Thanks! And yup quadratec rubicon extreme wheels. Not a big fan of quadratec but I like these wheels and the price especially with the 10% discount during their tent sale.Quadratec wheels?
The trailer looks good.
What did you do to your TJ today?
- Thread starter LJRubiconGuy
- Start date
This one is a aluminum folding trailer from northern tool that was pretty much new I picked up off craigslist. Harbor freight sells a steel folding one for like $250. You can google kayak trailer harbor freight and get many ideas. Basically a plywood deck, some 2x4s and 1x6s, and 1.5” pvc tubing (added 1’ aluminum box tube inside for more rigidity and strength). Put my kayak J carriers on it and it was done. Optional but I replaced the ply tires with a better set of rubber ones and added a trailer jack. All in all probably spent around $700. I’m pleased with it. And best part is I can take it apart and fold it up in the winter months.
Looks great. Pretty much same blueprint as I had in my head. My trailer is only rated for 1170 lbs but I don’t plan on trailer anything close to that. I paid $400 for this one which retails for $600+ on the northern tool site. I liked it was aluminum and already assembled for me lol. The heaviest I would tow would maybe be my tractor mower to the shop only a mile away if anything. I do plan on ordering some bearing buddies next time I plan to pack the bearings, maybe next year.
Vidar
TJ Enthusiast
Took the Jeep out for a test drive today. Stopped by the machine shop that did the block and head work to show it off. They were thoroughly impressed, said it’s one of the quietest 4.0s they’ve ever heard.
Afterwards I swung by my mechanic’s shop to show it off to him. He walked out and thought I bought a new Jeep before he realized I rebuilt it! Feels great to impress the pros.
Pic of the engine just to show it off!
Afterwards I swung by my mechanic’s shop to show it off to him. He walked out and thought I bought a new Jeep before he realized I rebuilt it! Feels great to impress the pros.
Pic of the engine just to show it off!
Install these mirrors for riding with the doors off.
grumblebee
TJ Enthusiast
My GraBars style grab handles came in today. They are solid steel like the name brand ones and feel heavy and sturdy.
I mowed my side yard at lunch so I could take Jeep pictures after work in the setting sun. I soon realized I didn't need to let the sun get as low as I wanted because by that time the mosquitoes would eat me alive, so no cool long exposure tripod shots with the lights on this time. I wanted some true before pics, so I parked the Jeep and the ran back in the garage and brought out the parts to put in place temporarily just for the photos — the bumper end caps, pass. fender flare, and JEEP piece by grille aren't actually attached.
I'll post more in my build thread, but here is one:
The Jeep isn't washed, so I have no idea how it looks like it's got a deep shine in spots. It actually has a lot of "spiderweb" swirls and dirt all over it, gonna really clean it up and compound and polish it eventually since I think it's only been washed twice in 10 years.
Not sure where detailing is gonna fall on my list yet, probably when all the fender flares and bumpers are off for repaint. Now that I have the pictures done I can really start taking a lot of stuff off. Didn't want to regret not having before pics!
Can anyone tell me the name or function of the piece that's under the front bumper? Maybe it's just another piece tying the bumper to the frame to make towing safer? The back of it has kind of a wide flattened U shape piece, here is a better photo that shows the part under the Jeep that you can't see from the front (it also mounts under the bumper):
I mowed my side yard at lunch so I could take Jeep pictures after work in the setting sun. I soon realized I didn't need to let the sun get as low as I wanted because by that time the mosquitoes would eat me alive, so no cool long exposure tripod shots with the lights on this time. I wanted some true before pics, so I parked the Jeep and the ran back in the garage and brought out the parts to put in place temporarily just for the photos — the bumper end caps, pass. fender flare, and JEEP piece by grille aren't actually attached.
I'll post more in my build thread, but here is one:
The Jeep isn't washed, so I have no idea how it looks like it's got a deep shine in spots. It actually has a lot of "spiderweb" swirls and dirt all over it, gonna really clean it up and compound and polish it eventually since I think it's only been washed twice in 10 years.
Not sure where detailing is gonna fall on my list yet, probably when all the fender flares and bumpers are off for repaint. Now that I have the pictures done I can really start taking a lot of stuff off. Didn't want to regret not having before pics!Can anyone tell me the name or function of the piece that's under the front bumper? Maybe it's just another piece tying the bumper to the frame to make towing safer? The back of it has kind of a wide flattened U shape piece, here is a better photo that shows the part under the Jeep that you can't see from the front (it also mounts under the bumper):
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I broke my filler neck bezel thing today, ordered the replacement already but thats what I did to my TJ today, aside from driving it.
I really like the look of the YJ wheels on there.My GraBars style grab handles came in today. They are solid steel like the name brand ones and feel heavy and sturdy.
I mowed my side yard at lunch so I could take Jeep pictures after work in the setting sun. I soon realized I didn't need to let the sun get as low as I wanted because by that time the mosquitoes would eat me alive, so no cool long exposure tripod shots with the lights on this time. I wanted some true before pics, so I parked the Jeep and the ran back in the garage and brought out the parts to put in place temporarily just for the photos — the bumper end caps, pass. fender flare, and JEEP piece by grille aren't actually attached.
I'll post more in my build thread, but here is one:
View attachment 170797
The Jeep isn't washed, so I have no idea how it looks like it's got a deep shine in spots. It actually has a lot of "spiderweb" swirls and dirt all over it, gonna really clean it up and compound and polish it eventually since I think it's only been washed twice in 10 years.
Can anyone tell me the name of that protective piece that's under the front bumper, the back of it has kind of a wide flattened U shape piece, here is a better photo that shows the part under the Jeep that you can't see from the front:
View attachment 170800
Also, it looks like a brace or support for the bumper since your jeep is set up for towing.
Last weekend I scored a factory soft top, complete except for the brackets that bolt to the cage and body, for $150. Used once when they got their LJ new. wife didn't like it, so into the rafters it went. No, I didn't get the soft top on today, but I built this to store the hard top on when I pull it off this weekend.
grumblebee
TJ Enthusiast
Thanks! They were on it when I got it. It's for sure a unique look. haha
Ah, that sounds pretty plausible. That grandpa's dream of an A-frame tow hitch and original bumper are coming off and I'm going to put a new bumper on, so I'm debating on putting that extra piece back on or not (for sure taking it off to repaint). It definitely makes the stock bumper look more beefy, which I like. Will just have to see how it looks with the new bumper before deciding.
Guess it depends on what bumper you put on. If it's an aftermarket bumper, it prob won't even fit...
Just finished installing the rubicrawler since AA got me the parts I need.
Need to fill the tranny back up and hope nothing leaks. All the cables are adjusted and working nicely.
Need to fill the tranny back up and hope nothing leaks. All the cables are adjusted and working nicely.
I just found the LJ page and figured I'd say hi.
I was really hoping to see some LJ specific rear storage mods. I want to keep the rear seat, but I'd like some kind of compartment organizer for the toolbag, cooler, and other random stuff in the big ass LJ trunk.
Also, I guess mine is the baby of the group, we hit 50k on the way home from Utah
I was really hoping to see some LJ specific rear storage mods. I want to keep the rear seat, but I'd like some kind of compartment organizer for the toolbag, cooler, and other random stuff in the big ass LJ trunk.
Also, I guess mine is the baby of the group, we hit 50k on the way home from Utah
Got my parts from the UPS truck about 8:30p. Installed JKS disconnects up front, pretty straightforward job, no issues. Took the opportunity to recenter my steering wheel as well. The JKS rear angled track bar bracket was a bitch. Didn't fit well, holes didn't line up 100% but I got it bolted on after a little fighting with a 4# hammer and a drill bit or two. Had to spread it out a bit to get the Johnny Joint in. The Core 4x4 track bar clears the fuel tank now, but it hits the exhaust pretty hard. I have an email in to them about issue with this bar. #1 its too long at 3/4" over stock at the shortest. #2 the bend seems to kinda suck. I got it in, with a pry bar and a buddy helping on the jack. Waiting to see what they do before I go to the exhaust shop for a work around. It'll self clearance I guess. The pretty paint is fucked anyway from fighting it. I know @JMT had similar issues and they sent out another bar. Will see if he is happy with the solution they provide. Maybe I will get the same treatment.
Getting ball joints to replace. Should make the front end more stable. I just have hit something last week that just finished the upper driver one. Good time as any to replace all four and brush off the front end lol
They made one literally exactly 1/2” shorter. I got it installed and my axle is centered. So I didn’t fubar it I stuffed an old towel over the exhaust and gas tank skid. My exhaust is modified. I didn’t have time to cycle the suspension. I did before and it cleared, so I think it will be fine. Went off-road last night. I’m going to go check if it scraped the exhaust during the excursion. I’ll get back
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Removed the original factory battery cables (20+ years old); battery clamps were in really bad condition.
Built new battery cables using 4 ga fine stranded cabling; starter to the battery and block to the battery.
The eyelets are fusion connectors or copper that are soldered and/or crimped.
Added split wire loom to the cables for abrasion protection.
The battery clamps are Prime 4x4 military style.
Built new battery cables using 4 ga fine stranded cabling; starter to the battery and block to the battery.
The eyelets are fusion connectors or copper that are soldered and/or crimped.
Added split wire loom to the cables for abrasion protection.
The battery clamps are Prime 4x4 military style.
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