Highmark's new CJ - Alby

[Highmark]

It's been 3+ years since I've picked up a transmitter ... so here goes

The concept is to have a Street Class rig that pushes the limits of both performance and scale-ability using old school parts and build techniques. Welcome to 2006 boyzzz.

Going with that them I knew I had to build off what will forever be the ultimate rock crawling body, the Pro-Line Scrambler. Fortunately I have enough of them that I don't feel terrible mutilating a few for the cause. The frame and suspension will be built by me, just because I didn't want to do the SCX-10 thing. Built TLT axles are a must, power by Holmes Hobbies and Tekin are guaranteed and I'll have a few more surprises along the way.


To Start:


-That's 18' of steel rod and 12' of 1/2" -1/8" plate... ish.

Next up is the "Conceptual rendering".




P.S. I promise to be prolific in my usage of TLT link brackets

That's all for now!

[sally1800]

Cool a Scrambler. I don't see many of them around hear. Can't wait to see more.

[EeePee]

Originally Posted by Highmark

P.S. I promise to be prolific in my usage of TLT link brackets

That's how we keep it real these days. And these:

[Grizzly4x4]

Originally Posted by Highmark

P.S. I promise to be prolific in my usage of TLT link brackets

Hells yeah, TLT link brackets and flipoff smilies are waaaay underused these days. Welcome back nooob, I mean OG.

[Highmark]

Today's progress:



I didn't want to use butt joints for the cross members and sliders, so they're all drilled through and brazed on both sides for strength.



Mock up with the new lid:



Headed back to the garage for shock towers and bed sides,

[AZINDY]

Nice looking frame, great idea getting rid of the butt joints. Gonna have to watch and see how this build turns out.

[Highmark]

Always appreciate the comments dudes, good to see some old farts kicking around.

Just a glimpse at some of the running gear:



I'm still undecided about the R2 transmission; I may go with a beefed up Axial. I've heard bad things about the R2's gearing and durability and it seems like the Axial's hold up pretty well. If I was a real badass I would stick a Stampede transmission in there and call it a day Either way I'm hoping to have a GCM transfer case on the way soon for transfering duties.


I decided I didn't like the look of the original cage, so I cut it off and started over. This time I went for a more traditional design that you would see on a full size Jeep. This cage is also straight within .001" whereas the last cage was a little off (most likely due to heat). I also leaned the A-pillar way back to fit the theme and give the frame a little more edge. I'm still not 100% on this look so I decided to take a break for now, thoughts?

For the purpose of being lazy and setting up a picture the frame is setting on the axles which is close to the future height at full compression. I'll add in some 1/8" bump stops later once I get the real shock towers soldered in. Ground clearance should be right at 3" upon completion.



Also pictured are the badass CAC beadlocks I scored from a member here. The tires will be replaced with Roc Lox soon, and I'm looking into new hardware.

[rckjeep]

coming from someone who drives a real CJ daily, I must say that A piller is sloped back way to fair. My windsheild is set at 67.5* (I just went and checked).

[EeePee]

Originally Posted by Highmark

Always appreciate the comments dudes, good to see some old farts kicking around.


I'm still undecided about the R2 transmission;

You will very likely toast the internals in the transmission with that motor. Unless it's the second version, then it might take a little longer.

That is one sloped A pillar for sure.

[Highmark]

Originally Posted by rckjeep

coming from someone who drives a real CJ daily, I must say that A piller is sloped back way to fair. My windsheild is set at 67.5* (I just went and checked).

Cool, thanks for the measurement on that too! It won't take to long to cut it off and build a new one

Originally Posted by EeePee

You will very likely toast the internals in the transmission with that motor. Unless it's the second version, then it might take a little longer.

Haha, sounds like I need to invest in a axial then. This one is a dig R2, I just removed the dig.

[country_crawler]

Nice CJ! Fixing to start my own CJ build once I can get enough parts gathered!

[Highmark]

Thanks man! Good luck!

[Grizzly4x4]

Originally Posted by Highmark

If I was a real badass I would stick a Stampede transmission in there and call it a day

That would be badass for sure.
I've still got a couple rigs with those in them.

[ALTERED IMAGE]

Dang bro where have you been?? Nice work so far on the cage, looking forward to see more

[Highmark]

Originally Posted by Grizzly4x4

That would be badass for sure.
I've still got a couple rigs with those in them.

Actually looking at ebay today I realized you can pick a brand new all steel one for around $40 shipped ... can't do any better than that

I bought two

Originally Posted by ALTERED IMAGE

Dang bro where have you been?? Nice work so far on the cage, looking forward to see more

Hey man! College has really slowed me down, I've been averaging 15-18 hours worth of classes a semester sometimes with two jobs. No build space has killed me too, this rig is being built on trips home only.

Thanks!

[rckjeep]

Originally Posted by Highmark

Hey man! College has really slowed me down, I've been averaging 15-18 hours worth of classes a semester sometimes with two jobs. No build space has killed me too, this rig is being built on trips home only.

Thanks!

Man have I been there, I built Mugsy in about a year & half in a bout 3 different places. I even brought it work at Flowmaster and welded some stuff on my breaks. Keep up the good work and good luck with school.

[Highmark]

Originally Posted by rckjeep

Man have I been there, I built Mugsy in about a year & half in a bout 3 different places. I even brought it work at Flowmaster and welded some stuff on my breaks. Keep up the good work and good luck with school.

Hahah that's pretty awesome and thanks ;)

Headed home Sunday for another build-athon.

[Highmark]

I'm looking forward to getting some major work done today but in the mean-time here's some of the goodies I have planned:

Stampede Transmission (as promised) of the VXL (All Steel Gear variety) :



GCM Transfer case, I'm pretty excited about this one, supposedly they're pretty stout.



Also got some MIP drive shafts - now I need to take a look inside those TLT axles.


My goal is to have the major tube work done today as well.

[rckjeep]

Well, what'd you come up with? I wanna check this out. I love the T case, but not sure about using such a large tranny when you are using a T case.

[Highmark]

Originally Posted by rckjeep

Well, what'd you come up with? I wanna check this out. I love the T case, but not sure about using such a large tranny when you are using a T case.

Late update I know ... Dad's 66' lost a rod and we only have so long before Good Guys in Columbus to get the car back together and at 100%. It's been a crazy week! Plus it's been so cold and in Kentucky:


(picture from Jan)

Here are the updates:

I cut the A-pillar out for the second time and went for something more realistic. Third times a charm?



Added the beginnings of the cab's triangulation.



GRRRRRR



The stance at full compression - if I've done my math right the Rok Lox should just touch the fenders.



And one more just because I got a Flickr account:



Still looks kind of odd, but I need to wait until I have more parts in hand before I can get anything else done. I have a big chunk of derlin headed my way to finnish the boat sides and skid plate and I just picked up a media blasting booth for the garage at home. This is going to be one strong chassis!



Also started over on the shock hoops but ran out of silver solder and I don't have my shocks just yet to finnish them. They will have flat tops made from 1/8" X 1/4" plate steel eventually with plenty of adjustability (speed holes).

In regards to the transmission, I've measured but I'm still a little worried about fitting it in there with such a low hood. Worst case scenario I'll buy/hack up an aluminum case for it and make it work old school! I'm also not at all worried about weight on this thing, no real plans to compete unless I get the chance to go to Montana next year.