99-04 WJ - I wanna build a family expedition rig
 

Hi everyone I'm new to the forum and Jeeps. Current ride is a Suzuki on 31's that I built up a little. I recently became a dad and realized I have to start planning my next vehicle and have decided on a WJ. I want it to be a dd, take me hunting and fishing, and take the family on back country trips. I was searching around and low and behold stumbled on the Extreme 4x4 WJ expedition rig build up which is along the same lines as I am planning. Here: Powerblock | Tips For Restoring Cars, Trucks | Full Episodes | Spike | Expedition Jeep Grand Cherokee Part III | Season 3 | Free Full Episodes | Spike

I was wondering if folks have any opinions on this build. Tire size seems right but i was surprised that they kept the stock axles. They stated it was because it is to be used for "mild wheeling" but it strikes me that if you want to go to remote locations it would be even more important that parts dont break if you get into a sticky situation. But then I noticed that most buildups I have read out there did not upgrade even the rear axle? So what exactly is mild wheeling lol?

Do you guys running 33's on stock axles tend to break parts? And if so is it just the axle shafts that break when you give too much throttle or other driveline parts as well?

Any suggestions, opinions or links would be appreciated. Also wondering which model wj is ideal for this project and why. Thanks for reading!

Re: 99-04 WJ - I wanna build a family expedition rig
 

128 views and none of them actaully wheel their WJ?? Guess you don't have to worry about snapping axles at the mall...

Re: 99-04 WJ - I wanna build a family expedition rig
 

Hi huntr, not to sure what mild wheeling really is but if your paying attention to what your driving over and not thinking your driving a tank while offroad the stock axles will work. A good solid diff cover will help stiffen the center section of the 35 and putting a brace on it won't hurt it either.
I've been wheeling mine in the mountains in southern an and bc for quite awhile with no problems with the 30 or 35.

Re: 99-04 WJ - I wanna build a family expedition rig
 

Thanks WJGuy.

Looking at buying this one: 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Warranty, Roof!! - Winnipeg Cars For Sale - Kijiji Winnipeg Canada.

Anyone have opinions on this one to share with me please?

Re: 99-04 WJ - I wanna build a family expedition rig
 

clicked on the link, and it's already gone... couldn't see it.

so did you buy it or what?

Re: 99-04 WJ - I wanna build a family expedition rig
 

I can't comment on the wj's reliability off road but I've known a bunch of guys running 33's on yj's, tj's, xj's and zj's without much problem on all kinds of terrain. As they all have the same axles I don't see why the wj would be any different, as long as you drive with some degree of common sense,

Re: 99-04 WJ - I wanna build a family expedition rig
 

Nope, I got this one instead :biggrin:

https://www.jeepscanada.com/attachme...ine=1365426489


2004 Lardeo v8 and optioned up. 149000KMs. Came with RCX 4" lift, jks track bar, 265/75/r17

First order of business is adjustable rear lowers so i can hopefully ditch the tcase drop and adjustable front uppers so I can adjust the caster. It wanders really bad at high speeds.


Once I get that sorted I will be doing rock rails and a rear axle truss.skid and hopefully a locker. I have read a few times that a trussed d44a with a skid should be as strong as a d60 (the aluminum centre being the only weak part).

I'm currently trying to figure out who to order from to get my arms asap. Iron Rock is closest to me but they told me their shipping is behind a week. No where in Canada to order adjustable arms from eh?