this is just an update video from the aftermath of my Wheeling over the weekend and my upcoming plans for the supercharged jeep grand cherokee zj on 33s with the 3 inch budget lift.
Also, Thomas, you asked in your video about your viewer's opinions on your proposed, shorty bumper build and frame connections. My plan is to first, make a cardboard template mockup of the following ideas. Then, once fleshed out, use 1/4 inch plate and make a removable bumper/winch shorty bumper. It would be, the length and width of the front bumper support. Then, weld in wings at 90 degrees on ends. Then, drill out outside holes in the plate steel and, finally, crib it in a "U" pattern. Then, also, weld in 1/4" plates or square tube that will slip into the 2 large holes in the front and tie it all together to the subframe with grade 8 bolts, washers and nylock nuts. In this way, strengthening the entire front sub-frame into a rectangular super support. Then over the top ofnthe plate steel following the template of the bumper support,either weld or maybe bolt on "D" shaped DIY 2x6 rectangular tubing boxed in, bumper/ winch support mount. Ill probably have a welder friend help me or make this as my welding skills are sub-par and I want it done right. What do you think about that idea Thomas?
That's probably about how I will be doing it. I may just bolt to the outside with tubes welded into the frame but if I can get a tight fit with a tube going straight into the center that would be the strongest way to attach I believe.
Following and enjoying your zj build. Love that you put a supercharger on the inline 6, very cool. May I offer some suggestions? Before you cut out the frame section on pass side. Get a tripod and a phone holder and stabilize your recording device and most importantly, go deeper, i.e. deep dive into the step by step process of each of your future videos and individual zj orojects. Maybe take some time and watch D&E In the garage or Barricade Garage vids for some video project format ideas?Why? Several reasons. 1.Youll get more views, subs and positive comments. 2. Your project wont have those like me following you getting " jitterneck" from all the hand movement. 3. Plus, your hands will be free to do more stuff and film more completely, each process and proceedure so non mechanics can actually utilize your mechanical knowledge and actually benefit for many new fellow youtube subscribers to come. A more complete side wing and unibody and bumper support cutting, removal, frame strengthening video has not been fully covered or represented faithfully by any other zj youtuber yet. Covering each cut, editing the video after or adding a voiceover of your thought process thru the cutting, template adding, tube strengthening proceedure would be invaluable to some that arent as technically or mechanically savvy as you are. All my above rants, are suggestions, constructive critisism meant to help you to help others better and safer. Thanks for all your video updates so far. Hope my wooden plug nickel advice helps......and... Eagerly waiting to see what you do next 👍😎
Thank you. These are all good points. I have a tripod and I've thought about giving more detail and longer videos it seems like people won't watch longer videos so I have thought about making two versions a short version and then a very detailed long version. I'm looking into getting some more equipment so I can make this easier and I really need to get on the computer and get comfortable with editing software. I've been on the fence about it but no one really ever leaves a comment so I appreciate your input and hearing that people would like more detail and more step by step I'll do that.
Good morning Thomas. REWATCHED this video this morning. First, I agree, removing the bumper side supports does make a lifted ZJ look more "TUFF". 2nd. Supporting the spot welds weakens the support of the "ridged plastic" grille and headlight core support, i.e. the "header panel" and it will absolutely, break if not supported, especially now, that all the factory metal and welds are no longer there, and, definitely if, your going to continue to beat on the suspension components in the same way that bent the recent components . 3rd, I've watched, pretty much, every other ZJ front bumper support RU-vid video, and, none that Ive found, have done any meaningful re-welding and support of the factory metal, (at least, not on camera) like what you propose to make a template of. 4th, Id do just as you suggest and tube the unibody, as you discussed, and make a inner and outer template of 1/4 inch and use grade 8 bolts, thick flanged washers and nylock nuts or do a square tube custom insert with diy 1/4" plate bumper mount brackets. I would not go farther and catch steering support. Id think it better to try to not hit anything, tree, etc. And instead, gussett and support the subframe unibody,mthat way if you damage the front end you can still salvage and use the Jeep by beating out the damage and use junkyard parts rather than a complete front clip? Just my thoughts. 5th, And, as a helpful aside and "not trying to be nitpicky", actually, just trying to help you make easier to for me and others, to watch and more you to provide, non redundant informative diy zj videos? So, anyway, you asked for input 2x saying the same exact thing (watch your video and listen), thats where editing while help you, food for thought.
Id like to see and know WJ knuckles changeover. Yes. There is a lot of info. Overwhelming to a non daily mechanic, like myself. I need to gather parts first from pick and pull. Im sure there are many that would appreciate a complete rundown, step by step with a parts list, of this changeover to the WJ knuckles proceedure. I am wanting to do this to a 95 JGC Laredo inline 6, 242 trans., 231 tc, d35 f.diff, d30 r.diff disk brakes all round. Would be great to see someone like yourself who looks to be a daily mechanic, perform this upgrade mod in the correct way, with all the info in one video. Thanks if you decide to make time to videolog this proceedure actually, thanks for the overall build out, either way.
Building a 96 Zj with the 5.2 my self right now. So I’ve heard the tie rod on the V8 zj Is thicker and stronger. You could replace your with on off a v8 for a cheap upgrade.
Iv heard that too. Iv got weld it yourself one ton crossover steering and drag link kit on the way to use with the wj knuckles so far I almost have everything but I don't think my wheels will fit without bigger spacers so I may do that for now or else I can get the smaller style wj calipers should work too.
@@thomasbeyer I’ve done the front to rear coil spring swap with RC track bar relocation bracket. I had some new stock WJ shocks laying around so I extended them with some square tubing and a welder! Lol don’t know how well that’s going to hold up but we’ll see.I have the front axel completely out of the Jeep right now because all the controls arms and bushing were trashed and plus I need to do the rear main seal, it’s a lot easier to do with the axle out. The new rear main seal is in and the pan is back on. Pressed new moog bushing in the front upper control arms and front axle. Cleaned up the front axle with a Braided wire wheel and pain it. The axle is ready to go back in just need to put the exhaust back on and transmission crossmember. Shit I just need to make a little video series like you’re doing.
I have enjoyed making them so far. I will have front end all torn apart by the end of the weekend iv got so much to do. Ujoints ball joints knuckle conversion stuff steering links to make hopefully I won't have to do anything else maintenance related for awhile
It wasn't from the riding in the video. The damage came from that night. I bounced it pretty hard trying to get over way to big of a ledge but it made it. Just a little damaged lol
It was fairly violent but It made it. The V8 zjs have a little beefier steering than the 4.0s for someone that wants a cheapish upgrade but Iv ended up going to 1 ton tie rods
Ok my friend you dont need wj lower ball joint and if you need wj rotorbut if you reedreal the rotor you can used you zj wheel bearing I did full conversion and have video in my chanel be safe
I did. You have to click the 3 dots next to the subtitles button and click spanish and it should work. It still showed up in english until I clicked that.
Check out and give a read to the suspension info presented at www.rocky-road.com. Great reading and knowledge on ome suspension reasons why you may not want to do long arms. There is also affordable off road.com for shorty hd front bumper kit good price, and diyoffroad.com for armor cheap.
