How should I build a Jeep Wrangler TJ?

[jacob13]

I would like to start off by saying I currently do not own a jeep. I have a capable enough ford ranger but would like to upgrade to a jeep. There is a jeep I am looking at that is a rocky mountain edition with 150000 km on it and it is standard. Before I commit to a jeep I would like to have a plan in mind of what to do with the jeep as I would like to get an off-road capable jeep soon after I buy it.

I always planned on putting 35's on my jeep but I am a student and with the research I have done, it doesn't seem like 35's will be very cost effective at all. I don't have tons of money but I want to build the jeep right, even if that means no 35's. From what I have seen, it doesn't seem like I even need 35's, as i mainly just casually explore, but it would still be nice to have. I would use the jeep as a daily driver but I only drive for maybe a hour a day on average not really highway. The type of off-roading would be mainly hill climbs and some rocky patches. I tend to stay away from difficult places and mud.

Any suggestions on how high of a lift, what lift, how big of tires I should add and regearing advice would be very appreciated. Any other bits of knowledge is very welcome and I love to learn, especially about jeeps.

Thanks in advance for any replies

Edit: 4.0L
Thank you everyone, it seems like I will plan on a more reasonable set up

 

[Boinked]

Plan on 8k just in upgrades. 12k if you want 35s. 60k if you are @Chris

 

[RustyAutoholicGuy]

Plan on 8k just in upgrades. 12k if you want 35s. 60k if you are @Chris

Sorry I had to laugh at that

Get a Wrangler, pull the 4.0l out and put in a Kubota 03 series diesel engine in it! Plenty or torque at around 300ft/lbs and you will double your fuel economy as well! Drive it like and worry about a lift later!

I might be biased though

As for lift go with a 2" lift and 31" tires and see where that takes you first!

-Grant

 

[derekmac]

Wheel it stock and it'll tell you what it needs. Or describe the terrain you'll be wheeling in. A 2" lift and 31's might be more than enough, or a 4" lift and 35's might just get you by.

 

[danof76]

Hello and welcome, Jacob! Is the TJ you're looking at a 4.0 or 2.5? In either case you ought to be fine, but it's good to know for the purposes of this thread.

You should really check some of the member's builds for ideas. Personally I am kind of in your mindset in that I like to have something that is just good for casual exploring but quite capable. The great thing is you can start off at any number of ways and you'd be surprised just how capable even a stock TJ is. That being said personally if I were you I'd look into a decent 2" lift, 31s or 32s, then look into some other mods like winch, locker(s), Antirock or quick disconnects (ideally the former) and then go from there.

How mechanically capable are you anyhow? Ever done much work on vehicles? What kind?

 

[derekmac]

Also, read this: What should I look for when buying a used Wrangler TJ? and this: A Beginners Guide to Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler TJ

 

[jjvw]

31" tires
1" lift
Savvy under armor
Lockers

 

[jacob13]

Also, read this: What should I look for when buying a used Wrangler TJ? and this: A Beginners Guide to Lifting Your Jeep Wrangler TJ

Wheel it stock and it'll tell you what it needs. Or describe the terrain you'll be wheeling in. A 2" lift and 31's might be more than enough, or a 4" lift and 35's might just get you by.

The terrain is mostly just hill climbs and maybe some little rocky parts, nothing crazy. I currently have 33's on my ranger and a lift so I was just thinking I would go bigger but I guess the jeep doesn't really need that?

 

[jacob13]

Sorry I had to laugh at that

Get a Wrangler, pull the 4.0l out and put in a Kubota 03 series diesel engine in it! Plenty or torque at around 300ft/lbs and you will double your fuel economy as well! Drive it like and worry about a lift later!

I might be biased though

As for lift go with a 2" lift and 31" tires and see where that takes you first!

-Grant

Would I need to rehear with 31's?

 

[jacob13]

31" tires
1" lift
Savvy under armor
Lockers

I like the sound of that. Is a 1inch lift enough? What about regearing?

 

[jacob13]

Hello and welcome, Jacob! Is the TJ you're looking at a 4.0 or 2.5? In either case you ought to be fine, but it's good to know for the purposes of this thread.

You should really check some of the member's builds for ideas. Personally I am kind of in your mindset in that I like to have something that is just good for casual exploring but quite capable. The great thing is you can start off at any number of ways and you'd be surprised just how capable even a stock TJ is. That being said personally if I were you I'd look into a decent 2" lift, 31s or 32s, then look into some other mods like winch, locker(s), Antirock or quick disconnects (ideally the former) and then go from there.

How mechanically capable are you anyhow? Ever done much work on vehicles? What kind?

I am looking at 4.0L's. I have some knowledge but I know people that have more knowledge than me that would be able to help if they had time from busy schedules. I definitely want a winch for some piece of mind. I can't put one on my truck without doing way too much

 

[danof76]

The terrain is mostly just hill climbs and maybe some little rocky parts, nothing crazy. I currently have 33's on my ranger and a lift so I was just thinking I would go bigger but I guess the jeep doesn't really need that?

The thing to think about with TJs (and to a lesser extent LJs) is that compared to a Ranger they have a much shorter wheelbase, so based on that factor alone a TJ on 31s is probably more capable than your Ranger.

I don't know about just a 1" though, 2" is a nice sweet spot because it's quite capable of handling 31s and the most you may have to do in addition to it is a T-case drop. Beyond that you could be looking at having to do more, check the other thread @derekmac linked to above, it's incredibly informative and will help you make a good decision.

Regear depends, as long as you aren't on 3.07s then you ought to be perfectly fine, a TJ just doesn't have get-up and go you may be used to with your Ranger. Check here to see what gearing the TJ you are looking at has if you don't know from the seller:

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-do-i-determine-my-axle-gear-ratio.72/

There's a calculation in there that you ought to keep handy. I for one have 31s and 3.73 gears and I don't mind it one bit.

Definitely look for a 4.0L and I would strongly advise sticking to a standard like you mentioned if you have to keep searching. It's always good to have buddies that can help out!

Got any pictures of the Jeep you're looking at? Definitely check that other link from above but really the best thing to do is make sure everything shifts nicely, it can go into 4 high and low, engine sounds good, no leaks, no weird noises and of course check for rust (geez you people up North and your rust).

 

[bobthetj03]

If you get a TJ with factory 3.73 gears 31's will be livable. The TJ is afflicted with a unusually low hung transfer case skid, so you'll hear about tummy tucks and the like.

 

[JDS123]

31" tires
1" lift
Savvy under armor
Lockers

This would pretty much be my answer as well.

31"
1.25" BL
Savvy Under Armor
Lockers
Winch
Gas Tank skid

This combination will get you pretty much anywhere you need to go. You could also add a 2 inch lift and 32's very easily. Sometimes I wish I had gone this route instead of putting 35's on mine.

 

[jacob13]

The thing to think about with TJs (and to a lesser extent LJs) is that compared to a Ranger they have a much shorter wheelbase, so based on that factor alone a TJ on 31s is probably more capable than your Ranger.

I don't know about just a 1" though, 2" is a nice sweet spot because it's quite capable of handling 31s and the most you may have to do in addition to it is a T-case drop. Beyond that you could be looking at having to do more, check the other thread @derekmac linked to above, it's incredibly informative and will help you make a good decision.

Regear depends, as long as you aren't on 3.07s then you ought to be perfectly fine, a TJ just doesn't have get-up and go you may be used to with your Ranger. Check here to see what gearing the TJ you are looking at has if you don't know from the seller:

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-do-i-determine-my-axle-gear-ratio.72/

There's a calculation in there that you ought to keep handy. I for one have 31s and 3.73 gears and I don't mind it one bit.

Definitely look for a 4.0L and I would strongly advise sticking to a standard like you mentioned if you have to keep searching. It's always good to have buddies that can help out!

Got any pictures of the Jeep you're looking at? Definitely check that other link from above but really the best thing to do is make sure everything shifts nicely, it can go into 4 high and low, engine sounds good, no leaks, no weird noises and of course check for rust (geez you people up North and your rust).

Thank you so much. I have read so much on this forum recently, maybe a little too much, and I think you are very right. These forums are truly the best.
As for the jeep I am currently looking at: https://www.autotrader.ca/a/jeep/tj...?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=5_10_10&sprx=-2

 

[JDS123]

Thank you so much. I have read so much on this forum recently, maybe a little too much, and I think you are very right. These forums are truly the best.
As for the jeep I am currently looking at: https://www.autotrader.ca/a/jeep/tj/ladysmith/british columbia/19_10948098_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=5_10_10&sprx=-2

That looks like a clean Jeep. But I do see some corrosion on the tailgate hinges, which means that this Jeep has seen salt before. Check the inside of the frame very carefully before you buy. You never know what could be lurking in there.

 

[danof76]

This would pretty much be my answer as well.

31"
1.25" BL
Savvy Under Armor
Lockers
Winch
Gas Tank skid

This combination will get you pretty much anywhere you need to go. You could also add a 2 inch lift and 32's very easily. Sometimes I wish I had gone this route instead of putting 35's on mine.

It's a good combination but he ought to know it's more than just getting the Savvy Under Armor but also SYE, DC driveshaft, Savvy transfer case cable, rear shock relocation brackets and rear upper CAs in addition to the BL and a MML

But by all means, it's what I want to do as well. One day I'll have a tummy tuck but my list before then, in order, is to do a front lunchbox locker, Antirock and winch then on to piecing together a tummy tuck.

 

[Boinked]

Thank you so much. I have read so much on this forum recently, maybe a little too much, and I think you are very right. These forums are truly the best.
As for the jeep I am currently looking at: https://www.autotrader.ca/a/jeep/tj/ladysmith/british columbia/19_10948098_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=5_10_10&sprx=-2

Is that Canadian $ or real $s.

 

[danof76]

Thank you so much. I have read so much on this forum recently, maybe a little too much, and I think you are very right. These forums are truly the best.
As for the jeep I am currently looking at: https://www.autotrader.ca/a/jeep/tj/ladysmith/british columbia/19_10948098_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=5_10_10&sprx=-2

Looks good, curious it says it's an SE but description says it's a 4.0...

Is that Canadian $ or real $s.

If that's Canuck bucks that's a steal...

 

[cliffish]

TJ's seem to run much cheaper north of the border...I agree never heard of an 4.0 SE?? need to double check that it is not a 4 banger