Red Rider

[SCH]

Hello all, wasn’t sure to post this in the general forums or a build thread. New guy here.

I already posted this in the introduction thread but just some background.

“I just picked up a 2004 Sport for my son who just turned 16. Want to start a mild father/ son project with it. It’s stock and pretty clean. I currently have a 1975 CJ 5 and have built a few other 4x4s but this is our first TJ.”

Starting this build with my son in the next few weeks and will start ordering parts but wanted some opinions. I’ve done a good amount of searching so please let me know if I’m on the correct path.

The goal is to have a good handling jeep for my son that can do some mild wheeling. Nothing hardcore but the easier stuff in Big Bear, Lyttle Creek etc….

The plan:
3-4 in suspension lift and 33s.
Was thinking about a kit but I’m probably going to piece it together (seeing a lot of recommendations on that).

Going to do all 8 arms with a new front track bar. Rear with a bracket and a new track bar if needed. Unsure on brand, seems like Currie is the best? But I’ve also been looking at JKS, Clayton, Rusty’s etc…… as I like the maintenance free rubber joints. ?

Never been a huge fan of body lifts so I was thinking all springs and a SYE W/ driveshaft. I could always add one later especially if I wanted to run 35s.

It’s the 4 speed auto and 35 rear which wouldn’t be my choice but I’m on the fence about finding a 44 before I re-gear. I’m thinking 4.88s to keep the auto happy as well as a cooler.

Any thoughts so far and thanks in advance

 

[Rancho LJ]

Lucky boy that SCH Jr. Good luck with the build!
 

 

[SCH]

Small update. I ordered some parts today with the hope of getting to wrenching in the next week or so.

On the way
From JKS
8 adjustable control arms
3 inch springs with their shocks
Rear track bar with bracket for SYE
Front sway bar disconnects
Rear adjustable sway bar links

I figure at 3” I can always at a body lift, MML and tummy tuck if needed.

Still on the fence about which front track bar I want.

Also, anyone have a preference for a SYE? So far I’m looking at Adams, Advance Adapter, JB…. Seems like so many of them look the same. Probably won’t go super short though. Thanks

 

[SCH]

Started the front end today and it was great to have my son start getting his hands dirty. It’s his Jeep so I feel it’s necessary for him to see how this stuff come out and goes in.

Suspension looks stock height but I think it had a lift on it at some point. Had a 2 inch front bump stop on it which basically allowed 0 up travel. Also had a second hole drilled next to the original track bar bracket. Lastly it has the rear track bar raised on the axle end which explains why it would kiss the gas tank skid.

Gotta love these surprises from the previous owners.

 

[SCH]

Celebrating the small victories.

 

[SCH]

A bit more progress made.

With JKS’s lack of urgency for shipping things I panicked and went with RC 2.5 inch springs and shocks to get this thing driving. Normally I wouldn’t but my kid gets his license in a week and I couldn’t wait. I figured I could get phase one done with the arms and track bars done and change springs and shocks down the line as needed.

It snowballed backwards on me kind of. I couldn’t get it driving on a bigger lift without the higher springs, I couldn’t order the driveshaft without the springs installed, and thus I couldn’t run the SYE without knowing my final ride height so…….

So far it’s on the RC springs and shocks, JKS front lower arms, track bar and sway bar links (which are less than impressive).

Still waiting on the rest of the arms but it drives much better with no vibes up to 50 mph. Next step will be to replace all the arms and get tires.

Following that will be gears and a locker and or LS. I’m still hunting for a Dana 44 rear but if that’s not around I’ll go the super 35 route I guess. Biggest tire this thing will see is a 33.

 

[SCH]

Slowly coming along but still waiting on some more parts. Just put on some Falken AT-4 in 33x12.15 on some Mammoth 15x8s.

Tried to flex a bit near my house just to see how the 33s would clear with the 2.5 in springs.