"Le Warthog" build ($300 zj)

[Scarabotti]

Hey everyone, newbie here. Last month I picked up this zj for $300 and its going to be my first trail rig. My father and I have "frame-up" restored a 95 yj and k5 blazer that have both came out way too nice for the woods, leaving me stranded until I bought this.

Details:
1996 ZJ Laredo
Likes to stay in 4wd
265k+ miles
Rotted rockers
Baldino tires






First thing I bought for it were cherokee steelies and wrapped them in used 235 wintermarks off my Ford.
Took the bumper cover off the front and added some cheapo leds





Went on its maiden voyage and had a blast to finally be in the woods with something I'm not afraid to scratch up






Managed to lose the plastic cover off the passenger side rocker panel




So we got to work on a replacement










When that was done, the sagging rear bumper cover was bugging me so I pulled it off and found this:




That wasn't going to fly

[Scarabotti]

Driver's side rocker is almost done, installed a 2'' BB with new shocks, but the rear replacements are too short.

[pitbull78133]

more pics of rocker fab work?

[K2]

more pics of rocker fab work?

Yes. Are those plug welds through the sill?

[Scarabotti]

Yes, the holes that hold the foot guard thing. Welded there, along the outside edge, front and rear, front fender, and tacked on the inner side. I will get better pics this weekend for you both.

[ELLLLLIOTTTTT]

A+ front license plate. Viva la 'Merica!

[Scarabotti]

A+ front license plate. Viva la 'Merica!

Hell ya! Found it in a junk yard all tore up and thought "yep front of jeep!"

[Scarabotti]

Got some pics for yall




Here you can see the weld from front to back. The rear sheet metal blocking the square tube will be trimmed and welded.




Here is the other side complete




Welded the fender right to the pipe




Side view of the rocker




Budget boost installed!




Got these lights off amazon for $17 and seen a view people run them as headlights. Might as well try it until I get pulled over.

[pitbull78133]

Its looking good, I like your work on the rockers, Im fixing to do the same thing, just mulling over a few different ideas. Is the square tubing welded along the top on both sides?

[Kraqa]

i think this guy could be on track to be the next Nate Cannon.

[Scarabotti]

Its looking good, I like your work on the rockers, Im fixing to do the same thing, just mulling over a few different ideas. Is the square tubing welded along the top on both sides?

The top is welded in the sill holes, along with a few tacks where the floor meets the tubing. I am also planning to drill a few holes, similar to the seat belt bolts, that goes from the inside and strengthen the rocker. More strength never hurt.

[Scarabotti]

i think this guy could be on track to be the next Nate Cannon.

If only I knew who that was

[Kraqa]

hes one of the OG zj guys.

35" tires with no lift back before this site was every created. ZJ's were still new enough that only a select few of us were stupid enough to cut them appart.

i miss those days.

[cwm]

I don't know how you guys deal with all that rust guess i'm just spoiled, you rust belt guys would prob cry if you saw all the rust free zjs bodies we send to the shredder. wish i could figure out a cheap way of shipping rust free jeep bodies back there i would prob be rich lol

[Scarabotti]

I don't know how you guys deal with all that rust guess i'm just spoiled, you rust belt guys would prob cry if you saw all the rust free zjs bodies we send to the shredder. wish i could figure out a cheap way of shipping rust free jeep bodies back there i would prob be rich lol

You gotta work with what you got.

[Scarabotti]

hes one of the OG zj guys.

35" tires with no lift back before this site was every created. ZJ's were still new enough that only a select few of us were stupid enough to cut them appart.

i miss those days.

Aw, now I get it. Well thanks

[Scarabotti]

New rear sway bar links installed and went for a night wheeling trip around the mountains. She's still smooth with the budget lift. Tomorrow I will probably finish the rocker

[Scarabotti]

finishing up!

[Scarabotti]

Going to order some oem headlight lenses since mine are shot and I don't feel like getting a ticket for these leds.

[K2]

Going to order some oem headlight lenses since mine are shot and I don't feel like getting a ticket for these leds.

How much of a hurry are you in and where in PA are you? I am parting out my ZJ and will sell you the lights. My dad will be driving back through there (80-81-84) mid October.

[Scarabotti]

How much of a hurry are you in and where in PA are you? I am parting out my ZJ and will sell you the lights. My dad will be driving back through there (80-81-84) mid October.

Ugh! I wish I seen this earlier. I ordered them this morning. Thanks a lot tho, I appreciate it

[Scarabotti]

Went wheeling today without a spare and I was quickly reminded why I should've carried one. Sliced a tire pretty good and bent my rim. Good thing I have some jeepin buddies. They brought me a bald 31 that got me home. Now that I'm only down to 3 tires, I gonna mount my 31s soon. My alignment is way off tho, and I do not want to chew up the new rubbers. Do you guys recommend a heavy duty tie rod for my jeep, or maybe a v8 one? I have to replace two ball joints so I thought I would ask that.

[Scarabotti]

Also thinking about trimming the fenders and such and stuff some 33s on there. I don't know, I'm half asleep and thinking crazy.

[Scarabotti]

Got my 31s on some new-to-me rims! I'm currently sick but will get some pics soon.

[K2]

Nice, I wish I kept my Jeep on 31s and a bb.