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BehemothXJ 2.0 build
It has been a while since I have been on here with my previous 2000 XJ. Now I will start this thread on my newest project. I bought a 97 4 Door XJ that is 2WD. The idea is to take my time and fabricate this into my final Jeep project.
This time I have unlimited funds to fulfill a well thought out build. I will show you pictures along the way, and WHY I have chosen certain ideas with this build. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...fc2b0d917a.jpg This is the newer body. But some of you will remember my previous Jeep. I plan on going the fabrication route with this new one BEFORE I paint the new one. Here is the previous build. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...879f0199ae.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...ed8125d672.jpg |
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I walked away without a scratch, but the roof almost paralysed me.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...5fe6d90fe4.jpg |
Should I of built a cage... Yes... it is too late. NOW.... With that out of the way, let's build a BETTER Jeep.
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I stripped out and gutted the motor and suspension to go a different route this time.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...c2b4a9f39f.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...a50aa99fe3.jpg |
I am not going to waste time with the factory front clip, or the sheet metal subframe. I decided to cut out ALL of the lower subframe and build an actual frame below my Jeep.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...a2e987455f.jpg |
I tried to get below my Jeep sitting on Jack stands. THIS proved to be a terrible idea. So since I knew this will take a while, I built a frame jig.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...b2e62e5fed.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...0c45e1fcfc.jpg |
I have a full sized garage to do all of this work with no rush.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...643999fa97.jpg |
The jig had to be built to the rear of the Jeep. I am removing ALL of the unibody subframe rails, and adding an all NEW custom frame.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...b3e558649b.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...26ef8aa6aa.jpg |
Get out the Plasma cutter, and slice away the factory stuff.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...3a8457fbe8.jpg |
Decided to make temporary wheels. In case I need to move this in and out of the garage.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...a490666ac6.jpg |
subbed :popcorn:
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I am leaving 18 inches of factory frame rail, and going to tie in this Essentially offroad frame stiffener.... Then extend these with box out of them forward and backwards.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...b3bd873e2c.jpg |
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I chose to test fit these, before I cut all of the body off.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...c0584fcf3b.jpg |
The RuffStuff bolts are 3/4.... The holes in the stiffener are one inch..... Had to buy all new hardware, and misalignment spacers....
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Sub'd.... love it when you guys with skills frame our XJ's. How much lift are you planning on having when all said & done?
also, so jealous of you guys south and out west... living in the rust belt, I'd kill for an XJ with little to no rust. |
I plan on running 37s. I do not know the lift height of the Jeep, compared to other lift kits.... As of this photo, with the wheels in place, the factory rain gutter sits at 75 inch high. My older Jeep sat around this height with an 11 inch lift.
Here is the width of the JK axles, and the wheels below it. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...169740002d.jpg |
I am installing JK axles for a few reasons over Dana 60s, or 14 blots.... Hear my reasons out. REMEMBER, First off going this route due to weight. To keep the unsprung weight down. and NOT MAKE my Jeep like everyone else's.
1). Everyone is going with the trend of "Tons"... While they are stronger than 30s, they weigh 3 times MORE. Yes they are stronger, but you would need to upgrade some parts to then eliminate their own weak spots.... Just adding full sized axles doesn't make them bulletproof. 2)Tons make a wheel lug patter come into place. Then your wheel selection (and spare rim) come into place. 3)Width. I want a wider stance, and the JK axles are 5 inches over a Dana 30 4) Kind of adds to the 1) above. When you wheel a full sized axle, you are dragging the axles over obstacles. The characteristics of that much weight changes HOW your vehicle climbs rocks. You have to of wheeled both to grasp this first hand. 5)It is still a unibody setup. The stress is amplified on the XJ, and will create other issues of reinforcement to address with your rig. WITH THAT SAID, I see nothing wrong with tons, but I want to build JK44 axles for MY Jeep, and I have upgraded the parts for each. I will post up the parts I bought to improve the final product. |
35 spline Chromo shafts, Method wheels, ARBs
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...4c94a8203d.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f92c0c6e1b.jpg Factory, and new shafts.... https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...3a5ebf621b.jpg |
For the front, I am cutting the factory tubes, adding 3.0 DOM tube, and adding these ProRock 44 inner C-s so that I can turn up the pinion angle on the housing. This will make my axle, tubes as thick as a 60, but less weight.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7ee8384000.jpg |
No build would be complete without a better Transfer case. 2 speed 3.8 ratio.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...5c20600719.jpg |
This will have 16 inch RockKrawler coilovers as well.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...06da7af69e.jpg |
I picked up a Dodge 5.9L motor and trannd for $1000. At the moment I am gonna install this. If things change, I will possibly sell THIS and pick up an LS motor instead.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...8614561413.jpg |
awesome start to a build, I like the directions your going with.
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That thing is going to be a monster. Looking good.
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I dropped 20k in parts for the project, then started adding tools, and metal working equipment. I spent 3 plus years making this garage setup to work in. It has 24 four foot fluorescent bulbs. A full sized swamp cooler to deal with the Arizona heat. And a kick *** stereo to blare the Dubstep music out the door.
I am looking into finding a way to raise the ceiling, and installing a 2 post car lift. My garage has more work done to it, than the WHOLE house in three years. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...416c40ff9a.jpg |
this is the kind of build i daydream about doing myself someday. Ill be watching this every step of the way
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Just as a side note, IF I am not very quick on this build, it is because I am working on a second project at the very same time. My other vehicle is a drift car. I am building a Miata with a 5.0 Ford Mustang block, with a T-4 turbo. Here is my dummy block mocked up for the fabrication aspect. This car is almost done. When it is drivable, I will be back on the Jeep fulltime.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...fd26122829.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...5d7bc13bf1.jpg |
Definitely following. Gonna be awesome.
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BehemothXJ 2.0 build
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Very nice work. Good to see more people building these with frames.
Love the small-blocked mx5 project btw. Very cool. Loved the idea from the moment I saw the Banshee on Gearz |
Built some temporary wheels to move this outside if needed.It also gives me a lot more workable space within my garage.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...02e2c3be8f.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...35f81cb9cb.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...ee6c6929c2.jpg |
I can now remove all of the rear subframe now that the supports are in place. This is so the body isn't going to get tweaked, and the doors work properly. Plus I can plasma cut out the floor above the gas tank.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...1b8f1884cc.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...a93babf346.jpg |
whatching
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Sub'd.
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MT'd
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