My no lift TJ thoughts

Soon I will be purchasing a TJ, probably '97-'99 to replace my now sold '06 LJ. My idea is to build a rig dedicated to my dads WWII service. The plan is low, light, capable and OD green with markings appropriate to the 117th Engineers etc. I want to fit 33x10.50 BFG KM2s with basically no lift. I will install a 1.25" JKS BL/MML (for tire clearance help and for the UCF belly armor), a set of OME LJ springs I have that have very low mileage on them with a 3/4" spacer on top of the front springs to level. For the front fenders I would like to use the MCE flat fenders and lose the flares and inner wells in the rear and trim metal if needed. Not sure about shocks, but I'm hoping this will clear the tires with sufficient flex. The rear axle will be replaced with a D44 and Detroit Locker and the front D30 will be stuffed with a Detroit TruTrac.

Thoughts and opinions on this crazy idea needed please!  

So the subject line was apparently catchy but the content...well, not so much...hahaha  

Sounds good to me. I built the white and grey "No Lift TJ" several years back. I am pretty sure that you can do what you are talking about just make sure you extend the bump stops to keep the tires out of the metal out back. I usually get the tires mounted on the wheels I want to use and then cycle the suspension using a floor jack with the coils removed. This gives you a pretty good idea of how much you need to lengthen the bump stops to prevent the tires from hitting the tub or fenders. The MCE flat fenders should allow plenty of clearance with minimal lift. and your motor lift and 1.25 body lift without too many side effects.
By the way I am working on building another TJ that has lots of similarity with what you are proposing here. Keep watching. I have some new and different ideas to keep it light, low, usable off-road and on-.  
P.s. I am not Dr. Vern (but I am happy to take credit for his writing!)

Thanks Verne! One thing I goofed and said OME springs and meant OEM springs. Duh. OME is great, but I'm on a tight budget here. The springs are stock with only about 20K on them and I'm not sure they are any taller than TJ springs but they are likely less "saggy" than what the TJ will have. Also I will be mounting the tires on soft 8s with 3 3/4" BS. Good tip on cycle without springs. I will do that.

As far as light weight goes...well...no doors, top, or rear seat plus I plan on all aluminum armor with the possible exception of the rockers. If I can afford it I will get alloy rims too.

I figured on doing the bump stops. I did about 1 1/2" on my LJ that had a 2" lift by gorilla gluing hockey pucks to the perches. Yeah..I'm cheap!

I have a subscription to JP so I will be looking for that build!  

Here's couple shots of the progress so far. Still stock suspension and no BL yet. LJ springs with 3/4" spacer and some Skyjacker Hydros coming soon then the 1.25" BL. But the 33x10.50 are clearing pretty good without flares and the custom flat fender job I did.




Here's the link to my photobucket page with all the pics of the build so far.
http://s732.photobucket.com/albums/ww328/gusdaddy/99%20TJ%20build/  

A couple updated pics. Still have to install the BL, but the LJ springs, 3/4" spacer on the front springs, and Skyjacker shocks are in. The rear stock LJ 5aa springs netted an inch of lift in the rear.




The dedication to my Dad:


Herculined and ammo can:




Stars:

 

Looks great! Cool build. Also rumor has it XJ coils will provide about 1-inch of lift on a TJ? I still need to try this out though.  
P.s. I am not Dr. Vern (but I am happy to take credit for his writing!)

Thanks Verne!! Once the BL/MML is on I start armoring it up. I'm thinking UCF aluminum belly/gas tank skids and A to Z rocker guards. Then start saving up for the axle upgrades. Not sure about that yet. I'm leaning toward a Superior Super 35 kit with Detroit and a Tru Trac in front, but I may go with a full replacement axle in the rear. Opinions seem to vary greatly on the super 35 kit.  

Here is a couple before pics:




And after:

 

You may be fine with the Dana 35, but putting your money towards a Dana 44 is a better investment in the long run as its infinitely upgradable and you wont have to worry about it breaking (Unless you end up going to much larger tires). I love the military theme and the 33/10.50s!  
P.s. I am not Dr. Vern (but I am happy to take credit for his writing!)

The main reason of course that I'm considering the Superior Super 35 kit is overall cost, and I don't plan to ever go bigger than the 33x10.50s. But if the R&P grenade and destroy the Detroit then the savings turns south in a hurry. I doubt that would happen but Mr. Murphy likes to lay down his law with me regularly. I know the 8.8 is a good option but I really don't want to go there. I'm trying to research out the G2 D44 full replacement axle. 30 spline chromoly shafts and Detroit for a little over 2K. Have you heard much about that axle and would it require a shorter rear DS?

And thanks again for the compliments!  

That looks great!!! Verne if you could build yours again would you use Metalcloak fenders on the back or do it the same way?  

BTW gus54 that military look is sweet. I found this on Google and just wanted to let you know. Good job man!!!