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- Jeep TJ 1997-2006: How to Build & Modify
Everything necessary to modify your Jeep TJ for off-road use is covered in Jeep TJ 1997-2006: How to Build & Modify.
Beginning with why you should choose a TJ for modification, Jeep expert Michael Hanssen takes you through all the different systems needing modification, including engine modifications and swaps, transmission swaps, transfer case and driveshafts modifications, axles and traction systems, suspensions and lifts, wheels, tires, brakes, chassis protection, electrical, and winches.
The Jeep CJ, the icon that started it all, is the most popular off-road vehicle of all time. The look, style, and functionality of the CJ made it instantly popular and recognizable the world over, in no doubt partly due to its military presence in World War II. The Jeep Wrangler platform had the difficult task of replacing the extremely popular CJ platform. Outwardly similar in appearance, the YJ, TJ, and JK that followed all had significant design improvements, as can be expected when a platform has a life span of more than five decades. The YJ was the first Chrysler release after it purchased AMC in the mid-1980s, and it was aimed at taming the original CJ for more comfort and, arguably, a larger audience. The TJ that followed next was an evolutionary update, significant in that it featured a coil spring suspension and the celebrated return of round headlights for a more traditional look compared to the square lights of the YJ.
Included in every chapter are step-by-step modification instructions to help walk you through the process. If you want to build a TJ for serious off-road trail use, or you just want a capable and great-looking Jeep for around town, this book has you covered.
Pages: 144
Size: 8.5 X 11 (inches)
Format: Paperback
Illustrations: 397 color photos
Publisher: CarTech
ISBN: 9781613254288
Product Code: SA427
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Wrangler TJ, a Departure from the Past
Brilliant Suspension Redesign
Models and Trim Levels
Why Build and Modify a TJ?
Finding Your Project
Rubicon Versus Non-Rubicon
The Blueprint for Building and Modifying
Chapter 2: Factory Engines and Engine Swaps
Factory Engines
Swapping Engines
Putting It All Together
Chapter 3: Transmissions and Transmission Swaps
Factory Transmission Offerings
Manual Transmissions
Clutch
Automatic Transmissions
Transmission Care and Maintenance
Transmission Swaps
The Devil Is in the Details
Putting It All Together
Chapter 4: Transfer Case and Driveshafts
Speedometer
Modes, Naming, and Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive
Factory Transfer Cases
Transfer Case Swaps
Driveshafts and Upgrades
Putting It All Together
Chapter 5: Axles and Traction Systems
Axle Gear Ratio
Traction Systems
Factory Axles
Factory Axle Modifications and Upgrades
Axle Swaps
Putting It All Together
Chapter 6: Suspension and Steering Systems
Lift Kits
Components, Upgrades, and Modifications
Body Lift
Steering Systems
Steering System Upgrades and Modifications
Alignment
Putting It All Together
Chapter 7: Chassis and Body Protection
Protecting the Underside
Protecting the Ends
Protecting the Body
Protecting the Occupants
Putting It All Together
Chapter 8: Tires, Wheels, and Brakes
Tire Types
Tire Size
Air Pressure
Rotation
Spare Tire
Wheels
Brakes
Brake Upgrades
Putting It All Together
Chapter 9: Electrical and Lighting
Electrical System Upgrades and Modifications
Headlight Upgrades
Extra Lighting
Clutch Starter Switch
Putting It All Together
Chapter 10: Recovery and Air Systems
Recovery
Winch
Tow Straps
Onboard Air
Putting It All Together
Chapter 11: Interior, Tops, Gear, Tools, and Other Good Stuff
Interior
Tops and Doors
Communications
Navigation
Fuel and Water Storage
Tools
Fire Protection
Clothing
First Aid
Food and Water
Storage
A Jeep Owner’s Garage
Towing
Before and After the Trail
Putting It All Together, What Else?
Source Guide
Michael Hanssen
Michael Hanssen has been living the Jeep lifestyle since he was 3 years old riding in his dad's 1970 Jeep CJ-5. Years of trail riding, building, and modifying Jeeps along with following off-road Jeep racing only served to drive a hobby into obsession. In the late 1990s this obsession combined with a knack for being good with computers led to a development of jeepfan.com, a Jeep-based website that blossomed into a full-fledged site all about Jeep life. Hundreds of articles later, the site still serves the Jeep community to provide a wealth of information on all things Jeep.