Re-venge YJ Tons Swap

[Beerj]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Random pics from the initial build...

 

[Beerj]

 

[Beerj]

 

[Beerj]

More current stuff

 

[Beerj]

 

[ridered3]

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

 

[Beerj]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

Stainless Caprice LS1 LS6 LSX Stainless Shorty Chevrolet Engine Swap Header LS 1 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Stainless Caprice LS1 LS6 LSX Stainless Shorty Chevrolet Engine Swap Header LS 1 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Beerj]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.