First Build, Any and All HELP is greatly appreciated
 

Ok guys this is my first time modding a jeep. Ive always wanted one, but never been able to have one because of my need for a truck. just a little background. I am an engineer student finishing my last year of college. I have my own mowing business running 3 mowers and 4 employees. So a jeep wasnt practical trying to pull the equipment i have, plus horse trailers etc etc. Finally finished up another project and sold it. Picked up this little jewel for practically nothin. Guy bought it as a donor jeep and took motor tie rd ends and headlight. It was fish tailed and hit a tree is the damage on rear. Frame and back driver side pushed in approx 6" but rest of jeep exterior is basically flawless. From what i can tell on the inside of jeep is basically just filthy but restorable. This will not be a DD but a weekend warrior and trail rig. I do want it to be capable of driving around 30 miles or so on weekends just aroun town for fun. Here are some beginning pics.

1st stage:
1.Get motor installed and tuned up
2.Go throughout and check fix brakes, lines, etc
3.Clean and take inventory of Interior
4.Make decision on what to do with rear damage
5.Door removal mod
Basically just get it up and going before start doing upgrades

Stage 2
1. 4.5'' Lift
2. 33'' Tires and steel wheels (how do they do on the road?)
3. Front and Rear bumpers

Stage 3
1. Roll Cage
2. Motor upgrades
3. Potential front/ rear end mods upgrades
4. Only the future can tell


This is just a rough plan, although i know once i really get started steady on her plans will change. Just a for warning, this build has the potential to be a slow one as being a married college student, finances are not always just booming. Cant wait to hear yalls input and help

Got new tie rods put in today and also got engine in the shop. Ok so whwere is the best place and method to hookin up to cherry picker to engine knwing that will have to tilt a little and what not. hoping to get everything ready to set motor in this week and then that be my weekly project of the evenings.?

Where is best place to mount cherry picker to motor to set it in jeep? When got motor the torque converter was already mounted to motor so should just slide into trans and bolt up, correct? I know simple said that done but that's the idea? And is that way easier or torq on trans first? 1st major mechanical adventure here. If can get good mounting points plan on starting to get er set it tomorrow after work

I don't have any advice on putting the engine in, but I'll post some advice and maybe a comment will bump the thread up and somebody else will see it and be able to give you some advice on the motor.

Make sure once you get the motor in, drain and refill ALL fluids. You don't know what the previous owners did or didn't do. Run cleaners through major components if you'd like.

I would also suggest powerwashing the underbody to see any holes/rust spots/leaks. Cosmetically, depending on the major points of damage in the rear, look up cutting and folding the rear fenders/quarter panels, possibly bobbing the top in the rear since you mainly want an off road rig, if you're skilled it can look absolutely awesome.

I'm young but have dealt with jeeps for a few years now, so if you have any basic questions, shoot me a PM! Good luck with the build

i really appreciate it, i may take you up on that. Ive been considering chopping it, but have only seen 2-3 that ive really liked the look of. I know its a trail rig but i still wanna make it fairly nice, i dont knw why its just a thing lol

for cherry picker, remove valve cover and bolt down with studs. it's kinda ghetto but works. and after you put the motor check codes and see if the CPS is still good that usually gets pretty messed up when installed and make sure oil gauge sending unit is still intake.

ok, Ending up i think im gonna have to let someone else do the engine install(hopefully i get to help so i can do next one myself. But with my lack of knowledge im afraid i will miss something little that will turn into a big problem. Was trying to save a few bucks but after thinking aout it alot and talking to some friends ill save more in long run by spending a little now. In the mean time i started working on getting door hinges cut to lift doors. Got the HD cutting wheels for dremel and they cut fine bu seems that i get to a spot and cant cut any further because of angle and what not. Basically need a bigger cutting wheel it seems like in my mind, any ideas from people who have done this mod?

Ttt

yeah tried the dremel, had to get an angle grinder and go to town on the lower part of hinges. and a punch helps remove the pins

You would be amazed at what you can accomplish once you get your hands dirty and you have the correct tools. If the engine from the donor was running, it should still be running after YOU install it...in theory. There is a wealth of knowledge and friendly people on this site, as well as others, who gladly share their knowledge of what to do and not to do. The money you shell out now for an engine install could buy you a very good lift, or about all of the tools you will ever need for future projects. Good luck.

Buddy came and helped and I bought the beer lol. Almost in just need manifold and few other parts. Hopefully can get them this week and get doors off to start going through inside. Can't decide on whether to get some stock size at tires now or save up for lift amd wheels tires. Remember it is weekend warrior/trail rig

Good call on tackling it yourself. BTW, If you cut the fenders you can fit 31's with little rubbing. It will rub lock to lock. That is how my Jeep sits right now.