02 TJ Build Up

UPDATE:

Chris is the man. I just got back from callalente. This was the first hard wheeling I have done in the jeep since it was finished. Everything worked perfect. No matter how hard I slammed it down on the belly pan it just would not give. Not one small bend in any of the armor. The 4 link worked perfect. The jeep was pretty much point and shoot. It went everywhere I asked it to go. I was wheeling with a group of pretty build jeeps and toyota's. I was one of only two in the group to make it up Top Of The World in our group with out pulling cable. It was an awsome trip and the jeep was amazing. Cant thank Chris enough. Well I guess I will thank him some more when I drop the jeep off again this winter to get the front suspension done. Money always says Thanks best.
 
Wife actually rode with me the whole time this trip. I think the cage made her feel a little safer in the jeep. There are a couple of pics on the past events thread from the trip though.

I will really need some more touch up paint though.
 
So a couple of updates........ I have gone to a set of 36" TSL's. I really liked the coopers but ther just werent cutting it anymore.

I have started collecting and ordering parts for the next round of upgrades this winter. My wife just ordered my Christmas gift for the jeep this morning. Have a set of 14" travel FOA remote resevoir coilovers on the way. About 2 months back I picked up a waggy 44 for the front. I am going to be picking up a set of F150 knuckles for it to change over to 5 lug. Chris (MarsFab) will be building me a 3 link and stretching the wheel base for me. I am also going to be installing a hydro assist set up during all this.

After all this the jeep will be done. I know everyone says they are never done, but if Im not happy after this round of upgrades, I will start piling up parts to build a buggy.
 
Another small update....... I did a lot of part number crossing and looking at pics at work to find rotors and hubs and everything I needed to convert my new axle to 5 lug. I finally got it all figured out with off the shelf parts.

First thing was to find a set of 80's dodge half ton hubs. Then I crossed part numbers (I work at a parts store) and found that 79 cj7 rotors has the correct offset and diameter to work with those hubs and the stock caliper brackets. The dodge hubs also take all the same bearings and seals as a 80-81 waggy front. Only modification required was to grind the center bore of the rotors a little to clear the hub.
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My new front axle
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Here is a shot of my new front coilovers Christmas morning
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Ok so a little update. I have my beadlock kit for my new wheels. I picked up and auburn ected for the front axle. I ordered my new wheels, brake line fittings, gears, and install kit. I dropped off my money to Chris at MarsFab for him to order all the parts for my 3 link in the front, and for my steering, track bar and front bumper. So I have everything I need except for the cash for the cromos for the front.

I am taking the jeep to the flats next saturday for the ecors race (volunteering not racing). When it gets home I will drop it off at Chris's shop to start work.
 
Ok finally some pics.......

Here are my new beadlocks
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Front suspension at full droop
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New front bumper
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Front axle truss
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Shock hoop
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Front axle shot
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All thats left is finish up the steering and a little more welding. I have to order some different springs for the coilovers, and wire up the ECTED. Oh and still need to figure out where to mount the resivoirs at.
 
And finally a fished pic, flexed out.

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Everything worked out awsome. I could not be happier with the finished product.
 
looking sweet Mike! :beer:
 
Wow. Hot TJ! I dig it.
 
The jeep is pretty much done. I just ordered the last parts tonight. I ordered a solid diff cover for the front, some new coil springs for the coilovers, a shock charging hose to go on my nitrogen tank, and a set of yukon cromoly front shafts with the yukon super joints. Oh I picked up some limit straps for the front also.

I also ordered a boost elbow, boost fooler, and an airdog pump for the tow rig. Cant have the dodge getting jealous of the jeep getting all the attention.
 
Jeep looks awesome. This is exactly what I want to do to mine eventually.

I just picked up a waggy 44 to swap in so I might need to hit up for the parts list for the 5 lug conversion.

What's wheelbase now? How much did you move the front forward?
 
5 lug swap is easy. 80's dodge 1/2 ton hubs and cj7 rotors. You will have to grind the center of the rotors out just little to fit over the hubs.
 
It needs some 37" Creepies.
 
You damn right.
 
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