97 jeep tj / where do I go from here

97tjEddie

New member
hey all, this is my first time here and my first post. I want to thank the folks that started this for the information and dedication to educating me on all the how to do/DIY write ups!!
I thought I would start here and explain what I have done to my tj and see what practical modification I can do for the safety and longevity of the jeep and also to get me further down and back on the trail.
 
about a year ago I bought a 97 jeep tj sport with a 4" rough country short arm kit with 33" A/T tires. Everything else was stock. The Jeep has absolutely zero rust and was clean as a pen. My first order of business was to re-do a bad install of 4.10 gears for the Dana 35 rear-end. Then I bought a new soft top shell for the jeep. I will list most of what I have done since then and if you would like to advise me, please feel free to help.
front bumper and winch
led lights
beefy tie rod and track-bar
rancho rs 5000x shocks
rear upper double adj control arms
about to install rocker guard.
I have a ford 8.8 in the carport stripped of all the brackets but no bracket kit yet.
I cut and made my own flat fender flairs
extended front and rear brake lines.

20170421_173707.jpg20170421_173613.jpg
 
Good looking jeep. I wouldn't mess with the D35 anymore and go ahead and put your efforts to getting that 8.8 swapped in. East Coast Gear Supply sells the required brackets to swap into a TJ. Also it seems like every TJ I have ever wheeled with seems to overheat. So I would make sure your cooling system is up to par. It looks like you have a great start and need to wheel it to see your limitations and make changes as needed.


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Some rocker armor (plate not just steps) for protection and to cover up the factory holes by the front flares. Couldn't tell what kind of rocker guard you meant. Otherwise, still looks really clean. A few safety items fire extinguisher, first aid kit basic tools for trails. How are you set for tow points in the rear?
 
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Good looking jeep. I wouldn't mess with the D35 anymore and go ahead and put your efforts to getting that 8.8 swapped in. East Coast Gear Supply sells the required brackets to swap into a TJ. Also it seems like every TJ I have ever wheeled with seems to overheat. So I would make sure your cooling system is up to par. It looks like you have a great start and need to wheel it to see your limitations and make changes as needed.


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Thanks for the info. ill look into the cooling system. so far we have done a few mild trails with no problems. and we had no cooling problems so far. Also i know installing a 8.8 will intell me doing a SYE and new drive shaft .
 
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Thanks for the info. ill look into the cooling system. so far we have done a few mild trails with no problems. and we had no cooling problems so far. Also i know installing a 8.8 will intell me doing a SYE and new drive shaft .

I didn't do a SYE when I installed the 8.8 in my YJ but it's a very good idea and it would also be near the top of my list.


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Some rocker armor (plate not just steps) for protection and to cover up the factory holes by the front flares. Couldn't tell what kind of rocker guard you meant. Otherwise, still looks really clean. A few safety items fire extinguisher, first aid kit basic tools for trails. How are you set for tow points in the rear?

the new rocker guard covers the entire rocker panel from front flair to rear flair. and up several inches. prob 6" . I have tape over the holes and when I get the rocker guard on next weekend it will cover it all.
and i do need to get a fire extingusher first aid kit too. thanks for the heads up
 
Some rocker armor (plate not just steps) for protection and to cover up the factory holes by the front flares. Couldn't tell what kind of rocker guard you meant. Otherwise, still looks really clean. A few safety items fire extinguisher, first aid kit basic tools for trails. How are you set for tow points in the rear?

oh and also I only have a 2" tow /reciever hitch and it is hooked to the frame. so im planning on buying a hitch with a D-ring or a hook for a toe point ,
 
I had the 1" transfer case spacer and I had no abnormal vibrations. I kept the same driveline and just converted the 8.8 to a standard yoke to accept my 1330 u-joint. Ordered that through ECGS too. I no longer have the jeep but I do have a build thread on it called "Secondhand YJ". It's leaf springs but it might help visualize some things.


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I had the 1" transfer case spacer and I had no abnormal vibrations. I kept the same driveline and just converted the 8.8 to a standard yoke to accept my 1330 u-joint. Ordered that through ECGS too. I no longer have the jeep but I do have a build thread on it called "Secondhand YJ". It's leaf springs but it might help visualize some things.


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Thanks for that info..!! Ill bet you had a lot more confidence in the 8.8 didnt you??
What jeep do you have now?
 
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