Smike- I hope it's OK to put this here.
About a year ago I decided to part the Scrambler out after breaking the transfer case in half while wheeling in Bradford. There were a few reasons I made that decision, tired of working on it, worn out parts, different needs, and basically just time for something new.
During some conversation with a friend on the WNYO he had informed me of a rust free/slightly lifted 89 Grand Wagoneer on the IFSJA site, so I contacted the person and ended up buying it last october.
I've been driving it on and off for the last year and put a plow on it for driveway clean up, it's been a pretty good jeep so far. It has power everything, factory dana 44's, and a lockright rear locker.
Here's a picture the day I bought it.
I recently got bit by the wheeling bug and determined I missed it, so I put a plan together in my head (this is the first time I've written everything down) of what I wanted in a family style wheeler.
Here's a quick run down.
Full Frame
Factory v8
4 doors (since I have a 1 year old)
under 110" wheelbase
Able to plow the driveway (with heat)
Rear axle disconnect
Cutting Brakes (Possibly)
Half doors for the summer
Creature comforts for long trail days with a young child
So I immediately decided I needed another waggy for the doors, glass, and tail gate. So I found on in Akron, with another plow set up and purchased it.
The plan for the red one was to use the entire interior (which is almost complete), make 4 half doors for the summer, and cut the tailgate down and remove the glass. All of this should help save some sprung weight.
Next I had to decide on axles, and I've gone back and forth on the dana 44's that are under it vs a set of 60's.
I have 2 sets of waggy 44 axles, so I have all kinds of spare parts, and I have extra 8" wide steel wheels, and a set of 35" Cooper Stt's, sounds like a done deal, put it all toegether and wheel it nice to prevent breakage.
Well, I found a good deal on a set of 60's so they were purchased, I have a chevy front and a ford rear so they will be getting installed. This will help with unsprung weight.
On to tires, I didn't want to go back to 15" wheels on 8 lug axles due to clearances and what not, so I purchased a set of Maxxis Creepy Crawlers in the 37x12.5x16 flavor, so that's what it will be rolling around on.
I have already built a bumper and bought a winch as well.
My biggest dilema is what to do with the roof, cut it off completely, and have a bolt on roof skin, make it a 4 door tuck, etc. Here are some pictures I have saved.
I have a few purchases to make to have everything to complete the project but alot of the big purchases are complete so I thought I would start a thead.
