What did you do to your TJ today?

Hey everyone, I just posted a nice long update on my build thread here:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/2000-tj-ol-yeller.1791/page-2#post-389424
This week was "catch up on a bunch of maintenance / fixes" time. The short list:
  • Replaced the horn (took out a crappy airhorn and put a normal electric one)
  • Replaced all my spark plugs with nice APP985s
  • Replaced the front wiper motor which had seized / shorted out over the winter
  • Replaced the headlight dimmer / pull switch, which had been acting flaky for the last year or so.
Pics and descriptions in the build thread, but generally a damned good week of work :)
 
Got mine detailed (just a wash and wax) earlier this week.

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Man that is the first time I've seen that one in all its Glory...dude.

Really nice.

Beautiful Jeep. Beautiful build.

Thanks guys. Appreciate the kind words.

I need to update my build thread with a couple things (ARB compressor, Sway-loc dual rate Swaybar) that I've had added to the Jeep during the time it's taken to resolve the vibration issue.
 
Was planning on installing my MetalCloak control arms today but when I went to remove the rear uppers I found the offset washers on my G2 assembly had shifted on one side. It appears the spot welds had broken and allowed the washer to move and splay the two sides open, loosening the bolt. I hammered the sides back, clamped the washer in place, and welded the sides. The bolt was trashed so I put new ones in.

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Finally got the open 3.11 Dana 30 pulled and the HP rebuilt 4.10 OX locker with Currie Anti-rock Off Road sway bar and 16” Black Magic brakes installed. Still to go heavy duty steering, hooking up brakes and drive line. Squared everything to frame and performed full bump flex.

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I finished up mounting the new tires on the new wheels yesterday; I got a lot faster after doing the first one and I did the last two in about 45 minutes each. At lunch today, I dropped them off to America’s Tire to get them balanced and picked them up right after work. I took off the old wheels and tires this evening, got the new ones on and went for a 10-15 minute drive. I re-torqued all the lug nuts and checked the beadlock bolts. Tomorrow will be the maiden (off-road) voyage with the Raceline Monster beadlocks and the new 35” Milestar Patagonia’s.
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I did the Eastwood Internal & External frame treatments. The frame was pretty clean to start with, so a couple hours of wire brushing and painting really did the trick.

Some before and after:
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I like the flat black of the Eastwood external paint vs the glossy look of POR15 how mine turned out but as long as it’s protected
 
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Had some squealing noise from under the hood and when I looked there power steering pump had been spraying fluid all over the place. This morning I got the pump replaced, new belt put on, go to start it up and the squealing was worse. Look and the fan is wobbling. So now it looks like I get to replace the water pump as well.
 
Well the wife had to take the jeep down to the emissions testing facility. It passed with ease. She said the kid doing the test wanted a tj.

Only about 3 more weeks until i can enjoy my jeep. Time is running slow.
 
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(My apologies up front. I posted this to my build thread and in the general forum. But have been waiting for weeks to be able to post something in this thread.)

So I got the ugly ass flares painted. And the 80's fat side steps removed (some like these. Just not my preference. I'll put some small side steps on later). Before and after pics below.

I used less than one can of SEM adhesion promoter and one can of SEM trim black. I prepped them with Dawn, then hit them with grey automotive scotch brite pads and water to get the black dye I tried to use on them off. Then wiped them down with acetone. One coat of adhesion promoter. And 3 to 4 light coats of the SEM trim black. They turned out beautiful. And being in Socal none of the fittings or nutserts were a problem. Not a single spinning bolt.

I also used aftermarket spray can nozzles. They're meant for art. But can be found on ebay for cheap. They are way better than stock spray can nozzles. Adjustable fan and it really lays the paint down on whatever your painting EVENLY. I save alot of paint with these too. As there is way less overspray. Most of it ends up on the part and not circulating through the air.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=253074790739
I'm so happy to have these done. This was the one major thing bothering me about the Jeep since day one. Those blue/grey sun bleached flares just made the whole Jeep look like crap imho. Very happy to have it done.

Also since before pic - late model 03-06 seats, new Rampage soft top, new wheels and tires, and full doors. And about a grand in new suspension parts and mechanical repairs.

Before all of my improvements to date:


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After:


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Negative. Raceline did not recommend the use of anti seize in their instructions (or video tutorial) and they give you ‘dry mounting’ torque specs (16-18 lb/ft) but no ‘wet mounting’ specs (anti-seize would change torque specs afaik). Besides, their construction does not allow any steel on aluminum contact since you have grade 8 hardware going into steel inserts in the aluminum wheel.

btw, found these 15” wheels for just under $300, shipped to my door.
WOuld you mind sharing link on wheels :)
 
WOuld you mind sharing link on wheels :)

Sure, no problem: http://www.4ws.com/raceline-monster-beadlock-wheel.html

Raceline only had the 15” Diamond finish wheels in stock and, although I would’ve preferred the more discreet black finish, I think they look just fine (not that I bought them for looks, otherwise I would’ve chosen simulated beadlocks). I will say that the steel rings are a must if you like to play in the rocks; I already put some nice scuffs in mine yesterday.
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