New Jeeper in San Antonio

Just joined the forum, live in San Antonio and drive a 2000 TJ "First Jeep" and loving it. No suspension upgrades yet but plans are in the works, 4.0 just swaped for a 4.7 stroker. Never driven the rocks before so I am looking forward to a little rock rash. So hello to everyone.

Hello and Welcome!

I believe they are planning a trip sometime this month to Longs Ranch.

'Sup? Glad you are here. Post up some pics of that rig.

Welcome to the Forum SoTx Wrangler.

Welcome! was just there for Christmas....originally from Killeen/Bell County area but in Hawaii for now (Army!)

4.7! hell yeah! Welcome. Wanna race?

Welcome, and congrat's on the engine upgrade...

Welcome!

WAS SUP welcome to the forum!!!!!!

sotx wrangler wrote:

4.0 just swaped for a 4.7 stroker.

Unless your 4.0 self destructed, that is one hell of a 1st mod ... I like the way you think!





... now you need axle beef, a serious fender chop , then 4" suspension and 37"s to do that motor justice.

I purchased my TJ from previous owner with a blown motor, they overheated it replaced the headgasket and never checked the water pump and then blew the motor. Got a good deal on the Jeep then found the 4.7 crate motor on Craigslist in the Houston area cam swap and bolted on accesories and dropped it in.

And yes I need lift and tires for sure, still doing my research on lift looking at 1.25" to 2" body lift and 3.5" to 4" suspension lift. Down the road I would like to upgrade the front and rear drive shafts and do a tummy tuck mod. I dont want to get into trouble with a beast that is hard to drive on the highway so any input on which way to go would be appreciated.

Upgrade the drive shafts? Or do you mean the axles? What size tires are you currently running and plan to run in the future?

Here are a few things I have learned:

1) If you have a Dana 35 in the rear, get rid of it or be prepared to spend a ton of money beefing it up. Swap it for a Ford 8.8 from a mid/late 90's Explorer or a TJ/LJ D44.

2) Make sure you understand WHY you'd do a body lift, and never go higher than 1.25" for any reason.

3) If you plan to go to larger tires, there's a lot more involved than just how to make them physically fit onto the vehicle.

We can sit around and chat it about it some time. Maybe over some beer. Come out to some of the meets and wheeling trips! I'd love to check out that stroker some time...

X2 on what Deacon said. I did a 1 inch body lift just to save money on my old Jeep and it was not worth it. Linkage issues and adjustments to pedals and the T case were a major pain. Suspension lifts give you the lift, and performance you need. If you are looking for a tummy tuck you may just want to go the whole 9 and run long arms. Expensive up front, but you probably won't need to spend any more money afterwards. Deacon again is right, this would be a good convo in person. Because there is plenty more.
Track bars
Steering linkage and pitman arm.
Slip yokes.
And of course the Axles. Which may take the highest priority.

Sounds great would like to chat about it over a beer sounds even better.
The only reason I wanted to go with a body lift was to get the trans and Tcase up and out of the way "Tummy Tuck". They look like rock targets hanging down. The factory skid plate does not look like it offers much protection and the few after market designs I have seen look like more show than go.
I agree on the Axel upgrades, I have killed a couple in the past and it is not a pretty sight.
I am not sure what tire size I want to run I am thinking 35's at this time.

A body lift would only lift the body, it would leave the trans and t case where they are at.

Well but it creates clearance below the body, allowing you to move the transfer case up higher if you get a shallow skid (aka "tummy tuck").

Ah ok, I see what he is getting at. I did not know that was necessary for a tummy tuck