Search results

Now it’s time to talk about the tank. I knew the risk going into this project using the Sterling rear axle. I wanted to see for myself if it would work or not. Some of the things I read about the swap was that you can just beat in the corner, swap in a 2 door tank, or let it self clearance. This...

Something I didn’t like was how low the rear shock mounts were. As you can see, my shocks are extended a great amount. So I took a note from EVO and moved the shock mount up a couple of inches, chopped off the extra and made a skid plate for them. Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE...

Haven’t really discussed the suspension yet but I didn’t want to stretch my budget too much so I didn’t change much. I upgraded from 3.5” RK springs to 4.5” RK springs. I swapped out the front lowers for the 1 ton arms like mentioned before. Also all eight arms needed to be adjusted to set the...

For steering I converted it to a double sheer setup using DOM and heims from Ruff Stuff and high steer knuckles from Weaver Fabrication. I’m happy with the setup. Only issue I had was that the tie rod barely touched the track bar mount on the axle. You could just make some bends the tie rod and...

Setting up the front axle and suspension required a little creativeness. The front lower RK links won’t flex outward enough to bolt up. So RK addresses this with their 1 ton swap lower links. They are massive and are adjustable on the Jeep. As you can see from the picture above, the axle is...

There’s a couple options up front. You can buy new wheel bearings ready to go with the 8x170mm bolt pattern that will plug into the Jeep. But you’re going to pay for it. Artec has a set for the new 05 and up axles which are about $330 each. Currie has the same setup that will work with the 99-04...

So when it comes to ABS sensors there’s only a couple options. You only need 1 of 4 for your speedo to work. My goal was to have no dash lights. I believe the newer JKs have more issues with no ABS sensors. For the rear, Artec makes a tone ring that you can install on the rear hubs. The hub...

More on the tank later. Decided to go with some 40” Nittos. First they were unavailable so I ordered a set of Toyos which went on a 5 week back order. At that point I was about to order a set of STT Pros when I got a lead on some Nittos so I scooped them up. Also picked up Machete beadlocks...

To back it up a little, I mocked up the brackets to dial in the suspension and check for interference. The track bar made contact with the truss which just required a little trimming and here’s where I ran into the first issues with the tank. When flexing the the suspension the yoke actually...

At this point I dropped off the axles to get rebuilt. 5.38s, ARBs and rebuild kit. Total cost for axles, trusses, parts and 1350 yokes to match my driveshafts and labor was right at 5k. Expenses don’t stop there. Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app

Once the axles were broke down, Klungy and I set to work welding on the trusses from Artec. It took two of us because we had to heat the casting up to 400F as recommended when welding. It takes a long time to heat everything up evenly to get it close to the right temperature. Once completed, we...

Picked up the axles and it was time to disassemble. Minimal casting needs to be removed on the driver side. It was actually easier than I thought. I used a angle grinder and the sparks change when you get through the cast and reach the axle tube. Tear down was easy. Rear gave me troubles. If...

Goal of the build was to build it without breaking the bank. This would have been a great time for coil overs and long arms but the budget didn’t support it. That can all come at a later time. I did my research and I budgeted for about 10-12k. That includes axles, tires, beadlocks, steering...

I decided to go junkyard axles because I could get more for my money in the end. The majority of the axles that people choose for this are Superduty axles or SD front with a newer GM 14 Bolt (AAM 10.5). When it comes to SD axles you get a HP Dana 60 front and Sterling 10.5 Rear. 8x170mm bolt...

Here’s my last wheeling trip before the swap. I had 38” Patagonias, PR44 with 5.13s and ARBs. Also 3.5” RK X Factor Lift. Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app

I’ve lacked in my thread updates over the last 4 months or so but a lot has happened. Work has been extremely busy and major things are happening with the Jeep. Here’s a few pictures from the last couple trips before the Jeep went under construction. Wheeling at Reiter Pit. Need 40s...

Finally got the flatbed mounted with a few modifications from the original design. Also decided to chop the frame six inches. Headache Rack Still need to trim the boards to fit. Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app

Got the gas tank from a 1978 F250 out of the junkyard for $40. Decided to mount it forward of the axle to keep it out of the way of any rocks and stuff. It sits high enough in the frame that it won’t come close to the DS. I will still build some sort of skid plate. Sent from my iPhone using...

So I decided to sell the D60 to klungly because it was too narrow. He tore it apart and it turned out to be D70. He’s still going to throw it in his TJ. I found a 14 bolt with the same gear ratio as up front for $150. I need to set the pinion angle before I weld the perches but I needed weight...

To add more info to this post, I’ve been driving on the snow and ice for the past few days and they have performed better than expected. Tons of traction. Difficult to break the tires loose. Maybe that’s just the 3.8. [emoji23] Wear still seems consistent throughout the tires. Still pleased...