JKLNHYD
TJ Enthusiast
Changed out the front steering linkage components with the Crown heavy duty kit. Took about two hours. The hardest part was getting the drag link tie rod end out of the pitman arm. BFH for the win!
What did you do to your TJ today?
- Thread starter LJRubiconGuy
- Start date
I drove it. It may not sound like much, but to me it was huge.
Here is why. I was on my way to work on 10 September on my Ultra Classic. I was at a 4 way light and when my light turned green I looked both ways like I always do, but couldn't see the Mac truck that was about to run the red light because of the vehicle on my left and the utility box at on the corner. As I was pulling out into the intersection and making my left turn, I was smashed by the truck running red light. Driver said he didn't notice he the light was red. I spent about a month in the hospital with a pelvis broken in 7 places. After the surgery and lots of permanent metal additions to hold me back together, I realized that my motorcycle days are over and I was going back to Jeeps.
After much searching, I found what I wanted up in Washington, and had it shipped down to Florida. My wife had to drive it home from the transport truck drop off point. I've been stuck in a wheelchair this whole time while my pelvis heals enough to support my weight. I've spent the past few weeks rolling around outside and tinkering with it, but today I had had enough, and told my wife it was time for a drive. I was able to finagle my way up into the driver's seat and the wife threw the wheelchair in the back (thank God I got a LJ).
A short trip to the courthouse, gas station, pharmacy, and McDonald's was good for the soul. I've been either stuck in a hospital bed or in a wheelchair since the accident. You have no idea how much freedom is lost when you go from being a 100% functioning person, to inches from being paralyzed in the blink on an eye. I'll probably get back to 90% of what I was, but that is a whole lot better than the alternative.
So what did I do to my TJ Unlimited today? I drove it.
Here is why. I was on my way to work on 10 September on my Ultra Classic. I was at a 4 way light and when my light turned green I looked both ways like I always do, but couldn't see the Mac truck that was about to run the red light because of the vehicle on my left and the utility box at on the corner. As I was pulling out into the intersection and making my left turn, I was smashed by the truck running red light. Driver said he didn't notice he the light was red. I spent about a month in the hospital with a pelvis broken in 7 places. After the surgery and lots of permanent metal additions to hold me back together, I realized that my motorcycle days are over and I was going back to Jeeps.
After much searching, I found what I wanted up in Washington, and had it shipped down to Florida. My wife had to drive it home from the transport truck drop off point. I've been stuck in a wheelchair this whole time while my pelvis heals enough to support my weight. I've spent the past few weeks rolling around outside and tinkering with it, but today I had had enough, and told my wife it was time for a drive. I was able to finagle my way up into the driver's seat and the wife threw the wheelchair in the back (thank God I got a LJ).
A short trip to the courthouse, gas station, pharmacy, and McDonald's was good for the soul. I've been either stuck in a hospital bed or in a wheelchair since the accident. You have no idea how much freedom is lost when you go from being a 100% functioning person, to inches from being paralyzed in the blink on an eye. I'll probably get back to 90% of what I was, but that is a whole lot better than the alternative.
So what did I do to my TJ Unlimited today? I drove it.
Thank you for sharing, that's some good positive energy in the morning. ✌
you didn't happen to but that one out of Spokane?
I did. I'm really happy with it. The PO did some really nice work with quality components. About the only thing I would have done differently would be the wheels and tires. The black wheels are cool, but I think I would have gone with a gunmetal gray wheel for a little contrast.
Also, I believe this was the LJ I was destined to have. The Mac truck that hit me was a sanitation pump truck. A literal shit truck. The Jeep came with the "Poo Magnet" sticker already on it from the PO. They guys at work were already calling me a shit magnet (military and LE guys can be dicks, in the most loving way possible).
Damn. Glad you're pulling through. I'll keep you in my prayers for a continuing strong recovery. Stay strong brother.
Wow the stars did align with all of that haha! I'm really happy someone good got that LJ, I saw it for sale and couldn't afford it myself but the asking price was fair, it was super nice!!
I was hoping to spend around $15K for a clean unmolested JK with a manual. I had a '15 JKUR and realized with the wheeling I like to do, a Rubicon would be nice, but unnecessary.
The gentleman I purchased it from provided over $7k in receipts for the parts and labor that he had done in the past 6 months. If I would have found a stock LJ, I would have done the build the same way he did. He went with the OME Super Ultimate kit from DPG with the motor mount and extended brake lines. He also had it regeared to 4.88 and installed an Eaton TrueTrac. That along with the receipts from general maintenance and new wheels and tires, I really couldn't have expected to buy a $13-$15k LJ and then do everything he did for less than what I got it for.
I still have plenty of goodies that I can add as time goes on, but it was nice getting a solid LJ from an honest guy.
I think you should put the big ones back on the rear! Give it that old muscle car stance!
I got the other gmc spring for my 60-70 lb tonneau installed. Rather than mounting the lower arm permanently on the base I built little tracks for them to ride in so it can move back and forth like my tonneau. I used some oak board for the bases. Had to cut some wedges to go under them. Those springs have a lot of power. I’ve turned them around so the coils face the hinge. Makes for a cleaner look. started on my other Cj hood latch.
They lift it like a charm.
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Bought these and got them set.
Now for a question on the psi.
I have 31x10.50x15 tires. I run them at 30 psi on road. The girls I went 4 wheel'n with last weekend have 37 inch tires. They air down to 18 psi. Should I air down to that too, or should I stay a little higher? I aired down to 20psi I know not much of a difference between 18 and 20, but I just wanted to make sure I don't go to far down for the tire I am running.
Now for a question on the psi.
I have 31x10.50x15 tires. I run them at 30 psi on road. The girls I went 4 wheel'n with last weekend have 37 inch tires. They air down to 18 psi. Should I air down to that too, or should I stay a little higher? I aired down to 20psi I know not much of a difference between 18 and 20, but I just wanted to make sure I don't go to far down for the tire I am running.
Finally installed our 9000lb winch and made a full step by step install and wiring video in case anyone else wanted to watch it! Loving it so far, cheers Jeep Fam!
Dilly Dilly
Member
Dilly Dilly
Member
How did your rear drive shaft fit. Mine is so short now and I need to take another 3/4 off to get it to fit right. The drive shaft shop was giving me grief on if I have any room to shave 3/4 off. They'll do it, did you have that problem or is it my lift kit, the kit that keeps on giving me a headache.
Well to be fair, a punch and a drift are 2 different things, although many people use punches in place of a drift
To reiterate others, Thank you for sharing your story with us. Glad you are able to start enjoying your LJ. I wish you a speedy recovery, so you are able to enjoy it more!!
Dilly Dilly
Member
You never know when and where your life is going to change.
We had a rear bearing replaced on our jeep the day before Labor day weekend. Saturday morning we took off for a jeep run we were going 75 mph because the flow of traffic was going 75. We were in the fast lane against the concrete divider when the rear of the jeep dropped to the ground and we started sliding on the Driver side axel tube, The axel shaft sheered off at the bearing, they didn't grease it. We have 35's with 7 in of lift pretty high to be spinning.
We were in HEAVY traffic and It wanted to spin towards the wall so I drove it down the wall trying to slow it down we went 1000 ft and we were still going 60 + mph when the rear caliper caught a crack in the wall and spun us into traffic we were almost killed 5-6 times. Spun 2 times and then got it straightened out stopping on the opposite shoulder facing the wrong way, tire passed us doing 70. , slid 1400 ft. Luck to walk away with out a scratch. Jeep not so good.
Hell of a ride there Dilly. Glad you made it out ok. Jeeps are replaceable and certainly rebuildable.
That was hard enough to read, I can't imagine the thoughts that were going through your mind, nor do I want to!!! Glad you made it through ok!!!