James & The Sahara Build Thread

[JamesAndTheSahara]

Well I wanted to recap and update the build as the past couple days my spending for the build went quite a bit - haywire. I spent a ton of time directly discussing the build with several people across the forum across different threads/messages and such I can't thank each one of you enough for all the help you have given me there and on this build thread. Quite a bit of the components I had previously chosen were quality components, but when boiling down to what I wanted these were the components I needed to get my Jeep exactly where I wanted it.

Here are my updated components I have purchased and am waiting receive:

• 5* 33x10.5x15 Toyo Open Country Mud Terrains (Part Number: 360470)
• Brown Dog 1" Motor Mount Lift Super-Flex Rubber (Part Number: CU2883-1)
• Savvy Offroad 1.25" Body Lift (Part Number: SAV-BLTJ)
• Savvy Offroad 3" Progressive Coils (Part Number: CE-9133S)
• Savvy Offroad Custom Valved Fox Shocks (Part Numbers: FOX-TJF3 & FOX-TJR3)
• Currie Front Track Bar (Part Number: CE-9120TJJ)
• MetalCloak Rear Track Bar Relocation Bracket (Part Number: CP-3725)

I did also want to add I have located a factory Chrysler Soft Top for my year TJ in the spice color by someone who had a TJ quite a long time ago and removed the top within the first year he owned it and left it in the garage. With the pictures he has sent me it looks like it will be exactly what I have been hunting so I will be checking that out Thursday. He didn't manage to keep all the parts together so after hunting fleabay I was able to purchase the missing hardware and pay a hefty fine for it (Factory Chrysler stuff for these Jeeps aren't cheap).

More to come, lots of learn installing all suspension components.

 

[bobthetj03]

Nice pile-o-parts!

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

Nice pile-o-parts!

Yeah the brown truck driver & I are going to be the best of pals!

 

[Chris]

You're building it the right way, that's for sure. Those are all top quality parts for sure.

Looks like you've definitely done your research!

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

You're building it the right way, that's for sure. Those are all top quality parts for sure.

Looks like you've definitely done your research!

Thanks Chris. Yeah at this point my wallet thinks I may have done a little too much research. Nevertheless it looks like everything should be here Monday so pretty stoked.

 

[Chris]

Well, it's a great feeling getting new parts delivered to your door. It's like that rush of gambling and winning big... addicting!

 

[bobthetj03]

I'll be interested to hear what you think of the Currie springs.

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

I'll be interested to hear what you think of the Currie springs.

I'm hoping they are exactly what they are hyped up to be! I think 4.25" total lift will be perfect for my 33's.

 

[JMT]

Sounds good. Looking forward to seeing what the 33x10.5's look like on your build.

 

[bobthetj03]

One word, Awesome!!!

 

[JMT]

Overlooking your coming Build once more, do you think you may still need a TCase drop to avoid vibes? 1"MML will help some and maybe solve it, but looks to me like you may need 1/2" or so. It will be interesting to get your feedback! I hope you are vibe free and no TCase drop needed, or SYE, as you'll have pretty good clearance under the skid. I'd like to know your before and after measurements under the skid.

Your Build is similar to mine except I went OME and so when I add my Savvy BL I'll be at 3.75", then the 33's when the 31's wear out.

You'll have a great looking and performing Jeep there! I look forward to before and after pics

 

[bobthetj03]

Every jeep is a bit different. Some are more sensitive to change than others. My jeep in particular is a big cry baby! I had to drop the t case 3/4" with just a 2.5" OME lift. Stupid! Hopefully you won't have to. You'll know right away if you need to.

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

Overlooking your coming Build once more, do you think you may still need a TCase drop to avoid vibes? 1"MML will help some and maybe solve it, but looks to me like you may need 1/2" or so. It will be interesting to get your feedback! I hope you are vibe free and no TCase drop needed, or SYE, as you'll have pretty good clearance under the skid. I'd like to know your before and after measurements under the skid.

Your Build is similar to mine except I went OME and so when I add my Savvy BL I'll be at 3.75", then the 33's when the 31's wear out.

You'll have a great looking and performing Jeep there! I look forward to before and after pics

I do have plans to install an SSYE and cv driveshaft when I do my axle swap but talking to Gerald and Jerry their guess was I could more than likely get away with just the 1" mml for the 3" coils initally, if anything one washer would fix the vibes until I got the new driveline stuff on. As Bob said, its hard to know how each jeep will react. Hoping for the best.

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

One more update...

I went one day early to check out the soft top. YES! Factory Chrysler soft top removed by the original owner in 2002 sat in an AC controlled workshop with no serious wear on it whatsoever. I bought it immediately for $150.00 to get it out of his workshop (one of my best valued purchases so far lol). It was missing so hardware so had to drop roughly $100.00 on ebay to get the brackets needed to mount/retain the soft top and door surrounds, but the header/bows/soft top/windows/door surrounds were great condition and included.

On a slightly bad note MetalCloak called today and stated the rear trackbar bracket I ordered was going to be delayed shipment until next friday. Boo. I should be able to get everything else done by the time that comes in. Now just waiting like a boy on christmas eve waiting for those packages to get here. Until next time, Cheers.

 

[JMT]

One more update...

I went one day early to check out the soft top. YES! Factory Chrysler soft top removed by the original owner in 2002 sat in an AC controlled workshop with no serious wear on it whatsoever. I bought it immediately for $150.00 to get it out of his workshop (one of my best valued purchases so far lol). It was missing so hardware so had to drop roughly $100.00 on ebay to get the brackets needed to mount/retain the soft top and door surrounds, but the header/bows/soft top/windows/door surrounds were great condition and included.

On a slightly bad note MetalCloak called today and stated the rear trackbar bracket I ordered was going to be delayed shipment until next friday. Boo. I should be able to get everything else done by the time that comes in. Now just waiting like a boy on christmas eve waiting for those packages to get here. Until next time, Cheers.

Yeah, I like MC stuff, but their shipping is slow, but at the same time they do call you and let you know what to expect, and hopefully shipping will exceed your expectations.

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

Well exciting progress today! Picked up the tires today and had them mounted/balanced. These things are MASSIVE. Made my appointment at the Auto Bay so I will be going in next week to tackle my MML/BL/SL. Starting working on setting my new snubs for the larger spare tire and working on a custom 3rd brake light I found on another forum. I'm really excited to get this puppies installed, here are some photos of the tires:

Also very exciting for today I removed the hard top and installed the soft top and Bestop Quick Disconnects. This is by far one of the nicest TJ soft tops I have ever been in, the fit is unreal compared to my previous Bestop soft tops. I consider myself extremely fortune to have been able to stumble upon this relic. I'm gonna work very hard tomorrow to clean and "shampoo" this soft top with some of Bestop's products. Here are some of the photos of the soft top installed!

 

[Gerund]

A lot of changes coming for you. It'll be worth it, I'm sure.

 

[JMT]

Well exciting progress today! Picked up the tires today and had them mounted/balanced. These things are MASSIVE. Made my appointment at the Auto Bay so I will be going in next week to tackle my MML/BL/SL. Starting working on setting my new snubs for the larger spare tire and working on a custom 3rd brake light I found on another forum. I'm really excited to get this puppies installed, here are some photos of the tires:
View attachment 18489
View attachment 18494
Also very exciting for today I removed the hard top and installed the soft top and Bestop Quick Disconnects. This is by far one of the nicest TJ soft tops I have ever been in, the fit is unreal compared to my previous Bestop soft tops. I consider myself extremely fortune to have been able to stumble upon this relic. I'm gonna work very hard tomorrow to clean and "shampoo" this soft top with some of Bestop's products. Here are some of the photos of the soft top installed!
View attachment 18493
View attachment 18492
View attachment 18491

SWEEEEEET!

 

[VirtualRussel]

That's going to be a heck of a build! :icon_popcorn:

 

[Zackz1997]

Well exciting progress today! Picked up the tires today and had them mounted/balanced. These things are MASSIVE. Made my appointment at the Auto Bay so I will be going in next week to tackle my MML/BL/SL. Starting working on setting my new snubs for the larger spare tire and working on a custom 3rd brake light I found on another forum. I'm really excited to get this puppies installed, here are some photos of the tires:
View attachment 18489
View attachment 18494
Also very exciting for today I removed the hard top and installed the soft top and Bestop Quick Disconnects. This is by far one of the nicest TJ soft tops I have ever been in, the fit is unreal compared to my previous Bestop soft tops. I consider myself extremely fortune to have been able to stumble upon this relic. I'm gonna work very hard tomorrow to clean and "shampoo" this soft top with some of Bestop's products. Here are some of the photos of the soft top installed!
View attachment 18493
View attachment 18492
View attachment 18491

James I absolutely love that adventure rack! What brand is it? Btw the tires and soft top look awesome!