I figured since it's so easy to upload pics now, I would toss up a mini build thread on my mall-crawler/daily driver LJ. I know a Hemi swap in a TJ/LJ isn't exactly "hardcore" tech (especially for a Jeep like mine), but as I was researching this project, there were quite a few questions I had that were coming up empty on internet searches. Hopefully this little thread might help someone else in the future.
So, a few years ago, my buddy that owns Appalachian Offroad here in Maryland told me he came across a deal on a high mileage LJ. Since he was already neck deep in his own projects, he agreed to pass the deal on to me. I made him an offer he couldn't refuse, and a 269,000 mile 4.0/6 speed LJ showed up in my driveway. It was filthy, a little rusty here and there, but still ran really well for having nearly 300k.
I did the usual lift/regear/rims/tires and put another 10 thousand or so miles on it knowing I should be keeping an eye out for a low mileage 6 cylinder to replace the tired 4.0. I also managed to scoop up a hard top in the mean time, which I was really excited about.
Fast forward to that winter and I get a call from my Sister telling me a guy slid through an intersection in an ice storm and hit her Grand Cherokee, totaling it. Thankfully she was ok, but the Jeep took a pretty good hit. The gears in my head started turning, 1 thing led to another, and I bought her Grand back from the insurance company. Her Jeep had just turned 100k miles and I know her and my BIL had taken good care of it throughout its life. The damage was mainly the front passenger fender and core support, and it still ran and drove.
So, a few years ago, my buddy that owns Appalachian Offroad here in Maryland told me he came across a deal on a high mileage LJ. Since he was already neck deep in his own projects, he agreed to pass the deal on to me. I made him an offer he couldn't refuse, and a 269,000 mile 4.0/6 speed LJ showed up in my driveway. It was filthy, a little rusty here and there, but still ran really well for having nearly 300k.
I did the usual lift/regear/rims/tires and put another 10 thousand or so miles on it knowing I should be keeping an eye out for a low mileage 6 cylinder to replace the tired 4.0. I also managed to scoop up a hard top in the mean time, which I was really excited about.
Fast forward to that winter and I get a call from my Sister telling me a guy slid through an intersection in an ice storm and hit her Grand Cherokee, totaling it. Thankfully she was ok, but the Jeep took a pretty good hit. The gears in my head started turning, 1 thing led to another, and I bought her Grand back from the insurance company. Her Jeep had just turned 100k miles and I know her and my BIL had taken good care of it throughout its life. The damage was mainly the front passenger fender and core support, and it still ran and drove.