1ton YJ Build

[BrandenB]

My first jeep was the typical XJ build when I was in high school. It started as a stock 4 door and soon became some sort of buggy looking thing. I ran this rig for a few years and had great success with it!
First set of new axles


And what it looked like at the end of its life

[BrandenB]

I then decided to build something new. I started this project about 3 years ago. Picked up a 1988 Wrangler YJ tub and frame and started working. I wanted to build a rig I could use in the Northwest but also take down to Moab or the Hammers and not be left behind. As the build went, I changed my ideas frequently. This was my first ground-up build so I learned a lot. Mostly by my mistakes. Some parts I had to redo multiple times. I can proudly say I have done every piece of work on this. Right down to teaching myself how to cut down an axle housing and setting up Dana 60 and 14 Bolt ring and pinions.

How I arrived at my house


Stripped down to frame. I cut the rear and front portions off in order to build a frame with better clearance. I wanted this to sit low and have a low COG. I swapped in the drivetrain from my XJ and mounted up the rear crossmember. I soon changed out all of the drivetrain for a Ford EFI 5.0, Ford C6 trans, and a flipped Dana 300.


Final completed frame. I was able to gain 6" of rear clearance with the frame and even more up front. The roll cage is tied in at 8 different points to the frame.

[BrandenB]

I am jumping back and forth quite a bit. But once I had the frame where I wanted it, I bolted the tub back down, threw on the body panels and began laying out my cage. This is my first full wrangler cage I have built. I had to change a few things as I went but in the end it turned out pretty good.


Here is the completed cage, minus paint

[BrandenB]

I chose to go with a full linked suspension. The front and rear are both a double triangulated 4 link with 14" 2.0 coilovers and 2.0 hydraulic bump stops. I am running a Chevy 14 bolt rear axle with a welded differential, 5.38 gears, and disc brakes. The front is a Ford Balljoint Dana 60 that I cut down 2 inches, custom machined high steer arms, Detroit full case locker, 5.38 gears, chromoly 35 spline inner and outer axle shafts, chromoly drive flanges, and PSC full hydraulic steering. I also chose to step up to a set of Trail Ready 17" Aluminum Beadlocks and 40x13.50 Goodyear Wrangler MTRs. I built this rig to fit 40s and it does perfectly. It doesn't sit to tall and has plenty of clearance.

Here is where it sits as of right now.




I closed off the back so this is only a 2 person rig now. I have an aluminum 15 gallon fuel cell mounted behind the front seats and plenty of room for storage. I am not running any extras on this. It has mechanical gauges, winch controls, ignition, turn signal, tcase shifters, and art carr transmission shifter, that's it. No heater, no radio, nothing. I want this to be as reliable as it can be.

So far I have the following left to do:
-Finish running front brakelines
-Run fuel lines, filter, pump
-Motor accessories (alternator, steering pump, serp belt, exhaust, computer)
-Wire all switches, gauges, lights, winch
-Install the steering parts (cooler, steering orbital, hydro lines, reservoir)

[imjakeD]

The cage looks tough. Nice work!