Da Weasels ‘04 LJ

Weasellee

Weasellee

Jeep idiot
Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2021
Messages
1,070
Location
PV, New York
I’ll start here now. $5500.00. She’s a bit rough Purchased In Hartford Ct, drove home 70 miles with PO’s plate, tires rubbing on rear upper coil cups, CEL solid, radio unresponsive, blinkers questionable and my Wife and Daughter following in the ‘18 JKU. Halfway home the JKU was rear ended and the other driver left the scene. One rear bumper later...
Oh, did I mention this all happened on my 47th birthday, 1/8.
Here’s the two photos that led me to Hartford.

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Upon arrival in PV the LJ went in the garage for some inspecting.

First thing first the rear of the engine, tranny and skids are covered in engine Oil,

clean, clean again, drive , clean, find leaky Oil Pressure Sending Unit, replace, dry and clean is everything

Removed aftermarket;

car alarm
Remote starter
Amp
Sub
Non functional deck
Angry bird grill
Cheap toggle switches

Repaired/Rewired

New/used kenwood deck with usb and aux ports
Bumper lights
Led taillights
Led headlights

Installed new/renew

body bushings and MORE 1” BL pucks
Fuel pump/some fuel lines
Spark plugs
Air filter
Engine Oil
Front / rear dif fluids
Transfer case fluid

Checked with great results

brakes
Cooling system
Heat/ac

So much more

It’s about 4 days of ownership and i realize this Jeep needs a lift and i know nothing about coil springs and control arms! I’m a YJ/CJ guy.

Enter Google,

Enter TJ Forum.

since, I have installed Quadratec 9k Synthetic winch kit, China Rear bumper, factory fog lights, Dick Cepek 33x10.5R15 Extreme Terrains

TA da. Here i am 3 months after and i have a pile of new parts arriving regularly, an empty savings account, a new found love for the TJ/LJ Jeep and a new group of local 4wheel enthusiasts I met through this forum !

I will note currently at 184,461 miles, still no oil leaks and not burning a drop with DD on highway at highway speeds.

I’ll attach a few early photos

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This is the Current state as we patiently wait for parts.

Ready to install I have

1” MORE motor mounts
RE front sway discos
RE rear sway bar extensions
Rancho 5000’s
Core 4x4 front and rear adjustable track bars
Savvy rear control arms
Crown Performance extended brake lines
Currie LJ 4” rear springs
Currie 4” front springs (currently tracking for next Tuesday delivery)

Jeez I must’ve forgot something.
Anyone wanna make a suggestion on what else this lift “kit” is gonna require?

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In the last few days;

Upgraded spare tire mount (not much😁)

pulled rear apart for Powertrax No Slip Lunchbox install. Found Locker missing 4 springs (bought NOS) Summit to the rescue parts will be here tomorrow 👍🏼

Also removed the LJ extra transmission skid for preparation of M.O.R.E. engine skid and motor mount install. Whilst at it I dropped the pan and will replace filter on the 42RLE.

Should get the pan back on and motor mounts in today......

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Did a basic tranny service. Dropped pan, cleaned, replaced filter, new gasket and 4 quarts of ATF+4. But.... have a look at the condition of the exposed part of the tranny. I’m not sure what this is but zoom in, spider cracked and deteriorating? Never seen this before. Anyone? @Chris @Jerry Bransford ?

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Things have happened. I have not updated this thread.
Factory side steps removed, sliders installed.
Powertrax NoSlip install was a breeze once springs arrived via Summit. And i like this thing. Someday gears and selectable lockers but for now... lunchbox.
Replaced the “dented” fuel tank skid with factory unit (good for now ) until I make a decision on which upgrade I’ll go with. Got my eyes on a New in box MC on LI priced right but the drive to the island ☹️

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Also today received last package required for my 4” “lift kit” Inventoried all my parts and plan the install for this Friday night into Saturday. Should be test driving Saturday afternoon if all goes as planned. Will be utilizing the help of a more qualified friend and the lift at his “shop”. I’m excited. Only problem is when it’s all done and travels down the road straight, my 33x10.5x15 Dick Cepek Extreme Country are gonna look small.
I plan to take before and after photos and measurements. Keep in mind I already have and will remove the 2” plastic spacer lift installed by the PO. ✌🏼
 
mrblaine said:
Happens to aluminum and zinc alloys when the metal cools after it is cast. Perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
Click to expand...

I know this is an old post, but I came across it when searching "lunchbox"

That "cracking" on the aluminum is due to improper post heat treatment common with cast parts. Depending on the depth, it's nothing to be concerned with. If you wanted it can be buffed off with an aluminum specific flap disc.
 
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