Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

I think I need an LJ

gbirk

gbirk

TJ Enthusiast
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Joined
Apr 29, 2019
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775
Location
Oregon
I think I need to upgrade to an LJ and I found one near me, but it has some upgrades that concern me.

1st it has paint matched armor including the rear quarters. Is there any way without removing the armor to know what in under it? Would you ask to remove the armor if you were buying it?

2nd it has a 4.5" Rough Country long arm lift. Rough Country is not known for its quality. Since it is a long arm lift, can I go back to a sort arm setup with a smaller lift easily? How bad is the Rough Country lift? Could I swap the 2.5" list I have on my 2002 TJ into it easily?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1051846173126348/?ref=search&_rdr

Any thoughts/concerns I should have about picking this up besides the atrocious bumpers?
 
Asking price is steep for an LJ with higher mileage. Expect to spend an additional $2,500 to regear to 5.13, which still isn't ideal given the 35" tires and 42rle transmission.

If the frame side control arm brackets were removed then you'll need to install brackets to accommodate a short arm lift.

Personally, I would continue searching as this rig isnt well priced, has higher mileage, and cheap aftermarket components.
 
Duck Doctor said:
Asking price is steep for an LJ with higher mileage. Expect to spend an additional $2,500 to regear to 5.13, which still isn't ideal given the 35" tires and 42rle transmission.

If the frame side control arm brackets were removed then you'll need to install brackets to accommodate a short arm lift.

Personally, I would continue searching as this rig isnt well priced, has higher mileage, and cheap aftermarket components.
Click to expand...

Ya, I have messaged about the axles/gearing. Looks like a Dana 30 under the front. I'm not worried about a regear as my TJ nees one and the LJ would just stand in for that. I am really concerned about damage under the armor and fixing the suspension.
 
gbirk said:
Ya, I have messaged about the axles/gearing. Looks like a Dana 30 under the front. I'm not worried about a regear as my TJ nees one and the LJ would just stand in for that. I am really concerned about damage under the armor and fixing the suspension.
Click to expand...

Why do you think there is damage under the armor? Paint matched costs quite a bit so that’s a nice find.
 
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B00mb00m said:
Why do you think there is damage under the armor? Paint matched costs quite a bit so that’s a nice find.
Click to expand...

True, Just a concern. If I damaged the corners, armor would be a cheap way to cover it up. I'm in Oregon so if it has been local and not at the beach it should be pretty rust free, but I fear the armor could be covering up something j guess.
 
Duck Doctor said:
Asking price is steep for an LJ with higher mileage. Expect to spend an additional $2,500 to regear to 5.13, which still isn't ideal given the 35" tires and 42rle transmission.

If the frame side control arm brackets were removed then you'll need to install brackets to accommodate a short arm lift.

Personally, I would continue searching as this rig isnt well priced, has higher mileage, and cheap aftermarket components.
Click to expand...

$15k seems about what I see for LJs around me going for right now. There are even a couple Rubicon models listed but they want $22k. You think that is too high?
Also, I saw 150k on the clock and thought that was low. My TJ is weeeellll over that!:D

I am still searching, but this one caught my eye because it matches my current color TJ in and out and I have new seats and some other parts I wanted to swap in.
 
gbirk said:
I think I need to upgrade to an LJ and I found one near me, but it has some upgrades that concern me.

1st it has paint matched armor including the rear quarters. Is there any way without removing the armor to know what in under it? Would you ask to remove the armor if you were buying it?

2nd it has a 4.5" Rough Country long arm lift. Rough Country is not known for its quality. Since it is a long arm lift, can I go back to a sort arm setup with a smaller lift easily? How bad is the Rough Country lift? Could I swap the 2.5" list I have on my 2002 TJ into it easily?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1051846173126348/?ref=search&_rdr

Any thoughts/concerns I should have about picking this up besides the atrocious bumpers?
Click to expand...

If you don’t want a long arm you’re going to need to remove the long arm bracketry and weld on new short arm brackets.

I wouldn’t ask to remove the armor but I would ask if there was body damage underneath. Could be.
 
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JMT said:
If you don’t want a long arm you’re going to need to remove the long arm bracketry and weld on new short arm brackets.

I wouldn’t ask to remove the armor but I would ask if there was body damage underneath. Could be.
Click to expand...

Also the body for the most part is easily visible from inside the wheel well if that’s where you’re concerned. Carfax report would give you a good idea if it was in an accident. I purchased mine from insurance auction as wrecked and covered the damage with armor. Things that might indicate damage under armor is tailgate and door gaps and how the soft top fits on the rail.

I should mention even wrecked at auction my LJ cost $8500 with 80k miles in 2017.
 
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B00mb00m said:
Also the body for the most part is easily visible from inside the wheel well if that’s where you’re concerned. Carfax report would give you a good idea if it was in an accident. I purchased mine from insurance auction as wrecked and covered the damage with armor. Things that might indicate damage under armor is tailgate and door gaps and how the soft top fits on the rail.

I should mention even wrecked at auction my LJ cost $8500 with 80k miles in 2017.
Click to expand...

Good tips, Thanks. I should have bought an LJ back in 2019 when I got my TJ, but I don't know what I didn't know. He replied so I don;t think it is a scam. It has stock axles and gearing, so I have to take that into account, but I may go look at it just to see.
 
gbirk said:
I need to stay off FBM, Now I need a Viper: https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...place_top_picks&referral_story_type=top_picks

I had no idea they had gotten this cheap!
Click to expand...

I always wanted a blue one

1753368718066.jpeg
 
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gbirk said:
Good tips, Thanks. I should have bought an LJ back in 2019 when I got my TJ, but I don't know what I didn't know. He replied so I don;t think it is a scam. It has stock axles and gearing, so I have to take that into account, but I may go look at it just to see.
Click to expand...

Just in case you don't know - stock axles in an LJ includes a 44 in the back - so that's a good thing.
 
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lBasket said:
1st Gen death trap on wheels
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I know, but it's so cool! I can finally afford the car I was dreaming about in college.

Ya, ya.....never meet your heroes. I know it drives like crap and will probably kill me taking the 1st corner. It's also a 90s Dodge which means it's built like crap and all the plastic clips in the interior are broken. Just let me dream. Your not my Mom!
 
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gbirk said:
I know, but it's so cool! I can finally afford the car I was dreaming about in college.

Ya, ya.....never meet your heroes. I know it drives like crap and will probably kill me taking the 1st corner. It's also a 90s Dodge which means it's built like crap and all the plastic clips in the interior are broken. Just let me dream. Your not my Mom!
Click to expand...

They're definitely sick and I'd take one too if I could afford it don't get me wrong lol
 
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