XJ front "frame" build

macgyvr · Nov 29, 2007

I wanted to have a running thread here on NAXJA

covering the build of a "frame" on the front of my XJ...well what's left of my XJ.

The plan is to build a tube frame front...aka buggyish...

If you are wondering why I'm not just building a buggy...its because everyone else is and I want to do something different...or try to...there will be a buggy eventually...but I'm gonna hang with this chassis for now...

It should be interesting to say the least. I have til the end of February to get it done for winterfest.

Here is the starting point.

And the process beings

Tearing off the grill and fenders

Cutting the inner fender wells out (used sawzall)

Cutting the uniframe out (used plasma cutter)

I never realized the uniframe had all these levels of metal in it...

I think if you click this link it should take you to the album for all the pictures.
http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc74/macgyvr/Jeep%20Buggy/2007-8%20front%20build/?start=0

Definately more to come with Winterfest around the corner.

mac 'its do or die now' gyvr

87xjco · Nov 29, 2007

Frame on an XJ.......

You're crazy man

Subscribing

streetpirate · Nov 29, 2007

coil buckets make great beer holders.

find any lost tools when you cuT the frame?

IllianaXJ · Nov 29, 2007

Love the coil bucket beverage holders :cheers:

Looking forward to seeing it in action at WF.

jforse · Nov 30, 2007

nice! subscribed!

Pat · Nov 30, 2007

lookin good...are coilovers going to be involved in the reassembly?

vetteboy · Nov 30, 2007

Pretty sweet, I like it. Mine may undergo that same surgery sometime in the future.

XJ_ranger · Nov 30, 2007

interesting.

most people clearance their rockers before they clearance the engine compartment...

macgyvr · Nov 30, 2007

Pat said:
lookin good...are coilovers going to be involved in the reassembly?

Look for some pics ref matter this very very soon...

I actually have the answer...but I'm too intoxicated to take pics and get htem upl oaded...

mac 'metamorphisis' gyvr

Goatman · Nov 30, 2007

Wow! That's going to be a lot of work. What are the goals for the build?

aparke4 · Nov 30, 2007

i really like the idea of keeping the cherokee body - cutting - and building off of it and using it as a starting place - most people keep the front end the same but take fneders off, fill with tube to give it a tube buggy look but with the rear the way you have done it i think it is going to be an awesome combo to have a tubed rear and front

kudos for creating a tube buggy from a cherokee - there are one or two others builds on this board and i have read through them over and over like goatmans! not only is cutting the uni brave and perhaps crazy - i love it! i think a nice tube front with good flowing lines would match the rear quite well. a possible look?:

uncc civilengineer · Nov 30, 2007

macgyvr said:
I wanted to have a running thread here on covering the build of a "frame" on the front of my XJ...well what's left of my XJ.

The plan is to build a tube frame front...aka buggyish...

If you are wondering why I'm not just building a buggy...its because everyone else is and I want to do something different...or try to...there will be a buggy eventually...but I'm gonna hang with this chassis for now...

...

mac 'its do or die now' gyvr

Agreed... everyone's building a buggy here in NC.. I want to see something different...

Good luck.

ZacSquatch · Nov 30, 2007

Is the tranny holding up the engine?

87manche · Nov 30, 2007

sweetness.

wanna do mine after I truggy the rear?

macgyvr · Nov 30, 2007

Goatman said:
Wow! That's going to be a lot of work. What are the goals for the build?

winterfest and FF08

oh and keeping the front tires out of the fenders...

a tubed front...

how it turns out i dont know...but the same crazy person that helped me tube the rear is helping up front...

thanks for the replies and i do want something "different" and i'm sure one way or the other it will fit into that category

stay tuned...some pics coming of some parts recently purchased...

btw, the guy that is helping me does do tube projects on the side...however i'm not posting contact information until mine is done

wouldn't want a paying project to take him away from mine :greensmok

mac 'its gonna be interesting' gyvr

macgyvr · Nov 30, 2007

More info on the build.

I bought this radiator used

For those keeping score it measures approximately 20 tall x 21.5 wide x 2.5 inches...its aluminum...

i picked up four of these as well

fox air shocks

again if your keeping score approximately 22inches collapsed, 12 inches of travel and 34 inches extended...

and i picked up another hysteer arm for the d60. i have one on the pass side already, but going to full hydro i can now move the tie rod all the way up hy...

yes it was a pricey day at BRANIK (www.branikmotorsports.com) a buddy of mine owns the shop and his son and another buddy work there...they are currently building 3! buggys to compete in XRRA east coast next year...

mac 'vangina sale = a extra jeep money' gyvr

Pat · Nov 30, 2007

very nice! she is getting some serious bling now...

JeepFreak21 · Nov 30, 2007

You've got balls Mac! I'm subscribing!
Billy

IllianaXJ · Dec 1, 2007

ZacSquatch said:
Is the tranny holding up the engine?

In one of the pics you can barely make out a jackstand and a block of wood.

Mac, you're going to have to give up your source - I have a couple fab projects in mind I need someone to do

Matt S. · Dec 1, 2007

One day I will convince myself to do something with it....

Love what you have planned!

XJ front "frame" build

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