My 65th Anniversary Edition Jeep Build

jrb470 · 02-19-2009, 02:20 PM

It's a bit early in the process... but Im bored so I'm starting my build thread.

I bought my Jeep NEW back in Mid 2006. I LOVE Jeep Green and it came with a D44, I6, etc...so I was happy. Here is a pick when he was brand new:

It is still stock, due to many factors...money of course. But I have finally made my decisions and began ordering everything I need for my lift. As a NEWB, I spent countless hours on this forum asking questions and researching. I want to thank EVERYONE here for contributing to the best forum on the interent. This Jeep family here has been so gracious in offering info...even on the stupidest of questions.

Initially, I was planning on a 2.25" BB and a 1.25" BL/MML combo. I bought everything I needed, but for SOME reason...I never installed them. I dont know why but I am grateful anyway. Now, I am selling the 2.25" BB and putting that money towards other things.

My final decision was to purchase the Rough Country 3.25" Lift kit and still go forth with my 1.25" BL/MML combo. This should give me 4.5" of total lift and give me the look I want to run 33's. I'm also going to be selling the 15x8 stock Alcoa's and running Black Steelies (DRing Style) instead.

Anyway, enough babble for now... this weekend I will begin with the BL install and will take pics and post results. Here are a few more current, stock picks:

**YJake** · 02-19-2009, 02:33 PM

Very nice!

02blacktj · 02-19-2009, 03:36 PM

nice jeep! i like the color! although, imo i think you should keep the alcoas instead of getting the black steelies.

jrb470 · 02-19-2009, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02blacktj

nice jeep! i like the color!

Thanks! I love Jeep Green...one reason I bought it!

Quote:

although, imo i think you should keep the alcoas instead of getting the black steelies.

You know... the wheel topic has been a hard one for me. I like the Alcoa's...but they aren't "deep" enough, IMO. PLUS... believe it or not, I can get a tire/wheel pack mounted, balanced AND delivered for LESS than it would cost for wheel spacers and buying the tires locally.

That's kinda where my thought process went. I was going to sell the Alcoa's but maybe I'll hold off just in case.

Damn... now I'm torn again!

Anyone else want to lend a hand with their opinion on the wheels?

Bojeepus · 02-20-2009, 02:00 PM

i like the alcoa's, here's something to consider, if the black steelies are heavier+ 33inchers = longer stops and harder working brakes

**04xrckmtn** · 02-20-2009, 02:10 PM

I'm in the same boat you are. You actually PM'ed me a week or so ago about running spacers w/ the alcoa's.

I like my alcoa's but I'm about to switch them out for some steelies. I got 5 d windows delivered for $205. I'll end up selling my spidertrax spacers but I think I'll hold on to the alcoa's.

I'm switching for a few reasons. The main reason is I just don't like the thought of wheeling with spacers. I know everyone says they're perfectly safe but I find myself worrying while I'm out. I also have a bright silver jeep and I'm not a big fan of the chrome rim/silver jeep look. Black rims, spray the hubs black, and add some black lugs FTW.

jrb470 · 02-20-2009, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04xrckmtn

I'm in the same boat you are. You actually PM'ed me a week or so ago about running spacers w/ the alcoa's.

I like my alcoa's but I'm about to switch them out for some steelies. I got 5 d windows delivered for $205. I'll end up selling my spidertrax spacers but I think I'll hold on to the alcoa's.

I'm switching for a few reasons. The main reason is I just don't like the thought of wheeling with spacers. I know everyone says they're perfectly safe but I find myself worrying while I'm out. I also have a bright silver jeep and I'm not a big fan of the chrome rim/silver jeep look. Black rims, spray the hubs black, and add some black lugs FTW.

I remember Pm'ing you about them. You made a good point about the spacers... I think I will do the steelies... like I said it costs the SAME having them mounted and balanced and delivered to my door ready to go as it it does to buy spacers and the tires locally.

jrb470 · 02-21-2009, 07:07 PM

So today I installed the JKS 1.25" Body Lift and the Budget Motor Mount Lift.
Overall it went pretty smooth but I did have some challenges along the way. First of all... if you are going to do a Motor Mount Lift, BUY THE MOUNTS! I don't know what I was thinking trying to save a couple of bucks with the spacer mounts. They WORK but I think I will eventually replace them with a complete mount. Oh well. Live and Learn.

Here is the biggest challenge I had:

I followed the Rokkman videos and took out the small torx screws around the gas tank filler neck to disassemble it from the escusion that is mounted to the body. I think this was a mistake because I could NOT get that thing close enough to line back up after the lift!! Ultimately I ended up replacing the little torx screws with #10 x 1.5" stainless steel screws and washers. The longer srews grabbed the filler kneck and drew it into the escusion. A little flat black Rustoleum and we were good to go. Other than that... I had no other problems after the lift; shifter, etc were fine!

I'll post some pics tomorrow. Not too much of a difference but it is a start.

Jeff

jrb470 · 02-22-2009, 06:43 AM

BEFORE:

AFTER:

jrb470 · 02-22-2009, 08:12 PM

At first, I noticed a SLIGHT vibration at 60+ MPH felt through the gas pedal. After about 20 miles, it's gone. Today, I put about 50 total miles on the jeep and it felt great. Im waiting for my refund check and then Im ordering my Tire/Wheel Package. The RC 3.25" Lift is already ordered.

One thing I'm thinking about:

Leveling the Jeep. The RC Lift I ordered comes with four .75" spacers to go above the 2.5" Springs. I'm thinking about just putting them up front to level it a bit. Hmmmm decisions decisions.

Any suggestions?

jrb470 · 02-23-2009, 08:55 AM

UPDATE:

This morning, I noticed that the Transfer Case Shifter won't go into any position (2 or 4WD). Why I didn't notice this YESTERDAY is beyond me... tunnel vision i suppose.

I did NOT install the TC Relocation bracket because I have been told I didnt need to since I did the BL with the MML. Will installing the bracket fix my problem?

redline562 · 02-23-2009, 12:46 PM

very clean

jrb470 · 02-23-2009, 05:35 PM

So it ended up that I DID have to install the TC Shifter Bracket that came with the JKS BL. A bit of adjustment afterwards and it's all fixed!

Im ready for my suspension lift and tires/wheels!!

jrb470 · 02-25-2009, 07:05 PM

Patience is a virtue. But waiting really SUCKS. I promised my wife I would wait for the tax return to get here before ordering my Tires/Rims. It should be deposited any day now! I'm still waiting for my RC 3.25 Lift Kit due to a shock back order...but that will be shipped tomorrow hopefully!

Im ordering from Tirepackage.com- Im getting 5 ProComp Black Steelies (D-Rings) and 5 BFG AT's (33's) for 1230.00 mounted balanced and delivered. That seems like a really good price to me. Im going with the AT's because it is my DD for now and we get quite a bit of rain in the summers down here...so i want something good in wet weather... I didnt think Mud Terrains would cut it....but Im always open to suggestions.

Next item on my list will be either a cargo rack OR rear Bumper/tire carrier and tow hitch. I am planning on a small cargo trailer too...so a hitch is essential.

**04xrckmtn** · 02-26-2009, 07:35 AM

Waiting definitely sucks. I ordered THIS a few weeks ago....probably going to be a couple months before it comes in.

Good choice in rims tho

Had mine installed this weekend. I ordered some black lugs and some cheap center caps ($1.99/each) that I'm going to paint black.