New guy from TX

jwitt1991 · Sep 30, 2022

Hey all, been on here without a profile for quite some time. Finally decided to join so I can post stuff.. on my second TJ. First one was a 2002 Wrangler X Apex Edition with the 4.0 and 5spd. Had it for a few weeks before it was totalled.. then I got married and was told I'd never have a Jeep again.. fast forward to a few weeks post divorce ans I have another 2002 Wrangler Sport (also 4.0L / 5spd). When I got it, it was the Chameleon, then the colorshift wrap can off and it started breaking down.. either it was broke or I was broke, so it became ALWZBRK.. Then I tried removing that curse and named it TRN2LA after the Cobalt Tarantula... at that stage it was equipped with:

2" OME Springs
1.5" body lift
35x12.5R15 Mickey Thompson Deegen 38s
15x8 Pro Comp Series 31
4.56 Gears w/ Front Spartan Dana 30 and Rear Eaton Elocker Dana 44
Poison Spyder BFH Brawler front bumper
Smittybilt XRC rear bumper/tire carrier
AirAid Throttle Body Spacer
DIY Snorkel
Banks Monster Exhaust.

Sept 11th last year it blew a radiator hose and started an electrical fire under the hood. It has since earned the title Spitfire. I will model it after the Supermarine Spitfire aircraft.. It is currently sitting in TX, where I will be moving shortly and rebuilding it.. I am planning on doing as much of the build as I can in my garage. Went to scool for Automotive, so I have some knowledge, but will be asking questions as I go. I know this forum has tons of people that have done thier own builds and may be able to help guide me in a better direction.. the goal build list is:

4.6 Stroker (8.8:1 compression w/ forged internals)
Banks Torque tube headers
62mm Throttle Body
DIY Turbo kit w/ Holset H1C hooked up to RedRock4x4 Snorkel
Chevy 700R4 4spd auto
241J t-case (eventually swap to atlas)
Ford SD tons (Dana 60/10.5) geared to 4.88 with Yukon Zip Lockers
6+ inches of total stretch with 4" springs (may go coilovers.. idk) Triangulated rear, 3 link front. (may add more)
40" Mickey Thompson tires
Highline front fenders, Boatsides and Rear Comp Cut.
Custom Bedliner Paint Job

Anyways, here's the first Jeep and the current jeep in its many phases..

Apparition · Sep 30, 2022

SailorEd · Oct 3, 2022

Welcome! Quite a story!

OHFIVETJ · Dec 21, 2022

Welcome to the group from the Island of Long, My name is Johnny & i'm a JEEPAHOLIC

jwitt1991 · Jan 19, 2024

Update time.. been a while since I posted. Man this build took an unexpected turn. What was planned (small stretch, 40s, 6" lift, comp cut, Turbo 4.6) went out the window as soon as I got my new job.. I build and modify jeeps for a living now.. got my jeep in the shop at work and get to tinker with it any down time I get.. my first change was the 4.6 stroker.. still building the engine, but it's going in my bosses XJ that has a bad engine in it. Picked up a fairly low mileage 2002 GMC Yukon 5.3L Vortec. It is apart and at the machine shop getting a performance valve job, new Truck Norris cam installed and ready for me to assemble and install it. I've got a TBSS intake, shorty headers and Holley oil pan. I've got new motor mounts on order from advance adapters and some Artec 1.25" Body Mounts on order as well. Transmission is a 4L60E that is being mated to the factory transfer case, just until I blow it up and buy the atlas case. Axles are front and rear out of a 2004 F250 Super Duty. Sterling 10.5 and Dana 60 with Artec Trusses. 3 link front, triangulated rear. Plan is 14" travel coilovers front and rear. I have the Rock Krawler X Factor center section and plan on making my own control arms. Rear I'm going to have to get new mounts for, since I won't be using the X Factor mounts. I got a rear half kit from Artec, so I have a flat section on the back of the frame..

The jeep went from normal TJ you see on almost every trail to custom Brute build. I've got 24" of the tub removed and am at the same AEV 61" tub length. The back end has been welded up, and is in the process of getting some low spots filled in with bondo before I make rear corner armor for the cab. Interior is completely gutted. I will be coating the entire tub, inside and out with Lizard Skin Sound Deadener and Heat Insulatoon, then topping that with bedliner. Black interior and black and green exterior. Going with NRG Quick Disconnect Steering wheel, mated to a PSC gearbox to turn the 42" Mickey Thompsons, PRP Seats and Harnesses, and back with the factory dash fitted with Autolite Guages and a dual Din head unit. AC will be installed on the LS, and will function. Hardtop has also been cut and I'm in the process of getting the 2 pieces stuck back together, just much shorter. Now on to the fun part. The plan for the bed is a "Service Body". Will be made from modified LJ Comp Cut Rear Corner armor. The front of the tire will have a 12"W x 24"H storage box. Another box will be 24"W by 12"H Another the rear tires. They will all be about 1 foot deep, giving me 8sqft of enclosed tool storage. The bed will be about 40"W x 48"D and have sides that go up about 36", with a CJ tailgate on the back. Should be able to fit one 42" spare in the bed, along with other trail necessities that may not fit in the cab or in the service body. The "ladder rack" will be integrated into the bed, and have attaching points directly into the frame. Look like your every day service truck ladder rack, but be a functional roll cage that I can mount my RTT to, if I want.

Now onto pictures.. this is all up to where I am at right now, so there is a ton of work still needed to make this trail and show worthy, but I'm hoping to have it finished this calender year, and at EJS, SEMA, Smokey Mt Jeep Invation, Daytona Jeep Beach, and Trail Hero next year, as well as several stops in other states at trails near you throughout the year.