This will be my only thread on this topic, so I'm including everything in it, until I have very specific questions.
So very much like the suggested related threads, I too am building a TJ. However, I'm starting from the ground up. My dad gave me his Sahara after the frame rotted out from under it. So here's where my build starts. I'm looking at buying a new frame from Throttle Down Customs. In doing that, I get to choose several options. So, if I'm going to make any changes or modifications that can be done with a fresh frame, I need to figure that out ahead of time. So that's where I'm staring this thread.
How the Jeep will mostly be used. I'm expecting for this to be my new daily driver, at least in the summer time. And definitely my weekend machine. I live in the Northeast of Wisconsin. I spend a lot of time in the woods. I take trips up into the U.P. and off road up there when I can. So I'd like the jeep to maintain some amount of road worthiness. However, I want to feel confident when offroading that it's not going to break and go where I point it. My Titan is mostly stock, nothing changed to suspension or wheels. I'd say it's been capable of getting to maybe 90 percent or so of the places I wanted to go. I can think a few places I either didn't make it or didn't even try. Often this is a water/mud hole in the trail or an occasional rock/log situation. I believe the factory tires on my titan are very near 33 inches.
So I guess the only real option that could be changed on the frame is the engine mounts. Do I stick with the 4.0, or go to something else? Many years ago I had an XJ with 35s on it. I had put an RE long arm kit on it and it didn't do too bad. That too had the 4.0. I don't need it to be particularly fast or quick. I'd choose dependable over fast or quick. So do I stick with the 4.0 or go with something else? I don't remember the exact mileage of the motor, but it's not high, I remember that. And my dad takes really good care of his stuff. He's never had any issues with the engine or transmission that I'm aware of.
On the suspension I was thinking RE long arm once again, because I thought that it was a pretty good system when I had it before. Is that a good idea or not? I was only guessing when I built my XJ. I put currie enterprises steering on it and Tom Wood drive shafts. TSL thornbird tires. That was it. I didn't do any research or ask for any help. lol. I'm trying to do better this time.
I'd rather not have any larger of a tire than necessary. I think it has about 31" factory, I was thinking starting out with 33" and maybe go with a 35 down the road if 33 isn't cutting it. Or should I just go 35" from the start. Or 37"? lol. I'm getting old. Crawling in and out of the thing needs to be taken into consideration as well.
I've read up a lot on the axles and it seems with alloy shafts, the factory axles should be fine. Does anybody disagree with that? So I'm assuming the factory transfer case should be fine. I haven't read anything to the contrary.
I intend to use this rig for camping, fishing, hunting, exploring, etc. So accessories that contribute to those activities would be a welcomed suggestion. My brother has a rooftop tent thing on his tacoma. I've always been a tent camper but have been considering a hammock as my back gets a little worse each year. But maybe a rooftop tent could be an option?
I'm into practicality. If something doesn't serve a purpose, I'm not too interested. So I'm not trying to build a show car or whatever. I want something functional. There's an overland group somewhere near here my brother was telling me about. I'd like to get involved with that once with is built. Lead time on the frame is like 6 months. I'll probably order it closer to winter and have it as a winter project or for next summer. I want to have a solid plan going into the build. No questions. At least no major ones.
So for anybody who made it through all that, thank you. I appreciate any help you guys are able to give. I don't mind investing the money into the project, as long as I can justify it.
I will document the entire build and post it as it moves along. My brother will be helping me with the project. He's retired Air Force as well. He and I haven't been able to hang out since we were kids. So I think we're both really looking forward to this project.
So very much like the suggested related threads, I too am building a TJ. However, I'm starting from the ground up. My dad gave me his Sahara after the frame rotted out from under it. So here's where my build starts. I'm looking at buying a new frame from Throttle Down Customs. In doing that, I get to choose several options. So, if I'm going to make any changes or modifications that can be done with a fresh frame, I need to figure that out ahead of time. So that's where I'm staring this thread.
How the Jeep will mostly be used. I'm expecting for this to be my new daily driver, at least in the summer time. And definitely my weekend machine. I live in the Northeast of Wisconsin. I spend a lot of time in the woods. I take trips up into the U.P. and off road up there when I can. So I'd like the jeep to maintain some amount of road worthiness. However, I want to feel confident when offroading that it's not going to break and go where I point it. My Titan is mostly stock, nothing changed to suspension or wheels. I'd say it's been capable of getting to maybe 90 percent or so of the places I wanted to go. I can think a few places I either didn't make it or didn't even try. Often this is a water/mud hole in the trail or an occasional rock/log situation. I believe the factory tires on my titan are very near 33 inches.
So I guess the only real option that could be changed on the frame is the engine mounts. Do I stick with the 4.0, or go to something else? Many years ago I had an XJ with 35s on it. I had put an RE long arm kit on it and it didn't do too bad. That too had the 4.0. I don't need it to be particularly fast or quick. I'd choose dependable over fast or quick. So do I stick with the 4.0 or go with something else? I don't remember the exact mileage of the motor, but it's not high, I remember that. And my dad takes really good care of his stuff. He's never had any issues with the engine or transmission that I'm aware of.
On the suspension I was thinking RE long arm once again, because I thought that it was a pretty good system when I had it before. Is that a good idea or not? I was only guessing when I built my XJ. I put currie enterprises steering on it and Tom Wood drive shafts. TSL thornbird tires. That was it. I didn't do any research or ask for any help. lol. I'm trying to do better this time.
I'd rather not have any larger of a tire than necessary. I think it has about 31" factory, I was thinking starting out with 33" and maybe go with a 35 down the road if 33 isn't cutting it. Or should I just go 35" from the start. Or 37"? lol. I'm getting old. Crawling in and out of the thing needs to be taken into consideration as well.
I've read up a lot on the axles and it seems with alloy shafts, the factory axles should be fine. Does anybody disagree with that? So I'm assuming the factory transfer case should be fine. I haven't read anything to the contrary.
I intend to use this rig for camping, fishing, hunting, exploring, etc. So accessories that contribute to those activities would be a welcomed suggestion. My brother has a rooftop tent thing on his tacoma. I've always been a tent camper but have been considering a hammock as my back gets a little worse each year. But maybe a rooftop tent could be an option?
I'm into practicality. If something doesn't serve a purpose, I'm not too interested. So I'm not trying to build a show car or whatever. I want something functional. There's an overland group somewhere near here my brother was telling me about. I'd like to get involved with that once with is built. Lead time on the frame is like 6 months. I'll probably order it closer to winter and have it as a winter project or for next summer. I want to have a solid plan going into the build. No questions. At least no major ones.
So for anybody who made it through all that, thank you. I appreciate any help you guys are able to give. I don't mind investing the money into the project, as long as I can justify it.
I will document the entire build and post it as it moves along. My brother will be helping me with the project. He's retired Air Force as well. He and I haven't been able to hang out since we were kids. So I think we're both really looking forward to this project.