89 Wrangler (YJ) - Project "Barbie's Jeep" (Update 7-05-2011)

[mrclean]

Here's the concept:  Started with a pretty much rust-free 89 YJ with a 2.5, 5-speed, and a 231 tcase.  Took a hit to the driver's front which blew out the tire, broke the driver's leaf, bent the knuckle, and exploded the tcase.  At first I was just going to put it back together, throw some 33's on it and drive it.   Plans changed as I came across some new 4" springs (to go with the 2" body lift) and I decided to try to find some 35-36's.  Next, I fell into a good deal on a TBI 350/700R4/231 combo that basically comes with everything I need to make it work/run in the jeep.  Lastly, during a night of "bench racing", someone asked what color I should paint it.  My response, "why not pink?"  At first it was a joke, but the idea grew on me and I think I'm going to paint it like Barbie's jeep and wheel the crap out of it.  Plus I think it'll make for some pretty good trail stories (who want's to be the one pulled out by the bright pink Barbie jeep??  )  Anyways, here's some pics of where I started and where it's at now.  

*Edit: Can't seem to load the pictures as attachments because they are too large.  I'll put them in my photobucket tomorrow and then post them.*

The day I brought it home


During the install of 4" springs


As it currently sits


Test fit with 35's

[madkmart]

sound awesome cant wait to see pictures

[mathew21]

Sounds Cool Travis. But we need pictures.



Matt

[Plop]

Cool. It looks like it is in the exact same condition mine is except you have white doors.

[Big-Al]

WOW    ''PINK''     REALLY............       

[mrclean]

*Update 12-1-09*
Not huge progress, but little by little it's getting there.  I'm currently working on an 03 Rubicon for a friend so time on my YJ is very little at the moment.  I picked up some 35's from another member on here and mounted them up last night (it's handy having a tire machine, even if it is old).  Cleaned them up a little bit today on some spare rims that I had and I like the look of it.  It's not road worthy yet, but hopefully will be by the 12th (SwampStomper Christmas party).  I would like to say "thanks" for the nice comments.  That's one of the reasons I posted a build thread here.  On other sites, they would just flame me for not building a buggy or because of the color I want to run.  Here, it's just about individual respect for what each other does and likes (with some fun and laughter too!!)

[Plop]

Its cool that you are replacing the color of the Jeep. Red is the most over used and most common color for these wranglers.

[SUCKYJUNK]

Looks good, do you have the small block setup in there yet?

[MORGZILLA!]

theres nothing wrong with driving a pink truck.. ive pulled people out with my pink truck!

[Bigdaddy]

loookin good! travis!

[mrclean]

Looks good, do you have the small block setup in there yet?

Not yet.  It'll probably be spring before I start to tackle that.  I want to make sure I have everything else set up the way I want it because when I do the engine swap, it'll be the perfect time to tear it down and paint it.

[mrclean]

theres nothing wrong with driving a pink truck.. ive pulled people out with my pink truck!

Actually I considered buying your Bronco because it is Pink already lol.  Part of the pink is for the stories it'll lead to.  I can see it now "Yea Ed, I had to have the Barbie Jeep pull me out.  I feel soo ashamed"  lmao

[mrclean]

loookin good! travis!

Thanks Bigdaddy!

[betterbeaters]

nice jeep!! I have been looking for one like that!!

[BIG TODD]

lookn good man

[Groundhawger]

looks good

[TBigLug]

Jeep!

[Cannaert]

Sweet.  Someone has the balls to paint there rig a girly color.

I am not going to lie but there used to be a pink TJ that drove around Hartland. I always wanted to buy it and Put a stickers on the sides saying REAL MEN DRIVE PINK JEEPS.

I would so drive Morgan's Bronco btw.

[Fraser]

Sweet.  Someone has the balls to paint there rig a girly color.

I am not going to lie but there used to be a pink TJ that drove around Hartland. I always wanted to buy it and Put a stickers on the sides saying REAL MEN DRIVE PINK JEEPS.

I would so drive Morgan's Bronco btw.

i seen that thing today. thats so not the greatest thing to admit btw 

[middleroadBOB]

looks good