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Another build in my fleet, but has been around the longest, has the most sentiment, the most value, and the most time. I got the Jeep from my Best Friend in HS/College and it sure has come a long way.
It started as a 1999 Sport model, 2WD, AW4. Options were: Power windows, Power Doors, Cruise, AC/Heat and the sport interior. It had some cobbled together budget boost lift, some tacky alloy wheels, and Offbrand special tires.
The goal from the beginning was to have the utmost best parts I could obtain, no punches pulled, reliably and comfortable build.
Stock axles, stock drivetrain, stock interior wasnt going to cut it. The only thing that remains is the 4.0 and at 330K miles now, its still going strong.
The jeep build is arguably mostly complete, with a few upgrades left to do.
Future plans are an LS once my other two LS swaps are complete. Atlas Tcase, Hyrbid cage, and then I think its done. This Jeep wont be getting much major work done until mid 2025 likely, as my others project should keep me busy until then.
Ive driven this jeep cross country, multiple 15 hour road trips, sold it and bought it back, and its with me for good now.
It currently has:
Currie Rockjock Dana 44:
-The front is a 31 Spline Eaton E-Locker, Chromoly Shafts, Vanco Big Brakes, 3''x1/2'' tubes, Currie Custom High-Pinion Center section, Riddler Diff Cover, welded & gusseted tubes
Factory XJ Rear Dana 44:
-The rear axle has a 35 Spline Detroit Locker, 35 Spline Chromoly shafts, Solid Diff Cover, Nth Degree Pinion Skid, and welded tubes.
The Transfer Case is an NP231 with Wide chain, Teralow 4:1, Advance SYE, and fresh items throughout.
Both driveshafts are custom, and locally made.
It has Method 105 Real Beadlocks, 5 on the Jeep, one spare at home.
35x12.5x17 Mickey's
Filthy Addiction bumpers front and rear, Warn winch with Factor 55 accesories
Ares Fab rear armor
Cut and Fold done.
JCR Roof Rack
Sliders, unsure of the brand.
Stiffeners front to mid
Tank skid
3-linked, Fox 2.0 Resi shocks, Rubicon express 5' springs, Shackle relocation, Rubicon express track bar, brace, and bracket, Steering box stiffeners and spacer
Interior has ZJ seats front and rear, Alpine head unit, 4 channel amp for the Inifnity door speakers, and a mono amp for the subwoofer.
On board C02, Floor mats throughout, OEM style 5 switch panel for all lights, lockers, fan override etc.
I am missing plenty of ancillary upgrades, but thats the majority of it.
Last edited by Comanche SS; 03-01-2024 at 01:13 PM.
What's the WMS width of your axles? I'm working on swapping JK axles under mine (65" WMS) and have the same wheels I'd like to use. Would be interested to know your width specs so I can get an idea of how mine will compare.
How are the beadlocks for street driving? I've never had beadlocks before and I would like to keep my rig good for road driving. How do you have them balanced? I'm on the fence about whether I want to use the beadlocks or change them out for something with more backspacing. I feel like I don't need beadlocks for the terrain I wheel, but could see myself getting to a point where I would want them.
What's the WMS width of your axles? I'm working on swapping JK axles under mine (65" WMS) and have the same wheels I'd like to use. Would be interested to know your width specs so I can get an idea of how mine will compare.
Stock XJ width, has 1.25'' wheel spacers to avoid severe rubbing. The Beadlock Methods have a different offset than the standard "mock" beadlock wheels. Mine are as shown:
How are the beadlocks for street driving? I've never had beadlocks before and I would like to keep my rig good for road driving. How do you have them balanced? I'm on the fence about whether I want to use the beadlocks or change them out for something with more backspacing. I feel like I don't need beadlocks for the terrain I wheel, but could see myself getting to a point where I would want them.
On the road it handles like every other 90's jeep, numb and slow LOL. It really isnt an issue whatsoever...That being said, I would think cheap beadlocks might "feel" different, especially steel ones. Im not experienced in that area.
Not balanced, no issues with vibrations up to 80MPH, even towing no issues.
Off road, going down to 5PSI makes a world of difference, its like a cheat code. This makes it worth it in itself.
What gear ratio is in your axles?
4.56
Yeah, nothing too major LOL
In the grand scheme of things in terms of cost of the parts in this build, an LS and Atlas are just on par with the rest of it. I have done a few LS swaps, so nothing is new or scary to me about those. Its all relative I guess.
Stock XJ width, has 1.25'' wheel spacers to avoid severe rubbing.
Man, I was thinking yours is wide and mine will have another inch on each side over yours. Hopefully the lack of flares is exaggerating the width in the pictures. I really like the idea of greater WMS width, but I was hoping to minimize my scrub radius. The 3.5" backspace on the Method 105's kinda sucks. I could probably get away with a 4.5-5" backspaced wheel. That's with a 1 ton tre on the tie rod being the limiting factor. I'll probably run the 105's for awhile and decide later if I feel its worth changing anything.
Originally Posted by Comanche SS
On the road it handles like every other 90's jeep, numb and slow LOL.
I feel that lol. I've been running a pretty shotty setup for years while planning my current axle swap which includes reworking my steering geometry and getting big brakes. I've done some 1500 mile road trips with 5" of lift and stock steering geometry, plus a ton of other questionable choices. I'm surprised to make it home every time.
How do you feel about the 4.56's? I was going to go 4.88's, but the front axle I bought has 5.13's, so I guess I'm going deeper.
Originally Posted by Comanche SS
Not balanced, no issues with vibrations up to 80MPH, even towing no issues.
That is pretty wild that you can run unbalanced beadlocks at that speed with success. Definitely good to hear. I've been curious about using BB's in mine. I have no experience with those.
Originally Posted by Comanche SS
Off road, going down to 5PSI makes a world of difference, its like a cheat code. This makes it worth it in itself.
What type of terrain do you get into? Have you ever wanted to go 37's to get a bit more clearance when aired down that low? I've had 35's for awhile, and I really like 35's, but have considered going 37's. Really the only reason is because I have a single really nice 37 spare that's already mounted on my 5th Method wheel, and I need to buy new tires to go on the other 4. At this point I'm leaning towards 35's because they make more sense for the terrain I wheel, but... big tirez make brain happy.
When we wheel, we are pretty frequently on and off pavement throughout the day. Might be on-trail for an hour then need to run up the road 10-15 minutes to get to the next trail, so I always need to balance on road and off road pressure. I have found 12 psi works pretty well for that.
Originally Posted by Comanche SS
In the grand scheme of things in terms of cost of the parts in this build, an LS and Atlas are just on par with the rest of it. I have done a few LS swaps, so nothing is new or scary to me about those. Its all relative I guess.
Looking at your other builds in your sig, definitely looks like you have the experience. Pretty cool list of projects. Certainly looks like you stay busy.
Man, I was thinking yours is wide and mine will have another inch on each side over yours. Hopefully the lack of flares is exaggerating the width in the pictures. I really like the idea of greater WMS width, but I was hoping to minimize my scrub radius. The 3.5" backspace on the Method 105's kinda sucks. I could probably get away with a 4.5-5" backspaced wheel. That's with a 1 ton tre on the tie rod being the limiting factor. I'll probably run the 105's for awhile and decide later if I feel its worth changing anything.
I feel that lol. I've been running a pretty shotty setup for years while planning my current axle swap which includes reworking my steering geometry and getting big brakes. I've done some 1500 mile road trips with 5" of lift and stock steering geometry, plus a ton of other questionable choices. I'm surprised to make it home every time.
How do you feel about the 4.56's? I was going to go 4.88's, but the front axle I bought has 5.13's, so I guess I'm going deeper.
That is pretty wild that you can run unbalanced beadlocks at that speed with success. Definitely good to hear. I've been curious about using BB's in mine. I have no experience with those.
What type of terrain do you get into? Have you ever wanted to go 37's to get a bit more clearance when aired down that low? I've had 35's for awhile, and I really like 35's, but have considered going 37's. Really the only reason is because I have a single really nice 37 spare that's already mounted on my 5th Method wheel, and I need to buy new tires to go on the other 4. At this point I'm leaning towards 35's because they make more sense for the terrain I wheel, but... big tirez make brain happy.
When we wheel, we are pretty frequently on and off pavement throughout the day. Might be on-trail for an hour then need to run up the road 10-15 minutes to get to the next trail, so I always need to balance on road and off road pressure. I have found 12 psi works pretty well for that.
Looking at your other builds in your sig, definitely looks like you have the experience. Pretty cool list of projects. Certainly looks like you stay busy.
You ever consider/feel the need for hydro assist?
I like the 35's and 4.56 combination. With the 35's and the amount of "built" my drivetrain is, I never really have to worry about anything. The reliability, drivability, and cost replaceability of 35's is leaps and bounds better than 37's on an XJ I feel. Plus I already run into rubbing issues as it is with 35's, so 37's would just compound that issue. The LS and modern transmission swap will definitely make the driveability even better. It has 330k miles on it currently, and its tired but runs smooth.
The unbalanced aspect surprises me too, but its actually remarkably smooth, I can easily get up to 90 accidently (downhill) and not even realize it. My dad towed my comanche trailer cross country in this jeep for me and had zero issues with drivability.
It does need hydro assist, being in 4:1 low range, locked front, the steering wheel goes straight no matter what lol...aired down at 5psi with all that on top really gets the power steering whining.
I used to wheel strictly southwest, rocks, sand, gravel etc. I recently moved to the Ozarks and am getting into that zone of off roading.
My other projects definitely keep me busy, I have created a back log for myself LOL. I like to have diversity in my fleet, and I feel having a crawler, a restoration, a wild go fast off road build, and now most recently a wild go fast on road build really rounds out the variety. Just need a 2 door XJ and ill be content lol
Last edited by Comanche SS; 02-02-2024 at 11:19 AM.
Beautiful rig and you've got some nice toys there... I wish Pa. would let us have something like that here{without the tires having flares}... They'd never put an inspection sticker on it and you'd be getting pulled over weekly.... Heck the state cops sat outside this years 4x4 show and were writing tickets as the came out the gate !!
Beautiful rig and you've got some nice toys there... I wish Pa. would let us have something like that here{without the tires having flares}... They'd never put an inspection sticker on it and you'd be getting pulled over weekly.... Heck the state cops sat outside this years 4x4 show and were writing tickets as the came out the gate !!
I know the feeling! When I built this and the IFS LS Comanche I lived in southern CA. All the rules were broken LOL. I didnt have them registered at my CA address luckily though.
I recently moved to a small/medium sized town in Northwest AR. No smog, emissions, inspections anything at all. It is a breath of fresh air to know I can legally modify and drive these rigs on the road.
I am doing another LS MJ as we speak and its a relaxing feeling knowing when its done I can not hesitate to take it to town.
01-28-2024, 08:33 PM
1999 Dream Crawler/Daily Build "Blanco"
