One Ton LJ

[WahooJeep]

This is my first attempt at a build thread, and I am looking for comments and advice.

My LJ's first set of mods were a RE 3.5 SF kit and 35" Truxus. I threw on a front cage addition at this point.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0152_2.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/Crozet0307/IMG_0019.jpg

I broke the Dana 30, realized I needed beadlocks and lockers, so I tore it down and built the current version.

She now has a RE 4.5" LA, 37's, ARB's F&R, on a HP30 and a 44.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC03871JPG.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/RCPFA%20Labor%20Day%202008/web-6.jpg


So, now on to the current situation.

[WahooJeep]

I bought this JK to be my camping, dd, mall crawler, so now the LJ is headed for trail only status.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/OBX%202008/IMG_0779.jpg

The next build is being built around these axles that I just picked up.



In addition we are going to pull the cage and put in a real cage.

I am going to be running 39's on 17" Allied Monster Beadlocks.

Steering will be full hydro.

Plans are to work off the RE LA kit, with some mods.

Tenative plan is outboarding the shocks, with an eye on coilovers down the road.

THe 14 bolt is set up for a FT wishbone style 3 link, i haven't decided if I will build something to work with that, or stick with the RE style links.

I will probably stick with the four link front, but have been discussing the idea of a wishbone style 3 link there also.

This will be a slow build as time and $$ allow thee acquisition of the necessary parts.

[WahooJeep]

We are finally making a little progress.

The new plan is to get it moving again by installing the tons using the current RE suspension components.

I will continue to accumulate parts as the budget allows. The goal is still to stretch, link, and run airshocks.

Moving it from the field to the shop turned into an exercise in Murphy's law. We had a flat tire on my tow rig, the dually got stuck in the mud when the hill thawed, Eric's XJ broke a beadlock recovering the dually, then the dually ran out of diesel.

But we finally have it on stands in the shop, and hope to have it moving on its own power in the next week or two.

Some pics...

Recovery
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1276.jpg

HP 60
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1277.jpg

14 Bolt
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1280.jpg

Shop
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1282.jpg

[WahooJeep]

ome new pics...

The front axle is in.

We are waiting on uniball joint from Poly to finish the rear.

Once we get the rear in, we will have to see the clearance issues on the panhard bar. It may hit the oil pan.

We also still have to redo the lower mounts on the rear to fix the binding issues.

But, cross our fingers, we should be able to flex her out next Monday.


Front should come down about 4" more when it comes off jackstands
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0861.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0867.jpg

Rear lowers need tweaked
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0860.jpg

Front Panhard clearance questions

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0866.jpg

[WahooJeep]

rogress update...

We got the rear axle in, and the steering orbital mounted. We still need to shorten the front driveshaft, plumb the steering, move the gas tank rearward, and take a sawzall to the body.

She should be moving again by next week. :2thumbsup:

RE uppers converted to wishbone
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1287.jpg

Cutoff wheel to the inner fenders to clearance for the orbital
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1283.jpg

Full width rear
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1285.jpg

[WahooJeep]

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1288.jpg

Ride height

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1289.jpg

[Scrambled]

:droolfactor10::bowdown::2thumbsup:

What did you guys do about the rear links?

Looking good man, one tons make me happy.:D

Later
Sean

[hadfield4wd]

Chris,

Looking good.

[WahooJeep]

Finished the steering and tested the flex today...

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1292.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1293.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1290.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1294.jpg

[WahooJeep]

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1301.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1303.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1305.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1306.jpg

[TrailReadyMJ]

Nice work, looks great! :2thumbsup:

[Scrambled]

Looking good my friend. Can't wait to get back up there and see that thing in action.

later
Sean

[hadfield4wd]

Looks like that suspension is balanced real nice.

[Big Red 95]

Dam it Man. :2thumbsup: that thing is coming out nice. That is some monster flexin' there. definitely looks like you are going to have to cut the body some.

[YJeXtreme]

NICE!!! I can't wait to get started on my axle swap. and can't wait even more to get back to Crozet/RCPFA to see that thing in action!:2thumbsup:

[melius]

Thats what i hope my heep will grow up to be one day!! Very nice rig man :D

[WahooJeep]

Finally got finished moving to the new house, and got back to this project.

I took her out for a test run back in February and broke the rear shocks. The lesson here is measure for bumpstops, don't assume they are OK.

So yesterday, I swapped out the busted shocks and we built some new bumpstops. I gave her a test run at Crozet and loved the performance.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1433.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1436.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1443.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1446.jpg

Next in line is to move the gas tank back, and then start on the cage rebuild.

[hadfield4wd]

Awesome. I like it.

[Scrambled]

Looking good Chris!:2thumbsup:
Glad the moving headache is over for ya bro.
I be up your way very soon. Give me a call.

Later
Sean

[WahooJeep]

had a couple of vacation days, and got back to working on this project.

This is the old cage, stock cage re-enforced with A to Z kit and Rockhard parts.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1788.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1792.jpg

Stripped down and ready for a new cage.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1789.jpg

Mondays progress was getting th old cage out, and got the tubes bent for the new cage.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1794.jpg

[WahooJeep]

Made some more progress on Tuesday. Got most of the top done and the B pillars done.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1810.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1809.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1812.jpg

Many thanks to Chris and Eric for building the cage.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1800.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1806.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1807.jpg

The easy way to remove Line-X from the torx bolts.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1804.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1801.jpg

[xjmudman96]

lookin good:thumb:

[hadfield4wd]

Chris I like it. I really want packard to buld mine, I'm just not sure I can swing it right now.

[WahooJeep]

Chris I like it. I really want packard to buld mine, I'm just not sure I can swing it right now.

i thought you were selling yours and buying a mystery rig.

Are you going to accept your nomination for the BOD?

I think you would be great.

Chris

[WahooJeep]

More pics...

Nice notches
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00352.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00353.jpg

Removing the windshield

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00358.jpg

Almost done

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00364.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00368.jpg

I am just waiting on seats, Corbeau Ultra Wides, perfect for fat asses. Once we get the seats mounted, we can finish up the door bars and side protection.

Has to be better than riding like this.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00360.jpg

[Scrambled]

Looking good bro!:2thumbsup: Darn nice notches ,Packard does good work!
Hopefully be up your way next weekend.:driving:

Later
Sean

[WahooJeep]

More progress.

Seat Mounts
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00372.jpg
Frame tie in
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1817.jpg
Seat mockup and headroom
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00377.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00394.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1813.jpg

[hadfield4wd]

i thought you were selling yours and buying a mystery rig.


Well it hasn't sold yet and I'm still wheeling and making things better. Have you seen my rig recently? It looks like crap since the last 2 crozet trips, so it may not sell. I'm not torn up about it though.


Are you going to accept your nomination for the BOD?

I think you would be great.

Chris

I don't know. With all the kids stuff going on I'm not sure I have the time.

[WahooJeep]

Almost done, just need paint, door bars, and new harnesses.

Thanks for the pics, Chris.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00403.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00395.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00397.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00404.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC00407.jpg

[WahooJeep]

Made some more progress today.

Got the kids seats mounted and finished up painting the cage.

Just waiting on the new harnesses, and door bars.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1826.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1830.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1832.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1833.jpg

[hadfield4wd]

Man that thing has come a long way. Looks great.

[WahooJeep]

Got the door bars finished, cage is done.

Still waiting on backordered harnesses from Corbeau.


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1926.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_1927.jpg

Wheeled it a little with my old harness.

I was pretty pleased, but the suspension still unloads at poor times.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/RCPFA%200809/IMG_1885.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/RCPFA%200809/IMG_6343.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/RCPFA%200809/IMG_6350.jpg

[Sawace]

Id like to get one with a carry bag too let me know when you need the money thanks Scott

[WahooJeep]

Not much time for some of the bigger projects, but have knocked out a couple of little jobs.

12 Volt Guy switch panel.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0005.jpg

and

new sound setup, Pyle Marine amp, Pyle Wakeboard Speakers, and ipod input.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0006.jpg

Suck down point on front steering skid

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0011.jpg

[hadfield4wd]

That wakeboard setup is nice. Did you get it from that guy on Pirate?

[WahooJeep]

Yeah, his screen name on Pirate is Tawl_Boy. Good prices and service. It was less tha $200 for the amp, speakers, and wiring kit.

[Scrambled]

Saw Chris's speakers last trip to Crozet.
Liked them so much bought a set off of E-bay for $89 delivered.:2thumbsup:

Thanks for the info Chris I PM the guy on pirate for the amp.

Later
Sean

[hadfield4wd]

Yeah, his screen name on Pirate is Tawl_Boy. Good prices and service. It was less tha $200 for the amp, speakers, and wiring kit.


Yeah I've been eyeing that. Did it come with an Ipod charger?

[WahooJeep]

Packard got the airshocks and airbumps installed this week, and get some better pics.

I'll be testing them this weekend.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0277-1.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC01092.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC01099.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/DSC01100.jpg

[WahooJeep]

Got to try out the Airshocks today, here are a few pics...

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0550.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0551.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0587.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0593.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e32/chendricks1971/IMG_0574.jpg

[rubican!]

nice. LJ's are nice. Or at least yours is awesome.