Rob's ZJ project monster

[Adaa60]

so people have been bugging me to post photos of my new toy. so here it is. im stll me inill learning whats all going on with it. if anyone knows what the Hypertech box is under the hood fill me in. so far from what i Know. its got

35x12.50R15 tires x5 with great tread
5.2 318 with 177k and some hypertech thing " it has a LOT of power"
7" lift and long arms in the front
7" in the rear
Fully ajustable rancharo 9000's all the way around
ajustable pivit points everywhere
custom built rock sliders
Scary ass front and rear bumpers with working tailgate arm. backup lights built in rear and Piaa's built in front
and sad to say open diff front and rear.....
tom woods rear shaft
fully rebuilt grars front and rear @ 4.56
P242 t-case + extra 242 came with it.
http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_154909_zpsb6bbf2d6.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_154909_zpsb6bbf2d6.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_154943_zps8d336a75.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_154943_zps8d336a75.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_154926_zps94cc2e6a.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_154926_zps94cc2e6a.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_154854_zps49c0460b.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_154854_zps49c0460b.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_151030_zpsf165b21e.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_151030_zpsf165b21e.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_151048_zpsb0880018.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_151048_zpsb0880018.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_151016_zps53ca5aed.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_151016_zps53ca5aed.jpg.html)

[Adaa60]

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_150938_zps0473bfbf.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_150938_zps0473bfbf.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_132004_zps4687cb62.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_132004_zps4687cb62.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_151001_zps5698e57e.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_151001_zps5698e57e.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_132020_zps238ae32a.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_132020_zps238ae32a.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_132032_zps1e04e7e8.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_132032_zps1e04e7e8.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_150956_zps9bd31147.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_150956_zps9bd31147.jpg.html)

[Adaa60]

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_150944_zpsf415fbcd.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_150944_zpsf415fbcd.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_131916_zps0288813c.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_131916_zps0288813c.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_131954_zps59e799e0.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_131954_zps59e799e0.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_131939_zps92d8201f.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_131939_zps92d8201f.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_131925_zps9f60c601.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_131925_zps9f60c601.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_131949_zpscefcedf0.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_131949_zpscefcedf0.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_154959_zps709f3b3b.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_154959_zps709f3b3b.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_154934_zps8eeb5d48.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_154934_zps8eeb5d48.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_154901_zpsc5a3361e.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_154901_zpsc5a3361e.jpg.html)

[Adaa60]

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_155018_zps237cb601.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_155018_zps237cb601.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_155041_zps7287215d.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_155041_zps7287215d.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_155048_zps9496e9ce.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_155048_zps9496e9ce.jpg.html)http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_155105_zps865bb20f.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_155105_zps865bb20f.jpg.html)

[RidgeRunner]

Definitely a unique rig! Hypertech is usually a "power chip" type programmer.

EDIT: On second thought I think this is a Teraflex high steer knuckle, not a WJ swap as I previously posted.
http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_131954_zps59e799e0.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_131954_zps59e799e0.jpg.html)

This pic makes me think you have some massive bump steer due to the trac bar and drag link angles being way different. The axle end of the trac bar should have been raised to match the drag link.
http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_131939_zps92d8201f.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_131939_zps92d8201f.jpg.html)

[Stu]

Those johnny joints on the control arms have a scary amount of exposed thread. (post #3 pic 7) I would check to be sure there is enough threaded into the arms themselves to provide enough support. There can be a ton of stress at that point. just my :2c:. That is a nice rig tho man.

[Adaa60]

Definitely a unique rig! Hypertech is usually a "power chip" type programmer.

This pic tells me that the axle has had the knuckles, breaks, and steering from a '99+ Jeep WJ swapped onto it.
http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_131954_zps59e799e0.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_131954_zps59e799e0.jpg.html)

This pic makes me think you have some massive bump steer due to the trac bar and drag link angles being way different. The axle end of the trac bar should have been raised to match the drag link.
http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/Adaaoffroad/IMG_20150104_131939_zps92d8201f.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/Adaaoffroad/media/IMG_20150104_131939_zps92d8201f.jpg.html)

See this thread for more info on the knuckle swap: http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?7906-Ridgerunner-s-WJ-knuckle-swap-build


i guess i dont understand what you mean about the drag link. but it does not steer very well and its turning radius sucks really bad

[Adaa60]

Those johnny joints on the control arms have a scary amount of exposed thread. (post #3 pic 7) I would check to be sure there is enough threaded into the arms themselves to provide enough support. There can be a ton of stress at that point. just my :2c:. That is a nice rig tho man.


ill check it out when i get home. and update with closer photos and info

[Stu]

He means the drag link and track bar do not run parallel to one another which can create lots of bump steer. A new bottom track bar mount would be the cure for something like that. http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/PAN-OFF.html

[RidgeRunner]

i guess i dont understand what you mean about the drag link. but it does not steer very well and its turning radius sucks really bad

Read this: http://www.quadratec.com/jeep_knowledgebase/article-68.htm

[Adaa60]

He means the drag link and track bar do not run parallel to one another which can create lots of bump steer. A new bottom track bar mount would be the cure for something like that. http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/...g/PAN-OFF.html

thanks! ill order these in a few days.

[The StRanger]

Nice start. Cant wait to see it on the trail !

[Adaa60]

you may like to know i tested it with the fork lift at a friends work a few days ago. she will tuck passanger rear tire with driver front @ 49" with all 3 feet still on the ground

[The StRanger]

:bowdown:

[Dutch]

There is a lot of potential in that thing but man does it have some issues just by looking at the pics.

As previously posted, get yourself a raised trac-bar mount for the front.

The Hypertech is a power programmer/chip for the ecu.

There are a lot of threads showing on the front control arm joints, but your axle needs to come forward a few inches by the looks of the springs, shocks, and sway bar link.

The rear pinion angle is way off and those lower arms look scary.

I would highly recommend ditching that front axle. Its a low pinion and still has the CV style axle shafts in it. Grab a high pinion D30 from an XJ and it'll bolt in. You'll even be able to retain the abs sensors with the right set of XJ shafts.

That rear axle looks like the D35, if so its a ticking time bomb. I would highly recommend an 8.38 swap in the future. In the meantime you probably should add some bracing to that raised trac-bar mount on the rear axle.

I'm not trying to bash on your new rig, just pointing out the obvious things I see that will help you in the reliability and safety stand point. It definitely has some potential and with a bit of paint and some color matched doors/hatch it would be a sweet looking rig.

[Adaa60]

yea i just ordered those track bar mounts. as for the axle i noticed that as well. its $245 for a Complete long arm alignment at 4wheel parts ive been considering it but first im going to buy bigger axles for it. and yes its a 35 out back. i have the old shafts for those longarms. if i remember they are seriously almost 12-15 inches long and fully thredded but for safety i wil take them out one at a time and make sure there is enough inside the tube.

and i take no offence, i only paid $1800 for it so i knew i would need to put a lot of wrench time on her. but i couldn't walk away from the price.

[xaza]

I think everybody before me has said it all. Nice looking rig with a lot of potential. That Hypertech thing looks like a performance pcm(powertrain control module) that plugs in place of factory PCM.

[Adaa60]

She will be all black before off road season. And I haven't decided if I'm gonna do monster green or hot pink accents

[Adaa60]

Got to sit and take a look today. There is a lot of threads showing and the front of the local government arms are fully sank in. I'm going to be re a just in them to be even tomorrow when I replace the ABS system.

Neal will be welding the track bar bracket in place in a couple of weeks as well as doing a custom drop on it to completely level it with the drag link. When he does that he will also be giving it a full front and rear alignment including its front and rear arms and axle track

About the end of February is tax refund time. I intend on getting it stronger axles. Gonna try to find a good front with a spartan and match it to a Ford 9 with a spool.

Neal is also going to trade my extra P242 for a rebuilt P231 and modified it to have the shorter input shafts for me for $250 on top of my trade. This way I will have a 2 Hi option.

Other than suspension tweaks and the axles. Any other suggestions before wheeling season?

[94ToyBear]

Theres an 91 (I think) Jeep grand Wagoner at LKQ Denver
Im not sure if you can use anything off it. I think I heard of them having a D44 in front im sure theres something beefy out back.
It was pretty complete 360 for a motor

[Hypoid]

I enjoyed the visit, Rob! After seeing the beast in person, I think it will get your family to the mountains, and home again!

A few people here have pointed out the problems they saw, and we discussed a few more in person.

I think the easiest solution for the front arms is to make new mounting brackets, and weld them in about six inches forward of the cross member. Then you could tell people you have a mid arm kit, or just radius arms. Switching to a high pinion D-30 might let you keep the same front drive shaft. You could also keep the Terraflex knuckle and steering.

I would relocate the rear coil mounts on the frame, so the springs are not "S" shaped. If you do swap axles, that would be the perfect time to rework those shock mounts.

In short, a little work, and a little welding can optimize what you already have. :thumb:

[Adaa60]

Well time for an update....

The Clayton Long arm kit was seriously out of ajustment, this has been fixed and are working great. 4 wheel parts were able to confirm not only there make but also that there safe and properly installed. The Johnny Joints are actually almost 20" long fully extended and crafted from grade 8. They say there very unlikely to bend or break.

I have a shopping list to start filling up.

Today we ordered 4 different pairs of shocks to keep in stock for the ZJ, as well as special brackets for the axles to use its eye bolts toplease and bottom up front, on the 10th, we are going to remove the current shocks and flex it to its max on the ramp to find the perfect shocks & straps so she doesn't break anything flexing off road this upcoming season.

I still need to get some drag link parts, and new steering damper before we get a legit long arm alignment done.

Then the other stuff like the ford 9" rear end I'm looking for, she needs a CB setup, new speakers and her rattle can Olive green & black paint job is still to come. Also looking in to a spartan and PRT beadlocks