New to Jeeps - Father/Son build

Hello all. I'm here to start building a TJ with my son. Picked up a rusty '99 that need serious work, but has good bones.

I'm not new to wrenching and fabrication. I have a number of unorthodox projects, like shoehorning a 454 into an S10 Blazer.

I'll be asking lots of questions and documenting the build here to record the memories with my son.

Thanks in advance.

 

The look my son is going for is Baja Pre-Runner mixed with original army Jeep.

I want it to be safe, virtually bomb proof, and be the coolest ride in the school parking lot.

Starting with suspension. Looking to do mild lift and stretched wheelbase. Please point us towards information and kits for us to research.

 

The TJ will be a cool ride and a great project but new drivers should also respect the unique steering, braking and maneuverability aspects of a Jeep especially a lifted version.
An initial search and discussion with the staff at Quadratec.com should give you information on a quality lift kit.

 

I was thinking some type of long arm LCG kit. Because it is a 4 banger with a stick, we don't plan on big tires. 2" of "lift" might provide enough clearance if we get a good kit with good articulation. I remember a build on Xtreme 4x4 years ago where they extended the wheelbase with crusher corners and longer arms. I think we could do the tub mods, but I'd prefer a scienced kit for suspension. I've driven some janky crap in my day. I won't subject the kiddo to that.

The good thing is my son is extremely over-cautious about everything.

I will be expanding his budget to make sure the safety stuff is covered. Tires, brakes, seats, belts are in my portion of the project.