I got my TJ in November of 2008. A 1998, Stone White, SE with 55,000 miles on it. No back seat, no center console, and no carpet. But it had 31" tires and a radio, so I was a happy camper. It originally came with a white soft top, which I'm told that less than 200 were made with my configuration in '98 making it a pretty unique jeep. Unfortunately, the top was dry rot and had to be replaced shortly after I bought the jeep. I also wasn't big on taking pictures when I first got it and only have some pictures in my driveway after replacing the top and taking it offroad for the first time.
I will later learn that mud not only gets on the outside, but in every crevice waiting for the moment it can fall into your eyes as you're working on it. Not that it stopped me from enjoying my jeep, I just made sure to avoid the real nasty stuff, because I also wanted my jeep to last me for a long time.
After a few years of enjoying my jeep, the mod bug bit me and I started to get a plan together for a lift. I decided on a 2.5" OME lift and some other bells and whistles like new bumpers and such.
I also added a tire carrier from TheDirtWorx. Not sure if he's still in the business, but if you need a tire carrier and you're on a budget, I can't recommend him enough. Here's a write up I did on mine: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/thedirtworx-tire-carrier-review.381/
Also, somewhere in here I bedlined the inside of my tub. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the process, but I can say that Monstaliner is good stuff.
Those mods kept me happy for a while along with some intermittent tinkering. Then I started becoming more conscious of the modifications I was looking into and getting a little more serious about spending my money in areas that would improve offroad and overall function. Cue more money spent (Jeep - Just Empty Every Pocket right?).
I decided I wanted to ditch my front bumper because it stuck out way too far from the frame for my liking (shameless plug: I still have it and will sell it for a smoking deal). I wanted a lightweight bumper that sucked in tight to the frame. After looking at my options, the Metalcloak aluminum bumper fit my needs perfectly. Man is that thing light! Best part is, it acts as the winch plate which equals even more weight savings up front. I found a Warn xd9000i on craigslist for $300 and replaced the steel cable with some synthetic line from 4LowParts both for peace of mind and weight savings. It came with the TRE safety thimble which I highly recommend. It's a stupid simple design that @mrblaine had a hand in designing. It's intention is to maximize safety and strength, and it does just that.
Winch before I cleaned it up (can't complain considering what I paid for it):
New coat of paint and installed on the bumper with new line:
As you can see, the MC bumper really hugs the frame:
I still need to slap the stickers on it. Shoutout to Warn customer service for shipping a full set of replacement decals free of charge.
Also, a good idea for anyone buying the MC bumper with a stock sway bar - keep the plastic cover that goes over the sway bar and mounts so they remain covered up. I had to hack mine up pretty good to fit behind the winch, but definitely worth it aesthetically to keep the mounts hidden. I also hit it with some flat black spray paint while it was off of the jeep so it wouldn't contrast poorly with the bumper.
During this time, I also installed some MC arched fenders. I have been impressed with them so far. One day, I might switch to true highlined fenders purely out of boredom, but definitely not anytime soon.
During the install:
After:
The last mod I've done up to date is add some aux reverse lights. Surprisingly, these gave me the most trouble of any mod I've done. Not that it's a super hard task. I understand basic wiring and even drew up the circuit myself that included a relay. It was just a lesson of trying to do too much too fast. But I eventually got them on and they work great. Bright as hell and only cost me ~$45 if I recall correctly. Wired them so they come on when the jeep is in reverse but also to a switch on the dash.
With that said, I believe I have covered the highlights. A lot more work has gone into it than what has been posted here like checking clearances on the front end for hours, maintenance, general tinkering, and those projects that are supposed to take 4 hours that end up taking 6. But it has all been worth it so far.
As far as future mods go (and these are in no particular order): I'll be getting some 30 spline Revolution axle shafts and a selectable locker for the rear from the guys at @4LowParts , possibly an Aussie locker upfront and will likely upgrade to Revolution shafts as well, re-gear to 4.88, tummy tuck, JB Conversions Super Short SYE, Savvy control arms all around, Currie antirock up front, steering upgrades, CB radio at some point for shits and giggles, headlight upgrade, and Savvy corner guards. And who knows, if I ever learn how to weld, a 4 link will definitely be in the cards.
Thanks to anyone who read through all of my rambling. If you have any questions about anything I've done so far or plan to do feel free to ask. Also, if you'd like to see any other pictures I'll do my best to get those posted up.
I will later learn that mud not only gets on the outside, but in every crevice waiting for the moment it can fall into your eyes as you're working on it. Not that it stopped me from enjoying my jeep, I just made sure to avoid the real nasty stuff, because I also wanted my jeep to last me for a long time.
After a few years of enjoying my jeep, the mod bug bit me and I started to get a plan together for a lift. I decided on a 2.5" OME lift and some other bells and whistles like new bumpers and such.
I also added a tire carrier from TheDirtWorx. Not sure if he's still in the business, but if you need a tire carrier and you're on a budget, I can't recommend him enough. Here's a write up I did on mine: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/thedirtworx-tire-carrier-review.381/
Also, somewhere in here I bedlined the inside of my tub. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the process, but I can say that Monstaliner is good stuff.
Those mods kept me happy for a while along with some intermittent tinkering. Then I started becoming more conscious of the modifications I was looking into and getting a little more serious about spending my money in areas that would improve offroad and overall function. Cue more money spent (Jeep - Just Empty Every Pocket right?).
I decided I wanted to ditch my front bumper because it stuck out way too far from the frame for my liking (shameless plug: I still have it and will sell it for a smoking deal). I wanted a lightweight bumper that sucked in tight to the frame. After looking at my options, the Metalcloak aluminum bumper fit my needs perfectly. Man is that thing light! Best part is, it acts as the winch plate which equals even more weight savings up front. I found a Warn xd9000i on craigslist for $300 and replaced the steel cable with some synthetic line from 4LowParts both for peace of mind and weight savings. It came with the TRE safety thimble which I highly recommend. It's a stupid simple design that @mrblaine had a hand in designing. It's intention is to maximize safety and strength, and it does just that.
Winch before I cleaned it up (can't complain considering what I paid for it):
New coat of paint and installed on the bumper with new line:
As you can see, the MC bumper really hugs the frame:
I still need to slap the stickers on it. Shoutout to Warn customer service for shipping a full set of replacement decals free of charge.
Also, a good idea for anyone buying the MC bumper with a stock sway bar - keep the plastic cover that goes over the sway bar and mounts so they remain covered up. I had to hack mine up pretty good to fit behind the winch, but definitely worth it aesthetically to keep the mounts hidden. I also hit it with some flat black spray paint while it was off of the jeep so it wouldn't contrast poorly with the bumper.
During this time, I also installed some MC arched fenders. I have been impressed with them so far. One day, I might switch to true highlined fenders purely out of boredom, but definitely not anytime soon.
During the install:
After:
The last mod I've done up to date is add some aux reverse lights. Surprisingly, these gave me the most trouble of any mod I've done. Not that it's a super hard task. I understand basic wiring and even drew up the circuit myself that included a relay. It was just a lesson of trying to do too much too fast. But I eventually got them on and they work great. Bright as hell and only cost me ~$45 if I recall correctly. Wired them so they come on when the jeep is in reverse but also to a switch on the dash.
With that said, I believe I have covered the highlights. A lot more work has gone into it than what has been posted here like checking clearances on the front end for hours, maintenance, general tinkering, and those projects that are supposed to take 4 hours that end up taking 6. But it has all been worth it so far.
As far as future mods go (and these are in no particular order): I'll be getting some 30 spline Revolution axle shafts and a selectable locker for the rear from the guys at @4LowParts , possibly an Aussie locker upfront and will likely upgrade to Revolution shafts as well, re-gear to 4.88, tummy tuck, JB Conversions Super Short SYE, Savvy control arms all around, Currie antirock up front, steering upgrades, CB radio at some point for shits and giggles, headlight upgrade, and Savvy corner guards. And who knows, if I ever learn how to weld, a 4 link will definitely be in the cards.
Thanks to anyone who read through all of my rambling. If you have any questions about anything I've done so far or plan to do feel free to ask. Also, if you'd like to see any other pictures I'll do my best to get those posted up.
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