Re-venge YJ Tons Swap

Beerj · Feb 17, 2021

Built this 89 yj over the past few years so the wife could follow us around and so both of our kids could wheel with us. Last summer was the first it was out and it did well for what it is. But being on 35's and leafs, it was a rough ride and although she could follow on the connecting trails, it just couldn't keep pace. So coilovers and 43's were in order so if nothing else, should at least be a comfortable ride. Started life as a bone stock yj. Pulled the 4.2 and threw in a 5.3/th350, xj frront axle and an 8.8.

*Edit* oops, didn't mean to hit the post button yet. We're off to a great start...

Beerj · Feb 17, 2021

So anyway, most of the changes will be from the frame down. Definitely adding a proper cage and harnesses and adding a fuel cell in the back since obviously the factory tank won't fit. 14 bolt rear and an SD60, both welded and geared to 5.38. 14" 2.0 Fox coilovers on all 4 corners from Accutune. I'd love to throw an atlas in it right away but it's just not in the budget so the 231 will get 1350 yokes and stay until it splits in half.

Beerj · Feb 17, 2021

Swore I'd buy predrilled hubs last time I built one of these axles, but realized I'm just as cheap now as I was then.

Beerj · Feb 17, 2021

I've got a bunch of parts sitting here but still waiting on some stuff before I can actually build anything. Got heims but no tubing, also waiting on tabs and brackets. Still have some factory brackets to cut off so need to get that done first anyway. Hoping I can fit the shocks in here without having to cut the frame up.

Beerj · Feb 17, 2021

Random pics from the initial build...

Beerj · Feb 17, 2021

Beerj · Feb 17, 2021

Beerj · Feb 17, 2021

More current stuff

Beerj · Feb 17, 2021

ridered3 · Feb 17, 2021

Cool to see a build up on the wife's YJ!

Beerj · Feb 17, 2021

ridered3 said:
Cool to see a build up on the wife's YJ!

Yessir. Definitely nothing groundbreaking but at least everyone can see my own personal way of screwing things up. Lol.

ridered3 · Feb 17, 2021

Beerj said:
Yessir. Definitely nothing groundbreaking but at least everyone can see my own personal way of screwing things up. Lol.

Sounds like a good plan there and will get to see it at Harlan in October.

Stretch · Feb 18, 2021

Build looks great. I'm in the middle of a similar one on a YJ with a CJ front clip. What headers are those? Those are exactly what I need.

Beerj · Feb 18, 2021

Stretch said:
Build looks great. I'm in the middle of a similar one on a YJ with a CJ front clip. What headers are those? Those are exactly what I need.

Thanks man. Let me see if I can get a link. I bought a set on ebay that I used on my buggy and when it came time to get hers, found these that are identical but different brand. I'm guessing the same Chinese company makes them and just rebrands them as they see fit.

Beerj · Feb 18, 2021

These are the exact ones. But if you just search "ls stainless headers" on ebay, you'll find a ton that are identical, lots under $100. Also some around $150 that include the collectors with O2 bungs.

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Beerj · Feb 18, 2021

Also, tracking for my 14 bolt gears just changed to "undeliverable" because they've been damaged. Really? Short of the ring or pinion missing, I'm sure they're fine.

The Luke · Feb 18, 2021

Awesome build. Honestly, I've wanted to stretch a yj tub for years and start all over.

Also, super clean wiring on the engine bay. Where'd you put the PCM?

Beerj · Feb 18, 2021

PCM is mounted vertical under the center console. The fuses and relay block are also under there and the switch panel is mounted beside the shifter. So I've just got 1 hot running into the console, and then the main harness runs out to the engine bay along with all of the accessory wiring like fans, fuel pump, lights etc. This is about all I have showing how that went.

The Luke · Feb 19, 2021

Well done. Nothing will cause me to walk away from a rig faster than sloppy wiring. Which is ironic, since my current wiring is a nightmare. I'm itching for the day that my 4.0 gives it up and I can justify stripping everything and starting from scratch

Beerj · Feb 19, 2021

The Luke said:
Well done. Nothing will cause me to walk away from a rig faster than sloppy wiring. Which is ironic, since my current wiring is a nightmare. I'm itching for the day that my 4.0 gives it up and I can justify stripping everything and starting from scratch

I too, am guilty of rushing through wiring. When I built this jeep, I wasn't in a big hurry and also realized that I could make my life easier by adding a bus bar in the engine bay. That way, any time I need to change anything, I don't have to dig into the console.