2001 TJ build progress

[SD2001TJ]

Hey guys! I wanted to start my build thread for seeing the progress of my TJ and may help others as a lot of others posts have helped me! I will do the basic install stuff myself and get the big jobs I’m not comfortable with done by a shop.

I purchased a 2001 Jeep TJ with a 4.0. I purchased this August 2020. It has 117k miles. It is stock. It is a automatic with a 32RH transmission (3 speed). It currently has stock 3.07 gears. It has a dana 30 front and 35 rear.

First thing I noticed was the soft top wouldn’t unzip. I tried to fix this but just kept pissing me off.

So I replaced it with a cheap smittybilt top:
Smittybilt Black Diamond OE Style Replacement Top with Tinted Windows. Works great for the first 6 months.

I also added the smittbilty CRES2 cargo restraint for my dog. I was able to pick up a new one from eBay for $45!

I did the regular maintenance with fluids and oil change. Big thing I noticed were the spark plugs!

I had a 10” sub I pulled from my JKU before I sold it and installed it for better sound.

I removed the rear license plate and moved it over to the tailgate and wired the 3rd brake light.

The project for this weekend is installing a rear bumper that holds the tire from the bumper and not the tailgate. I will only mount the tire when going away for far trips or when off roading.

 

[SD2001TJ]

So far I was able to take off the rear bumper with no issues. Just soaked bolts with PB blaster throughout the week.

The hitch was a pain. The bolts for the hitch to the frame would just spin. I was able to use an angle grinder and cut off the bolts (first time ever doing this). The hitch finally came off. I was then able to fish out the bolts left in the frame fairly easily.

I saw some surface rust under the POR15 from the previous owner where the hitch was removed from the frame. I sanded it down. Used Rustoleum Rust Converter and Rustoleum rubber undercoating.

I will tackle installing the new number next.

 

[SD2001TJ]

Today I installed the bumper. The bumper is the Smittybilt 76651D SRC classic rear bumper with tire carrier. It was a fairly easy install. The tire carrier gate won’t fully open (hits the bottom tailgate hinge by 1/4 or an inch). I’ll try to figure out how to get it open.

I will mainly drive this without the tire on the carrier. Will only take the tire on the carrier for off-roading and long trips.

 

[N_CARRERA_]

cool looking build it'll look really nice with those new wheels and tires whats the direction your planning with it ? like an overlander or a capable offroad daily or more for looks ?

 

[SD2001TJ]

cool looking build it'll look really nice with those new wheels and tires whats the direction your planning with it ? like an overlander or a capable offroad daily or more for looks ?

It’s definitely my weekend vehicle to take to hikes with the dog and fire roads/simple trails. Will eventually try to take it on the big boy trails once I get more comfortable.
Dropping it off Monday to get the lift, tires, gears and axle shafts installed. Very excited!

 

[N_CARRERA_]

sounds like a cool build ill stay tuned what axle set up do u have ?

 

[SD2001TJ]

sounds like a cool build ill stay tuned what axle set up do u have ?

I unfortunately have the Dana 30 front and 35 rear. I upgraded to the chromoly axle shafts from reading the forums for upgrading to 35’s.

 

[N_CARRERA_]

did you do the super 35 of just switch the carrier for the 30 spline I was looking into upgrading my 35 but I went a different route

 

[SD2001TJ]

did you do the super 35 of just switch the carrier for the 30 spline I was looking into upgrading my 35 but I went a different route

I did not do the super 35 kit. I kept the 27 spline, just upgraded to chromoly. This way incase it does break, I’ll have a spare part.

I was told from the shop I would need to upgrade the carrier as I had the 3.07 originally.

 

[N_CARRERA_]

your a bold man sticking will the 27 spline I would be to nervous and what are you regearing to ?

 

[SD2001TJ]

your a bold man sticking will the 27 spline I would be to nervous and what are you regearing to ?

Regearing to 4.56. I stuck with 27 for what I’ll be doing with it. But I can definitely be wrong, might be a lesson. Sometimes that’s the best way to learn lol

 

[N_CARRERA_]

I would want that gear ratio but unfortunately my air lockers require an overpriced tiny compressor goodluck wheeling

 

[SD2001TJ]

Just picked up my TJ from Torqued Off Road in West Virginia. They installed the following:
3.5 Metalcloak long travel short arm kit
Rockport steering stabilizer and shocks
Adam’s driveshaft and SYE
G2 4.56 gears
Front and rear chromoly axle shafts
replaced the both carriers and my calipers as they were seized
35x12.5x15 tires
Mammoth wheels

Drove 75 miles back home, following the gear break in procedure. I previously had a 3” BDS lift with 35’s on my JKU. This is what I initially noticed as I’ve driven stock and now 2 lifted Jeep:

I thought the breaking would be horrible from reading input from other members on 35s and stock breaking. For me, the breaking was better with 35s on my TJ than when stock. I think it was due to the new calipers?

The ride quality and steering was better than stock. Have the gear upgrade was awesome especially going from 3.07. It had a pip to it’s step!

So far I am pleased with my purchase. See pics below!

 

[SD2001TJ]

Here are some pics

 

[primetime4]

That’s a beautiful looking TJ and I would be jealous if I were to run into you out on the trail or road. Speaking of which I am pretty close to you in Broadlands with the same 2001 model year and spec TJ that I only recently started building up. Nothing extreme yet so I’m only running a 2 inch lift on 31s with Savvy control arms but hoping to move up to 33s and a regear next year once I add a body lift.

Was going to ask which shop you were using but you mentioned it above. I initially had my lift installed by Trick Trucks closer by but can’t say I was fully satisfied with their work so I might have to make the 75 mile trek for the next phase.

Anyhow, let me know where you are planning to take it. I’m thinking about doing a trip to Rausch (mainly green trails and a blue or two) but they require groups of 2 or more and no one else I know in LC not driving a Tesla and with a 4x4 would even dare try it.

 

[SD2001TJ]

I had my previous lift installed form Trick Trucks in Chantilly as well. They were Ok, I personally wouldn't go back. The 75 mile trek is worth it! They are honest and straight up. The labor rate per hour is $90. I believe Bull Run 4x4 was charging me $150 an hour. Its a big difference when you need a lot of hours.

As soon as I am done with breaking in my gears, we are planning on going to Peters Mill Run. Its very simple but this will allow me to drive the TJ offroad and get a feel for it. Once that's done, Raush is for sure! I've done the Greens and blues with my previous JKU. I have about 3-4 friends with Jeeps who plan on coming with.

Shoot me a PM and i'll text you.

 

[SD2001TJ]

I got my Jeep Safe T capped from the rear control arm to the front control arm on both sides due to rot. The Rear main was leaking and my pan was pretty rusted so those were fixed and replaced. I also upgraded my stock steering to the Currie Correctlync. I can definitely feel the difference with the upgraded steering.