TJ dash in a YJ

[Ted_Grevers]

I'm curious if anyone has done this. As part of my fiberglass tub swap, I thought it would be an interesting install. I'd go as far as installing the airbag system while I'm in there. Probably be a 99 or newer donor dash.

Anyone done a dash swap?

I've searched, and found a ton of stuff that didn't apply, so, I'm outright asking.

-Ted

[Randall Edge]

There are 3 different clusters used in TJ's AFAIK. '97 - '00, '01 - '02, '03 - '06. The cluster is driven by the PCM, so you will want to use a TJ PCM and harness. The PCM must be the same type as the cluster, meaning a '97 - '00 PCM will only work with a '97 - '00 cluster and a '01 and newer PCM will only work with a '01 and newer cluster.

Your YJ will need to have a CPS to make the PCM happy if it doesn't already have one. The TJ went dissy in '00, so if you want to use a '00 and newer PCM you will need the coil rail and distributor too. There is probably more that is needed, but that's all I can think of now. Basically what you want to do is wire your engine up just like a TJ. All the stuff that is plugged into a TJ engine you will need.

[Ted_Grevers]

There are 3 different clusters used in TJ's AFAIK. '97 - '00, '01 - '02, '03 - '06. The cluster is driven by the PCM, so you will want to use a TJ PCM and harness. The PCM must be the same type as the cluster, meaning a '97 - '00 PCM will only work with a '97 - '00 cluster and a '01 and newer PCM will only work with a '01 and newer cluster.

Your YJ will need to have a CPS to make the PCM happy if it doesn't already have one. The TJ went dissy in '00, so if you want to use a '00 and newer PCM you will need the coil rail and distributor too. There is probably more that is needed, but that's all I can think of now. Basically what you want to do is wire your engine up just like a TJ. All the stuff that is plugged into a TJ engine you will need.

So, I think I may be ok then... I have the Mopar MPI kit installed on my YJ now, so, I've got some of the battle out of the way. I guess this would be one of those projects that I just have to jump into to find out of I can make it work. I'll wait to see if anyone has actually done this.

-Ted

[Berean100]

Sounds like it would be easier to just do it backwards... just buy a TJ & install leaf springs and square headlights! :pokin: :jump:

[JustPassinThru]

TJ dash in a YJ
I'm curious if anyone has done this. As part of my fiberglass tub swap, I thought it would be an interesting install. I'd go as far as installing the airbag system while I'm in there. Probably be a 99 or newer donor dash.

I know I shouldn't ask this...but WHY?

The dash, more than anything...the operator's cabin...was what soured me on the whole TJ thing. It didn't feel like a Jeep. It felt like a Plymouth...miles of plastic pillowing all around me...yep, a noisy, rough-riding Plymouth.

But...your money, your Jeep.

As for airbags on a fiberglass body...how are you going to put in the sensors? The sensors, as I understand it, are actuated by "crush zones." A fiberglass body, if you get hit, it's just gonna explode into shards.

Then...will the tub be ABLE to handle the force of the airbags?...or will it push the firewall forward or the seat back or the doors off?

THEN...where are you going to find a wrecked '99 that has NOT had the airbags deployed? Even the worst of the TJs aren't rusted into junk yet.

[Ted_Grevers]

I know I shouldn't ask this...but WHY?

The dash, more than anything...the operator's cabin...was what soured me on the whole TJ thing. It didn't feel like a Jeep. It felt like a Plymouth...miles of plastic pillowing all around me...yep, a noisy, rough-riding Plymouth.

But...your money, your Jeep.

As for airbags on a fiberglass body...how are you going to put in the sensors? The sensors, as I understand it, are actuated by "crush zones." A fiberglass body, if you get hit, it's just gonna explode into shards.

Then...will the tub be ABLE to handle the force of the airbags?...or will it push the firewall forward or the seat back or the doors off?

THEN...where are you going to find a wrecked '99 that has NOT had the airbags deployed? Even the worst of the TJs aren't rusted into junk yet.

I guess I should re-think this then, because it is a Jeep, and people never do anything "unique" to a Jeep.

I like the idea of Air Bags in a Jeep, and, I may just move to a TJ, and have my axles redone for coil springs.

I need to investigate the air bag sensors more, because it's my understanding that the airbag control module (only 1 per vehicle) is that little silver box in front of the gear shift lever inside the cab mounted on the transmission hump. It's calibrated to sense shock to the vehicle, so, if it gets hit hard enough, it will work, crumple zones or not. Most accidents are from the front half of the vehicle, and, a hit to the front bumper, regardless of the body type, would create enough shock to trip that sensor. I'm pretty confident of that.

I'm not worried about what will happen to the vehicle if the air bags go off, I'd be more concerned about myself and passengers. If a vehicle gets hit hard enough to set off the air bags, fiberglass or not, it's probably hard enough to hurt a passenger.

I'm open to the move from an AMC inspired dash to something newer, and influenced by Chrysler. I have nothing against the current dash in my YJ, just thought it would be interesting to do something different. I guess you could look at it like those who decide to put CJ front clips on a YJ... Something influenced you to do something "different".

-Ted

[LeadFoot]

Sounds like an interesting idea for sure, but I guess I'm with Justpassinthru. It seems silly to me to create un-needed work, especially if there is nothing wrong with your current dash. My 8-10 hour days working as a mechanic has me wired so that unless its 100% broken or falling apart, leave it the hell alone to it does. LOL

[zman]

Ususally its the other way around, YJ owners want a CJ dash. Anyways sounds like alot of work. As mentioned buy a TJ, it will probably be cheaper and ride better.

zman

[heavyarms642]

I would be worried about coming off a ledge too hard or something out in the desert and the air bag going off in my face because of that shock sensor. I am also with JustPassinThru about the plastic thing, I already don't like the amount of it in the YJ dash.....to move to a TJ dash would just be....:sousy: (for me anyway)

As per zman, most YJ owners move to a total lack of plastic if a dash renovation is on the to-do list. Do you not like the idea of a CJ style dash, or just want an airbag?

[JustPassinThru]

I guess I should re-think this then, because it is a Jeep, and people never do anything "unique" to a Jeep.

There's unique, and then there's unique. The Hummer wrap on Wranglers...that's "unique." Low-rider Wranglers with no-profile rubber-band tires...they're "unique."

Your money, your jeep. Have you lived with a TJ? You may want to see about renting one for a few days to see if you really like that dash setup.

I like the idea of Air Bags in a Jeep, and, I may just move to a TJ, and have my axles redone for coil springs.

I need to investigate the air bag sensors more, because it's my understanding that the airbag control module (only 1 per vehicle) is that little silver box in front of the gear shift lever inside the cab mounted on the transmission hump. It's calibrated to sense shock to the vehicle, so, if it gets hit hard enough, it will work, crumple zones or not. Most accidents are from the front half of the vehicle, and, a hit to the front bumper, regardless of the body type, would create enough shock to trip that sensor. I'm pretty confident of that.

You may be better versed than me on it. My info comes from my wrench, who tried to explain why some but not all accidents deploy those pillows...and why they don't go off in some pretty dramatic wrecks.

I for one wouldn't want that thing in my face...in my car, I have no choice. I'm glad I don't have to worry about it in my YJ...I wear the three-point harness religiously; and stories I have heard about face/jaw/eye injuries from airbags don't inspire confidence. Nor the stories about children killed from deployment.

If it's really just the airbag you want, maybe you could save yourself some wear and tear and just put in a TJ steering column and associated wiring.

I'm not worried about what will happen to the vehicle if the air bags go off, I'd be more concerned about myself and passengers. If a vehicle gets hit hard enough to set off the air bags, fiberglass or not, it's probably hard enough to hurt a passenger.

Fair enough. In a serious wreck the body will be toast, any case. What I'm trying to drive home is what happens to the occupants when the Big Balloon explodes and blows the doors, latches, hinges and all off the tub; or if the cowl breaks and then the airbag misdirects...right to the heads of passengers.

I'm open to the move from an AMC inspired dash to something newer, and influenced by Chrysler. I have nothing against the current dash in my YJ, just thought it would be interesting to do something different. I guess you could look at it like those who decide to put CJ front clips on a YJ... Something influenced you to do something "different".

-Ted

I can overlook the dig because I'm used to it :argru2: . I'd like something different from the "plastic-fantastic" that AMC put into the YJ (on the cheap) also...but weighing my options didn't bring up much. A CJ dash would either cost me the defroster or give me grief in fitting a CJ windshield frame in...and I'd lose the line-of-sight speedo and tach in the process. Not an improvement.

Best bet is a custom dash; and that's gonna have to wait.

I understand your desire for improvement. But is what you want really an improvement? Be sure you think it is.

[Hubjeep]

Does it always seem greener on the other side? :puzzled: :D

I definitely understand your desire to do something "different" in this sea of bolt-together Jeeps, I feel the same way. ;)

[alswope]

I haven't seen a yj front clip on a tj yet. I have a hood and grill in storage b/c I'm going to do it some day. if you got the motovation for the dash project, go for it.

[magsnubby]

Well i suppose if you really want to be different you could put a '57 Chevy dash in it.

[brock1949]

I hate to jump on board to going agaist the idea because i myself thought about putting a TJ dash in or actually a TJ body tub and dash on a YJ frame.. back when i thought my frame was good.. However i do think if your planning on putting a working air bag in then you need to perfectly recreate the settings of a tj's seating measurements. Either allowing the seat to high or to low or centering of the bags to the seats. I feel if any of these measures aren't calculated for then you will be putting the force of the air bag into the wrong areas and possible directing you bodies is worse positions.. like toward doors or toward each other etc..

Also i don't have the book handy or the guy who knows this stuff off the top of his head but figure a 55-65mph wreck and your body weight hitting the steering column your going to need to build a cage under the steering wheel probably connected to the frame in order to support the force of the impace.

Like i said i hate to even post more negative because i know its probably a simple thought being blow out of the water by 50 people attacking.. I think it could be done but just take the measures to recreate the geometry and strenght of the entire thing.