LJ Rubicon Dubbed the Henikon

[HenikonLJ]

Update..
Got the savvy stuff installed bl,mml,tcase linkage. Installed my Baja design lights and some rock lights because why not, also got the morimoto sealed7 2.0 installed. And just enjoying the jeep how it is for now. Next phase will definitely be a stretch with out boarded shocks probably the pair of 14" 2.5 c/o I have laying around anyways here's some pics from recent adventures

 

[RubiGrey]

She’s a beaut!!

 

[HenikonLJ]

She’s a beaut!!

Thank you!

 

[P man]

Just found this build..I was looking at a pic and said "that looks like hi-way fuel" lol..you down by the Camas safeway?

 

[HenikonLJ]

Just found this build..I was looking at a pic and said "that looks like hi-way fuel" lol..you down by the Camas safeway?

Not Camas I'm in washugal over by highway fuel for now lol

 

[P man]

Not Camas I'm in washugal over by highway fuel for now lol

I'm off river road if you were headed out of town. I know I've seen this jeep before around town

 

[HenikonLJ]

I'm off river road if you were headed out of town. I know I've seen this jeep before around town

Yeah I have family and friends that live up by the mx track. And the gf is the postal carrier for up that way so if I decide to be a good bf I bring her food or coffee sometimes haha

 

[HenikonLJ]

Went and played in the snow. Can't wait for more powder to come down

 

[Marklar1983]

Decided to start somewhat of a build thread on my newly acquired LJ. More of a way to come back and see what I haven't done and see if anyone has feedback on stuff for me.

A little bit of a back story, this jeep was originally bought by a very close family friend (Uncle Joe Heniken) brand new. I have owned a few rigs through the years 95 ZJ, 91 XJ, 87+88+98 4runner's, 68+78+92+95 Ford bronco's. I was in the market for a vehicle to drive and play with while the other project vehicles are being worked on. I had some criteria though and honestly a jeep was at the bottom of the list and if I did get a jeep it had to be a very particular one. I was on marketplace looking and nothing really grabbed my attention. I decided to ask my uncle if he would be interested in selling his jeep because it checked all the right boxes for me, he agreed to sell it and here we are today. He was diagnosed with cancer so I felt like crap even asking him if he would sell but to me I would rather it stay in the family vs sold to someone else, thus brings us to the name of Henikon.

Current state of the lj is 111k miles, some no name lift (guessing RC) completely rebuilt front end and rear end, full tune up and fresh fluids in everything, home made front bumper with receiver mount, no name rear bumper with spare mount.

Goals currently are make it more daily driver comfortable with the capabilities to do some snow wheeling and light trail duty for now. So looking into complete stereo upgrade with backup camera, new seats, removable steering wheel (where I work theft happens figure this would be the best option to deter) install my switch pros, cj tailgate swap (current one was caved in due to a small fender bender a few years back, add rocker protection (up for recommendations)
The end goal for phase 1 should be around there.

End goal will be engine transplant (ls, hemi, Cummins, TDI?) Auto swap, Wontons and 40s.

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Great color!

 

[HenikonLJ]

Great color!

Thanks!

 

[HenikonLJ]

Well did some things.
New wheels and tires went with 35s and method bead grip wheels.
Swayloc swaybar
Currie correctlync steering
And motobilt crusher front bumper. Just finished painting it and putting the winch on can't wait to use it in the snow this weekend

 

[HenikonLJ]

Couple new things to add.
Added a quick release steering wheel for security along with a fuel pump shutoff. Keep seeing posts locally of stolen jeeps so paranoia caught me. Only thing I'm regretting is loosing the cruise control going to find a work around possibly.
Been having fun wheeling and enjoying the jeep showing all the Toyota guys what's up haha. Getting all the flex pics in the world.

 

[P man]

Couple new things to add.
Added a quick release steering wheel for security along with a fuel pump shutoff. Keep seeing posts locally of stolen jeeps so paranoia caught me. Only thing I'm regretting is loosing the cruise control going to find a work around possibly.
Been having fun wheeling and enjoying the jeep showing all the Toyota guys what's up haha. Getting all the flex pics in the world.

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You could always park it behind your house? I have never had issues in Washougal. I leave my garage door open for hours at a time.

 

[HenikonLJ]

You could always park it behind your house? I have never had issues in Washougal. I leave my garage door open for hours at a time.

Not a fear in town but I work downtown Vancouver or over in Portland sometimes and don't have eye site on it all the time.

 

[HenikonLJ]

Well some big updates. Was out at the coast camping and decided to take the Jeep out to the beach. Started driving up a small hill and next thing I know no more forward movement and a big pop. Pinion snapped clean off.
So that left me with the ultimatum, regear and worry about it breaking again.
Just bite the bullet and go to tons now and never worry about breaking something like that again.
Maybe a jk axle swap....
Well I've always wanted to do fab9 axles or 609 axles. After talking with some friends who support my bad decisions I called fusion up and ordered some of there 9/10" elite axles.
Current specs are full float rear to use my 8x170 wheels I already own just going to pull the 40s off and put the 35s on it for now. 72" wide, figure if I have any issues I can always narrow the axles down but it's a little harder to add tube. Competition 35spline arb lockers front and rear with 5.43 gears, again I know super deep for a 35 but buy once cry once lol. Reid 05+ inner/outer knuckles 1550 chromo shafts.
I haven't received them yet 8-10 weeks out and I can't wait.

if anyone is looking for a pair of Rubi axles in the PNW let me know. Not sure what a fair price is but I was thinking around 4500 for both axles with pumps/associated lines, new currie steering, front was just fully rebuilt with bj and ujoints and brakes. Rear just had the brakes done as well. Would come with all 5 method mr703 wheels and spidertrax adapters 5x5.

 

[HenikonLJ]

Well the LJ has been broke down for the last 6 months. I could have spent a little money and regeared the axles but I decided to go big. Some might think I'm crazy for going this route without knocking out extensive suspension mods but that's next summer/fall project. I just want to get it going for winter wheeling coming up.

Fusion fab9 axles front and rear 72" wide with Reid super kingpin knuckles, gearworks hp10 5.43 gearing and arbs.

Robbed the tires off my other project that's definitely not getting finished anytime soon we will see if I can make the 40s work otherwise I'll be swapping the 35s on. Only regret I have sofar is getting them "bolt in ready" as I definitely gave myself more work to do when I redo the whole suspension and install the coilovers I already have for it.

does this axle make my butt look big? 4" of ground clearance gained with the 40s and 9" compared to the 44 and 35s I'd say that's a win in my book.

 

[Apparition]

Well the LJ has been broke down for the last 6 months. I could have spent a little money and regeared the axles but I decided to go big. Some might think I'm crazy for going this route without knocking out extensive suspension mods but that's next summer/fall project. I just want to get it going for winter wheeling coming up.

Fusion fab9 axles front and rear 72" wide with Reid super kingpin knuckles, gearworks hp10 5.43 gearing and arbs.

Robbed the tires off my other project that's definitely not getting finished anytime soon we will see if I can make the 40s work otherwise I'll be swapping the 35s on. Only regret I have sofar is getting them "bolt in ready" as I definitely gave myself more work to do when I redo the whole suspension and install the coilovers I already have for it.View attachment 561692View attachment 561693does this axle make my butt look big? 4" of ground clearance gained with the 40s and 9" compared to the 44 and 35s I'd say that's a win in my book.View attachment 561694View attachment 561695View attachment 561696

They look crazy wide.

 

[HenikonLJ]

They look crazy wide.

They definitely are. I wheel with a lot of fullsize rigs or guys with full width axles (super duty swaps) so I'm hoping this helps with staying in their tracks better.

 

[HenikonLJ]

Got the axles swung under it today. It's wide. Ordering high lines and trying to tell myself not to order all my suspension stuff now and just enjoy it as a short arm lift this winter.
What's the go to not break your bank adjustable short arms? Contemplating building my own but if there's something under 1k for all 8 arms I would rather go that route. Core4x seems promising. Would only run them until next spring when the whole suspension will be removed. Rough country is another option in my head even though I know the quality isn't really there.

 

[Wildman]

WOW 72" WMS... You are going to be WIDE.

They do look great and can't wait to see the Jeep on 40's. As you already said stay away from Rough Country.
Since you only want them for one season I'd look at resale value. Who's can you sell next year and get the most money back out of them.