99 XJ HD build

[Freeman Jeep]

So I have been in the stages of getting my xj ready for a cage and rear 4 link. Finally after getting things in order and getting some more tools I got around to it. First off I did an axle swap on it a few years ago. I put 78 F-250 axles under it (hp dana 44 and dana 60) they are geared to 4.10 and have a spartan and lockrite locker. The front suspension was home brew I dont remember it all my uncle helped me with it and I was at a point in my life where I wasnt keen on paying attention. Anyway on to the build so far.
The first thing I did was raised the gas tank just because I thought it would be a fun little project.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

The next thing I did was take the doors off and do the rocker replacement with 2x6 tube. I threw some frame stiffeners on that i have had for a while too.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Last night I got some plate thrown on from the rockers to the angle i welded on the floor for reinforcement.

 

[mesha]

Nice work!

 

[kmboren]

Good start. Mine is built very similar.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Thanks guys. It's not going as fast as i want, but i make do with the time i have. Hopefully this weekend I can start the cage

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Finally got the top started today! Hoping to get hammering more on it tomorrow. Thank you nice weather!

 

[jedi]

Looks good.

 

[Gravy]

Nice

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Lame picture I know I will get some better ones in a couple days, but I got the b pillars in and welded along with the c and d supports. Now i need to do some cross bracing and do the a pillars. Shouldn't be too much longer before i can start the rear 4 link!

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Starting to paint and finish the mounting under the b pillars! Next up 4 link

 

[Freeman Jeep]

So after the cage I jumped right on the 4 link. I used a 4 link calculator which was very nice to see how it would all act. (In a program that is). I got the axle ripped out on a night and had the rear floating in a couple hours.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

After a little more playing around with measurements I got cutting on brackets and tabs. I did cut some tabs at work on the good machines and bought a couple to save some time. Fabbed a truss out of 3.5"x.5" flatbar. For the axle tabs i used 3/8"plate and brackets i used 3/16" plate. I cut the rear fenders a little bit haha. Got it on the tires and started completing the little things

 

[thenag]

The uppers for the Clayton kit have a little bend in them to go around the floor, if you get to hitting the floor you could re-do your uppers with a little bend in them. If you want I can take a picture of mine.

I am not sure if you are planing a cross member between the two upper link mounts but it might be something to consider.

Seems like quick progress!

Nathan

 

[CV-92YJ]

Nice work! Did you cut down your axles at all when you did the axle swap? Tucks nicely in there for being a full size axle.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Thenag
I actually cut two holes in the floor so the uppers won't hit. I am planning a cross member once i get my drive line back. The little details are coming along haha.
Cv-92yj
i didn't cut the axles at all. The rear 60 just fits very well even with stock fenders.

 

[mesha]

It is coming along nicely!

 

[thenag]

Thenag
I actually cut two holes in the floor so the uppers won't hit. I am planning a cross member once i get my drive line back. The little details are coming along haha.

Sweet RockMonkey cut his floor it seemed like it came out nice.

The Clayton kit I have the front crossmember with the transmission mount is removable, but the rear one is not and sometimes I wish it was. I have to get my np231/d300 twisted just right to get the rear yoke to go around the crossmember.

Nathan

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Ya I'm debating on whether or not to make the cross member in the rear removable. I'm tempted to just weld a piece of tube between.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

This is the next part and some rear tube fenders. I have a trip to sand hollow this week so it's going to go almost as is now haha.