Will's Jeep TJ Thread / Build

[Will239]

Hi Guys


The time has finally come when im ready to do some proper mods to my jeep.

Im a mechanical engineering student but am currently working full time for an engineering company (UTS requirement). I am in my third year at UTS.

My first car was a 99 jeep tj, but it was totalled in a collision. I was hit by a hilux at about 80km/h when the driver failed to stop for roadworks. Luckily she went off to the side a bit, could have been worse if she hit me directly. I had a friend in the car and we didnt have any injuries - we went to the local doctor to make sure and for records purposes.

The car that hit me was totalled, i was totalled, the car i was pushed into was totalled and there were about 3 other cars that were involved into the pile-up. I was glad i was driving a jeep!

Heres the pics:

My jeep:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/Image006.jpg

The Hilux:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/Image010-1.jpg



We replaced it with a 2003 tj, exactly the same. (have i told you i love jeeps??)

First thing i did was salvage the tyres from the old jeep to the new one:


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/Image045-1.jpg


Next i installed an arb compressor that my dad gave me:


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/xxx026-1.jpg


Went 4wding with SJC:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/jeep.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/jeepfb1.jpg




Now, The Plans:

Most Important:

2.5" RE superflex with RE front tracbar.
32" Mickey Thompson ATZ
4.11 diff ratios with Solid diff covers

To come Later:

SYE and driveshaft (can get by without this for a little while)
Rear Tyre carrier
Seat covers (or new seats)
Spot Lights (light force)

Much later:

Front bumper
Rocker Gaurds (Hanson?)
possibly 33's


The reason for going with 32's is becuase i drive the jeep regulary, its my only car. The best thing about getting the RE kit is that it would be very easy to just add spacers and put on 33's if i later find i want to go bigger. I also think 4.11s would be a good combo for 33's.


Ill probably be buying the 2.5" RE SF kit from wooders in early may. Once i have this i can put on some 32's.

[caseyg]

last time we had you out on a SJC trip, you pushed that stocker TJ hard - looking forward to seeing what you do with it. :)

any plans to join the club? ;)

[Will239]

last time we had you out on a SJC trip, you pushed that stocker TJ hard - looking forward to seeing what you do with it. :)

any plans to join the club? ;)

haha i was scared a few times!

yeah i plan on joining but dont have a credit card. I was supposed to ask my dad to pay for it and i can pay him but havent got around to it.

I will though.

Any trips coming up?

[cj4a nz]

looks good
about your mods do you need hands on experience making stuff you can design then build your self saving a bit of cash and learning at the same time thats how i've done all my mods and rebuilds and by using the company's gear you could get more done easily ie mig welders,benders,grinders etc and by going thru the scrap bin save your self on buying steel
and buy building it if it breaks you can fix it easier!
just my thougths
Warren

[Will239]

looks good
about your mods do you need hands on experience making stuff you can design then build your self saving a bit of cash and learning at the same time thats how i've done all my mods and rebuilds and by using the company's gear you could get more done easily ie mig welders,benders,grinders etc and by going thru the scrap bin save your self on buying steel
and buy building it if it breaks you can fix it easier!
just my thougths
Warren

yeah thats good advice.

I dont have the best acess to fab machinery.... i have a welder that i still havent had the time to learn to use. its a big waste but im going to learn someday! haha

theres not a lot in the way of engineering materials at work either... just a lot of paper and useless rubish. Its the head office with remote sites through aus so theres not much of use.


By the way just a quick update my 2.5" RE SF is coming. Wooders where is it? lol

[kitrino_tj]

great work Will happy wheeling

[reprise]

looks the goods......where is that track your on in those pics?? are you installing the lif yourself?

[RenegadeDom]

looks the goods......where is that track your on in those pics??

pretty sure its newnes

[kitrino_tj]

did you go down that rock?

[Will239]

looks the goods......where is that track your on in those pics?? are you installing the lif yourself?

Thanks mate, that was at zig zag railway (near lithgow) - i went with sydney jeep club. and yeah im puting the lift in myself.


did you go down that rock?

haha yep i went down it. probably not asss bad as it looks in the pic. I was extremely nervous on the way down - only ended up scraping my tow bar which was surpising!



Hye guys just a quick update and somehow i missed these posts...


Have the front mostly finished up now, just waiting on my shocks to come in, then i can start the rear. Just have to decide on tyres. at the moment there are a couple of options:

32's - BFG at or MT ATZ (5 rib)

33's - ATZ (4 rib)

Im tempted to go 33's, just gotta decide.



Also i finished up my rear storage box that replaces the rear seat, holds a 10" sub and 2 amps too. Turned out real nice not to flash either.

Ill post some more pics tomorrow.

Thanks for the interest guys :D

cheers

[RenegadeDom]

looking forward to seeing these RE 2.5 inch springs

[Aaronsjeep]

Here is a pick of that rock at Zig zag, going up it this time..
some decent wheeling out there...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z129/gabrielle123_2007/almost.jpg

[Will239]

you make it look small Aron...

[Aaronsjeep]

you make it look small Aron...

Lol. photos (except the one you took, hardly ever do anything justice)
Its also hard to show, its at the top of a pretty steep hill also..

[jeepthing]

Will, i think ive seen you and your jeep driving up epping road past Delhi rd a couple of times recently including this morning? is that you?

[Will239]

Will, i think ive seen you and your jeep driving up epping road past Delhi rd a couple of times recently including this morning? is that you?

yep thats definantly me on my way to work. :)

Ill look out for your zj!

[RenegadeDom]

do you have the lift in yet mate, pics..

[Will239]

Crappy phone pics...

Higher on this side... might need to swap the front springs, or spring spacers. Seems to the be the left front spring which is tall - and it also lifts up the front a bit. Will have to wait and see if they settle better;

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMG_0023.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMG_0021.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMG_0020.jpg

Front sway bar still conected:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMG_0019.jpg

As you can see these RE coils give a heap of downtravel - the spring is probably not completely extended in the rear thanks to their conical design



http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMG_0018-1.jpg

[Will239]

oh and i went with 32" Atz's, like them a lot so far.


Overall the kit rides great, better than stock in my opinion. Ill take some decent pics soon when i have a camera (getting one this week)

[jeepthing]

sorry mate, sold the zj about a month ago :-( . I was next to you in this morning a silver prado at the Delhi rd lights and you had the vespa in front of you (that you shouldve run over ;) ). Your jeeps looking :hump: now, better in the flesh than those photos. were you running tthe ATZs today? didn't get to see them close up but from a distance they looked more like muddies? Ive got the 4rib version.

[Will239]

sorry mate, sold the zj about a month ago :-( . I was next to you in this morning a silver prado at the Delhi rd lights and you had the vespa in front of you (that you shouldve run over ;) ). Your jeeps looking :hump: now, better in the flesh than those photos. were you running tthe ATZs today? didn't get to see them close up but from a distance they looked more like muddies? Ive got the 4rib version.

ehh haha i dont really remember :(

Thanks yeah i think it looks better in person too, yeah i have the 5 rib atz's on, fairly aggresive for an allterrain but i think thats down to them been faily wide (11.5), the 4 rib would probably be overkill for what i do i think.

Cheers!

[Will239]

Quick update:

Finshed this project a while ago now:

from...

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/1.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/untitled.jpg

too...

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMGP0386.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMGP0387.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMGP0388.jpg

And a pic from today:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMGP0385edit.jpg


:hump:

[Will239]

took of the front and rear bumper caps today...

I tried it when it wasnt lifted and didnt like it but now i love it!


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMGP0403edit.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMGP0402edit.jpg

[Oldboy]

Hi Will,

I know I'm grave digging this thread, but wanted to ask about the bumper.

Have you had any issues with the Police since you removed the end caps?

I changed mine out a while back to the standard USA floaties, but
would rather remove them completely.

[stroked]

Hi Will,

I know I'm grave digging this thread, but wanted to ask about the bumper.

Have you had any issues with the Police since you removed the end caps?

I changed mine out a while back to the standard USA floaties, but
would rather remove them completely.

I live in QLD and since they day i got my jeep i haven't had any issues with the police and no end caps. Also got pulled over by state traffic and all they said was i need something so the ends arn't sharp. went to Clark Rubber spent 10 bucks and now I'm good.

[Oldboy]

I live in QLD and since they day i got my jeep i haven't had any issues with the police and no end caps. Also got pulled over by state traffic and all they said was i need something so the ends arn't sharp. went to Clark Rubber spent 10 bucks and now I'm good.

That's interesting to hear, as the AJOR member I bought the floaties from,
also supplied me with the Jeep plastic end caps that you can just make out in the pic below, which do cover the metal ends.

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/vbgarage.php?do=getimage&id=1613

[Will239]

i havent had any trouble. Although i think those end caps on the green jeep are a good compromise - they look prettty good.

There hasnt been much progress on my jeep lately, just to busy with uni and everything. :(

In the holidays i plan on ordering some new bits and peices and probably get it regeared to 4.56; Also needs a full service. So yeah i cant wait for the holidays!

Heres a pic i took recently:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/waity/IMGP0480.jpg

[Oldboy]

Thanks for that, might go change em over then, looks much cleaner without
the factory Aus or USA end caps.

BTW, thanks again. Those disco's all installed, just need to mod
the passenger side so it comes off without dramas.

In hindsight, I should have done that first :wall:

[Will239]

ahh i forgot it was you that brought them off me.

you should be able to bang the mount away a bit with a hammer... thats what i did it only needs to move a couple of mm's. Yeah they are great disconects. JKS make good stuff.

cheers

[marcs]

Looking good mate...

[Will239]

hey guys just a quick update

lately ive installed the following:

new rocksliders (Frame mounted)
entry guards
fire extinguisher
grab handles
entry gaurds
Tereflex transfer case linkage bracket (Should have gone novak, not the best)

Next things on the list include a tyre carrier definantly, and a cargo rack for behind the front seats. Then the diffs, i might be getting some ideal replacements soon.

but mostly i just want to go offroad and drive it! if anyone in sydney is planning a trip let me know!

Will

[stroked]

hey guys just a quick update



Next things on the list include a tyre carrier definantly,



Will

i have just got my quote done up for a tire carrier and high lift jack holder, you still looking at going a ute setup?

if so ill send some photo's when its done.

[Will239]

definantly interested, i read your plans in your buildup thread.

the only thing is when i go away id want to retain as much cargo space as i can, worried that a spare would take to much space. if you want just post them in your thread, ill read it.

[Will239]

Hey all,

I thought i would resurrect this thread...

very soon im getting protofab front and rear bumpers / tyre carrier, look out wooders!

Possibly a winch (dont want to add too much weight, i would get the rugged ridge 8500with synthetic rope), and some new HID 7" spots and HID H4 replacement kit.

Also need to relocate my rear spring buckets, and replace my rear springs.

After that, diffs with 4.11's (not going extreme with this daily driver jeep), but still throwing up lockers, i think it will be too much expense (2500 or so extra) for the 5% i go off road, so i will probably at this point get gears with new carriers, so if i really fell the need later on (when im also richer, hopefully) i will get lockers installed.

The main plan is to bring the jeep into the present by modernising it, tidying and toughening it up, not looking for an extreme set up, i like 32's.

Ill Post some new pics soon

So watch this thread, im just waiting to be paid :)

Will

[Will239]

Did a major service last weekend too;

Engine oil, filter
Wipers
Transfer case fluid
Grease all round, as well as lithium spray grease for tight places, really good for locks and hinges, def recomend it.
Full clean in and out
Cut off my shock boots (trap more crap than they shield)


Bought some Royal Purple Syncromax for the gearbox, but waiting on my 17mm allen key socket to arrive in the mail before i can change it out.

A quick shout out for Harold at performancelub.com....

Thats where i bought my royal purple from, and he stocks redline, mobile, castrol and other high quality oils, at very cheap prices, that are hard to find.

Also Bought a B&M Short shifter second hand from the forum...

Will

[the spambulance]

what did you pay for the royal purple gear oil ?

[Will239]

$25 / quart

so $75 for 3 quarts (slightly over 2 quarts are required to fill the nv3550)

and $15 shipping from melborune to sydney.

total $90.... about twice as expensive as normal oil, but id heard so many good things about it, and to me its definantly worth it, will last for ages as well.

[Will239]

And some more recent pics i really like...
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/waity/Jeep%20TJ/xxx032.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/waity/Jeep%20TJ/IMG_0326.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/waity/Jeep%20TJ/IMG_0323.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/waity/Jeep%20TJ/IMG_0337.jpg

[Aaronsjeep]

looks neat, flexes ok aswell

[bally12]

not a bad looking setup at all, really like that rear storage system design too

[AJ]

Looks good dude, It's really coming along :cool:

[Will239]

thats for the replies guys,

tomorrow im going to call sir wooders and get my front and rear protofab bars going.

[the spambulance]

are you fitting a winch aswell ?

[Will239]

are you fitting a winch aswell ?


most likely yeah, would get this one, cheap and light:

with this fairlead...

The bars look so much better with a winch filling the space

[Will239]

Forgot to mention the protofab weighs 27kg, according to their website, which isnt so bad, considering the stock one prob weighs 10 or so.

I will also be getting the bars powdercoated, anyone know of a good powdercoater in sydney? and any ideas on what the cost would be?

[the spambulance]

those bars look ace

[Will239]

yeah i reckon they are sweet, and not a lot of people have them.

[Will239]

i ordered my front and rear bars today, and a rugged ridge 8500 synthetic. will be broke for a little while lol

[Aaronsjeep]

nice bar :)

[Will239]

some more pics of odds and ends...

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMG_0001.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMG_0008.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMG_0006.jpg

Swapped over the visors to hide the wanring signs when up...
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMG_0002.jpg

Grip tape on my sliders... best stuff ever, super strong (been on for months), very grippy, and protects the paint from scratches
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Will239/IMG_0012.jpg

[Judd]

Wow got some amps wired up in the bad boy :)
i mounted my uhf (same type too) in the same spot but my mic is on the other side.

[Will239]

Wow got some amps wired up in the bad boy :)
i mounted my uhf (same type too) in the same spot but my mic is on the other side.


yeah its a great spot for a small uhf, i probably should have put the mic on the other side like you have though.

the amps are kinda over kill for my alpine speakers, i might upgrade later, couple of them are starting to buzz too at certain frequencies.