Project (s)Low - '94 LCOG Build

**UltimatE** · 11-19-2009, 08:02 AM

Decided to start a build log for my wrangler, but since its a daily driver it will be progressing rather slowly. Sorry

Here she is the day I got her home. Previous owner had a Rancho 2.5" lift kit with some ungodly 2" lift shackles. Even with shims on the axle, they still messed with the steering geometry, so I removed them quickly. Track and sway bars were soon to follow.

Next, I didn't like the interior color, so I switched it to gray.

**UltimatE** · 11-19-2009, 08:13 AM

Next I installed an 8" center console... If I were to do it again, I would install a 6.5" center console, since the 8" is very tight in the newer YJ's.

A very simple, yet so very useful mod. Notice there are 3 wires to the light: 2 ground and 1 12v. I changed how the light is wired inside the unit; I have it setup now so I can use the switch to turn the light on and off even with the door closed, and the door turns on the light as well. I did this by running the 12v straight to the light bulb, and off the other side of the light bulb 2 grounds: 1 through the switch, and the other to the switch on the door.

And eventually I would like to possibly turn my YJ into a small bed, so I removed the rear seat for more cargo space. A full rhinolining will come in the spring.

Then something unfortunate happened... In my driveway.

That's right, my AX-5 grenaded in my driveway, simply moving it from one space to another. Then ensued to long disasterous conversion to the AX-15. The only real issue was a brand new pressure plate from Autozone turned out to be garbage. Here is the full thread:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/1...ersion-852641/

AX-15 ready to go in (3 times none the less)

While my Wrangler was down, I installed a 2" budget boost on the grand cherokee and swapped over the tires.

Here are 2 distribution blocks I picked up for future mods. Connected to the battery by Kicker Hyperflex 4awg wire. Eventually I will do the "Big-3" battery/alternator wire upgrade.

And a shot of the beast lurking under the hood:

**UltimatE** · 11-19-2009, 08:16 AM

During the transmission conversion, I found my engine mounts to be trashed. The passenger side cradle was rusted out, and the damn thing nearly fell on my face while working on the transmission.

So what is one to do, but upgrade? Ordered some Brown Dog Extreme motor mounts with the ultra-flex rubber. These things are SOLID. 1/4" steel plate construction, powder coated a nice yellow. Worth every penny.

**UltimatE** · 11-19-2009, 08:21 AM

Future mods include: Tube fenders front and rear, Rhinolined interior, possible Scrambler style hard top convserion for the winter, and 33's if not 35's. Depends on how much clearance I can gain by flat-fenders and just maybe a highlined front end.

1997_Sport · 11-19-2009, 09:50 AM

You should beable to run 35s with the tub fenders and highline kit. But wow, thats one extremely clean YJ. Looks good, and keep up the work.

Nates93yj · 11-19-2009, 02:32 PM

Cant wait, looks like a good build

ImpactFabWorks · 11-19-2009, 02:37 PM

the PO of mine put some huge shackles on mine also. i just got around to replacing them with some boom shackles

**UltimatE** · 11-21-2009, 01:20 PM

Got the engine mounts all installed. Driver side went in with NO issues... slid the engine forward an inch and it bolted up just fine. Passenger side was much harder because the engine had shifted due to the old mounts being nearly nonexistent. I need to loosen the through-bolt, but it drives completely different now, nearly no noises at all. As you can see in the last two pictures, the driver side rubber was destroyed, and the passenger side cradle was rusted out. I am honestly surprised my engine never fell out of the jeep -- No sarcasm.

**Tom95YJ** · 11-21-2009, 06:00 PM

I hope you enjoy those browndog MM's I love mine But I wish I went with the rubber bushings the poly ones can get annoying at redlights when the whole jeep vibrates

**UltimatE** · 01-20-2010, 11:10 AM

Just a small update, since its winter I hate working on the Jeeps in the cold -- Motivation drops significantly. I was tired of the chrome-2x4-strapped-to-the-front-of-my-Jeep look, so I made a shorty out of the front bumper. Done with simply a hack saw and some elbow grease. I think it greatly improves the overall look.

Before:

After:

Another project I did previously was to make a custom radio console to fit in front of the shifter, since I despise the stock location and have already upgraded my center console.

Stock location will most likely be covered up with the stereo plate delete (write up around here somewhere) and be used for switches.

New location for the radio.

I don't have a picture of the template I used, but cardboard is man's best friend when custom designing almost anything. Here are all the pieces cut.

Starting to come together. Glued and screwed.

The bottom piece is only screwed together, since the radio is held in by pressure fit only. The console came out to be absolutely perfect dimensions to hold the radio in, as you can see it is being held in without the bottom support.

All done, just need to cover it up eventually or paint it. Not sure yet.

Test fit location.

Installed ! I used 1/2" long sheet metal screws to hold the 2" L-brackets to the body, and 1/4-20 bolts with washers and lock nuts to hold the console to the L-brackets. I think it turned out pretty damn well.

ZeroGravity · 01-20-2010, 11:19 AM

I like how your head unit is mounted, and great build so far.

But get rid of those butt splicers. Seriously. Go get a 30W soldering iron from Radio shack (they can help you there) and some heat shrink tubing. You obviously have more access than I do but when they start coming un-done it sucks to having to chase down which one is bad and replacing it.

**UltimatE** · 01-20-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringwood

I like how your head unit is mounted, and great build so far.

But get rid of those butt splicers. Seriously. Go get a 30W soldering iron from Radio shack (they can help you there) and some heat shrink tubing. You obviously have more access than I do but when they start coming un-done it sucks to having to chase down which one is bad and replacing it.

Those splicers aren't actually in use -- They are there to protect the exposed end of the wires that would normally go to the speakers. When I get my system all setup, the speakers will be externally amplified.

Martinsc · 01-20-2010, 11:27 AM

Nice clean YJ you have there. Looking forward to this build.

**UltimatE** · 04-07-2010, 11:30 PM

Got some more work done on the YJ finally. In the process of redoing the brakes 100% front and rear, installed an NP-242 transfer case, and fixed my speedometer. Got rid of the vacuum disconnect hoses to the transfer case and to the front axle. Going to wire in the new switch for the 242 to my existing 4x4 light on the dash.

Pictures of the full interior dash LED conversion. Also installing 2 LED courtesy lights on each side in the front to turn on with the doors. This is done by a 6-LED light pod under the dash on either side and a 12" LED tube under each door.

Link to the LED writeup: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/l...te-up-1003751/

Relocated the license plate with an LED light. I much prefer this location, and is a prerequisite for my next modification......

Front and rear LED turn signals !

I have never seen a wrangler with amber rear turn signals (Though I'm most likely not the first) so I wanted to take on another project and be totally custom. A little rewiring of the brake lights will be required, but no biggy.

These front LED's have built in running lights (The 4 LED's in the center, but also light up the rest of the signal slightly) and the whole light SHINES extremely bright for the turn signal.

Lots more to come in the next week or so.

BlackRhino · 04-08-2010, 12:13 AM

Very very cool. I plan on doing all LED lights for my Jeep, along with amber rear turn signals, when I get a chance. Have other priorities first though lol.