Jeep Wolverine TJ build

[Freeman Jeep]

Sadly earlier this year I sold my big ol XJ. It was a sad day, but something that was needed. I didn't stay away from the jeeps for too long though. I purchased a 2002 Wrangler. The jeep that I have always wanted and yellow to boot.

From the get go I wanted to make it a sleeper jeep or a wolf in sheep's wool. But knowing myself and wanting to build a big jeep I found some superduty axles for $350 for both. They will be going in the jeep sometime next year once I get gears, lockers, and all the fixins for them.

So in the mean time I purchased gears and lockers for this TJ and installed them just recently.


Then I installed an SYE so I could lift that belly up a little bit. I plan on lifting the engine about an inch and tucking the tummy, plus I will make a custom cross member to hold the trans in with out the belly pan so I can drop the skid without the whole drivetrain falling on me. Will post pictures of that soon.

But on a couple recent trips I bent the frick out of my front fenders so it was time for some new tube ones. I will post pictures when I get them painted and installed. I just got finished making them.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Just installed the fenders nothing like waiting for paint to dry. (I hate painting!)

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Finally got blinkers and running lights installed on the fenders, while I wait for my new linkage to come. Once the linkage arrives I can do the tummy tuck.

Everything is in preparation for the 1 ton swap. My next idea is to push the "cargo" area back about 6-10" and keep everything stock looking while still being able to stretch the wheel base in the future.

 

[AaronPaige]

I’ll be watching, I’m preparing for a set of sd axles on my 01 tj as well

 

[Freeman Jeep]

I’ll be watching, I’m preparing for a set of sd axles on my 01 tj as well

I will keep it posted. I am thinking about going with a 14 bolt rear though. I can get parts for that a little easier.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

One of the best parts of being a high school welding teacher is, having access to a CNC plasma table. I decided today that if I am not going to run the tire carrier right now I might as well add some tail gate "armor". I quickly got some measurements and found some metal I had purchased over the summer and got started on getting it cut out. Will post pictures as I get it cleaned up and installed.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Here is a picture with a weird glare, but that is all I could get in the shop. It will be installed tonight or tomorrow once that paint has dried.

 

[kmboren]

For simple superduty swaps I highly recommend the Artec kits. They happen to be on sale right now. Not an employee just a big fan of their products.

 

[Bart]

I agree on the Artec trusses. They are well made and it made my install easier.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

I was thinking about using their trusses. I am kinda weird though I enjoy making all the brackets and stuff like that. I think that I will do the front truss from them though. It all depends on where I am at on budget come axle swap time. Thanks for the input!!!

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Got it installed. Looks silly without corner guard protection, but I won't do that until I need to chop the fenders. I am thinking about cutting a little plate underneath the tailgate just so it kinda ties in.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Finally got through the holidays, and all the sickness that comes with that! I got the motor mount lift in right before New Years, it was not as big of a pain as I thought it was gonna be. I just bought some cheap aluminum blocks off of ebay with the accompanying hardware and it all went pretty good. I did have to cut a little off of the corner of the passenger block so it could fit, but other than that it went pretty quick.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

I then got the transmission crossmember started so that I could flatten the belly as much as I could without cutting into my floor. As much as I like welding and fabricating I truly hate cutting into the body of the jeep since my old xj. So the skid should only be about 3/4" off of the frame when I am done with it all. Also wore the wrong shoes that day for grinding and welding as much as I did. 😆 Also got rid of the stock skid and linkage. I will get pics of my new linkage when I have it all adjusted.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Finally got the crossmember in and the new linkage all adjusted. The new linkage is nice although I did have to make a small cut in the transmission hump to make a little room. The hammer just wasn't cutting it. Regardless, I like not seeing anything dangle under the jeep (never mind the muffler hanging down right now). The last few things I need to do are drill new holes for my weld washers where the new skid plate will mount, make the new skid plate (which all I am waiting for is my 3/16" plate to arrive), then tidy up my exhaust. Once all of that is done it is time for boat sides. Then it's time for patience as I collect everything for the axle swap and stretch.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Finally got the skid plate finished and added a little flavor to it! I counter sunk the holes so the stainless bolts sit flush. I will get a picture of that when I get the skid installed hopefully tomorrow.

 

[Freeman Jeep]

Question. Has anyone used an inline hydraulic brake? I won’t be doing an e brake on the Jeep. I’m thinking of just making my own since it doesn’t seem like there is a lot to it.

 

[Herzog]

Question. Has anyone used an inline hydraulic brake? I won’t be doing an e brake on the Jeep. I’m thinking of just making my own since it doesn’t seem like there is a lot to it.

I've seen some people put a line lock/valve in to do it. You just push your brake pedal, lock the line and hopefully it stays pressured. Seems like it would work but I have no experience with it.

 

[Greg]

I've seen some people put a line lock/valve in to do it. You just push your brake pedal, lock the line and hopefully it stays pressured. Seems like it would work but I have no experience with it.

They're really not meant for any more than 30 seconds of use, so a drag car can do a burnout. I wouldn't rely on one as an actual parking brake, because they can bleed off over time.

 

[1969honda]

If you have any type of inspection required line locks also do not pass that as it usually says the park brake needs to be a mechanical type.

 

[OldGeezer]

I had a Mico brake lock on my Jeep for many years until it quit (wouldn't activate). It's pretty expensive to replace so I doubt I'll get another one. It never bled down,.