July 9th – 17th 2010. Location: Burlington, Vermont & Kahuku Hawaii. Jeep 2.0 - Definition. ('Project Scope' for you Project Management Types)
I'm on a business trip, spending the usual time in airplanes, airports & hotels. I can't get Jeep 2.0 off my mind. The irony of both Jeep 2.0 & Wife 2.0 both being upgrades over the original I find both quite humorous as well as more true than most people will realize.
With visions of Jeep 2.0 in my mind day & night, I've had the chance to spend quite a time writing down my thoughts on what it should be, and what parts are available. I did look around at possible Scrambler Projects, or donors. This is the path I went when my Jeep spit a piston into the oil pan. But after looking online at the usual places, I decided to use Jeep Therapy as the donor & get aftermarket parts when needed.
First & foremost, I've confirmed an aftermarket frame and steel body tub are both available. I won't do fiberglass (and don't need to) and after comparing the aluminum tubs to the steel ones, determined the steel replacement tub is a better choice for me. Having the "Jeep" name stamped in the sides and tailgate only make it better. After all, this is Jeep 2.0!
My donor 1996 Chevy Vortec 350 has been sitting so long I no longer trust it. Besides, the Vortec EFI system back then was part of Too Much Project. That's where my friend Scott did a better choice: he put the GM Vortec TBI manifold on top of a crate Vortec 350 & employed a simple TBI system from Affordable Fuel Injection. Simple, easy to implement. I could probably salvage my engine with some work, and pull the intake & ECU, and replace with the same 'Vortec TBI' system he did. But I have another choice now: the HT383E crate motor. If this is going to be the Jeep that I keep forever, more power for this larger rig can't hurt. Taking the accessories off the front of my motor, and adding the same Vortec/TBI setup Scott did will keep the project scope simple, while having a reliable and much more powerful engine.
I did look at the new Vortec 5.3 and LS1's from Turn Key Engine Supply, and found that they were not only more expensive, but had a similar intake system as my old 1996 Vortec, which results in an air filter snout over to fender to get cold air - this was another lesson I learned with Jeep Therapy - this leaves not enough room on the fenderwells for things like On Board Air manifolds, trail side welders, horns, etc. Combined that with the fender-mounted outdoor-rated 1996 Vortec ECU, and space under the hood of Jeep Therapy was at a premium. Additionally, over time, the CPI system of the 86-97 Vortecs were determined to be less than reliable. Learning from my mistakes is costly - both in Jeeps and in divorces - but they're both lessons not quickly forgotten.
I also had concerns on the LS1's all-aluminum construction. Sure, it would be awesome to save the entire weight of my winch with an aluminum engine, but if it was really suitable for a hard working 4x4/truck engine, wouldn't aluminum engines be standard in the Chevy trucks of today, with significant fuel-mileage challenges? (I know, they're probably available on next-year's truck, right?) But they also don't have as much meat in the cylinder liners/walls for a later rebuild & overbore, require premium unleaded, and they require electric cooling fans - an item of project complexity that I'd prefer not to add if possible. Sure, not complex in and of itself, but yet another thing piled on an already big project. K.I.S.S. is ringing in my head.
So the engine decision is the HT383E with a simple EFI system. Talking to the EFI vendor, Affordable Fuel Injection, teaches me that the TPI system is as simple in installation as the TBI system, but with more torque & more fuel mileage. And the new TPI manifolds will work with the super-efficient Vortec heads - everybody wins. (Talking to the EFI guys before deciding on an engine is something else I learned – a very expensive mistake). The K&N cone filter up front is simple & leaves gobs of fender room for other Jeep necessities, and according to the EFI guys, doesn’t rob power. So, unless I learn something else along the way, Vortec/TBI manifold & a simple TBI setup.Thanks, Scott, for the simple elegance of that idea, with a slight updating to TPI compliments of Norm.
The transmission choice is simple: the ultra-low 1st gear NV4500 from Jeep Therapy. If after 15 years I decide I don’t want a stick anymore, converting to automatic is simple enough, and you can find 4-spd automatics built from a number of sources. NV4500’s are far less easy to come by, especially the ultra-low ones.
Axles will also come from Jeep Therapy: D44 Front from a Wagoneer, built by Currie with 4.56's & ARB air locker and Currie's signature inner C gusset (after rotating them for proper caster, of course). The D60 rear will also come from Jeep Therapy, built by Tri-County Gear, with 4.56 & ARB also. I have High-Steer Flattop knuckles I'll add before the swap, with the F150 hubs & rotors. Parts Mike is machining the flat-top knuckles as this is written. Step one of Jeep 2.0 has begun!
Right now, both axles are setup in standard Spring-Under-Axle configuration. I hope that won't pose an issue....
Suspension: I'm going to have a long talk with Chris Overacker of CODE 4x4 fame, and prior to that his 2 other shops he started & sold are both well-regarded. I'm thinking I'll ask him to build me a long arm coil-over setup, but I'm open to a Spring Over Axle (SOA) setup in keeping with the simple theme. I'm guessing the SOA will require a new front axle housing & I'd love to use my existing (and fairly expensive) axles. But a new housing and SOA may end up being far cheaper than a custom 4-link, and would definitely be more "CJ-like". Truth be told, I could probably be talked into a nice SUA with custom springs….
Tires: BFG's of course, with Walker Evan beadlock wheels. Probably 35's, although I'm secretly wondering if I could stuff 37's under with a short lift & judicoious fender trimming. (See how I ended up with "Too Much Project" the first time?) Not sure if I should do 15" wheels or 17" wheels though...any thoughts? I like the old-style 15" size, and the resulting taller sidewall for airing down, but I know the 17's allow more options for upgrading brakes if necessary, etc. But I must remember: I'm NOT after a rock buggy - just a capable family Jeep for lots of fun.
And this brings me to the Transfer case: with 35's & 4.56's, and the NV4500 I have some mixed results. 35's would do better with 4.88's or lower (higher numerically). But 4.56's are a little better on the highway, and Jeep 2.0 will be a Daily Driver and, hopefully, be drive-able from Austin TX to Moab towing a small trailer with a motorcycle on it, 2 kids, 2 dogs & 2 adults. So I'm not changing axle gears. So I think the best choice would be a 3-speed Atlas II transfer case. Sure, I know they're on hold pending a redesign to fix cooling issues. But by the time I get this to the point of needing a new transfer case, it should be available again. The longer wheelbase of the Scrambler would negate any additional driveline length.
In keeping with the New Start of Jeep 2.0, I’m going to paint it blue & put a gray interior in it. In keeping with the double-meaning, I'll probably choose 2007 Mustang Blue, patterned after the beloved Mustang I had that was another victim of the tough times I believe I'm now past. Staying the red it is now would save me some time though….
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Second Birth
July 4th, 2010. Location: trailside outside Ouray, Colorado, elevation 11,997'. My wife & I are in a rented Jeep - again - but enjoying the trails & scenery like no other. My own Jeep CJ7 project from long ago has sat around while my life went through hell - divorce, several moves, loss of jobs (more than one). That project - known as "Jeep Therapy" http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/projects/jeeptherapy/ - effectively died a death of starvation. The fuel rotted so much I couldn't even set it on fire when I emptied the sludge out of the tank once. (Even that was 4? years ago).
Jeep Therapy originally started in 1995 when the 258-I6 engine in my faded black CJ7 disintegrated a piston & came to a sudden halt. I had no money to rebuild it, but I had time - so I took on what I now know was too much of a project. My friend John had the far better idea with his rattle-can paint job & a short path to a good wheelin' Jeep. Even my other friend Scott, with the engine swap & complete frame-off restoration, managed the scope of his project to keep it simple, simple, simple - and thus, completed it in short order. Even before the hell period of my life, my project languished as I got more demanding jobs, had our 1st child, and faced a steep mountain of too complex a project. It went on so long, I lost the motivation. At that point, it's death sentence was written - it was only a matter of time.
So there we are, my new wife & I, at 12,000' in Colorado, communing with nature like only Jeepers & High Altitude Hikers know. And I started discussing with my new wife how I missed *my* Jeep, yet felt that project wasn't suitable for my new life & new family (2 kids now & soon to be 2 dogs). I was eyeing the 2005-2006 TJ 2-door Unlimited Rubicons, wondering if there was room in the back for dogs. Since the goal was to have a "forever Jeep", this was an important item. I found a compliant visitor who let me check out the cargo compartment of his TJ / LJ in town. While we could fit 2 medium size dogs back there, that meant another problem: it would mean defeat on Old Project Jeep Therapy. I just can't spell d-e-f-e-a-t. The JK Wrangler 4-door models were out of the question - I think Jeep finally lost the recipe with that one, and it's just "too much" - of everything. (My opinion only). Besides, they were far more expensive, and far more complex - not the direction I wanted to go.
So here we were sitting in Paradise, enjoying our new lives together, enjoying Jeeping, and wondering what to do about our own Jeep situation. Selling or parting it out would seem like quitting. Seeing a JK or even a hot TJ in my driveway & under my butt would be a constant reminder of my failure. (Did I tell you I was competitive & like to win?). But the old CJ7 lost my interest long ago, and I'm convinced it's not the right Jeep for our family and our 11-year plan (downgrading our jobs & moving to the mountains). Without the motivation, no project will ever get finished. And searching deep down inside, I know my heart just isn't in Old Project Jeep Therapy. Then it struck:
Why not take the best parts of my Jeep & buy a Scrambler tub & body, and make a New Jeep?
Just like my new Wife 2.0, Jeep 2.0 would be a major upgrade over the original. Just like in life, I learned how not to do a Jeep project, and with better decisions and selection criteria next time around. Making more money now, I could afford to get some professional help from a trusted shop to get me over the hurdles my home garage isn't equipped to handle - and with the more demanding job, time is harder to come by, so the professional help would be key. Changing some key items of project scope, success would be much faster to accomplish, while still being My Jeep Project. After all - I need to finish it while my kids are still young - that's the point, isn't it? - passing down the appreciation for both nature & a solid machine underneath?
With a new, longer body, but still all CJ through & through, it wouldn't be a failure of an old project attempt - it would be a new direction, with new goals, better results, and something that would be fitting of Life 2.0: Jeep 2.0: The Upgrade. Like Life 2.0, Jeep 2.0 would be rescued from ashes of failure & saved from destruction to become Jeep 2.0: The Resurrection.
And if, after we downgrade our jobs in 11 years & move to the mountains - it turns out Jeep 2.0 is too much of a taildragger for the type of 'wheeling I may end up doing after the kids leave the house, I can always bob it. Until then, it's the perfect family-friendly wheeling machine: all CJ, with enough room for what I need. (The assumption here is that I would not build a pickup-style scrambler, but build a full top-style scrambler).
So with that, Jeep 2.0: The Resurrection is born...
Jeep Therapy originally started in 1995 when the 258-I6 engine in my faded black CJ7 disintegrated a piston & came to a sudden halt. I had no money to rebuild it, but I had time - so I took on what I now know was too much of a project. My friend John had the far better idea with his rattle-can paint job & a short path to a good wheelin' Jeep. Even my other friend Scott, with the engine swap & complete frame-off restoration, managed the scope of his project to keep it simple, simple, simple - and thus, completed it in short order. Even before the hell period of my life, my project languished as I got more demanding jobs, had our 1st child, and faced a steep mountain of too complex a project. It went on so long, I lost the motivation. At that point, it's death sentence was written - it was only a matter of time.
So there we are, my new wife & I, at 12,000' in Colorado, communing with nature like only Jeepers & High Altitude Hikers know. And I started discussing with my new wife how I missed *my* Jeep, yet felt that project wasn't suitable for my new life & new family (2 kids now & soon to be 2 dogs). I was eyeing the 2005-2006 TJ 2-door Unlimited Rubicons, wondering if there was room in the back for dogs. Since the goal was to have a "forever Jeep", this was an important item. I found a compliant visitor who let me check out the cargo compartment of his TJ / LJ in town. While we could fit 2 medium size dogs back there, that meant another problem: it would mean defeat on Old Project Jeep Therapy. I just can't spell d-e-f-e-a-t. The JK Wrangler 4-door models were out of the question - I think Jeep finally lost the recipe with that one, and it's just "too much" - of everything. (My opinion only). Besides, they were far more expensive, and far more complex - not the direction I wanted to go.
So here we were sitting in Paradise, enjoying our new lives together, enjoying Jeeping, and wondering what to do about our own Jeep situation. Selling or parting it out would seem like quitting. Seeing a JK or even a hot TJ in my driveway & under my butt would be a constant reminder of my failure. (Did I tell you I was competitive & like to win?). But the old CJ7 lost my interest long ago, and I'm convinced it's not the right Jeep for our family and our 11-year plan (downgrading our jobs & moving to the mountains). Without the motivation, no project will ever get finished. And searching deep down inside, I know my heart just isn't in Old Project Jeep Therapy. Then it struck:
Why not take the best parts of my Jeep & buy a Scrambler tub & body, and make a New Jeep?
Just like my new Wife 2.0, Jeep 2.0 would be a major upgrade over the original. Just like in life, I learned how not to do a Jeep project, and with better decisions and selection criteria next time around. Making more money now, I could afford to get some professional help from a trusted shop to get me over the hurdles my home garage isn't equipped to handle - and with the more demanding job, time is harder to come by, so the professional help would be key. Changing some key items of project scope, success would be much faster to accomplish, while still being My Jeep Project. After all - I need to finish it while my kids are still young - that's the point, isn't it? - passing down the appreciation for both nature & a solid machine underneath?
With a new, longer body, but still all CJ through & through, it wouldn't be a failure of an old project attempt - it would be a new direction, with new goals, better results, and something that would be fitting of Life 2.0: Jeep 2.0: The Upgrade. Like Life 2.0, Jeep 2.0 would be rescued from ashes of failure & saved from destruction to become Jeep 2.0: The Resurrection.
And if, after we downgrade our jobs in 11 years & move to the mountains - it turns out Jeep 2.0 is too much of a taildragger for the type of 'wheeling I may end up doing after the kids leave the house, I can always bob it. Until then, it's the perfect family-friendly wheeling machine: all CJ, with enough room for what I need. (The assumption here is that I would not build a pickup-style scrambler, but build a full top-style scrambler).
So with that, Jeep 2.0: The Resurrection is born...
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