My 89' MJ, "The Beast"

[TrailReadyMJ]

1989 MJ, 4x4, 4.0, AW4, D30/35 , NP231.

The day I brought it home.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2617.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2615.jpg

The PO decided to shoot it OD green, but ran out of paint before hitting the roof and in the bed.
Needless to say, I will be redoing some bodywork. I am going to keep the color though.

I cleaned it up a bit, rattle canned the inside of the bed for now, and primered the roof.

I needed to get this thing on the road ASAP, and as cheap as possible! It needed several things to be road worthy. A couple tires, both unit bearings, and the shocks were totally shot. It also has a rod knock, and had no power with tons of hesitation! The heater didn't work, and the blower would only kick on every once and a while. I can't complain, I didn't expect much from a $500 truck!

I have wanted one of these for years now, and my XJ had seen better days! My plan is to swap the lift, wheels and tires, and engine from the XJ.

So, I got to work! Unfortunately I had to work on it in my gravel/grass driveway due to a friends XJ occupying my small garage.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2632.jpg

[TrailReadyMJ]

I mixed and matched until I had everything I needed to replace the necessary parts. I pulled the front springs, trackbar and CAs from the XJ.
Then I stuck it all under the MJ.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2634.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2637.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2641.jpg

In the last pic, I drove it into work to fix the blower and install some tunes!

I did a SOA in the rear, so I had to add some spacers in front to level it out at about 6". DBs or LAs are in the very near future, but overall this thing rides great! After giving it a tune up, the power is back and I was able to get up to ~75MPH with no problems or vibes (it will rarely see those speeds!).

I kept the stock axles in it for now :( . I will be building a ford 8.8 and a non-disconnect HPD30, with 4.88s and probably Aussies. I don't plan to wheel it hard until I get the axles done, but have spare D35 parts, just in case.

[TrailReadyMJ]

As mentioned, I needed some tunes. I installed some Kenwood Excelon 6.5" coaxials in the doors, and a Excelon CD/USB player in the dash.
I install for a living, and got this stuff free through a promotion! I need to paint those door jams!
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2622.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2624.jpg

I also want to mention I installed a gauge cluster from a XJ with a tach and gauges. It originally had the idiot lights and giant fuel gauge (that was broken).

I was able to get it inspected with no problems after going through all the lights. I also had to fix the horn, and just wired in a momentary push switch. I have been driving it regularly, and it gets all kinds of attention! I can't even count the number of people that said I should paint a white star on the doors :lol: .

I am hoping the engine will hold through the winter, the knock isn't that bad. That will give me time to pull the 4.0HO from the XJ, and go through it. This will actually be the 4th Jeep it's been in, with only about 110K on the clock! That's a different story though.

I had to trim the fenders some, and removed the "air dam" below the front bumper. I will be running 35s once I get the axles done, so I will need to do some more.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2644.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2645-1.jpg

Total out of pocket cost so far, not including the truck... $0!!!

[TrailReadyMJ]

On down the road a little...


I did take a couple poser shots the other day when I got a small load of firewood. The bed is loaded down, so the front isn't maxed out although the sway bar is disconnected. Too bad the rear won't flex this easy under normal conditions, but once loaded down for the trail, I should have some decent weight back there.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/120608_1450.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/120608_1451.jpg

[TrailReadyMJ]

Here are some CA Drop Brackets that I built... yes built!

I still want/need to make the braces, but many run these on MJs without, so I'm going to go ahead and install them once I get time.

In addition to the normal DB mounting, I have added 2 self tapping bolts that will run straight up into the "frame". They go through the pocket, as well as the thicker part of the fame rail, so hopefully there will be enough to grab.
These are also a one piece design as far as the UCA goes, however there will be a strap going from the outside of the bracket, up to the stock UCA mount.
I also added a few adjustment points for the UCA, including an extra 1" stretch. I will be running stock UCAs for now, so this gives me more options.

My camera is acting up, so I only took a couple cell phone pics as the paint was drying. I'll try to get more, as well as some install pics.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/122508_1429a.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/122508_1431a.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2751.jpg

[TrailReadyMJ]

I have also installed my drop pitman arm and trackbar mount brace. I made this last year for my XJ. It is designed to use a ZJ arm (3/4" drop from XJ/MJ), not yet installed in pics.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Trackbar%20mount/DSCF2181.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Trackbar%20mount/DSCF2194.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Trackbar%20mount/DSCF2195.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Trackbar%20mount/DSCF2186.jpg

[TrailReadyMJ]

I have installed a lock right in front, the best part is it's for a D35 :shock:

Here is the writeup I did on the NRVJC forum:
Here it goes… This all started when I traded some work for a D35 Lock Right. I figured I could do one of two things with it. I had a D30 Lock Right, but it was missing the spacers that keep the couplers aligned. Before I saw it, I was going to see if these spacers were interchangeable, they are not! This ruled out the idea of piecing together the D30 Locker.

Then I went on to plan “B”. I was just going to throw it in the rear for temporary, light throttle use. I have spare shafts, and full D35 internals, so I figured, why not? I got into tearing down the axle, and noticed I have a non c-clip D35. I didn’t think much of it, other than my spare shafts wouldn’t work. Since if it did break a shaft, it would not keep me from limping off the trail, I continued. Well, it turns out the non-c clip version has a larger carrier, and the locker won’t fit. With ideas brewing in my head, I continued to reassemble the axle. At least I have new gear oil!

Now is where the outside the box thinking comes in. Looking at the two lockers, they appeared VERY similar in overall size, and are the same spline count and cut. I noticed the D35 Locker was slightly wider than the 30, but only .020” or so. I had a spare D30 Carrier lying around, so I figured what the hell… To my surprise, it fit great! The side couplers fit perfectly in the carrier, even the pin is the same diameter!

With this test fitting done, I decided to try the real thing. I tore down the front end, and installed the locker normally. Once again it fit great, and I was feeling even more confident in the results. Below is a pic of the locker installed in the D30 carrier. The only real “disadvantage” I see is that it has the cutouts for the D35 c-clips.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/DSCF2773.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/DSCF2775.jpg

I reassembled the front end, and did the standard spin tests to make sure it would unlock. This was the thing I was most concerned with since this locker was a little wider. Worse case, this would cause it to either not unlock, or be rough in operation. I was pleased to find it unlocked very smoothly! I put it all back together and went for a drive. Like my previous Aussie, I couldn’t even tell it was there in 2wd! Slight clicking on slow, sharp turns, just like it is supposed to have! As I pulled back in my driveway (gravel), I engaged 4wd, and made a sharp turn. It was very apparent the locker was working, and my experiment was a success!!!

I still have to actually try it out off road, but with everything in spec and functioning as it should, it should be just fine. I will report back once I get a chance, but with D35 lockers floating around for CHEAP, this could be a great option for those on a tight budget!


Update: Well, I had a chance to test the locker out by climbing a hill/wall at work. It's a ~2ft retaning wall with a pretty steep, muddy little hill afterwards. It worked great! I climbed up without even spinning a tire :) I also played around a bit at my neighbours land, and it worked perfectly the whole time!

I will also mention, I only tried this because it seemed to fit (and did!), and I have a couple extra D30s laying around if something went BOOM! We will see how it holds up in the long run, but so far, so good!

[TrailReadyMJ]

Also...I have been working on a new and improved OBA setup for the MJ. I had a system on the XJ, but it required constant oiling, and was never leak free. Well, I pieced together a much better system out of parts I already had that came extra with my home air compressor.

Here is a pic showing the components. I need to redo a couple things after installing and testing it. First the check valve should be before the safety valve. However, the check valve seems to be bad, so it's now just a fancy coupler :roll: . Also the pressure switch I had was way too low, like 20psi, so it will get replaced asap!
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/OBA%20setup/labeled.jpg

The compressors have odd size fittings. On the XJ I just cut the AC hoses and used the stock connection. However, the MJ didn't even have AC stock, so I found a solution.
It just happens that the inside of the output is just the right size to tap for 3/4" pipe thread!
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/OBA%20setup/DSCF2760.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/OBA%20setup/DSCF2762.jpg

The input side is less critical since it isn't pressurized, so I just found a piece of PVC, and force threaded it on.

I also ran a tube from the separator back to the oilier through an adjustable valve. This allows self lubrication, and other than an occasional oil change, it's maintenance free! I tested it, and it works great!

Here you can see the tube, and intake side:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/OBA%20setup/DSCF2772.jpg

I have installed it, but didn't get any pics yet. The compressor just bolted on in place of the idler pulley bracket, and all the stuff fits nicely in an area unused by Jeep.

I ran the hose into the cab where there is a dash mounted pressure gauge. Then it goes out the back, and into my toolbox where the tank is stored. I found out a 5 gallon air tank fits perfect in the corner on my truck box! One day, the tank will probably move under the bed, but for now this is perfect!

[TrailReadyMJ]

Also, I removed the filter, it was an old one I used for test fitting and didn't allow enough airflow. I will get a new one soon.

I also decided the saftey valve before the check valve isn't a bad thing just in case the valve malfunctions. I will add another one at the tank just in case.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/OBA%20setup/DSCF2783.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/OBA%20setup/DSCF2787.jpg

I need a new camera!!!

[TrailReadyMJ]

SCORE!!! I picked up an Exploder 8.8 today for $120. It's 100% complete, and pretty clean too! The disks are pretty rusty, but should be able to be turned. I'll post some pics once I get to working on it.

It has 3.55s now, but I should be able to buy gears in a couple days. I wanted 4.88s, but found a deal on some 4.56s I may not be able to refuse. Either way, I'll be MUCH better off than I am now with 3.55s and 33s.

I am going to go ahead and slap the 35s on Thursday. Hopefully I'll have gears by the weekend :2thumbsup:

Unfortunately, because of this I won't be able to make to make the trip this weekend :( , but it's for good reasons :)

[Scrambled]

NICE Drew! How's the Dana 35 lock-rite holding up so far?
The on board air set up is cool but finding out the 35 will work in place of a 30 is just genius my friend. :sSc_eek2::D
Where are you planning on mounting the tank for the OBA set up?
Sorry we are gonna miss you this trip. Looks like I may not make it either . . . but for good reasons as well. ;)

Later
Sean

[TrailReadyMJ]

Thanks Sean.
The locker is still holding up great, but I haven't had a chance to REALLY push it yet (in rocks with binding). Originally, I was going to get the parts I need for the actual 30 locker I have, for when I put the 35s on. However, due to funds I may have to test the 35 locker some more.

For now, the tank for the OBA is in my toolbox. It fits in there real nice, and doesn't take up too much room. Eventually, I will probably replace the rockers with 2x6 like I did on my XJ in the pic below, and make them into tanks. I might do the bumpers this way as well???
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Rockers/DSCF1639.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Rockers/2.jpg

[hadfield4wd]

I'll be doing that rocker replacement after the jedi buggy is done and after the trailer is done. However the way it is done in those pics is not all that great. If you're going to do it you should cut the sill completely out and gain several inches of clearance. Then jsut boatside it. You'll need to cut the bottom of the doors off too, but that's not a big deal.

[TrailReadyMJ]

I'll be doing that rocker replacement after the jedi buggy is done and after the trailer is done. However the way it is done in those pics is not all that great. If you're going to do it you should cut the sill completely out and gain several inches of clearance. Then jsut boatside it. You'll need to cut the bottom of the doors off too, but that's not a big deal.
I agree it wouldn't be much harder to boatside it, and depending on your goals, could be a better route. However that would have required more steel, and I already had the 2x6 (I'm a cheap a$$ ;) )
This worked great, and didn't cause any hangups. My rockers had already taken a beating, and needed replaced. They had a lot more clearance than your standard bolt on rock rails, and I landed on them pretty hard without issue.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Callalantee%2007/slidertest.jpg

They are tied into the pinch seam, front and rear wheel wells, and the splash guards. I was going to plate the frame and tie them in to that, but the MJ came along. I may go a little higher on it???

This was the best looking rocker before, I can't find the pic of the other side, but it needed a sledge at one point in order to close the door:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Rockers/DSCF1629.jpg

This is what I cut out:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Rockers/DSCF1631.jpg

[Big Red 95]

i am glad you got your build thread back up. especially the part about the OBA. i would like to do that to the G-Wagon. I have the perfect place for the tank. Or at least i will when i relocate the gas tank to where the spare use to be.

[TrailReadyMJ]

i am glad you got your build thread back up. especially the part about the OBA. i would like to do that to the G-Wagon. I have the perfect place for the tank. Or at least i will when i relocate the gas tank to where the spare use to be.
When you get to doing it, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I have done this basic setup on several Jeeps with great success.



It was getting dark when we finished, so no pics yet, but I mounted the 35s yeterday :) .

I am using the airsoft balancing method, but need to add more to the front. They have a lot of vibes/wobbles at times, at different speeds, but I think more BBS should fix it. What's odd is when it stats to wobble, and I take a turn in the road, it sometimes goes away, 100%. Then it's fine until I slow back down to say 40MPH and they return. My guess is there aren't enough BBs to go where they need to go, but in turns, they work towards the edge or something? I did the front first, and added some extra BBs in the rear since those tires had the most uneven wear. The rear rides smooth, so the BBs are working, I just hope I can easily resolve the issue up front.

I will also mention, breaking the bead on some 33s that have been mounted for 5 years, using a 40 year old tire machine, is no fun! It took us like 3 hours to chance them out! Of course, this was at my buddies garage, and we took our time chatting and stuff.

Pics to come...

[TrailReadyMJ]

The gears are on the way :D
I still have to pick up all the little parts needed for the 8.8 swap, but by the end of the month, I should be good to go!

I noticed everyone is posting current specs, so here's mine (once the axle work is done).

Drivetrain and Axles:
-1989 Comanche Pioneer (MJ)
-4.0 Renix/AW4/NP-231
-HP D30 Front, non-disco, 4.56s, lock-right.
-8.8 Rear, 31 spline, discs, 4.56s, stock LSD w/extra shim (will eventually get aussie).
-35X12.50 Swamper SSRs on 15X8 Pro Comp Crawlers, 3.75"BS.

Front Suspension and steering:
-Rusty's 4.5" coils
-1.5" spacers (stacked stock isolators)
-BPEs
-Crappy RC shocks
-Custom track bar mount with frame brace
-Custom fixed track bar
-"Beefier" stock steering
-1" Drop Pitman arm (to match TB mount)
-Custom control arm drop brackets
-Rusty's adjustable LCAs
-Bumpstops
-Extended Brakelines (from a dodge ram)

Rear Suspension:-SOA conversion with stock leaves (about 6" of lift)
-Relocated shock mounts
-Crappier RC shocks
-Bumpstops

Armor and Misc:
-Stock Gas skid
-Stock T-case skid
-OBA using sanden AC compressor
-Toolbox with tools, parts, and a 5 gal tank for the OBA
-AUX fan from XJ
-Custom center console (still in progress)
-CB with 4ft fiberglass antenna
-Kenwood Excelon CD/USB, Excelon 6.5" coax in doors
-Cut down overhead console from XJ (still in progress)

On the infamous to do/wish list:
-OTK steering
-Bodywork, paint, etc...
-Front and rear bumpers
-Winch
-Rocker replacment / Armor
-Shocks, probably 5150s?
-D30 Truss
-D30 ChroMo axles
-Hidden 3 link LA with custom belly pan
-Cage
-Removable doors with either half, or tube doors.

That's all I can think of for now.

[TrailReadyMJ]

The gears are on the way, and I started to work on the axles. I will be using a non-disco HP D30 I have, and of course the 8.8. My plan is to build them on the bench, and slap them in the Jeep. If all goes well, this will happen by month's end :D
This will work out well, and almost eliminate down time. Although it's really a turd on the 35s, at least I can still drive the MJ to work if the weather is bad.

Here are a couple pics on the 35s. I had to adjujst the brightness to get the pics to show, so the color may be off...
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2812.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF2811.jpg

I still need to do some trimming, and am in debate as to what to do with the flares.

[hadfield4wd]

You shouldn't need any more steel to cut more away. Infact I'm cutting off my existing rockers and using those for the boatsides.

[TrailReadyMJ]

Well, I got the rear gears in :). They are Motive 4.56s. I got them from a guy on ebay pretty cheap. They were installed but never ran, so they were still new. You can still see the old marking compound on them, and no sign of wear or break in. They were also already notched for the cross pin, and he did a great job of it!
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/Rear%20Axle/DSCF2823.jpg
It's a good sign when the diff cover is this clean with just a wipe off!
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/Rear%20Axle/DSCF2824.jpg
I stripped down the 8.8, welded the tubes, and installed the gears already! The gear install went real smooth. I got the pinion depth right the first time, and it only took a couple tries to adjust the backlash :) . It helps I have done many 8.8s at this point, but it was by far the easiest gear install I've done! Here are a few pics, they didn't turn out great...
Adjusting backlash:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/Rear%20Axle/DSCF2827.jpg
Pattern checks:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/Rear%20Axle/DSCF2831.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/Rear%20Axle/DSCF2834.jpg

At this point I have the rear ready to set under the Jeep. Then I need to adjust the angles, weld up the perches and shock mounts, and hook up the brakes. I will have it in by the end of the weekend :).

[TrailReadyMJ]

Well, I didn't get any pics yet, but the rear is in :D
I mentioned earlier that I was going to go with a LSD in back. However after taking it apart, I discovered it really needed a rebuild. Rather than spending money on it, I decided to go open for now, and save for an Aussie.

I also got the front gears setup yesterday in the non-disco housing. I still have a few little things to do, such as relocate the swaybar mounts, weld in my BPEs, etc... I'll be finishing that, and plan to throw it in on Sunday. I am going to keep the D35 locker in for now, but it too will probably get replaced with an Aussie.

I removed the front shaft, just in case, and took it for a spin. Much better now with the gears! Only problem is now that the engine revs easier, my lovely knock is more noticable. I can only imagine what it would sound like if I hadn't replaced the bearings a while ago! Oh well, it's starting to get warmer, so I'll be able to swap it soon. I also wanted to wait until I regeared, so the "new" engine wouldn't see all that strain.

I'll try to get some pics up later...

[TrailReadyMJ]

Well I took it on a run with a few from the NRVJC on one of the private trails we have access to. I figured I'd post a few pics of the MJ in action with the new setup.
Everything worked out great, except I managed to taco my tie rod... time to upgrade!
I also removed the flares and trimmed the fenders... good thing too, it flexes great, didn't pull a tire all day :).

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Copperhead%203-15-09/014.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Copperhead%203-15-09/DSCF2949.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Copperhead%203-15-09/DSCF2938.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Copperhead%203-15-09/DSCF2957.jpg

My tie rod...
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Copperhead%203-15-09/DSCF2963.jpg

Some "beauty marks"...
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Copperhead%203-15-09/DSCF2964.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/Copperhead%203-15-09/DSCF2965.jpg

Looks like it's about time for me to do the rocker replacement!

This was kinda the first official run of the season for the NRVJC, so we kept the group pretty small. I plan to organize another larger ride there soon, and will invite you all to join us!

[xjtrailrider]

Nice Drew! You may want to check that alignment before you eat the tires up:rotflmao5:

[Scrambled]

Looking good Drew.:thumb:
Time for some armor.

Say when and where my friend and a few of us will head your way.

Later
Sean

[Big Red 95]

OOOO Flexy. lookin' good.

i think this is what your tie rod felt like :sSc_eek2:

[TrailReadyMJ]

Well, it's been a while since I updated this, so even though I don't have pics yet, I figured I'd post something...

I decided to clean up and install the LSD I had for my 8.8, so I no longer have any open diffs :wings:. I also installed an extra shim to tighten it up some. It will do until I get an Aussie.

I also built/ am building, a rear bumper. I currently have the "frame" of it done with a couple d-rings for recovery. I have yet to install a receiver I have for it, and I plan to do some additions and overall cleanup. I just really needed a rear recovery point as I am going to URE this weekend :). I also chopped the bed and wrapped the bumper around to the wheel well.

The front bumper and rockers are probably going to be next, but I didn't get good enough weather to get them done before this trip.

I'll try to get some pics up soon.

[Big Red 95]

That sounds cool man. I like when people incorporate armor into bumpers. I have thought a ways to to it on my Jeeps but it is difficult to do with 4 doors. You either block the door or loose tire clearance.

[TrailReadyMJ]

Here are a couple pics of the "un-finished" bumper. It's 3x3 1/4" wall, so it should take some abuse!
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF3154.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trailreadyxj/MJ/DSCF3156.jpg

I also threw my old 33s on another set of wheels for temporary "street" tires.

On top of that I was given a camper top for it. What's nice is I can fit my set of 35s and my truck toolbox, and still have room for camping gear, not to mention I don't need to bring a tent :) . It all fits like it was made for that! :wings: I'll take a pic when I get it loaded up for this weekend's trip to URE with the NRVJC :harhar:

[TrailReadyMJ]

That sounds cool man. I like when people incorporate armor into bumpers. I have thought a ways to to it on my Jeeps but it is difficult to do with 4 doors. You either block the door or loose tire clearance.
I didn't go around the weel well, just up to it. You should be able to do something similar to what I did. You just have to be careful how you cut and fold the quarters since they are structural in your case.

[Big Red 95]

seeing it that is not what i was thinking but it look really cool. I like the straight, clean look of it. I really like the way you did bring it to the wheel wells. it will be like one big slider all the way around when the other armor gets done. With the army green paint it looks very military too. very cool.

[YJeXtreme]

Looks good Drew, my bro just picked up an 89MJ today. He's planning something a bit milder for now, to clear 33s. I think he has his sights set on doing something much bigger later on... Keep up the good work man!

[flash2pablo]

How hard was it to make that rear bumper? Do you have spec's or a cad design from when you made it?
I am buying a 91 MJ Longbed, I need to buy or make a rear bumper for it and your design would give it a lot more protection seeing as mine is a long bed and will need it.

[hadfield4wd]

Mine is like that. You'll be surprised how much that flexs when you nail it. I had to support the ends that come under the body when I put the tire carrier on.

Looks good.

[xjmudman96]

That does look good and solid, I was thinkin of trying to do something like that myself. It really helps your rear clearence too. Nice work:2thumbsup: