Hi all,
Per my other thread where I posted some pics, and asked several questions, I think I'm finally ready to commit to putting together a list of items that I'll be installing vs. what's already there. Some of these items might change as time goes on, but at least it's now written down, and I'll have a reference point to look back on as I move forward.
When I bought the '04 Sport I wanted to move slow in making changes rather than jump in with a shotgun approach. So I've spent some time with it, and learned the quirks, along with some of the things that I feel are a plus about it. Having done that, I think that I have a pretty solid plan to start from, and should be able to get this rig built in a fairly surgical fashion where I'm getting the most bang for my buck, while bolstering it to a point that is fun to play in on the weekends without too much worry of breaking my daily driver.
One thing I'd like to mention before listing stuff out is that I'm very happy to have found y'alls forum. The combination of personalities has a nice range from the no-nonsense to the light hearted, but even with that variation, along with some differences of opinion, the obvious goal from everyone here is overwhelmingly helpful. The active community and info gathered here has been the best I've seen so far, and it's been greatly appreciated.
Now, here's what the Jeep came with when bought.
1. Rancho 3.5 lift with what looks like 1" spacers (at least on the front) with the RS9000x shocks
2. Decent sound system already in place (no BT, or sub)
3. Nice set of sliders installed
4. Whatever the brand of flares it's got now
5. The Bestop tire carrier
6. MT 10" wheels with Cooper STT 35x12.50r15 tires (new)
7. Quadratec rubber floormats
What I've done so far.
1. Removed the rust and refinished the frame.
2. Removed the rear bumper and rust rotted trailer hitch that was on it.
3. Gutted the interior, and cleaned and inspected the conditions of the tub. Other than dusty, it was flawless.
4. Changed the head unit out for a Sony with BT.
5. Added a Punch 10" with amp sub.
6. Replaced the passenger seatbelt.
7. Installed LED headlights, and replaced the original broken fog lights with a couple of cubes for now.
8. Tuffshade and new Pavement Ends top
What I plan to do to the Jeep in the future. (This is sort of in the order I'm planning, I think)
1. Replace the fixed Rancho control arms with Savvy adjustable control arms.
2. Remove the drop on the skid and pull that back up to the frame.
3. Replace the drive shafts, and replace the rear with a a CV (double cardan).
4. Build up the Dana 35 to a Super 35 along with a regear to 4.88. I've also pondered the 8.8 instead... will decide as money is saved. During this process I'll be adding the SYE. I'll also, obviously, regearing the front. I'm still not sure about adding sleeves and gussets to the Dana 30 at this time. (need more research)
5. Thinking of adding a Antirock, and Correctlync, but still learning there as well.
After getting done with the drive line, my focus then shifts to mods to the body and such.
6. Adding Dirtworx front and rear bumpers, or maybe a Dirtworx rear with a Metalcloak front.
7. Warn M8000 along with the Durango alternator
8. Metalcloak fenders since I don't want to go any higher on my lift.
9. Refinishing my door latches and other sundries that could use some attention.
10. Somewhere during this process, if a nice set of 8" black steel wheels to replace the 10' alloys. Just have to find the right buyer for my current set.
Well, that's what I've got so far. I'm sure there are things I've missed, and if you see any fault in my planning, let me know. This is definitely preliminary, and subject to change along the way.
Here's what the Jeep looked like back in September of last year. The only things I had changed at this point was adding the ToughShade and replacing the passenger seatbelt. Below I'll post the progress pics as I can get them online.
Per my other thread where I posted some pics, and asked several questions, I think I'm finally ready to commit to putting together a list of items that I'll be installing vs. what's already there. Some of these items might change as time goes on, but at least it's now written down, and I'll have a reference point to look back on as I move forward.
When I bought the '04 Sport I wanted to move slow in making changes rather than jump in with a shotgun approach. So I've spent some time with it, and learned the quirks, along with some of the things that I feel are a plus about it. Having done that, I think that I have a pretty solid plan to start from, and should be able to get this rig built in a fairly surgical fashion where I'm getting the most bang for my buck, while bolstering it to a point that is fun to play in on the weekends without too much worry of breaking my daily driver.
One thing I'd like to mention before listing stuff out is that I'm very happy to have found y'alls forum. The combination of personalities has a nice range from the no-nonsense to the light hearted, but even with that variation, along with some differences of opinion, the obvious goal from everyone here is overwhelmingly helpful. The active community and info gathered here has been the best I've seen so far, and it's been greatly appreciated.
Now, here's what the Jeep came with when bought.
1. Rancho 3.5 lift with what looks like 1" spacers (at least on the front) with the RS9000x shocks
2. Decent sound system already in place (no BT, or sub)
3. Nice set of sliders installed
4. Whatever the brand of flares it's got now
5. The Bestop tire carrier
6. MT 10" wheels with Cooper STT 35x12.50r15 tires (new)
7. Quadratec rubber floormats
What I've done so far.
1. Removed the rust and refinished the frame.
2. Removed the rear bumper and rust rotted trailer hitch that was on it.
3. Gutted the interior, and cleaned and inspected the conditions of the tub. Other than dusty, it was flawless.
4. Changed the head unit out for a Sony with BT.
5. Added a Punch 10" with amp sub.
6. Replaced the passenger seatbelt.
7. Installed LED headlights, and replaced the original broken fog lights with a couple of cubes for now.
8. Tuffshade and new Pavement Ends top
What I plan to do to the Jeep in the future. (This is sort of in the order I'm planning, I think)
1. Replace the fixed Rancho control arms with Savvy adjustable control arms.
2. Remove the drop on the skid and pull that back up to the frame.
3. Replace the drive shafts, and replace the rear with a a CV (double cardan).
4. Build up the Dana 35 to a Super 35 along with a regear to 4.88. I've also pondered the 8.8 instead... will decide as money is saved. During this process I'll be adding the SYE. I'll also, obviously, regearing the front. I'm still not sure about adding sleeves and gussets to the Dana 30 at this time. (need more research)
5. Thinking of adding a Antirock, and Correctlync, but still learning there as well.
After getting done with the drive line, my focus then shifts to mods to the body and such.
6. Adding Dirtworx front and rear bumpers, or maybe a Dirtworx rear with a Metalcloak front.
7. Warn M8000 along with the Durango alternator
8. Metalcloak fenders since I don't want to go any higher on my lift.
9. Refinishing my door latches and other sundries that could use some attention.
10. Somewhere during this process, if a nice set of 8" black steel wheels to replace the 10' alloys. Just have to find the right buyer for my current set.
Well, that's what I've got so far. I'm sure there are things I've missed, and if you see any fault in my planning, let me know. This is definitely preliminary, and subject to change along the way.
Here's what the Jeep looked like back in September of last year. The only things I had changed at this point was adding the ToughShade and replacing the passenger seatbelt. Below I'll post the progress pics as I can get them online.
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