It just happened!

Irun

A vicious cycle of doing, undoing, and re-doing!
Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2019
Messages
8,041
Location
Virginia
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

Since acquiring the Jeep, here's what's been added/purchased:

2004 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED COLOR = SHALE GREENNOTESFORUM LINKS
EXHAUST
NTK23137Oxygen (O2) SensorNot Installed
NTK23135Oxygen (O2) SensorNot Installed
NTK23132Oxygen (O2) SensorNot Installed
NTK23531Oxygen (O2) SensorNot Installed
WALKER36530Ehaust Clamp
COOLING SYSTEM
CONTINENTAL49039Idler Pulley
CONTINENTAL66692Radiator Hose
CONTINENTAL62394Radiator Hose
CONTINENTAL64418Heater Hose / Pipe
CONTINENTAL64419Heater Hose / Pipe
CONTINENTAL49256Belt Tensioner
FEL-PRO35630Thermostat / Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet Seal
GATESCO34741Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet
STANT45359Thermostat
STANT10334Radiator Cap
MOPAR5503 7653ABRadiator
OMIX17105.12Fan Clutch
MOPAR5012366AFWater Pump
DORMAN56398Water Pump Inlet TubeOrder # 144016717
FELPRO35629Water Pump GasketOrder # 144016717
THERMOCURETC001Coolant System Rust Remover
GASKETS, SEALS, FLUIDS, ETC.
RED HOUND‎2946079Valve Cover Grommet
DORMAN47128PCV Rubber Hose Connectors
FELPRO45458Timing Cover Gasket Set with Repair Sleeve
FELPROVS50458RValve Cover Gasket
FELPROBS40183 Rear Main Seal
FELPROOS34308R Oil Pan Gasket
Mopar68218058ACATF+4 Transmission Fluid
MELLINGM167HVSHigh Volume Oil Pump and ScreenOrder # 144016717
DORMAN47079PCV Elbow (Back of Valve Cover)Order # 144016717
DORMAN47057PCV Elbow (Front of Valve Cover)Order # 144016717
TIMINGPurchased, but didn't install
CLOYES90385SATiming SetNot Installed
CLOYESC385[Kit Component] Timing ChainNot Installed
CLOYESS809[Kit Component] Timing Crank SprocketNot Installed
CLOYES95337 (9-5337)[Kit Component] Timing DamperNot Installed
CLOYESS822T[Kit Component] Timing Cam SprocketNot Installed
SKPSK594018Harmonic BalancerNot Installed
ELECTRICAL
MOPAR56021441ACUnderhood Light
MOPAR5019411ADThrottle Position SensorNot Installed
MOPAR4727451AACrankshaft Position SensorNot Installed
BRITTARAIL-06BW12Courtesy Lamp 6" (X2)https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/it-just-happened.55698/post-1384506
QUIORANGE5810Round 2.39" Third Brake Light (Spare Tire Carrier)
HYDLIGHT k1lt01 12" LED Strip Lights
OURBEST8542082485H4 9003 LED Headlight/Fog Light Harness
GRANDVIEW10P-T5-0022GZ-R Red T4.2 COB 1 SMD Led
GIVEUBEDT10-5smd-12pcs-Ice BlueT10 194 LED Car Bulbs,192 LED Car Bulbs,168 LED Lights Bulb, 5smd Ice Blue
MAOXINDODOFUN-T5T5 37 74 LED Bulb with Twist Lock Socket PC74 PC37 Blue
BLACK MAGIC BRAKES LED TAIL LIGHTS WITH DUAL INTENSITY SIDE LIGHTS - BLACK HOUSINGNot Installed
FRONT AXLE
MOPAR34201535.6Hub Bearing Bolts
TIMKEN‎HA597449 Axle Bearing and Hub Assembly (2)
SUPERIOR4340 Dana 44 Axle ShaftsPurchased NIB from Club NOVA Memberhttps://wranglertjforum.com/threads/it-just-happened.55698/post-1432246
TJ PERFORMANCEBP-DT044DANA 44 DIFF COVER BP-DT044BARNETT https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/it-just-happened.55698/post-1451611
REAR AXLE
MOPAR4137696ABAxle Housing Vent (For Brake Line)
BRAKES
CENTRIC15067352 (150.67352)Brake Hose
CENTRIC15067353 (150.67353)Brake Hose
RAYBESTOSFRC11268NCaliper
RAYBESTOSFRC11267NCaliper
RAYBESTOSFRC10185NCaliper
RAYBESTOSFRC10186NCaliper
RAYBESTOSBH380889Brake Hose
SKPSKY01034Brake Backing Plate / Dust Shield
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
ROCKJOCKCE9133FFront 3" Springs
ROCKJOCKCE9131RH1PRear 3" Spring
SKYJACKERB8556CSBlackmax Front Shocks9.78" Travel (5.5" Up and 4.28 Down, with 2" Bump Stop
SKYJACKERB8518CSBlackmax Rear Shocks9" Travel 4.5 Up and Down, with 2" Bump Stop
STREETRAYS274430651624Leveling Coil Spring Spacer
SAVVYTJ/LJ JOHNNY JOINT® ALUMINUM CONTROL ARM SET - 8 PIECES
ROCKJOCKCE-9701Currectlync Steering System
ROCKJOCKCE-9120TJSJohnny Joint Front Trac BarNot Installed
ROCKJOCKCE-9121NGeometry Correction Axle Bracket for RearNot Installed
ROCKJOCKCE-9120RSJohnny Joint Rear Trac BarNot Installed
BLACK MAGIC BRAKES 4340 TIE ROD HEAT TREATED WITH HEAVY-DUTY TIE ROD CLAMPS
OROSwaylochttps://wranglertjforum.com/threads/it-just-happened.55698/post-1392079
BODY AND ARMOR
NEXT VENTURENV-00386TJ/LJ Ultra High Clearance Rear Bumper × 1 Bare Metal / Include Frame Tie In Kithttps://wranglertjforum.com/threads/it-just-happened.55698/post-1418593
SAVVYSAV-TJFFront BumperWith hooks, fairlead mount, light tabs, and winch guardhttps://wranglertjforum.com/threads/it-just-happened.55698/post-1416010
SAVVYUAM-LATEUnder Armor Belly and Engine SkidNot Installed
SAVVYSAV-TGLAluminum Tailgate Skin for 03-06 No VentNot Installed
SAVVYSAV-VLNCSAV-VLNC - Aluminum Tailgate Valance 97-06Not Installed
SAVVYSAV-BLTJAluminum Body Lift 1.25" TJ/LJ 97-06https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/it-just-happened.55698/post-1446094
SAVVYSAV-TJSSSteering Box Protection - Aluminum TJ/LJ 97-06https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/it-just-happened.55698/post-1416313
SAVVYSAV-RKRLJSavvy LJ Rockers w/ Step SlidersNot Installed
SAVVYSAV-GTSSAV-GTS Aluminum Savvy Gas Tank Skid 1997-2006 TJ/LJNot Installed
GENRIGHTCNR-6012LJ Corner Guard Set (Standard) - Aluminum
GENRIGHTTFF2710-PTJ/LJ 4" Flare Front+Rear Fender Package - Aluminum, with inner fenders
WHEELS AND TIRES
MOPARMopar 392 Beadlocks with 315/70R17 BF Goodrich KO2s (C Rated)https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/it-just-happened.55698/post-1423060
FASTFREE5x4.5-5x5-1.25H-71.5-1/2B-1015x4.5 to 5x5 Wheel Adapters 4PCS for Je-ep Jk Wk Wj Xk Wheels on Tj Yj Kk Xj Mj Kj Zj, Dynofit 5x114.3mm to 5x127mm 1.25" Forged Conversion Wheel Adapters 1/2" Thread
FASTFREE101bk-1pc5x4.5 to 5x5 Wheel Adapters for Je/ep Spare Tire Jk Wk Wj Xk Wheels on Tj Yj Kk Xj Mj Kj Zj, Dynofit 5x114.3mm to 5x127mm 1.25" Forged Conversion Wheel Spacers 1/2" Thread Adapter


Pictures at time of purchase are:

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20211003_154502.jpg
 
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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
CONTINENTAL66692Radiator Hose
CONTINENTAL62394Radiator Hose
CONTINENTAL64418Heater Hose / Pipe
CONTINENTAL64419Heater Hose / Pipe
CONTINENTAL49256Belt Tensioner
CONTINENTAL49039Idler Pulley
FEL-PRO35630Thermostat / Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet Seal
GATESCO34741Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet
STANT45359Thermostat
STANT10334Radiator Cap
MOPAR5503 7653ABRadiator
OMIX17105.12Fan Clutch
MOPAR5012366AFWater Pump
THERMOCURETC001Coolant System Rust Remover
RED HOUND ‎2946079Valve Cover Grommet
DORMAN47128PCV Rubber Hose Connectors
FELPRO45458Timing Cover Gasket Set with Repair Sleeve
Order # 144016717
MELLINGM167HVSHigh Volume Oil Pump and Screen
FELPRO35629Water Pump Gasket
DORMAN47079PCV Elbow (Back of Valve Cover)
DORMAN47057PCV Elbow (Front of Valve Cover)
DORMAN56398Water Pump Inlet Tube
CLOYES90385SATiming Set
SKPSK594018Harmonic 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.
 
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Why not a Mopar water pump, is it not available?
 
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.
 
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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.
 
Congrats @Irun , that's another great looking LJ!

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