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Planning the Next Project

Jeep Disease

Posted September 9 2008 07:03 AM by Jp Tech Editor 
Filed under: Editorials, Jeep Enthusiast Culture, Christian Hazel

Let's hear from you!  I'm still in need of a trail Jeep I can fit the family in. So what should I build next?


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I sold off the CJ-2A and the TJ in the photo. I'm dangerously close to finishing the J2000 pickup (well, I'm half way done). The M-715 is too big to squeeze through trails without destroying it.

Wheeling season is coming up soon and I've started thinking about my next project. I had thought it'd be a 1,000hp sand Jeep. While I still wanna make that monster happen, I think I need a family wheeler first.

I've been planning and I think I've got it narrowed down to one of two builds. First, I'm searching on line for a good deal on a YJ. It'd get full width axles, a 5.7L hemi turned up a bit to make about 425hp, maybe a 5-speed Dodge auto, and an aftermarket t-case. 

Or, second choice would be to bulid up a Scrambler or CJ-7 using only aftermarket components. Maybe a Throttle Down Kustsoms frame, an aftermarket aluminum or a Willys Overland steel body, minimal wiring harness, and the drivetrain mentioned above for the Wrangler.

So, what's it gonna be? Build an older newer Wrangler or a newer older CJ?
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Reader Comments:
1. I can see an all aluminum CJ7 this is your chance to learn how to weld Aluminum! even down to the skid plates and axles! lol

no really though I do like the CJ7 better than square headlights!

cgreenwood    - Posted September 9 2008 09:15 AM

 
2. I would love to see a scrambler build, hoping to do one myself after I finish my current cj7 and j10 builds. I do have to point out however, that Xtreme 4x4 on spike tv is doing a scrambler build with a frame from T.D.K., a tj suspension, made a custom 14 bolt front, aqualu tub and planning to use a cj7 hard top.
And yea, almost anything is better than square headlights.

Stile    - Posted September 9 2008 12:34 PM

 
3. How about a CJ-7 tub with the rear wheel openings and tailgate welded, extend the frame, and install a small bed, not attached to the CJ-7 tub. Then you would have a sort of Jeep extra-cab pickup! You could still use a factory hard top.

Jp Editor    - Posted September 9 2008 01:23 PM

 
4. If you want pre-loved V8, family 'wheeler...

ZJ!

It would be either that, or a Hemi JK IMO: got to have AC and a hard top to get the elusive "Wife Appeal". Of course, I've heard that it never gets too hot or rains in SoCal... :D

OnRoading    - Posted September 9 2008 04:13 PM

 
5. No on the pickup thing. About a year ago I talked the crew cab Jeep pickup idea over with the guys from AEV - and you (Cappa) if I remember right. Both thought it'd be too long, too narrow, and too goofy looking. If anything I'd do it with a CJ-5 and not a Wrangler/CJ-7.

Nope on the ZJ. There's too much stuff that can go wrong and it's too hard to get to the engine, etc underhood. Besides, I want something with no top, a frame, and I've already got the Hemi sitting in my garage.

Gonna either be a Wrangler YJ or a Scrambler. Keep 'em coming guys. So far I'm leaning towards the YJ unless I can be convinced otherwise.

Jp Tech Editor    - Posted September 9 2008 07:03 PM

 
6. do the yj......i say this because i have one.......lol

chariotofmanliness    - Posted September 10 2008 06:51 AM

 
7. Dang! Y'all are such Universal snobs! C'mon, the unibody guys need love too... :D

Anyway, an 8cyl YJ with an Atlas makes for a great personal 'wheeler, so there you go.

On the other hand, if it's for a story, the scratch-built CJ-8 would be an excellent way to showcase the Jeep aftermarket possibilities.

So, I guess it's kind of an editorial decision from that standpoint... personally, I think that the CJ would be a real tour-de-force if you could pull it off, but it's a $60,000 vs. $15,000 decision, not to mention the time factor...

OnRoading    - Posted September 10 2008 02:36 PM

 
8. Scrambler gets my vote...heres a cheap one right near me.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/cto/834755192.html

_Dustin_    - Posted September 10 2008 07:01 PM

 
9. Gak! $26K. That's a ripping endorsement for a YJ if I ever saw one! Just got off craigslist for so.cal. and found a couple YJs I e-mailed on. We'll see.

The dude who said Extreme 4x4 was building one may have sealed the deal for the YJ. Of course, don't forget that Rick Russell did a frame-up Scrambler build and I'm pretty sure Kevin McNulty started one at 4WD & SUV before he went to 4WOR magazine. Never claimed it was a new idea, but if you want a clean Scrambler it's almost cheaper to piece one together from nothing than start with an existing Jeep.

Jp Tech Editor    - Posted September 11 2008 06:23 AM

 
10. i'd like to see an old willys wagon or make an crew cab pickup from an old willys that would sick

canuckjeeper    - Posted September 14 2008 09:20 AM

 
11. go for the cj8,if you ook hard you can get a full length hard top.sure it's been done but it's budget and proven.if i wasn't so far away i'd give you mine since i cant sell it.maybe a four door cj8 with a chopped bed? kinda retro jk?

nourlmt    - Posted September 16 2008 02:29 AM

 
12. If you wanna go for vintage, made you should fix Willys Overland SUV up? They're pretty sweet rides. And you could fit the whole family in them!

SheppardWillys    - Posted February 1 2009 09:42 AM

 

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