My MJ Build XXMJ

[TNT]

I purchased a '89 MJ Pioneer, 4.0. Pukegoat 5 speed, 3.07 gears, rear D44 and 4.5"-6" of lift. I bought it without his 33" tires and the stereo. I on put my 33x10.50-15 BFG AT's with black 15x7's with 4" of backspacing for the time being.

Here's a picture

I have a '94 and a '95 XJ that will be doners for this project. They both are 4.0 HO's with auto trannys and the '94 will supply the 242 transfer case. The '95 will supply the engine and transmission.

Some of the plans are to plate the frame, cleanup the rust on the underside and give it a good coating of rustproofing. All the factory decals and emblems will be removed, as will all the chrome trim. Only the front and rear Jeep emblems will remain on it. I will be adding power windows. locks,mirrors and my completet R134 A/C system from my '95 which has the wiring harness I will be using. I will be using my auto dimming mirror with compass from the '94 XJ.

Here it is with the first fender trimming and the cap taht came with it.(cap up for sale soon)

My front bumper
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o182/TNTACR/MJ005.jpg

I desided to get wilder with the front flares. I formed, reshaped, cut and fit a different flare today. It's just clamped on for right now. I also cut the fender more.

Side view

Fit at front body line

Fit at rear bodyline and filled gap

Tire coverage with 33x10.50-15 on 15x7 rims with 4" of backspacing

Another view showing the 11" of clearance over the 33" tire with 6" of lift

I still need to rework the front part of the inner fender, remove the rust, paint the fender, mount the flare and make a inner fender liner.

I stopped by a local junk yard and picked up a '77 HP D44 front and a '79 9" rear axle. My plan is 5.13 gears, lockers, alloy axles and Q78-15 Swampers.

 

[TNT]

I'm undecided if I should 3 link it with a track bar or use the Ford radius arms movind inboard and extended and bent like Cat's radius arms.

I picked up a '97 Dakota front seat today for $25.00. They are 2 buckets with a seperate center bolted on. I'm probably going to use them as buckets with the '94 Cherokee center console

I have decided to do a custom built cab and box. I'll section the cab and use the back section from another cab to extend it so a 2dr door fits. The front of the bed will be shortened about 9 inches and the rear of the bed will be bobbed 8" so it ends it the end of the shackle mount.

It should look something like this.

The extra room will make it easier to get in and out of. I will also be more comfortable with my back problems.

The bed will be about 4 1/2" long. The gas tank will be replaced by an XJ tank mounted in the bed inside a custom built box that will also carry some spare parts, tools, hi-lift jack, hold the battery and an air tank/compressor set-up. The matching spare tire will be mounted over the box and hinged to swing out of the way. I will also be building a exo-cage over the roof that will tie in to weld in rockers, the rear of the frame, the rear shock mounts, front suspension and front bumper.

You opinions and thoughts are welcome.

 

[TNT]

I picked up a rust free passenger door today.

Here's a picture comparing a 2dr XJ door to my MJ door. It will make a big difference in room.

 

[imma honky]

Subscribed. Very interested in this build. Try and take as many pics as you can.

 

[Gil BullyKatz]

I'm undecided if I should 3 link it with a track bar or use the Ford radius arms movind inboard and extended and bent like Cat's radius arms.

interesting radius arms...

They kinda look like this don't they?

Let me know if you ever want to swing by Kenosha and check them out...

You might be able to help me find a 'manche too!

 

[TNT]

So how good did they work?

I'll have to stop by and check them out. Did you build them or buy them?

I should be able to find a MJ of you. Anything special you looking for?

Short box, long box, 2wd or 4wd, stick or auto, engine size, year, running or not? Or just whatever you can find? I know of a couple right now I believe.

 

[Israel]

I have decided to do a custom built cab and box. I'll section the cab and use the back section from another cab to extend it so a 2dr door fits. The front of the bed will be shortened about 9 inches and the rear of the bed will be bobbed 8" so it ends it the end of the shackle mount.

It should look something like this.

The extra room will make it easier to get in and out of. I will also be more comfortable with my back problems.

The bed will be about 4 1/2" long. The gas tank will be replaced by an XJ tank mounted in the bed inside a custom built box that will also carry some spare parts, tools, hi-lift jack, hold the battery and an air tank/compressor set-up. The matching spare tire will be mounted over the box and hinged to swing out of the way. I will also be building a exo-cage over the roof that will tie in to weld in rockers, the rear of the frame, the rear shock mounts, front suspension and front bumper.

You opinions and thoughts are welcome.

Just curious, you mentioned lengthening the cab to fit a longer door. Have you ever seen someone lengthen the cab and keep the doors for an extracab effect?

Also, since you will be shortening the bed in front of the tires and bobbing the back, have you considered a flatbed or similar to save the trouble of trying to cut and stitch that bed in two different places?

 

[Kittrell]

Just curious, you mentioned lengthening the cab to fit a longer door. Have you ever seen someone lengthen the cab and keep the doors for an extracab effect?

That is being done right now.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=930553

Also, since you will be shortening the bed in front of the tires and bobbing the back, have you considered a flatbed or similar to save the trouble of trying to cut and stitch that bed in two different places?

That would definitely make it easier. But I hope for aesthetic purposes he keeps the bed. I'd love to see someone do exactly what I photoshopped there.

 

[Kittrell]

This is as close as anyone has ever come to what I made up. Started life as a early two door. This guy grafted in the cab, the roof, the tailgate, and the newer taillights. Some fantastic body work. Had he gone a step further and added the bed I have no doubt it would have been the cleanest conversion ever done. Wil is doing his with the XJ roof.

 

[TNT]

Just curious, you mentioned lengthening the cab to fit a longer door. Have you ever seen someone lengthen the cab and keep the doors for an extracab effect?

Also, since you will be shortening the bed in front of the tires and bobbing the back, have you considered a flatbed or similar to save the trouble of trying to cut and stitch that bed in two different places?

yes I have

 

[tjmwr7]

Im very interested sooo lets see some more pics

 

[toast]

This is as close as anyone has ever come to what I made up. Started life as a early two door. This guy grafted in the cab, the roof, the tailgate, and the newer taillights. Some fantastic body work. Had he gone a step further and added the bed I have no doubt it would have been the cleanest conversion ever done. Wil is doing his with the XJ roof.

I think I know this guy...I will ask if he has anymore pics if you want

 

[Kittrell]

Pics or a link to a build thread somewhere would be fantastic.

 

[DrSockMonkey]

I desided to get wilder with the front flares. I formed, reshaped, cut and fit a different flare today. It's just clamped on for right now. I also cut the fender more.

Side view

More info on these flares/reshaping would be great. Looks good with a stock "look".

 

[SOUTHTEXASXJ]

nice project keep us posted it will be sweet!

 

[1999mj]

did ya start cuttin on this thing yet? Lets see some progress photos

 

[TNT]

I should have the parts cab here this week to cut up. I'm stripping down the '95 XJ so I have the engine, trans, wiring harness, power goodies and the complete R-134 AC system. I have almost all the steel for the frame plating and the bed. I've been stripping down the '77 HP D44 and the 9" rearend so I can build them. That is unless I use the HP D60 I'm getting next week.:dunno: I'm also getting another 9" axle, some Dodge D44 flattop axle outers(he cut the axle tubes and shafts right behind the C's) and some other misc parts. I've designed a 3-link mid arm set-up for the front suspension. I've been trading parts and getting prepared

As soon as I finish stripping the '95 XJ the cutting will start. I can't wait.:yelclap:

 

[TNT]

More info on these flares/reshaping would be great. Looks good with a stock "look".

I'll try and make up a post about how to cut the fenders and use the stock flares for a nice clean look.

I will be spicing in another front inner wheelwell panel so the inner fender curve will end at the back of the core support. That way I can really stuff the tires high and be able to turn from lock to lock without rubbing.

It will have inner fender shields to finsh of the stock look of the fenders.

With 6" of lift and 33" tires there is 14" from the tire to the flare. Needless to say it will get bigger tires...

Right now it looks even funnier. I put the 33" tires on my '94 XJ with 3" of lift so now the MJ is sporting stock rims with 31" tires.

I'm waiting for some more snow to fall so I can take the '94 out for a nice joy ride later tonight.

 

[thebluebuffalo]

Just curious, you mentioned lengthening the cab to fit a longer door. Have you ever seen someone lengthen the cab and keep the doors for an extracab effect?

Also, since you will be shortening the bed in front of the tires and bobbing the back, have you considered a flatbed or similar to save the trouble of trying to cut and stitch that bed in two different places?

damn that jeep looks good. i've been thinking for a time now of something like this. i can't wait to get started on mine.

 

[TNT]

More info on these flares/reshaping would be great. Looks good with a stock "look".

Here some more pics