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

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  • Опубліковано 4 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 355

  • @killer1963daddy
    @killer1963daddy 4 роки тому +12

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

  • @MaverickXeo
    @MaverickXeo 4 роки тому +10

    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
      @K_reaper 4 роки тому

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

    • @ryan.vision
      @ryan.vision 4 роки тому

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

  • @codered7453
    @codered7453 4 роки тому +4

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

  • @miked5789
    @miked5789 Рік тому

    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.

  • @dannesser
    @dannesser 4 роки тому +2

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

    • @bleepinjeep
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +3

      Do it, stop procrastinating!

    • @dannesser
      @dannesser 4 роки тому +1

      @@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!

  • @brandonlewis2916
    @brandonlewis2916 4 роки тому +12

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

  • @bleepinjeep
    @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому

    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: ua-cam.com/video/zu04X2keY18/v-deo.html - Pull-A-Part Cheap Jeep Challenge - BJ vs BK - ep1
    Episode 2: ua-cam.com/video/8pgA4NS-pVE/v-deo.html - Stock Cheap Jeeps Compete Head to Head - BJ vs BK ep2
    Episode 3: ua-cam.com/video/x8cN2tDvlDc/v-deo.html - How-To Build a Rock Crawler ZJ for $5,000
    Episode 3.5: Coming Soon
    Episode 4: Coming Soon
    Episode 4.5: Coming Soon
    -Busted Knuckle-
    Episode 1: ua-cam.com/video/3yTcFFrRDK8/v-deo.html - Pull-A-Part Cheap Jeep Challenge - Busted Knuckle vs BleepinJeep | EP1
    Episode 2: ua-cam.com/video/etQMwVxuzgE/v-deo.html - XJ vs ZJ Stock Jeep Showdown Pull-A-Part CHEAP JEEP CHALLENGE - EP2
    Episode 3: Coming Soon
    Episode 4: Coming Soon

  • @jacmac12648
    @jacmac12648 4 роки тому +52

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

    • @charlesfrazier2371
      @charlesfrazier2371 4 роки тому +3

      Grandma jeep

    • @jacmac12648
      @jacmac12648 4 роки тому +10

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

    • @jacksonsandstrum7875
      @jacksonsandstrum7875 4 роки тому +9

      Wranglers are overrated

    • @jimhenderson6487
      @jimhenderson6487 4 роки тому +1

      Look into getting ourself a spot blaster instead of grinding

    • @MotoTalariaRC
      @MotoTalariaRC 4 роки тому +2

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

  • @JoeGarofaloII
    @JoeGarofaloII 4 роки тому +5

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

  • @stoneblue1795
    @stoneblue1795 3 роки тому

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

  • @BerserkerCatSplat
    @BerserkerCatSplat 4 роки тому +2

    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
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +1

      Ya, it didn't just bolt up 😕

  • @MuddyBeards4X4
    @MuddyBeards4X4 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @environmenteller4442
    @environmenteller4442 4 роки тому +5

    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

  • @timetable620
    @timetable620 4 роки тому +8

    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
      @MrPiimpslap 4 роки тому

      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
      @Durin_Son 3 роки тому

      @@MrPiimpslap Do they still honor these?

  • @mattbarrett41
    @mattbarrett41 4 роки тому +44

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

    • @xmo552
      @xmo552 4 роки тому

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

  • @jamesmaltba5678
    @jamesmaltba5678 4 роки тому

    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!

  • @henrywit6147
    @henrywit6147 4 роки тому

    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.

  • @trail-wolf4x4
    @trail-wolf4x4 4 роки тому +3

    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
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +1

      😄 hopefully its still in one piece.

    • @xmo552
      @xmo552 4 роки тому +1

      Jaw dropper red rocker panty

  • @keith2293
    @keith2293 2 роки тому

    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.

  • @Kaiju_Universe385
    @Kaiju_Universe385 4 роки тому

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

  • @NotAMartian-1
    @NotAMartian-1 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @peterwatson8295
    @peterwatson8295 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @marcusalancate1782
    @marcusalancate1782 4 роки тому

    Glad to see you back in the FC project!

  • @chriscook8076
    @chriscook8076 4 роки тому

    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
    @SketchyJeeps 4 роки тому

    great tip on torquing the carrier using the axle shaft

  • @EpIc_NaChO
    @EpIc_NaChO 4 роки тому

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

  • @thatblackjeep
    @thatblackjeep 4 роки тому +2

    I liked your hammering sequence it was cool.

  • @larryalexander4833
    @larryalexander4833 4 роки тому

    Yaaaaaa Matt is building again in the shop

  • @allterrainrandy2587
    @allterrainrandy2587 2 роки тому

    Love the rock sliders!

  • @MAV3NX
    @MAV3NX 4 роки тому

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

  • @BlackAndBlueGarage
    @BlackAndBlueGarage 14 днів тому

    Seems appropriate. My friend said axles usually cost half or more of the whole build.

  • @MrJamesLuz
    @MrJamesLuz 4 роки тому +2

    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
      @cablenowadays6586 3 роки тому

      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.

  • @beandip9043
    @beandip9043 4 місяці тому

    Just baught my zj and am watching this series and the comp

  • @suzuki230
    @suzuki230 4 роки тому

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

  • @KLAYCO47
    @KLAYCO47 4 роки тому

    Really enjoying this zj

  • @Crzyfrlss1
    @Crzyfrlss1 4 роки тому +4

    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
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +1

      Well why didn't you say something then? 🙄

  • @DR.ELEKTRIK
    @DR.ELEKTRIK 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @brianpardee1281
    @brianpardee1281 4 роки тому

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

    • @bleepinjeep
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому

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

  • @Strizzle81
    @Strizzle81 4 роки тому +1

    Loved watching this video...awesome job!

  • @HarleyRunner
    @HarleyRunner 2 роки тому

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

  • @morgancook6481
    @morgancook6481 4 роки тому

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

  • @messix7768
    @messix7768 4 роки тому

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

  • @hangrymachinist
    @hangrymachinist Рік тому

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

  • @davig88
    @davig88 4 роки тому

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

  • @JoeGarofaloII
    @JoeGarofaloII 4 роки тому +5

    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
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +2

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

    • @JoeGarofaloII
      @JoeGarofaloII 4 роки тому +1

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

    • @ronnie955i
      @ronnie955i 4 роки тому

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

    • @JoeGarofaloII
      @JoeGarofaloII 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @kenaidog6974
    @kenaidog6974 Рік тому

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

  • @JohnnyDragon25
    @JohnnyDragon25 4 роки тому

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

  • @geberhard
    @geberhard 4 роки тому

    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!

  • @rcguymike
    @rcguymike 4 роки тому

    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.

  • @jakey20022
    @jakey20022 2 роки тому

    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

  • @mikemorris5681
    @mikemorris5681 9 місяців тому

    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

  • @mikemorales4830
    @mikemorales4830 4 роки тому

    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
      @mikemorales4830 4 роки тому

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

    • @bleepinjeep
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +1

      Time to stop taking those siestas

    • @bleepinjeep
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +1

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

  • @james94582
    @james94582 4 роки тому

    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!!

  • @stevenjohnson8415
    @stevenjohnson8415 3 роки тому

    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

  • @Bluelightbandit
    @Bluelightbandit 4 роки тому +9

    06:16 I got the same problem bud 🤏

  • @ColoradoMoe
    @ColoradoMoe 4 роки тому +1

    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
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому

      Just cut em before you bash em!

  • @zilliver
    @zilliver 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @aaroncoyle5208
    @aaroncoyle5208 4 роки тому

    Learned a lot from this. Thanks for uploading this

    • @bleepinjeep
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому

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

  • @FamilyLopezVlogs
    @FamilyLopezVlogs 3 роки тому

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

  • @Chris-P
    @Chris-P 4 роки тому

    Nice vid, looking forward to part 2 👍

  • @jamieweirdworld
    @jamieweirdworld 4 роки тому +4

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

  • @nickkerr5714
    @nickkerr5714 3 роки тому

    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.

  • @zacharyelias4643
    @zacharyelias4643 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @robbanks7393
    @robbanks7393 4 роки тому +1

    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

  • @MaverickXeo
    @MaverickXeo 4 роки тому +6

    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
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +3

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

    • @MaverickXeo
      @MaverickXeo 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @ifell3
    @ifell3 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @troysawyers9781
    @troysawyers9781 3 роки тому

    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.

  • @blastworksllc
    @blastworksllc 4 роки тому

    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

  • @davidjosemaloofrivera7056
    @davidjosemaloofrivera7056 4 роки тому

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

  • @HarryCane305
    @HarryCane305 3 роки тому

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

  • @francisbrackney2061
    @francisbrackney2061 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @stevencarter7999
    @stevencarter7999 4 роки тому

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

  • @minttv8835
    @minttv8835 4 роки тому

    Yes I have been waiting for this video for a while

  • @TheEinart
    @TheEinart 4 роки тому

    Nice build🤩

  • @dustincecchi3988
    @dustincecchi3988 4 роки тому

    You guys are awesome!

  • @callsigncustard6419
    @callsigncustard6419 Рік тому

    i need to do that rocker rail mod cuz mine got some rust id like to cull

  • @MrCAMO112
    @MrCAMO112 3 роки тому

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

  • @dennisstraight
    @dennisstraight 4 роки тому

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

  • @thewheel2023
    @thewheel2023 4 роки тому

    Great stuff Matt

  • @maxrogers762
    @maxrogers762 4 роки тому

    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
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +1

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

    • @fiveninegarage
      @fiveninegarage 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @stephan5026
    @stephan5026 4 роки тому

    I dig the tunes brother 🕺🏽

  • @Not-Slim-Kinda-Shady303
    @Not-Slim-Kinda-Shady303 4 роки тому

    Makeing me want another ZJ really bad😁

  • @benmiller5015
    @benmiller5015 4 роки тому

    Man I've been haunted by dreams of this series n getting the shakes waiting for you to drop the next episode lol. But seriously I've been looking at Cherokees lately on marketplace. N it's crazy how cheap they are going for. I almost made a deal on a 96 cherokee sport for $700 til the guy stopped responding n tried to get ahold of another 96 that already had a lift n tires n aftermarket bumpers for a grand but he never responded. The market seems flooded with Cherokees, most of them for alot less than the 2 grand you dropped on that one. But Cherokees are one of those things people like to abuse so gotta be smart when shopping for one

  • @ronniehalsel5777
    @ronniehalsel5777 2 роки тому

    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 😊

  • @edwindorlan4555
    @edwindorlan4555 3 роки тому

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

  • @Supaslow5.3
    @Supaslow5.3 4 роки тому

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

  • @erichughes9098
    @erichughes9098 4 роки тому

    Thanks for a great video 😎👍

  • @brandonallen914
    @brandonallen914 5 місяців тому

    Do you happen to know if I was to swap a high pinion Dana 30 from an xj into my zj could I reuse the driveshaft? Or would the high pinion axle require a different length driveshaft

  • @cage5.0
    @cage5.0 3 роки тому

    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?

  • @stevecoffman6480
    @stevecoffman6480 2 роки тому

    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.

  • @francisbrackney2061
    @francisbrackney2061 4 роки тому

    Hey Matt! Didn't you say that those axles were supposed to be set up for a Jeep "TJ" then that is why the rear doesn't fit.

  • @devindunnagan3855
    @devindunnagan3855 4 роки тому

    I need the front drive shaft!

  • @one4x4nut
    @one4x4nut 4 роки тому +2

    out of curiosity and budget wise why didn't you put the front springs in the back and add a spacer to get the rest of the lift? Thought front to rear netted around 5" of lift.

    • @bleepinjeep
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому

      front V8 ZJ springs to rear net 3.5 inches. At least thats what I remember from the black cheap jeep series I did.

  • @TheBeardedJeeper
    @TheBeardedJeeper 4 роки тому +1

    No bracing for the rock sliders?

  • @Meattornado
    @Meattornado 2 роки тому

    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.

  • @Brhennes
    @Brhennes 4 роки тому +1

    Did you have to bypass the charcoal canister in any way? Or can you just rip it out like that and call it a day?

    • @bleepinjeep
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +1

      I just ripped it and plugged the holes.

  • @Deadbuck73
    @Deadbuck73 4 роки тому +1

    Is there any basic Jeep videos that explain dana 30’s and all kind of other stuff?

    • @bleepinjeep
      @bleepinjeep  4 роки тому +1

      Hmmm, maybe some of my older videos from years ago.

  • @justinklassen2965
    @justinklassen2965 2 роки тому

    Where did you learn mechanics? I'm an at home diy guy and am really interested in learning more

  • @mrdadchewbakka
    @mrdadchewbakka 11 місяців тому

    I got a question you might be able to answer. 2nd gen 2500 gear box on a wj, is it possible?

  • @chicagorc3967
    @chicagorc3967 3 роки тому

    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?