Jopolly3's WJ Build Thread: Lauren

**jopolly3** · 05-16-2010, 12:24 PM

Hey everybody,

Up until now I have not had a build thread for my WJ which I didn't think much about seeing that I haven't done a particularly good job documenting the build. Well I plan on making quite a few upgrades this summer and thought it would be nice to start keeping you guys posted with them.

I got my 2000 WJ of my mom as a high school graduation present. It was in mint condition 4.7 with 88,000 miles on it and was completely stock except for a K&N intake and Gibson exhaust (both of which I installed for my mom). This is what I started with...

I sent the next 2 years pampering the thing, cleaning it in and out was a bi-weekly routine and it NEVER saw trail use. I took off to college and became friends with a kid that built Land Rovers and was completely addicted to wheeling. After doing a few trail rides with him I decided to put a Rusty's 2" BB on...

Like all Jeep owners know, once you start you cannot stop. After ruining the bearings, gears, and driveshaft up front I decided to install a Trutrac LSD and a Tom Woods driveshaft. I also began investing in armor (Alloy USA D30 cover, IRO sliders).

Still not satisfied I decided it was time to go big with an IRO 6.5" HCLA lift and a set of 255/85R16 (33x10.5) KM2's. I also installed an IRO belly skid.

**jopolly3** · 05-16-2010, 01:15 PM

She was looking good but I thought it would be better with a wider track and some bumpers on it. I got a set of Spidertrax spacers and cut up the stock bumpers.

I was getting ready to go on a Land Rover winter rally and didn't want to get bothered by the LR drivers in the event that the Grand would get stuck so I decided to invest in some recovery gear to make it a little less dependent on others. I got a 60" Hi-Lift which I mounted to my roof, a Warn 2" front receiver, and a Superwinch LP8500 with a receiver mount. I also bought a set of Hella 4000 driving lights. I then blacked out the wheels and grille to give it more of a "stealth" look.

**jopolly3** · 05-16-2010, 01:36 PM

Since then I have installed an Aussie Locker, 4.10 gears, and a Corbeau Ultra SS driving seat (I bought it for the YJ but until thats rolling I put it in the WJ). Here is how she sits today.

Whats up next:

-Axle swap... I have a full float D60 in the garage and I am currently trying to track down an 8-lug HP44 for the front

-Bring up the gas tank

-Build front and rear bumpers

**Bama_WJ** · 05-16-2010, 02:33 PM

Very nice. Always admired your dub.

PDXCoug · 05-16-2010, 11:26 PM

Damn nice work

**squashman702** · 05-17-2010, 05:06 AM

I never realized that WJ mirrors folded in. I need to swap some onto my ZJ.

Build is sick!

Whiskeypete · 05-17-2010, 08:13 AM

its looking very good J, terrific job of upgrading it. btw how did you fare with the RR/LR's on the winter trek? the jeep out do the rovers?

**jopolly3** · 05-17-2010, 11:24 AM

Thanks guys

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiskeypete

its looking very good J, terrific job of upgrading it. btw how did you fare with the RR/LR's on the winter trek? the jeep out do the rovers?

Last year when I went it did well. I was in a group made up mostly of Defender 90's and my buddies Range Rover Classic. Everybody was on 33's, except the Classic which was on 35's. I was the only one with an open rear axle but I did everything they did.

This past year I went again with the same group locked and re-geared which definitely made the Grand one of the most capable in the pack. I was winching/pulling a lot of Rovers this year

The big thing I notice wheeling with Rovers vs. the Grand (I wheel with Rovers A LOT because of my friend) is the Rovers spend a good deal of time with hoods up. Even some of the top dollar 90's there were just constantly breaking down. Every morning we would be leaving the hotel and somebody would not be able to start their rig...

Here are some pictures from 2009 and 2010...

2009

2010

**jopolly3** · 06-12-2011, 09:23 PM

So much like this thread I have neglected the WJ for some time now but no more! With the weather being as nice as its been and my work schedule calming down a little I have started focusing on good ol' Lauren again...

It has been a while since I have even driven my Grand. The last time I went wheeling was back in February and she hasn't left my driveway since. The last change I made was I dropped from 6.5" springs down to 4" after I failed inspection. Below are pictures of the drop and my last trip.

Before

This was a lot easier than using the spring compressors...

After

Some photos taken during a little test run at my buddies house...

This is the last time I took it out. These are from a Land Rover rally I attended back in February...

**jopolly3** · 06-12-2011, 09:32 PM

So after four months of sitting I decided to get back to it this weekend. I started out with the interior by pulling up the dirty old carpet. Once the carpet was up fixed a few rusty areas and laid down some Rust-O-leum truck bed coating. I wish I took before and after pictures but as usual I was to impatient and decided to dive right in. Here is how it came out...

I also reinstalled my Corbeau Baja Ultra SS driving seat and ordered a second one with harnesses for the passenger side. I will post pictures of both of those next week once they are all set up...

Cnolenwj · 06-17-2011, 10:06 PM

Nice build man!

any more pics of the hitch being mounted on the front? And where you get it? First one ive seen on a wj, always liked that idea.

CTeunuch · 03-02-2012, 08:12 PM

Any updates?

**Bama_WJ** · 03-02-2012, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTeunuch

Any updates?

x2. This dub is one of my favorites...

**jopolly3** · 03-03-2012, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bama_WJ

x2. This dub is one of my favorites...

Haha Thanks bud, I actually have been tinkering with the old girl a bit... Since the last time I posted the WJ has crossed into full on trail rig. I am pretty bad about taking pictures but I will make sure I do tomorrow so you guys can see the beast it is quickly becoming...

**jopolly3** · 03-09-2012, 10:10 PM

So back in August I decided to get myself a new toy, 2011 Ram 1500, and as a result the WJ was put on hold for a while...

Then in October my buddy and I decided it was time to step it up a notch with the Grand so we took it out for one more wheeling trip before getting to work on it...

This is how she left my house...

This is some of what we did...

Gotta love that IRO TC skid...

And this is how we sent her into the shop...