JK D44 swap [Archive] - xjtalk - A Jeep Cherokee Forum

jonb8

09-28-2017, 06:36 AM

I finally made a decision and instead of building a bullet proof D30 I'm just going to swap the JK axles into the xj. It made it to California and back but just barely and the Rubicon ate alot of stock stuff in steering and drivetrain. Next summer I'll be ready... Since the axles are 5 inches wider I have to run stock offset JK wheels to keep the tires somewhat under the jeep, so I found some Hardrock wheels and ordered some 35/ 12.50 / 17 BFG mud terrain KM2's and with some adapters bolted them on. Not sure I dig them but I'm stuck with them now.

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jonb8

09-28-2017, 06:40 AM

Came up with enough Hardrock wheels to make the camper match, Lot's of work starting over, but I'm Hoping it will last and hold up to multiple cross country trips. I'm wanting to go to Easter Jeep in the spring.

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-wpNwDWJ/0/5db4b1fa/O/21687847_473133533068356_4499946921691972559_n.jpg

jonb8

09-28-2017, 06:42 AM

Artec truss makes a truss that swaps a JK to xj, I'm hoping it makes it as easy as they say. Plus strengthen the D44 were they are weak... Artec said it would take 2 weeks but the truss showed up at the door in 5 day's... Sweet...

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jonb8

09-28-2017, 06:46 AM

Since my xj had new 456 gears, rear locker and 35's I had to build another xj for my brother to put everything under... Quarter panel fold, big cut and box tubing rockers...

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4.3LXJ

09-28-2017, 10:07 AM

That does kind of give it a stock look, different but not bad. So, are you planning on bringing your brother next time?

jonb8

09-28-2017, 01:43 PM

Yea he say's he's coming, but who knows... I know I'm coming and hopefully not have all the issue's I had last time.

4.3LXJ

09-28-2017, 01:57 PM

Don't feel lonely, I had issues too last time out. Time for a new engine. Ran into a guy from Calgary with a nice Willys wagon with a 44 front that blew a hub and axle. Made for a short weekend for him too.

Pookapotamus

09-28-2017, 02:00 PM

Was it a white willies?

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4.3LXJ

09-28-2017, 02:03 PM

Sure was. Didn't see him, but his partner said he knew of you. Said he went up against you on the ramp. The Willys had a Scout front 44. Same as I am working with on mine. And running the same tires I want. Makes me wonder. Of course he did the damage on the nastiest winch hill on Fordyce.

Pookapotamus

09-28-2017, 03:33 PM

Small world!

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4.3LXJ

09-28-2017, 05:43 PM

He did thank me for allowing him to wheel our trails, like why wouldn't I? Public land anyway

bluedragon436

10-07-2017, 01:07 PM

The XJ and camper are looking good.. and that is a nice selection of wheel & tires you got for them, and having spares.. will certainly be nice for hitting the road & trails.. Can't say you're brother didn't get a hookup on the XJ build... Wish I had been lucky like that.. lol.. Look forward to seeing the JK44's under the XJ.. and the brother's build up...

jonb8

10-08-2017, 07:06 PM

He's out wheeling it already, him and some buddies went out on a overnight this weekend... Jeep came out good...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-GRpB8jN/0/b1efe727/XL/22254895_478440779204298_6520282201367497586_o-XL.jpg

bluedragon436

10-08-2017, 09:22 PM

Looks like it turned out nice.. Nothing wrong with getting out there and using it for what it was built for.. No point in wasting time thinking about doing it.. lol

jonb8

10-14-2017, 08:30 AM

Some more parts for the xj showed up, I think I'm about ready to get to work, I have been doing some mockup work on putting the winch behind the bumper. I gotta get the winch out from in front of the grill and clean up airflow.. Not sure how well the xj will stay cool out west pulling the teardrop...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-JNTTCBF/0/839a5d5a/XL/22339686_1739038619472149_7384090252356814808_o-XL.jpg

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4.3LXJ

10-14-2017, 09:43 AM

You're right Jon, keeping it cool over the passes with a load is a problem. I think most of it is the design of that long short radiator. Something more square seems to do much better, such as a 4.0 in a ZJ

jonb8

10-14-2017, 02:13 PM

I've got the cooling system all new and working perfect, Im hoping that'll be enough, might have to just wait for night time on real hot days for long pulls. It doesn't overheat pulling the teardrop in the WV mountains but it's alot hotter and higher out your way...

4.3LXJ

10-14-2017, 09:27 PM

I hear ya. These mountains will test the best cooling systems. I was reading about the "MB" Jeep from Petersons overheating badly last summer on Ultimate Adventure. Big horsepower under that hood, but still, slowed them down

jonb8

10-17-2017, 05:22 AM

The Artec rear truss made it in yesterday, it looks alot easier to install then the front... LOL The rear truss is alittle overkill probably but I didn't think it could hurt....

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-3F58wRs/0/cdf4fc87/O/22540004_1743913562317988_335028152950337145_n.jpg

4.3LXJ

10-17-2017, 09:42 AM

That ought to lower your center of gravity a little :D

denverd1

10-19-2017, 12:00 PM

looks awesome!
That ought to lower your center of gravity a little :DIndeed

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denverd1

10-19-2017, 12:02 PM

definitely changed the breakover point

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jonb8

10-31-2017, 06:26 AM

I finally got Missy's motor on the stand and talked to 505 about what camshaft I need for it. Started the hidden winch bumper build last night, wanting to get this no fun stuff out of the way early. The new website won't let me load pics so as soon as I can figure it out I'll post some..

bluedragon436

11-01-2017, 10:08 PM

Sounds like some solid plans... And that is a very nice beast of truss setup... Look forward to seeing pics of the progress on the build!!

jonb8

11-02-2017, 07:01 AM

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Pookapotamus

11-02-2017, 09:29 AM

Very nice! I have been planning doing this for a long time!

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4.3LXJ

11-02-2017, 11:01 AM

You gonna run synthetic line on that Jon?

jonb8

11-02-2017, 11:25 AM

Yea, I've only made a few short pulls on the winch and rope. I'll probably change the hook out for a shackle mount.

jonb8

11-03-2017, 06:07 PM

OK it's letting me post now...LOL Some pics of my winch bumper...

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bluedragon436

11-05-2017, 12:07 PM

Looking good... Yeah I have synthetic line on my winch as well as Factor 55 ProLink... Hate the cost of the Prolink... but do like using it much better than standard hook... The few times I've made use o it, has certainly had me much more confident while using it...

jonb8

11-05-2017, 01:57 PM

Yea the factor 55 is what I'm looking at too. Got the last piece of metal cut and tacked on... Back to grinding....

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-NkQwZJC/0/233f194b/XL/23157190_1768857846490226_8772405681310595402_o-XL.jpg

bluedragon436

11-05-2017, 02:13 PM

That is looking nice and clean... One day would love to learn myself how to do fab work and welding, to be able to build something like this... Especially after getting so many ideas from your guys builds... Always nice to keep the blockage down on the radiator for the XJ's and their random overheat issues... lol

4.3LXJ

11-05-2017, 07:10 PM

Nice start there Jon

jonb8

11-06-2017, 12:24 PM

I got the stinger done this morning and notched and boxed the center of the bumper to get better winch access. Getting ready to pull it off for final welding....HOOT HOOT>>>>

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jonb8

11-06-2017, 12:24 PM

jonb8

11-06-2017, 12:34 PM

HMMMMMM wonder why I'm double posting?

4.3LXJ

11-06-2017, 01:38 PM

Nice and shiny there Jon. I approve of better access to the winch line. I have straightened out enough rats nest in my own stuff to know the value of that

jonb8

11-06-2017, 06:47 PM

I'm hoping to start mocking up wireing tomorrow, try to find a place to put the box.

jonb8

11-16-2017, 06:14 AM

Finally finished it up, still have to mount the control box and wiring. Nice to be done grinding though...

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4.3LXJ

11-16-2017, 10:11 AM

Looks real nice Jon

jonb8

11-18-2017, 12:13 PM

The jeeps always had black wheels on it, and I couldn't deal with the silver anymore. alot of sanding and taping but I have black Hardrocks now, much better....

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https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-wV434TN/0/2a467b83/XL/23668738_1784253288284015_7987057610009870770_o-XL.jpg

jonb8

11-18-2017, 12:14 PM

Pookapotamus

11-18-2017, 02:35 PM

Looking great!!! Needs more yellow for my taste though!

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4.3LXJ

11-18-2017, 03:00 PM

Yes, much better Jon. I did the same thing to my turbine wheels. Makes them look much better

jonb8

11-18-2017, 03:34 PM

I love old school turbines...

XJ Wheeler

11-26-2017, 02:10 AM

Those wheels are a perfect fit! They're really growing on me for XJs. Nice job on the bumper too. Wish I had a winch to template so I could make one.

Sent via messenger pigeon. I talk, he types.

bluedragon436

11-27-2017, 07:00 AM

The black Hardrocks look way better than just the plan jane silver... That bumper is definitely good looking... You still running the stock airbox, or have you already gone to a cowl or some other intake format?? If you're not running the stock airbox you could mount the control box for the winch in that area..

jonb8

11-30-2017, 05:53 AM

Haven't been on in a while, the page was timing out before it would load. I've got the rear bumper, lower quarter guards, and box tubing rockers done... I'm ready to move on from all the welding and grinding... I also got the gas tank skid installed.

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abebehrmann

11-30-2017, 09:16 AM

That rear bumper looks great! Well all of it looks pretty great, but the rear bumper has me thinking I need to build myself one kinda like it.

4.3LXJ

11-30-2017, 09:40 AM

Rear bumper looks very nice Jon. We have been having issues of long loading times. Not sure where the hold up is or if Tony can fix it

jonb8

12-14-2017, 05:00 AM

Started working on the axles this weekend, the JK to xj truss is starting to take shape..

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-BgbZhNC/0/30174561/O/24824248_515511365489920_2087417767_n.jpg

jonb8

12-14-2017, 05:01 AM

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-7bpBbsP/0/e482fb54/XL/25311156_1816034868439190_8561820988533509680_o%20 %281%29-XL.jpg

denverd1

12-14-2017, 09:30 AM

looking good!

4.3LXJ

12-14-2017, 11:03 AM

Looking good Jon. I haven't gotten quite far enough to start on my own for my D44 yet

jonb8

12-14-2017, 08:12 PM

I'm big about building not buying but it was to easy to buy this truss and make it bolt under an xj.. I know I cheated....LOL

4.3LXJ

12-14-2017, 11:18 PM

Yes you did. But does look good though and taking lots less time than fabbing your own stuff

jonb8

12-15-2017, 05:30 AM

I've been busy working on another project for my brother, were doing a complete 97+ swap on a 87 2 wheel drive MJ. First thing first is fixing the floor board, other then that its rust free.

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-QNhk9Cj/0/d33db3ae/XL/25299600_508319616216414_1350626529022218601_o-XL.jpg

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Pookapotamus

12-15-2017, 09:01 AM

Nice! That will really update that mj!

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4.3LXJ

12-15-2017, 10:26 AM

Did you buy that floor or make it Jon?

Pookapotamus

12-15-2017, 12:41 PM

Nice! That will really update that mj!

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jonb8

12-15-2017, 02:10 PM

bought the front drivers floor pan, made some patches on the passenger side

4.3LXJ

12-15-2017, 03:03 PM

Turned out nice no matter how you slice it

jonb8

12-15-2017, 06:09 PM

Got the firewall changes done today, should be able to bolt dash in for good this weekend.

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-5GxjfrC/0/ef3ae575/XL/25311146_509461916102184_7577886476563265936_o-XL.jpg

jonb8

12-17-2017, 08:44 PM

Done with that MJ, probably going to do it to mine now. Kinda like how it turned out...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-7hCKX37/0/1d18f7ea/XL/25487369_510399769341732_4298540426598210479_o-XL.jpg

4.3LXJ

12-17-2017, 08:52 PM

looks nice Jon

jonb8

03-09-2018, 05:36 PM

Hey guy's, I've been busy but getting back on the JK axle swap this weekend... I think I finally have everthing bought and ready to get to work....

4.3LXJ

03-09-2018, 05:44 PM

You just think that Jon. I am still fabricating stuff for mine. Seems like as soon as I get it built, I think of something else

jonb8

03-09-2018, 06:53 PM

I did buy a school bus but I'm not allowed to work on it till my other projects are done....LOL

4.3LXJ

03-09-2018, 08:26 PM

I haven't even seen that, but I can think of a lot of uses for a school bus. Toy hauler?

jonb8

03-10-2018, 11:17 AM

I'm going to change up the traveling/jeeping/camping setup. Were going to need something bigger to go out farther and stay longer. So I'm going to take a couple years and build this into a camper and flat tow the jeep... I'll use the teardrop for a couple more years then move to the bus...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-TTK5SMp/0/27c7cf3b/O/28535481_10155475271084506_845731736_n.jpg

4.3LXJ

03-10-2018, 04:39 PM

Sounds like al cool plan Jon. I am evolving my traveling too, although it will probably be awhile before I do something like the bus. Very expensive here to have an RV. However I do have plans for the ultimate cross country overlander. It will be modular so I can change it out quickly from the Jeep to the pickup or a trailer like you do now.

jonb8

03-10-2018, 07:00 PM

I'm not going to make Easter Jeep this year but next year I'm going no matter what.. You guy's still planning on going?

4.3LXJ

03-10-2018, 07:41 PM

Yes, I am. I have a motor swap to do, but there is also another member here so far that is planning on it. I will be contacting one or two more also. Hopefully we can have a nice group of XJs there, and maybe a wrangler or two

jonb8

03-12-2018, 06:42 AM

Yea I'm sitting here bumming that I'm not going to be done in time to go. We are planning to ride Colorado this summer with a stop in Moab if we don't run out of time...

jonb8

03-20-2018, 05:13 AM

Well the new axles are under the jeep, no front driveshaft yet and the lockers aren't wired but everything else is done.

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-h9Vcr78/0/57e62375/O/29425124_1954156727960336_505091864835857557_n.jpg

I also took the 35's off the teardrop and downsized to a 32... 35's are just to big and I'm to old to crawl in and out of it...LOL

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4.3LXJ

03-20-2018, 10:27 AM

Looks nice Jon. Plenty of jeep there

bluedragon436

03-24-2018, 08:21 PM

I've thought about doing the bus RV conversion to tow my Jeep... Got a ways to go until got the Jeep to the level that I'd be ready to travel further to events, or to check out wheeling spots!!

jonb8

03-27-2018, 05:13 PM

I'm trying to get all my work done so I can start on the bus, I got the 456 axles I took out from underneath Gypsy and put them under my woods truck... Much peppier now...

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4.3LXJ

03-27-2018, 06:17 PM

I must say, you work fast Jon. And you seem to have a nice budget to work with too :D

jonb8

03-27-2018, 07:10 PM

Nothing happens to fast, my D44's I got a deal on and they took a year to get under my jeep. Takes time to save cash.. Everything on this jeep came off Gypsy... Traded for it... Now my brother is moving fast on his MJ. He turned it into a Golden Eagle MJ even though they never made one... He thinks they should of though.. I've been spending alot of time on it...

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4.3LXJ

03-27-2018, 08:09 PM

Well, you are moving faster than I am. It is a money thing. Been plowing money into the business

jonb8

07-01-2018, 06:07 PM

I've been working on the jeep, because we leave for Colorado in 3 weeks and I'm no were near ready... I did a 6 switch panel for the lockers and lights. I'm still working on the in cab winch controls...I also built a relay box out of an extra xj box. Local shop built me a front driveshaft and I got a couple covers from them. Did a hack n tap in the rear... Still need to do vents and it goes to alignment shop on tuesday.... WOOT WOOT

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jonb8

07-01-2018, 06:09 PM

I'm also in the middle of doing a hummer style snorkel... Not sure how it's going to turn out but I have most of the parts...

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