[jproaster]

Ok. Trying to decide if my question is "not" technical. I decided it was more philosophical; but expecting some mixture possibly in the responses.

So I have an 87 yj laredo, which I would like to use on/off road for fun and as a vehicle to respond with amateur radio and medical supplies delivery in the case of a natural disaster. I'm a volunteer in our county's first responders/cert group and last year's tornado left me a bit speechless. There were many impassable roads as you might guess.

So, the drivetrain is stock, manual 5speed, and am running 33s with a 3.5? fabtech lift and two inch body lift. It's got half doors and a ragtop.

So if you had this jeep and wanted to spend say 3-5k (over time of course) for SE Tenn area (some roads elevate to @2000 ft) what might you consider swapping etc.

I've read many threads, but always get bogged down in details I dont' understand. So it seems best to ask.

Thanks,
John

[BamaJeepman21]

I hear you on that. After last year my build kind of went to "survive natural disaster" mode.

I would start with recovery. Have a good 12k winch on the front. Maybe even consider mounting one on the rear. Have a couple snatch blocks and 20k tow straps. Possibly go with a dual battery setup for the winches.

Do you ever use the back seat? If not, ditch it and set up shelves/storage for different tools. Have a mounting place/section for a chainsaw or 2. (very vital) Carry around a couple jerry cans with gas, have a hi lift jack, a shovel...just to name a couple.

Next I would invest in some good tires. For extra traction maybe invest in a front locker. Then I would either do a snorkel or cowel intake (I prefer cowel) incase some areas are flooded.

Also have plenty of lights. You can never have too many lights.

Hope that gives you an idea.

[tanksoldier]

I'd think in terms of "kits": Recovery kit, repair kit, commo kit, medical kit, mobility kit, survival/ shelter kit...

Not sure if it would work but solar panels like they use on RVs to top up the batteries of your radios would be cool.

[jproaster]

Thanks for the suggestions. Many good ideas there for sure- definitely getting the rear seat out. I'm in process to obtain my tech license for radio; after that I will be building a "go box" for emer communications in remote locales.

However, the more immediate need is, what shall i do about the drivetrain, etc? I've read lots of info and would like for people to imagine what they might build for the purpose. I'm not building a shiny toy, but a very functional vehicle with purpose.

john

[BamaJeepman21]

What do you want to do with the drivetrain? I see nothing wrong with it other than maybe needing to regear.

[uncleroman]

winch, shovels, axes, honda honda eu2000 generator {non companion has 110ac and 12vdc}, chain saw, straps, snatch blocks, mud tires, regear, bottled water or mounted water cooler, storage rack above spare or roof top, first aid kit. getting there will be most of the work i would think

[uncleroman]

slime in tires, fire extinguisher, on board air for air tool and if you need to air down a loud horn may be handy?, ham radio,

[nickmonaco]

Well, now I don't need to ask any questions. Good advice on this thread. When I get the cash I wanna do a rear storage rack, gas cans, and a winch. Chainsaw and extra water are great ideas too.



crawled!

[Duck Doctor]

8.8 locked with 4.56s. Dana 30 geared to 4.56 with an Aussie/Spartan. Tummy tuck, SYE, CV shaft. Ditch the Fabtech lift and go spring over.

[jproaster]

Duck,
Like your suggestions (what I understand anyhow) except soa.

Unless,
a. The body is no higher than presently - 3.5 fabtech and 2" body lift.
B. Just too expensive.

John

[tanksoldier]

For the drivetrain all I'd do is maybe re-gear to 4.10 at some point.

You don't want to have too much crazy stuff because you don't want to decrease reliability and you may not be able to find parts in a tornado zone or whatever.

33s should be more than enough to get you into wherever they will LET you get into after a disaster. You won't be climbing up a rockpile to set up a retrans station or whatever.

[roadyrob]

as you have the 4.2 with a carb I'd go with a HEI ignition and another carb. the hei is a one wire system thats super simple to diagnose if you have problems. after that I'd swap out the trans for a nv 3550. then an 8.8 rear with either a lunch box locker or lsd. add another locker in the front and 4.10 gears. as already suggested cowl air, a winch and more lights.

[jproaster]

Thanks all for some good suggestions- drivetrain and outfitting jeep.

I think that since the jeep still runs good, I'm going to save money and do more learning for upgrades. I still have plenty of light rust to remove underneath before coating-'nuf work there.

John