REDe2ROK LJ Build

[REDe2ROK]

REDe2ROK LJ Build

I sold my 1998 TJ that i just loved & had a tonne of fun in. Not because I wanted too, but because I came across a nice 2004 Unlimited that seemed to nice to pass up on.
The fact that it had Dana 44, 4-wheel discs, etc. meant nothing to my wife. The real reason she allowed it was because we could finally take both our girls & our Boxer dog Duke with us.
I hate to admit it, but the TJ was a bit of a Mall Krawler.... Not by choice, but because it was my 1st Jeep and did not know much (I am still learning.....)
I did some trail runs. JK101, etc and soon realized that I wanted / needed a more capable rig.
This is by no-means going to be hardcore dedicated trail buggy, but just a thread on what I am doing.
Please feel free to make any recommendations or suggestions.


This is the TJ I started with:


When I 1st got added the 31" Good Years


Within a week I added 4" suspension lift & steering stabilizer


Figured out how to take off doors & be an idiot at 4D hill.... never again.


Ole Dukey boy convinced me that Boxer's LOVE Jeeps too.


ERR ERR ERR Need more lift!!! So I put in a 2" body lift. I Know. I know.... Joke was on me anyways, that thing never shifted nice again.


WOW!! Look at that price!! That SWEET A$$ Smittybilt must be as good as the more expensive tire carriers. No way its gonna rattle on my Jeep....


Got a nice set of 5 matching rims with 33's of Kjiji.


They way it finally sat when I sold it. Steps & milk jugs removed.

[Drizit]

So where's the shots of the LJ?

[REDe2ROK]

Some pics of the LJ (From the Kijij add)
I will post some better ones soon.



1. 1 owner
2. Original paint
3. Rustproofed
4. Never modded or off-roaded
5. Doors never even off
6. Cruise, A/C, upgraded factory stereo with subwoofer
7. 100 km's vs 300 km's on my TJ
8. Both tops
9. Still had factory carpeted floor mats in mint, unused condition
10. DANA 44 AXLE & 4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES.

So basically a nice Jeep to start with.
Stock for now, will keep posting pics & updates.

[REDe2ROK]

New LJ is home and old TJ sold, but not picked up yet.
Hardtop now installed.

As, you can see it needs some mods...

[REDe2ROK]

The 1st mod:

[Drizit]

I found that the milk cans saved me a lot of body damage this summer. The extra 5" of overhang hits everything you drop off of. I would have had to fix the rear corners of the tub several times. The milk cans take the hit for you.

[REDe2ROK]

I found that the milk cans saved me a lot of body damage this summer. The extra 5" of overhang hits everything you drop off of. I would have had to fix the rear corners of the tub several times. The milk cans take the hit for you.

Good point. I never thought about that. However, I have new front & rear bumpers going on. I figured I would take these off in the mean time since they so weather beaten & no trail runs till next year. Like your LJ as well, nice ride. Can't wait to see the pics with the Metal Cloaks on. Yours will be killer with the new axles & 37's.

[igotafrigginjeep]

Listen to the wise Drizit (fawk, did I really just type that?!?!?!?)...if you don't believe him, look no further than both rear corners on my LJ...they will NEVER be the same...

[Drizit]

Jeff I think I'm adding that to my sig for a while.

Ended up on 35s for now. I partly to keep the wife happy, partly because the axles I got were already geared perfectly for them but mostly because I already had a set off my jk so for this build they were freebies. (just wish I could make the monster garage freebie sound effects on the forum)

I got rid of the front PDQ but the rears stayed till the bumper went. Mine even saved me in a parking lot where I reversed into a short pole that just stuck up enough to damage the tub had I removed the can. If mine hadn't been removed with a sawsall I'd have hooked you up but a bit of back to black should get you through the winter.

[REDe2ROK]

Listen to the wise Drizit (fawk, did I really just type that?!?!?!?)...if you don't believe him, look no further than both rear corners on my LJ...they will NEVER be the same...

Based off Drizit's & igotafriggingjeep's comments / feedback, I have made some changes to the rear bumper that I am going to run.

[Drizit]

Good call. What's the new choice?

[REDe2ROK]

Good call. What's the new choice?

Well I was going to take my $hittEbilt of my TJ and put on the TJ. Then I remembered the constant rattling of the latch.... So I was going to order something similar, small and short for the rear. However, after your comments I am going to get something longer that will extend to protect then rear corners. Not 100% sure yet what I'm gonna go with.

[SHREK]

Sooo let me get this straight. The air filled milk jugs hanging off the end of the already flimsy bumper saved you from body damage? Protection against shopping carts maybe. Trees and rocks very doubtful.


Sent from my iPhone using My thumbs

[Drizit]

They cushion the impact of dropping onto things and spread the load accross the entire corner rather then the small point of impact the edge of a rock would hit on. It's all about PSI. The rear of the truck is going to be 1000lbs or so no matter what but is that 1000lbs focused on 1/16 of an inch or 1000lbs spread out over 6-8 inches with the air in the milk jug acting like a shock.

[SHREK]

:billybob:mmmhmm:billybob:


Sent from my iPhone using My thumbs

[SHREK]

They cushion the impact of dropping onto things and spread the load accross the entire corner rather then the small point of impact the edge of a rock would hit on. It's all about PSI. The rear of the truck is going to be 1000lbs or so no matter what but is that 1000lbs focused on 1/16 of an inch or 1000lbs spread out over 6-8 inches with the air in the milk jug acting like a shock.

Ok I just re read that openly and we all agree that is the most ridiculous thing we have ever heard.


Sent from my iPhone using My thumbs

[Drizit]

We? All the voices in your head?

[igotafrigginjeep]

I agree with him. It's pretty ridiculous. My statement about you being wise was in reference to considering the potential for corner damage. The thought of the milk jugs giving any real protection is ridiculous.

I rescind my wise Driz comment, you must now remove it from your sig.

[SHREK]

^lawllz^


Sent from my iPhone using My thumbs

[CTD NUT]

Oh hey guys, whats going on in here?






Oh. My. Gawd.