flatlander757's 03 TJ build/update thread

[flatlander757]

So I figured I oughta start one of these threads before I get too far into building up my Jeep. The short-term goal(less than 5 months) is to have it sitting on 33in tires. Then the long-term goal(by this time next year) is to get it regeared for 35s, put some armor on it, flat-fender, and 35in tires of course. I probably won't be updating this every single day but whatever I do I'll take pictures

So anyways, here is my 03 Sport(4.0, dana 44, and NV3500) the day I got it a couple months ago:







And then 2 days later:








I made my own mirror for when the doors are off, seen here:

[flatlander757]

Then within the first week or so it was sans-front-milkjugs:



Then just a couple days ago I got around to painting the fender-flares and headlight bezels w/ satin black krylon fusion... it looks great IMO!















And then not directly Jeep-related, I got out of the dealership I worked at and went to Carmax. They provide tools there, so I got to take home the ton of stuff I'd bought while at Hall Dodge



It's also a nice $$ increase so more goodies for the Jeep!

[ronprice]

Now black out those wheels and lift it !!!

[Dr. Marneaus]

yeah, time to black everything out, some day you can be as cool as me



haha, just kidding, good job with the paint son.

[flatlander757]

Haha, it's funny you responded, I've read through your entire build-up... it pretty much gave me the inspiration to get off my *** and do something haha

[EvilM0nkey]

Originally Posted by flatlander757

It's also a nice $$ increase so more goodies for the Jeep!

I have that same exact toolbox with a locking riser on it

[jayhawkclint]

I've got tool box envy.

[flatlander757]

No pictures, but soon to come is a FT 3" lift w/ 33x10.50 Swamper TSL radials

And so you know the flares and headlight bezels have held up great

[.Jch.]

You didn't do any prep to the bezels? Just spray painted them? I might do that rather than pay 30 dollars for the black set from quadratec.

[flatlander757]

I just roughed them up with some 320 or something grit sandpaper, wiped them down with parts cleaner and a rag. Then sprayed them.

[flatlander757]

My 3" FT lift is in the garage awaiting install. Hopefully this weekend

[flatlander757]

So I have everything up front installed save for the sway bar stuff...





The only problem I ran into was the driver side front shock was being stubborn on the top mount. I couldn't get a good hold on the top of the shaft and it kept getting mangled so I cut up the cover and used vise grips and a 1/2in impact



Also there is no need for a tie-rod end puller for the track bar or the swaybar endlinks... here were my solutions:









...

[flatlander757]

...and for the track bar tie-rod end, I did the same thing that I do for tie-rod ends in the dealership, loosen the nut enough to get loose but still hold when the tie-rod end is free, and hit whatever it mounts into with a hammer. It will take a few good blows but it works well. It may help to be wiggling/forcing the track bar w/ one hand back and forth or have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while hammering.




And the pics in the last post aren't up to date, I've got the track bar and shocks all installed too and wheels back on. I've got one spring on in the rear, I'll have to finish tomorrow.

[AlTheKiller]

looks good so far! cant wait to see it with the lift completed

[flatlander757]

So I've got all the physical parts installed, it looks freaking great I'm about to set the toe and straighten the steering wheel then test drive it. I'll take pics before it gets dark and probably post them between 10:00 and 11:00