Nate's 2002 TJ, Not so simple anymore by gst95dsm

5 minute(s) of a 391 minute read

So here is the build list with shipped pricing... pretty much what I posted last night, but I didn't Ebay it all. "I" think it'll be a cool little TJ, somewhat built up front to rear, for mild wheeling, hunting and camping duties. With good street manors and good looks. Anyone see anything that I blatantly missed? Other than this I know I'll need a winch plate of some sort, fluids, a Safari top and windshield header and....... that's about it. We'll be at $3500. In the future he can easily add more armor, CA's.... and what not as he get's more into it.  

BDS 2" lift $412.00
PA 1" body lift $ 98.60
2" Bump stops $ 25.00
R/C track bar brkt. $ 27.89
Eauto Sliders $155.95
Eauto Bumpers F/R $337.00
Big Daddy Tie Rod $ 89.99
Alloy USA D35 Chromos $262.97
D30 Aussie locker $234.00
Engo 9,000 Winch $279.00
JKS Discos $142.16
Cragar Soft 8's $233.28
33 KM2's $970.00

Total $3,267.84

5-1-2014

To say Summit Racing is on top of their shipping..... is an understatement. Damn...amazing, less than 24hrs. to my door. I wish I could order everything from them. I guess the build starts tonight. D35 Chromos going in.  

5-5-2014

I got a lot done today on the old man's jeep. Mounted and balanced the tires. Installed the JKS discos, Installed the front bumper and winch plate, rear bumper, rocks sliders, 1" body lift and safari top.  

Everything went pretty good. I'm pretty impressed with the rock sliders for the price. I know it's not a complicated part but they sure look clean. The bumpers on the other hand I really screwed up! I should have read the description better. I didn't realize I got full width bumpers. By full width I mean...... WIDE. Especially compared to what I'm used to looking at. Oh well they are gonna have to work. With the fog lights and winch on the front it won't look bad, but the rear I just can't get used to. He will have good protection for his corners and fenders and I'd bet that's what he would like instead of super stubby non existent bumpers like I have, and like. Still they weren't what I was expecting and I hate that.

It looks pretty cool though.... tomorrow I get the Tie rod, and Winch. I have the bump stops, 3/4" coil spacers and D30 Aussie locker sitting here also. The last thing to arrive will be the lift on Wednesday. I've got Friday and Saturday off to get this thing wrapped up and detailed. These bolt on builds are pretty fun!

5-6-2014

I knocked out the winch install tonight. I've never seen an ENGO winch in person and I must say they are quite underwhelming. They look to be about Harbor Freight quality. The control switch is about as cheap as they come but looks simple enough that if it ever gave issue you could fix it easy. The engage and free spool lever has a nice solid feel and the wiring going into the solenoid box looks to be quite durable. There's nothing hard about installing a winch so I won't ramble on about it...... I'm glad I bought him one and I'm sure it will be just fine. Oh yeah..... the free spool was VERY smooth and easy and during a powered test the unit sounded good and smooth. I've heard some winches right outta the box that sounded terrible and rough! I think the front end looks pretty complete now and I am starting to get used to the bumper a little more.  

Easily my favorite part so far on this jeep is these sliders.... here's a few more photos as requested.  

The lift gets here tomorrow..... knowing me I'll probably start on it after work tomorrow. Here's an updated list of what's left to install.  

2" BDS lift

2" bump stop extensions

R/C rear track bar bracket

3/4" Coil Spacers (to level front)

Big Daddy off road Tie-rod

D30 Aussie locker

A little painting and general detailing and we'll be ready to deliver it. He's still got no idea his Harley is gone.