44 front, and a PSC steering box.

I made a bracket to mount the York off the stock A/C compressor. I am using the Kilby alternator combo pulley to run a v-belt that turns the pulley on the York.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/york_0131.jpg



I went ahead and threw in a blingin BlueTorch battery box.. It's very nice, and saved me a little bit of fab time. It still involved welding some supports underneath to get the height just right though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/york_0132.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/york_0133.jpg



I moved the coolant overflow bottle to the driver side, and replaced it with the best designed aftermarket part that I have ever gotten for $7.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/york_0128.jpg



still looking pretty much the same:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/Jeep/york_0138.jpg

ATL ZJ
10-12-2005, 12:47 AM
Recent additions include a winch incorporated into the front bumper. I welded 1/4" plate beneath the two mounts that slide into the framerails, for the winch to sit on top of. It's gusseted to add some strength. The actual winch and winch bucket sit about a 1/16 of an inch off the face of the radiator. I cut out everything in front of it, including the stock front crossmember/ unibody thing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/october/danewinchhydroassist_0158.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/october/danewinchhydroassist_0159.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/october/danewinchhydroassist_0149.jpg

ATL ZJ
10-12-2005, 12:55 AM
Then I got to work on the hydro assist:

Plated the cover over the ring gear. Bending 3/16" steel with a mapp gas torch, vise, and hammer is fun :smt025..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/october/danewinchhydroassist_0147.jpg

Tabs welded on:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/october/danewinchhydroassist_0139.jpg

Ram mocked up:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/october/danewinchhydroassist_0141.jpg

LouisianaZJ
10-12-2005, 01:15 AM
do you think the stock cover can handle the hydr assist?
probably i guess

but if you decide to upgrade greatlakes offroad makes a kickass 44 cover 1/4" PL with a laser cut 1/2" ring. around $120 on POR

BigDaveZJ
10-12-2005, 01:30 AM
I know if I put a ram in that spot it would get destroyed on the first run out. That's roughly the same spot a stock WJ steering stabilizer is in and I've seen Keith (mtnWJ) destroy about 37 of those.

And I dig the coolant bottle. I think I'm using the same thing for my Human Cooling System.

ATL ZJ
10-12-2005, 01:32 AM
We'll see. The way it's mounted now saved me approximately $115.. So I'll go with that for now. I'd like to get by running this way until I upgrade axles. :mrgreen:

Destruction is a big concern... I'll likely be fabbing a skid in the not too distant future. If I bust it, I can always pull the cylinder out, which was under $50, and plug the ports for the lines.

Kraqa
10-12-2005, 02:21 AM
did you make that sleave arond your tie rod? and your wheeling looks mine mine around here. that ram woudl last all of 30 seconds into the trail before it looks pritty gushign fluid on the ground.

TrojanMan
10-12-2005, 02:37 AM
Looking good, now I can get that SS from you for 15 bucks:supz:

You gotta help me out with my bumper(s) sometime.

ATL ZJ
10-12-2005, 10:17 AM
Yeah I made the tierod sleeve. It's a copy of what Ashman did for his hydro assist setup. I may be able to get some sort of skid in place before wheeling this weekend, or maybe not. We'll see how it works.

Trojan, I may just keep the SS on there, especially if it's somewhat likely that I will bust the ram.. In that case, I'd want something to dampen the steering some.

TrojanMan
10-12-2005, 05:44 PM
fine, you still gotta help me w/ my heep.

ATL ZJ
10-12-2005, 06:24 PM
fine, you still gotta help me w/ my heep.
http://peakempireclub.com/forum/images/smiles/jerkitsmiley.gif
(http://peakempireclub.com/forum/images/smiles/jerkitsmiley.gif)

TrojanMan
10-12-2005, 06:30 PM
http://peakempireclub.com/forum/images/smiles/jerkitsmiley.gif
(http://peakempireclub.com/forum/images/smiles/jerkitsmiley.gif)

You can do that too, if you insist.

ATL ZJ
12-12-2005, 12:52 AM
So that was a bad place for the ram. It got moved here:
[/URL]
(http://attachment.php?attachmentid=84&stc=1&d=1134363491)[URL="http://attachment.php?attachmentid=87&stc=1&d=1134363491"]

ATL ZJ
12-12-2005, 01:03 AM
Got in some more fender trimming today, welded up my exhaust manifold that had a huge crack in it, among other things. Still having issues with the hydro assist fittings leaking as well.

The 37" Iroks are also on. You can see in the second pic how close they are to the sliders and the body, but I am willing to bet the grinder will change that.

jeep4x4nut
12-12-2005, 01:17 AM
wow, 37s. nice! Im loving my new 37s on the YJ!

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
12-12-2005, 01:23 AM
what? no credit for getting those tires for you? :D

ATL ZJ
12-12-2005, 01:34 AM
what? no credit for getting those tires for you? :D

Credit.

And you win a free draglink as well.

2KFLEXJ
12-12-2005, 02:32 PM
Damnit I guess Richard did end up getting rid of those tires... the Jeep looks good by the way. Hafta bring that thing up here to NC after Xmas do a lil wheel'n. -steve

ATL ZJ
12-12-2005, 05:26 PM
Damnit I guess Richard did end up getting rid of those tires... the Jeep looks good by the way. Hafta bring that thing up here to NC after Xmas do a lil wheel'n. -steve

Ha, yeah I heard they were taken...

I'll be at tellico between xmas and newyears, hoping that they'll hook up better than the BFG MTs.

Kraqa
12-12-2005, 05:32 PM
nice. those tires look good. The new ram placment looks way better.

ATL ZJ
12-13-2005, 08:31 PM
I got the rear coils retained today and the ram and steering all purdy.

ATL ZJ
12-13-2005, 08:58 PM
A couple pics of the truss I built this summer to replace the KOR one with.

Kraqa
12-13-2005, 09:20 PM
nice rig man,

ATL ZJ
12-17-2005, 03:08 AM
A couple poser shots from testing tire clearance (yes I know I live in the city). The 40 is a wheeling buddy's- he just bolted up his 38" SXs, and we're burning together his cage and sliders this coming week.



(http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=48029&stc=1&d=1134791843)

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
12-17-2005, 04:19 AM
parking lot wheeling at its finest. only 10 days until tellico. :smt047

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-17-2006, 03:32 AM
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3832187125530624818&q=jeep

ATL ZJ
01-21-2006, 04:02 PM
That video is actually from last May when I was still on 35s and unlocked..

Everybody likes pictures. Here are some more from the xmas/new years tellico trip:

ATL ZJ
01-21-2006, 04:18 PM
I think I'm making a name for myself as the bad pic guy..

nate
01-21-2006, 05:18 PM
That truss you built looks exactly like the one I made for my 8.8, just I didn't run a pipe down by the pinion. I was going to, but I said fuck it. If the axle blows up, I'll put something else in it's place.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-21-2006, 11:49 PM
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a349/Puma297/tellico/TellicoG.jpg

I gotta couple vids from Tellico, finally uploaded, I just need a place to host them.

ATL ZJ
01-24-2006, 12:50 PM
A couple clips from the trip:

Slickrock video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5893230614867951112&q=tellico)
Fain's Ford (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8245913496879919557&q=tellico)

ogdak
01-29-2006, 04:13 PM
I think I'm gonna copy your rear truss support.

Cue-Ball
01-30-2006, 12:41 PM
Looking good man.

ILikeMud
02-07-2006, 12:37 PM
Looking good man.
Shit, I need to do some work on my rig.

greenhunter
03-01-2006, 06:38 PM
i saw you selling your trailer hitch on sj, does this mean you're going to build a rear bumper?

yeah, i'm probably going to copy your design for the front bumper, since it's the easiest and pretty slick-looking. should i put a "cam-built" sticker on it or something?

ATL ZJ
03-01-2006, 08:08 PM
i saw you selling your trailer hitch on sj, does this mean you're going to build a rear bumper?

yeah, i'm probably going to copy your design for the front bumper, since it's the easiest and pretty slick-looking. should i put a "cam-built" sticker on it or something?

That's the plan.. Although I developed a nasty coolant leak today, the source of which remains undiscovered, so that may set me back a little.

As for the front, ha, no sticker will be necessary but let me know if you have any questions about it? If you're thinking about putting a winch in it, I'd modify my design in a couple places, but nothing major..

greenhunter
03-04-2006, 08:28 PM
how did you incorporate the d-ring mounts into the bumper. i've been trying to wrap my head around that and making sure it's safe for all types of pulls.

do you have anything planned for the rear, so far?

LouisianaZJ
03-04-2006, 09:21 PM
probably cut a square hole into the face of the bumper. slid the d ring mount thru and welded it to the front and back of the bumper face and welded or otherwise tied it into the bumber framing on the backside

greenhunter
03-04-2006, 11:30 PM
i get that you have to weld it front and back, but i figured the best (if not only plausible) place for it to be was inside the box that goes in the framerail. i've been told that welding just to the face of the bumper wouldn't be sufficient, but i can't figure out how to get it in the box tubing while still haveing the c-chanel attatched the way it is.

ATL ZJ
03-05-2006, 02:40 PM
The shackle mounts are only face-welded onto the c-channel at this point, double pass with .035 wire and a lot of heat, so I'm not concerned about them separating from the c-channel... The thing to worry about would be the mount actually ripping a chunk of the c-channel out. To prevent that from happening, I placed them where the 1/4" wall box tubing connects to the c-channel and supports it from the backside. Next time I have the bumper off, I'll probably drill into the shackle mount itself through the c-channel and plug weld it from the back. Tying your shackle mounts to your framerail mounts is essential.

snarfer86
03-05-2006, 04:20 PM
That's the plan.. Although I developed a nasty coolant leak today, the source of which remains undiscovered, so that may set me back a little.

As for the front, ha, no sticker will be necessary but let me know if you have any questions about it? If you're thinking about putting a winch in it, I'd modify my design in a couple places, but nothing major..
how would you change the design? im actualy in the midst of copying your bumper also

ATL ZJ
03-05-2006, 05:16 PM
how would you change the design? im actualy in the midst of copying your bumper also

Well, it's probably the lowest profile winch bumper you could build for a Grand Cherokee.. The winch is tucked up so tightly against the radiator and grill that when the cable is spooled very unevenly, wraps will contact the grill support.. This forces the grill to move up and down and actually broke the plastic grill support where it attaches at the top. So now the only thing holding it up is the headlights, ha.. They jiggle a little, but it's only slightly noticeable while driving. So to answer your question, I'd build my winch bucket 1/4"-1/2" lower than I did.

ATL ZJ
03-05-2006, 05:48 PM
Here are some pics to illustrate what's being discussed.

http://mallcrawlin.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=104&stc=1&d=1134456126
http://mallcrawlin.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=96&stc=1&d=1134433015

ATL ZJ
03-14-2006, 01:09 AM
Started on the rear bumper...

LouisianaZJ
03-14-2006, 01:13 AM
you should make a 2" reciever hitch mounted flush in teh rear bumper :cool:

ATL ZJ
03-14-2006, 01:24 AM
you should make a 2" reciever hitch mounted flush in teh rear bumper :cool:
Thought about it... It's between that and a pair of shackle mounts. Both are about the same amount of work. I guess it depends what I have room for once the tire carrier is added. I sure as hell won't be towing anything.

TrojanMan
03-14-2006, 01:39 AM
I don't think i'll need a hitch in mine, I probably won't tow either. Looks good, i'll be happy to have a twin:smt035

ogdak
03-14-2006, 12:30 PM
Nice

ILikeMud
03-14-2006, 12:58 PM
Looks good.
How you doing the tire carrier?

97trxuszj
03-14-2006, 01:03 PM
looks good, if your not going to tow add a pair of D shackles and a tire carrier and be done

greenhunter
03-14-2006, 03:14 PM
damn, that's sweet. exactly how i want mine to look. i'm also interested in how you're going to handle the recovery points and tire carrier. do you have any more shots?

ATL ZJ
03-14-2006, 04:34 PM
Looks good.
How you doing the tire carrier?

A 1" bolt sleeved with 1.5" .250 wall DOM sleeved with 1 3/4" .120 wall DOM with some grease in the gaps.

Thanks for the compliments.. I'm off to hopefully finish it- gotta work early since the neighbors on both sides of me have children under 5 that go to bed around 8:30 :mad:.. Not sure how I'll do the recovery point(s)- maybe a hitch, or maybe a single shackle tab. More pics to come.

deadman
03-14-2006, 06:50 PM
Thats a nice ZJ you got there!

ATL ZJ
03-17-2006, 02:13 AM
Pictures speak for themselves.

ATL ZJ
03-17-2006, 02:15 AM
Close to finished here.. I've since added a rear towpoint on the driver side to the left of the latch and moved the license plate to the exposed portion of the swingout tire carrier.

spykosshow
03-17-2006, 08:20 AM
Looking really good, Cam!

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
03-17-2006, 09:24 AM
how does the latch work? i can't quite see it. also did you just slide it into the framerails or is there a little extra support. That 37" on a steel beadlock will take its toll on the unibody. Looks freaking sweet though. :smt038

ATL ZJ
03-17-2006, 11:14 AM
how does the latch work? i can't quite see it. also did you just slide it into the framerails or is there a little extra support. That 37" on a steel beadlock will take its toll on the unibody. Looks freaking sweet though. :smt038

The latch is simply a 1/2" bolt with a t-handle on the end that threads into a nut welded to the c-channel, with a hole behind it for clearance. It's sort of hidden behind the spare tire in the pics.

As for unibody reinforcement, I plated the underside of the framerail with 1/8" angle. So the actual framerail is sandwiched between 3 bolts on each side over a length of about 30".. I'd have preferred to use something a little thicker, but my steel supplier goofed on my order so I used what I had available. When I build it, I'm considering tying the rear half of the cage into 1/8" angle that's plating the underside of the framerails. And yeah that sucker does weigh a ton..

Longarmed WJ
03-17-2006, 12:27 PM
interested in fabricating some bumpers for a wj? i think im pretty close to where ur at.

ILikeMud
03-17-2006, 07:07 PM
Looks good man.

ATL ZJ
03-20-2006, 05:15 PM
Hit tellico this weekend and ran schoolbus, upper 2, and lower 2.. Had an awesome time. Breakage included a bent TRE, some mashed fenders, crushed rockrails, a D44 shortside inner, and two passenger side windows. All in all, a great time- it was super dry and we made decent time on all the trails we ran. Bailey in the white fj40 ran everything without cable and trey's rig performed very well also.

ATL ZJ
03-20-2006, 05:20 PM
mas photos

97trxuszj
03-20-2006, 05:21 PM
now I don't feel so bad breaking my shaft on an easy spot

ILikeMud
03-20-2006, 05:27 PM
Sweet. Your rig is looking nice.

I gotta get out on some more trail runs.

Deltron
03-20-2006, 07:19 PM
nice pics, tellico looked like a blast. curious what size tubing you used for that tire carrier, and a 37 looks muckin huge on the back of a grand :)

ATL ZJ
03-20-2006, 08:57 PM
now I don't feel so bad breaking my shaft on an easy spot
I'm not sure if lower 2 qualifies as an easy spot...

The tubing for the tire carrier is 1 3/4" OD .120 wall.

BMRisko
03-20-2006, 11:07 PM
The bumper looks good. I'm glad to see that someone else has implemented by hinge and latch technique. :D

greenhunter
03-20-2006, 11:22 PM
cam, do you have any more pics of the rear bumper and it's build? i would love to see more shots of everything.

ATL ZJ
03-21-2006, 12:57 PM
cam, do you have any more pics of the rear bumper and it's build? i would love to see more shots of everything.

Nope, sorry. You can drop by and take a look for yourself sometime though. Here's a pic for humor's sake.

ILikeMud
03-21-2006, 01:33 PM
lol...high center much?

greenhunter
03-21-2006, 05:18 PM
you back in the ATL for good?

that picture is hilarious.

FinlayZJ
03-22-2006, 12:06 PM
Damn Cam, that thing is becoming a beast.

How's the tranny holding up?

Pics of said window breakage?

ATL ZJ
03-22-2006, 12:17 PM
I'll be in Atlanta may-august. The tranny seems to be doing OK, but I always keep an eye out for ax-15s when I'm at pull a part. No pics of the windows, just imagine the same shape but without glass there :flipoff2:

ILikeMud
03-22-2006, 06:37 PM
I should be doing my trans swap in a month or so.
I'll take lots of pics of my progress.

Got any questions just ask.

ATL ZJ
04-04-2006, 08:54 PM
Finally got a camera of my own. Still trying to get the hang of it though..

Just some test pics for now of more body damage, the new temporary plexiglass window, and additional fender trimming.

ATL ZJ
04-04-2006, 08:56 PM
A fender and a "winder". Also bent my 1.5" square x 3/16" thick rockrails upon contact with a tree while proceeding to "get it"...

ILikeMud
04-04-2006, 10:03 PM
Ouch!
Some nice body damage on that thing :D

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
04-11-2006, 08:19 PM
Cam, i know u have been do things the ZJ, any update pic's ?

Cam, has been Q? screwing ideas about with making a cage and to do an other things also with it too. We has been discussing a idea of thinking to put sheetmetal screws through an cage but want to hold it to the unibody for an purpose of triangulation. BTW what size pulley is on an KJ alternar for the belt to run?

Zjeeper
04-26-2006, 01:38 PM
get rid of that faded plastic on the doors already! :gayflag:

rockhardmj
04-26-2006, 01:56 PM
The rocks will peel that plastic off, just may take some time.

ILikeMud
04-26-2006, 02:52 PM
The rocks will peel that plastic off, just may take some time.

I find having your friend in an F150 parked way too close to you works wonders on the door plastic.

rockhardmj
04-26-2006, 10:18 PM
I wouldnt be surprised, even a lowrider would work, as long as it isnt a chopped top, mess up their fancy chrome real quick!

ATL ZJ
05-01-2006, 01:22 AM
Painted up the cladding with some rusto hardhat flat black. And it won't just rip off, it actually keeps dents out of the doors..

ATL ZJ
05-01-2006, 01:24 AM
Bender came and finally got it mounted.. Yes that is a manhole cover, don't ask..

ATL ZJ
05-01-2006, 01:27 AM
The beginnings of the cage project

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
05-01-2006, 09:18 AM
oh hell, here it comes. What'd your folks say about chopping up their luxurious ZJ? no allowance for you this week. :rofl:

CruisinGA
05-01-2006, 10:11 AM
I knew you had topless envy all along...

Its startin to look better.... but I still see one major problem...












There's still too much Heep unibody left...

Kraqa
05-01-2006, 10:47 AM
SWEET .

keep the pics flowing.

Zjeeper
05-01-2006, 10:49 AM
looks good Cam, i have finals til friday, dont finish it til this weekend and i'll come check it out

rockhardmj
05-01-2006, 07:17 PM
Its lookin good, as Kris said, keep up the pics.

ILikeMud
05-01-2006, 07:17 PM
Awesome Cam.
Can't wait to see your cage all finished.

spykosshow
05-01-2006, 07:52 PM
You got some juevos! I can't wait to see that thing finished!

CruisinGA
05-06-2006, 12:15 AM
lets get some new pics up cuntlicker

we all know you suck.... I just want to see how much :flipoff2:

ATL ZJ
05-06-2006, 11:36 PM
Here's "how much I suck", haha..

The rear is mostly done, but I need to tie the C hoop into the roof and C pillars that got chopped all up. B hoop is up next tomorrow...

ATL ZJ
05-06-2006, 11:37 PM
closeups

EMTimZJ
05-07-2006, 02:25 AM
Cam, looks very nice.

I take it the bars on the end (D post?) will eventually tie into something else?

-Tim

Kraqa
05-07-2006, 12:13 PM
are you sanding your weldes after?

If so you really shouldn't. If you want to clean them up hit them with a wire brush, but not a sander.

Kraqa
05-07-2006, 12:14 PM
oh and more pics of the mounts.

ATL ZJ
05-07-2006, 12:29 PM
The D bars will be tied into the lower plate for the bumper that sandwiches the framerail. I don't have that done yet.. I'm going to do the A and B frame tie ins first because I've got a wheeling trip coming up fast and I will need the strength up there most where the passengers are. But hopefully I can get the whole thing done before I go..

Kris, I'm not sanding the welds down at all, just using a pretty low wire speed and a lot of heat so the welds stay low profile and I get good penetration into both sides of the joint. I did grind down some birdshit where I welded 3/16 plate to the 18ga sheetmetal and had to fix a hole, but none of the welds on the cage itself are getting ground down. My camera sucks so it's hard to tell..

rockhardmj
05-07-2006, 06:36 PM
Nice roll bar, gonna add a wall to protect from the elements?

ILikeMud
05-07-2006, 07:44 PM
Looking sweet Cam.

What are you doing about a top?
I talked to a place up here this week and they want at least $1500 to do a soft top for me.

Kraqa
05-07-2006, 08:56 PM
Watch out with welding too hot. All welds shrink if you use too little wire, depending on how well you've notched, if there is a big enough gap you could have a weld that will crack when it cools or when under load

I really like the lines. Never seen anything close to this before.

XLSLC
05-07-2006, 08:57 PM
Hot. Very nice lines!

Zjeeper
05-08-2006, 02:57 PM
too bad it looks like dogshit in person :flipoff2:

nah it looks pretty solid, you should see the redneck setup this kid has for his sweetass bender

EMTimZJ
05-09-2006, 12:44 AM
too bad it looks like dogshit in person :flipoff2:

nah it looks pretty solid, you should see the redneck setup this kid has for his sweetass bender
Yeah more pics of the manhole!:D

Zjeeper
05-09-2006, 12:55 AM
just imagine a JD2 sitting on a trick tools stand in the middle of the woods surrounded by dogshit

i'm not kidding about the dogshit

Zjeeper
05-11-2006, 12:04 PM
any new pics yet?

ATL ZJ
05-11-2006, 07:52 PM
any new pics yet?

Nope, Bailey got too excited and broke my glamorous bender mount so the B hoop is still 10 degrees short of having its last complete bend and being done. Got a buddy coming with a 110v welder this evening for the field repair and I'll be back at it.

Cam

ILikeMud
05-12-2006, 12:03 AM
What are you doing for a top when it rains Cam?
I want to do this but it being a DD is stopping me.

ATL ZJ
05-12-2006, 12:49 AM
There will not be a softtop.. I think it's gonna be pretty smooth- you'll just have to wait and see.

All the carpet came out tonight, I think the jeep got about 100 lbs lighter with all that dirt, fabric, and water gone..

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
05-12-2006, 01:04 AM
Nope, Bailey got too excited and broke my glamorous bender mount so the B hoop is still 10 degrees short of having its last complete bend and being done. Got a buddy coming with a 110v welder this evening for the field repair and I'll be back at it.

Cam

enough excuses twat-waffle. get to work!

ILikeMud
05-12-2006, 10:52 AM
There will not be a softtop.. I think it's gonna be pretty smooth- you'll just have to wait and see.

All the carpet came out tonight, I think the jeep got about 100 lbs lighter with all that dirt, fabric, and water gone..

I can't wait then.
Your this far along and still had a carpet? I tossed that shit long ago, the whole swamp smell.

oh and get back to work :p

ATL ZJ
05-15-2006, 12:31 AM
Here's why I yanked the carpet, if you can make it out in the pics

And some general screwing around...

ATL ZJ
05-15-2006, 12:34 AM
Finally got some work done.. B hoop is complete, B to C spreaders are in. And I started tying the roof to the C hoop. More to come..

LouisianaZJ
05-15-2006, 12:40 AM
did you get the TSB about clearing the ac drain tube? :D :rofl:

ATL ZJ
05-15-2006, 12:42 AM
Yep, but it's the TSB about how the floor of 1994 grand cherokees fills up with rainwater with the rear 1/3 of the roof cut off that I missed. :flipoff2:

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
05-15-2006, 12:48 AM
Looking good brotha.

ILikeMud
05-15-2006, 01:00 PM
Coming along nicely man.

ATL ZJ
05-18-2006, 07:43 PM
Everybody I've seen up there airs down.. When were you up there? I run 10-12 lbs right now, but that number will probably drop to 5 when the beadlock rings are done. That's the next project up once the cage is complete..

Bailey runs stock axles with chromo shafts, an ARB rear running off a York OBA, lunchbox front, SM420, Metaltech cage, and grooved 38.5 SXs.. It does OK for being a toyota :D

ATL ZJ
05-18-2006, 11:50 PM
Bailey runs 5 psi in his SXs on an 8 inch wheel and you can't even see any sidewall bulge. The best way to tell is with a tire gauge rather than by speculation. I assure you that 95% + of rigs are aired down.

CruisinGA
05-22-2006, 09:00 PM
Bailey runs stock axles with chromo shafts, an ARB rear running off a York OBA, lunchbox front, SM420, Metaltech cage, and grooved 38.5 SXs.. It does OK for being a toyota :D


OK for Toyota = Too good for Jeep

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
05-22-2006, 09:12 PM
OK for Toyota = Too good for Jeep

STFU twatwaffle. :D

Zjeeper
05-24-2006, 10:36 PM
Yep, but it's the TSB about how the floor of 1994 grand cherokees fills up with rainwater with the rear 1/3 of the roof cut off that I missed. :flipoff2:

stfu you said you left the windows down :flipoff2:

Pearce
05-25-2006, 12:31 PM
Damn you have been busy! Looks great. I've had a hoop bent for about 8 months now but yet to put it in! Also good to know there is a local bender around ;) Tim's is kind of far away.

Hey you been to this place yet?
http://www.morrismountainorv.com/index.html

Zjeeper
05-25-2006, 03:17 PM
MM is pretty fawkin sweet, dont go after a good rain though

northgazj
05-25-2006, 09:07 PM
MM is pretty fawkin sweet, dont go after a good rain though




Ask me how I know!

ATL ZJ
05-26-2006, 12:30 AM
I haven't been to morris mountain yet but it's on my list of places to hit in the near future. I have 4 possible wheeling trips lined up for june so hopefully I'll be able to make at least one.. Work's been brutal but I'm finding time to work on this thing, hopefully get the cage done and then move onto the toolbox, new mount for the spare, rear window, along with a much needed tuneup, and the list goes on..

Pearce, if you need to do any bending, you're more than welcome to. That's what the bender's there for..

jeep4x4nut
05-27-2006, 02:23 AM
Im headed to Morris Mountain tomorrow morning.

Junes list looks like this for me

June Jam (Gray Rock ORV)
A few local palces
Maybe tellico
Summertown

ATL ZJ
05-27-2006, 09:57 AM
Im headed to Morris Mountain tomorrow morning.

Junes list looks like this for me

June Jam (Gray Rock ORV)
A few local palces
Maybe tellico
Summertown

That's not a bad list.. I'm going to try to make tellico, gulches, riverrock, or morris mountain, we'll just have to see which weekends work out and who's going where.. I had june jam on my calendar but there are going to be a million and ten rigs there so I think I may opt for somewhere less crowded if I'm wheeling that weekend.

And the spare is going low, where it should be... No way I'm putting a beadlocked 37 up high.

jeep4x4nut
05-27-2006, 08:25 PM
dude, you gotta cometo June jam, it is packed, but it is the best ride every year. it just gets better and better. I jsut got back from morris mountain. put a hole in my diff cover over on The Punisher. Climbed vnotch. climbed the good and the bad, not the ugly (only 2 rigs we had made it up that) a few other trails i dont remember the name of. Its a nice palce, kinda small, nothing compared to Gray Rock. Limited camping area and little trails. Its a growing park, it will be good one day. I got pics to come later. Morris Mountain had ALOT of traction today. WE had 6 rigs go up the gauntlet and one broke an axle in a place he should not have. Its a good hour and 15 minutes for me, and was a rough ride home in the heat with no top or radio. No breaking, diff cover is selaed with rtv for now. o btw, come to june jam, its gonna rock!

ATL ZJ
06-06-2006, 12:38 AM
beadlocks are done...

b.lee
06-06-2006, 01:54 AM
i just read this thread, and then i made an account just so i could tell you how kick ass that ZJ is.

my 00 Limited WJ is for sale for $6,500 obo, i'll even deliver it to ya, lol.
blue book is $9k..... you can make another badass jeep.

anyways, you should start your own fab shop.
seems to be some quality products rolling off your hands.

congrats on building one badass ZJ.

CruisinGA
06-08-2006, 12:18 AM
i just read this thread, and then i made an account just so i could tell you how kick ass that ZJ is.

my 00 Limited WJ is for sale for $6,500 obo, i'll even deliver it to ya, lol.
blue book is $9k..... you can make another badass jeep.

anyways, you should start your own fab shop.
seems to be some quality products rolling off your hands.

congrats on building one badass ZJ.

You haven't seen it up close yet...

Lets just call it a 30 footer...



Really I'm just jealous cause my shit is sitting with nothing getting done while Cam is bustin ass on his rig.

ILikeMud
06-08-2006, 10:02 AM
lol....30 footer cause it only looks good from 30ft away.
That's also why Cam takes such shitty pics lol

ATL ZJ
06-08-2006, 06:43 PM
lol....30 footer cause it only looks good from 30ft away.
That's also why Cam takes such shitty pics lol

haha, it just happens to be a 30 dollar camera too.. And I'm not west coast customs here, but I think it should turn out fairly respectable.

DJJordache
06-08-2006, 08:16 PM
looking great! even if you say it's a 30 footer:D I still like how it came out and will end up doing this kind of chop way FAR on down the line sometime when mine is not a DD.
Hey Cam I just finished a few days ago my transmission and transfer case part of my 4wd swap and it went flawless! :supz: I did it an easier way and only replaced the OD section of the transmission, so I didn't have to pull the whole thing. I'm working on my writeup and you will see what I'm talking about soon when I finish the writeup. Now I just need a HPD30 and I'm totally swaped! but for now I have 2wd lo:D and it only took me about 10 hours to do the swap by myself plus about 4 hours to swap the input from my 95 249 into my 2000 231.

Zjeeper
06-09-2006, 01:43 PM
hey buddy, hope everything is going well. im itchin to go wheelin, the new car has about 5" of ground clearance in the front so im dyin to get sideways.

have an open seat anytime in the next few months?

ATL ZJ
06-12-2006, 12:03 AM
Sure, I'll give ya shotgun at GSSE.

ATL ZJ
07-09-2006, 05:53 PM
I changed the name of this thread because of the newest addition to the herd.. '95 Chevy 2500 6.5L turbo diesel 4x4 5 spd longbed :D Now I just need to find a trailer before GSSE..

ILikeMud
07-09-2006, 06:35 PM
Sweet Cam. What did it set you back?
Any more progress on the ZJ.

Also what kind of tube did you use for your cage?

7ftZJ
07-09-2006, 06:36 PM
Nice Rig, I like you front bumper. Making custom bumpers for Zj's is a pain, isn't it? Mine took me awhile to make but I pull off them hard and have never had a problem.

ATL ZJ
07-10-2006, 12:49 AM
Picked up the truck for 5500. It should get me through a couple years of daily driving and tow duty.. As for the Jeep, the cage is getting close to done.. I have two overhead spreaders up front to make and the frame tie-ins and scab plates still need to be fabricated and welded.

OverkillZJ
07-10-2006, 01:09 AM
You'd better go through my list of shit to check before towing much; it WTILL

OverkillZJ
07-10-2006, 01:12 AM
You'd better go through that list of shit I gave you to check now! It'll tow like there's no tomorrow, but it WILL overheat on hill climbs which WILL cook the fuel injection pump. Check the lift pump for starters, otherwise the injection pump is doing double duty.

The cooling system on our engines is from the 6.2 non-turbo, I'm waiting for parts to upgrade mine to the 97+ and using a duramax fan. The stock pump on the 6.5's up until 96 only pushed 64 GPM, the later models on the same engine were double for a reason!

Anyway, looks awesome, I might have to steal those seats for the suburban though :finga:

JeepinHank
07-10-2006, 03:30 PM
Nice truck man.

ogdak
07-11-2006, 03:52 AM
looking good

greenhunter
08-04-2006, 10:51 PM
Any updates? I'm curious as to how well you think your radiator has held up on various off road tirps, seeing as how it's so exposed. I'm almost done with my bumper and I'm not sure if I need to do a rad support or just leave it for now.

ATL ZJ
08-24-2006, 03:47 PM
Well I did make a new radiator support for GSSE out of .120 wall tube and 1/4" plate.. Pretty simple actually. I don't have any up close pics but you can see what's going in these two:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/gsse6-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/camguardrail3.jpg

AgitatedPancake
08-24-2006, 04:13 PM
I think you went a wee bit too far right on that first line hahahaha.

Awesome looking rig man, I love it.

greenhunter
08-24-2006, 07:04 PM
I see what you're saying, that sucker is tucked up there real good.

Looks badass with the top choped.

ATL ZJ
11-05-2006, 02:30 PM
Well fellas, take one last look.. Just got my bender remounted and ordered up some Corbeau Baja SS's today, I guess we know what that means.. :D

Here's what it looks like now- stay tuned.

http://www.strom.clemson.edu/staff/pat/mog/trips/GulchesTOC06/slides/GulchesTOC06-231.jpg

ILikeMud
11-05-2006, 03:25 PM
Another buggy in the making!

nickzj08
11-06-2006, 08:10 PM
This should be good. Its been a while since someone has chopped the piss out of their zj. So what are the plans?

ATL ZJ
11-06-2006, 08:51 PM
Well without going into too much detail, the goals are:

1) spend as little money as possible
2) trade unneeded sheetmetal for weight savings
3) minimize downtime

In order to do this I want to keep as much as I can of my existing cage- I hope I built it wide and tall enough (I think I did at least).. But of course it will need some changes and additions.. This won't be a total reworking of the whole rig like a lot of other folks have done when going to the buggy stage, but instead just giving the unibody some attention, mostly in the form of 1.75" DOM tubing, to make the whole rig better withstand the abuse it gets. The drivetrain, suspension, and axles will be staying for a while.

nickzj08
11-06-2006, 09:34 PM
Sounds good. Having a tow rig and trailer must make all of this much easier. Id love to hack mine up. Any plan for a bigger tire? You rig is freakin sick. Keep up the good work.

ATL ZJ
11-14-2006, 11:44 PM
And so it begins...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0315.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0327.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0326.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0323.jpg

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
11-14-2006, 11:46 PM
hooray another turd in progress. :D

ILikeMud
11-14-2006, 11:55 PM
Awesome.

ATL ZJ
11-14-2006, 11:59 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0316.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0324.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0335.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0332.jpg

ATL ZJ
11-15-2006, 01:37 AM
So much for reusing the internal cage...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0325.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0336.jpg

It's funny because when I built this internal cage, I built it to hug the pillars and dash as close as possible while still keeping the functionality of the seats, glovebox, etc. It was built so tight to the roofline that it actually bulged the roof up slightly with the headliner in. Looks like I'll end up removing everything forward of the C hoop. I'll also bend a new B hoop that's much wider and will keep the seats a little farther off the rocks in a flop or roll. I figure that if I'm putting the time into it, I might as well do it right..

Kraqa
11-15-2006, 01:40 AM
then rebuild the front frame rails!!!!!!

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
11-15-2006, 01:48 AM
and for all you vultures, I am getting the front part of the cage. :smt026

CruisinGA
11-15-2006, 02:48 AM
I knew the FJ40 topless envy would get you one day... :flipoff2:


Let me know when you're ready for the 'Yota axles, a real inline 6 and and nice 'Toyota' for the grill. :flipoff2:

ILikeMud
11-15-2006, 10:17 AM
Looking good so far.

I assume the new cage will tie into the frame.

Timzjatl
11-16-2006, 01:24 PM
It looks like you have come to the inevitable end of wheeling a full bodied ZJ. Maybe you should just buy mine... ;)

spykosshow
11-16-2006, 01:40 PM
How come you've got it sittin on flats? Lookin good though.

NAFTEL
11-16-2006, 02:13 PM
yeah looks awesome.

ATL ZJ
11-16-2006, 06:00 PM
It looks like you have come to the inevitable end of wheeling a full bodied ZJ. Maybe you should just buy mine... ;)

How about I just wheel yours for you while I build this one? :D

ATL ZJ
11-16-2006, 06:45 PM
I assume the new cage will tie into the frame.

The cage will be more of a frame than the unibody framerails are.. Everything will be tied together- that goes without saying.


How come you've got it sittin on flats? Lookin good though.

I think that one beadlock is leaking. But it's just my spare. It's a little lower and easier to work under the hood to clear off the inner fenders that way also.

TrojanMan
11-16-2006, 08:34 PM
Looking good so far

Rubber Chuck
11-18-2006, 08:24 PM
Hey Cam......it's looking good....keep us up to date

ATL ZJ
11-21-2006, 10:21 PM
The last bit of major cutting happened on Saturday. The original plan was to cut out the entire inner fender and fabricate a new upper spring perch. But cutting what I have now has given me all the room I need and there was a nice neat line to cut along. When I make the leap to a larger tire and go with a 60 front, I'll build a new 4link to push the axle farther forward and make a new upper mount at that time..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0345.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0347.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0354.jpg

rockers cut in preparation for boatsides
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0348.jpg

comp cut
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0350.jpg

The parts pile being guarded by Elliott's new cage
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0357.jpg

Next on the list is to bend up the boatsides and cage.

OverkillZJ
11-21-2006, 10:27 PM
Now your pile is starting to look like mine; and I've just started adding Suburbon parts :D

ILikeMud
11-21-2006, 10:46 PM
Now your pile is starting to look like mine; and I've just started adding Suburbon parts :D

Chopping up the Burbon eh?

Sweet Cam, can't wait to see those boat sides.

Are you going to push the rear axle back at all? Fuel Cell?

Tim93ZJ
11-21-2006, 11:30 PM
Can't wait to see how it turns out. :smt023

ATL ZJ
11-22-2006, 12:30 AM
Rear axle and OEM gas tank are staying because they work and this project is already big enough.

MUDDTRACKS
11-22-2006, 08:29 AM
looks good man.

look forward to updates

chadjans
11-23-2006, 01:47 PM
comp cut
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0350.jpg

The parts pile being guarded by Elliott's new cage
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0357.jpg

Next on the list is to bend up the boatsides and cage.

Comp cut looks familiar.

Good luck getting that cage as a whole in a jeep.

ATL ZJ
12-13-2006, 10:33 PM
Time for an update. The main parts of the cage are in, as are a lot of the little things. First off, thanks to Chuck at SOR4x4:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0394.jpg

I also replaced my broken J20 box with a waggy box and made a plate to reinforce the framerail:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0441.jpg

And now for the cage pics:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0430.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0437.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0435.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0454.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0457.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0459.jpg

jfowlzj95
12-13-2006, 10:46 PM
Wow, thats going to look good. Nice work.

OverkillZJ
12-13-2006, 10:52 PM
F'n awesome

ILikeMud
12-13-2006, 10:58 PM
Looks good man.
How much work is left?

chadjans
12-13-2006, 11:14 PM
Man I wish I didn't have a roof.

ILikeMud
12-13-2006, 11:37 PM
Man I wish I didn't have a roof.

Not too late, get out that's sawzall.

Tim93ZJ
12-14-2006, 12:56 AM
looking good. I need to start on mind now.

chadjans
12-14-2006, 01:28 AM
Not too late, get out that's sawzall.

Not redoing the cage. Just want to go wheeling.

BiggerZJ
12-14-2006, 08:45 PM
SWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!
that things looking bad ass!
let me know when you take it out on the trail again ill tag along to watch you dent and scratch that cage all to shit!!

MUDDTRACKS
12-14-2006, 09:33 PM
Looking bad ass man good job.

Kraqa
12-14-2006, 10:20 PM
looks liek shit.

lol


f'n awsome!!!

Popsicle
12-14-2006, 10:58 PM
your makin overkillZJ's design look like shit! Keep up the good work!

ATL ZJ
12-15-2006, 02:20 PM
Lots left to do...

e350 master cyl plumbing
40-50 more feet of tubework
relocate battery and winch solenoid
seats and harnesses
miles of wiring
countless little bullshit things
and disabling the security system so it will run.


biggerzj- It'll be getting wailed on at gulches the first weekend after it's finished..

A couple more shots of how it will sit until 2007:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0466.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0470.jpg

Rubber Chuck
12-15-2006, 02:34 PM
Lookin Good Cam!

BiggerZJ
12-15-2006, 07:58 PM
biggerzj- It'll be getting wailed on at gulches the first weekend after it's finished..

SOUNDS GOOD, I JUST WANT TO BE INVITED!!!!

TrojanMan
12-15-2006, 11:21 PM
so how about you roll that happy little hobart on up to charlotte and build a bumper with me?

benzj
12-16-2006, 02:36 AM
Cam---ZJ looks good. Nice progress.

David--I gotta Hobart if you need some steel melting done.

SuicideTireZJ
12-16-2006, 05:59 PM
Seems to me like you're putting that winch controller box thing in harms way. Other than that, the work looks *.* !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ATL ZJ
12-16-2006, 06:22 PM
Seems to me like you're putting that winch controller box thing in harms way. Other than that, the work looks *.* !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It would be if it were staying there but it's just hanging by the cables. I hope youre kidding..

zjeepin
12-18-2006, 08:46 PM
looks like ass

who's shithole yard is that anyway

ATL ZJ
12-25-2006, 02:57 AM
looks like ass

who's shithole yard is that anyway

i dont know but the icecream dope man and the ederly woman next door seem to love the grinder noise

zjeepin
12-28-2006, 07:03 PM
i dont know but the icecream dope man and the ederly woman next door seem to love the grinder noise

Irene was asking when you were coming over again...

ATL ZJ
01-19-2007, 02:52 PM
It's alive!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0531.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0530.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0529.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0533.jpg

sort of...

Still needs a p/s pump, master cylinder replacement/adjustment/attention, harnesses, a rear bumper, winch wiring and a 37" Irok to replace the one I slashed getting it off the trailer with no steering or brakes :doh:

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-19-2007, 03:00 PM
it sucks you can't see the bling PS cooler. Looks good. :D

OverkillZJ
01-19-2007, 03:02 PM
I totally dig it, great work!

No fenders on the trailer?

ILikeMud
01-19-2007, 04:25 PM
Sweet Cam.

ATL ZJ
01-21-2007, 11:35 PM
I totally dig it, great work!

No fenders on the trailer?

Don't get me started on that trailer... Fenders aren't required here in SC so I've pushed that project off for a few months. This trailer will be for sale when I can afford to purchase a new one that doesn't constantly need attention.. But right now I've got a Jeep to feed- donations are accepted.

Tim93ZJ
01-21-2007, 11:50 PM
Looking good. It makes me want to get started on mine. cutting..

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-22-2007, 12:31 AM
If you're trying to get rid of the trailer, let me know.

2KFLEXJ
01-22-2007, 05:21 PM
Jeep looks good, how well do you like the truck?

Kraqa
01-22-2007, 05:39 PM
looks good. i liek all the gussets. got any pics from the back??

i liek how you kept the back seats. throw some 44's on there and we'll call you dan dibble.

ATL ZJ
01-22-2007, 08:44 PM
The truck really does pretty good. I still need to rebuild the turbo, so you know what that means.. The nv4500 is starting to show its age, as is a lot of the interior plastic and A/C stuff, but that's what you get with a 12 year old truck. The wheelbase is awesome while towing- I've never felt the trailer even start to think about pushing it around, even with it a full bodied 6000lb ZJ on it.


Pics as requested
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0536.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/atlzj/buggy%20project/DSCI0535.jpg

The leather seats are some new junkyard bling to add to the "party crawler" theme. I'm thinking about cutting out the grab handles because it makes it look just a little bit too tubey with the low roofline. And don't worry the 37s are temporary :D

Kraqa
01-22-2007, 08:50 PM
i'd leave the grab handles. i like the tuby look.

My66coupe
01-30-2007, 12:52 AM
You think it would it be safe to comp cut a zj without a cage?

ATL ZJ
01-30-2007, 02:18 AM
You think it would it be safe to comp cut a zj without a cage?

Not without reinforcing the hatch area and the base of the D pillar.. Think about how stock ZJs without cages will flex so much that the hatch won't reclose once opened. Also the place where ZJs that have been wheeled hard often crack is the rounded sheetmetal at the top outside corner above each framerail.

redzj
01-30-2007, 11:07 AM
I think about buggying mine but then I walk outside and freeze my ass off and rething that idea. I guess I will wait till I roll it.

zj95maxx
01-30-2007, 03:20 PM
Not without reinforcing the hatch area and the base of the D pillar.. Think about how stock ZJs without cages will flex so much that the hatch won't reclose once opened. Also the place where ZJs that have been wheeled hard often crack is the rounded sheetmetal at the top outside corner above each framerail.

haha when I was stock, I got stuck and my tire was stuffed and i opend my hatch and I couldnt close it till I got out, couldnt figure out why.hahah

EMTimZJ
01-31-2007, 12:57 AM
Cam, looks great. Plans for axles?

-Tim

Zjeeper
02-01-2007, 02:05 PM
looks a little different since last time i saw it!

ATL ZJ
02-08-2007, 01:49 AM
Travis, come wheeling sometime..

EMT Tim, probably going to go with a 60 and 14b. Undecided on passenger or driver drop- it really depends on the dual case setup that I'm thinking of doing at the same time. I'm not married to the high pinion idea although the price difference is marginal once you've spent a good deal of cash on ANY 60 in the first place. Unless I get hooked up :smt106