Project TJ to an LJ

[Puller]

Picked up a TJ that was already LS swapped with a TH400/205 combo. Running a kingpin 60 front with a 14 bolt rear. 16" coilovers in the front that has a long arm 3 link and long armed 3 link in the rear. Was built as a mudder by the previous owner and my plans are to put an LJ tub on it, coilovers in the rear, 4l80e trans, new cage, 2" stretch in the front, 3 in the rear plus the 15" of total stretch to make it an LJ. It will see rocks, some road and sand dunes riding on 40's. I'm no fabricator but for my first custom offroad build I'm doing my best!

The day I bought it:


After lowering it down and putting some spare 37's on it.


Brought home the new LJ tub


Trying to video some of the build too, I'm no expert at any of this.

https://youtu.be/fVX74CKgwic

 

[gottagofast]

Damn, you got Weird Al to come help you unload it!

 

[Puller]

Damn, you got Weird Al to come help you unload it!

Haha, my buddies kid is in a band. It's pretty crazy hair for a little guy for sure!

 

[Puller]

Taking measurements for the frame cut and lengthen. 10"s in one area and adding 5" on the rear.

https://youtu.be/KFmOnTKxkKc

 

[dwa2469]

Haha, my buddies kid is in a band. It's pretty crazy hair for a little guy for sure!

I saw that kid on Busted Knuckle's video contest.

 

[Puller]

I saw that kid on Busted Knuckle's video contest.

He said that was way outside his comfort zone lol! Which is funny cause they play at venue's with lots of people often.

 

[Puller]

Moved the motor up 2" higher, along with the t-case. Trying to get that flat belly. Still running the truck oil pan on the 6.0 so that will help for clearance there also.


Old position!

 

[Puller]

Welding up the extension. I actually sleeved the extension to both sides of the factory frame and plug welded it. Ended up gusseting all four sides also as it was recommended by a friend. I certainly don't know it all but it's been a learning experience!
https://youtu.be/uz0zjH-f-gU

 

[American]

I've wanted to build a TJ into an LJ for a long time, although via a different method. Cool project.

 

[ridered3]

I saw that kid on Busted Knuckle's video contest.

Was fixing to ask if it was the same guy. Seems like a cool build so far.

 

[uppidycon]

I was just informed about this forum yesterday after I mentioned on another forum that I am planning to do the same thing.. in 2015, I started building my dana 60 and 14 bolt axles to do a 1 ton swap on my 2004 TJ.. then in 2016, I really started working on the project and finished it up in March of 2017.. when I first started it, I was hoping to get more stretch than I ended up with.. so over the past few months, I was thinking about what I need to do to get closer to a 110" wheelbase.. last week, I purchased a 2005 LJ tub that is in excellent condition.. so in late 2018 or early 2019, I plan to start working on my TJ to get it ready for the LJ tub..

my current set up:

2004 TJ
14" coilovers on the front
12" coilovers on the rear
3" front stretch
5" rear stretch
42" pitbull rockers
1979 Ford Kingpin Dana 60 Front
Chevy 14 Bolt rear
ARB front locker
Yukon Grizzly rear locker

I have main reasons for not wanting to just add a fuel cell and moving my rear axle back the 10" I want to get the wheelbase I want..

I want to keep the gas tank in the factory location..
I want more space inside the jeep for storage..

I would have just bought an LJ in 2004, but I considered it a family jeep and I was only 21, so I didn't need a family jeep..

 

[paradisepwoffrd]

Re: Re: Project TJ to an LJ

I've wanted to build a TJ into an LJ for a long time, although via a different method. Cool project.

Had a friend that did a similar concept, except he stretched everything in front of the wheels.

Tub was same dimensions as LJ, but no rear overhang.


Build is looking good.

 

[Puller]

I thought about doing that but got this LJ tub for dirt cheap. By time I stretch the rear I'll be real close to a factory TJ over hang. Shouldn't be too bad.

 

[Puller]

Put some gussets on and cut all the rear suspension brackets off to move the rear axle back. Lots of grinding to be done!

https://youtu.be/bg493oQBdjA

 

[Puller]

Still puttering away on it.

https://youtu.be/5VnwTPzsAUY

 

[Puller]

Outside frame gussets!

 

[Puller]

Making progress!

https://youtu.be/UauW348yF50

 

[Puller]

Got the bottom of the tub Raptorlined! Turned out nice! Plugging along slowly.

https://youtu.be/K1D4jBeI6RU

 

[Puller]

 

[ftoy516]

The Raptorliner looks really good. I have been wanting to do the inside of my TJ like this.

How much did you use to do that? And when you prepped it did you just scuff it lightly and the apply or did you really take it down before you sprayed the Raptor on?

And did you buy the different variable tipped gun that they "Raptor" offer to spray it out with?