Brandon's Arles Blue TJ

[bbaldwin237]

Took the kiddo on a "Jeep Jeep adventure" up some local forest roads above a lake. Tested out my Savvy cable shifter. Still need a little more adjusting but everything worked fine. It will be so nice (eventually) to get this thing geared and upgrade the traction in the rear. That poor LSD deserves to rest. Tucked the tires in a cross thread then climbed through but had to ride the brakes HARD and go real easy to get it to crawl. But we had fun and that's what matters!

 

[bbaldwin237]

Finally got my cargo liner to go with my mats. Should've just bought it to start with. Didn't think I would want/need it and immediately decided I did. At least I got it on sale. It's just Barricade stuff but I have Weathertechs in my truck (and in my last company trucks) and honestly these seem the same quality for a fraction of the price. I've been very disappointed in Weathertech for the price. I've found Husky to be a much better product.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Had a little bit of an exciting development that is going to lead to things starting to get rolling on this thing.

I'm a "paralysis by analysis" type guy, so I recently made a sort of chart laying out the major mods, what other mods they need to work, and what other mods it is needed for (if that makes sense). So with that, I think I have my build somewhat laid out, which will look something like this. Some of these may move around if I come across good deals or sales, but I think this will about be it.

-Sliders
-Adjustable CA
-BL &MML
-SYE & DCDS
-Gears & lockers
-Steering
-Bumpers
-Winch
-Sway bar
-Moryde
-Extra Clearance Skid
-Adjustable Trackbars
-Brakes
-Lights & other bits

However, a big "issue" I've come across is wanting a better rear seat for my 2-year old. Right now, we belt in the base for his rear facing seat. Before long, he will be going forward facing and/or to a harnessed booster. I'd like to switch to a seat with headrests and add a car seat anchor. I'm thinking of doing a rear harness bar for the anchor. But a seat makes me want to go PRP and get serape or something fun like that. I would likely do Enduro Daily or Trail in the front. The seats come up to a $3000-3500 depending on options. It's tough to rank a safety item like seats but they would obviously create a delay in a few of the more functional items. So, so I do seats right out of the gate? Do I slot them in somewhere else? Or do I just leave them for the end when everything else is done? My son is small for a 2 year old (11th percentile) and will be in the harnessed booster for a while when he gets to it. I'm still deciding on an anchor bolt on the floor or a harness bar for the over the top anchor, but that doesn't really change my seat decision as it will have to happen either way.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Haven't been around here much lately, just lurking from time to time. Just ordered some GenRight sliders. I was back and forth between the standard sliders and mini boat sides. Eventually decided on the standards. Should be interesting trying to get them painted now that we're into the cold and rainy season, but I'll figure that out. Control arms are next. Time to get this build rolling.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Got my old steps removed and the G/R sliders installed. So much happier with the look and protection. Looking forward to the next few mods (adjustable CA's, BL, MML & SYE) to get rid of the t-case drop.

 

[E-Ticket]

Great looking TJ. I love that color. Looking forward to follow your progress as you break through your analysis paralysis...said from another with the same affliction!

 

[bbaldwin237]

Great looking TJ. I love that color. Looking forward to follow your progress as you break through your analysis paralysis...said from another with the same affliction!

I think I've got it under control for the most part now that I've got my spreadsheet put together with all of my data. There's columns for what parts/mods are needed for each, what they are needed for, estimated cost, actual cost, the difference, brands or specific parts, and then a timeline for each purchase! lol my wife laughs at me sometimes, but it works for me! Now just making final decisions on a few brands for certain parts. All of that to say, in the next 12-16 months, we should be fully built

 

[bobthetj03]

Good looking build so far. Guessing you have some sort of lift to fit those 33's? While control arms seem like a important upgrade, the factory arms are quite adequate for most off roading needs, or at least until funds will allow. My suggestion on order of mods might look similar to this,

-Sliders - done
(Brakes)
(winch)
(bumpers, front first for winch)
(MML/BL)
(Swayloc)
(adjustable TB's)
(steering)
(Gears/lockers)
-Moryde
Adjustable CA's
SYE & DCDS
-Extra Clearance Skid
-Lights & other bits

I can explain the order if you are interested. This is assuming your steering/TB's/brakes are all stock. Can't tell for sure by your photos, but it looks like you have a TC skid drop to quell vibes? The MML/BL will help with that.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Good looking build so far. Guessing you have some sort of lift to fit those 33's? While control arms seem like a important upgrade, the factory arms are quite adequate for most off roading needs, or at least until funds will allow. My suggestion on order of mods might look similar to this,

-Sliders - done
(Brakes)
(winch)
(bumpers, front first for winch)
(MML/BL)
(Swayloc)
(adjustable TB's)
(steering)
(Gears/lockers)
-Moryde
Adjustable CA's
SYE & DCDS
-Extra Clearance Skid
-Lights & other bits

I can explain the order if you are interested. This is assuming your steering/TB's/brakes are all stock. Can't tell for sure by your photos, but it looks like you have a TC skid drop to quell vibes? The MML/BL will help with that.

Yes, it has 3" springs of an unknown brand (previous owner installed and couldn't remember). Part of my reason for doing CA's early is that I've got an arm (or two) that are causing some popping and a bit of binding and need to be replaced. No sense in replacing stock ones that I'm going to replace anyway. Then if I've got those, I might as well follow up with the BL, MML, and SYE. Then after that will be saving a couple months to have my axles done in the spring.

Everything after axles is a bit fluid, but planned as such.
(After axles)
-Steering & track bars
-Bumpers
-Winch
-Morryde & Swayloc (may need to go before bumper depending on bumper choice, still not 100%)
-Skid
-35's (maybe new wheels with them)
-Seats (next Black Friday for PRP's biggest sale)
-Brakes (PO put new brakes on before I bought it and they're currently strong with 33's, so I'm not in a dire need, but they'll likely be reasonably soon after 35's)
-Electrical, lights, etc.

 

[B1Toad]

Got my old steps removed and the G/R sliders installed. So much happier with the look and protection. Looking forward to the next few mods (adjustable CA's, BL, MML & SYE) to get rid of the t-case drop.
View attachment 580673
View attachment 580674

I see the Harbor Freight cross beam in the corner of the pic, do you use it on the TJ and where do you place the pads?

 

[bbaldwin237]

I see the Harbor Freight cross beam in the corner of the pic, do you use it on the TJ and where do you place the pads?

I just got it for my birthday a couple weeks ago and this was the first use. It worked fantastic for raising and holding the sliders. I think it will also come in handy for skid plates. It will see most action on my mower and our other vehicles.

 

[B1Toad]

I just got it for my birthday a couple weeks ago and this was the first use. It worked fantastic for raising and holding the sliders. I think it will also come in handy for skid plates. It will see most action on my mower and our other vehicles.

I've used mine to lift one whole side of the Jeep. I also removed the rubber pads and screwed on a piece of plywood covered with Pig Mat and used it to drop and install my fuel tank.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Got a JKS MML for Christmas, new black headlight surrounds (the chrome ones were painted and looking rough), new door-off mirrors, and a Sak-It. Just ordered my BMB body lift. Was planning on Savvy control arms this month but having to spend $1000 on brakes for my truck put a delay on that!

 

[bbaldwin237]

 

[lBasket]

View attachment 586847

Nice glad to see that brake job didn't put you back too far! And a fitting post 1000 for you.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Nice glad to see that brake job didn't put you back too far! And a fitting post 1000 for you.

Didn't even notice it was 1000. It was a celebratory purchase, had to treat myself for 1000 posts on a niche online forum!

I knew it would only set me back a month or so, but frustrating for my over-planning brain.

Now I have to finish that brake job tomorrow since I had a stupid moment on the front and switched the front sides. I just buttoned it up and called it a night to finish when I had time. I don't have an urgent need to drive my truck so no worries. Should get it fixed, bled, and bed in tomorrow.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Sending a material sample off to see if PRP can use it for custom seats later in the year