Ok. So I suck at documenting my exploits but I figured now is better than ever.
Currently, I am mid build on a 2000 sport with 4.0 I6 manual.
I am in Florida so the cost of jeeps down here are higher due to the pristine conditions of the underbody. On top of that, the mall crawler population down here is unreal. People buy Jeeps and then put an inordinate amount of cheap upgrades (crap) on them. So you end up ripping off and fixing a ton of stuff. So, I wanted a cheaper stock TJ that I could build up the correct way.
I got a hold of one that spent 15 years in Detroit collecting rust before it ended up down here in someone’s garage. Purchased in Late October 2018. Just in time for the Black Friday sales!!!
After accumulating a small parts store in my garage, I put the Jeep on blocks in February and started the build. Note that I tried to go with all forum recommended products and American made (when possible) for this build. So if there was a question I deferred to this forum for reference. The only time I didn’t (thus far) was with the air conditioning as Mopar was cost prohibitive.
Note that I am in the e-commerce world (selling stuff online) so I have made it a game to research and acquire the most affordable cost for everything. I have become quite adept at how to get what you want for the cheapest possible. The only time I ventured off this path was when time was of the essence (i.e. "I need this bolt now!!!")
Here is the plan. (All parts are currently purchased)
Frame. DeRust with POR15 and Eastwood’ internal (done)
Lift: 3.5 Metal cloak lift with 5000 series Rancho shocks (in process)
Body Lift: Currie 1.25
Axles.
Wheels. Refinished stock canyon rims with 35s I got for a steal off craigslist.(done)
Engine. Rebuilt S&J engine (7 years 100k warranty). with the following upgrades....(In process)
Clutch. LUK kit.
Tcase. Advance adapters SYE (done)
Driveshafts. Tom Woods front and back.
Skids:
Items TBD.
Before
Day 1 of build
Tub removal
Taken last night
One of my birthday gifts from my wife. (she's on to me)
Currently, I am mid build on a 2000 sport with 4.0 I6 manual.
I am in Florida so the cost of jeeps down here are higher due to the pristine conditions of the underbody. On top of that, the mall crawler population down here is unreal. People buy Jeeps and then put an inordinate amount of cheap upgrades (crap) on them. So you end up ripping off and fixing a ton of stuff. So, I wanted a cheaper stock TJ that I could build up the correct way.
I got a hold of one that spent 15 years in Detroit collecting rust before it ended up down here in someone’s garage. Purchased in Late October 2018. Just in time for the Black Friday sales!!!
After accumulating a small parts store in my garage, I put the Jeep on blocks in February and started the build. Note that I tried to go with all forum recommended products and American made (when possible) for this build. So if there was a question I deferred to this forum for reference. The only time I didn’t (thus far) was with the air conditioning as Mopar was cost prohibitive.
Note that I am in the e-commerce world (selling stuff online) so I have made it a game to research and acquire the most affordable cost for everything. I have become quite adept at how to get what you want for the cheapest possible. The only time I ventured off this path was when time was of the essence (i.e. "I need this bolt now!!!")
Here is the plan. (All parts are currently purchased)
Frame. DeRust with POR15 and Eastwood’ internal (done)
Lift: 3.5 Metal cloak lift with 5000 series Rancho shocks (in process)
Body Lift: Currie 1.25
Axles.
- Super Dana 35 with 4.88 Revolution gears and shafts (30 spline)with arb lockers (done)
- Dana 30 also 4.88 Revolution gears and axles (30 spline) with arb lockers (done)
Wheels. Refinished stock canyon rims with 35s I got for a steal off craigslist.(done)
Engine. Rebuilt S&J engine (7 years 100k warranty). with the following upgrades....(In process)
- Durango Alternator
- Mopar Radiator
- Mopar Water Pump
- Mopar Fan Clutch
- Ignition rail
- Fuel Rail with New injectors
- DIY S-Pod
- DIY upgraded Big 3 wires
Clutch. LUK kit.
Tcase. Advance adapters SYE (done)
Driveshafts. Tom Woods front and back.
Skids:
- UCF Ultra High Transfer Case Skid
- UCF Engine Skid
- Off-Brand Steering Box Skid
- Rusty's Radiator Skid
- Noico sound insulation
- Iggee seats(not yet purchased)
- Upgraded sound per forum recommendations ...Polk speakers with sound ordinance woofer and amp.
- Wilderness Systems Adventure Rack (killer deal off of Craigslist)
- Spare Tire Carrier (throw in from Craigslist Rack)
Items TBD.
- Cat Back Muffler (waiting to determine if mod needed due to Lift)
- Gas Skid (also waiting until after lift to determine fitment)
- Fenders/flares and bumpers.
- Winch
- Grade 8 bolts are EXPENSIVE.
- When dealing with rust, phosphoric acid is your friend.
- POR15 is awesome IF you follow the directions to the letter
- When in doubt, Google it.
- Everyone has an opinion and everyone is right.
- Read the directions first (learned this one the hard way on multiple counts)
- Harbor Freight is your friend.
- When posting on the forum about Brakes, never speak with authority or suffer the wrath of Mr. Blaine.
- Jerry B knows his stuff
- Chris is the dude.
- The youtube guy on BSK is funny.
- I love this forum.
Before
Day 1 of build
Tub removal
Taken last night
One of my birthday gifts from my wife. (she's on to me)