beatcj
Ok to Drive
Flat out LAZY...
Posts: 169
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Post by beatcj on May 22, 2010 13:19:34 GMT -8
Hmmm, I would have to naysay on the Cherokee, I would want a frame. XJ's WORK great, but after a while, the unibody just doesn't hold up. Since I really don't know what you're plans are, MY choice would be a YJ stretch. Nice solid frame to start with, and not to expensive to buy. Lengthen the body to fit a Wrangler Unlimited hardtop, and the frame to fit the wheelwells. I like the GM 5.3/ 4L60E drivetrain, to get it to shift right, probably need to stick with the stock T-case. I suspect you have enough wheelbase to make that work, though. I suspect you will need to go junkyard axles to stay within your budget, but a set of Ford D-60's should get you there.
As an aside, that's me in the hat pulling strap to the white Patrol. He sold that not long after, decided it was too much work and he didn't want to hack it up. Just got a wheeler back mid 70's CJ-5.
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Post by fivendime on May 22, 2010 14:56:41 GMT -8
Time to clarify an issue, that is true but misunderstood. Being an XJ owner I have done my research on the problem with the Unibody. To put it simple its an issue that's very easy to fix, and you will Never have a problem with again if done right. To say no XJ because of the unibody is like saying no to a stock Wrangler because the axles are weak. A simple fix is unibody strengthening which can be purchased or made very easily. As with any off road rig a cage is also needed A full cage from rear to front can easily be purchased in the realm of 1000 bucks, or can be built as well. In my opinion when you take care of the unibody strengthening and cage work it will be plenty rigid and free of any future unibody issues. I guess what I am basically saying is dont let the unibody scare you because its very easy to fix, that and as with any rig that we take off road, things must be beefed up to survive.
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TORX
Ok to Drive
Posts: 294
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Post by TORX on May 22, 2010 22:17:02 GMT -8
Call me crazy, but I think an Isuzu Trooper would be a cool platform for a build (yes another station wagon ;D). The V6, 5spd combos seem to have a decent amount of torque from what I remember. I would add some t-case gears, or doubler setup (goal being a stupid low crawl ratio). Swap in a solid axle for the front. Leafs on all four corners to keep it simple and cheap. I would think you could fit some 37-38's on the body and still keep it proportional. Keeping it low will be a challenge (it's a tall box to start with), but it could be done.
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Post by windturbine1 on May 22, 2010 22:40:57 GMT -8
the trooper is a capable rig. a buddy of mine had one with 33s and he did quite well. evev following me in my ramcharger with 39.5s.
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Wyldman
Active Member
Safety & Education Chairman
IXOYE
Posts: 643
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Post by Wyldman on Oct 18, 2010 17:19:34 GMT -8
Well... It's decision time for me I want to first thank everyone who offered their advice with this. It has really opened my eyes to some great ideas and some unusual ones as well. I have had a lot of time to figure out what I want to build and I have had a lot of time wheelin' my TJ around this summer. This a been a GREAT summer and I'm really sad to see it come to its end . Well, I believe I have made a decision on what to do based on my needs and expectations of what a real good wheelin' rig is to me. At this time I believe my TJ, as it sits, fit my needs the best. I have never had a problem with it for what I use it for and it is hard to give up something that has become part of me. I know... "It's just a Wrangler. Just like every other Wrangler" but it works. As time, space and money allow, I know I will build some really unique rig to set myself apart. For now, I'm going to stick with what works. The beautiful part of this is, when I'm ready to build some awesome unique off the wall wheelin' rig all this info will still be here for me to use. Until Next Time... Enjoy!!! Wyldman
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