James & The Sahara Build Thread

[JMT]

So...I know you said you didn't want to do 4" springs, but thinking about your build, and the fact that you want to tummy tuck...would it be worth it to just toss the 3" springs out as a sunk cost and purchase the complete Savvy / Currie lift? You will need control arms anyway, for the TT, the 4" springs will work better with your shocks and I bet you can get them to knock a couple Benjamin's off since you already have an anti-rock and the HD steering. You don't have to do this right now, obviously, but I think in the end, it will be better for you. The nice thing is that you can reuse the shocks. You could actually outboard them NOW, and gain some of that uptravel, then when you get the 4" coils you'll be all set.

I was thinking the same thing. And sell your 3" springs to @bobthetj03 who is looking for some (and a body lift too, he really wants one of those if you have one ):risas3:

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

So...I know you said you didn't want to do 4" springs, but thinking about your build, and the fact that you want to tummy tuck...would it be worth it to just toss the 3" springs out as a sunk cost and purchase the complete Savvy / Currie lift? You will need control arms anyway, for the TT, the 4" springs will work better with your shocks and I bet you can get them to knock a couple Benjamin's off since you already have an anti-rock and the HD steering. You don't have to do this right now, obviously, but I think in the end, it will be better for you. The nice thing is that you can reuse the shocks. You could actually outboard them NOW, and gain some of that uptravel, then when you get the 4" coils you'll be all set.

To be very honest with you, I’m very nervous using the Savvy TT on the 3” coils. The 4” coils is a very strong contendor still, although my Jeep will be significantly higher than I wanted it for. If I want the 4” coils, I need about $2k in stuff (which I need to get anyways). I have to get it sorted out so I can get the length/angles for a driveshaft order. You bring up some valid points and I just really need to think out what I want to do over the next couple months.

A highline kit would be very beneficial on 35" tires!

I agree.

Can’t have to many AEV accessories!

X2

I was thinking the same thing. And sell your 3" springs to @bobthetj03 who is looking for some (and a body lift too, he really wants one of those if you have one ):risas3:

LOL. JB wouldn’t want my coils, they have been pulled some many times that they aren’t so pretty anymore.

 

[bobthetj03]

To be very honest with you, I’m very nervous using the Savvy TT on the 3” coils. The 4” coils is a very strong contendor still, although my Jeep will be significantly higher than I wanted it for. If I want the 4” coils, I need about $2k in stuff (which I need to get anyways). I have to get it sorted out so I can get the length/angles for a driveshaft order. You bring up some valid points and I just really need to think out what I want to do over the next couple months.

I agree.

X2

LOL. JB wouldn’t want my coils, they have been pulled some many times that they aren’t so pretty anymore.

That's what spray paint is for.

 

[Starrs]

If

That's what spray paint is for.

you want a body lift so bad I’ll give you mine brah hahaha.

 

[cliffish]

That's what spray paint is for.

Sounds like he wants them

 

[bobthetj03]

If

you want a body lift so bad I’ll give you mine brah hahaha.

You guys are killing me!

 

[cliffish]

You guys are killing me!

We love spending other peoples money :tiburon:

 

[JMT]

To be very honest with you, I’m very nervous using the Savvy TT on the 3” coils. The 4” coils is a very strong contendor still, although my Jeep will be significantly higher than I wanted it for. If I want the 4” coils, I need about $2k in stuff (which I need to get anyways). I have to get it sorted out so I can get the length/angles for a driveshaft order. You bring up some valid points and I just really need to think out what I want to do over the next couple months.

I agree.

X2

LOL. JB wouldn’t want my coils, they have been pulled some many times that they aren’t so pretty anymore.

It seems to me there are two very strong build patterns:

1) 2.5" SL and 1-1.25" BL for 33's
2) 4" SL and 1-1.25" BL for 35's

There are a multitude of other routes you can go, but these seem to be textbook approaches. Just my .02c. Don't hate. I like all the diversity of builds and ideas. Other routes just seem harder...

Here's a thought. I think you could do 2.5" springs with your BL and AEV highlines and run 35's

 

[Mike_H]

Or...Blow the whole thing up, and do a full metalcloak. 3.5" SL and overline fenders! 35s all day long

 

[JMT]

Or...Blow the whole thing up, and do a full metalcloak. 3.5" SL and overline fenders! 35s all day long

If I ever feel compelled to go beyond 33's, you'll see overlines on mine. It's really a short step. For now lets' wheel! I would love to be wheelin' right now. I gotta get out of the office!

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

That's what spray paint is for.

You want ‘em? Lol

We love spending other peoples money :tiburon:

Where is your build thread, I’m really good at helping people spend their money too?!

It seems to me there are two very strong build patterns:

1) 2.5" SL and 1-1.25" BL for 33's
2) 4" SL and 1-1.25" BL for 35's

There are a multitude of other routes you can go, but these seem to be textbook approaches. Just my .02c. Don't hate. I like all the diversity of builds and ideas. Other routes just seem harder...

Here's a thought. I think you could do 2.5" springs with your BL and AEV highlines and run 35's

Not hating, can’t hate the truth!

IMO 4” will be the finacially more responsible way to go and will yield intended results, but for now I will have to wait.

Or...Blow the whole thing up, and do a full metalcloak. 3.5" SL and overline fenders! 35s all day long

That’s a dangerous thought right there!

 

[Daz7]

It seems to me there are two very strong build patterns:

1) 2.5" SL and 1-1.25" BL for 33's
2) 4" SL and 1-1.25" BL for 35's

There are a multitude of other routes you can go, but these seem to be textbook approaches. Just my .02c. Don't hate. I like all the diversity of builds and ideas. Other routes just seem harder...

Here's a thought. I think you could do 2.5" springs with your BL and AEV highlines and run 35's

or 4" with 33's and NO body lift or tummy tuck.

Should give you same clearance as 2.5 plus 1.25 and then adding in a tummy tuck (and the hassles associated with it).

 

[JMT]

or 4" with 33's and NO body lift or tummy tuck.

Should give you same clearance as 2.5 plus 1.25 and then adding in a tummy tuck (and the hassles associated with it).

Yep, I've thought about that route. It'll be pretty similar to what @b0xcar is doing with the 3.5" MC. The only reason I favor a BL is to do a TT. But I have found there are other advantages to a BL. There may be some disadvantages to going this route too. But I like the combo of a SL and BL and a BL is so cheap.

 

[bobthetj03]

You want ‘em? Lol

We'll see what your measurement nets. Maybe.

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

or 4" with 33's and NO body lift or tummy tuck.

Should give you same clearance as 2.5 plus 1.25 and then adding in a tummy tuck (and the hassles associated with it).

Flat skid is what I’m after.

Yep, I've thought about that route. It'll be pretty similar to what @b0xcar is doing with the 3.5" MC. The only reason I favor a BL is to do a TT. But I have found there are other advantages to a BL. There may be some disadvantages to going this route too. But I like the combo of a SL and BL and a BL is so cheap.

Agreed.

We'll see what your measurement nets. Maybe.

I just finished up today work, gonna post the photos then go measure the springs. Should be incoming in sub 15 minutes.

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

LOTS of prep work done today, honestly can say my TJ has never looked like this before. Thank god I started using tons of heat and a hammer, no stripped torx bolts taking off the tail gate

Here’s the progress from today:

Lucky me I get to be reminded of my previous hit and run when I first got her

Removing the tailgate/hinges.

I still need to take an angle grinder to the rivets to get that piece of trim off and I need to clean up the panels. The hinges are quite worn with some rust underneath them so need to clean that up.

She is nearly prepped for the armor!

 

[Fouledplugs]

LOTS of prep work done today, honestly can say my TJ has never looked like this before. Thank god I started using tons of heat and a hammer, no stripped torx bolts taking off the tail gate

Here’s the progress from today:

View attachment 29980 View attachment 29981 View attachment 29982 View attachment 29983

Lucky me I get to be reminded of my previous hit and run when I first got her

View attachment 29984 View attachment 29986

Removing the tailgate/hinges.

View attachment 29985 View attachment 29987 View attachment 29988 View attachment 29989 View attachment 29990 View attachment 29991 View attachment 29992

I still need to take an angle grinder to the rivets to get that piece of trim off and I need to clean up the panels. The hinges are quite worn with some rust underneath them so need to clean that up.

She is nearly prepped for the armor!

:eeeeek: James, I am excited for you. Cant wait to see the finished product.

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

:eeeeek: James, I am excited for you. Cant wait to see the finished product.

I really appreciate it bud! I called the fabricator shop you referred me to, he was willing to do the rear poly outboard kit for a fair price. Although I need to find out if poly has a front kit as well.

For now, stoked for this armor!

 

[Starrs]

What have you used in the past for rust prevention on your frame? When the weather warms up I’m thinking about fluid film the inside and then rustoleum undercoat the frame rails because I think that’s what I did like 6 mos ago. It held up pretty well, but I can see certain spots I might need to touch up.

 

[Starrs]

And the jeep looks naked! Get some armor on that beast haha