My first task for the new to me LJ was get it VA safety and emissions inspected. Today, it passed both but in the process of getting it ready I noticed this. What's the most obvious thing wrong with this picture? Hint, ignore the shock!
It just happened!
- Thread starter Irun
- Start date
I've had a chance to drive the LJ after the standard Genright fender install. A couple things noted on an 84-degree day:
- The vents in the inner fenders, especially the front, do a very good job of helping to exit heat from the engine compartment. At idle, you can feel the hot air moving from them. I measured the temperature from the front and saw a 30-degree temperature difference between the driver and passenger side. On the driver side the flow of air is less, largely due to the coolant reservoir blocking air from the fan. Those temperatures measured 140+ degrees. The passenger side had no major obstructions and was measuring 170+ degrees.
The other thing I noted was my typical "hot start" stumble, a problem on every '03 and 04' I've owned, was significantly less. The manifold insulation is completely destroyed, so I have a DEI heat soak kit I'll install and see if that helps.
- The vents in the inner fenders, especially the front, do a very good job of helping to exit heat from the engine compartment. At idle, you can feel the hot air moving from them. I measured the temperature from the front and saw a 30-degree temperature difference between the driver and passenger side. On the driver side the flow of air is less, largely due to the coolant reservoir blocking air from the fan. Those temperatures measured 140+ degrees. The passenger side had no major obstructions and was measuring 170+ degrees.
The other thing I noted was my typical "hot start" stumble, a problem on every '03 and 04' I've owned, was significantly less. The manifold insulation is completely destroyed, so I have a DEI heat soak kit I'll install and see if that helps.
I need to sort this out. I'm not happy about the lighting. The existing location isn't visible to anyone, unless I'm running over them!
Here’s what I did last time.
Wasn't happy with the driver side wiring, so that was cleaned up. Also installed a Big7 2-gauge battery cable kit. I know I could have saved some money by making a set myself, but when time is factored in getting a ready-made quality kit was worth it.
https://www.big7kits.com/products/tj-big-7-complete-kit-wrangler-97-06?variant=46599493910782
https://www.big7kits.com/products/tj-big-7-complete-kit-wrangler-97-06?variant=46599493910782
Initially, I also thought that's updside down and not right but it got me thinking. Does that orientation affect function? Could having the smooth side down be beneficial in some circumstances?
Loaded up the new LJ and delivered it to my son. Then, I loaded up the TJ and brought it back home. There's a fair amount of work to do to it to get it back to my standards.
Moved the grill I had wired up in the basement and installed it in the garage. Remote controlled and WiFi enabled TJ headlights.
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Also, liking the addition of A/C and humidity control in the garage.
Looking great. That grill is freaking awesome!
BTW - I'm likely stealing that fan setup. I have a similar fan that I use in the summer but it eats up floor space - and I usually grab a <$2.00 screw-in utility hook when Harbor Freight is giving away their good freebies with purchase, figuring I will eventually use the hooks in the garage or shed - so I have a few hooks to use for that setup.
But may toss on an extension cord and keep the fan at which of the H-M-L works best to minimize hurricanes (fan I have can really get going) and just go plug-to-run until I decide I like the setup and run a permanent switch...
Yes, the fan setup has really improved airflow while working in the garage. I have the one pictured, on the back wall, one on the left wall, and a Milwaukee M18 fan above my desk on the right wall. I ran a dedicated receptacle to all three. The only thing I need to sort out is the fans on the back and left wall are more powerful than I need, even on the low setting. I'm going to order a couple of these that I'm hoping will allow me to slow down the fans and reduce noise. We'll see if they work!
https://www.amazon.com/Controller-1...r-Polishing/dp/B0DK3CDP7F/?tag=wranglerorg-20
When I bought the Genright fenders, the armor that covers the area in front of the doors was part of the purchase. Today, I had some time and installed it. Now that it's in place, I'll trace a pattern for the fender vents and cut out a hole for them. FWIW, I could leave it like this but don't like the look of the GR logo.
Since that armor went on, so did the 1/2 doors. At this point, the only side armor missing is the soft top channel rub rails.
Since that armor went on, so did the 1/2 doors. At this point, the only side armor missing is the soft top channel rub rails.
I like the vented look so much better - and more functional. Plus, I'm anti-logo, so a bit biased that way too.
When I get my Jeep up to 'details' level - I plan to pull off both GR bubble logos on the vent (I already pulled off one) and pickup a vinyl Jeep logo of some type that fits the space. Maybe a Jeep grill. Or an old willy - like the newer Jeeps like to do as easter eggs...
Pardon any ignorance on my part but I have a question about the body armour. Is it just bolted right to the body or is there some type of gasket/rubber material that gets sandwiched in between?
I only ask this because our logging roads here are wet for 60-70% of the year and the water that flies off the wheels contains a very fine particulate that gets into even the tiniest crevice. The water then drains away and you're left with a very slow drying (or constantly damp) gray muck that is abrasive and very hard to rinse out.
I only ask this because our logging roads here are wet for 60-70% of the year and the water that flies off the wheels contains a very fine particulate that gets into even the tiniest crevice. The water then drains away and you're left with a very slow drying (or constantly damp) gray muck that is abrasive and very hard to rinse out.
The armor is just bolted to the body. To make that happen, you use a combination of Rivet Nuts and bolts/nuts. The Rivet Nuts are only used in the places where you can't get access to install a bolt and nut. There is no gasket or rubber material that goes between the armor and body.
To your point, it does trap dirt and sand between the two, which would make armor likely not a good choice for you. In my case, my Jeep is always garaged, unless it's being driven. Also, I pull the armor every 1 to 2 years and check the body. When I pull it, everything gets cleaned, touch up paint, waxed, and put back together. For transparency, it's a lot of work but gives me peace of mind.
Agreed, I really dislike the logo. However, it's going to be a job to cut the holes. I can get access to the driver side to trace the opening. The passenger side is a different story. There, I'm going to have to remove the battery and battery tray to get access. FWIW, I still need to figure out how to mount the perforated grill. It normally goes on the backside of the fender and looks good like that. With the armor it's going to be even more recessed and I'm not sure I'll like that.
Thanks for the info! I mostly stick to FSR's and mild trails but my poor jeep does see a tremendous amount of overgrown roads/trails which could benefit from armor but I haven't been able to justify the cost yet.
I'm hoping the detached garage at the house we just made an offer on is big enough to fit my poor TJ
5 years parked outside in a damp coastal community has been hard on the old girl
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