Jeep Crawler Bench Build

[bobdog]

Why the need to stretch a TJ. Do you need the room? Seems like wanting to not make it too capable would mean stock wheelbase is OK?

 

[TRD270]

Why the need to stretch a TJ. Do you need the room? Seems like wanting to not make it too capable would mean stock wheelbase is OK?

Good point. I’m a Toyota guy, just always hear about stretching TJs so thought it was just the thing to do. Hence the bench build, so all you fine folks can keep me out of trouble.

Last time I built a crawler you could buy a first gen 4runner for 3k that wasn’t thrashed and turn it into an epic machine for sub 10k total.

Some, what I would consider nicely built TJs for around the 12-14k mark. Guess next time I’m in town I need to go put boots on the ground.

 

[mbryson]

100-104" TJ based rig will go a LOT of places

 

[N-Smooth]

I personally think a ~100” wb TJ makes for a RAD rig. Stretch the front out a couple inches, the rear the other 5 or 6” and send it. Axles from a JK or JL/JT would also be a cool solution for 37’s IMO.

 

[Greg]

I personally think a ~100” wb TJ makes for a RAD rig. Stretch the front out a couple inches, the rear the other 5 or 6” and send it. Axles from a JK or JL/JT would also be a cool solution for 37’s IMO.

I like that idea, toss in a Rubicon t-case (or Atlas) and you'd have a winner.

How far can you move a rear axle and still retain a gas tank under the tub? GenRight tank? $$$

 

[N-Smooth]

I like that idea, toss in a Rubicon t-case (or Atlas) and you'd have a winner.

How far can you move a rear axle and still retain a gas tank under the tub? GenRight tank? $$$

The Genright tank says it allows for 5" of stretch with D44 so that makes me think not much room for stretch at all without that tank. There are other options of course with custom tanks behind the seat etc that I would look at.

 

[J-mobzz]

The Genright tank says it allows for 5" of stretch with D44 so that makes me think not much room for stretch at all without that tank. There are other options of course with custom tanks behind the seat etc that I would look at.

Yeah, like stated I don’t think you can go more than a couple inches before you have to worry about changing the tank or going with a fuel cell. But I do think it’s pretty easy to stay on rear coil if you stick to around 5 inches of stretch.

I think going with some axles like you stated with a 5 inch stretch in rear on a stock TJ coil a couple inches upfront and 35’s or 37’s Would be the most economical way to put together a TJ.

 

[Hickey]

Motobilt stretch tank is the way I would go.

 

[UNSTUCK]

You need to rethink your budget. All this sounds great and are the way to go, but parts alone will break your bank. Having a shop do the work will make it worse. You might get a set of Jk or JL axles for $5k, but will you reuse the tj suspension? Price 3 and 4 link kits from Genright or ruff stuff. Add $3-5k Coilovers? Struts? Add $4-6k. Wheels and tires? $2-3k. Fuel cell, drivelines, labor? How’s the engine and transmission in that $5k Jeep?
Buy one built. You’ll get at least 50% off the parts and no labor.

 

[Greg]

You need to rethink your budget. All this sounds great and are the way to go, but parts alone will break your bank. Having a shop do the work will make it worse. You might get a set of Jk or JL axles for $5k, but will you reuse the tj suspension? Price 3 and 4 link kits from Genright or ruff stuff. Add $3-5k Coilovers? Struts? Add $4-6k. Wheels and tires? $2-3k. Fuel cell, drivelines, labor? How’s the engine and transmission in that $5k Jeep?
Buy one built. You’ll get at least 50% off the parts and no labor.

Always best to take your build budget... and double it to be realistic. 😲

 

[Gravy]

Always best to take your build budget... and double it to be realistic. 😲

Agreed.

Just to give you a realistic idea.
I've spent $5k+ to build my front kingpin Dana 60 alone. That was more than decade ago.
$1500 axle housing. Retube 85 axle to 78-79 specs by shortening the alongside and adding a machined spud to lengthen the short side. Fancy yoke.
Axle Brackets. Diff cover. Kingpins. Teraflex drive flanges. New calipers and rotors. Brake lines. Wheel bearings. Studs.
4340 35 spline Yukon axle shafts.
Regear to 5.38, master install kit, 35 spline Detroit locker. U joints. Build the knuckles. High steer arms. 7/8" wall steering. Hiems.

Imagine if I paid for labor.