Rubicon "buggy" build...

[waynehartwig]

Well, here we go... I have the front axle, the rear should be here tomorrow (they couldn't find my number? to schedule a time to deliver since Monday)and I have the gas tank and rear corner guards on order from Gen-Right (I'm now a dealer )

What am I doing to this pile?

FFD60 rear w/disc, 35 spline, 5.13's and ARB, about 64" WMS
KP HPD60 front w/disc, 35 spline in/out, 5.13's and ARB, narrowed with stock Spicer parts to about 66-67" WMS
Stretch to about 100-102" AND keep the tank under the rig, in the stock place Wishful thinking? We'll see....
Triangulate the rear (already is) - Johnny Joints and 2x.25"/1.75x.120" lowers/uppers
Triangulate the front - Johnny Joints and 2x.25"/1.75x.120" lowers/uppers
Coil overs I'm trying for 16/14", I don't want the hoop coming through the hood....
4" air bumps on both ends
Anti Rocks on both ends
1 ton 1.5" sleeved tie rods/ends with hydro assist
Borgeson replacement steering shafts - upper and lower
Push everything up inside the frame rails w/no body lifts! if I need clearance, I'll move the mounts
Tube fenders front
Crusher type corners rear - no competition cut, so I can run stock flares and keep this thing as legal as possible.
All 8 lug one ton, sitting on top of some 16/38.5-16 (39x16.5-15) Bias Claws with some Stazworks 16x10 double beadlocks w/about 5" backspacing

 

[waynehartwig]

Here's the gas tank...

This is the Crawler™ EXT (Extreme) Gas Tank to fit a TJ / LJ (1997-2006). It is specifically designed to allow for more rear axle clearance. This additional space can be used to be moved back up to 5" (4" on Dana 60) to strech you Jeep Wranglers wheelbase to the MAGIC 100" for greater stability on big tires ON & OFF Road.

NOTE: See SC for 2.5" stretch or COMP model for up to 7" stretch.

Each tank is made from 1/8" thick Aluminum alloy and is assembled in a foam lined matching heavy duty 3/16" thick skid plate with stainless steel straps and factory Mopar roll over valves.

Internal baffles reduce fuel movement and keep fuel near the pick up.

1" more ground clearance than stock and improved departure angle.

19.5 gallon fuel capacity (but with careful filling we have gotten more in!)

All Crawler fuel tanks are designed to accept all the stock Jeep fuel pump/sensor and other related equipment so you will not get any check engine lights or other engine computer issues.

All tanks are 100% pressure tested.

Patent Pending.

NOTE: Because of shape and location changes, installation of this product may require changes to the exhaust tail pipe.

 

[DevinB]

Hey Wayne, how much for the comp model of that tank? Do I dare ask?

 

[waynehartwig]

Hey Wayne, how much for the comp model of that tank? Do I dare ask?

Actually not that bad...
PM sent

 

[chadschoon]

wayne how do you plan on running stock flares with stretching the rear, id dare guess 5 to 6 inches? your going to have to cut the body...

 

[waynehartwig]

wayne how do you plan on running stock flares with stretching the rear, id dare guess 5 to 6 inches? your going to have to cut the body...

Yup.. I'll have to do some cutting... I'm looking at about 4-5" stretch in the rear to keep my same 20 gallon gas tank under my rig, where it should be.

Have you seen puckerfactors old Rubicon? He had a stretch done where he put some PSC type corners on, but moved the hole. So from the on looker, it looked perfect - the wheel well hole was moved how ever far back that he did.

Here is a picture of the same type of thing, and since it's white, a good idea of what mine will look like. I found these guys while looking for custom gas tanks. Turns out they also do the corner guards like PSC - but what they do is they have several types - stock, 4" back and comp cut. I'm going to use their 4" back and make a larger cut out (to the rear) to fit the larger tires and moved back further. So with this and what I've already seen (puckerfactor), this should look really bitchin' and still stay pretty street legal.

Also look at the shock mount... They have the standard (shown) and a large version that is taller. It will fit a 14" 2.0" co (or emulsion) shock without cutting the tub or loosing the rear seat. I'll be using their kit for the rear, but they only have the same type of thing for the front, and I want a hoop, so I'll make my own front setup... Theirs is designed to use part of the TJ shock tower and the stock bump stop. Which does me no good when I'm pushing the front out... Or using a pnuematic bump stop.

 

[Bart]

Man, that would have been so much easier than what I did. I'm almost finished now, but it's been a beotch to fit the rear tub back on mine. Finances limited me to a high pinion 44, but I put a 60 in the rear, both are between 61 and 62" wms (rear has spacers).

 

[waynehartwig]

Man, that would have been so much easier than what I did. I'm almost finished now, but it's been a beotch to fit the rear tub back on mine. Finances limited me to a high pinion 44, but I put a 60 in the rear, both are between 61 and 62" wms (rear has spacers).

But you're doing it different, though.. You're actually giving more passenger room while giving it a longer wb. Me, I'm just giving it a longer wb and who cares about the passengers It's cool that your making your Unlimited

 

[ChestonScout]

sounds cool! for a jeep that is :greg: So are you planning on running modified or open in the king challenge? I was planning on running modified but it looks like they changed the tire size rule. Wasnt it 40" and under last year? This year its 38 and under. Looks like the Scout will have to take on the buggies........yea:-\

 

[Bart]

sounds cool! for a jeep that is :greg: So are you planning on running modified or open in the king challenge? I was planning on running modified but it looks like they changed the tire size rule. Wasnt it 40" and under last year? This year its 38 and under. Looks like the Scout will have to take on the buggies........yea:-\

What's the tire size for stock, or is there a stock class?

 

[notajeep]

You'll be stuck competing with the 60hp toyota.... :/
looks like a champ wayne.

 

[Bart]

I hate it when those kick my butt.

 

[waynehartwig]

Yeah, I think it's 39 and down for modified, which is where I'll end up being. I think daily driver class is 35's and down AND street legal.

 

[waynehartwig]

Well, I've changed my mind on the steering already.... I got to thinking...Is this something I want to weld up myself??? I don't want to be welding anything up on the steering - too many safety issues. I could figure out something to make it keyed instead with a locking screw? or etc... But why?

Turns out Borgeson makes some sweeeeeettt steering shafts! (PM me for pricing if you you're interested ) They're way stronger, rebuildable, AND direct bolt in replacement over stock!

 

[bobmed]

I'm going to be using Borgeson on mine. I'll PM you when I get to that point.
I'll probably need three joints to clear the motor mounts.

 

[waynehartwig]

I'm going to be using Borgeson on mine. I'll PM you when I get to that point.
I'll probably need three joints to clear the motor mounts.

I also carry Flaming River - another circle track favorite... Both high quality...

 

[78mitsu]

You ought to seriously look at lefthander joints for steering

 

[great scott]

What's the tire size for stock, or is there a stock class?

Stock/Daily Driver must be a 35" or under tire, Modified is a bit weird with street legal guys able to run as big of tire as they want as long as it is street legal, and the non street legal guys must be 38" and under. Then the open class is just that and open to any tire you can make work.

By the way Wayne, looking good. I have seen your work before and I know it will be done well.

 

[waynehartwig]

You ought to seriously look at lefthander joints for steering

Lefthander, Borgeson, Flaming River... It's all the same, high quality stuff.

 

[waynehartwig]

Stock/Daily Driver must be a 35" or under tire, Modified is a bit weird with street legal guys able to run as big of tire as they want as long as it is street legal, and the non street legal guys must be 38" and under. Then the open class is just that and open to any tire you can make work.

By the way Wayne, looking good. I have seen your work before and I know it will be done well.

Thanks! How did those Firestone air bags work out for ya?