Amauri's build thread: 1996 ZJ

[Amauri]

How it currently sits:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep/3.jpg

Well I purchased this Jeep with no intentions of wheeling it. The plan was to keep it for a year and then buy a TJ. Well it's been over a year now and I've decided to keep it for a while longer and build an expedition rig.


The Jeep is a 1996 Grand Cherokee 4.0 2wd. It will be converted to 4x4 as well as some other goodies by the end of the summer.

Here it is a week after purchase:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep%20ZJ/IMG_0170.jpg
Inside(Why I bought a ZJ)
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep%20ZJ/3jpggfgfgf.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep%20ZJ/4-1.jpg

I bought it stock but it needed new shocks and tires so I bought a BB and d some 31's.
Soon there after I decided that 2wd and street tires bring on the suck:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep%20ZJ/l_e7cb40c1c1b64d2095a16c075b98c443.jpg
So I started collecting parts to make it 4wd, I had everything I needed but some stuff came up and I needed the money so I sold everything. :(

A long time went by and all I did was abuse it, but I was slowly starting to fall in love with my POS 2wd ZJ.

[Amauri]

....I decided to keep it, it's to good to me. So slowly I started fixing things that needed fixing and adding small things here and there...

A few months ago I decided to re-do my headliner. It was gray and falling apart before a lot of the trim was gray as well. Wrapped it up and took some pictures today. Took longer than I thought it would it was a PITA removing all the trim and anything gray. I went to the store to pick up some adhesive for the headliner I saw some spray paint for carpet, so I decided to give it a shot. It turned out pretty good.

Pretty happy with the way it tuned out. Cost me like $50.

Cell phone pics don't do it justice.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_0982.jpg
No gray!!
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_0986.jpg
Old mats vs. painted carpet
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_0988.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_0990.jpg

I added a CB with a PA that I got off craigslist for $30:

I had the antenna laying around from my old Samurai
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep%20ZJ/2jpgfbfbgfd.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep%20ZJ/gffgfgfggfhhh.jpg

Installed some Hella 700's:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep%20ZJ/2.jpg

Today I replaced all four of my lower control arms for Pro Comp chromoly arms, they are the same length but much beefier. I'm at 3" right now and don't plan on going any higher so they should do:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep%20ZJ/2jpgdqwwwwww.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep%20ZJ/jhuhuuuu.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/Jeep%20ZJ/jhjkhjjhjjjjj.jpg

[Amauri]

Coming soon:
33x10.50's
4wd
Sleeping arrangement's
Storage
Armor

[Root Moose]

When you buy the 4x4 stuff again get a Dana 30 out of a XJ. It's bolt in and at the same time has a high pinion differential housing. It's a touch stronger as a result. Some argue that it is as strong as a Dana 44 but the housing itself and the bearings don't compare so that is more urban legend or internet lore than anything. While you have it out consider welding a truss on to the housing.

[FlagYJ]

cage?

[Amauri]

Root Moose- I have a HP30 with 4.10's that's going to go in. I'm looking for an 8.8 with 4.10's to match.

FlagYJ- No plans for a cage in the near future.

[BIGdaddy]

wicked. those control arms are beef, dude!

lemme know when you are gonna wrench and I'll come over with tools and such...

[Amauri]

Thanks, I definitely will. I'm going to need some help when the conversions comes together.

[SWbySWesty]

sounds like you've done your hw with it. It's about ready to grow up to a big boy's ZJ now!

[Amauri]

sounds like you've done your hw with it. It's about ready to grow up to a big boy's ZJ now!

It's been a long time coming, I'm glad it's all finally starting to come together.


I drove my Jeep on the freeway for the first time since I replaced my CA's and it appears that it helped with the vibrating issues I had been having. I think it's because my tires have a bit of negative camber now so it's sitting on the part of the tire that still has thread.

[Amauri]

Tires came in today, they get installed on Wednesday.... :wings:

[OverlandZJ]

Nice.. I'll be watching this thread for ideas on my 98 ZJ.

[Amauri]

Nice.. I'll be watching this thread for ideas on my 98 ZJ.

Thanks. I can't wait to see what you do with your ZJ I love your XJ :drool:

[Amauri]

"Teasers" I'll get better pictures tomorrow.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_1100.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_1097.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_1106.jpg

[OverlandZJ]

Whats the backspacing on the wheels? Have any clearance issues flexing the suspension?

I'll also be running a 33x10.5, hoping to pull it off with factory Canyons but not sure.

Your gonna hate that heavy fiberglass antenna on the fender mount. Get yourself a base loaded steel whip. Much lighter and it'll be easier on the mount.

[Amauri]

Whats the backspacing on the wheels? Have any clearance issues flexing the suspension?

I'll also be running a 33x10.5, hoping to pull it off with factory Canyons but not sure.

Your gonna hate that heavy fiberglass antenna on the fender mount. Get yourself a base loaded steel whip. Much lighter and it'll be easier on the mount.

4-3/4 I still need to flex her out, I think I'm going to have to trim a bit but nothing drastic. I'm lower(3") than most people than run 33's.

I hate it already, I need to buy a steel whip or move the antenna to the rear.

[Amauri]

Here you can see just how close it is to the rocker in the rear:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_1108.jpg
Overall:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_1111.jpg

The wheels will still tuck into the fender when I flex but I think I'm going to open them up more for appearance. Kind of like this:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/DSC_0630.jpg

He is at the same height as me with 32's.

[SWbySWesty]

Saawwwwwzzzzaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! :ar15:

[Amauri]

Saawwwwwzzzzaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! :ar15:

This weekend :elkgrin:

I also just registered for a welding class next semester, I'll be building front bumper like this for her:

[Amauri]

Me and a lady friend went splorin' yesterday here are some shots of my Jeep:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_1123.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_1117.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/IMG_1118.jpg

:smiley_drive:

[Lewybrewing]

Back Window?

[Amauri]

Removed it for the summer, it makes it easier to carry my surfboards. :snorkel:

[Amauri]

Changed my oil today, looks like there is coolant in the old oil. That explains my mystery coolant leak. :(

But it's running fine, we'll see what happens...

[Root Moose]

Find the source and get it fixed asap or there will be a new engine in your future. Crank bearings and other important stuff really don't like coolant.

[Amauri]

I'm going to let it sit until I have time to figure it out. But I wouldn't mind a stroker, my wallet would though.

[OverlandZJ]

How is the 4wd conversion and other work coming?

[Amauri]

Well other than fixing things and maintenance the Jeep has been on the back burner. I have all the parts for my conversion sitting in my garage. I've just lost some steam with this project, my Fiat other hobbies have been taking up all my spare time. Should be coming together soon though now that it's cooling down...

[K2ZJ]

When you buy the 4x4 stuff again get a Dana 30 out of a XJ. It's bolt in and at the same time has a high pinion differential housing. It's a touch stronger as a result. Some argue that it is as strong as a Dana 44 but the housing itself and the bearings don't compare so that is more urban legend or internet lore than anything. While you have it out consider welding a truss on to the housing.

Careful! An XJ HP 30 can be a disconnect housing, so you need to check years. But most important, ZJs use a cam bolt on the axle for alignment while Xjs use one on the body. You will need adjustable control arms to do this swap. Also with a BB the drive shaft may hit your exhaust manifolds as it will be much higher up.


Well other than fixing things and maintenance the Jeep has been on the back burner. I have all the parts for my conversion sitting in my garage. I've just lost some steam with this project, my Fiat other hobbies have been taking up all my spare time. Should be coming together soon though now that it's cooling down...

What parts did you get?

[Amauri]

Well I have a LP and a HP D30, I'm going to put the LP one in for now and build the HP for later use(when I move up to 35's). I decided to go with a 242 for my t/c, and the overdrive unit from a 4x4( I used to think that I had to swap the whole tranny but I don't). I'm also debating pulling a D44a from another ZJ that will bolt right up, it's much stronger than the D35 and throwing that in and I'll regear it and such when I finish the hp30. Easier than the 8.8 but the 8.8 is a stronger axle, the 44a should be enough but more than enough is better than not enough.

Should be an easy swap(knock on wood).

[Amauri]

Also debating a set of these: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f197/truckviva-projector-headlight-review-1106949/

[Amauri]

It's been a while since I've updated this, life as it tends to do has gotten in the way of me doing anything to the Jeep. I finished school and have been dealing with a lot of personal things and the holidays... Anyway the next phase in my life will be joining the armed forces but being as large a commitment as it is I's like to go on one last(and my first "real overland adventure") before I take that leap.

I've been saving a lot of my money for a while and have enough saved up for a few months of travel. Other than Visas, insurance, etc. very little planning will go into this trip. The basic plan is to go south until I start running low on funds and supplies, then head back up. I am fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and have family south of the border so I'm not worried about communicating and/or anything major going wrong with the Jeep and being "stranded".

Work will start on the Jeep soon, just deciding to what extent. I kind of want to step up to 35x10.50's but they are pricey. I'm planning on re-gearing and upgrading my lift anyway so I figure I might as well set it up how I've always wanted to.

Well see what the budget allows, I don't own much but I'll be selling what I do except for what I'm taking on the trip( surfboard, mountain bike, ipod, jeep, dog :D).

That's pretty much all for now, more updates in the next week or two. Been wanting and planning on this for a while, it's time to do it.

Here is my new dog and co-pilot Peanut:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/peanut.jpg



Also on a side note I went up to big bear this weekend to try snowboarding for the first time and I'm hooked. The Jeep did Great in the snow and ice but I didn't get any picture of it :(. But here is a pic of my gf and I:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/zerosktrkd/bigbear6-1.jpg


And speaking of pictures I need to buy a nice camera before the trip too.

[sasaholic]

id personnally stay away from the 35 10.5's as they are very rare(superswamper) and if u get a flat on your trip and destroy a tire u most likely wont be able to get one. i had all intentions of running that size in the ssr, but the cost and avalibility made me go to 35 12.5's. also for that kind of long trip it would be better to run a smaller tire like 33 10.5's as they will be way easier on parts and fuel economy, but even then that size is limited. good luck on the trip ull have a blast

[Amauri]

Yeah that's what sucks, I have 33x10.50's but I want a little more tire.


I started cleaning up my HP30 today. I'm still contemplating what I want to do in the rear. The original plan was to build an 8.8 but a D44a from a V8 ZJ would bolt right in, I would just have to re-gear.

[VE2WHZ]

The D44a is not to bad

juste make skid palet for the aluminum houssing

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=491955&postcount=20

[Amauri]

Well after much contemplation and many delays I sold the Jeep and bought a one way plane ticket to Mexico. Stay tuned.