Since my Zuk insurance claim is dragging on, I need a toy whilst that mess gets sorted out.
So with very tight budget and strict requirements - small, convertible, capable and no rot - I purchased this 1995 YJ from Saint John NB and drove it the 5 hours home.....it made it without any issues.
1995 Jeep Wrangler
4.0 manual transmission with a brand new clutch
4.5 R/C suspension
1 1/4 body lift
One ton steering
Front Dana 30 HP with 4.10 Gears front locker
8500 lb Which
35" MT/Rs - exactly same as the Zuk!!
Tub is in great shape and has some repairs, but it's been done right and is solid. The trunk floor was also redone with 3/16 plate. Frame has also been patched.....it's a nearly 30 year old Heep LOL
Don't get me wrong, it's not perfect, but pickings are extremely thin, and as we know people are asking silly money for absolute junk.
It came with full doors, half doors, multiple soft tops (2x regular, a bikini, a deck lid & a windjammer), hardtop
Overall seems to wheel exactly as it should. 4LO is geared nice and lo - I was actually mostly in 2nd and 3rd whilst wheeling it the other day.
Plans:
It just needs some tidying up and maintenance
I might plastidip the grill cover
I might see if I can get some better flares/flat fenders as the 35's rub on the plastic flares and rear tub wheel arch (only at full stuff)
I might build a tire carrier off the back bumper (it's 2x4)
Parking brake is inop, so I plan on converting the foot brake to a hand brake using an XJ handbrake lever
Guy pulled out in front of me put of a car park, causing me to swerve.
Luckily FOR HIM, I missed plowing into him which would have sent him, and maybe me to hospital.
Unfortunately, my action cause me to hit the curb and roll the vehicle.
I wasn't hurt other than some neck, shoulder and head injuries.
The guy left the scene.
There was a lot of video and witnesses, and eventually the Police caight up the the guy that caused the accident and charged him with 'leaving the scene of an accident', and 'failure to yield to oncoming traffic'
Insurance claim is ongoing.....
Apparenty in NS, "if you don't hit the person who causes an accident, the liabilty on on you"
We'll see about that!!
As for the rig?
Body, hood fenders, doors, drivers seat, rear bumper all crushed.
Engine top engone top end is fill of oil, but turns over with the plugs out....no noises.
Spent a couple of nights at Fox Mountain to do some wheeling with new and old buddies.
Turnout was fantastic, with around 40 rigs, ranging from mildly modified SUVs, to full-on rock bouncing buggies (very impressive they were too!!)
Day 1, I did Unnamed 2 and Sea Legs. Both trails we rated as 33's and above. Both great trails, with a little challenge for the Zuk.
Day 2, was High Voltage, a minimum of 35's, lockers and winch. This trail is no joke. It's a powerline trail up a mountain, with big rocks to wet the appetite as you make your way in, then on to massive rock climbs and boulders. All with a go-around if needed....but what's the fun in that?
Most folks attempted the hard climbs. Some made it without pulling cable. Some suffered big breakages rendering them with 2WD only for the rest of the day.
The Zuk did awesome. On approach to big climb #1 we noticed the rear locker was not engaging, but I kept going all the same with just the front locked up. I made it to the top of the climb, but could not get enough traction to make it all the way. So, after a few attempts, someone (Mario) jumped on the front bumper to get some extra weight on the front end. Another (Rick) was pushing the rear tire. Eventually, with the tires smoking and warmed up, the Zuk made it up. What a trip!!!
Next up was the rock face. A 50ft wide, 20ft high wall of rock incline. Daunting to say the least!!!
Watching some of the buggies with 40"+ sticky tires and big horsepower struggle to climb it, I knew I was unlikely to make it.
Had to try it though. I only made one attempt, as the Zuk got half way up, then slipped sideways, pulling a right tire off the ground. I knew right there, I was done !!!
The rest of the trail was super fun. Big rocks, climbs and tons of fun!!
Carnage report
New Bronco - damaged door (unnamed 2), inoperable 4WD (High Voltage). Hats off to the guy, he really put that rig though the ringer..
Ford Ranger - Dana 30 Solid axle swapped with twin transfer cases (cool rig) - blew BOTH front axle shafts
Jeep JK - new differential gears installed the day before - stripped (bad install)
Jeep LJ - starter issues (intermittent)
My Zuk - rear locker inoperable (High Voltage - but may have been faulty prior) - air actuator is getting very hot - maybe needs a clean, or replace
Toms Jeep - sheared off a valve stems (fixed)
James' Cherokee - blew the tire off a rim mid rock climb (fixed)
Robbies Willies Jeep (Wilma) - Got through Unnamed 2 to discover no more bolts were holding the transfer case to the bell housing ( Jeep retired)
Barry's TJ - Broke axle U-joint and axle, then tore the knuckle and ball joint out trying to exit the trail
