It just happened!

[Irun]

This one is like an unplanned child, it just happened, and I'm going to love it anyway! That said, let's get started with the details! This Shale Green 2004 LJ, one of 309, was most recently owned by another forum member @jwilson2899 (Jeff). Before that, by a Nurse in Winchester, VA. Under Jeff's ownership he made some tasteful additions that were focused on creating a comfortable daily driver. Since this was a fairly stripped down model, with a single note horn, soft top, full doors, and A/C, Jeff added the following under his ownership:

- Color matched 1/2 doors, with mirrors
- Tinted full door windows
- Hard top, headlined and wired in for the wiper and defroster controls
- Factory Cruise Control
- Rubicon flares
- Alpine Double DIN Stereo and backup camera
- Subwoofer
- LED headlights and tail lights
- LED dash and interior lights
- JK-based (I think?) back seat, with built-in headrests
- BulletPoint cell phone mount
- Bartact front and rear set covers
- Quadratech floor and cargo mats
- Rocker rails/steps
- Mopar AEV RockCrawler Front and Rear bumpers
- Smittybuilt 10k Winch with Factor 55 Fairlead and Flatlink
- 2" lift
- Sock Moab wheels
- Falken Wildpeak AT3 tires 265/75R16 (SL)
- ZJ steering upgrade
- Single ARB compressor (under the hood)

At sale time, Jeff also included a few uninstalled parts, including:
- Parts for adding a transmission cooler and temperature gauge
- East Coast Gear Supply 4340 rear Dana 44 axles

Pictures at time of purchase are:

 

[Bud125]

Congrats! I am jealous of all you multiple Jeep owners!

 

[RINC]

Nice !

 

[NDSpeed]

I too have to convince the wife I need a second TJ.

But I have like 6 other projects first.
Congratulations on the new acquisition

 

[RMETeeJay]

Nice Jeep! How many miles?

 

[John Cooper]

Sweet looking TJU!!!!!!!

 

[IPerkWVU]

Love the color

 

[Mike_H]

Looks like a nice canvas for your to work your magic, Rich. Congrats!

 

[Irun]

Nice Jeep! How many miles?

104k

 

[Wildman]

I'm jealous...... but nice looking rig. Enjoy

 

[PRNDL]

Very nice! I'll be watching this build!

 

[bobthetj03]

I can't afford the one I have! Yeash! Nice piece though.

 

[psrivats]

That is my fav color on the TJ platform. Looks like a great jeep. Looking fwd to seeing the build @Irun

 

[Irun]

I've done a baseline mechanical assessment during the last couple evenings. Overall, at just a tad over 100,000 miles, the Jeep is in very good condition. However, after 17 years, the usual areas need attention. Starting a mechanical checklist, at a minimum, I'll begin with:

- Replacing all the fluids
- Replacing the valve cover gasket, grommets, and PCV elbows
- Replacing the oil pan gasket and rear main seal
- Inspecting and replacing brake components and hoses (as needed)
- Replacing the entire cooling system

That said, I've ordered the first set of parts, to include:

2004 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0L L6
CONTINENTAL	66692	Radiator Hose
CONTINENTAL	62394	Radiator Hose
CONTINENTAL	64418	Heater Hose / Pipe
CONTINENTAL	64419	Heater Hose / Pipe
CONTINENTAL	49256	Belt Tensioner
CONTINENTAL	49039	Idler Pulley
FEL-PRO	35630	Thermostat / Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet Seal
GATES	CO34741	Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet
STANT	45359	Thermostat
STANT	10334	Radiator Cap
MOPAR	5503 7653AB	Radiator
OMIX	17105.12	Fan Clutch
MOPAR	5012366AF	Water Pump
THERMOCURE	TC001	Coolant System Rust Remover
RED HOUND	‎2946079	Valve Cover Grommet
DORMAN	47128	PCV Rubber Hose Connectors
FELPRO	45458	Timing Cover Gasket Set with Repair Sleeve
Order # 144016717
MELLING	M167HVS	High Volume Oil Pump and Screen
FELPRO	35629	Water Pump Gasket
DORMAN	47079	PCV Elbow (Back of Valve Cover)
DORMAN	47057	PCV Elbow (Front of Valve Cover)
DORMAN	56398	Water Pump Inlet Tube
CLOYES	90385SA	Timing Set
SKP	SK594018	Harmonic Balancer

What I'm struggling with, a little, is the water pump. I've installed several Gates 42293 water pumps recently. The last two were made in USA and had metal impellers. The later isn't a deal breaker, if it is plastic, but I do like the Made in USA piece. However, I'm getting mixed information on the new pump. My plan is to just order it and, if needed, return it.

 

[Bud125]

Why not a Mopar water pump, is it not available?

 

[Irun]

Why not a Mopar water pump, is it not available?

That is part of the struggle. I've had good luck with the Gates pump, which is 1/4 the price. As stated above, the last two versions I installed were made in USA and had metal impellers. My plan is to get the Gates pump and, if it doesn't check out, return it if necessary. Then I'll have to bite the bullet and get the Mopar pump.

 

[MeanGreen86]

That is a perfect daily!

 

[Bud125]

That is part of the struggle. I've had good luck with the Gates pump, which is 1/4 the price. As stated above, the last two versions I installed were made in USA and had metal impellers. My plan is to get the Gates pump and, if it doesn't check out, return it if necessary. Then I'll have to bite the bullet and get the Mopar pump.

OK, thanks. I am in the same boat and the pump is the last thing I need for a complete refresh. I will wait and see how you make out.

 

[SvtLdr]

Congrats @Irun , that's another great looking LJ!

What are your plans for this one after you get thru your initial mechanical checklist?

 

[Irun]

Congrats @Irun , that's another great looking LJ!

What are your plans for this one after you get thru your initial mechanical checklist?

This one has me genuinely excited. During the last ten years my wife has literally never taken an interest in any Jeep I've built. When she saw this one, after the "You bought a third Jeep?" discussion, she came back and said she really liked it and asked if she could try to drive it. That is truly a miracle, so I'm going to lean in a direction of keeping it drivable for her. All good parts of course, with a focus on handling and braking improvements. Beyond that, she will be helping define a path forward.