Best Jeep YJ mods and upgrades

Today I'm so excited to be collaborating with ‪@FlawedOffroad‬ ‪@Poweraddicts‬ and ‪@JeepSolid‬ to bring you some of best Jeep YJ mods and upgrades. These are YJ upgrades you need to do before you do anything else.
0:00 Intro
1:39 Jeep YJ boomerang shackles
3:06 CAD VAC Delete
7:22 Leaf Spring Bushings - Flawed Offroad
8:14 Gas Tank upgrade - Flawed Offroad
9:09 License plate fuel door slider - Flawed Offroad
9:35 Rear view Mirror - Flawed Offroad
9:55 YJ to TJ exhaust upgrade - Flawed Offroad
10:33 Track bar removal - Flawed Offroad
11:54 Junk Yard Lift Kit - Power Addicts
14:36 Sound bar - Power Addicts
15:37 Shoe String hack - Power Addicts
17:25 Winch - Jeep Solid
18:09 Front Lockers - Jeep Solid
18:30 Lift kit and larger tires - Jeep Solid
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[@Poweraddicts]

Matt, thank you for reaching out bud!! The video turned out great and I was happy to work with you! Yea, I'm kinda the RoadKill version of the YJ KZbin community 😄. You included a couple of other GREAT channels that I have even used myself. Have a great day! ✌

[@SimplyMustGo]

It was such a pleasure having you on this video! Thank you again! 🙏🏻

[@FlawedOffroad]

Oh don’t you worry I do plenty of roadkill type stuff too😅😅always trying to find the cheapest diy way to build stuff lol

[@JeepSolid]

Matt, Thank You for putting this video together! So glad I could contribute. It turned out great!!! Love all the ideas that everyone covered.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you so much for your help! Everyone did awesome and I’m so glad you were involved! 🙏🏻

[@hpblack1953]

My YJ is 33 years old with 32K original miles. 2.5L, soft top. Minor mods to air box and exhaust. Love good ol’ Ginny.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Wow. Only 32K! That’s incredible!

[@ks3223]

Should swap out the 2.5L and put in a big girl engine

[@paleo704]

@@ks3223350 V8?

[@cuh720]

@@ks3223the Cummins r2.8 is a good fit

[@FlawedOffroad]

Thanks for inviting me to add my thoughts to your video Matt! -Dan

[@SimplyMustGo]

No thank you for doing it, it was awesome!

[@dustoff1472]

Just purchased a 1990 wrangler YJ . Lucked out it’s really in good shape , rust free. Tks for sharing.

[@SimplyMustGo]

That’s awesome!!!

[@byroncoleman6822]

I've never commented on a content provider's material ...never. I've previously viewed (like many) an ungodly amount of KZbin channels on Jeeps & 4x4's of various niches & exploits... including content from those in this video. I've not been more profoundly appreciative of an approach with as much helpful material, seemingly a think-tank of expertise that puts me, and convincingly others, ahead in our projects. I'd hug you brother... God speed, 'Please' keep it coming!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Wow! Thank you so much! I really really appreciate it! I’m so glad you found it helpful and thank you so much for the comment! It means the world!

[@seanmmonaghan]

Love the videos Matt! Your video inspired me 2 years ago to get my first YJ and build my own JP Jeep. I'm getting ready for paint and can't wait. Everyone here is like a Jeep Celebrity to me... been watching all of you guys over the years.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you so much! That's awesome you're building your JP Jeep!! Can't wait to see it!

[@dougbrook6223]

The split axle allows for the driveshaft to not spin while driving in 2wd. This is a huge benefit. Much less vibration especially if lifted, less wear on transfer case, less noise.

[@adge1347]

Great info here. Im in process bringing my 93 YJ back to life per say. I literally binged watched jeepsolid and poweraddicts to give me pointers along the way on this ongoing 2.5month project.

[@ericanderson1910]

Dude…. Seriously the best video of YJ mods. Especially for me! I just got my yj and definitely needed to hear some of these! Took up a narly trail mostly stock besides wheels. It did insanely good! Eventually would love to do lockers but we will see if I ever need them. Thank you so much man! Look forward to more yj videos! Gonna try the cad delete soon

[@SimplyMustGo]

Awesome!! I’m so glad you found it helpful! I think you’ll love your YJ!

[@offbrand0941]

This jeep is beautiful! I am a huge Jurassic Park fan and I am jealous!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏻

[@MrMGutierrez84]

This episode was great as I follow all these channels. Nice to see fellow KZbinrs collaborate with each other. Yall should do this more often. Cheers boys...

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you so much! I really would love to do more of this also!

[@dkhallal]

Man o man! I’ve been watching every video I can find since last year’s purchase of an 89 YJ of my own and this is the best most useful one for all the info it has in it. I follow all these guys and they are awesome. Nice job.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you so much!! I’m really glad you found it useful! That was my goal. Give as much good info in one video as I could. I’m hoping to put together another one.

[@pameladutton9076]

Hi good stuff, if I could add something when it comes to YJ springs. For whatever reason people overtighten the shackles, I saw a tire shop use an impact on the shackles and just tightened the heck out them on a friends YJ. Guess how the ride was. The shackles have locking style nuts from the factory so that they don't have to be cranked down on, also the aftermarket bushings that Dan showed are a really good upgrade and not expensive

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thanks and that’s good stuff about not cranking the bolts down. Thanks so much!

[@albertohuerta2411]

The best collab of YJ channels on YT!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@geraldnordstrom3243]

Buddy selling me his bro's (RIP) 91 YJ. the kid loved it. 87k 4cyl. Been sitting 15yrs in KATAMA(salty)farm. frame is sketchy ,spring mounts need patchwork.another friend is a wizard patching frames.im gonna save it(if they can put a man on the moon-i can save this jeep) thanks for all the tips,it's been awhile since I've been in love with a car

[@SimplyMustGo]

That’s awesome! I’m so glad you’re saving it!!!!! I hate seeing them rust into junk.

[@kepaloha]

Awesome information about the CAD VAC Delete. I just picked up a 1990 YJ and now I need to do that mod on my jeep.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful! 🙏🏻

[@dougbrook6223]

Check your driveshaft angle in front and u joints. If you lock that axle it will be spinning the driveshaft all the time.

[@schizzultz]

Some good tips. I've done most of them, I didn't know about the GM rearview mirror

[@davidjessee7701]

Removing the front and rear track bars Improved my ride comfort quite a bit!!! Plus I got rid of the front sway bar… even better ride…

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks for the great ideas; I also have a YJ, it's an 87 vintage out back of my barn, waiting for some love. Been very ill, but the doc says I can return to light work "as tolerated," so, with a bit of luck, I will be pulling it in the barn this Winter for a full resto-mod. Thanks for sharing. New Sub

[@SimplyMustGo]

Man that’s awesome. I’m so sorry about your health issues, but I’m glad things look to be on the mend! I’ll be praying for you! Can’t wait to see what you do with the old YJ - stay tuned for some more YJ stuff from me as well! 😁

[@DannyCardinal]

Nice collaborative work!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you!

[@fishhuntadventure]

Nobody else was surprised that he didn’t want to revoke his 3” body because he was worried about breaking a bolt, but it doesn’t bother him that the bolts could break on that dangerous body lift? Personally, the 6.5” Polk 2-ways I put in my sound bar. Fantastic, great right out of the box. He must’ve bought walmartha speakers

[@acefire07]

Hey Matt, love the vide and all the tips. I just bought my grandparents farm Jeep. Its a 1993 YJ with just over 9300kms. No, i did not miss a zero. Im super pumped to join the Jeep community. I want to keep it as stock as possible with minor upgrades and add ons for functionality purposes. So I'll be tuning in to more of the videos you post. Thanks again!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Wow!!! That’s awesome! Such a great “find” I love that it’s staying in the family and you’re going to be taking take of it!

[@pbooth0822]

Bought my first jeep 89 down in Nicaragua looking forward to getting back there and starting a few projects. thanks for the videos.

[@SimplyMustGo]

That’s awesome!

[@VLEEZY1]

Thx Guys for the information concerning Jeep YJs 😁

[@rickybobby1681]

Thank you for this

[@adamshartley]

Good video man. I have a 89 with the 2.5. Not enough power to hurt much! Running 35s with 5.13 gears on a SOA cable actuated CAD and Lincoln locked. Boomerangs in back and revolver shackles up front. I love my YJ last of the real og jeeps! 😆 leafsprings party harder!👍 stay safe man and happy trails 👣

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thanks! - stay tuned. Got a lot more square content coming.

[@mrlaw711]

A fun video. I have 1 1995 that appears nearly new - or the condition is looks like new. The only mods are front and back bumpers and larger tires. No lift, everything is stock. I've had to replace the vac hose for the 4WD once. You offered some good suggestions, and now to prioritize the ones that important to me. I don't really do off-road unless you call gravel fire trails, and snow at ski lodges off-road....but you make some good points. Thank you for posting.

[@SimplyMustGo]

You’re very welcome!

[@deborahbrown6029]

Hi l have a 1994 yj and l love it. Enjoyed the video!!

[@SimplyMustGo]

That’s awesome! Yeah I absolutely love my YJ and I want another one! Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@JoseRomero-lp3dl]

Hell yea badass video!! They're all great teachers!! I always watch their videos and yours too!! Greetings!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you got some good info out of it! 🙏🏻

[@manuelmarrujo8197]

Great video

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏻

[@your2nd]

Hey Matt ...... Just couldn't find those boomerang shackles for my TJ anywhere ! lol ! See you in Tenn. Aug. 🙃

[@SimplyMustGo]

Haha. Yeah I imagine you’d have a hard time finding them for the TJ 🤣. Maybe you can see if you can find a leaf spring conversion kit. Might be easier. 🤪

[@your2nd]

@@SimplyMustGo Kidding of course , love the ride of coil springs.

[@jaydaug2008]

this channel is gold!!!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you so much!

[@brokejeepnut1905]

Additional option for deleting the CAD. I installed axle shafts from an XJ without the disconnect. They also had larger u-joints. I had previously broken two axles at the u-joints. I haven’t broken one since that upgrade 10 years ago.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Yeah that’s honestly the best most durable option in the long run.

[@skeptic3332]

I found locking the front axle to make it a solid axle made highway sketchy in rainy or snowy conditions.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Did you lock the entire front axle? This doesn’t lock the front axles, it just connects to the two part axle on the passenger side. I wouldn’t want to lock the full front or rear axle unless it’s able to be turned on and off as needed.

[@cuttheloop]

Best mod to date on my YJ. OME springs front and back.

[@krod2162]

I have A93YJ with a 2.5 l. I was wondering about those o. M. E Springs, I didn't want to spend all the money if it didn't change things very much. How did the Springs work for you as far as Ride quality

[@theemeralddj1]

I just stumbled across your channel, this is the second video I've seen and a new Sub has been added. Figured I'd add a warning that this comment is a long one. Im only 19 and my 1995 YJ (2.5L and 5 Spd) painted in Emerald Green is my first car, and my daily. I got it in late July of 2020, and it was fun bringing it to life as it had sat for 15 years when I got it due to the previous owner taking it to 3 mechanics who all told them it would need a new engine. During those 15 years, someone tried to fix it up, and messed up a lot more, so after un-doing what was messed up (and sourcing a new ECM as the one that was in it at the time was for a 4.0L and 3 Spd Auto), and doing some electrical work when it still wouldnt start after everything that could be replaced was replaced... (said electrical issue stopping it from running those 15 years was a broken fuse contact for Fuse 5 in the fuse block responsible for powering the ASD Relay) it fired up to life after 15 years. Then after getting it road worthy and fully registered through the DMV, I haven't ever stopped loving it, even after a breakdown (thankfully a simple fix). Learned how to drive a Manual Transmission equipped car with it, learned how to offroad very well since the nannies newer Jeeps have aren't present in the YJ, and overall its been such a learning experience with cars in general that I doubt I'll ever get rid of my YJ. I've done tons of research, and eventually I want to do a engine swap that's not very common, maybe rare as Ive only seen one unfinished forum thread talking about it, which is stuffing a LNF 2.0T Ecotec from a Pontiac Solstice GXP into it. The AR5 Manual's Bellhousing shares the same trans to bellhousing bolt pattern as the AX15 which would simplify the swap. Rocks and dirt (and a mountain that gets snowy/muddy) are all there is to play in with it, so a Atlas 4 Spd T-Case is planned for that swap too along with a Ford 8.8 swap. Overall, I understand how Jeeps are money pits (Just Emoty Every Pocket haha) but the character they have is why I love it so much.

[@SimplyMustGo]

That’s awesome! I love that you brought it back to life! That engine swap sounds like a cool option, one I hadn’t heard of doing! I’m excited to see how it goes! Thanks so much for the comment and for becoming apart of the community here! I’m excited to have you along for the ride!

[@tortugaspeedshop7484]

The upgrade with the leaf springs from a S10 would be my favorite

[@ld3640]

Headlight relay kit for 15 bucks I fixed my dim headlights works so well that I also put one on my CJ5 just make sure that the kids got a good heavy gauge wire and it's so simple of a install

[@SimplyMustGo]

Heck yeah!

[@cabinvibeetsystore9094]

New sub ! Liked 👍🤩😲

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@m783w]

Pulled a South Carolina YJ Jurassic Park driver to the auto parts store Friday. Thought it was you on the side of the road and was kinda of disappointed when it wasn’t lol. He’s part of the Jurassic park group so that was still cool.

[@SimplyMustGo]

That was you!! I heard about that! He messaged me after saying one of my subscribers rescued him! Thanks for doing that! You’re the man!!!

[@m783w]

@@SimplyMustGo the reason we all own a jeep…the community is awesome!

[@SimplyMustGo]

@@m783w absolutely!!!

[@m783w]

@@SimplyMustGo Got question brother, I did a few sections of the SCAR today going from lake Watery -> south of Chester -> west of Chester going north to the Gaffney area. I found a few fun “short” trails which were off-road but the vast majority (90%) were paved roads. I’d like to take another weekend trip to do the best, “deep off-road section”. I’m in the Fort Mill area in a rubicon and winch, can do technical stuff if needed. Which sections did you find to be the best overland adventure “Jurassic park style” ones . Overnighting is also a bonus. Cheers!

[@SimplyMustGo]

@@m783w Hey! I actually just got back from running a section of the SCAR up near Lake Jocassee. So Here is what I would say and I was actually going to put this in my newest video about the trip I just took. The SCAR was designed for Dual Sport riders and it's designed to be a loop. So most if not all of the "roads" are going to be pretty tame given that they are public roads and for Dual Sport. That said, I've found the joy of the SCAR is to use it like a guided. Follow the SCAR, but then find some of the cool side trails and road that are more "off-road" I found a couple good roads like that this weekend. DM me on Instagram and I'll give you more specifics.

[@albertohuerta2411]

I gat my YJ channel on YT too. “Alberto Huerta” I’m trying to restoring, modifying and fixing many things in my Jeep, is pretty helpful to watch your videos, there’s not much info about the YJ, also is kinda imposible to get info in spanish, so for me this is gold, I learned about you an the other guys on YT, also my own experience and I can bring that info to my channel and build my little Abejorro. Great video! More YJ channels and save the squares!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you so much!!!

[@mikeward7290]

I like to see content creators collaborate. I have seen this with other topics lately.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thank you!

[@Venture2Roam]

I love these collab vids..well done Matt!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Thanks Will! I appreciate that!

[@OGStoneVegas]

I just got my dog fox CJ/YJ grill cupholders installed

[@SimplyMustGo]

Nice! You’ll love them

[@rugerp9736]

Hey I was wondering where you bought your shackles from great video

[@SimplyMustGo]

I got mine from Amazon.

[@-_-John-_-]

✅

[@mbflyin]

What brand leaf spring bushings and grease-able shackles do you recommend?

[@JavierPadron]

The add a leaf is a bad idea you can see that top spring already being bent the spring rates don't work together. Do Shackles and old man emu springs well ride so good and off road too.

[@jeffrentsch4318]

I'm wanting a chevey 4.3 v6 and nv3500 4x4 transmission. Currently struggling with oil pan leak. 2.5 4 banger and ax5 is sick...

[@terrycompton3193]

Could you share the part name for the 4 wheel drive front axle?

[@jeepinbanditrider]

The cad system isnt that bad. Like anything else if you dont maintain it things fail. The big advantage is no spinning the front ds constantly. So less wear and tear. Fuel savings is meh. Maybe 1mpg. But the system is super simple and easy to troubleshoot.

[@joshnasche5495]

Got a link for the cupholders? And I have a YJ wangler and one of the first thing I'm doing is getting rid of the 4 cylinder engine i have and put something bigger. The 4 cylinder is so under powered.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Here are the cup holders. dogfoxindustries.com/ Yeah if I had thought about it more when I swapped my engine I would have done an LS swap instead.

[@joshnasche5495]

Thanks for the link. I don't want a LS engine in mine it's very big and a lot of power. I think I'm going with a 4.6 stoker straight 6 engine.

[@Jacob52133]

I just recently got a 95 YJ 2.5 sport, that isn’t showing its age! It’s a all black hard top fully stock, and I’m about to get a 2.5 inch lift. Any tips? (Take not Im 17 and don’t have much of a income.)

[@estebanpelaez2931]

I really, really want to know where he got the square lights for above the windshield. I've been looking for something like that for a long time.

[@SimplyMustGo]

They are Jabsco marine search lights. amzn.to/3TQugOV

[@fredparsons637]

We live in same town, I've had work done on 1994 renegade and am looking for someone more competent and reliable to work on it. Any shops local you recommend?

[@SimplyMustGo]

Yeah! Take it to Williams Automotive. He does a ton of work for the local Jeep clubs. He know Jeep, especially old ones!

[@stereotypicalwhitemale848]

That s10 leaf spring mod is sketchy at best for ride quality and flex.

[@BillyBoB-ep2pe]

What lift is in that

[@Daniel-gw9im]

I need to know what it takes to put a 250 inline 6 cylinder Chevy in my 1990 jeep Wrangler do I need a ax15 to go with it?

[@SimplyMustGo]

That’s a great question but unfortunately I don’t know the answer. I’m sure you and get someone with more knowledge on that in some of the YJ forums on line or some of the YJ Facebook groups.

[@Daniel-gw9im]

I know back of 250 inline is sane as 4bolt main 350 V8 because I've swapped them out

[@kingsfan2099]

Preach...the cupholders suck

[@SimplyMustGo]

Hahaha! Yeah they are terrible. But I do love the new dogfox industries ones. I got another set for the new YJ and the accessory bar is amazing.

[@diktat6558]

Good video bro. Thanks

[@SimplyMustGo]

You’re welcome!

[@bobsymonds208]

I just took ownership of a 93 YJ. Not a fan at all. Can you help me move it. Looks great, but seller hid a ticking sound I don't have time to deal with. I know Im gonna loose my tail on it. Bob Symonds in South Carolina I have had since sat the 9/31/22

[@SimplyMustGo]

Hey Bob, can you DM me on Instagram @themattbrodie with more info on the Jeep and I’ll see what I can do.

[@bobsymonds208]

@@SimplyMustGo Morning sir. I don't have instagram, got scammed on it last year. Will try n send you some pics. Its black, has aftermarket front bumper, lights. I will check on the instagram, really motivated to sell or trade

[@SimplyMustGo]

@@bobsymonds208 send me an email. You can get to it from my website www.themattbrodie.com

[@thevirginchef6633]

Just got my yj and I live in the Virgin Islands any tips would be great

[@SimplyMustGo]

I guess it depends on what condition it’s in.

[@thevirginchef6633]

@@SimplyMustGo it’s in ok condition runs good just needs some interior and body work

[@thevirginchef6633]

Looking for a soft top cover and hardware but Amazon won’t send it out here

[@thevirginchef6633]

@@SimplyMustGo any idea where I could get a steering column for a 1996 wrangler se

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

I think I'm weird in that even though I own a Jeep , what I really remember is the Ford Explorer from the first Jurassic Park.

[@SimplyMustGo]

A lot of people do! What really funny is i hear a lot of people refer to the explorer as a Jeep. 🤷‍♂️

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@SimplyMustGo SMH... Yeah... I guess its flattering that "Jeep" now means SUV. Sort of like all tissues are Kleenex and all copies are Xerox.

[@tomthumb2815]

I bought a 1995 yj brand new in 96 while they were switching to tj . Stock is really sucked .. At the time I had a land cruiser fj40, 79 golden eagle cherokee and American eagle sx4 car.. the American eagle car would stomp all over that thing. Jeep has come a long way.

[@SimplyMustGo]

They have and yet there is still something better able the old ones over the new ones.

[@jk_wrangler13]

You might like (hard earned bacon) KZbin channel.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Oh sweet I’ll have to check them out. I haven’t heard of them.

[@zekehanscom5869]

E lockers.

[@garrettcapman7608]

Dog fox industries

[@SimplyMustGo]

They makes some the best accessories!

[@fishhuntadventure]

Why are you talking about the CAD like you know what you are talking about when you clearly know nearly nothing about the CAD system. “I don’t like the idea of adding stuff in the cab.” But you like the idea of downgrading your jeep by spending $60 on parts to break a perfectly good factory system that - get this- costs $60 to replace /all/ the vacuum lines in the harness with a brand new vac harness. Otherwise- great video.