I suppose I’m a new member here (I could have sworn I had an account here years ago, but the site says no to all my emails). I have had a few Jeeps through the years, but after not having one for about 8 years I recently acquired a smoking deal on a ‘97 TJ late last year. I got the Jeep for $1500 with a clean title. The only major issue was a junked Dana 35. It was basically stock minus wheels/tires, Warn bumpers, Warn XD9000 winch, and an atrocious sound system that I’ve removed). I have already swapped in a factory 4.10 Ford 8.8 and matching front 4.10 Dana 30 from a 2.5. I’ve also swapped wheels/tires, did a tune up, SYE, 4” lift, installed Rancho 5000 shocks, installed a new Sierra Offroad top (not pictured), and swapped in a set of seats in much better condition and the Poison Spyder Trail Stinger from my old TJ.
These are my short term plans:
-DIY triangulated mid arm setup with JJs
-Stretch the rear about 3.5”
-Outboard rear shocks
-Boatside the tub (drivers side front tub has a large dent)
-Boatside body mounts in 1” body lift position
-1-2” front stretch
-swap in a D30HP with 4.88 gears
-regear the 8.8 to 4.88 with an Ox manual locker
-1 ton steering
-Olive Drab paint
-usual body armor
Longer term plans are to swap in a 5.3, 4L80e, NP241, and possibly an NWF EcoBox I have sitting on the shelf.
Pictures from when I got it and as it sits now (minus the new top).
These are my short term plans:
-DIY triangulated mid arm setup with JJs
-Stretch the rear about 3.5”
-Outboard rear shocks
-Boatside the tub (drivers side front tub has a large dent)
-Boatside body mounts in 1” body lift position
-1-2” front stretch
-swap in a D30HP with 4.88 gears
-regear the 8.8 to 4.88 with an Ox manual locker
-1 ton steering
-Olive Drab paint
-usual body armor
Longer term plans are to swap in a 5.3, 4L80e, NP241, and possibly an NWF EcoBox I have sitting on the shelf.
Pictures from when I got it and as it sits now (minus the new top).
