Building an XJ into a crawler.

coony278 · Aug 5, 2013

Just wanted to share this build folks on hard line. I know there is a lot of gurus on here. Was just looking for some input on what I have done.

We are novice at the crawler building so any input would be appreciated.

We are on a low budget with this build also.

This is what we started with

then we cut the top off and rockers for the boat sides

we trussed up a dana 44 and 3 linked it

then we added the boat sides

plated the frame and made a track arm mount

started a cage

We are right in the middle of building the cage right now. so everything is just tacked up.

Let me know what you guys think, good or bad

RFREYNOLDS · Aug 5, 2013

Low budget or not we all build them for the same reason looks great man keep up the good work :****:

5BrothersFabrication · Aug 5, 2013

I'd lose the roof-titty. Unless you flip it 180° and brace it like the front.

coony278 · Aug 6, 2013

5BrothersFabrication said:
I'd lose the roof-titty. Unless you flip it 180° and brace it like the front.

Yeah the rear spike is questionable ! My freind which who's jeep this is likes it and says it is a brake for if he ever rolls it , it will dig into the ground and stop. :spin:

I dont know we have plams of bracing it up, if you turn it down like the front someone will get hurt on it getting stuff out the back. So I guess it will stay like is unless I convince him other wise

ridered3 · Aug 6, 2013

Looks like y'all act like you know what you are doing. Cool build.

3 linked the 44, what other axle ya running, gears, lockers, tires etc?

coony278 · Aug 6, 2013

ridered3 said:
Looks like y'all act like you know what you are doing. Cool build.

3 linked the 44, what other axle ya running, gears, lockers, tires etc?

It has a dana 60 in the rear with 4:11 gears lincoln locked both ends and a 231 doubler in it. going to run 38's maybe 40's at a later date.

I guess we pretty good at acting

Cause neither one of us has much experience. booyang

coony278 · Aug 11, 2013

Just need to weld up the cage and add the gussets

frittsx4 · Aug 11, 2013

Keep pics coming :dblthumb:

tonybolton · Aug 12, 2013

Re: Re: Building an XJ into a crawler.

Interested to see how that short arm/radius arm/3-link works for'ya...

However....from the pic it looks like a complete radius arm setup (both upper links shown)

coony278 · Aug 12, 2013

Re: Re: Building an XJ into a crawler.

tonybolton said:
Interested to see how that short arm/radius arm/3-link works for'ya...

However....from the pic it looks like a complete radius arm setup (both upper links shown)

I agree , I think it will work great , It fine on jack stands :