How-To Build a Rock Crawler ZJ for $5,000 Total

Part 3 Of the Pull-A-Part Cheap Jeep Challenge - Bleepinjeep VS Busted Knuckle brought to you by Tekton Tools. In this episode I'll be building this cheap Jeep ZJ with a limited budget of $5,000 total. $2,000 for the Jeep and a $3,000 build budget. Can I make it? Will $3,000 be enough? Let's find out!
BleepinJeep
Episode 1: • Pull-A-Part Cheap Jeep... - Pull-A-Part Cheap Jeep Challenge - BJ vs BK - ep1
Episode 2: • Stock Cheap Jeeps Comp... - Stock Cheap Jeeps Compete Head to Head - BJ vs BK ep2
👉Episode 3: • How-To Build a Rock Cr... - How-To Build a Rock Crawler ZJ for $5,000
Episode 3.5: • Cheap Jeep COMPLETE!! ... -Cheap Jeep Complete How to Build a Rock Crawler ZJ for $5,000 Total Part 2
Episode 4: • $5,000 XJ vs $5,000 ZJ... - $5,000 XJ vs $5,000 ZJ - Let the Cheap Jeep Battle Begin!
Episode 4.5: • $5,000 XJ vs $5,000 ZJ... - $5,000 XJ vs $5,000 ZJ - Let the Cheap Jeep Battle Begin! - Part 2
Episode 5: • $5,000 Cheap Jeep ZJ B... - $5,000 Cheap Jeep ZJ Battles "Busted" XJ on Moab Rim
Episode 6: • Cheap Rusty Jeeps Take... - Cheap Rusty Jeeps Take On Rusty Nail in Moab Utah
Episode 7: • Can Cheap Jeeps Conque... - Can Cheap Jeeps Conquer Pritchett Canyon?
Busted Knuckle
Episode 1: • Pull-A-Part Cheap Jeep... - Pull-A-Part Cheap Jeep Challenge - Busted Knuckle vs BleepinJeep | EP1
Episode 2: • XJ vs ZJ Stock Jeep Sh... - XJ vs ZJ Stock Jeep Showdown Pull-A-Part CHEAP JEEP CHALLENGE - EP2
Episode 3: • $5000 Budget XJ Rock C... $5,000 Budget XJ Rock Crawler Build -Knucklehead Garage
Episode 4: • $5000 XJ vs ZJ Cheap J... - $5000 XJ vs ZJ Cheap Jeep Challenge Builds BleepinJeep vs Busted Knuckle
Episode 4.5: • Pull-A-Part Cheap Jeep... - Pull-A-Part Cheap Jeep Challenge SHOWDOWN XJ vs ZJ!
Episode 5: • CHEAP JEEP CHALLENGE I... - CHEAP JEEP CHALLENGE INVADES MOAB RIM
Episode 6: • Cheap Jeep Challenge t... - Cheap Jeep Challenge takes on Rusty Nail in Moab
Episode 7: • CHEAP JEEP CHALLENGE E... - CHEAP JEEP CHALLENGE ENDS ON PRITCHETT CANYON!
Whats more fun than a Cheap Jeep Challenge? How about one called the "Pull-A-Part Cheap Jeep Challenge, BleepinJeep VS Busted Knuckle brought to you by Tekton Tools"? Heck ya that sounds way better! In this 4 part series (4 parts each, 8 episodes total) Busted Knuckle Films and I will be acquiring a Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ and a Jeep Cherokee XJ. We both have $5,000 to spend total and that includes the purchase price of the vehicle. We also must outfit the Jeeps for safety and have a $500 budget allotted for safety gear. The first competition will be a stock challenge where BleepinJeep goes head to head with Busted Knuckle in our safety only modified Jeeps. After that we go back to the drawing board and can use our remaining budget to outfit the Jeeps any way we see fit up to a 35" tire for round two. It is allowed to sell parts off the jeeps to add to our cheap jeep budget but we cant use sponsored items or freebie parts unless we account for the cost of those items and take it out of the total. Our Judges for round 1 are Ian Johnson of Big Tire Garage, Ricky Berry from RCV Performance Products, and Eric Hagan a Downhill Dirt Bike Guru. A huge thanks for Pull-A-Part Used Auto Parts and Tekton Tools for making this possible!!
Pull-A-Part: www.pullapart.com/
If a BleepinJeep video has ever helped you consider returning the favor by:
• Supporting us on Patreon here: / bleepinjeep
• Becoming a Member here on KZbin: bit.ly/2wGeSec
• See what we recommend on Amazon here: amzn.to/2kc6Syn
• Buying a T-Shirt Here: www.bleepinjeep.com/store
• Or Just leaving a kind comment on FB here: / bleepinjeep
This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee XJ, wrangler TJ, wrangler JK, or any Jeep vehicle, especially the newer Fiat ones. How-to videos may be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the 4x4 ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in Bleepinjeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.

[@killer1963daddy]

Gotta love it when the parts you buy come with a bag of "joints"!

[@codered7453]

Proud owner of a 95 Grand that came stock with the np231. Great combo with 4.0 and 3.73s. Works really well.

[@mattbarrett41]

Well, if he built the axles correctly, it’s a bargain. Big IF

[@xmo552]

Personally I think I would have swapped the rear axle back in and sold the other

[@peterwatson8295]

Your build videos are my favorite content, good one as always!

[@whiteouthamstra]

Love it!! Your channel has taught me so much about saving a buck but still doing things right throughout the years

[@brandonlewis2916]

Its cool seeing these builds done on the ground without way expensive lifts! Good work!!

[@JoeGarofaloII]

15:45 that's an awesome transmission jack you got for the transfer case there lol

[@EpIc_NaChO]

Wow and here i was thinking I could never do something like this without a lift! Great video!

[@morgancook6481]

Awesome man!! Can't wait for the next video😎

[@stoneblue1795]

This fella is a gifted fabricator. Man, you got vision and mad skills.

[@henrywit6147]

Great video with an extreme amount of resourcefulness displayed. Further, every time I watch one of your fabrication videos I learn a lot, but also how much I have yet to learn.

[@bleepinjeep]

I have much to learn too!

[@MaverickXeo]

10:48 I had to do this very same thing on my ZJ - went from the burnt out 249 to a 242. Swapped the entire mainshaft over and it works great!

[@K_reaper]

I swapped 231.... works great too....

[@ryan.vision]

On Project ZJ I went from 249 to 242 with a Tom Woods SYE. Worked awesome!!

[@marcusalancate1782]

Glad to see you back in the FC project!

[@geberhard]

Awesome and inspiring! Building a beater budget ZJ in Sweden so some great tiups and ideas. I gotta try the Hockey puck seal mod haha!

[@Strizzle81]

Loved watching this video...awesome job!

[@miked5789]

Fantastic....I can't see BK taking this time(away from their paying customers) to do this kinda work. This is straight up love right here.

[@environmenteller4442]

I did 2 inch spacer on my ZJ THEN 3.5 front to rear lift then 6 inch lift custom long arms with full cage custom bumpers lol went from mild to all out in 4 years

[@dannesser]

I love this! I miss these 'Cheap Challenges' .. You're getting me motivated to get back at it on my XJ build

[@bleepinjeep]

Do it, stop procrastinating!

[@dannesser]

@@bleepinjeep I'm only procrastinating on non essentials like replacing floor pans, adding rock sliders, rear shackle relocators, etc.. all stuff I have, I just don't have time to tear into it & get it back together before the next trip.. it runs/wheels amazing for what it is.. low-ish mileage 94, 5sp, rear locker, frame stiffeners, lift, winch, bumper, all the basics are good to go. I'll get on it Matt! & btw I think these sum bidges are making up the rules as they go....Ha! you got this!

[@chriscook8076]

Matt, that’s some very cool stuff you’re doing with that Jeep. I’m still pretty sure you’re gonna win this thing!

[@SketchyJeeps]

great tip on torquing the carrier using the axle shaft

[@JohnnyDragon25]

Love the video man, keep em coming. When are you guys planning on revving up the WJ Project again?????

[@allterrainrandy2587]

Love the rock sliders!

[@thatblackjeep]

I liked your hammering sequence it was cool.

[@jacmac12648]

Hell yeah, I'd love to see some WJ love, but hey ZJ is close enough.

[@charlesfrazier2371]

Grandma jeep

[@jacmac12648]

@@charlesfrazier2371 Nah man, underrated luxury overlander. Mine holds its own just fine with the xj's in our group.

[@jacksonsandstrum7875]

Wranglers are overrated

[@jimhenderson6487]

Look into getting ourself a spot blaster instead of grinding

[@MotoRc32]

Iv got wj done up with 6.5 long arm kit !! And on 33s

[@Kaiju_Universe385]

So jealous. My ZJs were budget boosted with open diff. That thing is proper

[@jamesmaltba5678]

Wow! This is amazing! Nothing like this out there. You have a style that pulls your viewers in and keeps them lasered in on what's going to happen next!

[@bleepinjeep]

Thanks!

[@james94582]

Always good builds. I've been looking at a red ZJ to replace my XJ... It's got a decent lift and setup to start... I'm sure I'll leave it as is.... NOT !! Look forward to seeing more of this beauty!!

[@blastworksllc]

Great score on those parts. Sure wish I could come across an 8.8 set up like that. I’ve been looking for one to put in my 85 Scrambler

[@thewheel2023]

Great stuff Matt

[@HarleyRunner]

@BleepinJeep i kno its a old vid, But Thank you for all the tips and tricks and Information you have given me !

[@timetable620]

The hitch was actually a recall repair. The recall was damage happening to the exposed gas tank and the fix was putting a hitch on all the Jeeps without hitches

[@MrPiimpslap]

And they offered a Gas tank Skid plate, mine had the skid-plate option and tow, so it has a hitch and TC and Gas tank skids.

[@Durin_Son]

@@MrPiimpslap Do they still honor these?

[@larryalexander4833]

Yaaaaaa Matt is building again in the shop

[@aaroncoyle5208]

Learned a lot from this. Thanks for uploading this

[@bleepinjeep]

Glad you enjoyed it! check out the challenge, its already up!

[@Chris-P]

Nice vid, looking forward to part 2 👍

[@bleepinjeep]

Wednesday evening!!

[@Chris-P]

@@bleepinjeep 😎

[@keith2293]

Awesome! Stuff the rag and rotate the pinion. Or use a box wrench on the ring bolts and rotate the pinion until it locks in and it’ll pop every time.

[@minttv8835]

Yes I have been waiting for this video for a while

[@ifell3]

I love it, great series. You're a savage aha

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Got the D30 and 8.8 combo in my Cherokee and its been stout. Awesome build! these are fun series to watch

[@bleepinjeep]

Thanks muddy!

[@dustincecchi3988]

You guys are awesome!

[@suzuki230]

Gods video, tekton makes some quality tools also, never had an issue with them

[@messix7768]

awesome video, its cool to see how an average person could build a rig this way

[@stevenjohnson8415]

Hey man I live in jacksboro about 30 min from windrock I got a 96 zj I need to build mine lol good videos you put on here

[@trail-wolf4x4]

Matt, your skills are always incredible! Having just blown apart my ZJs 242 you made it look easy. Hope i get the chance to win this jaw dropper red rocker

[@bleepinjeep]

😄 hopefully its still in one piece.

[@xmo552]

Jaw dropper red rocker panty

[@KLAYCO47]

Really enjoying this zj

[@erichughes9098]

Thanks for a great video 😎👍

[@hangrymachinist]

I just saw this thing at the Wrecker games. Very cool build

[@kenaidog6974]

I'm going to do the 2x6 steel rocker panels. Great idea and look easy.

[@MAV3NX]

Love the Tekton money shots....no shame in sponsorship as long as you believe in the product.

[@TheEinart]

Nice build🤩

[@stevencarter7999]

Man. Been waiting on an update video on these. Cheap Jeep

[@stephan5026]

I dig the tunes brother 🕺🏽

[@davig88]

yes you need that... and put some plate into the unibody for the winch plate................ LOVE MY BLEEPINGJEEP

[@davidjosemaloofrivera7056]

You are the best, actually i think you saved some money. I was expecting to see some cheap DIY long arms

[@BerserkerCatSplat]

As soon as you said the 8.8 was set up for a TJ I knew you were in for a nasty surprise when you went to install it! Nothing a grinder and welder can't solve though. Nice score on the axles even with the rework, I just picked up an HPD30 with 4.56s and locker for $200 and I'm stoked to get it trussed up and under my ZJ.

[@bleepinjeep]

Ya, it didn't just bolt up 😕

[@robbanks7393]

Not sure about a ZJ but rear JKU springs give 4” of lift to a TJ with an 8.8, 3” of lift with D35. Cheap lift

[@DR.ELEKTRIK]

I was just watching videos on RC crawlers and stumbled upon your video thinking it was RC crawlers being built for $5,000.

[@MrJamesLuz]

The most fun I ever had was in my XJ with 4.56 gears and lockers with 31s. It could do amazing donuts in 2WD and in 4WD in the desert I would have a blast running with JKs on 35s. I regret selling it but it sucked as a daily driver.

[@cablenowadays6586]

i daily my XJ and love it. I’ve done pretty much everything to make it modern. Sunroof, Apply Carplay navigation, 9 speaker system, heated seats, 4.7 stroker rebuild. It’s a blast driving and i can take it pretty much anywhere.

[@jakey20022]

I had a 94 Jeep ZJ loved that SUV , the Next auto I get will be a RAM 1500 or a New GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE TRAILHAWK would be awesome

[@josepttellez5662]

Thanks exact questions I had

[@davidbutler7040]

@bleepinjeep Did you just weld those horns onto the front metal bumper plate, or did you somehow recess them into the frame rails then weld in? Thanks! I'm looking to basically do the front end the exact same way (with some better metal plate).

[@ColoradoMoe]

Love the vids! I want to add some rock sliders like yours to my XJ but my rockers are rust free and I cant bring myself to cut em off

[@bleepinjeep]

Just cut em before you bash em!

[@francisbrackney2061]

You should budget for a taller set of Jack Stands! Considering all the tall/ lifted vehicles that you are always messing with..

[@tundra4wd]

Love you man

[@HarryCane305]

I love this type of build! you should look at lemons racing

[@Not-Slim-Kinda-Shady303]

Makeing me want another ZJ really bad😁

[@brianpardee1281]

Something with some good content from matt after a year of not watching

[@bleepinjeep]

Watch them all bro, we've always got good stuff 👍

[@mikemorris5681]

The rear axle truss was set up correctly for a tj zjs have always had different spacing you can reuse some of the rear arms tho

[@nickkerr5714]

Have you used the winch with any big pulls? Most guys sleeve the front bumper horns into the frame rail a bit, rather than just butt weld them to the thin stock bumper.

[@mamukajighauri3631]

Hello Friend. I also have a 1994 Grand Cherokee.. I really love that American muscle. I would love to replace what you replaced on car.. unfortunately there is no way to do that here... :(

[@rcguymike]

Idk if anyone posted this already but you can get a factory gas tank skid pretty cheap or a ZJ. I actually took a 26 gallon tank and the gas tank skid and put it on my XJ.

[@Crzyfrlss1]

I could've told you the bracket orientation is different between the TJ and ZJ they look pretty similar yes, but you'll figure it out!

[@bleepinjeep]

Well why didn't you say something then? 🙄

[@Supaslow5.3]

I love zjs i have one and im putting a 4.5 inch lift on it today

[@jasonwhitten1917]

On the front bumper horns that you welded in, did you weld them straight to that sheet metal cover where it meets the frame or did you cut that out to expose the ends of the frame and weld them in?

[@Bluelightbandit]

06:16 I got the same problem bud 🤏

[@mikemorales4830]

This first chapter was for me a full season with three episodes, cause I fall sleep two times😆. I'm so tired cause I working in my ZJ 93 lot of sanding work, but this is interesting. I'll be waiting the next episodes. Greetings fron Sonora Mexico

[@mikemorales4830]

By the way , wich gauge are you using for the rock sliders?

[@bleepinjeep]

Time to stop taking those siestas

[@bleepinjeep]

1/8" on a budget but I prefer 1/4" on my crawlers.

[@stevecoffman6480]

Man can't decide ZJ or XJ? Any recommendations daily driver weekend toy? I've had Broncos FJ40s Toyota 4x4 trucks and TJ on 1tons.

[@FamilyLopezVlogs]

Hello Do you think we can do this to a 2006 Jeep Commander swap. ? And what would be cost roughly?

[@zacharyelias4643]

Wow, incredible skills. I don’t know how the XJ is going to compare to this.

[@bleepinjeep]

I'm gonna blow him away! 😁

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

@@bleepinjeep In your dreams!

[@dennisstraight]

Jeep made a gas tank skid for the zj, my 98 5.9 has it.

[@MrCAMO112]

On the rocksliders, do you weld the front fender to them as well? Thanks

[@troysawyers9781]

Everything I have read says the TJ and ZJ rear axles are not an exact swap. It’s said the shock locations, spring perches and top control are mounts are different.

[@wesleywilliams4064]

Will the front and rear axles out of a TJ directly swap into a ZJ? I've been told in the past that it's not.

[@jamieweirdworld]

I'm into Jeeps and motorcycles, and I really like food. Seems like my food addictions suffers a lot.

[@JoeGarofaloII]

After I saw you and Jeremy's video a couple of years ago about why not to use chrome sockets on an impact, I've only used impact sockets on it and it's become a pet peeve of mine. I'm pretty sure every video since then you exclusively used chrome sockets on your impacts lol. Gives me a weird sense of anxiety and comedic irony every time 👍

[@bleepinjeep]

Lol, I still need to organize my toolbox better and I dont have many impact sockets yet. 🥲

[@JoeGarofaloII]

@@bleepinjeep haha all good, gives me a good laugh every time. Thanks for the awesome content!

[@ronnie955i]

That what happens when your sponsor doesn’t make impact sockets

[@JoeGarofaloII]

@@ronnie955i he's given away impact socket sets from sponsors 🤷

[@MaverickXeo]

24:27 Just curious, how many hours do you think it took to build the rockers (including cutting off the factory rockers, etc)? My ZJ is starting to show some rust through, and instead of replacing it, I think it would be 'better' to do something like what you did.

[@bleepinjeep]

IDK, I took two afternoons to do it, maybe 6 hours, 8 hours... something like that if you are working like a madman.

[@MaverickXeo]

@@bleepinjeep Ah, cool, sounds like it isn't too hard then! Thanks!

[@zilliver1040]

For the transfer case input shaft, take it out of that planetary assembly and switch them, then you dont need to grind it short.

[@bleepinjeep]

Its not that simple

[@dimitrisvrontakis960]

You are guru bro..!!!!

[@cage5.042]

I have a 94 4.0 what gears would I need if I put a 8.8 in the rear and also gears for the Dana 30 or axle swap suggestions plz?

[@4x4ManiacBadTimeGarage]

awesome!

[@chicagorc3967]

i got a 97 orvis with a dana 44 rear end, so any and all TJ axles will fit my ZJ or is it just some years?

[@edwindorlan4555]

I’m also in Kingston, is there a metal shop close by where you got your sheet metal, tubing, etc?

[@jamesthompson4747]

When you built the rock sliders did you do away with the seat belt bolt?

[@hawk5543]

How about relocating the gas tank into the back of the Jeep inside so you have more clearance and not have to worry about it. Or does that make a difference? Or is it dangerous? Just thinking.:)

[@jnlaf]

Very cool,

[@bradlaflamme6127]

Hey bleepin jeep, what mig do you use? I am a professional welder for a steel manufacturing company, but the migs we use are um not feasible for a home set up. I was looking for a welder for home that is not a pile of shit. I like the way yours works and was wondering what yours is.

[@cmac956]

HI Matt, sorry to ask again ,but , did you rebuild the motor in the Scorpion ? that is a cool 4x4 .also good work on this build.

[@bleepinjeep]

Not yet, I will finish the FC before I start that project.

[@KILLJILL_Official]

I wanna see something like a runner build. Not necessarily pounding whoops. Just more for speed that can handle a whoop here n there. Strengthened/reinforced, but still retaining the solid front axle.

[@ronniehalsel5777]

Ok might sound stupid but why would you want the smaller of the two? I'm new to jeeping and looking for answers please and ty 😊

[@bradlfsh]

Curious why matt made a custom shaft and didn't get that adapter for the 8.8 that bolts up where Ford driveshaft would ??it has a yoke for u joints and lets you run the jeep driveshaft Edit: just realized I geuss he didn't want to buy a 2nd front driveshaft to work with the sye kit so he used the double Carden joint from that little short tj Driveshaft

[@maxrogers762]

Matt, what about some DIY, cheap (but good) frame stiffners or maybe jus plating the frame?? Can we get a video on that? Thanks man

[@bleepinjeep]

I have a bunch! Check em out, Google bleepinjeep frame stiffiner or something similar

[@fiveninegarage]

Iro or DBM I’m currently doing this on my zj and can make a video on it if you want