Wanting a FSJ Please Help me decide!

[newbie]

I'm interested in a full-size jeep (probably either a Waggie or a J-10) but before I purchase one, I've got a few questions. First of all, what model year offers the best parts (Heavy duty axles, Transfer cases, ect.) and what should I stay away from/look out for? I'm wanting to lift my FSJ with a front springover, rear shackle flip, and a 2" body lift. (I'm going for 8" of total lift) with this kind of lift, will Super Swamper 36x12.50's fit? Also, does anyone use Revolver shackles on the front and rear? (with a shackle flip, of course) I'm wanting to take my rig rockcrawling, and its not going to be my daily transportation. Any replies are greatly appriciated!

[David Simon]

I like them all, so I can't recommend any certain year. I haven't lifted mine yet, so I can't give you any help there. I have taken my TJ on some rocks and driven the GW in the woods and the GW seems quite large for the few rock trails I've seen. So, I would say don't be too concerned with the condition of the body if it's going to be a rock-crawler.
Just my opinion, I'm from Florida and I like mud, sand hills, and scenery. Rock-crawling is too slow for me. Welcome aboard and good luck finding the perfect rig for you.
David

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98 Cherokee (wife's)
97 TJ with all the goodies
88 GW
TFI Upgrade

[BobBarry]

If you're looking to run 36's, then start with a WT Cherokee or a J-10/J-20. Of course, a J-20 would have the heavy-duty stuff from the factory (D60 rear/HD44 front), but it's a long-wheelbase, which increases the likelihood of getting hung up.

A great starting point would be a 4-spd manual-tranny '76-'79 WT Cherokee, which would come with a T-18 tranny, D20 transfer case, and D44 axles front and rear, plus have only a 110" wheelbase. This combo only came with the 360/2-bbl engine. There's one like that for sale on these boards.

If you're thinking of going SOA, then a Chevy D60 from a Suburban or K30 will be almost a bolt-in, and just need a high-clearance crossover steering setup to work. Snag a 14-bolt from the same donor truck, weld on new perches and shock-mounts, flip the rear shackle and relocate the front-eye spring-mount for the rear leaf below the frame, and you can have 6"-8" of lift with the stock springs.

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Bob Barry<UL TYPE=SQUARE>* '78 Cherokee 4-door
* '88 Grand Wagoneer[/list]http://studentweb.providence.edu/~rbarry/wheels/

[Mikel2]

Hi,
Welcome to the forum!
I would go for a wide track cherokee. They have wider axles, and much more room for big tires than a NT FSJ. A stock WT cherokee will take 33x12.5in tires easily. I have 38x12.5 in my 78 Chief (7in lift) and I only have some minor rubbing in the rear. I'm planning on adding another leaf to my rear spring packs, and hopefully that will take care of it. Besides, WT's look cool http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/smile.gif http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/smile.gif http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/smile.gif http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/smile.gif

Mikel



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1978 Jeep Cherokee Chief
360 4bbl/T18A/Dana 20
http://www.virtue.nu/yazahx/rand/pollitopequeno.jpg