Measure Once, Cut Twice: A Story of Excitement and Impatience

[taylormade73]

Thoughts at the time:

Nov 10, 2019

mgroeger said:
WOW, that is one good looking Jeep man.

Thank you. That means a lot. I've put a ton of time and money into it undoing and redoing, adjusting and readjusting everything the PO did except the coil springs (they are next). I wasn't going to do a build thread because I thought it was how I would build it when I bought it. After driving it and spending ridiculous amounts of time under it just looking everything over and getting to know it, the PO couldn't have been farther from "what I wanted." I definitely chalk that up to my newness and naivete to Jeeps in the beginning. So, I do plan on doing a build thread and documenting everything rather than cluttering up this thread lol, as it has been my build thread thus far.

 

[taylormade73]

Nov 28, 2019

Going to be starting the TT today. Relocating locker pumps and installing UCF TC and engine skids. Hardware box was busted open on delivery so I had to buy more hardware. Painted steel parts and leaving aluminum parts naked. Should be set now. Was also able to source 18/2 shielded cable (although not needed) at Mendelsons Liquidation on closeout 25ft for $1.88.

 

[taylormade73]

Nov 30, 2019

Aside from creating a bunch of clearance issues the last couple days, got my TT installed, Savvy shifter cable installed, and locker pumps relocated. I used the OEM bracket plus the UCF relocation bracket to install on driver's side fender. Took a little extra time and cleaned up and painted everything too. Had to modify the front of the skid to clear the trans pan and use a pry bar to clear the cat from the tub. Changed TC fluid while under there as well. I like how everything turned out and looks...But, now have to install MML, modify spring perches or get brackets, create room for rear track bar, and get exhaust modded. Oh, the cost of clearance...

 

[taylormade73]

Dec 7, 2019

Installed M.O.R.E. Bombproof 1" MML. Then set timing after bumping OPDA with pry bar during MML install. Old motor mounts were in pretty terrible shape.

 

[taylormade73]

Dec 8, 2019

Installed UCF engine skid...now I have most of the belly protected. Don't like the button head bolts that it came with. I am going to counter sink the holes and get some flat heads similar to the Savvy skid.

 

[taylormade73]

Stupid:

Dec 11, 2019

Shock relocators installed.

 

[taylormade73]

Dec 13, 2019

Early Xmas gift from my daughter. I love Jeep gifts.

 

[taylormade73]

Dec 13, 2019

Received Genright ext crawler tank and fuel pump from @toximus today. Much appreciated. Looking forward to installing this weekend. Will get my pre TT rear track bar clearance back now plus some.

 

[taylormade73]

Dec 17, 2019

Replaced OPDA even though it wasn't making noise, because my inspection yielded evidence of premature/abnormal wear.

 

[taylormade73]

Dec 22, 2019

Dropped the tank.

 

[taylormade73]

First time I cycled my suspension. Hooray!

Dec 28, 2019

Dry fit Genright tank for marking drill locations...then removed tank and decided to continue with removing the shocks and springs. Cycled the suspension and found im a little off. Figure while I have everything out and waiting on new springs, I'll clean things up a bit. Then bought a Dana 60 so waiting on that too.

 

[taylormade73]

Jan 3, 2020

Looked at it everyday this week and thought, " Ahh, fuck it. I'll finish it another time."

 

[taylormade73]

Jan 5, 2020

Found some motivation this weekend. Genright ext crawler tank provides so much room and clearance! Got rock crawler rear springs installed too. Supposed to be 4.5" but only getting 4".

 

[taylormade73]

Jan 6, 2020

Got LJ back from muffler shop today after some exhaust rework needed after I did my Genright tank install and TT. Looks pretty good and my clearances are back. Can't wait to wheel it this weekend.

 

[taylormade73]

Jan 8, 2020

Got rid of the stupid shock relocators and trimmed the perches finally. Glad to have my additional 1" of shock travel back.

 

[taylormade73]

Jan 11, 2020

Installed 4.5" Rock Krawler front springs today and am netting 4.5" of lift. Also spoke with RK who said the 4" I'm netting in rear is by design to eliminate the factory rake. Think id rather have the 4.5 rear and longer in front to adjust for rake. But oh well they're already installed. Looks great and has nice road manners paired with my tuned Fox shocks.

EDIT: net 4.5" front and 4" rear

 

[taylormade73]

Jan 30, 2020

Finally got around to installing TRE Safety Thimble II tonight. As @mrblaine recommends, I cut 20ft of my 100ft Warn synthetic before splicing the thimble in.

 

[taylormade73]

Feb 1, 2020

Stahlbus drain installed. Should make oil changes a little easier and cleaner without removing skid. Drive shaft also arrived from TW after getting lengthened. Reinstalled today.

 

[taylormade73]

Feb 29, 2020

Installed TRE safety thimble fairlead. Now my bumper doesn't look like a baby sucking on a pacifier and the thimble is up out of harm's way.

 

[taylormade73]

Feb 29, 2020

Sea Cot said:
My LJ is hiding from salt. I'm hiding from a non-heated garage. My Jeep focus has been on sorting through parts I recently acquired deciding what to keep for the LJ, to hang on to for a TJ I have yet to buy for my son, and which to part with immediately.

Apparition said:
Mines parked for the winter and the garage is too cold to work on it.

I feel you lol. My daughter bought me a heater for Xmas. So I've been busy. I stay out of the salt as well so test drives are limited. Got my Savvy skid today. Itching to switch out my UCF for it but leaving for Florida Monday morning so it'll have to wait till I return. My RJ 60 too.