Muddy Tuna My 05 LJ build

softballnrd27

TJ Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2017
Messages
134
Location
Harker Heights, TX, United States
I've been on here for a few months but haven't really posted a lot. As my LJ sits right now it still has the dana 30 front w/spartan, dana 44 limited slip, 4.0/42RLE trans, 241or Rock Trac TC, Metal Cloak 3.5" Game Changer with Rancho RS9000 shocks. Current plans are to finish my 79 F250 HP44/9" full width install, highline fenders, tummy tuck, skids, shock relocation front and rear for more travel, and a mid arm conversion.

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Wow, that's quite a build you've got going on there, I like it!

I'm in the process as we speak of having a Savvy mid-arm installed on mine, as well as outboard rear shocks, among other things.
 
Savvy makes great stuff! I really like their builds, and I also really love the GenRight builds as well (they make really, really high quality parts).

With 37s though, you're going to need full width axles. That Dana 30 can't go deeper than 5.13 gears, and that's not going to be nearly deep enough for 37s with that 42RLE and it's steep overdrive gear.

Do you plan on going full width axles with the 37s? I would think so, but you can always hold off on that for the future.
 
I just ordered the steering to complete the front axle swap and some other misc parts like lube lockers and a new trans pan with drain plug.
I also ordered the Savvy cable shifter for the 241 bc I was having issues with mine staying in 4 low. I know its a linkage adjustment issue but I want to fix it right the first time.
 
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So got a lot done over this long weekend, still not ready to go under the Jeep but a whole lot closer now. Both trusses are fully welded to the axles, I need to fit the upper control arm brackets for the front and the rear shock mounts when I get them under the Jeep again. I replaced my 42RLE pan with a new one with a drain plug bc I boogered mine up last wheeling trip. I also installed the Savvy Cable shifter, man what an improvement!!! Under armor/tummy tuck is the next big project.

I also had to replace the ball joints on my Son's jeep.

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Looking good! I see you picked green as an accent color.

What size tires are you going to run on those things?
 
Holy Crap it has been a minute since I updated this build thread!! Well, here we go.
First off, I sold the 44/9" combo to make way for some 9"/60 hybrids front and rear and put my original 30/44 back under the LJ. We made a decision to sell my wife's 2015 JKUR to get a more fuel-efficient vehicle and lower our monthly payments to save money towards purchasing land next year. My plan was to gear/truss my factory 30/44 along with 3-link/4-link. Plans changed again when I scored a set of JK axles for free (30/44) So I am going to put the gear/truss money into the JK axles. Already sold the 44 and the WJ knuckle upgraded 30 is possibly sold so no looking back.
Here is what I have for parts:
Gen Right 3 link and 4 link un-welded frame brackets
Johnny Joints
Artec JK2TJ front
Barnes Rear Truss and suspension mounts
Barnes Shock Towers
Misc Steering Components for a crossover steering system
Motobilt 2" Flare Hi-Line Fenders and inner fenders
I plan to do ARBs front and rear with the Carbon Offroad 35 spline rear kit and possibly RCVs up front
Skid plate is undecided at the moment but it will get one
Pushing the Fuel tank back(if needed) and up
Here are some pics before the teardown and I will try and keep the thread updated now that I'm doing all of this.

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I made some good progress this weekend. Dropped the transfer case skid and the gas tank to gain more access also removed the factory exhaust. I was able to get the rear axle stripped of all the brackets, the Genright Adult jigsaw puzzle 4-link bracket kit welded up. Had a buddy help me get the rear axle in place and due to peer pressure from multiple sources, my "friends" decided to help me spend more money and pressured me into stretching the rear a few inches. I was able to sell my rocker guards and I am still trying to sell my corner guards to recoup some of the future funds to be spent. I acquired some really good used 37" GY MTRs and sold my current 35s. In the end I will end up with 4" of rear stretch and maybe 1-2" up front if possible. Lower links are at 9* at ride height and in the middle hole on the frame side upper bracket, the upper link is damn near flat. Rear truss is installed, upper and lower link axle brackets are tacked on and I will begin cycling the suspension to check for interference. I was also able to locate a straight JK Rubicon 44 with e-locker, axles, and knuckles for a great price to match the JK 44 rear.
 

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I need to update this more often. The little bit of stretch turned into 7" in the rear and close to 2" up front. Not alot of visible progress but there's been a ton of measuring, moving, cutting, cycling, axle in, axle out, drilling, and more measuring. I have cut the front housing up to externally sleeve it with 3"x.250 wall DOM. This will also allow me to rotate the Cs to an acceptable caster. I'm sure that I'm missing stuff.

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