Overland TJ Build ideas

dustinfromohio

dustinfromohio

New member
So I realize there are a dozen vehicles better suited for long distance travels than a TJ but I love the platform so I want to attempt it anyways. My goal is to build a vehicle capable of traveling across the country somewhat comfortably, hitting all the national/state parks along the way, then exploring places like Moab when we get there. I don’t plan on doing any serious wheeling, mostly just mild stuff while I’m out exploring for a week or two at a time. Most of these trips will be with any combination of my gf, daughter, and a dog (or 3). Below is how the Jeep currently sits along with some questions I’m rolling around. I apologize for the long windedness and thanks in advance.

Current setup:
2002 Jeep TJ
4.0
NV3550
Open Dana 30/35 with 3.73s
Zone 3” lift, nitro shocks, adj track bar
Psc stinger front bumper
Unknown brand upgraded rear tire carrier
265/70R17 Toyo AT2s
Unknown brand frame mounted rocker guards

Best way to increase cargo capacity- trailer, overhead rack, hitch mounted cargo carrier (all have their drawbacks)
Optimal tire size- possibly upgrade to 33x12.50, 33x10.50, or 34x10.50? (I don’t know out west enough to know what I really need, 3.73s are ok but id prefer a little lower gearing even with current setup so regearing will probably happen regardless)
Upgrade axles for more durability- chromoly shafts in 30, swap in a non rubicon 44?
Travel question- do you guys usually tent it, air bnb, hotels? Camping would be fun but seems to add a ton of extra supplies.
 
If you planning on doing a ton of miles, I’d start by focusing on ride. Shocks and Springs. I’d look at the rancho 9000 adjustable shocks so you can dial it in based off the load your carrying.

I wouldn’t run a lot of load up high, keep the COG as low as you can. A hitch rack and waterproof bags are great. If you need more room, you might look at a small trailer. You can search the forum, There’s a lot of guys that have built them.

Good luck.


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For the type of wheeling that you are talking about you are fine on stock diffs with a 33" tire. Maybe upgrade the axles shafts while regearing to 4:10, not sure I would go more than that as you are also going to be on the highway the majority of the time.

I think a trailer is going to be your best bet as you have stated you will have three people in the rig. Just keep it low profile. The wind drag kills you on the highway. This allows you to disconnect at the trail head or camp site and leave all that excess weight behind when wheeling.



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98XJ06LJ said:
For the type of wheeling that you are talking about you are fine on stock diffs with a 33" tire. Maybe upgrade the axles shafts while regearing to 4:10, not sure I would go more than that as you are also going to be on the highway the majority of the time.

I think a trailer is going to be your best bet as you have stated you will have three people in the rig. Just keep it low profile. The wind drag kills you on the highway. This allows you to disconnect at the trail head or camp site and leave all that excess weight behind when wheeling.



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Click to expand...

I like the small trailer idea as the Jeep already has a hitch and the wiring and it would give me more options for taking my kayak places this summer. Plus I could get pretty creative on design/features. If I stay with 4.10s it may be cheaper to find a set of factory axles already geared that way and swap them.
 
dustinfromohio said:
I like the small trailer idea as the Jeep already has a hitch and the wiring and it would give me more options for taking my kayak places this summer. Plus I could get pretty creative on design/features. If I stay with 4.10s it may be cheaper to find a set of factory axles already geared that way and swap them.
Click to expand...
Especially if you have a pick a part or any other option for a pull it yourself junk yard. You can pick up complete assemblies for a couple hundred bucks.

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Another vote for the trailer. I'm also a fan of keeping the load down low... plus the drawback of rooftop setups is you have to pack it all up every time you move the vehicle. A trailer OTOH can serve as a nice home base while you make excursions around the area... while keeping your rig light (as someone already pointed out). A final plus on the trailer is that you will have far more carrying capacity than anything on or in the vehicle could match.

If it were a JKU, there might be some trailer-less options but I couldn't see doing it any other way in my 2001 TJ.
 
sm31 said:
Another vote for the trailer. I'm also a fan of keeping the load down low... plus the drawback of rooftop setups is you have to pack it all up every time you move the vehicle. A trailer OTOH can serve as a nice home base while you make excursions around the area... while keeping your rig light (as someone already pointed out). A final plus on the trailer is that you will have far more carrying capacity than anything on or in the vehicle could match.

If it were a JKU, there might be some trailer-less options but I couldn't see doing it any other way in my 2001 TJ.
Click to expand...

[emoji1318] this. Having gone both routes, having a properly built trailer to set up as basecamp and have excursions from is better.


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Looks perfect!! If the axle is in good shape, etc. then you'll be able to do great things with it! Might look at extending the tongue just a bit but that's totally nitpicking!
 
IMG_1694.JPG

Finally got the trailer home! Plan is to use it all summer for various trips then do a rebuild on it this winter once I know exactly what I want. So far I’m loving it, excited to see the final product.
 
I started with a tj and now run a jk for overlanding and have a trailer as well. The trailer is definitely the way to go. Rooftop tent on the trailer as well. Some places I have camped only allowed tents off the ground due to bears. Here is a picture of my setup Image1558057236.254836.jpg


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