Australian Black Beach Eagle

BeavisTJ

TJ Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2018
Messages
315
Location
Queensland, Australia
My introduction https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/new-to-the-jeep-world-pics-golden-eagle.14183/

My Jeep as I bought it 09/2018

2006 TJ Wrangler Sport Golden Eagle

143,000kms

4.0L Engine I6

6-Speed Manual NSG370 Transmission

Dana 30/186mm Front Axle 3.07 Ratio

Dana 44 Rear Axle 3.07 Ratio With Track-Lok

15x7 Aluminium Ecco Graphite Wheels 235/75R15

So as my title suggests I'm looking to build a very capable beach going Jeep, top down sun out! Along with the occasional inland 4WD adventure. This is my first time doing any sort of off-roading but am keen to start learning.

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Picked up 5 second hand tyres BFGoodrich KO2's 31x10.5R15 for a fraction of the price of new and they are near new! Very pleased to have stumbled across them, and very happy with the extra size.

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Ok just ignore one of them is a KO ;)

Didn't have any luck mounting the spare 31 inch though. Do I need to remove the rubber pucks? It seems to clear the third tail light alright.

Otherwise the tyres fit great, the Jeep is bone stock but will probably look at a modest lift in future. Just had to adjust the steering wheel stops with some washers as I read on the forum. Great to see so much valuable information online, love the Jeep community already! Hows the spacing? The steering stops weren't level so one side didn't even need spacers. At full lock both sides.

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Another little project I had was to replace the engine bay light with an LED. With a little bit of soldering I'm really happy how it turned out in an OEM finish.

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That's all for now... awaiting some parts from the States, you guys are spoilt for suppliers. I've been using Quadratec and Amazon, any other suppliers you'd recommend?
 
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Pretty Jeep! I'm jealous that you are going to be riding in the sand. I use Quadratec for most everything and amazon for others if I have to. I personally like the customer service of Quadratec. I know some guys use extreme terrain, but I have no experience to offer. When everyone here in the states wakes up, they'll give you some more options!
 
That's all for now... awaiting some parts from the States, you guys are spoilt for suppliers. I've been using Quadratec and Amazon, any other suppliers you'd recommend?

Amazon is the one I use the most. I also use eBay a lot, and occasionally https://www.4wd.com and https://www.4wheelparts.com. Amazon and eBay usually have the best deals though I find... almost always.

Your Golden Eagle looks awesome by the way! Time to throw a lift on that bad boy. Although I guess in Australia the government won't let you lift it past a certain point, huh?
 
Pretty Jeep! I'm jealous that you are going to be riding in the sand. I use Quadratec for most everything and amazon for others if I have to. I personally like the customer service of Quadratec. I know some guys use extreme terrain, but I have no experience to offer. When everyone here in the states wakes up, they'll give you some more options!

They are super quick to process the orders and have some great deals. Thanks
 
Amazon is the one I use the most. I also use eBay a lot, and occasionally https://www.4wd.com and https://www.4wheelparts.com. Amazon and eBay usually have the best deals though I find... almost always.

Your Golden Eagle looks awesome by the way! Time to throw a lift on that bad boy. Although I guess in Australia the government won't let you lift it past a certain point, huh?

Thanks bro, I'll be sure to check a few of those suppliers out. I think getting these tyres has woken something inside me haha I'll have a lift and 35's before I know it ;)

Unfortunately yes we do have strict laws regarding lifts and tyre sizes. Anything above 75mm needs to be certified by an engineer to a maximum 150mm allowed
 
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Unfortunately yes we do have strict laws regarding lifts and tyre sizes. Anything above 75mm needs to be certified by an engineer to a maximum 150mm allowed

Yeah, that’s just crazy if you ask me! Fortunately there’s no laws like that here.
 
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I love the jeep! And excellent score on the tires they look new. As for places to shop from I too use Amazon and Quadratec mostly. I once ordered from 4WD but had a bad experience. And I wanna see these pictures of your jeep on some sand so get out there and make it happen! Lol
 
Ha
I love the jeep! And excellent score on the tires they look new. As for places to shop from I too use Amazon and Quadratec mostly. I once ordered from 4WD but had a bad experience. And I wanna see these pictures of your jeep on some sand so get out there and make it happen! Lol

Haha thanks man I'll get it on the sand as soon as I pick up some basic recovery gear!
 
Unfortunately yes we do have strict laws regarding lifts and tyre sizes. Anything above 75mm needs to be certified by an engineer to a maximum 150mm allowed

Where there any accidents which led to the new laws? If not what caused the regulations?

I always thought all the socialists lived in the Pacific Northwest, but you all seem to have passed us.
 
Where there any accidents which led to the new laws? If not what caused the regulations?

I always thought all the socialists lived in the Pacific Northwest, but you all seem to have passed us.

Not that I can comment on, I am however new to the 4WD scene. You'd think with the harsh landscape we have (AUS) there would be some common sense but alas...
 
The last few days has been pouring down rain and I had gotten water coming into my passenger side foot well (RHD). After some research I have concluded I needed to check my interior air intake cowl drain for blockages. Sure enough it was blocked and the result being water overflowing and entering my foot well.

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All clear now

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My parts from Quadratec arrived and finally had some days off to have some fun with the Jeep. New floor mats and TecStyle cloth seat covers before and after.

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As cool as the Trail Guide was I always use Google maps, so I got the Rugged Ridge Multi mount system for added storage.

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And lastly I now have a fuel cap that actually locks.

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I think it's looking awesome and really coming together :) Out of curiosity, why worry about a locking gas cap? And are those the Quadratec diver down seat covers? If so, how do you like them so far? I'm thinking of getting a set for my TJ and JKU.
 
I think it's looking awesome and really coming together :) Out of curiosity, why worry about a locking gas cap? And are those the Quadratec diver down seat covers? If so, how do you like them so far? I'm thinking of getting a set for my TJ and JKU.

No they are the "TecStyle" seat covers by Quadratec (https://www.quadratec.com/brand/tecstyle-cloth-seat-covers?ka=tecstyle seat covers by Quadratec)

I'm pretty happy with them for now, nice tight fit and well secured with straps. They are cloth so will hopefully breath a little better than the neoprene. Would liked to have gotten the Bartact covers but can't justify the price.

The locking gas cap is just a little piece of mind, fuel isn't cheap here so will deter thieves.
 
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After considering the options and what wheel size I would like in the long term I settled on a set of Old Man Emu 2.5 inch lift kit. From what I read in terms of comfort rancho shocks were the way to go so I didn't want to spend alot on the nitro OME shocks to not plan on keeping them. Fortunately I found a set second hand for a few hundred dollars, compare that with the just under $2,000 AUD that ARB quoted for OME lift and install. That did also include transfer case drop to elevate vibration at high speeds. But I can easily fined the spacers and still save money.

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And after a little clean

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Not sure on the condition of the shocks they rebound pretty slow but there is some decent resistance pushing them.

I'll need to acquire a few parts before tackling the job. On the list:

Bumpstop extensions

Transfer case spacers

Rubber spring pad/spacer (not sure the name)

Anything else?