Cheap 95 YJ build. where to start

**underpowered** · 08-05-2008, 03:53 PM

so my buddy just picked up a 1995 YJ for $500. it is a base model, 4 cyl 5 speed. bought it with a bad tranny, other than that it suposedly runs. though this has not been confirmed.

he wants to build a nice little toy, but on a budget. the tranny issue is taken care of, i gave him a spare i had out of a 93 YJ.

what are some good, cheap mods to do? he wants a total of about 4" of lift so he can sqeeze some 33's. how well with the 4 banger turn 33's? plans are to get it running and moving first and start off with some 31's for now, but this winter he wants to lift it and upgrade some. Disco's are a definite. what else am i missing? good cheap lift? spring over maybe?

**JeeperDon** · 08-05-2008, 05:19 PM

The 4 cyl will turn 33's fine IF you go to 4.88 gears. Those gears and tires require about the same speedo gear, so other than spinning more tire mass, RPM-wise the motor is happy.

**underpowered** · 08-05-2008, 09:57 PM

well he is not really wanting to regear. cheap is key here. regear would cost close to 1000 to do both axles, not my idea of cheap. especially since he only has 500 in it as of now.

SleddinJeeper · 08-05-2008, 10:09 PM

I drive around on stock gearing and dont have an issue. I wouldnt worry about it.

Barrio · 08-05-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SleddinJeeper

I drive around on stock gearing and dont have an issue. I wouldnt worry about it.

whats your top speed highway, average?

SleddinJeeper · 08-05-2008, 10:20 PM

I dont drive the interstate, the fastest roads I drive are 50mph, heck I passed a person today and didnt have much of a problem, though it was pretty flat and there was a tail wind...

jgillespie · 08-05-2008, 10:23 PM

hmm 33's on the 2.5 with stock gears...wow bet you can't get much more than about 60 top speed.

tommanns · 08-05-2008, 11:02 PM

Sadly enough, I've gone for sprints of upwards of 75mph on stock gears with a 2.5L and 33"s. I don't like to do this often, but sometimes the traffic around here can be unforgiving. (also, not fun to do without sway or trackbars)
Under normal conditions, I avg around 60 comfortably. Despite the 65mph speed limit, if it isn't the gears slowing you down, it'll be the guilt of punishing your engine like that

**underpowered** · 08-06-2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommanns

, if it isn't the gears slowing you down, it'll be the guilt of punishing your engine like that

you have no idea who will be driving it lol. all i can say is i hope these little 4 bangers are a good motor, because the limits of it will surely be tested.

the guy who owns it probably won't see much highway, but i know it will see some. most of the time ti will be on back roads around 55mph or so. although, once the 4 popper blows up, he plans on a 4.0 or a small block chevy swap.

**Bigboyky** · 08-06-2008, 02:56 PM

I run the stock 4:10's and 33's with my 4 squirrels.... I've had it up to 70/75 gotta keep the nuts pouring to em though. Runs around 3800rpms if I remember right. It does fine around town running up to 55/60. 5th gear is almost useless, but does see some use downhill. I'd do it save for the 4:88's. Which I have in the plans after the 8.8. Hope this helps.

95 Lowbuck · 08-06-2008, 05:58 PM

You can run 4.10's with 33's, you just won't see much
of 5th gear, and will be downshifting to 3rd on hills.
I went with 33 x 10.50 tires on stock rims, saved weight and
rolling resistance. Ran it for about a year and was happy with it.
I would not waste my time, or money, regearing the Dana 35.
People have a lot of money in them and still break.

**underpowered** · 08-06-2008, 10:06 PM

this is gonna be more of a local beater. if if goes far, it will be on a trailer. they guy just wants it because it is more capable/durable than his s10 pickup.

tommanns · 08-07-2008, 12:13 AM

I'd say go for it then.

I was thinking about this, and hearing everyone say how 5th gear is almost nonexistant has reminded me of something kind of funny.
Is it just me, or does anyone else mentally yell "Jackpot!" when they actually do use 5th with a setup similar to this?

I know, I'm sad. Hahaha...

**JeeperDon** · 08-07-2008, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underpowered

this is gonna be more of a local beater. if if goes far, it will be on a trailer. they guy just wants it because it is more capable/durable than his s10 pickup.

Then leave it alone. It's already more capable than that.

fataltherabbit · 08-07-2008, 04:42 AM

if you really wana do a cheap build , then get some Hockypucks and drill out holes in the center and get longer bolts and do a body lift , sk8 board wheels work too .. and add a shackle lift and you can get like 4 inches .... i mean its not recommended , but if ur just going to use it as a beater go for it...

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08-06-2008, 05:58 PM	#11
95 Lowbuck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Ramon Ca. Posts: 124 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps iTrader Rating	You can run 4.10's with 33's, you just won't see much of 5th gear, and will be downshifting to 3rd on hills. I went with 33 x 10.50 tires on stock rims, saved weight and rolling resistance. Ran it for about a year and was happy with it. I would not waste my time, or money, regearing the Dana 35. People have a lot of money in them and still break.