Project LTJ

[Bart]

Well, there's no turning back now. I made the first cut on my LTJ project. I'll be stretching the frame 10" on Saturday, adding a Dana 60 and the rear portion of the Tera LCG MAX kit. Because it's 10" I can use the LJ system. The new(er) 10" longer section of tub will get cut and positioned next Wednesday night.

It'll take a couple weeks to get the body work done and driveline built, then I'll start on the new front reverse cut 44 and the rest of the suspension system, including 14" coil overs. This will be ready for EJS.

 

[notajeep]

SWEET!

 

[allterrain]

Building a Scrambler Bart?

Jeff Pyne in Cedar Hills added 7" to his frame and used the LCG kit as well with a 60. Call me up if you want to take a peek at how he did it.
No tub stretch, just pushed the wheelbase back and added a fuel cell.
Looks and works great.

Alan

 

[Bart]

I thought about that route, but wanted to keep the fuel tank underneath. I literally went flip flopped on that issue for a year. I'm too far past that to change now.

 

[allterrain]

He sort of did a half and half. The tank still has room for a lockable gearbox on top of it and goes down through the tub.

 

[allterrain]

I would like to see it. Simon has his eye on an early Bronco... He had better get a job.

 

[Herzog]

Very cool Bart. Please keep us updated, this is going to be a good project.

 

[Badger]

pretty much what i have in mind for mine.only i'm going to leave the tail were it is and just build out the new rear section with the thick crusher corners with tube flares.basically a tiny bed this way i can make the fuel cell outside of the cab since it will be closed by the tail gate and an original size top.i can also lean the spare up and into what would be the bed opening to help save on departure angle.

can't wait to see how you do the suspension since that the exact size i'm using .the other reason i want to run an original top is so if i have to pass the coilovers into the wheel well i might be able to get them into that little bed as well.

 

[Bart]

I chose 10" because that ends up the same length as the LJ (Jeep Unlimited). That way I can run the aftermarket Tera LCG MAX kit for the LJ. I had to get the axle brackets for the new 60, but it's all weld on and bolt on stuff. No fabbing involved.

The issue of keeping a stock length top was a big one, but I decided it was worth the hassle of a custom top to get the extra room inside. I still have 3 or 4 people in the Jeep on some outings and it's crowded with tools and a cooler. I will take my soft top to Sugar House and have them lengthen it.

 

[Verceingetorix]

jeep

Keep us posted on the build I am going to watch this one.

 

[kyojin]

Glad to see someone other people hacking up their TJ and extending it. I stretched my wheelbase 13 inches and stretched my tub 15. I wanted to use a LJ soft top and wanted the most wheelbase I could get. My gas tank is sunk halfway into the tub. The LJ soft top fits great with no issues. I used airshocks in the rear as I couldn't afford coilovers. I love the added wheelbase and stability it provides offroad. I'm interested to see how yours turns out.

 

[Badger]

well i kind of want to do a lengthen along with comp cut corners with the rear pushed some 15 inches back .i want to stretch the front some as well to get a wheelbase of 114~116

 

[redrockrover]

Looking good Bart. Keep us updated I really want to see how this turns out. Judging by past examples of your work it should turn out KILLER!

Russ

 

[waynehartwig]

keep them pics coming! I want to see this!!

 

[Bart]

Made some good progress today. Pulled the driveline, gas tank, rear axle and all the rear suspension out and finally cut the frame. We sleaved a piece in the middle and welded it up. We're going to plate the outside but didn't have the right piece tube. We'll get that on Monday.

We finally got to start putting stuff together. Got the brackets on the 60, the new Tera rear frame brackets, and mounted the long arms. Everything is in, measured and tack welded. Basically I have a rolling chassis. Monday I lengthen the fuel lines and gas tank wiring and remount the fuel tank while my buddy finishes the welding on the frame and brackets.

The pics are from my camera so poor quality. You gotta love the 14" wheels and tires. : )

 

[waynehartwig]

You made a lot of progress today! WJZUK, you watching this? I think his will be done waaayyyyy before yours

What did you do to the upper coil buckets? They don't look like they moved, but I see fresh metal...?

 

[Badger]

look closer Wayne he's added some frame rail.he might have just change the buckets slightly but its the added frame length thats key to those pics

 

[I Lean]

.... the new Tera rear frame brackets....

I'm guessing these are the coil buckets Wayne's wondering about, but I'm also wondering why? Anything wrong with the stockers?

 

[waynehartwig]

look closer Wayne he's added some frame rail.he might have just change the buckets slightly but its the added frame length thats key to those pics

I don't see any new material anywhere close to the bucket. The new materal looks like it was added while the frame was still straight, and the 'hoop' back is still all stock.

 

[waynehartwig]

look closer Wayne he's added some frame rail.he might have just change the buckets slightly but its the added frame length thats key to those pics

Looking closer again, it looks like the stockers are still in the same place, and he ground aroud them - maybe he cleaned up the area to weld something there in the future?