Buget unibody builD

[hjpcummins]

Got a buddy starting to gather parts for XJ build.

4.0
Aw4
Tcase swap
1 tons
38s
4 linked front n rear ( possibly staying with leafs?)
Coil springs or air shox
Exo cage
Blah blah..

It's going to be a budget build just to get him out in the woods to play with the rest of us (except me since my chit ain't done)


Things he looking for info on is :

Plating the unibody for strength

What is the best bang for the buck tcase swap

With out cutting into the interior. Is it possible to have a decent rear link setup?

 

[nhl_bullitt]

Xj specialist here. For better or worse. Im at the shop now but may throw more specific opinions here when i get home. I would start by getting some ruffstuff stiffeners. Ive linked rears and ran leafs. Leaf is more simple of course. On a recent build i bought a brand new 3" leaf pack with a ruffstuff plus 2 kit (which you could make) which pushed the rear back 3". The gas tank will have to be dealt with as well as fenderwell work. There is also the option turning the pack around for about 6" of stretch. A traction bar will be needed immediately though if you flip the pack.

Does the xj have a 231 in it? I grabbed some bigger parts out of a dodge 231 and did the 32 spline sye. Never had a problem with 40s in the year i ran it.

Also, it is pretty tight to fit a 4 link in the front, especially if it is not lifted too high. A nice 3 link can be built though. If you go that route, let me know. I can post some pics of how I set mine up (pretty stout).

 

[JDodd]

http://www.essentiallyoffroad.com/ultimate-4-link-kits/xj-cherokee-ultimate-4-link-kit/

Essentially has a kit that will plate your frame and set it up for a 4 link