Kinda on the fence about doing a build thread. But I'd like to hear some feedback and suggestions so here we go. I'll say this, I'm no professional and my stuff will never be as nice ( or as expensive) as lots of rigs. I'm building this in my two car garage with basic tools and a small welder. I redo lots of things before I'm happy. I also take forever to get things done. I started this around July.
I named this jeep Recidivist because I've built before and swore I wouldn't again. Little history of what I've done before.
I had started on a YJ but this as far as I got.
I built a camaro after the YJ. Lost interest as soon as I finished it. Maybe I just like building stuff lol.
So I got the itch to start something else and decided on a TJ. Picked up a clean tub and drug it home.
Picked up some axles. It's a Dana 50. I know. I got it stupid cheap with the truss, gears and locker. Regular ol 14 bolt, needs gears and a locker. I got the truss from Undercover fab I believe. The pinion guard I think from Barnes.
Complete 5.3 with harness and computer. And I stole a NV4500 locally. I got it with the bell housing etc removed from a complete truck, Borg Warner transfer case, and both driveshafts for $400. And they pulled it for me lol. In the rain. I'm going to run that transfer case because there's nothing wrong with it. It has a 2.72 low range and fixed output yokes. 1410 rear and 1350 front. It came from a 1999 3500 behind a 454.
Picked up some steel and started making a frame. It's 2x4 3/16's wall. I still have mixed feelings about this. The steel cost about as much as buying a TJ frame would have. It was a lot of work. There are still some things I'm working out with how I built the frame. I was able to gain a lot of clearance building it. Most the LCG TJ builds I've seen replace the front and rear frame sections. I did make my sliders my body mounts too. I built this on my garage floor so level and square are curse words. Overall I'm pleased with it and I think it's strong. I fish plated all the seams inside and out.
At some point I made a cart for my welder
leaning towards raking the grill like so.
Currently it sits just like this. Drivetrain slung in there. I have to cut the floor quite a bit to get it tucked up in there for a flat belly. Next is drivetrain mounts.
I have most everything I need to start the suspension once I have the drivetrain mounted. 3 link with a pan hard for the front, really interested in a set of ORI's. And 4 link rear with TJ coils. I can take pictures of anything anyone wants to see. I just hope this encourages anyone working on a budget with minimal tools. You don't have to pay a shop tons to build your stuff.
I named this jeep Recidivist because I've built before and swore I wouldn't again. Little history of what I've done before.
I had started on a YJ but this as far as I got.
I built a camaro after the YJ. Lost interest as soon as I finished it. Maybe I just like building stuff lol.
So I got the itch to start something else and decided on a TJ. Picked up a clean tub and drug it home.
Picked up some axles. It's a Dana 50. I know. I got it stupid cheap with the truss, gears and locker. Regular ol 14 bolt, needs gears and a locker. I got the truss from Undercover fab I believe. The pinion guard I think from Barnes.
Complete 5.3 with harness and computer. And I stole a NV4500 locally. I got it with the bell housing etc removed from a complete truck, Borg Warner transfer case, and both driveshafts for $400. And they pulled it for me lol. In the rain. I'm going to run that transfer case because there's nothing wrong with it. It has a 2.72 low range and fixed output yokes. 1410 rear and 1350 front. It came from a 1999 3500 behind a 454.
Picked up some steel and started making a frame. It's 2x4 3/16's wall. I still have mixed feelings about this. The steel cost about as much as buying a TJ frame would have. It was a lot of work. There are still some things I'm working out with how I built the frame. I was able to gain a lot of clearance building it. Most the LCG TJ builds I've seen replace the front and rear frame sections. I did make my sliders my body mounts too. I built this on my garage floor so level and square are curse words. Overall I'm pleased with it and I think it's strong. I fish plated all the seams inside and out.
At some point I made a cart for my welder
leaning towards raking the grill like so.
Currently it sits just like this. Drivetrain slung in there. I have to cut the floor quite a bit to get it tucked up in there for a flat belly. Next is drivetrain mounts.
I have most everything I need to start the suspension once I have the drivetrain mounted. 3 link with a pan hard for the front, really interested in a set of ORI's. And 4 link rear with TJ coils. I can take pictures of anything anyone wants to see. I just hope this encourages anyone working on a budget with minimal tools. You don't have to pay a shop tons to build your stuff.
