Swing Arm Wrap Around Tire Carrier Build / Jeep Cherokee XJ

[@GrizzlyPath]

I know you said the actual DIY was a drag, but I enjoyed the video! Love the fab stuff.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching. I think if I had a bigger workshop or I was working outside it would have been nicer. It's the dust.

[@JackFalltrades]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness Good to see you're using a respirator.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

@@JackFalltrades yeah its a good one too. A gas filter but I open the doors regularly and flush the place out also.

[@JackFalltrades]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness Hearing protection is important too. I'm at an age where I'm starting to have issues, though I was usually protective of my hearing. My Subie is louder than I'd like, and eventually I will try to deaden the road noise like you did in your Jeep. I have too many other projects going, though! 😀

[@JonathanBaileyn2u]

You so stole Megs scale.. 🤫 and a cutting board from the counter. Loved it! Congrats on the new fabrication.

[@88349]

Outstanding job on the bumper i like how u pieced it together with what u had and not only made it work but full fit form and function all while walking us through : editing was also well done.. cheers mate !

[@JackFalltrades]

Actually, I did enjoy the video. I think I know how you feel. After a long, difficult project, I usually don't as much feel satisfaction as I do relief that it's finally over! 😀

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Yeah that's it basically! It's over....almost

[@JackFalltrades]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness Yes, you mentioned a few more things to take care of. I presume you needed to reduce weight for fuel consumption, and that it will all be worthwhile.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

@@JackFalltrades Fuel consumption probably wont change without a drastic weight reduction. Its more just to try and move the Jeep in the right direction. Less weight, less stress on the components when its working hard. I will swap the seats soon which will shave off another 10kg. I've managed to take out about 18kg of unnecessary camp gear and 7kg of frame work I made for a shock tower. Also a synthetic winch line. So far its about 45kg down which is pretty significant. It can be more but I would have to swap back to my titanium cooking set and ditch the cast iron skottle. I'm not sure I can do that because its really enjoyable to cook on. I don't think there is anything else I can do to lighten it, no spare tire would mean 50kg down but again its a risk. Maybe for the summer no spare would work.... I will have to think about it all.

[@JackFalltrades]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness Your starting to sound like a minimalist backpacker! 😀 Soon you'll be drilling holes in your toothbrush. 😄 Can any of that steel be replaced with aluminum, fiberglass, or composites?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Hahaha. Drilling holes....... I didn't think of that! I might start doing that on some things

[@TLOverlander]

You are a good fabricator, Mike. I'm a big proponent of light weight rigs...

[@jamesa7506]

Hahaha! You know you love it! And we love watching you do it just as much as Jimmy does! 😁👍

[@jimmyroberts7191]

Omg that ceiling clearance is on point!!!

[@phillims1]

I love your fabrication. It gives me inspiration that I might actually be able to make some things. It’s sometimes disheartening to watch guys with benders and plasma and 20,000ft2 shops.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I know what you mean. I often look for DIY garage videos when I'm making something because that's my level. I do like watching the big shops at work, I just can't quite get there the same way lol. Thanks for watching.

[@officialWWM]

I agree! I love that he does all this incredible work in a tiny garage with not much more than a Mig welder, a grinder and some clever thinking!

[@classic.cherokee]

Great work Mike!

[@chopperchuck]

as a welder with 40 + years of experience , well done Mike

[@JackFalltrades]

Welding is a skill I never learned, and I may be around your age. What kind of welding was Mike doing? Is it difficult to learn?

[@chopperchuck]

@@JackFalltrades mig or metal inert gas welding

[@JackFalltrades]

@@chopperchuck Thanks 😊 Difficult to learn?

[@chopperchuck]

@@JackFalltrades that depends for the type of fabrication that Mike is doing no it's not For welding pipe and boilers and ships together it is

[@explore_off_road]

I really dig those tie in brackets. Beefy! And I like Overkill at times ... and that is a good time. Nice work.

[@mtbmaniac25]

Yes! Another vid in the workshop!

[@JackFalltrades]

Good to see you again, Mike. 😊

[@pauldoherty5589]

Great video Mike

[@forgedfromfreedom]

Hey Mike. Always great content from your channel. Keep it up. 👍👍

[@abcdefg7331]

Great work Mike! Have you ever considered to drive the Sweden offroad tour? Two weeks constant offroad new track every day.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

We have considered it as a summer trip for the family. It looks like a lot of fun and I miss the real offroad obstacles and mud that you don't get on roads. When my son is a bit older we will defiantly do it as a family, at the moment it might just be me. Thanks for watching.

[@abcdefg7331]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness great. hope I see you on the trail then.

[@long-jeep]

Nicely done even if it was a pain in the ass. 😆 I appreciate your sense of humor as well.

[@jcricket-vr5xr]

Your welding and fabrication skills are amazing Mike nice job

[@JackFalltrades]

You needed a helper, or at least a spotter for removing that tire carrier! It looked like it nearly pinned you to the floor! 😀

[@samrowan]

Ha I really enjoyed, you crack me up. ace work

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

Great job as always Mike... the XJ gets more incredible (and lighter) again! Just finished fabbing my winch bumper for my 95 XJ... I had buddies helping which always made the job more enjoyable for me. I've already rescued 4 people with the winch. Our snow looked like yours (live at about 6000 feet - 1830 meters) in the NE Nevada, USA Ruby, and Independence mountains. If you ever get to the Western inland USA you will have some unforgettable Overlanding opportunities, and I'm sure plenty of us following you would enjoy guiding you to some great places.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Sounds like a beautiful place, I would love to visit the US and travel around. It wont be for a while though If we can. My wife still wants to get back to Canada to vist her family, I image that will happen first but they are close lol so maybe a road trip. Ah nice, winches and snow go hand in hand. Thanks for watching!

[@wildlandcamplife6532]

Dude it’s so funny watching your videos. You just have this subtle humor. You’re very proper in the videos, you narrate very well but out of nowhere you’ll drop a cuss word in a funny sentence. It’s only as funny as it is because it’s so rare. The end, “the work shop is an absolute fucking mess” just got me.

[@forestroadexplorer]

Good work, and great video, it gives me inspiration to continue building on my own stuff.

[@officialWWM]

I’ve always really liked your tyre carrier. I’ve never been able to find one so I built one similar. It’s not as good but it works :) And I really enjoyed your video!

[@kevinzimmerman2304]

Nice job on the bumper! I'd like to build one for my jeep someday..

[@timetoxplore]

Great vid, gives me a few ideas for the Explorer rear bumper build. Like you, I need a lighter setup.

[@kermitshatley1903]

Excellent job as always , you are always a joy and fun to watch,yea and that knowledgeable part to. Thank you

[@GMac2776]

Never knew you had this channel, followed your old one and seen your post about this channel. Glad you are still making videos👍

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Yes, I agree! I enjoy the designing and building stages, but detest all the cutting and grinding!

[@051biohaz]

Another cool project on the Jeep, I like how you are always making things work better for you. Just like back in the day when you changed your pack and gear around…thanks for the upload..:)

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

My LK35 hasn't changed much over the last couple of years. Just a new frame. That's normally how I know i've reached a design that's working. The Jeep has a way to go just yet but its pretty decent these days considering where it started. Thanks for watching.

[@93muller]

I am so glad I found your new channel. I used to watch mcq bushcraft religiously. Keep it up!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching!

[@maximazur4854]

Cheer up Mike! We definitely enjoyed it 🙂

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!

[@chipchaffee2416]

Very impressive fabrication work with limited resources. Just found your new channel last weekend . Must say I’m finding it very enjoyable. Keep it up mike . I think your new channel is going to be a big success.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for tuning in! Appreciate you watching and glad your enjoying the content!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

I'm installing a set of Ironman Fab's Shackle Relocation Brackets. Checking things out and the new Smittybilt XRC Rock Crawler/Tire Carrier Bumper. The bumper mounting brackets are long and it's pretty much a dedicated design that was intended to be used with the factory shackle pockets. I'm going to have to cut an area out of them to allow the Shackle Relocation Brackets to be mounted against the rail. I'll still be able to use 4 bolts on the bottom of each side and depending on the fit, probably welding the joints together? Love the way you designed the swing away and the wrap around on the bumper ends!

[@dantheman7719]

That's a tight fit.....ooooh matron About a cigarette paper clearance on the roof.. I guess you can always lower the tyre pressures... Good bit of welding mate...love the customizing..and the modding...you need a sub woofer...a few televisions..and a games console installed buddy.😉 Love it...👍

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

The roof clearance vanished once I took off the bumpers and tires. Juts shows what 130kg does on the back end. Haha, nooo mate I don't want to go down that road. Maybe a Pizza hut Ice-cream machine in the back curling out some treats. Thanks for watching.

[@seanharris2125]

Mike, get yourself a cheap fire blanket from the hardware store to use as a welding shield for delicate cover of car. Towel can still catch fire bud.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I should really do that. Thanks 👍

[@seanmacdonald8476]

Damn i really like the short length of the actual swinging section, looks like it's only made possible by the swivel mechanism at the top that allows the tire to miss the vehicle and open 180*. I think you mentioned a long time ago they don't make it anymore do you remember the brand out of curiosity?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I originally found the company and it had shut down many years ago. It was called wessex engineering from memory. Mine had number 246 and 1996 on it originally. It was partly assembled and damaged.

[@seanmacdonald8476]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness Thanks, it's pretty cool, I imagine any DIY method I find to make something similar would likely create a jiggle point in the system that one seems stout. Back to the drawing board for me

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

@@seanmacdonald8476 I have to take the mechanism apart and just check it over so I will show it in the next episode. Its fairly simple but I'm not sure if I could make it from scratch without some pre fabbed parts.

[@JeffreySchellenberg]

I don't even have an XJ, I have a ZJ. Why did I watch this? Anyways, great work. Looks phenomenal.

[@nathanbarns3750]

Awesome video as always! This channel is completely underrated and I don't understand. I noticed your orange welder. Is that a Vulcan? How do you like it?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching and the comment! I don't think it is a Vulcan, I will have to double check though. I Like the welder though, now i've worked with It a lot I know how to to set it up and get decent welds out of it. Mayne in time more people will check out the channel, its a competitive subject I think.

[@andywilson1117]

Great video as always Mike, thanks

[@j.a.8970]

Been waiting for this

[@JackFalltrades]

Mr Arcs and Sparks! 😀

[@rsvp6]

I did enjoy the video! I was looking forward to this one to see how how you were going to make it. I still debating on whether to carry a spare on the back or ditching the spare and going with tire repair kit. I found a great video on repairing sidewall damage so between that and the plugs I think I can get back home. I can use the extra space and the weight hanging off the back bothers me actually.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Its such a lot of weight in the worst place. The old setup was near 130kkg just in bumpers and spare. Its nuts actually. It makes a bit difference given the jeep now touches the garage roof with it all removed. I took it to the wash station to get the dust off without the bumpers and spare tire and the difference in driving was really noticeable. I've contemplated not carrying a spare also. It saves bout 48kg in my case. I have a tire repair kit but there is a part of my that feels like swapping a tire is just far easier when the temps are horribly low. DO you have a link to that sidewall video? Thanks for watching!

[@rsvp6]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness I did not think about changing a tire in the snow and really dont want to! I rarely have flat tires anymore since upgrading to more modern tires. This a link to the first video I watched and I have tested the glue , and it really works. I see now there are more videos out. I am only looking for repairs that last long enough to get me a point where I can get to a spare. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHTCfJltjLiUZ68&ab_channel=sixtyfiveford

[@imaley]

Well I enjoyed it, good work

[@robertwimmer6528]

Nice job!

[@JackFalltrades]

Can't watch video now. Heading for the beach. It's 18° C now. Should be 32° later. 😊

[@aztecahernandez6539]

Great Job Mate. Cheers.

[@SebastianDaniec]

Good video Mike! I think i wan't to try swinging tires. Mine is going to be attached to the tow-hook on my sissy SUV. Removable for city driving and put on during Överlanding season. I hope to meet you this year on overlanding expo at 59°6.595'N 16°58.068'E on the 13 May!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Ah wow 13th of May! That's near. I will check those coordinates and see where it is. Would be great to come and meet you and others. A tire carrier on a tow hitch its certainly a good idea, it will be really strong and like you say removable. Thanks for watching

[@hondaman4423]

"then only I know it's shit" is a curse. Then you waste hours or days fixing something nobody even knows is wrong. I know that feeling well.

[@Gunma_garage]

Helluva workout! Ive alwayw ised my legs when installing/removing and its so effective 😅🤣. Nice rig, i need to blueprint a decent spare carrier (and get a 5th K02 😂) so this was awesome info mate, cheers! Love the overland setup inside as well 🤘 Also, damned nice welds my guy

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Yeah the legs definitely came in handy on this one. It was a pain to build but it's doing well and no rattles or problems yet, which is always nice. Thanks for watching and for the comment

[@TheOpenboater]

Good video. I'm not so fussed on the latch mechanisim sitting proud of the horizontal. Will it not be a nuisance when putting gear in and out of the boot?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I don't think so, I can rest my nut sack on it while sorting my gear. Jokes aside it doesn't seem to be an issue. The whole thing sits in further than the previous setup so I don't really notice it. Its also higher so that's nicer than it being on your legs.

[@TheOpenboater]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness fair enough. I'm new to your new channel so I'll be catching up with a bit of binge watching.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching and having a look around.

[@JackFalltrades]

Video coming on Monday? 😊

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It should be up today

[@insaynbcr]

Man, you could use a plasma cutter for so many reasons.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I have no experience with one. I could get one though. Would save all the dust and grinding in the garage. What's the price range of a alright one?

[@insaynbcr]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness No experience needed. It's the opposite of welding. Put the tip where you want to remove metal and pull the trigger. Used, a couple hundy to a grand. New, a grand to several grand. Absolutely worth every penny!!!! Your fabrication time will be greatly reduced as you can cut any shape quickly.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Well you have inspired me. I will start hunting around and see what I can find. Thanks for the information 👍

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Well, I bought a cheap one! Doesn't really do that well for me on 110V! It cuts, it worked great cutting out the old shackle pockets, but it didn't impress me on the cleanliness of the cuts! The way it's working I'd have to cut outside of my lines and creep up with the grinder! I can cut it tighter on the first pass with the grinder! The model I bought is said to work better on 220! Less air pressure and amperage actually worked better 30/30...

[@insaynbcr]

@@ekbanjosworld4926 Be sure to have your ground as close to your work as possible. If you have it too far away, or not actually grounded well it will negatively affect your cuts.

[@shaunmccaw2911]

Cracking job mate but do you ever give your brain a rest 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

This video is segments of work spread over two weeks. In-between im with my family and friends and working. Life's pretty chilled to be honest but when I'm working I get stuck in. Thanks for watching

[@danielgotz1027]

Awsome as usual mike. But... i hate to be the wise dude. Sure your welds will support the tow wight of 2020 kgs ( 1 cm of good weld usulaly can suport 1000kgs if u dont cont the material its welded in) Often its not the welld that craks but the suraounding material. But i think this will hold upp nice. But as a former mot engineer and welder. What does the swedish mot says about welding in tow hithes... well its plenty strong to be abble to handle your towing weight no dougth. O god my swenglich realy needs som work... but that isent a problem the next mot . but still awsome. More modifying. Maby its time for a coil conversion and 4 link in the rear end.....

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks mate. I made the front bumper frame mounting points and I've winched myself out of situations in heaps of snow at obscure angles that are well over that tow capacity. I've also had a head on collision with an Astra at 30mph with the same bumper and it just lost some paint. I'm not claiming to be an expert welder, but I've worked as a mechanic for a while and I've seen worse welds pass inspections done by people who think blinking when the guns on will protect their eyes. I guess i could be considered a wise dude too for wearing a mask. Sadly the one thing the inspector would not like is a 4 link conversion.... unfortunately the vehicle would require a new registration...

[@danielgotz1027]

What is astra for animal? Yup you would need a new registration with the 4 link. If the mot enginner notice it... and ur welds ar plenty strong. I think those are the last thing that is gonna break on yr rig. And its realy wise of u to consider weight. Not only for traction and fuel. Its the mot thing again.... the sweeds are quite hard on changes on viecles.... atleast in the southern part. In the north its more common sence.

[@danielgotz1027]

Ooo the tan u get from a real welding session. Or the eye scratch u get from ( im just gona tack those two things together) 😂😂😂

[@danielgotz1027]

Well if not 4 link... i wounder if a set of portal axels from a volvo tgb would fit... the volvo axels isent that diffret compared to the dana 30.....

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

@@danielgotz1027 haha, its a small car made by Vauxhall. It was in the UK. They were on the wrong side of the road coming around a bend. Nobody was injured but their car was written off.

[@blister4walken]

Bringing sexy welding back. Oooooooh. 😅

[@hempseedaddict]

So did ya want us to dislike the video then?🤪

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Haha I think I will lol. Thanks for watching.

[@jeffkatzer]

I enjoyed it, maybe more than you.

[@Oldblue110]

❤👍👍👍

[@jannepallari4697]

🖐👌