[newfieZJ]

So here we go , showin off my build . It's been a long experimental process until I got it narrowed down to a fine running ZJ .

Here we go , this was my jeep as I bought it . 1995 Orvis with a RRO 4.5 lift , just over 5" with the UC springs , all on stock arms , oh yeah , I was a newbie almost 2 yrs ago , now , I would have ran from the deal with dust flying

First thing I did was remove the spray can clear coat the PO tried to repair the paint , then , I buffed it up with some wet sanding and good compounds

Forgive the chrome wheels , they screwed me over on my order , but I was tired of rubbing on full lock , they weren't on for long

[newfieZJ]

this first pic is all cleaned up after the strip and wax , and some new lights next . Following up were new rims and tires .
It was somewhere around this time I rebuilt the 249 and installed new stock control arm bushings

Don't fall asleep yet , it gets better

[newfieZJ]

By now I've installed new stock sway bar links and bushings , tsk tsk , still learning . Did the plenum gasket , an issue , but not the problem . Weather started to warm up , and now the build gets busy . I found a great deal on an engine , $1000 bought me a 2001 dodge Ram 5.2 , trans , and t-case with 50K original , I was able to sell the trans and case for $1800 , which gave me the engine for free and $800 to build the engine

here'` some before and after's

[newfieZJ]

some more engine and intake pics . The intake I scrubbed really clean , it was black when I started

The intake was laid on for pics

[newfieZJ]

From the proceeds of the engine , I bought a Mopar perf PCM , an MSD coil , MSD wires cap and rotor , 3" exhaust , sensors , oil and shop supplies for the engine including paint and gaskets . That is one tight engine bay for swapping engines ! Fitting 3" pipe through the rear isn't exactly a roomy venture either , it took a second try

[froggo27]

Very nice buid!

[newfieZJ]

So , after all that , add a roof rack , a rear JKS TB , and some braces and here it is , well as it was

I ordered some hood vents from Kolak and tossed em on too

Found a hood deflector at the JY for $2 , so I put it on too

[newfieZJ]

combination of super flex arms , and the lower fonts are fixed super rides , and the rear Addco

[Dillonzj]

Dude! the jeep looks nice! Get some hellas on tha bumper.. unless thats not what your into... I am likin that skid on the front.. is that made for the ZJ?

[newfieZJ]

Good bye 31's , hello 32's . Good bye stock end links and hello disco's . the rear end links are stock 1 ton chev

[newfieZJ]

Dillon , I made that skid from a 2007 dodge ram push bar I'll post some pics of the install next

[newfieZJ]

As requested by Dillon , here's a little how to on the skid . Very simply done . Cut the top lip /flipped edge flat , and trim for the tow hooks . Here how it's attached , just 4 points , but it would hold my weight without flinching . It now hangs on my garage wall

The upper bolts were tricky . I drilled the holes , but had to feed the bolt out from the inside . There is no way to get a nut on the inside . Once the bolts were in the bumper , I slipped the plate over and they tightened up great without holding the bolt head . Once tight , I trimmer the bolt flush with the nut .

The lower bolts got drilled into a small steel plate that runs along the bottom . It fit perfectly , and made for a strong mounting point

This plate is available from any Westin dealer , I'll have to dig up the part #

[newfieZJ]

The next mod was the bumper , and yes Dillon , some lighting ,

It's a Cherokee Or-fab Bumper . I got it for $500 cash , made a few brackets , and bolted it on . The winch I got from the local Craigslist for $180 , just a cheapo 8000lb'er , but hey , it pulls my buddies FJ out every time

[newfieZJ]

wiring up a winch is really simple

[newfieZJ]

Last for now , the niner add ons , some better interior pics I'll have to get tomorrow , but here's the roof rack and a pic of the console leather goodies on the floor