I was thinking about trying to dye them, but also thought that maybe they wouldn’t take color very well so the fabric paint is probably a better idea.
So I picked up a project TJ
- Thread starter J-mobzz
- Start date
cjncustoms
Well-Known Member
- Location
- West jordan
Man both those blazers were sweet! That 383 made the red one boogey with 35’s!
This little jeep sure has been a lot of fun this summer. For those that haven’t seen my other thread I’m planning to build a 6.0 this fall for my adventure Van. And once thats done, I plan on rebuilding the 5.3 out of the van to swap into the TJ.
When I start making my wrecking yard runs looking for a donor engine. My current plan is to find a Ford 8.8 to swap into the rear of this thing. It currently has 33 inch tires and I don’t really ever want to go bigger than 35s. Would the 8.8 with some upgraded axle shafts upfront in the Dana 30 be up to the V8 swap? Or am I going to just need to bite the bullet save for some real axles? So far even with open diffs and 33s, the Jeep has been more than satisfying my needs for off roading. I’m not looking to build a rock crawler as much as just something I can take out and enjoy some trails.
When I start making my wrecking yard runs looking for a donor engine. My current plan is to find a Ford 8.8 to swap into the rear of this thing. It currently has 33 inch tires and I don’t really ever want to go bigger than 35s. Would the 8.8 with some upgraded axle shafts upfront in the Dana 30 be up to the V8 swap? Or am I going to just need to bite the bullet save for some real axles? So far even with open diffs and 33s, the Jeep has been more than satisfying my needs for off roading. I’m not looking to build a rock crawler as much as just something I can take out and enjoy some trails.
glockman
I hate Jeep trucks
- Location
- Pleasant Grove
My way heavier LJ is on stock Rubi 44's with 37's and has held up to multiple Moab trips and 15k miles of my wife hot rodding it around town.
That track bar I picked up from you made such a difference. Most notably when driving down the freeway, it’s so much better.
- Location
- The Land Northward (Bountiful), Utah
Yes on the 8.8. An Explorer 8.8 has 31 spline shafts and discs. You'll need spacers for a TJ as it's 1.5 narrower.
Explorers came with a V8 and more weight.
I've got a 4.10 8.8 under my Ranger I've been wanting an excuse the swap since it won't take my Detroit I've had sitting in a box for 3 years. I've got some new 4.56s too.
Explorers came with a V8 and more weight.
I've got a 4.10 8.8 under my Ranger I've been wanting an excuse the swap since it won't take my Detroit I've had sitting in a box for 3 years. I've got some new 4.56s too.
glockman
I hate Jeep trucks
- Location
- Pleasant Grove
They also came in broncos and F150's. I think there was a mustang version of the 8.8 that was wider too.
- Location
- The Land Northward (Bountiful), Utah
Yeah the f150 version is much too wide and the mustang one has small tubes and upper control arm mounts cast into the center section.
What do you plan to swap it to a 9 inch? Is the ranger 8.8 the same as the explorer? Drum brakes? Not 31 spline? I may be interested in buying it from you but if I can score an explorer axle and it’s better that might be the better option for me.
- Location
- Bountiful, land of rocks
Find a TJ D44 and bolt that in rather than the 8.8. If you're not beating on it, it'll be fine.
Any idea what a fair price for a TJ Dana 44 would be? A quick look on Facebook marketplace looks like they’re mostly in the $1200 - $1500 range. And I imagine with gears in a rear locker It seems like a pretty expensive upgrade for what it is.
- Location
- Bountiful, land of rocks
We found one for @ebryson TJ for about $300-400. That was a few years ago but there are SO many TJs getting parted or axle upgrades I can't imagine there's not a TJ D44 out there for less than you'd have into the 8.8 and a bracket kit?
Other option would be to swap to JK D44/D30? I've seen those as sets going for deals. You'll be welding brackets obviously and will need some wheels for the JK option.
Yeah, that’s a good point I guess by the time I pay $350 for a bracket kit $100 for the spacers all the effort of pulling it out of some thing at a wrecking yard cleaning it up welding everything together. Finding a TJ D44 sounds like a much more affordable option than it did before this post. I’ll just keep some searches saved on Facebook in KSL.
- Location
- Bountiful, land of rocks
https://www.facebook.com/share/fWASnQkM5QqtHvna/ That's a 4 week old post. I "think" Sport TJ had 4.0L and D44? Don't hold me to that?
Grand Junction has some Jeep parts. Not sure of pricing.
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Grand Junction has some Jeep parts. Not sure of pricing.
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- Location
- Grand Junction, CO
https://www.facebook.com/share/fWASnQkM5QqtHvna/ That's a 4 week old post. I "think" Sport TJ had 4.0L and D44? Don't hold me to that?
Grand Junction has some Jeep parts. Not sure of pricing.
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Jeeps Unlimited here in GJ prices are insane, I'd be willing to bet they want $1500 for a TJ 44 rear... but, if not I'd be willing to help move an axle around.
I think mines a sport with a 4 L and it’s a Dana 35. But mines also in 1999 so that may have changed.https://www.facebook.com/share/fWASnQkM5QqtHvna/ That's a 4 week old post. I "think" Sport TJ had 4.0L and D44? Don't hold me to that?
Grand Junction has some Jeep parts. Not sure of pricing.
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- Location
- Bountiful, land of rocks
Now that you mention that, @ebryson has a 97 and it's a Sport as well. Had a D35. Maybe I'm thinking of the TJ X model?
Pile of parts
Well-Known Member
- Location
- South Jordan
This guy used to be very reasonable. Might be worth a try???
Pile of parts
Well-Known Member
- Location
- South Jordan
I'm pretty sure Sport was just a trim package. Drivetrain components were options.