03 Sahara Metalcloak build

b0xcar

b0xcar

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 28, 2017
Messages
774
Location
Central, TX, United States
Alright guys... this is it. Finally getting around to starting a build thread. Hopefully this one will be as good as some of the other amazing ones on here.

So I will be running Metalcloaks 3.5" short arm lift.

https://www.metalcloak.com/TJ-LJ-Wrangler-3-5-Duroflex-Suspension-System-p/7153.htm

Adding the Fox 2.0 shocks

I've added the Metalcloak frame built bumper.

https://www.metalcloak.com/Frame-Built-Jeep-Bumper-231001-LJ-TJ-p/fb-tj-231001.htm

20180107_132414.jpg


Also Metalcloaks rear bumper/tire carrier.

https://www.metalcloak.com/TJ-LJ-Wrangler-Rear-Bumper-Tire-Carrier-p/2841.htm

20180112_161501.jpg
20180112_174600.jpg


Just dropped the Jeep off at the shop today for the install. Should have some pics in the next couple days.
 
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Love the color, love the winch, and love the build plan. Can't wait to see more!
 
TJ2 said:
B0xcar, nice rig.

Why did you covered just one of your license plates?
Click to expand...
Thanks

I did that to see how observant people are! Good eye my man you passed my little test.

Those are just the pics that I had honestly. I was going to cover all plates but already had that pic posted on here so it really didn't matter.
 
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I would also like to get my factory fogs back on. Need to do some drilling before the install. Need some opinions though.

Would this look work or do they get in the way of the headlights too much?
20180120_153239.jpg


Or is it just way too much?

I may end up seeing if MC can give me different endcaps.

Possibly these?

https://www.metalcloak.com/52-Hi-Crawler-Caps-CJ-YJ-TJ-LJ-p/2121.htm

These endcaps should allow me to mount the lights slightly lower and a few inches away from the winch.
 
b0xcar said:
I would also like to get my factory fogs back on. Need to do some drilling before the install. Need some opinions though.

Would this look work or do they get in the way of the headlights too much?
View attachment 30767

Or is it just way too much?

I may end up seeing if MC can give me different endcaps.

Possibly these?

https://www.metalcloak.com/52-Hi-Crawler-Caps-CJ-YJ-TJ-LJ-p/2121.htm

These endcaps should allow me to mount the lights slightly lower and a few inches away from the winch.
Click to expand...
upload_2018-2-1_17-52-28.jpeg


"Close Encounters..." LOL Remember the scene of the space ship coming up behind Richard Dreyfuss in the truck, and he waves them by? That's what your light set-up reminds me of! :) You can star in a sequel..."Close Encounters of the Jeep Kind"... :D All kidding aside, I think it looks fine. It's whatever you want...and your wife, of course, if you've got that contract going! ;)
 
Last edited:
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Everything is installed as of this past Saturday. The rear shocks were boxed wrong so they are getting replaced. Rear shocks are for a 4" or 6" lift. Everything else seems to be great.

Did some more measurements last night and both front springs measure right at 3 1/4" above stock. The rear measures 3 3/4" above stock. I think it sits pretty good now.

These pics are from later that night of the install.

Front passenger
20180203_194159.jpg


Front driver
20180203_194325.jpg


Rear driver
20180203_194547.jpg


Rear passenger
20180203_194701.jpg


Before side view
I believe this was a 1.5" lift with 33s
20180106_121242.jpg


New 3.5" lift with 33s
20180203_180246.jpg
 
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lowranger said:
How do you like the ride?
Click to expand...
I think it rides pretty well considering. The only issue is the rear shocks being too long. The rear end bottoms out very quick with right at 1" (up travel?) left in the shock. So once the correct shocks are installed It should be a lot better. Just having to baby the rear end over speed bumps and large dips in the road.
 
Used penetrol on the hard top today.

Posted this in the "what did you do to your TJ today" thread as well.

Should have posted here 1st and linked it in the other thread. Sorry guys!

Easier for me to check back here to see how long this penetrol holds up.

Before
20180209_153028.jpg


After
20180209_185459.jpg


Still a rookie on the posting and I forget I have a build thread.
 
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b0xcar said:
Used penetrol on the hard top today.

Posted this in the "what did you do to your TJ today" thread as well.

Should have posted here 1st and linked it in the other thread. Sorry guys!

Easier for me to check back here to see how long this penetrol holds up.

Before
View attachment 31584

AfterView attachment 31585

Still a rookie on the posting and I forget I have a build thread.
Click to expand...
I love penetrol :D, nice work!
 
b0xcar said:
I would also like to get my factory fogs back on. Need to do some drilling before the install. Need some opinions though.

Would this look work or do they get in the way of the headlights too much?
View attachment 30767

Or is it just way too much?

I may end up seeing if MC can give me different endcaps.

Possibly these?

https://www.metalcloak.com/52-Hi-Crawler-Caps-CJ-YJ-TJ-LJ-p/2121.htm

These endcaps should allow me to mount the lights slightly lower and a few inches away from the winch.
Click to expand...
I think they look fine. I’ll know better when I see them up close and personal
 
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