My first car was a 1998 Green Sahara. I loved that Jeep. This many years later, I am 38, have some money in the bank, and recently purchased a 60th Anniversary Edition TJ on e-bay. It arrived to my house in Charlotte, NC on a car carrier with 40k miles on the odometer and in basically stock condition with the minor exception of replaced tires, a new S-belt and some attachment hardware for being hauled behind the previous owner's RV.
The Jeep was dirty but in great shape otherwise. I do believe it spent its life mostly being towed and living in a Texas airplane hangar — a great starting point!
I have been steadily lurking on this forum for months picking up tips and advice, especially from Chris and Jerry. Now that I am deeper into my build and have some time, I want to contribute. I'll gladly answer any questions in an attempt to pay it forward.
The Jeep is a 3spd Auto with the 4.0L I6. It sadly came 3.07, but that is being handled by Outlaw Offroad up the road from me in High Point, NC. I am going to 4.10.
Thus far, I have added or will add the following:
Phew... I think that's it. You guys can probably tell, I have gone down the rabbit hole with this Jeep. I have honestly been enjoying the work and project more than I expected. Some pieces have been challenging, and I have definitely said some horrible things along the way, but overall, this has been a great time.
The most current photos of the build as of 12/17/19:
The Jeep was dirty but in great shape otherwise. I do believe it spent its life mostly being towed and living in a Texas airplane hangar — a great starting point!
I have been steadily lurking on this forum for months picking up tips and advice, especially from Chris and Jerry. Now that I am deeper into my build and have some time, I want to contribute. I'll gladly answer any questions in an attempt to pay it forward.
The Jeep is a 3spd Auto with the 4.0L I6. It sadly came 3.07, but that is being handled by Outlaw Offroad up the road from me in High Point, NC. I am going to 4.10.
Thus far, I have added or will add the following:
- KDFabworks 49" Mid-Width Front Bumper and Steering Skid
- Next Venture High Clearance Hitch Bumper
- Hella Black Magic Driving Lights
- Warn Zeon 8-S Winch (synthetic rope)
- Hella Headlights
- Rigid D-SS Spots w/ Delta Mounts
- JKS Quick Discos
- Currie Currectlync Steering Kit
- Fram Air Filter
- Odyssey PC1500T Battery
- Next Venture Battery Mount (single)
- OME 2.5 Suspension Lift (Heavy)
- BFG AT 32x11.50 (x5) on American Racing Bajas
- Regearing from 3.07 to 4.10 and axle reinforcement - Revolution Gear - Only work I am not doing myself
- Morryde Tailgate Reinforcement Kit
- Romken Bump Stops All Around
- Borla (14924) Exhaust
- Genright 25gal Fuel Tank (aluminum)
- VIAIR 400H Compressor for onboard air
- A Uniden CB and 3' Firestik
- Trail Tail Tailights
- Bartact Seat Covers Front and Rear
- BedTred Front and Rear
- Weathertec Mats (love these! I get them on all my cars.)
- Tuffy Subwoofer Center Console
- Tuffy Storage Box under the driver seat
- Bestop Trektop NX - Twill
- Polk Marine Speakers all around — two 6.5", two 4"x6" and an 8" Polk sub
- A Sony XAV-AX1000 that has Apple friendly integration for my iphone
- Kenwood Amps - one for the sub, one for the speakers
- Some miscellaneous cosmetic items
- POR-15 Underneath (an act of love)
- A LOT of rattle can Satin Black
Phew... I think that's it. You guys can probably tell, I have gone down the rabbit hole with this Jeep. I have honestly been enjoying the work and project more than I expected. Some pieces have been challenging, and I have definitely said some horrible things along the way, but overall, this has been a great time.
The most current photos of the build as of 12/17/19:
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