OK I have a new project and I what'd a few opinions .
First, I am planing the build up on a TJ wrangler jeep. It is going to be very much stock, just the basic shape and layout. I have built several cars from the ground up, just never a Jeep. I was hoping that there would be a few in here that had some experience with TJ's. I read all the truck magazines and I am looking for some books on the subject. I went with the TJ style because I like the looks, and I wanted the coil spring suspension. I grew up around CJ's and I am just tired of looking at them.Anyway here is a few questions, your opinion is wanted.

Frame: I have it down to two frames.1. Advanced Frame works or 2. Matkins Extreme frame level I
Both seem to be good choices, and offer many options, I am leaning toward the Matkins, seem stronger? Pat number 97TJ6120

Front Differential: Dana 44 or Currie 9"? They are around the same price, and both will be "high pinion" models and ARB lockers. The 9" seems odd in the front, but I am told is a very strong front jeep axle. I am having Currie build them out to the disc brakes, it is ,ore cost effective and saves time.

Rear differential: This one I am 95% sure I will go with a 9" extreme housing, with TJ mounts welded on. They call it a stage II, it has high pinion diff, 31-spline axles,Detroit locker, ect.

The other choice would be a Dana 44

Any input would be welcome. Also for now I am just thinking of using the 4.0L l-6

And the trany is not for sure, leaning toward the 5-speed?

Suspension will most likely be FabTech 8" extreme, with custom shocks.

 

Y-Knot,
Check your PM.

 

I put the nv4500 trans. in my CJ, absolutely love it so thats what I would recommend.

 

1) Seems like it would be cheaper and much easier to start with a older stock tj

2) The 4500 is a great transmission

3) I have a currie extra heavy duty 9" in the rear of my jeep. I went back and forth about the high pinion for a while but decided I would rather have the 35 spline axles instead of the high pinion. I have a spool in it and it has been bullet proof. I have a friend that runs the high pinion. It has had a few oil problems but has been worry free. As long as you aren't going to go to an extreme tire (I wouldn't go above 36") you should be ok. I did have the pumpkin shaved on the rear end. I run extremely low gears so I have to be careful about driving for long periods on the highway.

4) I have been running a front d-44 that a friend built. It is out of a 85 (I think) wagonneer. Stock axles and u-joints for 3 years. haven't broken anything yet. Did I mention I was running 38's?

5) If you are really going to build from the ground up I might reconsider the 4.0 It is a great engine but very heavy. GM makes a killer 383 crate fuel injected engine that has 1 12v hook up. It will bolt up to the 4500 no problem.

6) You didn't mention a transfer case. The atlas is really nice. I have a np-231 with the 4-1 gears in it. Works good enough for me.

7) Back to motors for a sec. I really think it would be easier to start with a donor vehicle. You also didn't say what you planned to do with the jeep. I do mostly hard trail running and rock crawling. My 4 cylinder does just fine, gets great mileage and runs well upside down! But, it never sees the street. If you want to drive a lot on the street then the 4 probably wouldn't work well. I like the 4 cyl because I don't break things.

let us know what you want to do with the jeep and maybe we can help some more. I have a friend that just finished a TJ and it is really nice. Drove it over 4 hours on the highway, wheeled all weekend on the rubicon and then drove it back. His jeep did great. I will have to find out which suspension he used. Can't remember which one right now. Would have been a real pain in my jeep.

 

Thanks for the replies, and advice.

I do not relay know what the jeeps role will be. I plan on taking it to the dunes, but want it to be more then just a dunner. I do want it to have the tools needed to perform in rough trails and in some rock situations. And yes I want it to be a pleasure to drive on the street, It will be trailered, but not because I can't drive it.

I am looking for a 2003-2000 wrangler as a Donner vehicle, I have contacted several Re-builder/salvage dealers, and put my self on there preferred list. I am looking for a rollover/theft recovery/flood victim for my parts car. Yes I want it to have a 4.0L six, and most likely a 5-speed? The front and rear differentials are only needed for the cores, Currie needs to harvest the mounts from them. The frame will also not be needed so, I could care less if it is bent. Basically I want a tub and all it's parts.
The stock 6 cylinder will be fine for my first stage, then we might see about something a little stouter. I do plan on running 37" tires, hence the stout rear ends and over size brakes.