TJ to LJ Conversion

Really want to run some Fab9’s. Still researching which ones and best route. Spidertrax catches my eye of course, but the Trail Gear‘s price point is also hard to ignore.




From my research in watching the tech videos & reading comments on IG, their frame stretch is based off of all factory body mounting points. So “in theory“ cutting my body where they say cut it and use their interior kit to fill in the gaps should work. As for the wheel well opening, they just use full corner armor to dictate where the wheel centerline will be. Only piece that has to be welded is the section of channel where the soft top windows slip into.



Thats who I was referring to. I get her channel & her husbands mixed up. She wheeled it pretty hard on the shakedown run.. More whiskey throttle than I was expecting. I certainly don‘t want to skimp on axles. But if they seem to be holding up on hers, hard to overlook a set of JKR axles. In my mind I’m thinking it will be a Fab9 in the rear and JK 44 in the front until it forces my hand.
I'd run the opposite, fab9 front with 60 outers and jk44 rear. The rears are petty stout, thicker tubes, 9" ish ring gear, step up your 35 spline, redeill for 5x5.5. Not sure if it's good enough for V8 but I would think probably
 
I'd run the opposite, fab9 front with 60 outers and jk44 rear. The rears are petty stout, thicker tubes, 9" ish ring gear, step up your 35 spline, redeill for 5x5.5. Not sure if it's good enough for V8 but I would think probably
I know everyone's experiences are different, but I've seen more rear axle failures than fronts. Why I was thinking that route.
 
The Holley LS swap kit came in yesterday.
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I skimmed through this. But I used a motobilt strech for my tj to lj conversion. Used the front and rear frame then blank lj skin
 
I skimmed through this. But I used a motobilt strech for my tj to lj conversion. Used the front and rear frame then blank lj skin
I looked at that route. But they stated the rear frame section isn't for under-tub mounted gas tanks, they always put them inside. That options doesn't work for me.
 
I looked at that route. But they stated the rear frame section isn't for under-tub mounted gas tanks, they always put them inside. That options doesn't work for me.
Ah, that could be an issue. I have a custom cell and it only sticks into the tub about 3". But it is a one off fuel cell
 
Scored a pretty rare motor last week! Engine code L33.. It's an all aluminum gen3 5.3 HO... Only came in 05-07 Ext cab 4wd halfton GM trucks. I was wanting to run an all aluminum block to save some weight over the front axle, but the prices of Corvette/Camaro LS's are still pretty high. Ran across this motor and grabbed up quick as I could. It'll get a rebuild when that time comes.
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Sorry guys, this one didn’t make it. Life happened and plans changed. I ended up buying a TJ, put some armor on it and wheeled it for 2yrs. I bought it dirt cheap knowing the body was pretty rusty. Learned my lesson on buying cheap Jeeps and trying to make them what I really wanted. I was able to sell that TJ and immediately went shopping for an LJ. Ended up finding one 4hrs away, night before i was leaving to get it, dude sent my deposit back and told me he sold it. But that lead me to one 9.5hrs away to Savannah, GA. Meet and incredible American warrior (dude was SF 7th group from 1984-2016) and made a deal on a super clean 2004 LJ, black with halfdoors & decent mileage. Couple things I’m already working/upgrading, look forward to finally having my dream Jeep to tinker with!
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