Hello, TJers!
As I approach retirement age, I finally purchased my first Jeep back in mid-June. I'd been wanting an LJ ever since they came out, but other hobbies always got in the way. In late spring, I decided to finally pull the trigger. Knowing that I was entering the market at the wrong time (high prices), I decided that I'd pay stupid-money for a prime candidate and began my search. I ended up with a Light Metallic Khaki 2004 Rubicon (manual 6-speed) with about 48,000 miles on it. In case you're wondering, "stupid-money" in June 2021 is almost $30k!
I flew to South Carolina to pick it up and drove it home. Home is DITHOT - that's code for "Deep In The Heart of T _ _ _ _" Sorry - I keep a very low online presence and don't like to publicly post too much private information. My avatar photo was taken on the way back home the day I purchased it. I have big plans for this Jeep, which will really just be a vehicle used to drive to the Rocky Mountains for backcountry hunting and backpacking trips. It probably won't see much rock-crawling, but it will be capable of it.
It was relatively un-modified, with the biggest exceptions being a cold air intake and a Rubicon Express long-arm lift. The cold air intake has already been replaced with a stock system (I prefer closed air boxes to open filters on non-race vehicles), and I'm planning a complete steering, suspension, and drivetrain update soon. So far, these changes are either in process or complete:
Regards,
sab
As I approach retirement age, I finally purchased my first Jeep back in mid-June. I'd been wanting an LJ ever since they came out, but other hobbies always got in the way. In late spring, I decided to finally pull the trigger. Knowing that I was entering the market at the wrong time (high prices), I decided that I'd pay stupid-money for a prime candidate and began my search. I ended up with a Light Metallic Khaki 2004 Rubicon (manual 6-speed) with about 48,000 miles on it. In case you're wondering, "stupid-money" in June 2021 is almost $30k!
I flew to South Carolina to pick it up and drove it home. Home is DITHOT - that's code for "Deep In The Heart of T _ _ _ _" Sorry - I keep a very low online presence and don't like to publicly post too much private information. My avatar photo was taken on the way back home the day I purchased it. I have big plans for this Jeep, which will really just be a vehicle used to drive to the Rocky Mountains for backcountry hunting and backpacking trips. It probably won't see much rock-crawling, but it will be capable of it.
It was relatively un-modified, with the biggest exceptions being a cold air intake and a Rubicon Express long-arm lift. The cold air intake has already been replaced with a stock system (I prefer closed air boxes to open filters on non-race vehicles), and I'm planning a complete steering, suspension, and drivetrain update soon. So far, these changes are either in process or complete:
- Rebuilt/restored the SmittyBilt XRC8 Winch
- McGard Lug Nuts/Locks
- Buchanan Precision 1.5" Seat Riser Kit
- MORyde Tailgate Reinforcement Kit and Hinges (modified for tail lights and powder-coated OD green)
- Crown OPDA
- Bartact Seat Covers
- Alpine iLX-W650 head unit and Metra Dash Kit
- Alpine Third Brake Light and Rear Camera
- Alpine Front Camera
- SpeedoHealer (it came with metric 33" tires on it, but no speedo change)
- Warn M8274-S with cover and Wireless Remote System (GenRight mount)
- TRE Safety Thimble
- Dirtworx Rear Bumper with Hitch and RockHard Frame-Bumper Ties (I use a cargo basket for meat coolers when hunting)
- Savvy Front Bumper with Hooks, Light Mounts, Winch Guard, and Hardcore Corner Guard Kit
- TeraFlex Hand Throttle Kit (for both on-board air and winching)
- Savvy LED Tail Lights and License Plate Relocation Kit
- NorthStar NSB-AGM24M Battery
- Singer 270A Alternator
- 00 Power Cables (self-made)
- Truck-Lite Heated LED Headlights
- ORO York Compressor Kit
- Secondary Power Distribution Center (thanks for the guide, Steel City 06!)
- RockSlide Engineering Electric Steps Kit with Armor (I have a short wife, and my knees and hips ain't what they used to be!)
- Replacement LED Lighting (it came with 4 six-inch PIAA lights on it) - yes, I'm considering a 50" light-bar (for you light bar haters, I'm aware of the issues with them)
- Savvy Body and Engine Lifts
- Savvy T-case Cable Kit
- Tummy Tuck (brand T.B.D.)
- Savvy Mid-Arm Lift (probably with 3" Savvy springs, as I'll stick with 33s)
- Savvy Bump Stops
- Shocks and Steering Damper (brand T.B.D.)
- Savvy Front Track Bar
- Savvy/Currie Steering Kit
- Black Magic Big Brake Kit
- Re-gear with Chromoly Axles
- New Tom Wood Driveshafts
- Pro Comp Series 69 Wheels
- BFG KM3 Tires
- Complete Frame Restoration (body off)
Regards,
sab
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