Pro-touring Jeep?

[subtlez28]

This is an idea I had a while back, but I have really been seriously considering this lately (like I need another project...). How cool would it be to have a fiberglass tub Jeep project, keep the 4 wheel drive, but keep the ride height down (not lowrider low) so it handles, and add some HP (LS engine or modern Hemi). Add some street tires. Kind of a rally type car. Keep it somewhat off-road-able (not necessarily rock crawl-able), but make it handle.

I realize this would not be EVO killing material on pavement, but it could at least be fun on a paved road course. And even more fun on dirt, gravel, rain, ice or snow.

I had an 80 Chevy 4x4, and although it wouldn't run down a C6, it handled pretty good with the solid axles and just a moderate ride height, and a fat sway bar.

I like the simplicity. It would be a fun 4 seat family cruiser with a roll cage and no roof. It should be some-what light. Jeeps are fun, but lets face it, most spend much more time on road. And for us poor *******s who get snowed on... a project that would also be fun in the winter months. It is depressing putting your fun car away for 4 to 5 months a year.

Am I crazy?



I'm sure someone has done it already. Anyone have one?

[Randy67]

It could be done. The front axle would limit how low it could go, unless you could adapt one of the IFS setups. It would need to be an AWD setup, the regular 4WD stuff isn't workable on pavement (no diff in transfer case).

One issue that could come up is that some organizations won't let Jeeps run. SCCA won't allow them in autocross at all, not sure how the road race groups would feel. Heck NASA won't let my El Camino run in American Iron due to it being a "Truck" instead of a car (Georgia titles it as a truck).

[Rhino]

I'm not sure what jeep you're starting with, but there may be a few items to overcome. The biggest hurdles to overcome will be the center of gravity, in addition to your track width. The CoG can be overcome, but the narrow track width wont do you any favors in the corners. The wrangler roll cage is pretty weak stock. I didn't feel comfortable and replaced it quickly. You'll also want to keep in mind that the quatratrack (awd) transfercases are different internally than the 4x4 cases.
It's an interesting idea, I'd love to see it.

I'm in the middle of a 5.3 swap into my TJ. If you need any drivetrain help, ask away.

[surlyjoe]

I think it would be cool and useful at the same time. A bit of a highjack but I am doing a 5.3 swap on a tj soon. Just wondering which adapters you went with. I am looking at novak because I want to keep the stock 5 speed. Did you buy a different cage or have one built?

[JMarsa]

I've thought a lot about this. Low to the ground and 2WD.

Build a custom frame, make it 3 link and you got a short wheel base, convertible/hardtop with a roll cage.

--JMarsa

[Nomad_K]

Pillage the SRT8 parts bin!

[John Wright]

Guys here in town have had fun taking the 2WD cherokee and the 2WD Honcho with 4.0L auto tranny, and adding some squeeze....they fly in a straight line...not sure how they would do around a corner without some work.

[subtlez28]

It could be done. The front axle would limit how low it could go, unless you could adapt one of the IFS setups. It would need to be an AWD setup, the regular 4WD stuff isn't workable on pavement (no diff in transfer case).

One issue that could come up is that some organizations won't let Jeeps run. SCCA won't allow them in autocross at all, not sure how the road race groups would feel. Heck NASA won't let my El Camino run in American Iron due to it being a "Truck" instead of a car (Georgia titles it as a truck).

You make some excellent points.

I've considered the IFS idea. I figure I can do this project one of 3 ways:
1- Buy a modded jeep, keep the solid axles and modestly lower it, then add a LS or Hemi.
2- Find a wrecked Bravada, full size GM SUV, or TBSS and shorten the frame to stick under the Jeep. Then I would have AWD, and IFS. Only downside is the cost and fab work might be over my head.
3- Custom frame with above mentioned driveline. I do want to stay AWD for winter and dirt fun. Cost and fab would be a bigger problem.

As far as NASA and SCCA, those guys are kind of uptight. My sanctioning body (Midwestern Council) is a little looser. They let trucks run. I even saw a guy at a driver school with a Cherokee (his 5.0 broke the week before the school). He boiled the brakes, but I was impressed to be honest.

Regular 4x4 wouldn't kill the deal for me though. I shouldn't need it as much on pavement (although it would be cool!). But, you are right, AWD would be better.

One other hitch w the Bravada or TBSS driveline is I am a stick shift kind of guy. It seems to me I read a while back a T56 can be adapted to a transfer case though... Maybe a TKO?

[cornfed]

This would be fun. SCCA Racetruck Challenge tribute build. Not a Jeep in the classic definition, but a Jeep product nevertheless.

[MrQuick]

Pillage the SRT8 parts bin!

no doubt! have you guys driven one of those? They stick!!


Vince

[hechtrod]

Dig these Jeeps.

[-CRUISER-]

I've thought a lot about this. Low to the ground and 2WD.

Build a custom frame, make it 3 link and you got a short wheel base, convertible/hardtop with a roll cage.

--JMarsa

^^ My thoughts exactly !!

Glad to see I'm not the only one that thought this was cool idea !

Personally I in visioned a S-10 2WD front frame section with everything else custom from the spindles back, 5.0L 5spd Mustang Drive train with a CJ Body.

To the OP, Makin it a stick shift is probably the hardest part to overcome IMO with domestic parts. AWD and standard maybe look into Nissan Skyline's for a drive train would be pretty badass and lots of power to be made ! I've never looked under a 5.7 AWD Charger or 300C but I'd be curious to see there AWD setup and see if it could work for ya ?? This would be an interesting project to watch hope you make it happen !!

[John Wright]

Dig these Jeeps.

LOL...looks like this one got some serious air and landed it kinda hard....LOL

[78 Type-LT]

find a 5.9 limited & go from there...

[Tig]

I have wanted to do something like this for a while but, I'd want it 2wd. Even though full time 4wd would be fun if it was lowered.

This what I'm talkin about........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmKIC...eature=related

Another fine example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAuRv...eature=related

A couple more for your veiwing pleasures
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwe5t...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVL1N...eature=related


Oh yeah, no, you're not crazy.