Project Grocery Getter (unibody ftw lol)

[mattzj98]

The plan is to build a grand cherokee (ZJ) to be as capable as possible while keeping it street legal.. and also not to use crappy parts. I want this build to be solid. Any ideas or suggestions welcome.

Instead of buying a kit and calling it good, I decided to find parts that fit or make them fit as I don't believe any 1 company is good at everything.

I've lost my previous grand in a roll over accident but thanks to that experience i've learned a thing or two and figured i'd start with a fresh canvas.
Found a ZJ that was as STOCK as possible. Picked it up from a doctor from Lone Tree. All highway miles and always maintained at the stealership. Got all records.

The Good:
Record of maintenance
One owner since 1998
No leaks
All highway miles
Leather
Heated Seats
Sun Roof / Moon Roof
V8 ( Although i wouldn't mind the i6 again)
tow package w/tow hooks
Premium Sound
Climate Control

The Bad:

np249 = All Wheel Drive ='(
bearings in rear axle were going bad
kids were being driven to soccer practices (seriously) so it was a mess back there


Other than that it is a mint.

[mattzj98]

First thing that i got rid of was the axle. Since i had a new 44 sitting in my garage already geared and locked.

[mattzj98]

so the next thing that absolutely had to go was the all wheel drive 249 transfer case. It had plenty of miles on it and the viscous coupler was going bad. it was also just a regular slip yoke.

Went to High Country Performance 4x4 and ordered a new tcase.. one that will take a beating. a week later i got a Command Trac 231 by Advanced Adapters with their Slip Yoke Eliminator. Because of the SYE, I had to also order new driveshafts so HCP4x4 also took care of that

[Squshiee1]

Looks like this is going to be a nice grocery getter! lol

[mattzj98]

Once tcase was in it was finally time to lift the thing up :)
got 8 BDS long arms,
BDS 1/4 inch steel high clearance cross memeber
BDS t case skid plate
BDS coils
teraflex 2 inch leveling spacers
Mopar Gas tank skid trimmed for clearance
new BDS control arm brackets
JKS custom lenght front track bar as my teraflex wasnt long enough
YJ 21 inch break lines ( longest ones meant for zj were 19 inches)
New rear sway bar links ( modified by Ace Hardware upgrade lol )
Englewood driveshaft x2
Rubicon Express rear adjustible track bar (came off of a JK 6 inch long arm)
4 inch track bar drop bracket for the rear
Bilstein 5125 shocks
JKS bar pin aliminator
JKS stem eliminator
Rancho steering stabilizer
Rancho auxilary steering stabilizer:wrench:

[mattzj98]

this is the day of the lift being somewhat complete

[mattzj98]

It's definately not your typical soccer Moms ride anymore! You did a great job and it looks awesome! :2thumbup:

Thank you very much :) still ways to go

[mattzj98]

Added Spidertrax 2.25 inch wheel adapters / spacers and a light bar on the roof:wrench:

[mattzj98]

STAGE 3

Bumper (protofab prerunner style)
Winch (Bulldog 8000k)
Lights ( Hella 700 series on top of the bumper)

What you can't see on pictures:
Focal speakers all around, two 10 inch MTX Magnum subwoofers (trying to downsize to a single polkaudio)
Pioneer deck w/ remote and ipod and aux hookups,
10 disc CD changer,
Optima Yellow Top battery
High Flow water pump and upgraded alternator
9mm spark plug wires and double platinum Champion plugs
K&N air filter

[Chris]

It looks better in person even when it's only in the rearview mirror and a minute at a stoplight. :thumb:

Nice build thread Matt!

[mattzj98]

people look at me weird at soccer practices now.. but i love getting dirty looks from priuses :):jiggy:

[mattzj98]

It looks better in person even when it's only in the rearview mirror and a minute at a stoplight. :thumb:

Nice build thread Matt!

Thank Chris 'preciate it. like I said it got ways to go. I couldn't have a build thread as i go since i just joined but ill do my best from now on :) next thing is hopefully going to be my steering.. if it decides to ship.

[mattzj98]

still need to get bumpstops to properly flex.. and the ramp wasnt really big enough

[Funrover]

Nice rig!

[tonkatoy]

that thing is looking sick:2thumbup: dood job

[cfr]

I'm curious, how much do you have invested in this build overall?

[mattzj98]

I'm curious, how much do you have invested in this build overall?

Considering that I have skipped a few things in the build ( that I will talk about later) id really rather not say .. I don't wanna cry myself to bed. lol a jeep sure does empty every pocket =)

[KnuckleHead]

Nice looking build

[mattzj98]

Thanks I'm glad there isn't all that much hate within frontrange. A few people I know would have said its a POS cause its a stationwagon and soccer mom ish etc

[MelloYello]

A nice rig is a nice rig, period. you have a nice rig. Now, go get it dirty.

[Roostercruiser]

Nice and sounds badass too.

[RockyMtnHigh]

A few people I know would have said its a POS cause its a stationwagon and soccer mom ish etc

Screw'em, that's a nice looking rig! :thumb:

[mattzj98]

Thanks and I will get it dirty =P I'm hoping to be able to do a few runs this summer

[Aaron]

Very cool rig. So. the word on the street is that doing up a Gran right is harder to accomplish and costs a lot more money. Is that accurate?

[Squshiee1]

lol a jeep sure does empty every pocket =)
you mean a HEEP? lol, Just Kidding, your going to have a very sharp ride!

[Ardent]

Very nice.

[mattzj98]

Very cool rig. So. the word on the street is that doing up a Gran right is harder to accomplish and costs a lot more money. Is that accurate?

Its very accurate Aaron. There are people out there that are finished at 600 bucks and call it good. I have spent more on my build that I could possibly earn in 2 years working where I am.=( but I do think it pays of. =)

[Michael4rnr]

very nice jeep build

[mattzj98]

so my jeep stalled twice in a row. Speedometer quit working.. i hit the dash and CHECK ENGINE light went on. got a new speed sensor and that didnt help.. dug a tad deeper..

[mattzj98]

I guess a speed gear should be replaced with a new tcase tires and gears set up lol

[mattzj98]

just a random pic from today :)

[mattzj98]

So this is week 6 I'm waiting for the effin steering from 4wheel parts and I'm. Fed up with their bs! Does anyone else have a similar experience with them?

[Cr33p3r]

Another one of those cases of "got to love plastic gears".
so my jeep stalled twice in a row. Speedometer quit working.. i hit the dash and CHECK ENGINE light went on. got a new speed sensor and that didnt help.. dug a tad deeper..
Attached Images


Another one of those cases of "got to love plastic gears".

[DKDunn04]

So this is week 6 I'm waiting for the effin steering from 4wheel parts and I'm. Fed up with their bs! Does anyone else have a similar experience with them?

Yes, I will never go to 4WP, and I tell everyone I know to take their money somewhere else.

[Mporter]

So this is week 6 I'm waiting for the effin steering from 4wheel parts and I'm. Fed up with their bs! Does anyone else have a similar experience with them?


I have only bought a few things from 4WP, and never had them install anything on my car. Kyle had a thread a while back about how they jerked around his wife while he was out of Country (thanks again), which pretty much steered me away from them for good.

[mattzj98]

Yeah I usually take all my business over to HCP4X4, They're all friendly and don't bs and if they ever screw up, they do their best to make it good. I only went to 4wp cause its right by my work and after blowing my steering I was hopiing they would have it in stock as they are the walmart of 4 wheel drive everything. They said no, but will be in in about a week... 6 weeks ago. They have no intention of making any of this up to me and I still don't know if the parts are even coming at all =l

[Mporter]

They're all friendly and don't bs

Yep. I've never actually had anything installed by them, but every time I get a quote, they're straight up and even give suggestions on how to save me money (i.e. installing an ARB compressor myself to save $500 in labor)

[mattzj98]

:thumb::thumb:

[Zukrider]

what front bumper is that?

[mattzj98]

what front bumper is that?

It is made by Protofab. 1/4 inch steel. They make some awesome bumpers

[mattzj98]

The steering is finally in ! Just picked it up! Soooo... anyone wanna help installing? Killians red is on me!:steer:

[Mporter]

The steering is finally in ! Just picked it up! Soooo... anyone wanna help installing? Killians red is on me!:steer:

Post up a day/time and if i'm still in town and don't have work I'd gladly help ya.

[mattzj98]

I'm thinking about getting it done today in a few hours. Just need to go get my sis a birthday present first before I get dirty =) not too sure about drinking killians before noon lol

[mattzj98]

So the steering is in! and it is amazing! no steering stabilizers and it feels a lot firmer than stock form. a lot more responsive too! I think RockKrawler did good! pics coming up as soon as i charge my cameras battery.

[mattzj98]

so taking off the old one and installing the new one was not really hard at all... what was REALLY hard was drilling through the knuckles so that they would accept the bolts.

I have broken three $30 drill bits. ace brand, DeWalt, Bosh.. finally one of the cheapest ones from Craftsman did the job! if it wasnt for the driving around buying and returning drill bits, it only would have taken 2 hours tops... ;)

[Chris]

Looks great Matt! :thumb:

[Mr6dwg]

That looks nice.

[Hypoid]

Not to pee in your Wheaties, but to me that drag link looks backwards at the passenger side knuckle. My gut tells me to mount the tie rod under, keep the drag link up top, and install the bolts from the bottom so the extra length points up.

Then again, I'm not a fan of drilling out perfectly good knuckles on a DD, I'll just STFU now.

[mattzj98]

[QUOTE=Hypoid;150849]Not to pee in your Wheaties, but to me that drag link looks backwards at the passenger side knuckle. My gut tells me to mount the tie rod under, keep the drag link up top, and install the bolts from the bottom so the extra length points up.

the drag link is fine, trust me. The steering is called the X factor after all :2thumbup: the reason it is that way is to keep the trackbar and the drag link at the same angle to avoid bump steer. i CAN move the drag link on top once i fabricate a track bar bracket that would also relocate it higher therefore reducing the angles.

What you cant see on the picture very well is that the tie rod goes towards the front of the jeep about 6 inches or so, so that they never ever come in contact.


Thanks for suggestions though, Mike, I appreciate it!

[Hypoid]

Leave it to me to not see the obvious. :rolleyes:

So, you will be replacing that track bar when you install the OAB?

It never ends... :D

[mattzj98]

Leave it to me to not see the obvious. :rolleyes:

So, you will be replacing that track bar when you install the OAB?

It never ends... :D

I think the track bar is there to stay however I do plan to swap the front axle ( leaving the same knuckles) track bar is just getting the relocation brackets so that eventually the drag link will end up on top

[mattzj98]

SO! a buddy of mine gave me a number to a buddy of his... and... Friday after work I am going to look at an axle.. or two.. one of them is a Ford 9inch with a detroit locker installed for the rear. comes with 4.56 gears.. its full width. the front axle is a full width dana 44, high pinion also 4.56 gears out of a full size bronco. All axles have good new bearings, axle shafts and U joints versus my ugly cvs.. Any thoughts on that? im looking to run at least 38 inch BFG KM2s or whatever else i like.. like the Maxxis Mudzilla. Any input on:speechless:any of these axles is apreciated :)

[mattzj98]

Also, what would you expect to pay for those?

[Hypoid]

You can get a junkyard front for less than $200, rear for around $125. Right now, the best thing they have going is the gearing. If you have a V-8, that might not be too bad. You need to determine the axle ratio that works best for your engine v.s. tire size.

The FSB front is a red flag, unless you plan to keep the Ford mounting system with the cast on mounting wedges. Even then, you are limited with your caster adjustment/pinion angle. I saw a '76 with welded on wedges at the junkyard, much better candidate for remounting under another vehicle.


http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm

http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/web_rs44.html

[mattzj98]

You can get a junkyard front for less than $200, rear for around $125. Right now, the best thing they have going is the gearing. If you have a V-8, that might not be too bad. You need to determine the axle ratio that works best for your engine v.s. tire size.

The FSB front is a red flag, unless you plan to keep the Ford mounting system with the cast on mounting wedges. Even then, you are limited with your caster adjustment/pinion angle. I saw a '76 with welded on wedges at the junkyard, much better candidate for remounting under another vehicle.


http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm

http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/web_rs44.html

Well the guy who's selling it has a shop and said his fabricator would weld on all my brackets for 4link, track bars and coil buckets.. plus I'm thinking the detroit locker and gears alone are worth a pretty penny?

[Hypoid]

Well the guy who's selling it has a shop and said his fabricator would weld on all my brackets for 4link, track bars and coil bucketsI have both styles of housing. I'll get some pics so you can determine wether or not it has the cast mounts.

What is the asking price?

[mattzj98]

1200 for both. Like I said. Brand new bearings, gears and locker

[mattzj98]

Grocery store is just around the corner.. and thanks =)

[Hypoid]

Well the guy who's selling it has a shop and said his fabricator would weld on all my brackets for 4link, track bars and coil buckets..I'd like to see how that guy deals with the cast wedges, if that is what it has. Price can always be adjusted, is there a warranty? Will he open them up for a visual inspection?

[mattzj98]

I don't know but I won't buy it till I see the goodies. So yeah, I'm gonna make him open it up fpr me. Ill post pics later on today

[MJ_Dude]

Nice Grand, gives me modivation for my daughters. Trying to get her to lift here's

[mattzj98]

well, went to look at those axles.. not nearly what i was expecting. Pretty disappointed to be honest. Seems like a waste of 50 bucks of gas money. the axles were still under the ford. they were pretty rusty, the guy has never opened them up. he walked up to the 9inch, spun the shaft and said "see? the other side spins too.. so its gotta be a detroit locker.." and im thinking.. Is this guy serious???????

I was expecting them to be on the ground, cleaned up, diff covers open, and all the facts to be there.
well, either way, here are the pics.

I will most llikely not be picking them up. Instead, i will search for rubicon axles and regear those for 4.88 not to compromise ring strength and run RCV shafts front and yukon chromoly rears.. and call that good.

[mattzj98]

Here are a few goodies getting put on this coming week. new axle, gears, lockers, sliders and so on.. should help a bit on those pusscake runs :)

can't wait to have it all set up :rolleyes:

[mattzj98]

slider...

[mattzj98]

Alright, I know this is all taking longer than i'd like, but the project is finally moving along! Front end is regeared, rear axle has been installed yesterday, including Yukon lockers. The new axle is pure beef. Love it.

Sliders, however, are getting a touch of custom fabrication as they do not fit my jeep because of the other crap that's on my frame rails. They should be ready today!

Also called High Country Performance 4x4 and had them get my rear RockHard bumper / tire carrier rolling! This is exciting!

[Aaron]

Awesome!

[Cr33p3r]

It sounds like you are making good progress there Matt, keep it up! That was a good idea to skip those axles the guy was selling, my 9" does the same thing when the shaft is turned and that by no means is a locker, LS yes buy no locker. You did the right thing when he said that it "MUST BE A DETROIT LOCKER" who could ever tell what it is if it is not opened up(just a pointer for others).

[mattzj98]

It is about time I change that terrible stock grand cherokee to something slightly more capable on a gravel road isn't it? Haha And yeah, the guy was a waste of time to be honest. He called me a few more times and tried to sell me a few other things and I told him ill just pass and stick to my fav store lol.

Pictures are coming soon! As soon as I can get ahold of a computer. Can't figure out how to post pics from my phone yet

[mattzj98]

:thumb:the parts are on! sliders look pretty, as good is I hoped they would. The gears and lockers are in and drive really nice and smooth. Locker is a little noisy but hasn't been broken in yet. maybe thicker oil?

also, might paint the slider to match the jeep..

After checking out the jeep, I drove by High Country Performance 4x4 and ordered a new bumper. Going with RockHard!

it was the nicest one i could find. Should be in within a week or two.:thumb:

http://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-7000.htm

[Mporter]

That looks sick. I like the green rims too.

[mattzj98]

Looking good Matt!

Thanks man! its almost not stock anymore :cheers:

[Roostercruiser]

Keep up the good work on it looks great . Now sliders for the Bimmer

[mattzj98]

When does the exo cage begin?

If only I had the time or money =/

Honestly though, I really don't know which route I wanna go...

i am thinking about just cutting the fenders out where i want them, and then running a tube around the fender line from bumper to slider from slider to tire carrier..

but then again, full on roll cage is stronger.. but also heavier.. and uglier.. but saves the jeep.. grrr.. dont know what i want lol any help?

[mattzj98]

Now sliders for the Bimmer

I think if i got sliders for the bimmer, i'd scrape on pavement lol

thanks though, glad you like!:woot:

[mattzj98]

so that's without actually going full on, over the roof etc.. just basically making a rail around the body parts (less the doors which are easy obtainable)

[mattzj98]

the guy who's doing some of my work is pretty busy lately. He is actually supposed to install exhuast on the BMW but can't find a minute. My jeep was actually a 3 day project lol. So if you know anyone with a tube bender who can weld, let me know.. I don't think I know of anyone else :confused:

[mattzj98]

Yeah but he is also usually busy with lots of different projects..

[Aaron]

Nice!

[mattzj98]

ok ill pm Brody when i'm ready to get it on! :)

[Popsgarage]

Then they ain't to bright. ZJ's are one of the "flexiest" grocery getters' around. Friend of mine has one on a short arm kit and 4 1/2" and 33s and gives 'er.

[mattzj98]

Yeah, Chris (Scrat) knows a tad when it comes to ZJs' flex, unfortunetely most don't lol

[Fordguy77]

When I was skimmin this I didn't seem to see anything about adding some unibody stiffners in, I might have missed it though..

Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using Tapatalk

[mattzj98]

Got some things in the parts list. My belly plate ( non existant stock) is actually about a foot+ wide, 1/4 inch steel. All for front control arms bolt up to the plate instead of any points on the body of the jeep. This doesn't allow for the body to flex as the plate takes most of it. I also plan on running a driveshaft brace which is also another crossmemeber which should help as well as the cage.

I can flex out as much as I want and still be able to open and close all my doors without a problem

[Popsgarage]

Welding stuff up is not a problem, but the tubing bender is something I haven't had the funds to appropriate yet. I'm free some weekends. Just give me a call Jon 303-968-7156

[mattzj98]

Thanks johnathan

[Popsgarage]

no problem.

[mattzj98]

Looks like I got some serious tire coming my way this Friday! Actually, 4 of them. Oh yeah, and also the bumper should be on its way! I am so excited! Might need help installing bumper though.. pretty heavy =(

[CodeXJ]

Might need help installing bumper though.. pretty heavy =(


I'll come over and help ya install it if ya want! As long as I'm free. What type of bumper you getting? I still think stiffners are a good idea. I was thinking of using stiffners on my Cherokee, and fabing up my own rock sliders and welding them to the stiffners themselves. Sliders to expensive!! How much you pick your up for??

Your jeep is just getting more and more advanced every week pretty much share the love? :thumb:

(50th post!!!!!!!)

[mattzj98]

I'll come over and help ya install it if ya want! As long as I'm free. What type of bumper you getting? I still think stiffners are a good idea. I was thinking of using stiffners on my Cherokee, and fabing up my own rock sliders and welding them to the stiffners themselves. Sliders to expensive!! How much you pick your up for??

Your jeep is just getting more and more advanced every week pretty much share the love? :thumb:

(50th post!!!!!!!)

The bumper was just over a grand. Its the rockhard one with tire carrier etc. I posted a link, I think its on page 4 of this thread.

I just really am sick of that stock money waster haha

Share what love? I'm pretty broke bro!

[CodeXJ]

Share what love? I'm pretty broke bro!

You had me fooled for a long time then. haha

Ya the rear just dont fit the front or sides now. If I'm free I'll come help ya install it shouldn't be to bad. I been looking at the tire carrier ones for mine around $1,300 found some cheaper ones though.

[mattzj98]

1300? My 1000 dollar one was fenciest I could fine and for a zj which are more complicated..

Maybe you need to share some love now huh? =)

[mattzj98]

You had me fooled for a long time then. haha

Ya the rear just dont fit the front or sides now. If I'm free I'll come help ya install it shouldn't be to bad. I been looking at the tire carrier ones for mine around $1,300 found some cheaper ones though.

Had you fooled how? Lol

[CodeXJ]

http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=rustys&Product_Code=RA-FF6P-ZJ&Category_Code=BODY <-- That's the link to the bulge fenders for the front of ZJ before you go hacking check them out

http://www.hannemannfiberglass.com/custom.asp?id=457567&page=108 <-- thats the one I found that I want to do for my next cherokee since I already got bushwackers for this one.

[mattzj98]

I'm not too sure about this. It looks to me like trimming my fenders will do just as good as spending 400 bucks on those

[CodeXJ]

It will do the same thing in essence, this is just more of a "suppose to be there look" while a trimmed looked can always be told as a trimmed and I know how much you like the appearance of your jeep :D

[Brody]

http://www.hannemannfiberglass.com/c...57567&page=108 <-- thats the one I found that I want to do for my next cherokee since I already got bushwackers for this one.

While fiberglass fenders and body panels are really nice, DO NOT get ANYTHING from these assholes. I got the fiberglass body parts for my Yota from them and although the quality and fit were fine, they were the worse people I have EVER dealt with as far as buying any parts for any vehicle I have ever owned. They couldn't /wouldn't tell me the shipping company. They couldn't/ wouldn't tell me a tracking number. They didn't send me any kind of order confirmation, nor would they tell me anything other than 'The items were shipped'. It took me EIGHT WEEKS to get my body panels for my rig and I had to threaten them with cancelling my credit card purchase before I even got some sort of very vague information from them concerning my order. It got to the point where I was documenting all my conversations and emails (which they never answered, BTW) because it looked like I was going to have to sue them. ****, I can WALK to California and back in eight weeks.

I will NEVER order a single goddamn thing from from them ever again, nor will I suggest that anyone buy from them. They were rude, uninformative, and hit me with the "We don't give a **** if you bought stuff from us" attitude.

**** them, all their employees, and the last 5 generations of all their employees, including their extended families. May their legs grow together and they all get genital herpes and running sores.

Simply the worse on line shopping experience I have ever had in my life.

Here is a link for fiberglass sources I posted in the TECH section a number of years ago:

http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?7985-Fiberglass-Body-Parts-Chevy-Ford-Yota-more

[mattzj98]

I hear a lot of bad things about Rusty. Probably won't end up buying those anyway

[Brody]

Robyn actually got some good service from Rusty's Off Road, but she had to jump through some very unnecessary hoops to do it. Judging from her experience, I would hesitate buying from Rusty's, but other people I know haven't had any problems, so maybe it is simply hit or miss.

She ordered a simple steering box skid plate for her Jeep. They did send a skid plate, but it was for a Cherokee or Grand Wagoneer. They insisted that it was the right skid plate for her TJ even though she had sent them pictures of what it looked like and told them that her installer (me) had said that it wasn't the right one. Mike, Hypoid, had also said that it wasn't the right one, and I believe that she mentioned his comments, too. They kept on insisting that they had sent the right one. She finally managed to get that straightened out and got the right skid plate, but they wanted her to send the wrong one back on her dime. Not what I would call stellar customer service.

[mattzj98]

Yeah, even Brady from HCP4x4 said I would regret buying anything from rusty

[CodeXJ]

While fiberglass fenders and body panels are really nice, DO NOT get ANYTHING from these assholes. I got the fiberglass body parts for my Yota from them and although the quality and fit were fine, they were the worse people I have EVER dealt with as far as buying any parts for any vehicle I have ever owned. They couldn't /wouldn't tell me the shipping company. They couldn't/ wouldn't tell me a tracking number. They didn't send me any kind of order confirmation, nor would they tell me anything other than 'The items were shipped'. It took me EIGHT WEEKS to get my body panels for my rig and I had to threaten them with cancelling my credit card purchase before I even got some sort of very vague information from them concerning my order. It got to the point where I was documenting all my conversations and emails (which they never answered, BTW) because it looked like I was going to have to sue them. ****, I can WALK to California and back in eight weeks.


thanks for the heads up!!! I never heard of them and only saw their product. I don't want to deal with assholes liek that. From the whole rustys thing from people who I know that have bought stuff from them it is a hit or miss.

And i checked out the links on your thread you posted Brody! Thanks. I know T&J performance sells them and so does Jeepspeed. My uncles got them for his old cherokee from T&J and said their customer service isn't to bad.

How have your been Brody? I really like the design, the clearance, and the look. Do they have any issues to offroading?? I haven't seen anyone wheel with them. For my next cherokee I was thinking about getting them. Opinions?

[mattzj98]

:hijack: ^

[Popsgarage]

That kind of sucks, 'cause they are one of the few companies that make glass fenders for a first gen S-10. And the search goes on. Better than givin' them my money and puttin' up with that kind of headache. Sounds like you have about as much patience a I do, Pete.

[Brody]

Sounds like you have about as much patience a I do, Pete.

What is 'patience'? LaDawn (my SO) is always talking about it and the fact that I seem to be lacking it.....

[Brody]

How have your been Brody? I really like the design, the clearance, and the look. Do they have any issues to offroading?? I haven't seen anyone wheel with them. For my next cherokee I was thinking about getting them. Opinions?

I wouldn't hesitate putting them on another rig both for the looks and the clearance. They will take a decent hit on a tree or rock. They are also easy to patch if needed (I know...). If you are going to go for a sweet finish, though, be aware that a lot of fiberglass stuff develops 'spiderwebs' which are minute cracks that show up in the finish paint after time. There are supposed to be ways to avoid these, but since I have just used them on off road rigs, I have never messed with it. I have these cracks, which don't go all the way through the fiberglass that I can see, only on the top exposed part of the fenders. Not on the hood and not on the sides. Go figure...

As to how I have been? Pretty busy....too busy to get to my own junk....Thanks!

That kind of sucks, 'cause they are one of the few companies that make glass fenders for a first gen S-10.

Like I mentioned, Hanneman's people were the issue more than their product, which is a quality product. If you dig through the fibergalss links, I think you will find one or two comapanies that are selling Hanneman's stuff, which may be a good way to get the good product minus the **** for brains people problems.

[Popsgarage]

Good idea.

[mattzj98]

Am I the only one out there who orders a part and seems to be waiting for months at a time??? How come ppl just go and get stuff and mine take forever??? So frustrating lol

My bumper was supposed to be in last Wednesday or Thursday and still haven't heard anything..


My sisters old man emu shocks took 2 days =( still haven't picked those up cause I figured id go get it all at once.. might have to make multiple trips

[mattzj98]

A short bus kinda special?

[mattzj98]

what do you say..?

[mattzj98]

How about you gimmie some money so that I could!! :rolleyes:

[Squshiee1]

i might be able to mount them in my warren tech class... just sayen'.

[mattzj98]

Woohoo!

[mattzj98]

Actually, if anyone has a set of rims laying around, ill buy them off of you so let me know what u got. (15 inch rim)

[Mporter]

I got rims laying around....just yota bolt pattern, not jeep :(

[mattzj98]

I got rims laying around....just yota bolt pattern, not jeep :(



Bummer :(

[Popsgarage]

Steel Jeep wheels at the junkyards are like $5 or $10 apiece. And there are like 50 Z and XJ's at the yards.

[mattzj98]

So.. Its 1 am and I just finished wrenching on the jeep, trying to make it to the trail in the morning.

Bumper with swing away tire carrier is installed and color matched! Sure was a pain! Limit straps returned and new sway bar links are installed!

I temporarily fixed my high pressure power steering line, but I did pick up a new one. Will install after trail run

[Heather]

after trail run
YES!! Does this mean we'll see you at Wheeler in the a.m.??

[mattzj98]

YES!! Does this mean we'll see you at Wheeler in the a.m.??

Well the jeep is ready at least

[Popsgarage]

Awesome. Nothin' like wrenchin' to get stuff ready that should have been a relaxed calm install, because somebody dropped the ball.

[mattzj98]

So here are some pics of the bumper.. definitely need a new spare so thats probablt going to come next week some time. because the hitch is so high up, i needed to use a ladder to slap my bmx bike on there.. not gonna work all so well lol

[Popsgarage]

Lookin' good, Matt. Got any side shots. And is that bike carrier going to make it out past your spare when it goes full size. Hell, I might need a ladder to get the bike tied down.:D:thumb:

[Cr33p3r]

Looks good Matt! Definitely need a side shot.

[mattzj98]

Ill have a few shots from left hand today I hope! Will post asap

[jesse05lj]

you going to put picks of the new bumper? it looks nice!

[mattzj98]

Here are some bumper pics. some from an angle just as you wanted! i'll be busy drooling over that now..

[Popsgarage]

That's one sick lookin' bumper, Matt! Who'd you say manufactures that beasty?

[mattzj98]

It is made by RockHard4x4
and thanks. Only one thing against the bumper are the instructions! other than that, love it! just need a full spare and a high lift (mount comes stock on the bumper) also, my cb antenna will be relocated to the back. (also a mount for that)

[Popsgarage]

Way kool, braddah!

[mattzj98]

thanks ! :)

btw, anyone wanna tackle my high pressure line for my power steering? got the line but need help putting it on.. (not much free time)

let me know what you'd charge

[Popsgarage]

What do you mean by help. You could bring it over and we could get it done. Shouldn't take that long. I should be free at least part of this week.

[Stephen]

Looks good. Wait! Why are you running a Dodge Neon wheel/tire for a spare?!?! :lmao:




let me know what you'd charge

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQJfZ7xOulCSXIe69Vn1y7IkzngqYjyW QYk_Qjf1o2eFBWPEJjK

[mattzj98]

What do you mean by help. You could bring it over and we could get it done. Shouldn't take that long. I should be free at least part of this week.


let me know how much and ill try to come down... i just dont wanna leak stuff all over. i put 2 clamps and a hose over it for now.. got me on and off the trail but it needs done

[mattzj98]

[QUOTE=Stephen;164870]Looks good. Wait! Why are you running a Dodge Neon wheel/tire for a spare?!?! :lmao:




I am... running a stock ZJ tire for a spare.. lol i am getting a full size spare this week. only put it on there cause i didnt want bolts sticking out

[Popsgarage]

let me know how much and ill try to come down

Let's say $20 and you let me know when. I've got to get to Loveland to pick up some seats from Robbie one day this week and Bruce is suppose to come down sometime possibly next weekend, so I'm pretty open. I'm helping Sean move his daughter the weekend of the 21st and will probably help him on his Ranger most of that weekend.

[mattzj98]

how does weekend sound?

[mattzj98]

Stephen, I know the idea behind the build isnt to go the cheap way, but a 100 trillion dollars for a pressure line i might pass.. unless you take payments? :p

[Popsgarage]

how does weekend sound?

Should work. Bruce is supposed to come down so we can weld in some patch panels. But other than that I'm pretty open.

[mattzj98]

sweet ill shoot you a pm when im ready. its straight forwards im just lazy lol

going to put a coat or two more of paint on that rear bumper though.. and some shiny clear coat :)

[Popsgarage]

It looks like it deserves it.

[mattzj98]

So, picked up a High Lift Jack (an extreme 60 inch) with the isolator, and new rims and a tire! its all on the jeep already! how exciting :D

[mattzj98]

here is the new wheel/tire combo!

nothing special, just the usual. black steelies and a KM2..

however, the wheel is now matching the rest of them

I'd take a pic but its really dark out

[mattzj98]

oh they're green now! i ran accross town to ACE to pick that paint up!

[mattzj98]

I know.. too many damn Grand Cherokees like that driving around town.. its crowded!

[mattzj98]

geez, everyone is coming after me for the "no exhaust" lately.. just watch me get a stainless steel Borla haha not

[Squshiee1]

What did you do with your other tires and rims??? and What did you do to your exhaust, i want to convert mine eventually into a dual setup.
I have 2 cats, but one muffler. i would like to go straight.
Do you not have a muffler?

[mattzj98]

yeah, no muffler on mine.. it had nowhere to go. my arms flex up where the muffler would have been so it had to go..

I was considering Borla for the BMW but not for the Jeep lol. ended up getting Dinan for the BMW though

[Squshiee1]

interesting, how loud would it be with no cats?

[mattzj98]

berry berry loud. In fact, it sounds like open headers since cat is pretty close to them anyway

[Squshiee1]

well, it makes my want to take my muffler off, but re attach it before emissions hmmmm.

[mattzj98]

the Jeep will still pass emissions with just a cat. it is not required by law to have a muffler..

[Squshiee1]

oh, well, i think it will just be to loud. I might need some type of muffler, but i do have dual exhaust leading into one muffler, maybe having the dual will make it quieter.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C54pYBCQgII

[mattzj98]

wow, sounds like a race car, cool

[Squshiee1]

Do you think my rodeo would be louder than your jeep? just wondering, because if you think so than i might not want to chop it.

[mattzj98]

my jeep has a pretty massive V8.. so no, i don't think a 6banger will be louder, but it will have a different note. It might be loud, just not as deep of a tone I guess?

I thinnk i have a vid of my previous I6 jeeps sound with no muffler

[Squshiee1]

ok, you should post them or send them to my cell!

[Beefy]

the Jeep will still pass emissions with just a cat. it is not required by law to have a muffler..

Actually, it's technically illegal to make any modifications to your factory exhaust system. :D

Any pictures with everything on the back? :D

[mattzj98]

Actually, it's technically illegal to make any modifications to your factory exhaust system.

Any pictures with everything on the back?

that's true but who's checkin?

i just meant as far as emissions people are conserned, not the police lol

and crap, the list of illegal things about my jeep.. lmao

[mattzj98]

Yeah, i'll take some pics tomorrow for you guys :) i like to keep that image to myself for at least a night haha

[mattzj98]

You are a "dirty girl"! :lmao::lmao::lmao:

i get carried away :rolleyes:

[mattzj98]

Chase, here's a vid of the 6 cylinder with no muffler.. the sound quality is kind of crappy but you can get the idea. (the vid is right after roll over, dont judge) lol\


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B0YRqTfal4

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6B0YRqTfal4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Squshiee1]

cool, now my question is, if i want to re attache how easy could it be? it seems like a sleeve of some sort would work, maybe some hi temp jb weld or some sort of hi temp welding glue?

[mattzj98]

No glue lol just weld back on.

[Squshiee1]

Well in that case, who wants to weld my muffler back on if needed.
Sorry i kind of stole your thread.

[Chris]

Actually, it's technically illegal to make any modifications to your factory exhaust system. :D


True but not enforced YET. It took me 7 tries to pass my FJ62 through emissions including a visit to their "help" facility. The guy I talked to was very nice, they ran a bunch of tests, did some adjustments and made suggestions. I still didn,t pass.

He did mention that my exhaust system had been illegally modified but they weren't checking for that YET. There's talk about enforcing it in the future though.

[Squshiee1]

what about taking it apart but putting it all back together.

[Mporter]

No glue lol just weld back on.

What about duct tape? Or bailing wire...:D

[mattzj98]

That will do

[mattzj98]

Promise and deliver!

[mattzj98]

also color matched my sliders! (Was kind of bored)

[mattzj98]

you really think we should paint the hi lift green? I was kinda liking the red but what do I know

[Squshiee1]

you should paint it bright pink! it matches your personality. Just say-en'!

[mattzj98]

you should paint it bright pink! it matches your personality. Just say-en'!


Hell yeah! that would match my pink fuzzy steering wheel cover!

[Squshiee1]

LOL! maybe i will get some pink die to hang from the mirror.

[mattzj98]

for yourself you mean?

[Heather]

Your rig looks AWESOME Matt!!! I like the red Hi-Lift. It's subtle, unlike the rest of the rig. :lmao: (Plus you won't have to worry about the finish peeling)

[mattzj98]

Thanks Heather!

[Squshiee1]

yes for me, only if i see the fuzzy wheel.

[mattzj98]

Ill pick the fuzzy steering wheel cover up tomorrow after work. My neighbor (also has a ZJ) said that that's the only way he won't steel it (he is a homophobe)

[Popsgarage]

Lookin' good, Matt!

[mattzj98]

Thanks, I did just paint the jack bright green.. Peer pressure..

[Popsgarage]

:lmao::lmao::lmao:

[Rob]

Thanks, I did just paint the jack bright green.

:pics:

:D

[mattzj98]

Here you go.

Chris, is that what you meant? lol

[Popsgarage]

Can you say bright?!!!:cool::cool::cool:

[mattzj98]

Can you say bright?!!!:cool::cool::cool:

yeah, my previous jeep was plain white and black and where did that take me.. maybe now, a lady in a pick up truck will think twice before doing something stupid

[mattzj98]

I like the green...glad the pressure got to you!:lmao:

we still on for tomorrow?

[Chris]

yeah, my previous jeep was plain white and black and where did that take me.. maybe now, a lady in a pick up truck will think twice before doing something stupid

Except that green means "go!" :eek:

[mattzj98]

Yep...it's a dirty girl date!:lmao::lmao::lmao:

sweet. Make sure you're hungry

[mattzj98]

Except that green means "go!" :eek:
Previous jeep had red diff covers.. they meant STOP.. Honestly though, with this amount of body armor, I would've taken that truck outof the face of the earth if some thing was to happen again (i really hope not)

[mattzj98]

I got a Brody Fab original license plate bracket done last weekend, haven't tried to put it on yet but I think it's going to get green on friday and I'll see how it fits :)

[Popsgarage]

More bright "green means go" paint. Nobody's ever going to not be able to see you, not even at night.:lmao::lmao::lmao:

[Cr33p3r]

I like the green, I wanted to do it on the ranger but Val picked the bright yellow (the caution color) I let her pick that way she has a part in the build too!

[mattzj98]

I was aiming for the yellow originally but ended up with the green haha just the opposite.

[Heather]

Hey Matt, you were supposed to take the Roundel with you. I have others for you, too. Nice eye candy.

[mattzj98]

Hey Matt, you were supposed to take the Roundel with you. I have others for you, too. Nice eye candy.

I have issues with eye candy.. if I like, I MUST drive! lol (E39:P)

but I thought you were just having me look at wheels and actually forgot that I left it on your bmw.. Let me know when you guys are free so I can stop by and take a look at some others as well :)

[mattzj98]

New stuff came in! Adjustible Coil Over Spacer from JKS.. Pretty excited... I finally get to level my jeep

[Popsgarage]

Hey Matt, did you get the ones with the integrated air bump or just the standard bump?

[mattzj98]

this one has a regular bump but i am going to modify it. i might get those air bump stops from teraflex

[Popsgarage]

Let me know how they work out for ya.

[Fordguy77]

Pretty excited... I finally get to level my jeep
You dont want to be in the My Car Sits Out of Level Club with me?

[mattzj98]

:lmao:

[mattzj98]

I just got ahold of 2nd set of ACOS so my ride will be level once again! (Anyone wanna help?)

but I don't want to drive it till the stupid noise goes away! I can't seem to get rid of it :(

[mattzj98]

thanks Chris

I wanna drown the thing in grease lol

[mattzj98]

im also gonna need a few things welded on before I go do any more trails.. scary stuff

[mattzj98]

yeah either that or a phone call to BDS for some new parts :) (free of charge of course) i might have Pete weld stuff up for me. This girls ex boyfriend who was screwing with my jeep effed up something while unbolting my crossmemeber

[mattzj98]

Yeah I think so..

[Brody]

More bright "green means go" paint. Nobody's ever going to not be able to see you, not even at night.

Taking "Go Green" to the limits....Come By and let me see if I can find/hear what the noise it. Let me know..

[mattzj98]

Thanks Pete. Let me know when you're free

[Popsgarage]

Matt, Chris, where at and what time you guys doing this Sunday?

[mattzj98]

i might go up to see Pete tomorrow if he is avaliable!

[mattzj98]

Matt, Chris, where at and what time you guys doing this Sunday?

Havent decided yet. You need to ask Chris. i'll go wherever he wants to meet..

[Brody]

Here today (Saturday) working on various things. Stop by Matt and I'll take a look. Chris(the Elder) is coming by around 10.

Chris (the Younger)-I have shocks and some other junk for you.

[mattzj98]

Ok illl try to come up but its going to be a little later.. probably closer to 1PM if that's ok

[mattzj98]

So thanks to Chris's help (Scrat) the jeep is finally level.. and BIG kind of scary. going to start looking for bigger tires again soon. (and a front axle / locker combo)

I'm afraid it's going in the "trailer queen" direction :|

[Hypoid]

I'm afraid it's going in the "trailer queen" direction :| Excuse me for laughing, but... :lmao: The second car (for DD use) wasn't a clue?

Get in on the junkyard run, you might see an axle that needs a good home. :)

[Chris]

So thanks to Chris's help (Scrat) the jeep is finally level.. and BIG kind of scary. going to start looking for bigger tires again soon. (and a front axle / locker combo)

I'm afraid it's going in the "trailer queen" direction :|

:pics:

[mattzj98]

kind of, but i've always had more than one car. My daily driver prior to the bmw was just too small for me to drive it. I hated it lol

I might get in on the junk yard run but i'm not ever sure what i'm looking for

[Popsgarage]

A Dana 30 high pinion for starters. Or a Ford Dana 44 high pinion. Get signed up for the junkyard run and check some stuff out.

[mattzj98]

I'm kind of wanting to get a rubicon 44 with ARBs for the front but knowing how those aren't just laying around a junkyard, might just be giving Mopar parts a call. Id do a different axle but I don't have the fab skillls to make it work for my jeep

[Popsgarage]

I don't have the fab skillls

Pete and I do, though. And no fab required on a Dana 30 HP swap. Just need to swap gears.

[Popsgarage]

Just found this on Craigslist, Matt.

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/pts/2711627085.html

[mattzj98]

Thanks for the link! I took long enough to find it. I need to post updated pics of it since its level etc. Starting middle of februrary, A LOT of things are going to start happening to the rig again!

[mattzj98]

Thanks again Chris for helping with the spacers..

those are the only pics of the heap I could find

[Heather]

It's a BEAST!!

[Popsgarage]

JKS makes some damn nice products, that's for sure.

[mattzj98]

Yes they do! I fell in love with their trackbars after going through mutliple Teraflex ones

[Popsgarage]

Can't wait for
A LOT of things are going to start happening to the rig again

[mattzj98]

So looks like I got a blown hub (driver side front) unless its my ball joint but there's a slack in the wheel and (up and down) ball joints seem pretty solid. Ill load video when I get home.. any thouughts?

[Popsgarage]

Ball joints or unit bearings. Easy fix.

[mattzj98]

Great News! Bearing (HUB) and new upgraded axle shafts coming this friday! Jeep gets to go back on the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:jiggy:

Ill be parking the bimmer for a few weeks to drive around in the heap! :)

Also, I see build stage 4 in the budget for this season which includes (hopefully) Exo Cage and some trimming, Bigger Tires, Bigger front axle, Fox dual reservoir longer shocks and of course brake booster! :)

[mattzj98]

I def. need someone else to cut for me.. I cant get myself to hurt the jeep.. but we'd need to tape it off and draw a line.. and make sure we dont cut too much either

[mattzj98]

wanna try it when the hubs done on friday if weather is nice? or sat..

[Popsgarage]

Will be in Japan,

Whaaaa??????? Lucky *******!

Matt, why don't you look into some fiberglass front fenders??? Then you don't have to cut up a set of nice straight stockers.

[mattzj98]

I haven't seen any fiberglass ones.. id love them if I could get them

[mattzj98]

http://www.mcneilracinginc.com/off-road-fiberglass/jeep/grand-cherokee/

I love this hood! Not on the jeep they show but I can see it on mine! And those are the fenders I found.. not sure if worth the money

[Popsgarage]

Here's a couple.

http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/media/exterior/panels/rorz6f_01.jpg

http://www.hannemannfiberglass.com/custom.asp

http://www.carhoods.com/

[Popsgarage]

Zone Offroad used Hannemans fenders and bedsides on their Comanche project and it turned out pretty badass. Like Pete said, the product was first rate, customer service was iffy. The McNeil stuff looks good, too!

[mattzj98]

Thanks Jon, I do think mcnail is best for the money though, not a big dan how rustys connects with front bumper

[Popsgarage]

Something to look into, for sure. Gets you the clearance without the cutting.

[mattzj98]

So, the jeep is back on the road! Spent sime time in Parker getting upgraded hubs, sxle shafts and big u joints! All works great so far!

[Popsgarage]

What upgraded hub did you get Matt???

[mattzj98]

Couldn't tell you, got it off a friend. My old was shot

[glacierpaul]

Super bad a$$ ZJ Matt!

[Popsgarage]

Matt, found you a new front axle!

http://www.teraflex.biz/marketing/press/3544000_JK_Tera44_Front.jpg

[mattzj98]

Matt, found you a new front axle!

http://www.teraflex.biz/marketing/press/3544000_JK_Tera44_Front.jpg

The link doesn't seem to work on my phone.. is it a 44 by teraflex? I'm gonna try to look that up when I get on my laptop

Thanks!

[Popsgarage]

Yes it is. Just the housing is $2049. Much better than the Rubicon JK axles and it should bolt right in to yours if you don't mind spending the coin!

[mattzj98]

As long as its tough I don't mind!

[Popsgarage]

Much better than the factory design.

[Stephen]

Yes it is. Just the housing is $2049. Much better than the Rubicon JK axles and it should bolt right in to yours if you don't mind spending the coin!

Nothing is better than JK Rubi axles ever in the world EVAR!!!










That's my story and I'm sticking to it until I can afford some decent axles! :D

[mattzj98]

I was looking at Dynatrac axles but there are others cheaper, just as good..