Chudlet's First TJ

Kind of a long project in that it spread out over a few weekends, and I ended up paying a bit of "stupid tax" on some redo work, but finally got my control arms in with all new grade 8 hardware except for the front axle bushings. I really didn't want to try to drill those out under the Jeep. Maybe if I ever pull the axles, I can get that done. Also welded in the front control arm skids that I got for Christmas. For now all wheels are back on the ground and ready to roll.

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Not so much of a build part but I did swap out the water pump, belt and thermostat last weekend.

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Starting to get after the pile o parts that has been building up. I believe I have enough to get the lift on at this point so here we go.
Step 1. JBC SSSYE
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Coming along well!

Any issues installing the skid, or did everything fit together nicely?

Thanks! It just bolted right up. I was expecting some exhaust interference, but I can get my hand above the muffler and cat and there is a good inch below them to the skid. Mind you I had already put in the Savy shifter, MML and 1.25 BL (zone) when I first got the Jeep so the prep work was already done.
 
Well just when I thought it was going to take a couple of weekends to get everything installed..... yeah, no. First weekend I got the rear jacked up and tires, shocks and trackbar removed. Then @voodooridr came over Saturday to give me a hand but I was so brain dead I couldn't add 2+2 so I drove the struggle bus for a while. We did end up getting the track bar relo bracket and track bar installed as well as the old springs out and test fit the new rear springs. Stupid, stuck shock bolt drove the need to drop the tank and break out the grinder and vice grips. Woke up Sunday all sorts of sick, so turned it into a couch day.



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Took some measurements before the lift.

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This weekend was Easter, so I had to split time between the family, Church and the Jeep. But I got some how-to videos under the belt and got a few things done. The rear axle is centered and squared to the frame. New rear shocks are installed, spring plates are notched to prep for pinion adjustment.
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Been opening boxes, collecting stickers and preping to button up the rear axle this weekend.

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Bump stops finaly showed up.
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Garage is still a mess. This qualifies as a Ride of the Month pic right? Cause that is where it has spent most of its time lately riding my wallet?

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Got a little more done this weekend. Rear end is mostly done. Springs, bump stops and gas tank is back in. New to me tires are on, and everything is sitting on its own weight. I am going from tired OEM springs on 31"s and a 1.25" BL to 4" RockJock springs on 33"s and 1.25" BL. There is a LOT of wheel well space in back now and a serious rake to the Jeep. I tried to capture it, but the stance really doesn't show well due to all the cr.. stuff in the way.


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Comparison of back and front wheel well space.
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I'm sure it will settle a bit when i get it on the road but dang those springs are sitting really proud at the moment. Last thing to do in the rear is adjust the pinion angle and install a driveshaft.
 
Not as much time in the garage as I would have liked, but some progress.

Out with the old springs, almost in with the new.
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Old front springs compared to the new.

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Pretty sure these used to be jounce bumpers?

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Hoping to drill and tap for the bump extensions tonight and maybe even get the new shocks on. Depending on time available.
 
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Had a good weekend hanging out with the Jeep in the garage. Got the front axle just about done. Bump stops measured and installed, springs are in, extended swaybar links and adjustable trackbar are in, steering is reconnected.

Seemed like a good idea so I ordered an upper control arm bracket gusset from Trail Forged and got it welded in. The welds are not pretty, but they are solid.
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Finally got the lift in and everything aligned. Jeep still sits a little high in the back but I still have yet to mount the spare and I am sure things will settle down a bit after driving around. I'll take some measurements after a couple weeks to compare to the ones I took pre-lift to see how much lift I end up with.
General comparison
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For those of you who were wondering what a RockJock 4" lift spring looks like compared to an OEM front spring

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During the install, I found a few pieces that needed replaced
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While I was traveling place to place between garage therapy sessions I happened on a couple nice MarketPlace scores


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I have a dual ViAir compressor kit that I have on the shelf patently waiting for it's install time but then this dual ARB compressor showed up on MarketPlace for $300 and I caved-in to the buying impulse. Might have to put the ViAir kit in the old Dodge truck to run the air bags and QDs.
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Got a few cosmetics done this weekend and did a little mountain road cruising with some local club guys.

Much thanks to @All 4 Wheelin' for the T-Case shifter. You are right, much easier to get to and use.
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Nice patriotic windshield sticker repping the club.
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Finally got a new center console to hide the future sub and store various doodads.
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Went with the AlienShade and really like it! Nice bit of shade without being too much. I'll probably just leave it there regardless of the top I have on it.

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And I think it might be time to buy a harness so my little neurotic little Jeep Girl can go along on trips and not randomly jump out. I am getting the idea she might want to go.

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Got a few cosmetics done this weekend and did a little mountain road cruising with some local club guys.

Much thanks to @All 4 Wheelin' for the T-Case shifter. You are right, much easier to get to and use.
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Nice patriotic windshield sticker repping the club.
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Finally got a new center console to hide the future sub and store various doodads.
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Went with the AlienShade and really like it! Nice bit of shade without being too much. I'll probably just leave it there regardless of the top I have on it.

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And I think it might be time to buy a harness so my little neurotic little Jeep Girl can go along on trips and not randomly jump out. I am getting the idea she might want to go.

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I knew you would like the modified shifter.