The Dreaded Jeep Build Thread

JedGrant

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2012
Location
Charlottesville, VA
I've been wheeling the Titan off and on since 2008, but I have really always missed having the visibility and manueverability of a smaller truck like I had with my old D21. I decided (ok, ok, Rebecca and I decided) to look for a used Jeep. After spending a day learning the many different variations and options, we decided that I wanted a TJ Rubicon with the 4.0L.

We found my TJ in Birmingham and went up to pick it up for $16k with 133k. It had clearly never been off-road, however it had been repainted and the Rubicon sticker had been reapplied in the wrong location, so I went through it and made dang sure it was a real Rubi. Everything was there and it was exactly what I was looking for. The test drive was smooth if a little underpowered, but no issues at all except for a lot of split loom in bad shape under the hood.

So I signed the papers. On the way out, the check gauges light came on. The alternator had stopped charging the battery, but I didn't realize that at the time. I made it about 30 minutes from my house when the battery finally died and left me stranded and waiting on a tow truck. The next day, I replaced the alternator and still, no charging. Traced the wiring back and found a pair of wires grounded out on the oil dipstick support. I replaced the split loom and solved that issue.

The next day I ran out to have a spare key made, and on the way back, the right front brake caliper partially seized up. I made it home this time, but the rotor, pads, caliper, and wheel bearing were toast. So the truck had broken down twice in the first 24 hours. At least I know now that everything outside the axle housing is new.

We took it almost immediately for a 2000 mile road trip and it did great except for kicking a code for an O2 sensor that I changed out along the way. Gas mileage was awful, but that turned out to be due to original plugs at 136k.

After that trip, I turned around and took it wheeling to Hollerwood park in Kentucky. It did great with the new set of Cooper STT pros, and it was a blast to have the top off of, minus all the mud.

Last week, I replaced the entire cooling system and later this week I will be changing the transmission filter and fluid, along with finishing off the front driveshaft rebuild.
 
It has been a blast, but it has also been expensive. Ah the joys of buying a 14-year old truck.
 

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I totally get it, I would like to have a little more control over which gear it is in, and I actuallt started out wheeling a stick and loved it for 5 years. That being said, I love having an automatic. I find it more enjoyable off-road, and I've been spoiled with the Titan. Also, I wanted Rebecca to be able to drive it if need be; she could learn, but I think we would both rather have the auto.
 
Jeep owners...


Burgy

I know right? They're just the worst.

Also, I finally received the ruffstuff rear bumper and got it painted/installed. Just waiting on the front winch bumper so I can install it and the steering box skid.
 

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Tonight's project: installing my rebuilt front driveshaft. New u-joints, cardan yoke and ball, and replaced that split slip joint boot.
 

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Finally received the Ruffstuff front bumper and installed the SB 10k. Looks pretty good, but I'll have to keep an eye on trees at the front fender as they're completely exposed now. After I do tube fenders it won't be an issue. Also installed the steering box skid.
 

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Finally received the Ruffstuff front bumper and installed the SB 10k. Looks pretty good, but I'll have to keep an eye on trees at the front fender as they're completely exposed now. After I do tube fenders it won't be an issue. Also installed the steering box skid.

Once upon a time I lightly bumped a tree with my driver's headlight back when I had the ghetto half-bumper before I built it out. It happens, keep a lookout. Tube fenders do not fix the problem, they only bend more stuff when you hit them!!!
 
My motto:
It used to be a Jeep thing, but all of it broke except for the VIN.

You're not kidding. I've got an upper engine oil leak that I still need to track down and now I have a p0456 CEL, so I guess I need to find what vacuum line is leaking. It never ends.
 
What year is the pile? I want to know what to avoid...

They were only built 2003-2006. The only change in those years was the manual transmission (5 speed 2003-2004, 6 speed 2005-2006). Mechanically everything else is the same.
 
I've been price shopping difference between Rubicon and. SxS. New SXS runs 20k. Jed has likely hit that with his. Used Rubicon, 20 to 22k.
Decisions.


Burgy
 
This thing did amazing this weekend.
 
I've been price shopping difference between Rubicon and. SxS. New SXS runs 20k. Jed has likely hit that with his. Used Rubicon, 20 to 22k.
Decisions.


Burgy

Fair, I've definitely got $20k in mine by the time you factor in repairs and upgrades. Personally I think I would go with something you can drive on the street; thinking about URE and Harlan in the offchance you need to go around the mountain.
 
Fair, I've definitely got $20k in mine by the time you factor in repairs and upgrades. Personally I think I would go with something you can drive on the street; thinking about URE and Harlan in the offchance you need to go around the mountain.

Right could you imagine Kevin running around in those things with any sort of weather around. He already cry's about the weather enough riding in trucks with enclosures lol
 
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