My Jeep WJ Walkaround | The Right Way to Build a WJ

[@robertgolden1080]

Nice WJ. I’ve got a 99. 4.7L with qudra track love it. These Cherokee’s are damn near bulletproof. These projects never end. But that’s almost as much fun as riding the trails.

[@banterwithbawden5444]

They really are. The 2.7 diesel crd engine is nuke proof!!!

[@Jeepfeenz]

www.youtube.com/@Jeepfeenz

[@banzaiib]

97 zj here. I'm mid-manual-swap and i agree. The project is almost as fun as the ride.

[@dizydog13]

Hey really cool can you give me some advice I have 2002 limited with your same setup and I want to make it look half as cool as yours my Jesus Jeep and I have a lot of work to do and I think your jeep is really cool

[@jojodirk7710]

Question I'm thinking of doing a 4" lift on my 1999 jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo it has the quad track 2 and I have heard that it's not a good idea to lift that specific system any ideas?

[@jgcruisers]

fzj80 locked axles, Is my guess. Nice WJ, I have a 2003, with the H.O. awesome jeep! very surprised how good it is offroad! looking for a second one, since my 03 is my dd for now. haven't done anything to it other than head gasket. but planing on a mild lift and tires.

[@charlescraigmile8785]

You should check out the Doetsch Tech shocks I find they are a good middle ground of soft and stiff, awesome build!

[@bucis123]

$200 for a set, sounds too good to be any good. No?

[@MyBacktrail]

It's nice to see how much you actually can do without the mods that the internet experts say are required with an 8" lift, for example stock driveshafts and steering. But it seems the main thing is get those extended control arms to push the axles out, do I have that right? Also, your Quadra Drive works so well that I would have sworn you had lockers in some of that off road footage. It's hard to believe it can work that well. I'm rebuilding the 4.7 in my 04 w Quadra Drive right now, hoping it will do that well in the deep snow we get. There is a hill I have to get up to get home, unplowed by the county, and it can be a real bitch to get up. FYI I live in Montana so yeah.

[@engineeringoverland]

You would be surprised what these can do. There are a few small details I did not get to in the video, like extending and/or relocating breather hoses, but there is a simple solution to a lot of these things that don't always require buying more parts. Not everyone will have the same experiences as me, depending on condition of your parts/jeep initially, but this at least shows you how I made it work and I think my videos prove it works quite well. And everyone has their own preferences, but in my opinion, I will always make other adjustments before hacking up the body. Stretching the wheel base is often overlooked and what I will always recommend first. My whole drivetrain still works super well. I am happy to be a guinea pig to push this setup and see what it can do and keep showing you guys there's more than one way to build your jeep.

[@OffroadAddictionOKC]

YOOO!! This thing is SICK!! Good job dude 🤘💯

[@engineeringoverland]

Thanks!!

[@e954rr2]

The right way ever one says there way is the right way

[@WesHM]

Congratulations Tyler, beautiful Jeep, I love Jeep Grand Cherokees, I'm from Lima Peru, I have one from 2001, you have a new subscriber, best regards.

[@onlygrands6260]

Awsome WJ build! 🤘 Can't wait to see what's next. 👍

[@engineeringoverland]

Thanks! Some exciting stuff in the works as we speak.

[@VenturaIT]

nice, that's the way to do it without cutting up the fenders... next might want to be a rear bumper, will make it safer and you can fit even bigger tires with a stretch... I always prefer it when Grand owners stretch rather than cut.

[@engineeringoverland]

I've already trimmed the stock rear bumper to fit the 35's. I will continue pushing the axles out as I go bigger and will make more room at that time. For now, the hitch provides my recovery point and some protection. Will likely make something in the future.

[@wheelman7427]

Stretching can hurt turning though and in tight offroad courses like we have up here in the northeast especially it can kill capability don't get me wrong you definitely have to stretch these jeeps to fit big tires but if you trim too you won't lose as much capability

[@engineeringoverland]

You're definitely right that increasing the wheelbase will slightly increase the turning radius, but personally don't think you're going to see that much of a difference and that is the least of my worries. The improved approach and departure angles outweigh the slight loss of turning radius in my opinion. But if your trails are so tight that this little bit matters, then I completely understand you gotta do what you can.

[@VenturaIT]

@@engineeringoverlandI saw that but I'm talking about the metal... just never looks right, one exception might be the notch fender flares on a ZJ... those stock rear bumpers don't do much...

[@pennypackmtb2542]

I am just finishing up my build. Wait, JEEP builds are never finished. There's always more you can do. I went with the IRO 4" Long Arm Premium Kit and I'm super happy with it. Most of my mods are from them too. I just upgraded my drive shaft to a double cardan because the old one was singing. I put headers on my 4.7 and an Airaid air intake, upgraded radiator and headlights and some other things. Larger wheels and tires, bumpers, lights, skid plates and some other stuff are still on my wish list, but the beast is road worthy in PA. It eats Subarus too!

[@matthew7972]

Dude why does IRO cost so damn much

[@pennypackmtb2542]

@@matthew7972 Because they have quality stuff and awesome customer service staff that are there when you need them. They sell you everything you need for the build, no need to buy more stuff to make a mod work, if you buy the complete kits.

[@pennypackmtb2542]

@@matthew7972 Because you get what you pay for.

[@noah97589]

Wiggle them tie rods and drag link 100% it shot Ik for a fact but Clayton will get you right and get a dual steering stabilizer kit super nice for highway and rocks crawling there cheap mods to do

[@joshuahockman1128]

Stock steering is fine as long as you stay on top of it just don't put 2" wheel spacers on it you'll be fine

[@Kevin-xn5qn]

Good job young man

[@rockymountboy]

Is that an aftermarket trailer hitch? I thought all Overlands came with the towing package. I've never seen one without. Then again, I know they did funky things in 2004, like offering 2WD Overlands. (I threw up a little just typing that.) Moving the axle forward for the clearance is brilliant. Is that done simply by adjusting the control arms? I'll take those rock rails off your hands. They are in like new condition. Mine are a little beat up with a little rust.

[@engineeringoverland]

Yeah its an aftermarket hitch. It was installed before I bought it. Not sure why it didn't come with the factory hitch but it is what it is. I've grown to like it as it acts like a skid plate in the back. Yup, simply adjusting all of the control arms an equal amount will move your axle without changing your pinion angle or anything. If you do this, just make sure to double check things like driveshaft engagement and steering clearances.

[@mikeparanormalauvergne]

Bonjour, félicitations !!!! Il est magnifique !!!! J'ai un Jeep grand cherokee wj avec 180 000 km , je l'adore. Je compte le modifié. Encore bravo 😊🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@engineeringoverland]

Thank you!

[@DeepRockMountain]

Yo sick video dude love the build! Im currently rebuilding my 04 WJ Freedom edition. Working on the front upper and lower control arms :) I was just noticing you don't have the passenger upper arm on, any reason why? but dope video again gets me pumped to build mine up

[@engineeringoverland]

The second half of the video explains the details of the suspension. This is a 3 link so there is only 1 upper link. Works the same as a 4 link but packaging constraints doesn't allow room for a 4th without further modification.

[@canyendyreng5996]

Dickens build! I’m in the process of building one. Did you consider Clayton off-road lift? What made you pick IRO

[@engineeringoverland]

I considered all of the different options. Quality, performance, and cost were what I considered. I did not want a radius arm setup, so that already ruled out a couple. I've seen people beat on the IRO kit with rigs much bigger than mine. Ultimately, the cost for what you get is why I chose IRO. The front 3 link has been great for me.

[@canyendyreng5996]

Just realized it said dickens. That was a typo. AWESOME*

[@luisbozzi8945]

Hola, soy de Chile y he visto varios videos son muy buenos , pero falto un pequeño detalle cual es la medida o distancias que utilizas de los brazos largos delanteros con los neunaticos 35" para no cortar el guarda fango. Hello, I am from Chile and I have seen several videos, they are very good, but I am missing a small detail, which is the measurement or distances that you use for the front long arms with the 35" tires so as not to cut the mud guard.

[@engineeringoverland]

Unfortunately, I don't remember the exact total length of the control arms. I set my wheelbase back when installing the lift, then later on did an additional 1" of stretch to clear the 35's.

[@luisbozzi8945]

Gracias

[@BLAZEPSI]

Badass Build! 🤘

[@edzimdahl1158]

It might be the right way to build your wj for you but definitely not the right way for me, but I am still hooked on my 98zj , grand cherokee upcountry edition with the 5.2, nothing fancy, only mods are frame stiffeners, rough country 4" longarm

[@junioraugust8797]

Love the build bro, i cant wait to get mine lifted and out on the trails #Wj

[@eXKeRv]

I’m about to do this to my wk2 2011 5.7

[@liljohnsonusmc]

Snow* proceeds to show 0 traction in snow. Sick looking jeep though good job on the build

[@engineeringoverland]

lol that video was basically just ice. Unfortunately didn't have a good video to insert with the deep snow. But thanks!

[@Eric-uh6hx]

Hey man, can I see how you put the washer reservoir under the hood please. I cut mine the same way and don't know where to locate it

[@engineeringoverland]

I’m sorry I missed this detail! You’re not the first one to want to see this. I may end up doing a follow up on this video and discussing more details I left out before.

[@Eric-uh6hx]

@@engineeringoverland Sounds good man that'd be great. Locking forward to it

[@elietaylor4758]

What did you do to your 545RFE transmission to keep it cool ? Also did you do a rebuild on the tranny? Great build!

[@engineeringoverland]

If you look behind the grille, there is a trans cooler back there. Have never rebuilt it. And thanks!

[@FireStorm-c9n]

😮man your jeep is nice it's just how I want mine to look like but sadly my jeeps been having alot of problems so I can build it up till I fix it but we're can I get that bumper at

[@engineeringoverland]

Thank you! Bumper is from D Till Fabworks

[@zacharyvanetten9284]

Do you have a link for the front bumper?

[@benmiller3358]

Why did you get LT tires for an off roader/overlander? LT tires are for big trucks that tow heavy weight because they have SUPER stiff side walls.

[@engineeringoverland]

Unfortunately only specific tires come in the right load ranges. A majority of these are LT tires. I’ve ran a couple different LT tires over the years and had pretty good luck with some of them. It just means a lower psi to get the proper sidewall flex. These also resist sidewall punctures a lot better.

[@benmiller3358]

@@engineeringoverland I get that you need WAY lower psi to get the same flexion but not only is the 'quality' of the flex not as good but by the time you're that low the chance of losing your bead goes way up. I think you'd be fine with P tires.

[@engineeringoverland]

Definitely would not recommended going down to a standard passenger tire. Those are not going to be built with the proper reinforcement for off-road at all. You will be asking for punctures. I personally wouldn’t go lower than a D rated tire on this Jeep. Some lighter Jeeps may be able to do C, but your sidewalls will continue to get thinner and thinner. I have never once lost a bead, even running down to single digits.

[@edwindorlan4555]

I’ve been curious to see how the varilok works with 35s

[@xndrxw]

Nice wj.

[@damibabygod4761]

Great content! Are you running the stock pitman arm or is yours a dropped one?

[@engineeringoverland]

Stock. Shouldn't ever use a dropped pitman arm.

[@overgrownmidget1904]

@@engineeringoverlandcan you explain why that is?

[@engineeringoverland]

Dropped pitman arms are almost always weaker and more prone to breaking. Correcting steering angles is better accomplished by changing the mounting point on the opposite end (at the knuckle). Also keep in mind, any change in angle with the drag link must have an equal change with the track bar.

[@Fish_Weapon79]

Yo man nice jeep can you send me the light bulbs you got those headlights, please it would be much appreciated your jeeps amazing

[@engineeringoverland]

Click this link and check the description. Link to the lights and discount code! kzbin.infoKLTxFLbQARQ

[@areject17]

Sick jeep

[@natepitchford6968]

How many miles do you have on the tires, I’m looking at buying a set.

[@engineeringoverland]

Keep your notifications on. I have something coming you'll probably wanna see before buying!

[@AlbertTevs]

What would you recommend for lift kit? Ive bought my first wj 2004 4.0 this November

[@engineeringoverland]

My only personal experience for WJ kits is IRO since that is what I’m running. Ultimately it’s hard to answer this question without asking yourself what your end goal is with the Jeep. There’s a lot of factors to consider when deciding where to put your money on a build.

[@single_cam9199]

What did it cost to do this lift my f150 frame finally rotted all the way out about a year ago and I have brand new 35” gladiators taking up space, and! My neighbor just happed to put a for sale sign on there’s in the driveway haven’t checked it out yet. I have a dilemma idk if I should just keep looking for a 05 f150 4 door " there all rotted” and put my lift on that

[@engineeringoverland]

This kit is a bit over $3000. But, that being said, you can do it cheaper.

[@Hammer1978]

I just saw this video and was wondering what Jeep Grand you would recommend. Year, Model?

[@engineeringoverland]

03-04. Trim kind of depends on what you want to do with it long term. Overland made the most sense for me.

[@brandonmorris3483]

Look for a 99-01 V8 with the selec-trac. Quadradrive is full time 4wd. Selec-trac is 2wd and you out it into 4wd. It’s what I have and it’s a unicorn.

[@BrakeTap451]

Love to color of the bumper, what color is it? Brand?

[@engineeringoverland]

@Rust-Oleum hammered black

[@denniswarner2150]

Wish you would’ve opened the hood. Like to see your washer fluid relocation. Anyway, she’s beautiful!

[@engineeringoverland]

Sorry I missed this! Tried to make sure I covered everything, but there was a lot I wanted to go over and ended up forgetting some things here and there. I suggest checking out some of my other videos. For starters, I know for a fact I show it in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXKtaqWmn5yhmtk

[@Sergey056]

Спасибо, отличный WJ, мечтаю построить такой же, мой пока с лифтом 2 😢

[@Inkedupcarpenter]

I’m be getting a we here in the next couple weeks do know anything about the ones that come 4wd-all time and 4 low ?

[@OtisAngeltech]

Swap the tcase with a select trac

[@hangrymachinist]

Glad to see you are ruining the stock driveline. I will definitely be running 35" on my next tire purchase and doing many if the mods you did to make them fit.

[@engineeringoverland]

Glad this video could be helpful! My setup has worked extremely well

[@doctordifferentialspeedsho9506]

Can i buy the old axle please? I need one to convert mine to 4wd.

[@engineeringoverland]

Once I get around to swapping them, reach out to me.

[@battlepope0]

where can i get those headlights and taillights?

[@engineeringoverland]

Anzo USA

[@erickbernard8208]

Imo the right way and iro don't belong in the same place, as someone who has run iro vs clayton, clayton wins hands down

[@bearatts]

Need to ditch that chrome grille

[@engineeringoverland]

Think I'll paint the rest of the Jeep chrome to match

[@minasoffroad]

I can’t find the springs 8 inch lift

[@minasoffroad]

Russian market is an ass

[@minasoffroad]

To order a set of shock absorbers you need a sprung mass of 1 ton. when there is a lift for one ton, then 500 kg will work with a good safety margin. my jeep weighs 2550 kg and my sprung weight is 500 front and 500 rear with a safari differential y 61

[@calebmansel9376]

What is the offset of your wheels?

[@engineeringoverland]

-6

[@matsanipass]

Overlynn

[@ErnestBaird-p5l]

Douglas Squares

[@Carlos-ip2ir]

What hill haha jk that's a awesome rig

[@ZPHYR-gx1gt]

Do you have any death wobble or bump steer

[@engineeringoverland]

Nope, neither one.

[@jonlape5620]

I've seen enough, that steering set up with that lift is pretty well trash. If you haven't broken anything you don't drive it

[@OtisAngeltech]

Agreed

[@OtisAngeltech]

This is what we call an "instagram build"

[@JosePerez-w1m]

Martin Scott Johnson Patricia Jackson Shirley

[@briancarle]

Why no winch?

[@engineeringoverland]

Check out my more recent videos

[@DevinReavis]

Why would he need a winch for pavement and a gravel road from time to time? Definitely doesn't take it anywhere it might need one.

[@stevehamel1336]

The right way to build a WJ?🙄 that’s a pretty strong statement for a kid who’s basically just lifted his stock jeep. It’s a nice looking jeep, but hardly an ideal build. Looks like you live back east so I’ll cut ya some slack, but out west, your jeep is unprepared. You’d be lucky to make it through the rubicon with a stick tie rod on 35s

[@brandonmorris3483]

“The right way to build a wj” is not a true statement. All that money you spent on flash could’ve went to armor and/or gears. That things gotta be a dog with 35’s and 3.73. Also, that varilok in the front will be toast soon running that big of tires. It’s sick, but it’s definitely not the “right” way.

[@engineeringoverland]

You're right, there is no right way to build a WJ... But it got you to comment on the video ;) To clarify your other claims, my money only went to the important stuff, it's not, and thats okay (don't need to explain the drivetrain again)

[@MyBacktrail]

@brandonmorris3483 have you personally seen a varilock get toasted because of bigger tires? I'm just wondering because that seems to be the internet consensus but how much of it is true?

[@brandonmorris3483]

@@MyBacktrail yes. It’s too much weight to turn. It starts slipping and it toasts the clutch packs. It’ll work for awhile. It’s just a matter of time before it stops working. It’s not serviceable either. So, it’s wasted.

[@Jckerwin]

@@brandonmorris3483 When it goes, there's the option of putting in a TrueTrac with non-Varilock axles. I have this setup on 33s in my WJ Overland. I'm curious to know if a TrueTrac would handle 35s better than the stock Varilock.

[@brandonmorris3483]

@@Jckerwin not sure. You had to change your carrier as well, correct?

[@Fish_Weapon79]

Jeep looks good I put amerlites on my which are identical to urs but way cheaper

[@engineeringoverland]

Thanks! Pretty cool lights, regardless. Either way, big upgrade compared to my old OEM's.

[@DevinReavis]

God thats hideous. Why lift it and put 35s on if you drive it on the pavement? This whole thing is just silly. Makes no sense. I guess little princess just really needs that attention no matter how she gets it.

[@engineeringoverland]

Okay Devin. Not sure how you came to this conclusion lol.

[@eXKeRv]

I’m about to do this to my wk2 2011 5.7