[MoonyJohn]

Figured that I would make a build thread to see how far my Jeep has come. I will try and find my old pictures, but back when I started I didnt take progress pictures so bare with me. If you need something to be explained, please feel free to ask.

First off, bought my ZJ in May of 2008 with 143k miles. Now has 152k miles, with a bunch of goodies.

List of modifications:

Exterior/Suspension:
3" Rustys Front Coils
OEM Laredo Springs to rear (3" exactly)
IRO Front Adj. Track Bar
Extended links for the rear
32x11.5 Maxxis Bighorns mounted on Black Cragar "D" window rims
Vent Visors
Debadged
Removed cladding
Midland CB Radio w/ 2ft. antenna
Black painted bumpers and rocker guards w/ Krylon Fusion Paint
4300k HIDs
3rd Hella 500 with white bulb inside ()()()
Tow hitch, with tow ball
Tinted Tails
Rustys Steering Stabilizer and Rustys Quick Disconnects
Custom Sliders
Tinted Front Windows
Tow hooks
D35 3.55 -> D44a 3.73 swap
D30 3.55 -> D30 3.73 swap
Roof Rack
4 Hella lights on top

Interior:
Alpine CDA-9856 Head-unit
iPod hook-up
Alpine SWE-1243 Subwoofer
Visonik 600 watt amplifier
XXX Audio Wiring
Black Painted wood grain panels
Midland CB radio
White Gauges
2wd cubby mod

Future plans:
Kola Exhaust

Custom tow hitch tire receiver rear

Here is when I very first bought it, with a fresh wash. When I got it, the front end was damaged a little bit and the bumper was faded, cracked, and just not useful. The paint is in excellent condition too, which I was surprised.. I soon gave it a wax job as well.



Heres when I installed my Hellas on my new OEM bumper, which eventually was replaced. Also replaced the headlights with stock OEM ones from ebay. I also slapped on some Rubicon stickers.



Then, I ended up running over my new bumper, so I then bought another one that was actually grey. Then I trimmed the bumper and I have to say that, that was my favorite non costing mod I've done to this jeep.





And then came the lift! Rustys 3" front coils, F>R OEM stock Laredo springs (gave me 3" exactly), IRO front adj. track bar, Extended links, yada yada..
Heres a picture with just the front done. The install took about 14 hours total..




Then I bought 31's



Decided the 31's were too small so I bought 32x11.5 Maxxis Bighorns which was an awesome upgrade. Very aggressive looking. Also then decided to take off the Rubicon stickers because someone gave me a thumbs down for it, so I quickly took them off afterwards

[MoonyJohn]

Forgot to mention some interior upgrades as well. I bought an Alpine deck, sub, and all that for the sound system. I painted the interior panels black, And I bought a Midland cb radio.





Heres how I mounted my Hellas. I drilled two hefty screws right through the plastic on the housing and just drilled directly into the bumper. Thye hold up nicely, havent even gotten scratched yet.



Then I upgraded to my HIDs and yellow Hella bulbs. They look amazing.

[gatorayde]

You left out two important changes: Installed Rubicon sticker and Removed Rubicon sticker

edit:

[MoonyJohn]

Then I painted my bumpers black with Krylon Fusion spray paint. It was really easy to spray it, and it doesnt drip at all. I think it makes my car look brand new.





Then on 1/24/09 I painted the rockers (I didnt have enough paint the first time).













And here is how she sits now as of 1/25/09 with 152k miles.

[MoonyJohn]

Originally Posted by gatorayde

You left out two important changes: Installed Rubicon sticker and Removed Rubicon sticker

Haha, Ill edit it in for ya then

[ddeadserious]

I really dig the way your Hellas look. Just screws with no nuts on the back? Approximately how long are they(AKA, so they go through the plastic bumper cover into the steel bumper behind, or just into the plastic?)

[Jones]

That is a very clean looking ZJ, I like it.

[311LJ]

i love that you took the cladding off.. keep it up man!

[Tiggerrrrr]

You forgot to mention the cladding removal.. You should try the krylon fusion on your mirrors and door handles next. Looks good tho!

[Evilnissan]

This is pretty much what I want to do with my ZJ except mine is a 96 5.2 with the FT4wd/AWD. A 2.5-3" lift, 31-32" tires and no drama.

[BLACKzj52]

lookin good john

[-Shoey-]

Looks great man, very tasteful mods.

[spife7980]

Originally Posted by MoonyJohn

It was really easy to spray it, and it doesnt drip at all. I think it makes my car look brand new.

What did i just read?!?!

but i really wish i had taken pics of my jeep when i first got it and stuff. i really regret not. ive always wanted to make a build thread type thing. i love the progression of your rig though. its awesome

and the new camera looks like it takes some really nice pics too btw

[WhiteOut]

Nice rig, it looks pretty close to mine lol. I would move the CB antenna off the fender, trust me you will thank me the first itme you are on the trails.

[bigbluezj94]

nice looking rig. are you going to do anything about all the pins sticking out and holes where the molding used to be?