GATORB8 LJ Build

Yup, part of working on TJ's is becoming a stripped/broken bolt extractor expert!

Damn things are $15 each?!?. Have a feeling McMaster is going to be my friend on fastener replacements. Whish I would have measured and thread checked these last night so I can get them coming.
 
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Damn things are $15 each?!?. Have a feeling McMaster is going to be my friend on fastener replacements. Whish I would have measured and thread checked these last night so I can get them coming.

Have you hit up davey's or dead jeeps? Maybe they have coffee cans with hardware?

Or the guys here doing part outs?
 
Have you hit up davey's or dead jeeps? Maybe they have coffee cans with hardware?

Or the guys here doing part outs?

Looks like Dead Jeeps may do it.

As I'm learning, there's a bunch of random changes in the last couple years, including the thread pitch of the freaking hinge bolts.
 
So the door hinge bolts are M8x1.25s, everything aftermarket seems to be 5/16-18.

Stainless from McMaster are $.60/ea, so I'll give that a shot, dimensions are a little off.

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Finally pulled the trigger on suspension after many agonizing hours and analysis paralysis.

$$$s are adding up. So I decided to stay on the lower end for the first season or two.

Ordered the Barnes 3/4 link kit and rear coil bucket relocation. Plan to cut the LJ tank xmember out and push it back to the TJ one, stretch the rear around 4" if the 14 bolt will clear and leave the front factory ish for now.

Probably against my better judgement and will cost me more in the long run, but I'm going to stay coil/shock for right now.

We'll see how everything measures out, but per Barnes I'll need a 2" variance from standard front to rear to accommodate the raised front coil mounts on the 60. Assuming I'm going to need a dual rate to get enough free length out the front.
 
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Spent the weekend sanding and spraying and spreading and sanding and cussing and sanding.

Somehow I can get some of the clear to look good, and the rest is super orange peeled, hoping wet sanding takes it out and turns out well. One door and the hinges left to spray tonight.

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Spent the weekend sanding and spraying and spreading and sanding and cussing and sanding.

Somehow I can get some of the clear to look good, and the rest is super orange peeled, hoping wet sanding takes it out and turns out well. One door and the hinges left to spray tonight.

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Looking pretty good. Keep going - but also check out your driveway or any parking lot and look over new vehicles - even brand new vehicles also have orange peel.

Just something to think about - especially for a home job.
 
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Spent the weekend sanding and spraying and spreading and sanding and cussing and sanding.

Somehow I can get some of the clear to look good, and the rest is super orange peeled, hoping wet sanding takes it out and turns out well. One door and the hinges left to spray tonight.

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... you know with aluminum all you have to do is hit it with some scotch brite every once in a while... ;-) Good as new :-)...
 
@NashvilleTJ i know I should research/measure myself, but figured you may be able to answer me in 2 seconds. With the 14 bolt rear, if I go coilovers would you do a frenched rear frame mount or get a mount that’s “cutout” to sit on the frame?

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@NashvilleTJ i know I should research/measure myself, but figured you may be able to answer me in 2 seconds. With the 14 bolt rear, if I go coilovers would you do a frenched rear frame mount or get a mount that’s “cutout” to sit on the frame?

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Depends on the 14 bolt. Mine is 68” WMS, but I don’t think I could get away without frenching the mount. I run a 14” coilover back there, and my main challenge is clearance at the top when the other side drops to full droop.
 
Depends on the 14 bolt. Mine is 68” WMS, but I don’t think I could get away without frenching the mount. I run a 14” coilover back there, and my main challenge is clearance at the top when the other side drops to full droop.

Thanks, I figured that may be an issue. French it is. Appreciate the quick response, saved me a couple hours of research!

I still need to find the time to read your whole build thread, lol. Definitely some great inspiration there.
 
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