My 2000 TJ 4.0/32RH Build Thread

[BlueJayTJ]

I just realized that I have had my TJ and been on this forum for quite a while now and have not done a basic thread to keep up with where it started and everything that I have done to it so far. I will probably just start with a photo dump and pickup from there. Many years ago I had a 1970 Toyota FJ40 LandCruiser. I love the Safari look and also am a big fan of anything retro/vintage. My build is taking some styling cues from the FJ40. I plan on getting the Gr8Top TJ Safari Cab Full Length Hard Top https://gr8tops.com/shop/jeepmodels/wrangler-tj-2/tj-safari-cab-full-length-hardtop , Fjallasport Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ High Line Fenders https://www.fjallasport.is/product/jeep-wrangler-tj-lj/ , Verozza Carbon Fiber Heat Reduction Hood (Hi-Fenders) for the Jeep TJ or LJ https://genright.com/shop-by-vehicl...w1J3rfggmgOgrzSxpOHxnNL9wZYOhjoOxl49-a08sErTm , and Rat Rod (Series 66) Extended Sizing Gloss White 15x7 | 5x4.5 | -6/3.75 | PART# 66-5712 Wheels https://www.uswheel.com/wheel/11992/us-wheel-rat-rod-series-66-extended-sizing/?finishID=51. I also have a Warn 8274 Winch that I am in the process of rebuilding. Eventually I plan to swap in a 5.7 Hemi and make a sort of AEV 570 TJ Clone.

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[Chris]

 

[BlueJayTJ]

Haha yeah I’m at work right now. I’ll be home next week and take some updated pics and post them.

 

[Wildman]

I just realized that I have had my TJ and been on this forum for quite a while now and have not done a basic thread to keep up with where it started and everything that I have done to it so far. I will probably just start with a photo dump and pickup from there. Many years ago I had a 1970 Toyota FJ40 LandCruiser. I love the Safari look and also am a big fan of anything retro/vintage. My build is taking some styling cues from the FJ40. I plan on getting the Gr8Top TJ Safari Cab Full Length Hard Top https://gr8tops.com/shop/jeepmodels/wrangler-tj-2/tj-safari-cab-full-length-hardtop , Fjallasport Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ High Line Fenders https://www.fjallasport.is/product/jeep-wrangler-tj-lj/ , Verozza Carbon Fiber Heat Reduction Hood (Hi-Fenders) for the Jeep TJ or LJ https://genright.com/shop-by-vehicl...w1J3rfggmgOgrzSxpOHxnNL9wZYOhjoOxl49-a08sErTm , and Rat Rod (Series 66) Extended Sizing Gloss White 15x7 | 5x4.5 | -6/3.75 | PART# 66-5712 Wheels https://www.uswheel.com/wheel/11992/us-wheel-rat-rod-series-66-extended-sizing/?finishID=51. I also have a Warn 8274 Winch that I am in the process of rebuilding. Eventually I plan to swap in a 5.7 Hemi and make a sort of AEV 570 TJ Clone.

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Well he's got points with me.... There's a Hemi under the hood...

 

[BlueJayTJ]

I will be picking your brain when that time comes. I have a 5.7 Eagle Hemi out of a 2012 Challenger, just needs to be rebuilt. Have most of what I need to rebuild it, just haven’t gotten the transmission/transfer case and all the other goodies yet. Yours is pretty mean lookin for sure

 

[Wildman]

I will be picking your brain when that time comes. I have a 5.7 Eagle Hemi out of a 2012 Challenger, just needs to be rebuilt. Have most of what I need to rebuild it, just haven’t gotten the transmission/transfer case and all the other goodies yet. Yours is pretty mean lookin for sure

There are a few of us who have a Hemi swapped into our rigs on here.

Take a look at this thread: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/gen-iii-hemi-swap-into-tj-reference-guide-swap-info.46347/

Just to note, the Challenger engine will be a bit more challenging to put into a TJ frame. Getting the accessories to clear can require notching the frame. Not saying tit can't be done just saying it's a bit harder. But the Eagle heads are well worth it compared to the older non-Eagle engines.
Jeff (@NashvilleTJ ) both have older engines. But I updated mine to Eagle heads before installing it.

 

[Wildman]

Gassiper did a 6.1 swap and there is another member who did a 6.4 swap but I can't remember their name right now. There are a few others.

 

[BlueJayTJ]

 

[BlueJayTJ]

Ran into an issue with the mirror brackets when trying to install the snorkel, so I will have to put it on when I get back home in February.

 

[BlueJayTJ]

 

[BlueJayTJ]

I still have a couple of weeks before I am home from work to do anything else to the TJ, but I have finally decided that I am going to do the "DIY AEV style Highline fender modification." I have been contemplating it for years and it is the main reason I have not put the snorkel on yet, but now it is killing me not having my snorkel so I am just going to pull the trigger. After researching several build threads for years (except for the HigherGround4x4 thread, I would give almost anything to be able to see that for myself) I have decided to split the pinch weld at the top of the fender, separating the inner and outer fender so that I can leave the inner fender in the factory location and only move the outer fender up. I understand that doing this limits my ability to "stuff" the tires at full flex, but right now I only have 31x10.5r15's on the factory grizzly wheels and even when I go up to 35x10.5r15's with the Old Man Emu 2" lift springs and this fender mod, I still wont need to be able to do that because I live in South Mississippi and mainly trail ride in Pine Forests and hit the occasional sand bar. The main reason for me deciding to do it this way is to leave the engine bay as factory as possible. Anyway, if anyone has any words of wisdom for this modification, especially any pictures that will help, by all means, send them my way! The only part I am remotely worried about is bending the fender around the headlight portion of the grille.

 

[BlueJayTJ]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/daily-driver-go-where-i-want-to-build.9410/post-267649
I lucked up and found this post talking about splitting the pinch weld of the fender and splitting the inner fender from the outer fender like I am wanting to do.

 

[BlueJayTJ]

Finally got around to installing the snorkel. Was way more work than the one on my old 2021 Gladiator

 

[BlueJayTJ]

Also, my son got to test out his new welding machine and show off his skills making me a winch mount. Need to trim a couple of places and then take it all back apart and paint the winch and mount. Had an old Harbor Freight Badlands control box laying around and was able to wire it to work with the Warn 8274, then bought the $60 HF Badlands wireless remote. Works great!

 

[Wildman]

I'd round off or angle off the corners of your winch plate.... They'd be a PITA if you bumped into one of them.

 

[BlueJayTJ]

I'd round off or angle off the corners of your winch plate.... They'd be a PITA if you bumped into one of them.

Yeah, that is exactly what I’m trimming off, I already bumped into them once just mocking it all up.

 

[BlueJayTJ]

Alright, got the side steps on, the grille guard, and the GOBI Ranger Light Bar. Took the winch off so that I can finish cleaning up the mount and paint it. Gotta cut the center out of the grille guard to fit the winch and I’ll be done for a while.

 

[BlueJayTJ]

Alright I’m pretty much done for now. Got the grille guard cut out to fit the winch. Everything is wired up. Not in the pictures, but got the fog lights on the new bumper and wired back up. Even got the high lift jack mounted on the rear. It’s real busy up front now, so I’ll eventually have to at least get an aftermarket rear bumper. The next thing will be a lift and 33’s when these 31’s wear out. I’m pretty happy with how it turned out though. Now to tackle the safari that is south Mississippi lol

 

[Wildman]

Looking really good....

Got to LOVE a 8274 on a Jeep... Just looks naturally right...

 

[BlueJayTJ]

Looking really good....

Got to LOVE a 8274 on a Jeep... Just looks naturally right...

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I have wanted an 8274 since I had my old FJ40 about 15 years ago. Finally found one for a decent price. Was able to use an old Badlands control box I had laying around to get it “running”