Ranger One

[agjohn02]

My dad wheels his stock CJ around the ranch and took it to Gilmer with me once. It couldn't hang with the Scout and he caught the bug. He decided he wanted to buy a built CJ to wheel hard and keep his stock for ranch driving. After having a couple of deals fall through, he decided he wanted to build his CJ up. After contemplating having to drive a lifted jeep everytime he wants to ride around and evolving plans from a simple one ton swap to a full on build, we decided to build a YJ/CJ instead and keep the other stock. So, I give you, project "Ranger One". The stock CJ will be demoted to "Ranger Two".

[agjohn02]

First order of business was to get the axles stripped, cleaned and built. The front is a Chevy SRW Dana 60. Gear ratio is 5.13:1 with a Detroit Locker and 35 spline Yukon alloy shafts with forged Dana joints. The cover is a kit from Roughstuff and the pinion joint is 1410.

[agjohn02]

-kingpin removal
-cover ground down
-checking ring gear run-out
-backlash at 7 thou

unless you knew it you wouldnt realize i got rid of one bolt hole. i didnt see the tradeoff of work versus at most another 3/8" of clearance to cut and plate the bottom. I did add a ramp to the backside of the lip.

[agjohn02]

Rear axle is the obligatory GM 14FF. Again, 5.13:1 ratio, Detroit Locker, 1410 pinion yoke and Roughstuff cover. I'm running GM 3/4 ton disc brakes for their simplicity, cost, and availability. I had other ideas but this turned out to be the easiest and probably most effective set-up.

Again, the reason I bought covers in kit form instead of welded is because I was going to cut and plate the bottom and machine the ring gear O.D. This gives somewhere in the neighborhood of 2.5", IIRC, of added clearance. After considering that it wont be my rig to wrench on, my dad doesnt like turning wrenches, and any repairs will most likely be done by normal auto shops in Mt. Pleasant, I decided to forego the severe trim and leave the ring gear in stock form. I still gained a good 1.5" or so. There's a lot of beef to be cut away there. It's not a 14 bolt anymore.

[bcolman]

looking good

[redcagepatrol]

bought time you started a thread...

[agjohn02]

Next, I stripped the jeep and all the bracketry off of the YJ frame and started on the front suspension. It'll be riding on Rubicon Express 1.5" YJ SOA springs. I got 6 leaf for the front and 5 leaf for the rear. There will be no front anti-wrap bar, so I wanted the extra leaf to combat axle wrap. I didnt jump on the 44044 bandwagon for two reasons, three really. Since this will be a ranch cruiser as well as a trail rig, ride quality is a major concern. I thought springs with rates designed for a lighter vehicle and less lift would ride better. We shall see if that holds true. Secondly, I originally planned to build it low and these seemed to be better suited for that. However, I dont think it's going to turn out too low after all. Lastly, I just wanted to be different than all the cool kids.

[agjohn02]

-stretched the frame 2" in the front
-front spring hangers
-front shackle hangers

[redcagepatrol]

Man - you AND Cody put the square tube seam on the outside of the bumper!!! That's one of my pet peeves, looks like crap painted - sucker

EDIT - other than that, pretty nice fab work

[agjohn02]

i did that on purpose. you'll see why later.

[uglyota]

maybe it's just the camera angle...

but I think your frame's tweaked

[redcagepatrol]

pinstripe? got me interested now...

[agjohn02]

Tub came off and rear suspension and bumper went on. I stretched it as much as I could. I was originally going to stay away from a full comp cut since I don't particularly like the way it looks, but finally decided to follow function over form, plus, my dad favors the full comp cut. I will probably have to trim the ends of rear bumper and definately move the body mounts.

[agjohn02]

-rear dogleg shackles
-bumper

I decided to go ahead and build these shackles and put them in front of the bumper. They are at a pretty good angle, but they allow plenty of movement to allow the springs to cycle fully and will result in a lower spring rate, giving a smoother ride. I left room on the back of the bumper for hangers in case I need to move them out there after everything settles.

[agjohn02]

Front shackles. I apparently didn't take a pic of them. This is the best I could find.