Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Build Ups => Topic started by: blackjeep on October 26, 2010, 08:25:15 PM

Title: New to Me Jeep
Post by: blackjeep on October 26, 2010, 08:25:15 PM
Hello people... Just bought a 92 wrangler off my friend unfotunatly it needs some work but I think it will be the fun part. Any ideas of where to get started. It only has the 4 cylender so I was thinking an engine up grade would be a good place to start. Any other suggestions? Wheres a good place to shop for motors?

Cheers
Thanks for all your input!
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: vantagetes on October 27, 2010, 12:20:04 AM
I have a 4 cylinder and it takes me everywhere I ask. My diffs are even open/open. It's all about driving ability, the things you add after just make things easier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAIfM7m4YOM

The first jeep through is a fully loaded rubicon with lockers, 4:1 low and a 3.6L

The second is my TJ which is pretty much the same setup as yours, and I go through the exact same spot. The rubi can definately get through much easier with the lower gears and lockers but it doesn't mean you can't with much cheaper equipment!!

The axles in the 2.5 already have 4:10 gears, but they are weak. If you go to 4.0L power (need new tranny to do this) with large tires and those low gears you're gonna break stuff. Then you are looking at upgrading your axles and driveshafts too. If you're considering this, get your axles and shafts first, then the tranny and motor.
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: w squared on October 27, 2010, 07:51:12 AM
A TJ with a 2.5L and 4.10's will do what you need it to do offroad. You may have difficulty maintaining highway speed with it on-road (especially if you increase the tire size).

I've actually seen a bone-stock TJ with a 2.5L make it through that same crack...but going uphill. You would be shocked at the places that a stock TJ can go. That said, it took fifteen minutes of repeated trying and failing for that stock TJ to make it through, a VERY good (and patient) spotter was required to guide the inexperienced driver through the obstacle, and it required the Jeep to be pushed harder than I would comfortable pushing my Jeep...but my trail rig is also my DD.

If you've got recovery points front and rear and a set of mud terrain (or even all terrain) tires in good condition, then your Jeep has everything that you actually need. Add a CB, a fire extinguisher, a shovel, an axe, and some basic recovery gear (gloves, snatch strap, and a 3/4" shackle) and you'll meet the requirements for 75% of all CJA runs. Add a winch, and you'll meet the requirements for 90% of all CJA runs.

A stock Jeep with open diffs and a 2.5L will still take you a lot of places, and it will teach you a lot of things about wheeling. Like vantages said, it's all about driver skill. Choosing the line,  knowing where you're placing your wheels, and understanding exaclyt how much "bump" is required is 80% of what wheeling is about.

P.S.: The first Jeep going through that crack (me) didn't have the lockers engaged at that point. On the way uphill through the crack that day, I has only the rear locker engaged...so that I could try a different and more challenging line. A week later with snow and mud all over the crack, I needed both lockers. Lockers do make a a difference when the going gets tough...but they still don't count for as much as driver skill and experience. I know guys that can drive open/open through things that I find challenging even with lockers engaged.
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: Rubi03 jef on October 27, 2010, 09:41:51 AM
i wouldnt worry about the motor

tires 31's would be a good start
and if you can throw at least one locker in there that'll help alot for traction

all depending on how much off roading you've done in the past .
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: apeman on October 27, 2010, 01:24:04 PM
Quote
The axles in the 2.5 already have 4:10 gears, but they are weak. If you go to 4.0L power (need new tranny to do this) with large tires and those low gears you're gonna break stuff. Then you are looking at upgrading your axles and driveshafts too. If you're considering this, get your axles and shafts first, then the tranny and motor.


well thats a load of crap right there...i know dozens of jeeple running the 4.0l / d30 / d35 or 44 with 4.10's or 4.56's ...sure the d35 is a pooper but spend $50 on some spare shafts...if it even fails...no reason you have to run 35" boggers...its not like swapping the 4.0l in is going to give you gobs of neck snapping/axle twisting raw power anyhow. The 2.5 will get you where you want to go..
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: SwampSinger on October 27, 2010, 03:57:23 PM
I agree... It's also all about how you drive
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: w squared on October 27, 2010, 04:43:22 PM


well thats a load of crap right there...i know dozens of jeeple running the 4.0l / d30 / d35 or 44 with 4.10's or 4.56's ...sure the d35 is a pooper but spend $50 on some spare shafts...if it even fails...no reason you have to run 35" boggers...its not like swapping the 4.0l in is going to give you gobs of neck snapping/axle twisting raw power anyhow. The 2.5 will get you where you want to go..

I'm not questioning you here, 'cuz I don't know diddly about D30's and D35's....but isn't a 4.10 pinion gear starting to get a little bit on the small side in a D 30? Or am I out to lunch?
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: Tyn Pow on October 27, 2010, 06:28:32 PM
I'm not questioning you here, 'cuz I don't know diddly about D30's and D35's....but isn't a 4.10 pinion gear starting to get a little bit on the small side in a D 30? Or am I out to lunch?

Try 4.88's for small.

But at 4.10 and lower, how many people around here are busting pinions?  I know it happens but I'd worry about the 35  alot more, and as mentioned...just carry spare shafts (even then, I got a buddy who beats his D35 locked on 33's like a 2 dollar escort and he didn't break anything yet.)

Just wheel your jeep and upgrade as necessary....or just go nuts :P
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: hps4evr on October 27, 2010, 07:46:18 PM
like most have allready said, wheel it like it is. that 4 banger isnt all that bad. get it running right and spend your money on lower diff gears, a locker and some suspension work.
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: Immortal on October 27, 2010, 10:11:33 PM
Hello people... Just bought a 92 wrangler off my friend....
That is a YJ.... leaf springs on all 4 corners.

The second is my TJ which is pretty much the same setup as yours, and I go through the exact same spot.
You have coil springs on all 4 corners.... so yeah, not the same setup.
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: JackstandJohnny on October 27, 2010, 10:27:49 PM
That is a YJ.... leaf springs on all 4 corners.
You have coil springs on all 4 corners.... so yeah, not the same setup.


i crawl right through it trev.
i have leaf springs.

go buy a Toyota or something........

pretty cool vid.  didn't think we could post that stuff........
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: Immortal on October 27, 2010, 10:37:25 PM
I never said it wouldn't be able to do it.. I said not the same SETUP.
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: vantagetes on October 27, 2010, 11:16:37 PM
Hey now I said "pretty much the same setup".

I'm also running a 4" long arm kit and 33s so obviously it's not the same as his  ::)

apeman I'm not saying you CAN'T wheel on the D30/D35, just saying it's a lot easier to break crap with the 4.0 then the 2.5, especially if you're new to wheeling and don't know when to control how much throttle you're giving. Look at that poor blue YJ last open run with the shredded spider gears.
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: Rubi03 jef on October 27, 2010, 11:26:38 PM
ive seen a guy with an XJ  and  beats the living crap out of this D35 /D30 set up even on 36 inch tires
locked in the rear and he never broke crap

youll mot likely break shafts befor anythig else

but then again i broke a dana 44 front shaft like it was nothing  so   POOP happens

just wheel it break it and up grade it as you go
simple
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: Immortal on October 27, 2010, 11:27:46 PM
LOL!!! So really not even close to "pretty much the same"? LOL!!!
No comparison between the 2, is there?
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: JackstandJohnny on October 27, 2010, 11:30:56 PM
i saw a guy snap an axleshaft in a parking lot with a D35 once. on 33s.  it was locked though, and he gassed it.
that was cool.  i've also heard, (i can't verify) that a guy blew his rear diff in a D35 loading the jeep onto a trailer..........   that would be cool......
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: WhiteOut on October 27, 2010, 11:43:07 PM
Im not shocked you broke a 44 Jeff, I've been out with you. :o
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: Rubi03 jef on October 28, 2010, 12:30:33 PM
poop happens what can i say .. things break

no point in spending cash on stuff that hasnt broken YET   .. just be prepaired to buy parts as you go
Title: Re: New to Me Jeep
Post by: vantagetes on October 28, 2010, 08:37:08 PM
just be prepaired to buy parts as you go

That's all I'm saying. Just be aware that you (can but) shouldn't just expect to drop a bigger engine in and have everything hold up. You can bag on a 2.5 without breaking anything a lot more then you can bag on a 5.7L hemi swap with stock drivetrain.