JeepSpeed Style With Coilovers and Long-Arms

H

HollisM16

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Hey all,

So I'm finally getting Phase II of my XJ done, decided to have the pros handle this portion since I'm not a welder (Tanner 4x4 here in Colorado Springs is doing the work). Here are the specs for upgrades from my current setup (in sig):

- Front Currie high clearance HP Ford 9", trussed for JeepSpeed, ARB, 31-spline chromoly shafts (5x5.5, 4.88's)
- Rear Currie Ford 9" with truss, Detroit locker, 31-spline chromoly shafts (5x5.5, 4.88's)
- 35x12.50R15 ProComp XTreme AT's, using 5x5.5 versions of current wheels
- Going to 14" Fox 2" racing coilovers with reservoir in front
- 2" Fox remote reservoir shocks in the rear with air-bump bumpstops
- Custom front bumper (a lighter Trailready style) which ties into an engine cage, coilover shock hoops, and a better-than-stock skid plate
- 1-ton steering (with custom track-bar for coilovers)
- Anti-rock front anti-sway system
- Bushwacker cut-out flares (using real nuts and bolts)
- TNT-style unibody stiffeners and slider/door guards (custom though)
- TNT customs Y-Link long-arm system and HD bellypan
- Reinforced steering box
- Reinforced rear spring mounts (boxed)

So my question is with the long-arm setup and coilovers tied into an engine cage, would I need the TMR-style reinforcements (seen HERE) or do you think I would be okay for light jumping/baja-style riding?

Ride height will still be about 5" higher than stock. I'm trying to keep it lower with larger tires, great droop, and improved on-road handling. Thoughts?

Obviously I won't be racing this since I'm not adhering to JeepSpeed rules. And I know, I still need a full interior cage. I'll be doing that (8-point) along with Deavers, an HID light bar, a winch, and a custom swing-away tire carrier in the next phase- probably next summer. Maybe even a paint job... which many say should have been my first order of business. LOL

Pics or it didn't happen? Probably early next week. =)

Peace,
Hollis
 
Current setup pics:

http://webhollis.com/site/modules.p...&name=Media&file=index&include=view_album.php

Stats:

2000 XJ, 4.0-4x4-4DR, NV3550, Prior Forest Service vehicle, power nuthin' (3rd time's a charm)
Upgrades: RE 4.5" SF, XJ D44, JB's HD 231 w/ SuperShort SYE, Tom Wood's CV-DS, Centerforce DF, CSF 3-Core rad, 15x8 Ion 171's- Blk (3.4" BS- ET Lugs), MORE motor mt's, JKS BPE's & shock conv, Tembrin progressive Fr bumpstops, Pioneer CD, Alp/Blau spk's, Optima YT, K&N 6x9 cone, Griffin iPod aux/chrg, IPF H4- Fatboys, HD batt cables, Steering brace, custom fr rail brace, WeatherTech wind deflectors
 
with Tanner triple check all the work, they have had a bad rep for a long time good luck
 
Hey All,

Well I guess we'll have to see how it goes. I've stopped by to see the build-up and it looks good so far (although I'm not "weld-literate"). This sparked me to look around a bit, and it seems that people have bad stuff to say about them, however no one ever really has firsthand stories about why they're bad.

I work off of facts, and all I've seen is:

1. They've done a decent JeepSpeed build (I don't know anyone else locally who has).
2. A friend at work also goes to them without complaint (they actually took back tires he had driven on when he decided he wanted a larger size).
3. When my XJ started having an issue with the unibody pinch seam spreading due to the stock steering they threw a freakin' I-beam in there to beef it up.

So I've had a good experience with them already. In fact, that's why I went to them. I'm very hands-on with my build, choosing almost all of the parts, and I know what I want it to be in the end. They've been responsive and worked with me so far, so if you have something bad to say about them then please be ready to back it up because I have no cause to believe it.

Also, are you sure it wasn't something that happened years ago under different management and employees? I am curious to know good and bad, as this is a pretty good chunk of change for me (not to mention it took me 9 months to find the right Jeep). But if it doesn't relate to my type of situation then I'm not all that concerned (i.e. engine work, electrical work, "they ordered the wrong piece for me," "they were rude because I was only buying parts," etc.). Please share what you've got.

And don't get me wrong either, I honestly appreciate the responses. Well, Frank's was a little juvenile, but it's all good. ;)

Thanks,
Hollis
 
HollisM16 said:
Hey All,

This sparked me to look around a bit, and it seems that people have bad stuff to say about them, however no one ever really has firsthand stories about why they're bad.

Thanks,
Hollis
Click to expand...


I had them order and install an engine for me many years ago.It took twice as long as Pete said it would and when I got it home and inspected the work I found quite a few loose bolts including the upper (long) alternator bolt that was sticking out at least 4" :eek:.Fist and last time I've let them do ANY work on my rig.
 
I had them do a clutch on my 90. Had to take it back and have the clutch chatter fixed at 3 months. Their warranty was over, so I had to pay labor. Six months later, I had to have the clutch completely replaced by someone else.

Tanner=Pros. NOT.

IMHO

Fred
 
I kinda dig the paint color too........... Hell, get the original forest service decals re-done, then get a decal made that circles and lines across the FS decal and below that put "Retired"....... It'll be one of the very few old FS rigs that will LOOK like it's enjoying it's retirement.......... :D
 
Sounds like you've got it pretty well figured out. The TNT L/A setup is very stout. I'm running it on my rig and after a flop and a roll the only thing broken on my Jeep is .... well.... my Jeep. None of the parts are damaged (i.e. lift, axles, steering, control arms..) just the entire body.

If you're not dead set on the Bushwacker flares I'd take a look at the Rusty's Flex Flares. I had them on my rig and they held up great. You could drag them over rocks and against trees w/o any damage to the flares. They also look way better than the BushWankers IMHO.
 
Stopped by and looked yesterday, I just don't see anything wrong with what they're doing. Looks damn good, actually. Also, remember I'm only having them do suspension work really, which is their specialty. For engine work or clutch jobs I'd go to a shop that only does that. I really think this will be a good build.

I've given the paint thing a lot of thought and will probably end up painting it OD/GI/military green, taking off all the decals, and putting a giant white star on the hood. I think that would look good with my USMC or honorably discharged veteran license plates. However, maybe the "retired forest ranger" idea could be implemented until I get enough $$ to paint it... I do like that.

I know about all the other types of flares, btw. Like some others I fell in love with the BW cut-outs when they first came out, and I liked them even more with the newer body style (97+,the smoother lines match up better). I'm doing them mostly for looks since the durability was lost after the initial batch, but identified I want them attached with real nuts & bolts, and will probably trim the inner lip to allow for (more) stuffing of the tires. Aside from that, if they break they break. I've heard mixed news on replacement when that happens (since they warranty them for life), but I'm not going to lose sleep over it; I still think they are the best looking option out there. If worse comes to worse I'll just remove them.

I am curious about how long ago all these issues with Tanner 4x4 happened... and who the mechanics were. Dan and Hunter (I think that's his name) are working on my rig. Obviously Pete's the coordinator of the whole shebang. To be honest, the only thing I've heard that really concerns me was about bad welding... that's a huge deal since it's a unibody. Although I stopped by the shop yesterday and they're prepping the weld locations and eventhing looks solid. The true test will be taking it out, and I'll be sure to let you know my impressions.
 
Was at a 4x4 show a couple of months ago and the bushwacker rep told me bw is coming out with a tube fender type flare for the xj they had some on hand for the wrangler and they really looked slick , worth checking
 
HollisM16 said:
I've given the paint thing a lot of thought and will probably end up painting it OD/GI/military green, taking off all the decals, and putting a giant white star on the hood. I think that would look good with my USMC or honorably discharged veteran license plates.
Click to expand...

OD green and the white star is Army stuff, isn't it?
Have you seen Hugo's rig? I think he did a pretty good job with the USMC theme.
 
Army, military, Jeep Willy's... whatever you like. =) I used to be a Marine myself, so I'd love to see Hugo's rig. Still haven't run any trails yet with this rig, and I'm thinking I still might not until I get the cage in to prevent any unwanted flex cracks... you just can't get those to go away, you know? Lord knows it's been tempting...
 
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