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Neal5280's Build Thread

10K views 71 replies 10 participants last post by  Neal5280 
#1 · (Edited)
Well since I just finished some of what I would call major enhancements I figured I start a build thread. I am a novice and have decent mechanical abilities. So enjoy, and if you have any questions let me know and I’ll try to answer them!
Got her last August, 2002 Wrangler X 4.0L 52,000 miles for $10,999 bone stock except for aftermarket rims and stereo. The day I brought her home didn’t even go inside before pulling the doors off!



First since I was broke I wanted to make her mine so slapped on some decals. Dog prints for the pups, Broncos vinyl sticker, ZORT and a few Pro-2nd Amendment for good measure.


Next I despised the “milk jugs” and my neighbor works for a Jeep Dealership and got me the end caps.

In December my wonderful wife picked me up a Warn VR8000 for my birthday.
Took until January to mount, just after mounting I also snagged a Hummer in front of my house.


I also changed the lights in the dash to a blue LED.

Next would be bigger mods, I spent a good bit of time and did a lot of research. I finally decided on doing the Metal Cloak arched fenders and 33s. I ordered my fenders March 15th! It took about a week and they shipped. Thru no fault on Metal Cloaks side, I had a hell of a time with UPS shipping the fenders. They changed dates and also stated they attempted delivery when they didn’t. Anyway once I had them in hand I was excited and ready to put a finish on them. I decided to use Rustoleum “bedliner” it is actually more of a slightly textured paint. I gave them a good once over with 220 grit and red scotch bright pads, washed them with acetone and 2 coats of Rustoleum dark grey primer and 2 coats of the bedliner. They are far from perfect but good enough I didn’t care to go any further.
Unfortunately with working graveyards it can be tricky to find time to do work like installing them, add into that the weather in Denver and the fact my garage is too small to do the work. It ended up being a couple of weeks before I could install them. Well Friday was my day, came home got a quick few hours of shut eye and started. My wife came home and I was at this point, she was a bit concerned but kept the faith!


I had to stop due to Friday night pool league. Saturday morning got right to it. I finished in about 4 hours on Saturday and went directly to Discount to get my 33” DuraTracs mounted and balanced. Here is the finished (for now) product and can’t wait to hopefully get out wheeling next weekend!
Finished with 31s


Finished with 33s



I am picking up a new stereo and new speakers tomorrow and will be installing them this week and have LED Tail Lights that I just need to find time to do.
Next up will be rockers, leaning towards Savvy, but need to save up some $$ first. And that will probably be it for this year for major mods.

Still to come 2.5 OME HD Lift, UCF Tummy Tuck, Dana 44/Ford 8.8, Currie Steering upgrades. I am happy she is where she is at for now but already looking forward to the other stuff too!
 
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#63 ·
But after a quick trip to the grocery store it looks like I'll have to replace an axle seal and bearing next weekend... Ready to have a fully functioning Jeep again... Tire Automotive tire Auto part Wheel Automotive wheel system
 
#65 ·
Also got this taken care of last Monday. All set to order the DS and I'll be set!
But after a quick trip to the grocery store it looks like I'll have to replace an axle seal and bearing next weekend... Ready to have a fully functioning Jeep again...
 
#64 ·
Well productive day today.
Daystar 1" BL - done
Brown Dog 1" MML - done
Novak Shifter Cable - done
UCF UHC Skid - done
 

Attachments

#67 ·
MML
Novak
BL - I sourced from 4WP because my buddy can usually get me a good discount there.
 
#68 ·
Ordered my driveshaft from Tom Woods today, should be here Thursday/Friday. I was shocked that no one locally could beat their price. Oh well! Excited to be ready to wheel! I am starting to rethink the BL because I'm not sure how they'll play with the my rocker guards as they install like the Poison Spyder ones... Just have to wait and see hopefully next weekend.
 
#71 ·
Tuesday, had a little set back...

Got rear ended pretty hard and still not quite feeling 100%. Gladly no one was hurt. I am a little embarrassed that the only real scratches or blemishes are from people running into me...

On a good note I got my Tom Woods Driveshaft yesterday, unfortunately it is suppose to be a miserable weekend, with snow likely on Sunday :(

I don't have pictures of the driveshaft, but will in the next update.







 
#72 ·
Well not much of an update but I have my new front and rear bumpers powder coated and installed... mostly. I still have to add couple of bolts to the rear and mount my winch. My GTS looks like CRAP now so I'll be addressing that next spring. Finally got to the ZJ Tie Rod upgrade which was good bang for my buck comparing the parts. I am noticing some vibes from 55-~65 so I'll need to adjust my pinion angle a little to try to dial it in.

Here's the bumpers.


 
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