I guess it's time to kick off a build thread, this build is well under way and should be rolling down the trails in the next week after two months in my shop. I am no professional, nor a full time mechanic, just spent many decades wrenching for fun and wheeling.
About 6 months ago I scored a good deal on a 102k mile zero rust LJ that already had some upgrades.
After cleaning the black Plastidip off the wheels and a few trips into the hills wheeling, it was time to build it right once, and be done with it.
It started with a 4" Fabtech short arm lift, G2 HP44 Front Axle, 5.38 Gears, Eaton E-Lockers and a Big Brake Kit, and SYE and CV Driveline. The tires were old and dry, 6+ years old, never run more than 2,000 miles in those 6 years, it needed some more upgrades.
I started planning out the build, and contacted TNT Customs in Wyoming looking for some parts, body armor and a long arm upgrade.
After a trip to the powder coater, I started removing body panels, and cutting the fenders out preparing for the long arms and 37" tires.
Then came time to cut the stock suspension out and get started on the long arm upgrade.
Then I had to cut off the stock axle brackets and weld on a truss. After some engine paint the old stock axle is looking pretty new.
Today, just about ready to finish installing the last two links on the rear double triangulated 4 link, and it will sit on some JKS 3" Lift Springs, coming down an inch or so with a 1.25" body lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift. I still have some work to do on removing the factory welds and parts of the upper control arm mounts on the frame.
I had planned to go with a nice dream set of Hutchinson Double Beadlocks, but they are 8-10+ weeks before they ship so I grabbed a cheap used set of wheels to use for now.
This is where I stand right now, still need to finish up the suspension install and hopefully work out the exhaust sometime this week.
About 6 months ago I scored a good deal on a 102k mile zero rust LJ that already had some upgrades.
After cleaning the black Plastidip off the wheels and a few trips into the hills wheeling, it was time to build it right once, and be done with it.
It started with a 4" Fabtech short arm lift, G2 HP44 Front Axle, 5.38 Gears, Eaton E-Lockers and a Big Brake Kit, and SYE and CV Driveline. The tires were old and dry, 6+ years old, never run more than 2,000 miles in those 6 years, it needed some more upgrades.
I started planning out the build, and contacted TNT Customs in Wyoming looking for some parts, body armor and a long arm upgrade.
After a trip to the powder coater, I started removing body panels, and cutting the fenders out preparing for the long arms and 37" tires.
Then came time to cut the stock suspension out and get started on the long arm upgrade.
Then I had to cut off the stock axle brackets and weld on a truss. After some engine paint the old stock axle is looking pretty new.
Today, just about ready to finish installing the last two links on the rear double triangulated 4 link, and it will sit on some JKS 3" Lift Springs, coming down an inch or so with a 1.25" body lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift. I still have some work to do on removing the factory welds and parts of the upper control arm mounts on the frame.
I had planned to go with a nice dream set of Hutchinson Double Beadlocks, but they are 8-10+ weeks before they ship so I grabbed a cheap used set of wheels to use for now.
This is where I stand right now, still need to finish up the suspension install and hopefully work out the exhaust sometime this week.
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