The WJ serives was the best Jeep vehicle ever built. Mercedes owned Chryster, Dodge and Jeep during this time and the quality was the best. I have the bullet proof 4.0 with the rare selec-trac drive...one of the only vehicles that has 2 wheel drive, 4 wheel drive and all wheel drive. 319k miles on my 2004 Rocky Mountain Grand Cherokee and it still runs like a new one.
I remember when you were on no lift 33's and wheeling the heck out of that thing. Been years since I've seen your rig. Wow man , great job. You've definitely hit the big leagues now !
@@Geeks4x4 This dude would literally take that jeep down trails ment for jeeps on 37+ tires and lockers front and rear. He did have the LSD f+r back then and that's it. It's also remarkable to see that the body is still in incredible shape. Btw- nice walk around video.
MAN! Im installing a fuel cell into my spare tire cubby and tossing the factory tank! Can't believe you didn't go for a relocated fuel cell your self! Killer build either way dude!!
I love the jeep. As a mechanic I know better than give any love to a Mercedes- Dodge collaboration 4.7. I'm building one and pulled out that drivetrain and put in the 5.9. That's a 360 C.i. engine. The 318 (5.2) is also a great engine and the engine and trans is a very close bolt in. Just wired my Jeep with the pickup wiring front to rear. Eazy pezzy.
This guy found every inch to use. Just something about owning an overlander. I wamt to try and add heated seats to my wj from the junk yard if possible.
Nice walk around. Found pics of this rig at about the half way point to where his at now. Had just got a WJ and liked his set up. He has a full build thread from bone stock to now look up Brady Wagon build Can’t remember the forum but dig around and you’ll find it. Everything he has done to it is posted in that build thread.
Cool build! How far did you screw into the trunk floor to secure your steel tubing? I've built something similar with square profile aluminium tubing and am thinking I need at least 1/2 to 2/3 of an inch of thread into the trunk sheet metal but don't want to hit anything important! Thanks.
Hope someone sees this. Is the Clayton long arm lift still better than IRO. Trying to decide between the two for my Wj right now. Looking for a smoother ride
@@canyendyreng5996Cant take the credit for this jeep as its not mine. But I'd call IRO and tell them what your wanting, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Unfortunately that not really how swapping the axles works. It gives you the ability to run bigger tires and not worry about breaking parts. To tow bigger you need a stronger frame, more wheelbase, and more power, plus the stopping capabilities.
What exactly did he do for the lower rad hose? I'm getting rid of my hydro fan right now and went with the 08 radiator. Nothing will fit so I got a flex hose but it's pressed against the sway bar.... curious how he actually made it work.
So it sounds like Protofab was doing wj bumpers at the time and has since stopped. But you maybe able to get them do do one custom from an old mold or something.
I used the left rear wheel speed sensor wires and connected them to the speed sensor on the output of the transfer case. The slip yoke eliminator had a built in sensor. I've had a SpeedoDRD unit on it for years to modify the signal for bigger tires.
I’ve got an ‘02 w/ 4.7 HO and a thrown rod. The transmission is brand new and A/C, as wel as blend doors are perfect. I want to do an engine swap, but everyone is telling me to sell the whole thing. Thoughts?
It's always up to you the owner man. But it sounds like you have some money invested and its hard for me(being the budget guy) to sell something for dirt cheap(like with a blown motor) after putting money into it. The way I look at it is what are you going to replace it with and is it going to cost more then a motor. Plus if you swap it you know exactly what you have, a rig with a new motor vs someone else's rig that you don't know how well it was taken care of. Hope that makes some sense.... and good luck!
Just bought a original 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0l with the Quadra Trac system and it's rust free, clean and looks just like it did when it came out
The Protofab bumpers required some "massaging" of the body to install. The rear is heavy enough I use an engine hoist and a helper or two to get it in place.
Long term plan was to do a swap but the original engine dropped a valve seat at 150k miles. I had to go with a reman replacement to get it back on the trail as soon as possible due to planned wheeling trips.
@@cn6290 Well the good thing is the reman engines have a few updates in them to make them a bit better. Super nice rig well done. I imagine a few bucks in this thing. I have a 98 ZJ V8 grandma rig all stock with 90k miles for free. Trying to decide what to do build wise. Saw those Super Dyty axles at pik n pull for $25 bucks each a few weeks ago. Was tempting.
@@cn6290 Cool build! How far did you screw into the trunk floor to secure your steel tubing? I've built something similar with square profile aluminium tubing and am thinking I need at least 1/2 to 2/3 of an inch of thread into the trunk sheet metal but don't want to hit anything important! Thanks
The WJ serives was the best Jeep vehicle ever built. Mercedes owned Chryster, Dodge and Jeep during this time and the quality was the best. I have the bullet proof 4.0 with the rare selec-trac drive...one of the only vehicles that has 2 wheel drive, 4 wheel drive and all wheel drive. 319k miles on my 2004 Rocky Mountain Grand Cherokee and it still runs like a new one.
That's awesome to hear!
I remember when you were on no lift 33's and wheeling the heck out of that thing. Been years since I've seen your rig. Wow man , great job. You've definitely hit the big leagues now !
Ha he was telling me about that! It's such a nice build.
@@Geeks4x4 This dude would literally take that jeep down trails ment for jeeps on 37+ tires and lockers front and rear. He did have the LSD f+r back then and that's it. It's also remarkable to see that the body is still in incredible shape. Btw- nice walk around video.
@@immelting9834 Ha I love it!
MAN! Im installing a fuel cell into my spare tire cubby and tossing the factory tank! Can't believe you didn't go for a relocated fuel cell your self! Killer build either way dude!!
That's a great idea!
He used it for his compressor and fuel pump I think
I’ve been looking for an idea to follow.. You sir have impressed me with your upgrades. Nice job. Very inspiring!
Ya, this would be a rad build to follow!
Not stock, great observation. Another good post. Lot and lots of work in this vehicle. Thanks. 👍👍👍. 10-20-21
its a pretty amazing build!
He still has the hydraulic radiator fan! That's the first thing I'd have ripped out! Nice rig all in all!
It's such a sweet rig!
This jeep is an absolute monster Wow!!!! I would love to have a build like that!
It is a beast!!!
I love the jeep. As a mechanic I know better than give any love to a Mercedes- Dodge collaboration 4.7. I'm building one and pulled out that drivetrain and put in the 5.9. That's a 360 C.i. engine. The 318 (5.2) is also a great engine and the engine and trans is a very close bolt in. Just wired my Jeep with the pickup wiring front to rear. Eazy pezzy.
Sounds like an awesome build!
Very cool rig. Respect to the time and effort 🤟
That is all I could think about when he was showing me around, truly a labor of love!
I'd take one of these modified WJ any day compared to a modern Jeep and you would probably have money for beers even with all the mods.
This is very true!
Awesome. I hope I can keep my WJ long enough to achieve even half this caliber of build
Seriously! its a great build to copy if you have the time!! good luck.
This guy found every inch to use. Just something about owning an overlander. I wamt to try and add heated seats to my wj from the junk yard if possible.
Yup, finding all the space! that would be an awesome mod, and seems super do-able with a junk yard swap. Good luck and thanks for watching!
Nice walk around. Found pics of this rig at about the half way point to where his at now. Had just got a WJ and liked his set up. He has a full build thread from bone stock to now look up Brady Wagon build Can’t remember the forum but dig around and you’ll find it. Everything he has done to it is posted in that build thread.
Link to that build is in the description of the video! Thing is so sick
Love it, this is very close to my build.
very cool!
Bad ass WJ..thanks for all the info
I'm glad you enjoyed. It is such a sweet build I had to get every bit of info!
Nice WJ but it’s had some serious work and money put into it .
Yes it has!
Just snagged me a 00 Cherokee limited V8 low miles
Very nice!
This is gotta be the coolest WJ build I've seen yet. It gives me some great ideas for mine. Thanks for posting it. Good find!
I thought that too, and I hadn't really dove in until making the video, so many cool hidden features and cool owners!
"How much crap can you stuff into a WJ"....lol
Ha, ya there's a lot of cool stuff in there, but some people do like to travel lighter.
How did you hook up abs so speedometer works, sweet build
I'll see if I can get the owner in here for the info!
Thank you that would be perfect
Cool build! How far did you screw into the trunk floor to secure your steel tubing? I've built something similar with square profile aluminium tubing and am thinking I need at least 1/2 to 2/3 of an inch of thread into the trunk sheet metal but don't want to hit anything important! Thanks.
It is such a sweet rig! I'll see If i can get an answer from the owner on this.
@@Geeks4x4 thank you!
I like the bumper looked it up and it no wj bumper they make stuff for bronco
Asking the owner now, stand by!
@@Geeks4x4 Any word on the bumpers for wj?
@@newlion7013 Sounds like the company might not be making them anymore... bummer
Hope someone sees this. Is the Clayton long arm lift still better than IRO. Trying to decide between the two for my Wj right now. Looking for a smoother ride
Your ride is more coming from springs than lift. Most folks like the ride of the IRO. Myself included
@@Geeks4x4 thanks for the reply! That jeep is awesome by the way. For around a 4 inch lift is there a specific spring that will ride the best?
@@canyendyreng5996Cant take the credit for this jeep as its not mine. But I'd call IRO and tell them what your wanting, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
If converted to one ton how capable towing would it be? 35ft travel trailer be capable of towing? 8,00lbs?
Unfortunately that not really how swapping the axles works. It gives you the ability to run bigger tires and not worry about breaking parts. To tow bigger you need a stronger frame, more wheelbase, and more power, plus the stopping capabilities.
What was the brand of the bumpers? I couldn't quite catch the name.
Sounds like the company is no longer making bumpers for WJ's... so thats a big bummer
What exactly did he do for the lower rad hose? I'm getting rid of my hydro fan right now and went with the 08 radiator. Nothing will fit so I got a flex hose but it's pressed against the sway bar.... curious how he actually made it work.
Hopefully Chris will hop in here with an explanation, give him a bit I’ll reach out to him
He probably moved the sway bar
Why don't Americans ever use Raptor or Viper anti-scratch paint on their off-roaders, its amazing paint.
Is that the rough stuff? I think for a lot of us here the scratches tell stories. So by having them show it’s like a badge of honor!
People here do that all the time
What backspace wheels are you running?
I'll see if I can get the owner over here again to answer.
Fun fact in Europe (not everywhere, but mostly) wheels cannot be wider than fenders or you'll loose Your licence 😅
You'll loose your license? Dang that's harsh!
@@Geeks4x4 welcome to over regulated EU :/ I envy you guys, even when it comes to building permits, it's way easier in US. Less burocracy
@@not_yourbusiness1820 Ha, and some folks want us to be more like you guys! Your welcome anytime in the land of the free!
Where did u get the front bumper?
He mentioned the brand in the video, not sure where they got it. Hopefully Chris will chime in.
Protofab - Dewey, AZ
Can we get a link
So it sounds like Protofab was doing wj bumpers at the time and has since stopped. But you maybe able to get them do do one custom from an old mold or something.
Are those shocks custom or build for wj
Probably not, this rig isn't really a wj from the body down with the big one ton axles. But you could get a similar set.
@Geeks4x4 makes sense I just like to know which ones he went with I know I can put the jk shocks on I was looking at the falcon 3.3
@@Carlos-ip2ir those falcon shocks are sweet, just gotta watch where their external thing goes... seems like its always in the dirt.
How do you pick up the speed signal?
I believe his drive train is stock so wouldn't that be in the transmission?
I used the left rear wheel speed sensor wires and connected them to the speed sensor on the output of the transfer case. The slip yoke eliminator had a built in sensor. I've had a SpeedoDRD unit on it for years to modify the signal for bigger tires.
Terrible camera men😂
Ha.... Thanks? I'm no professional that's for sure!
What in the potato was this filmed on?
Ha, the cheapest camera I could buy at the time, Have since switched to my Iphone, hope the quality is better for you.
I can see that is not "stock"😂😂😂😂😂
Ha ya she's not very stock!
Pp
Thanks?
Could you maybe shake the camera a bit more?
Ha! I never claimed to be the best! but this rig just needed some attention!
Damn that's one really nice wj 😍 wish I could get mine to be half as good
Keep building! It will get there some day.
What did you modify? Everything, including modifications so I could do other modifications that I then modified.
jeepology 101!!
Wow, so much thought and effort went into this rig. I hope it will serve you well for many years.
The owners plan to enjoy it for a long time!
great rig to showcase - "Hope" is an awesome WJ and Chris & Sarah are good people!
I always find the great people have the best rigs!
Love the Geand Cherokees. Cure building a ZJ with tons, atlas and 37s.
Sounds like a Rowdy build! hope to find you on the trails someday and do a rig walkaround of that beast!
Awesome WJ. I'll be copying some of this build for sure 👍
Love it, that's why I do these walkarounds, people are so creative with their builds!
Daddy Want!
Thing is so sick!!
Nice vanity plates
👌
Where do you sleep?
I think they carry a tent!
I’ve got an ‘02 w/ 4.7 HO and a thrown rod. The transmission is brand new and A/C, as wel as blend doors are perfect. I want to do an engine swap, but everyone is telling me to sell the whole thing. Thoughts?
It's always up to you the owner man. But it sounds like you have some money invested and its hard for me(being the budget guy) to sell something for dirt cheap(like with a blown motor) after putting money into it. The way I look at it is what are you going to replace it with and is it going to cost more then a motor. Plus if you swap it you know exactly what you have, a rig with a new motor vs someone else's rig that you don't know how well it was taken care of. Hope that makes some sense.... and good luck!
Nicest quadtrac I've ever seen gives me a lot of options
That’s my favorite way to buy em!
Just bought a original 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0l with the Quadra Trac system and it's rust free, clean and looks just like it did when it came out
Sounds like you found a gem!
@@Geeks4x4 are they very capable offroad
@@dentondunn4346 Super capable!
Mine is getting there. 04 wj
The build is the fun part!
Beautiful build 👏🙌
Right?? I just had to do a walkaround!
How did they deal with ABS?
I don't remember him talking about that, Hopefully he'll chime in and let us know!
Wish I had a Garage to pull my Banana axil WJ into.
Gotta get that shop!!!
@@Geeks4x4 Increasable build by the way. Did you have any problems mounting the Proto Bumpers?
@@pennypackmtb2542 Not my rig, so not sure on that.
The Protofab bumpers required some "massaging" of the body to install. The rear is heavy enough I use an engine hoist and a helper or two to get it in place.
You did say budget right? Man thats more than I can afford for my 2000 WJ 8(.
Ha! ya Budget not cheap! its a sweet rig but atleast you know what it costs!
Budget in the sense that this has taken me 12 years to get it where it is now.
Dang all that tricked out with pretty much the worst V8 engine ever made but hey...why fix it till it breaks
He's already replaced it, But maybe someday he'll swap it!
Long term plan was to do a swap but the original engine dropped a valve seat at 150k miles. I had to go with a reman replacement to get it back on the trail as soon as possible due to planned wheeling trips.
@@cn6290 Well the good thing is the reman engines have a few updates in them to make them a bit better. Super nice rig well done. I imagine a few bucks in this thing. I have a 98 ZJ V8 grandma rig all stock with 90k miles for free. Trying to decide what to do build wise. Saw those Super Dyty axles at pik n pull for $25 bucks each a few weeks ago. Was tempting.
We've got a WJ with 273,000 and two with 284,000mi. The 4.7s wheel and tow without issues.
@@cn6290 Cool build! How far did you screw into the trunk floor to secure your steel tubing? I've built something similar with square profile aluminium tubing and am thinking I need at least 1/2 to 2/3 of an inch of thread into the trunk sheet metal but don't want to hit anything important! Thanks
19:50 it’s a WJ …and with that HO motor, it’s far from average
Its a pretty sweet rig!