Getting a ZJ shell! $100 SUT project!

somebody5788 · Member Joined: 22 Oct 2009

So I am not quite sure when I found this site originally but I was extremely intrigued by the "chop top ZJ" I'm coining it an SUT myself though lol. So as much as I wanted to chop up my other one to make one being its actually in my dads name and a shop vehicle... I decided that people would be happier w/ me if I chopped up my own hahaha. So I got really lucky to find one on Craigslist about an hour away as a rolling chassis. Needs some front end work, radiator support and some of the drivers front quarter needs grafted in but this is not going to be a Jeep to win beauty contests lol so I think I can handle the body work.

So my plan is to try to do this as cheap as is possible haha but still be functional. I was looking at the ProComp 3" lift kit that has the solid 3" spring spacers and new shocks. I realize this is not ideal but was curious if it would do the job for a budget and its like 200 bux for that kit. I have some 31" mud tires labled Mud Trac I really don't know anything about them other then that other then I think we got them from Kelly tire. Eventually I'll have to think about an engine and drivetrain to drop in but for now just the shell project is enough to work on haha.

Since all threads are worthless w/o pictures I'll post some hahaha

Orangeamc13 · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 9:05 am Post subject:

Welcome!

3" coil spacer lifts aren't possible on ZJ's unless you extend the rear upper coil spring retainer. 2.25" is the max. for spacers, without modifications.
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83 CJ7 4.2,88 XJ 4.0,94 ZJ 5.2,99 XJ 4.0

somebody5788 · Member Joined: 22 Oct 2009

Haha ok thanks for the info. 2" should be enough just to start on the trails anyways.

So I've got to thinking. I think I can use the rear hatch for the back so that I can retain the rear defrost. Might even keep the rear wiper, though its pretty useless haha. Then finish it all off with the good old "$50 paint job" Rustoleum watered down with mineral spirits. I'm excited!

zjtherightway · Member Joined: 21 Jul 2008 Location: Mesa, Arizona

You will find more info than you can handle on this subject at mallcrawlin.com Its kinda the ZJ "place to be" Very Happy

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dont ask me

Orangeamc13 · Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 3:46 pm Post subject:

somebody5788 · Member Joined: 22 Oct 2009

Well I had to pass on this particular shell. It wasn't worth the amount of parts sourcing I would need to do the front end back to somewhat normal. No worries though I'll find one cheap somewhere its not all that hard. Payed 300 for the black one and me and my dad rebuilt the transmission for 120. $420 its been the best shop vehicle ever! I drove it for a good year and its got over 200k lol. So I'll keep my eye out and if anybody knows of one in or near Northern Indiana I'd like to hear about it.

zjtherightway · Member Joined: 21 Jul 2008 Location: Mesa, Arizona

Orangeamc13 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:55 am Post subject:

Listen Dipshit, go over to "the place to be" and don't let the door hit you in the ass. You're a tool and have brought nothing to this forum. I can remember helping you out on more than one occassion. If it's so inactive here, then it shouldn't be too hard to avoid. A lot of people use this forum as a stepping stone, that's nothing new to us. What happens with some of the good people, is once these "newbies" get a little bit of info they get big headed like yourself, and start thinking that they are too cool for school. I'd like to see you go over to mallcrawlin and post some of the useless shit you've posted here, when you first joined. I don't think that you would've been greeted with a smile, the way you were here.

Sincerely,

A Hole Finger

P.S. This thread is locked! Somebody5788, feel free to start a new thread. Please excuse the asshat above.
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83 CJ7 4.2,88 XJ 4.0,94 ZJ 5.2,99 XJ 4.0