Project Apache: TJ / T3c Build

[DustinfromOhio]

Replaced radiator and hoses with new mopar unit and readjusted the tailgate hinges for the heavier tire. Goal over the next month is to disassemble most of the suspension, wire wheel everything I can, then touch up everything with some rattle can.

 

[DustinfromOhio]

finally got around to installing a rancho stabilizer on my currectlync.

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Bedliner done in the trailer

 

[MountaineerTom]

Trailer shakedown run to New River Gorge Wv View attachment 145202View attachment 145203View attachment 145204View attachment 145205View attachment 145206

Hey, that’s Summersville Lake. I’m originally from there. I’ve jumped off a lot of those rocks there at Long Point in your first picture. That was a long time ago though.

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Hey, that’s Summersville Lake. I’m originally from there. I’ve jumped off a lot of those rocks there at Long Point in your first picture. That was a long time ago though.

Yep, sure is. Great area for outdoor adventures. I actually just read that the New River Gorge is set to become our 63rd national park so I’m curious to see what changes over next few years.

 

[DustinfromOhio]

After a day of curing. Pretty happy with the results overall, definitely better than paying $600 for linex.

 

[Modoc Guy]

Nice job on the Bantam resto. I'd like to find one of those pup's.

I looked at your post for the trailer work, but couldn't help notice you've got an Apex! I've got an '02. Or I should say the only real thing I've got left of an Apex is the hood sticker.

Real nice pic's of your trips as well, thanks for posting 'em. Always like checking out places to visit when I get to "one of these days"

Jeep on my friend! 😸

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Nice job on the Bantam resto. I'd like to find one of those pup's.

I looked at your post for the trailer work, but couldn't help notice you've got an Apex! I've got an '02. Or I should say the only real thing I've got left of an Apex is the hood sticker.

Real nice pic's of your trips as well, thanks for posting 'em. Always like checking out places to visit when I get to "one of these days"

Jeep on my friend! 😸

Thanks, I’d hardly call it a resto as I have 0 fab skills. More of a good from far/ far from good deal lol.

The apex edition was kind of a joke although I still like the brown seats that came with it. You’re the only other person I’ve ran into that has one!

 

[Modoc Guy]

The PO took the brown seats out of mine, but did a bunch of good stuff to it otherwise.

I’ve thought about starting a thread to highlight who has which special edition Jeep.
That might be fun.

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Did some winter maintenance. Scraped off all the old undercarriage coating, wire wheeled, and resprayed. Still need to do the front but that’s another project.

 

[Chris]

Don’t you just love undercoating? 😆

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Don’t you just love undercoating? 😆

No kidding. It held up ok for a few years until it started to flake off. Mine doesn’t see snow anyways.

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Took the girls out to Rausch Creek on Saturday for some greens and blues. Jeep performed well and the girls loved it.

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Finally got around to adding the new Bantam sticker to my trailer

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Still need to get the jeep on the lift and check everything underneath but very happy with how the jeep performed this weekend. I think my next mods will be focused on protection and reliability. Want to look into engine/steering/radiator skids and upgrading the shafts on my Dana 35. Also want to add a spacer to my front springs as they have sagged about .75” after the bumper and winch

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Pulled the flares off today for some spring cleaning. PO had them bedlined and they were starting to flake pretty bad. Not sure what I will replace them with.

Also started pulling the springs so I can cycle the front suspension and adjust bumps if needed. I was into the flares pretty bad at Rausch so I need to see if they are into the metal fenders as well

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Finally had a chance to cycle the suspension today, learned a lot. By my math I have 3.5” up travel and 4.25” down travel.

With bump stops removed my up travel is limited by the fenders with another 0.75” left in shock travel

At full droop I’m limited by my lower control arm touching the frame side mount.

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Pulled the front axle and picked up some paint. Chromo shafts, Spartan locker, seals, ball joints, control arm skids, spring isolators, jounce bouncers, mml, and body lift all ordered. Tried to pick up a savvy steering skid but it’s on backorder.

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Axle shafts are out and pinion seal is replaced. Fingers crossed I did it right!

 

[DustinfromOhio]

Added some Savvy control arm skids

Fresh paint on the axle

U Joints were trashed

New chromo shafts