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My YJ LT1 build

423K views 1K replies 227 participants last post by  TxTJ32 
#1 · (Edited)
Hello all,

Buying my second YJ Thursday, my first was a brand new 94' 4.0, did a few mods on it, then sold it in 2000 in mint condition w/36k on the odometer (Had company truck). I sold it for a 96' Grand Cherokee 4x4 to impress a girl, who I later married, figured zip up windows wouldn't work. I kick myself the a$$ every time I see a YJ for getting rid of it.

Fast forward to present day, married 7 years with 2 small kids, 2 small dogs and 2 vette's. One is a 73' roadster which I restored mostly myself. I couldn't have done it without the help of a corvette forum, the assistance I received was invaluable.

I recently found an 87' YJ sitting behind a storage facility in fairly decent condition, has hardtop and doors and half steel doors, no soft top or engine. I tracked down the owner and convinced him to sell it for $1000.

I plan to make a daily driver out of it, but I'm going to start from the frame up, from there I’m still up in the air....back with a 4.0 inline 6, or small V8. Would a small V8 be practicable for an everyday driver? I don't plan on heavy offroading, mild at best (getting too old).

I’m looking forward to pestering everybody on this forum for information as my build progresses, as you can tell, I’m very long winded….

Thanks and apologies in advance :cheers2:,

Rick
 
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#151 ·
I would look into either buying or making a flat skid plate. That should bring it up quite a bit from where it is now. Looks like if it were flat to the frame it may bring it up two inches or so? That would get you alot closer to where you want to be and would also increase your ground clearance quite a bit, its win win :thumbsup:
 
#155 ·
Hey - I just noticed you are using an AA-like engine cradle and have a T350. I had the same setup and sat the tranny mount right donw onto the skidplate- no tcase drop used. The stock mount holes were even used to bolt the mount down. I did pull the engine 5/8 back from the stock motor mount locations to do this.

Your build is looking nicer than mine did!!
 
#159 ·
Ok, I'm going with 3 degrees. I decided to keep the stock exhaust manifolds, I don't think I need anymore power than the stock vette LT1 makes. I removed the heat sheilds then blasted them, then hi heat powder coated them. I'll get some time tommorow to clean and restore some of the front engine bolt on's. Like my $25 craigslist oven......

 
#162 ·
Windex, carb cleaner, wire wheel on a drill and a ton of time and elbow grease.

Brought the jeep home for a few weeks, got some engine accessories mounted. Yes the grass needs cutting....



 
#163 ·
Got the a couple more parts mounted, getting harder to remember what went where....even with pictures.

 
#167 ·
Rock stars have hair, I don't but did....but that's another story.

Thanks,
Rick
 
#168 ·
Happy Fathers day to all!!! :cheers2:

Got the transfer case mounted and the rest of the emissions...



 
#170 ·
saw your post over on CF.

You sure an LT1 is the best choice? what year did it come out of? hopefully it has the vented opti and even then I wouldnt want to tempt fate by soaking it.

But to try to answer your Q about the fuel lines. they are rubber at the tank so it should not be a prob. just use good clamps on either side of the barb.
 
#172 ·
I posted a question about fuel lines....can't control what I get back....

jepsterjc,

Its plastic 12" square flooring, best price I could find 2 years ago from Costco, easy to install and maintain.

Rick
 
#173 ·
Does it matter where I place the fuel filter, near the engine like the vette, or at the stock Jeep location?

Thanks,
Rick

Plug wires on..



More plumbing...

 
#175 ·
Hi Rick, Just saw your answer above about your flooring. Thanks for the info. I put down a white epoxy and with all the heavy work and welding going on it is scratching/chunking up pretty fast. Oh well.

I put the filter up where I could work on it, it would stay cleaner and not get snagged by bush that I always seem to drive through. Also, I only used metal to barbed to rubber injection hose and double clamps so I could routinely check the condition of the connections more easily with it up under the hood.
 
#176 ·
Maybe I missed it but how did you determine your engine mount locations w/o test fitting the body?

Very nice build btw.
 
#179 ·
I didn't, the mount dictated it, It bolts directly to the shock mounts...A pic showing the location is on page 1 of this thread, I do have other angles if you want them.

Rick
 
#181 ·
Your build is great, it is exactly what I would do, if I had the skill, time, and money. :) I don't though, so please keep up the great work, and I'll continue to dream.

Seriously, it's going to be a 2010 YJ when you're done. I can't wait.
 
#184 ·
A liitle more engine detail



Ok, JEEPSTERJCS, this is where I need your help. A buddy came by and asked, how are going to steer it........ Looks like I might have any issue with the steering shaft, without the tub on I don't know. Did you have an issue with this?? You can see the steering box, not much room for the shaft?

Rick

 
#185 ·
A liitle more engine detail

A buddy came by and asked, how are going to steer it........ Looks like I might have any issue with the steering shaft, without the tub on I don't know. Did you have an issue with this?? You can see the steering box, not much room for the shaft?

Rick
Look at this video link, there doesn't look like there is any clearance issues at all on this one

YouTube - LT1 V8 JEEP WRANGLER (YJ) CORVETTE ENGINE
 
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