Transmission CROSSMEMBER Build on a JEEP Wrangler TJ - HIGH CLEARANCE | Budget Crawler Ep. 9

  Рет қаралды 51,550

Dirona

Dirona

5 жыл бұрын

"Tummy Tuck", "Belly Up", "Flat Skid"...call it what you will, but we no longer have the huge factory transfer case skid plate hanging down below the frame on our Wrangler and have officially gone FLAT. Gone are the days of hanging up on rocks and picking up mud from the middle of deeply rutted trails.
At this point in the build, the Jeep is set up as follows:
-Stock springs/suspension
-1.25" Custom body lift
-33" Tires
Body Lift Build/Install:
• Ultimate DIY BODY LIFT...
Pirate4x4 Alternative Bushing Use Thread:
www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gener...

Пікірлер: 113
@jeremiahconwell6228
@jeremiahconwell6228 Жыл бұрын
Four years later and this is a Master Class on fabrication for wheelers. I could never! Amazing thanks for the great vid.
@dironaa
@dironaa Жыл бұрын
Hard to believe it’s been that long!
@phillipwillsie7260
@phillipwillsie7260 5 жыл бұрын
i installed a b&m short throw shifter in my tj and it really helped a lot. it kept my hand out of the dash and has much firmer and short shifts than factory, well worth the cost.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tip!
@skkfor
@skkfor 5 жыл бұрын
Recently stumbled upon your vids recently and wish I had found your channel much sooner. You are well-spoken, informative and give great details.Totally excellent build, sir. At 11:57, you said, "No claims to be a professional fabricator". Umm, you had me fooled. Seriously. I am also meticulous about fit, finish and neatness, so I'm stoked to see someone who shares those tenants. I'm a grateful subber!
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks man, appreciate it. Although not always feasible, I try to live by the phrase 'do it right or not at all'.
@geographyinaction7814
@geographyinaction7814 2 жыл бұрын
Your 'crude' fabrication is fantastic, it works!
@jakematthews6982
@jakematthews6982 5 жыл бұрын
I agree with the Novak cable shifter comment 100% that was mentioned before my post. And I’d make my own skid plate as well. Just use the holes in the original skid as a template on a flat piece of 1/4” hot roll. The nutserts in the frame have a tendency to come loose and become a problem but a couple small tack welds to hold them is easy to do. Great work!
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! That's exactly what I was thinking for a skid. I have a Novak unit in my other Jeep and it works great. After doing a little research last night it looks like the cable shifter made by Savvy Off Road may be slightly better, so I might end up trying that one if I can't figure out a significantly cheaper way to get this thing in 4wd.
@ur_cowboy
@ur_cowboy 3 жыл бұрын
That looks super professional, great job honestly.
@dironaa
@dironaa 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@patrickwines9551
@patrickwines9551 5 жыл бұрын
Cheap tip, drill the threads out of the joke and use the u bolt style. Stronger and harder to lose in the dirt.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Great tip, never thought of drilling the yoke...have always bought a new yoke designed for u-bolts but I like the price of your idea better!
@NINJAxFTWx
@NINJAxFTWx 5 жыл бұрын
Love the channel, keep it up
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Unfortunately there are only so many hours in the day and the build isn't progressing as fast as I'd like, but it will certainly continue.
@mcdoctorglock
@mcdoctorglock 5 жыл бұрын
@7:29- That's an understatement! What a total engineering failure (with regards to longevity) the factory shift linkage is. Made me LOL because I'm dealing with the mess now. Great shot!
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
The amount of time they must have spent designing that thing...
@mcdoctorglock
@mcdoctorglock 5 жыл бұрын
I know, right? All they needed was a stinking lever to push up and down. I'm interested in seeing how you deal with this, as I would also like to get rid of the trans crossmember, I also have a set of long arms for my 2 1/2" lift that I have to install. I see lots of welding in my future.
@kg2995
@kg2995 5 жыл бұрын
I put a Novak transfer case cable shifter when I installed the low profile TC skid. No issues with binding.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Have one of those on my other Jeep and have been very happy with it. Novak seems to be the best on the market.
@this_tj_krawls
@this_tj_krawls 5 жыл бұрын
@@dironaa I just installed mine and so far I'm happy with it as well.
@patrickwines9551
@patrickwines9551 5 жыл бұрын
Also an s10 np231 lever flips the linkage up, then some all thread and small heim style joints, couple of bolts makes a good tc shift.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
After doing a little research last night I'm leaning toward using heims instead of a cable shifter, but didn't know about the s10 lever...thanks again!
@caseyhollinger8573
@caseyhollinger8573 5 жыл бұрын
I appreciate your videos on this build. I have similar build plans.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Glad you're enjoying!
@Rick-4552
@Rick-4552 5 жыл бұрын
Cant wait to see your fix for the rear shaft!
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Should be in one of the next few episodes!
@marcthefastz1000
@marcthefastz1000 5 жыл бұрын
@@dironaa sye and you should be go to go !
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Literally working on it as we speak LOL
@dennisthompson7707
@dennisthompson7707 5 жыл бұрын
You have increases the angle of your rear driveling which will be greater if you lift it higher, a motor mount lift should be next. Fun build to watch, keep up the good work.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad you're enjoying it! This was partially addressed with a transfer case swap I did in the next episode. I'll be doing a rear axle swap in the near future, at which point driveline angles should all be good again.
@indridcold8433
@indridcold8433 4 жыл бұрын
I have had my beloved aging TJ since late 1996. As modern cars have become weaker, uglier, flimsier, poor handling, front wheel drive belly daggers, my TJ has become more and more satisfying to me. The decades have taken their tole on my beloved. But I lovingly and dedicatedly attended to her wounds over the many long years together. I credit her longevity to the AMC 242ci I6 engine powering her and the fact that I have never let any, "professional," touch her for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. Every single oil change has been by me. We survived the dreaded death wobble hit in 2010. I briefly considered parting ways with my dear, "Windi," my TJ, that trying 2010. But I stood fast with my beloved and we worked through it together. Friendships fell over the years, a girlfriend painfully abandoned me in 2000. My career, I was supposed to have the rest of my remaining life, left to Southern Mexico. I lost a house and had a horrible backruptcy 2001. Surgeries in 2008 stopped me from work for two years. I could not even drive. So much struggle and pain have passed over the years. Still, my beloved TJ, "Windi," was with me through it all. The end of 2010, I decided the dreaded Death Wobble would not get the best of our long friemdship. We powered through and I replaced the entire suspension in mid 2011, completely alone. I had no friends to help. My dear Windi is my only friend. Today, late 2019, "Wendi," is still with me. She has been the only constant in my life since 1996. Today, the engine has the infamous AMC rattle most AMC inline six engines have when they are older, the seats are worn. She has had about ten sets of tyres. The radio is obsolete. The manual transmission must be double clutched, three soft tops have graced her, and the factory ignition failed over a decade ago so I made a transponder, push button, ignition system. But she still runs strong. Next spring, I will be installing a Terminator AX-15 aftermarket transmission to get my Windi to shift smoothly. She will also get new seats, and perhaps a new removable carpet may also be in order. If anybody knew me, they would wonder why I would put that much money into an aging vehicle that is not worth all those upgrades and repairs. But our relationship runs very deep. It hurts me emotionally that Windi could never possibly return the love I have for her. So I love her enough to compensate that she could never love me back. The deep bond between a boy and his Jeep became the deep bond between a man and his Jeep. Very soon, it will be a deep bond between an old man and his Jeep. At very old age, when death comes near, I will hand select someone to succeed me to care for Windi for their remaining life. Should Wendi be involved in a tragic crash where repairs are not possible. Her devasted remains will go to revive another dead TJ. Should I find nobody to care for my dear Windi after I die, Windi will be buried in a thick metal vault with me. I have plenty of property to do this. She will never betray me. I will never betray her. I love you Windi.
@dironaa
@dironaa 4 жыл бұрын
I can relate.
@jake-hy2zb
@jake-hy2zb 5 жыл бұрын
Good job.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@bryanbrewer4425
@bryanbrewer4425 Жыл бұрын
Use a wire brushed orbital sand and black rust inhibitor on the control arm mounts. I enjoy your content, best wishes.
@dironaa
@dironaa Жыл бұрын
Every bit of rust prevention helps! Thanks for watching!
@cuttheloop
@cuttheloop Жыл бұрын
I once found the remnants of an Armadillo jammed up in mine. 🤣
@dironaa
@dironaa Жыл бұрын
LOL that must have been a pleasant surprise
@daveness8236
@daveness8236 4 жыл бұрын
Nice job on this. I’ve never seen a transfer case raise. Usually guys are lowering the tcase to improve driveline angles. Keep those ujoints well greased.
@dironaa
@dironaa 4 жыл бұрын
I hear that. Seems to me that lowering the transfer case defeats the purpose of a lift.
@bryceboland6904
@bryceboland6904 5 жыл бұрын
The rust😭 love the cleanliness of your builds though keep it up!
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Although not always practical, I usually try to stick to the old phrase 'do it right or not at all'. Just waiting for the weather to warm up so I can get the underside cleaned up and painted. Where I live this Jeep is actually considered very rust free LOL
@mcdoctorglock
@mcdoctorglock 5 жыл бұрын
"Where I live this Jeep is actually considered very rust free " I'd say! When I took my crossmember off, I got a handful of rust patties that used to be part of the frame. Clean up and Rustoleum.
@kevinthouvenell1750
@kevinthouvenell1750 5 жыл бұрын
Jeep liberty has a cable shift u can use also on the cheep form the salvage yards
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Think I've got something else figured out, but thanks for the tip!
@dacal86
@dacal86 4 жыл бұрын
Such an awesome video, nice work on the welding and fabrication! Thank you!!! PS... Did you buy a new camera yet?
@dironaa
@dironaa 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks man! Got a newer gopro that I’ve been recording with lately, I do miss the features of a DSLR though
@AndrewBrowner
@AndrewBrowner 5 жыл бұрын
think leaving a 1" drop below the rails for the crossmember and skid would help alot with minimizing issues or should i go flush while im in there
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Go big or go home LOL. I suppose every but lower would help, but either way you're going to be dealing with most of the same issues. Luckily I got hold of a transfer case with SYE and CV driveshafts for a decent price and all other issues were fairly cheap to fix, just took a little time and a little fabrication (as you can see in my other vids). One thing I didn't do that I'd recommend is a motor mount lift, which will help driveline angles and will help keep the shifter further from the dash. I'll most likely be installing a motor mount lift within the next year. One other thing to note is that the 231 transfer case stuffs above the frame rails no problem, but you may be forced to drop an inch or so with a Rubicon case.
@dannypstl423
@dannypstl423 5 жыл бұрын
This is a pretty unique build take. Unconventional and it's only cheap because your labors free.. but very good work.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I tend not to follow the crowds in most aspects of life...after all what's the fun in repeating the same thing everyone else is doing? I'm very fortunate to have an enclosed garage to work in, have slowly acquired a decent collection of tools, and have a little free time here and there to work on projects like this.
@Nnubbs
@Nnubbs 4 жыл бұрын
Can you explain how the center bushing works? If it is welded rigid on each side, how does it function exactly?
@dironaa
@dironaa 4 жыл бұрын
The drivetrain is allowed to rotate along the axis of the bolt. The outer sleeve remains rigid while the inner steel sleeve twists. Not the best design but it's working fine.
@USofA69
@USofA69 3 жыл бұрын
What'd you have to do to get the fuel / brake lines on top of the frame ? Just noticed on mine they run down the side and I don't think there would be room for the bracket on the drivers side without moving them to the top.
@dironaa
@dironaa 3 жыл бұрын
I temporarily popped the lines out of the plastic clips that mount them to the frame and was able to get enough wiggle room out of them to place them on top of the frame while welding. After the bracket was welded to the frame I was able to put the fuel line and evap line back in the clips without any modification. I had to bend the brake line to clear the new bracket but was still able to snap it back into the plastic clips.
@717Lucero
@717Lucero 5 жыл бұрын
Time to use Novak for the transfer case linkage.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Novak and Savvy Off Road look to be the highest quality cables
@jerichoalves6321
@jerichoalves6321 5 жыл бұрын
I’m doing something similar in my TJ but with the auto trans. Have you experienced any issues with the center mount allowing too much rotation? I’m curious if running the center bushing in-line with the Jeep may allow the torque to spin the transfer case up into the floor boards.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
That was my primary concern with this install but I haven't had any issues through normal street use. Haven't been out on the trails yet where it will really be tested but I don't think it's going to be an issue. The 4 cylinder engines in these TJs are very unbalanced when running and send a lot of vibrations through the chassis with any bushings more stiff than the stock bushings. Vibrations have noticeably increased after installing this crossmember so in this case I'm glad to have the third bushing to give a little additional isolation between the chassis and drivetrain.
@jerichoalves6321
@jerichoalves6321 5 жыл бұрын
@@dironaa Thanks for the reply. I'll try it out with the 4.0 and auto and see what happens. I have enough material and a back up plan just in case.
@larryalexander4833
@larryalexander4833 3 жыл бұрын
I had a 82 chevy 4x4 pickup. The rear universaul joint was so bad the needle bearings were just black dust. Don't know how it stayed in ?
@dironaa
@dironaa 3 жыл бұрын
I bought a dodge pickup a while back that was the same way. Had a good vibration from 35-60 mph but smoothed right out driving 65 on the way home from picking it up. No needle bearings in sight LOL
@larryc4739
@larryc4739 4 жыл бұрын
Wow , your skid bolts all came out that easy ???
@dironaa
@dironaa 4 жыл бұрын
I was amazed!
@justinbucher6300
@justinbucher6300 4 ай бұрын
In the beginning of the video you said you didnt like the TMR Customs crossmember but you were only using it because you already had it. If you were doing it over today (like me) who would you buy the crossmember kit from? Thanks! Also great job, watched every episode!
@dironaa
@dironaa 2 ай бұрын
Hope this isn’t too late, but if I were to do it again I’d rigid mount the crossmember to the frame (still making it removable with bolts) and exclude the bushings on the ends of the crossmember, then use a single bushing right where the transmission mounts to the crossmember using either something like a UCF LoPro mount or using a YJ spring bushing inside a piece of DOM tubing (you can find more info on this at jeepforum.com). I’d also consider making the crossmember out of square tubing instead of round, but would need to think about that a little more.
@gearmonger1927
@gearmonger1927 5 жыл бұрын
Have you considered a motor mount lift?
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
I considered it but chose not to in order to keep the center of gravity a little lower. Instead of adding a motor mount lift, I installed an electric fan (Episode 7 of this project). A motor mount lift would help a little with the shifter/dash interference issue that has now come about.
@mcdoctorglock
@mcdoctorglock 5 жыл бұрын
I fixed the dash by ripping it out. I'm going to go flat, I have the metal, I just need warm and dry (and electric) to finish it. '03 TJ, once the factory dash is removed there is SO much space, no rework of the shifter is needed. I removed the factory airbox and installed a small heater that is fed from the same heater lines, plus a cutoff valve so you don't cook in the summer. It blows my mind that the factory HVAC system has no heater core cutoff!
@PaulRavenstone
@PaulRavenstone 4 жыл бұрын
After a year+, how is this holding up? What are your thoughts on the added stiffness, and extra vibrations?
@dironaa
@dironaa 4 жыл бұрын
It's holding up well. There are more vibrations than the stock tranny mount had but it's not terrible and I can't see a way around it without using the stock tranny mount/bushing and losing and inch or two of clearance under the Jeep. The only thing I'd do differently next time is make brackets that wrap around/bolt to the frame instead of welding tabs to the frame, which would make it a more versatile setup later if I were to put a different engine or tranny in, which I may very well do.
@PaulRavenstone
@PaulRavenstone 4 жыл бұрын
@@dironaa Sweet! Thanks for the reply, and thoughts on it! I'm wanting to fabricate a mount as well, I absolutely LOVE what you did! I'm trying to go through the "brainstorming" process right now, trying to figure out how I want to engineer mine, how it will differ from factory, and even yours. For instance, I don't have a body lift, and most likely won't be doing that, as I'm already at a 4" lift, which already allows me more clearance over stock, etc... Thank you for the video, your time, and your thoughts and tips!
@Endurogasm
@Endurogasm 5 жыл бұрын
just did the same thing, savvy shifter, genright crossmember kit. JB conversions super short SYE. you figure out exhaust yet? thats the last thing i have to do
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
After a little research it sounds like Savvy is the best in the market and I'll probably go that route if I can't cobble something else together. Haven't started on the exhaust yet, that should be 2 or 3 episodes out. Easy way to do it would be to go to an exhaust shop and have them route it around the crossmember...but what fun is it to do things the easy way? LOL. Looks like we'll have to slide the cat forward and ordered some mandrel bent pipe to snake the exhaust around the crossmember. Looked briefly for a smaller than stock muffler but couldn't find anything that didn't seem like it wouldn't be too loud so I'll probably pick up a stock replacement muffler and push it up as high as it will fit.
@rcmike09
@rcmike09 5 жыл бұрын
Just take it to a muffler shop and have a full system custom built
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
That would be the ideal option, but we're on a budget so I'm taking care of it at home!
@Holgrinator
@Holgrinator 4 жыл бұрын
I just replaced a $300 encoder motor on my 04 GMC Yukon. Man I wish it had a mess of linkage instead. Almost converted to manual but wanted to stay factory because I want to sell it to fund a TJ.
@bigbird3255
@bigbird3255 5 жыл бұрын
I like the video making the cross member. But you really need to address you frame rust. It looks terrible. I had to replace my whole frame on my LJ last year. Get a bore scope and look on the inside of that frame. You’ll probably be surprised!
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Thabksfully it was only surface rust and the inside of the frame was still clean! Took care of it in this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qbeDeted19Gpnok.html
@BadmunkyWRX
@BadmunkyWRX 5 жыл бұрын
Needs a motor mount lift.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Attempting to avoid that to keep the center of gravity as low as possible. Not out of the question though
@rmat9023
@rmat9023 12 күн бұрын
why couldnt the TJ come from the factory like this?
@tylertrouette9041
@tylertrouette9041 5 жыл бұрын
Ya... So at a absolute minimum you're going to need a slip yoke eliminator, double cardan drive line and a novak cable t-case shift linkage. And, any ground clearance you gained is now somewhat counter productive considering you have absolutely no under body protection.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
I've already accounted for everything you mentioned. Stay tuned to see how we solve everything!
@keltingr2612
@keltingr2612 Жыл бұрын
You need to paint the frame with "Corroseal" rust converter and fluid film it after that. Seriously
@dironaa
@dironaa Жыл бұрын
Already needle scaled, wire wheeled, and painted it. This jeep will never see road salt again if I can help it. Thanks for the suggestion!
@rickjames5998
@rickjames5998 4 жыл бұрын
How can I do this on a 3 inch lift?
@dironaa
@dironaa 4 жыл бұрын
As long as you have at least a 1.25" body lift and 1" motor mount lift installed it would be exactly the same process as I went through.
@dironaa
@dironaa 4 жыл бұрын
I would recommend the Savvy Off Road aluminum body lift if you don't have one yet
@jeremy8715
@jeremy8715 4 жыл бұрын
Genright wants $200 for theirs. So, $150 ain’t to bad.
@dironaa
@dironaa 4 жыл бұрын
if I were to do it again with a 6 cyl Jeep I'd likely use the Savvy Off Road under armor system
@jeremy8715
@jeremy8715 5 жыл бұрын
SYE is the only correct answer.
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Yes sir. Check out Episode 10
@jacobwhittaker6241
@jacobwhittaker6241 5 жыл бұрын
I've heard this kit is very good for TJ/XJ 4x4 shifters www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/shifters/sk2x/sk2xc/
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
Yes, I have one of those on my v8 swapped Wrangler and it's great. Debating whether or not I should try to go a cheaper route on this build though. Thanks for the input!
@keltingr2612
@keltingr2612 Жыл бұрын
DUDE you need to fluid film that rusty frame it's on it's way to junk status
@dironaa
@dironaa Жыл бұрын
Painted the outside and fluid filmed the inside in a later episode
@ChefMarkyMarkz
@ChefMarkyMarkz 5 жыл бұрын
4:29. something is leaking...
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
It's a Jeep. Everything leaks LOL.
@jorgezuni2818
@jorgezuni2818 Жыл бұрын
The shovel will prevent .. exhaust Thief’s
@dironaa
@dironaa Жыл бұрын
It could!
@Phantasmos
@Phantasmos 5 жыл бұрын
What
@dironaa
@dironaa 5 жыл бұрын
What?
@83gt17
@83gt17 4 жыл бұрын
Huh?
@robertthrem3382
@robertthrem3382 Жыл бұрын
Okay I'm done watching you're not supposed to weld on a tempered steel that's what the frame is it will crack
@dironaa
@dironaa Жыл бұрын
I can’t speak to the construction of new Jeeps, but Jeeps from the TJ generation used mild steel, not tempered steel for the frames. However I agree with you, if the frame was tempered I would have bolted the crossmember instead of welding it
@chudin4767
@chudin4767 3 жыл бұрын
Your driveline angle is now completely wrong. Good luck
@dironaa
@dironaa 3 жыл бұрын
Don’t worry, we installed adjustable control arms in another episode. Got the pinion angle dialed in perfectly
Пранк пошел не по плану…🥲
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