Your Quick Question:
I have a '97 Jeep Wrangler. Plain-Jane four-cylinder, manual trans. My question is, I'm looking to put a new lift to fit 36-inch tires and I also want to swap in a 4.0-liter motor. I am looking to spend moderate amounts of money to do this and there is a 4x4 swap meet coming to town this weekend. What do you suggest for lift and other accessories to accompany an engine swap? Iis it worth it?
Jp's Quick Answer:
Wow, the mods you wanna make aren't exactly cheap, even if you can find the parts at the swap meet. But to fit 36s you'll need around 6-8 inches of lift and probably a little fender trimming. As for the 4.0L engine swap, you'll need to yank the tranny too. Your AX5 won't work with the 4.0L. Look for a 4.0L and a NV3550 combo. That would be a good start but costly. The AX15 tranny is also a good unit but we think the 3550 is a better (stronger) transmission and worth the extra cost.
Your Quick Question:
I recently purchased an '87 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer that has the stock drivetrain in it. I have purchased a set of 33"x14" Super Swamper Boggers and I don't really want to lift the Jeep because I have a '90 YJ with 4-inch lift and 33s and I break more U-Joints than I would if the vehicle was in stock form. I was curious if I could get away with cutting enough of the fender out to make them fit. I know that there is quite a bit of stuff in the engine bay that resides on the inner fenderwell. I would also consider a mild lift that I could do myself but again, I am not to sure how.
Jp's Quick Answer:
Alright, let's see if we've got this straight: Your Jeep has a 4-inch lift that you want to keep on and put wider 33s without more lift. You should be able to trim the fenders enough. In fact you can probably trim and use stock TJ fender flares to help open and cover the wheelwells up. Bumpstop extensions are another option. With the 14-inch wide tires plan on running a 10-inch wide wheel or the Bogger lugs will be all over your leaf springs.
To keep from breaking U-joints upgrade to the U-bolt style yokes on at least the axles. A slip-yoke eliminator kit on your transfer case with a flange or CV yoke will also strengthen the assembly.
Now if you want to fit the 33s and take off the 4-inch lift, you may run into some problems. If you don't mind cutting a lot, like almost removing the entire front fenders and trimming well into the tub in the rear, then it might work but it's gonna be ugly.