2005 Jeep LJ (P0PC0RN)

[bruggymonster]

Hello all! I’ve officially owned this Jeep for about 2 years now and I figured I’d put together a build report for it. I’ve always been a Jeep guy and have owned a few in the past years. A 2013 JKUR, 2000 XJ, 1988 Grand Wagoneer, and now a 2005 LJ. All of my buddies have always had RZRs and dirt bikes but it has been my goal to convert them into full-sized ORVs.

The LJ started off pretty much stock on 31s and was basically a Sunday driver with 145k miles from the previous owner. I drove it that way for a while but knew if I wanted to really get into what the RZRs were, I needed to started putting some money into it.

 

[bruggymonster]

Up next was sliders, front bumper, winch, and some lights! I also was able to install a 3" JKS lift. Being in NW IA, it's not too far to the Black Hills and I got everything installed just in time for a buddies wedding that was out there and was able to do some wheeling! It made me realize that I need some sort of belly up skid plate as well as bigger tires. My issue is that these 31s and the 4.0 is pretty zippy and I don't want to lose that going to 35s or 37s. I think I'd be fine with 33s but if I'm going to do it, might as well go 1 tons and 37s! The budget is tighter on this build with us just moving and a 2 year old running around so maybe someday!

 

[Tim Horne]

Hello from eastern Iowa!

 

[Zorba]

Tuns and Fodeez!

 

[bruggymonster]

Next trip was to Combs, AR! Was a great trip messed up my driver side fender a bit and a few new plugs in the tires but over all a great trip!

 

[bruggymonster]

I was also able to find a decent set of half doors but they needed repainted, I tried to color match with the paint code and aerosol cans from Automotive Touchup. I was also able to find a mopar square back top so I swapped it out from the fastback style.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Tuns and Fodeez!

Great. Now what the hell am I supposed to say, Zorb?



Welcome to the forum, Bruggy! Nice rig.

Jeff

 

[Apparition]

Next trip was to Combs, AK. Was a great trip messed up my driver side fender a bit and a few new plugs in the tires but over all a great trip!

AK or AR? big difference in distance.

 

[bruggymonster]

AK or AR? big difference in distance.

Arkansas! Whoops

 

[Zorba]

AK or AR? big difference in distance.

They don't shoot the same ammo either.

 

[chili_pepper]

They don't shoot the same ammo either.

If you have an AK in the People's Republic of Maryland, they probably do...

 

[NashvilleTJ]

If you have an AK in the People's Republic of Maryland, they probably do...

Here in TN, if they raid your home and you don’t have an AR, you go to jail…

 

[Apparition]

Here in TN, if they raid your home and you don’t have an AR, you go to jail…

Who the hell only has "an" AR?

 

[chili_pepper]

Here in TN, if they raid your home and you don’t have an AR, you go to jail…

If I'm not mistaken, there's still a law on some southern state's books stating something similar regarding a shotgun.

To the best of my knowledge, you can own an AK in the PRoMD, but it can't be chambered in 7.62x39....much the same as I can't own an M1A chambered in 7.62 NATO.

 

[bruggymonster]

Forgot to mention I also put a new head unit, speakers, and sub in! When I got this Jeep the radio barely worked and I really like having Apple CarPlay. Huge upgrade from the stock system but on a budget!

 

[Mike_H]

Who the hell only has "an" AR?

They are like rabbits…they multiply quickly!

 

[bruggymonster]

Also got around to fixing the storage solution, luckily with an LJ, that extra 15” helps a ton! Here’s my solution for holding recovery gear, camping things, fishing gear, and a cooler!

 

[Peppergat]

Also got around to fixing the storage solution, luckily with an LJ, that extra 15” helps a ton! Here’s my solution for holding recovery gear, camping things, fishing gear, and a cooler!

View attachment 568516

I considered doing that very thing. I got to thinking though that those Milwaukee boxes just scream come steal my stuff. Round here the tweakers and other low life’s have gotten pretty crafty and brazen. Kind of like when zombies figure out how to turn a door knob.
Ultimately I built a box that’s pretty low profile and would be very difficult to get inside of with the tailgate locked.

 

[bruggymonster]

I considered doing that very thing. I got to thinking though that those Milwaukee boxes just scream come steal my stuff. Round here the tweakers and other low life’s have gotten pretty crafty and brazen. Kind of like when zombies figure out how to turn a door knob.
Ultimately I built a box that’s pretty low profile and would be very difficult to get inside of with the tailgate locked.

Understandable, luckily I only have all of my stuff with me when I’m wheeling. Also, depending on what all I have with me, it sits about flush with the tub so unless someone is looking for it, they can’t see it from the road. I’m a Milwaukee guy so I may be biased but it’s super nice to just be able to slide them out when not in use but still be secure when bouncing down the trails.

 

[Harold&Cat]

Nice LJ . You could have named it " Corn Pop".... According to Biden he was a Bad Dude