2005 LJ Build

FadeToGray · Jun 30, 2019

I purchased the stock LJ from an older couple in Maine, for $6,000 in March of 2019.

As our 3rd vehicle, the goal for the Jeep at the time was to be a fun summer run about, some lite trail use, and something we could use if needed during the New England winters.

How it looked when we brought it home.

FadeToGray · Jun 30, 2019

Next came an OME lift with JKS track bars, sway bar links, new control arms, and ball joints.

Also removed the stock bumpers and replaced them with EAG front and rear, as well as rock sliders.

FadeToGray · Jun 30, 2019

The 30" tires were driving me nuts looks wise with the lift kit, so next came some new 15x8 Rubicon Extreme wheels, wrapped in 33x12.5x15 BFG KO2 tires.

Also purchased a new soft top, and a set of used half doors. Added some Bestop side mirrors to the half doors along with a stubby antenna and new Rugged Ridge fender flares.

FadeToGray · Jun 30, 2019

Once the new wheels and tires were on, I moved to wrapping up a few smaller projects.

Installed a Warn VR8 winch, Raxiom fog lights, Raxiom spot lights, LED headlights, Drake grill insets, an AEV license plate relocation kit in the front, and a Rock Hard kit in the rear.

Also added a Rugged Ridge dash top mulit mount for my phone / storage and Wild Boar grab handles.

FadeToGray · Jun 30, 2019

As she stands right now, just a few poser shots in my driveway.

freebo86 · Jun 30, 2019

Nice looking rig! I have a black 05 LJ as well! What size lift is that with those 33s?

Also, those LED lights do they have a glow ring around them?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

FadeToGray · Jun 30, 2019

freebo86 said:
Nice looking rig! I have a black 05 LJ as well! What size lift is that with those 33s?

Also, those LED lights do they have a glow ring around them?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's only a 2" OME lift, but we don't do anything extreme with it, so it works for me.

The headlights are the WHDZ LED units, and they don't have a glow ring.

MountaineerTom · Jun 30, 2019

Nice transformation. The way you're running your soft top is my favorite configuration here in SC. If I'm going far from home in that configuration and they weather might be sketchy, I have a Clover Patch brand window roll storage thing to protect and store the side windows so I can quickly put the windows in if needed. I usually just roll the rear widow up.

A few questions:

1) Did you get LD or HD springs? I put the HD springs (2933 front, 2942 rear) and got 2-1/2"'s of lift. I did have to add a spacer in the front to make up some of the rake it had from my front bumper/winch plate/winch combo. I used another factory spring isolator stacked on top of the one already there. It was about 3/4".

2) How does your auto do with the 33's? I didn't see you mention regearing, so I'm guessing you still have the 3.73's. I'm considering 33's and a 1-1/4" body lift in the future to go with my OME lift.

3) How are those Bestop mirrors, as far as shaking/vibrating? I have some half doors that is a future project that I'll need to eventually get mirrors for.

4) Are you thinking about selling those factory steps?

FadeToGray · Jun 30, 2019

MountaineerTom said:
Nice transformation. The way you're running your soft top is my favorite configuration here in SC. If I'm going far from home in that configuration and they weather might be sketchy, I have a Clover Patch brand window roll storage thing to protect and store the side windows so I can quickly put the windows in if needed. I usually just roll the rear widow up.

A few questions:

1) Did you get LD or HD springs? I put the HD springs (2933 front, 2942 rear) and got 2-1/2"'s of lift. I did have to add a spacer in the front to make up some of the rake it had from my front bumper/winch plate/winch combo. I used another factory spring isolator stacked on top of the one already there. It was about 3/4".

2) How does your auto do with the 33's? I didn't see you mention regearing, so I'm guessing you still have the 3.73's. I'm considering 33's and a 1-1/4" body lift in the future to go with my OME lift.

3) How are those Bestop mirrors, as far as shaking/vibrating? I have some half doors that is a future project that I'll need to eventually get mirrors for.

4) Are you thinking about selling those factory steps?

1. I ordered the heavy duty springs since I knew I'd be adding some weight to the Jeep.

2. I definitely noticed a hit to the Jeeps power, but its tolerable for me. No plans to re-gear. I also have 198K miles on my 4.0, so I'm sure its not running at peak HP these days.

3. They have been great, no shaking at all. The Bestop ones seemed to be the best rated, so that's why I selected them and have been happy with the purchase.

4. Do you mean the steps I took off to install the rock sliders? If so, I threw them away unfortunately.

MountaineerTom · Jun 30, 2019

Yes, the ones you took off.

Dang! : )

MountaineerTom · Jun 30, 2019

Oh, one more thing. The Bestop mirrors; do they fold in like the factory ones? The reason I ask is I seen on amazon, under the notes for if it fits your vehicle, it says “solid arm”. Just want to confirm they do fold.

bluejeep · Jul 31, 2019

wait...what!!!!! you bought a2005 lj for...…..wait for it.………$6000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris · Jul 31, 2019

It's coming along nicely. Looks great with just the bikini top on there and the half doors. I don't think I've seen many LJs with half doors.

FadeToGray · Apr 19, 2020

A few updated photos of the Jeep since I went to "bright white" for the paint color and clear signal lenses in the front.

Need to repaint the headlight bezels. I had wanted to leave them black, but the paint shot hit them with the white. I think it will look a lot better with the black contrast there.