So I'm new to this forum and thought I'd post up the latest thing I've been working on. I picked up this LJ about three months ago in North Carolina. It had around 15,000 original miles and is in pretty good condition for being 8 years old. I had always planned on building a 2 door JK next, but for what they wanted for it, I couldn't pass up this one. So long story short, this will be the third LJ I've built.
Sounds a little oddball, but one of the first things I did was install a UCF extra clearance transfer-case skid. This is the 1/4" thick version, and if you ever put your hands on one, you'll see it's pretty stout. I did have to rework the transmission mount to lower the exhaust. If left in the stock configuration, the cat will press against the bottom of the tub--even with a 1" body lift installed. Some of the earlier TJs use a different mount, but on late models, you'll probably run into this issue. I also removed the stock muffler and installed a turn down in its place. I'll probably make an exhaust for it later.
Small update. Just ordered an ECGS Hp30. Detroit locker, 4.88s, Artec truss, gussets, sleeves, HD LCA mounts, Johnny Joints, HD trackbar/SS mount, and Spicer ball joints. Should have it in 3 weeks.
The here are some pictures of the suspension install. It's pretty much a full Currie. I used a Synergy rear track-bar to make things a little easier. The adjustment sleeve really works well but does have a tendency to egg out. Coils are OME. Changed the front sway-bar links to Midwest Control and the rears are JKS. Bilstein 5100s. Rokmen bumpstops. If you want to know anything else, just ask.
I originally installed the UCF frame width front bumper, but I wasn't satisfied with it. It took a lot of massaging to get it to slip over the frame rails. And even then, it had to be tapped on with a soft faced hammer. So I sold it and installed Savvy bumpers front and rear. Both of which required their own massaging.. Not to mention they included the wrong hardware for the rear bumper. Last, the Savvy rear bumper also had to be tapped into place with a soft faced hammer, but it wasn't as extensive as the UCF. I know they need to fit tight, but sometimes I think it's just the fabricator's error.
Here's another bastard part. The Synergy rear track bar bracket I originally ordered didn't fit at all. It wanted to crush the brake line block. Then I went to a JKS bracket--which also didn't work. The radius bend was made too tight and the holes didn't line up. So finally, it was Currie to the rescue. Do it right the first time and get the proven s***
Thanks. Let me know if you're interested in a bracket. I'm thinking about making a small batch of three or so. There really isn't anything off the shelf out there for people with the no spare tire look.
Here is the Savvy GTS install. It's pretty straight forward, but the product doesn't fit very well. I emailed Savvy about it, and they said it was within spec. Wouldn't recommend it.
It will ride slightly stiffer, but it articulates better IMO. The upper perch mimics the front. I'm happy with it. The bumpstops will actually line up too...
Ordered a Novak shifter and Currie rear track bar bracket brace.
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