Send Message Advertisers Vendors Announcements
Advertise Here
Jeep Forum Classifieds JeepSpace Reviews Gallery Blogs Clubs Groups Videos Wiki Links Events Articles
Jeep Home Jeep Forum Jeep Classifieds Jeep Registry JeepSpace Jeep Reviews Jeep Gallery Jeep Blogs Jeep Clubs Jeep Groups Jeep Videos Jeep Wiki Jeep Links Jeep Events Jeep Articles

Moto Alliance Viper Elite 8,000lb Winch Giveaway!
Go Back   JeepForum.com > Models > Wrangler Forum Group > TJ Technical Forum
Jeep Registry Register FAQ Mark Forums Read Search Members


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 03-31-2009, 06:20 PM   #1
JeepinTJ99
Registered User
1999 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Westminster, MD
Posts: 1,797
Send a message via AIM to JeepinTJ99
Next Stages of My Build || Summer Thread

=====================================
Results Pages (to find the finished projects):
- Aux. Fuse Box Mounting - Page 1, post #4
- Front Bumper & 7" HID lights - Page 2, post #25
- Race Trim Off-Road Suspension Seats - Page 4, post #54 & 55
- Viair 100% Duty Cycle OBA System - Page 5, post #63
=====================================

I'll be posting write-ups and such as I go along, but I'm going to tackle the next stage of my TJ's life soon. The plans for this summer are, in order in which they're planned:
  1. Front bumper build (1/8" plate and 2.25" x 0.120" wall tubing)
  2. Two 7" HID off-road lights
  3. Twelve circuit aux. fuse box & ground strip
  4. OBA system
  5. Re-wire entire aux. electrical system (aux. reverse lights, offroad lights, headlights, amplifier, compressor)
  6. Rocker guard build (3/16" plate and 2" tubing)
  7. Rear bumper & swing-out tire carrier build (2x4x3/16" rectangular tubing, 2x2x3/16" square tubing)
  8. Ford 8.8 swap (w/LSD)
  9. 3-4" LA lift, TT, SYE, DS
  10. Re-gear to 4.88 and lock axles + 35" MTs
Haven't gotten too far yet, but have got the basic layout of the front bumper done ... I'm welding up the driver's side tonight. Whaddaya think? (Obviously it's a cardboard mock-up)



I also got the two 7" HID off-road lights and the Blue-Sea Systems' 12-circuit aux. fuse box in the mail today. The lights seem very well built and were packaged nicer than most packages ... and I tested them ... they're bright as hell.

__________________
Go anywhere: 1999 Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport || CarDomain || Summer Build Thread

Go fast: 2009 Buell 1125CR — Racing Red || CarDomain

Last edited by JeepinTJ99; 09-03-2009 at 06:12 PM.
JeepinTJ99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2009, 06:28 PM   #2
all3forus
Registered User
2001 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 119
Great start...Can't wait to see it finished...
__________________
ME
all3forus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2009, 06:30 PM   #3
jeff83
Registered User
1990 YJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dartmouth, MA
Posts: 912
yeah welding cardboard might result in some fire? I think

just kidding real nice start though
__________________
build it, wheel it, break it, repeat
1983 CJ 7 (traded for TJ)
1992 YJ Renegade (sold)
1999 XJ Classic (daily driver)
1997 TJ Sport (building)
jeff83 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2009, 06:23 PM   #4
JeepinTJ99
Registered User
1999 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Westminster, MD
Posts: 1,797
Send a message via AIM to JeepinTJ99
Got some work done today!

Got the driver's side of the bumper almost done. I just have to cap off the backside so it looks nice. So far I just need to do the passenger's side, add the two gussets/supports for the inside ... they will also be the support/backing plate for the shackles.








And I also made a bracket for my Blue Sea 12-circuit fuse box ... I thought of a couple of different mounting locations and found that right above the battery has the most wasted space. The bracket attaches to the two batter hold-downs and is stout. I built the bracket with a slight slope so any water that may get into the fuse box will drain out. The bracket's easily removable: just the two bolts--you'll be removing them anyway to get the battery out.












And finally, day one of my two-day wrenching weekend was a maintenance item: new radiator, upper & lower hoses, cap, thermostat, thermostat gasket, and serpentine belt. No more belt squeak, no more coolant puddles in the driveway.

__________________
Go anywhere: 1999 Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport || CarDomain || Summer Build Thread

Go fast: 2009 Buell 1125CR — Racing Red || CarDomain
JeepinTJ99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2009, 09:51 PM   #5
prd_cdn
Registered User
1998 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Edmonton, Ab ~ Eh !!
Posts: 953
VERY COOL Idea and I agree the space above is a huge waste of space.. good use of it!! my plans exactly !!!
__________________
Canadian Jeep Club Member#30
I can't make the Horse drink water, I can only lead him to it!
prd_cdn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2009, 05:09 PM   #6
JeepinTJ99
Registered User
1999 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Westminster, MD
Posts: 1,797
Send a message via AIM to JeepinTJ99
Got the other side welded up and test fit!! Still need to do some finish grinding, add the winch guard, inner supports/gussets, and the shackle mounts.

I've learned a lot while doing this ... like 1/8" plate doesn't give like cardboard so measurements have to be dead-on, LOL. Live and learn, and that's why I wanted to make this.

I made this by just looking at a bunch of pictures of plate bumpers and taking attributes I liked. I wanted it to be unique ... so I went with 1/8" plate instead of 2x4" rectangular tubing with tapered ends. I needed something that doesn't catch on every rock at Rausch Creek, and won't limit tire travel when I go 35's. I wanted the winch to appear to be sunk down and also wanted some fender protection, but not as much as a full-width bumper. So mine's sort of a assimilation of all that with a mid-stubby width.

All done with a hand drill, my Hobart Handler 140, and a 4-1/2 angle grinder. And some Magic Hat #9.









__________________
Go anywhere: 1999 Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport || CarDomain || Summer Build Thread

Go fast: 2009 Buell 1125CR — Racing Red || CarDomain

Last edited by JeepinTJ99; 07-17-2009 at 09:42 AM.
JeepinTJ99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2009, 05:19 PM   #7
JeepinTJ99
Registered User
1999 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Westminster, MD
Posts: 1,797
Send a message via AIM to JeepinTJ99
In retrospect, things I may incorporate into the front bumper (other than the aforementioned shackle mounts, winch guard, and inner supports):

- Extend the top plate back to the grill (sway-bar will mount on top of it, only raising it 3/16")
- Make a steering box skid plate that bolts onto the bumper

Comments and questions welcome! And any suggestions you think would help at this stage of the build is, of course, encouraged.
__________________
Go anywhere: 1999 Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport || CarDomain || Summer Build Thread

Go fast: 2009 Buell 1125CR — Racing Red || CarDomain
JeepinTJ99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2009, 05:23 PM   #8
JESSETHELJ
Buy a Membership!!!!
 
JESSETHELJ's Avatar
2004 LJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: JACKSONVILLE, FL
Posts: 907
Send a message via AIM to JESSETHELJ
Nice Job. That Hobart 140 is a champ. I stated off making my tube doors first. Rocker panels will be next after i get the plasma cutter. So i look forward to your rocker build. With your bumper any chance I could get a rear shot from the back? I do think it would be a great idea extending the top plate all the way back. Looks so clean. Did you do one side at a time or did you cut both sides at once.
__________________
2004 LJ
1" JKS BL, 1" BMML, Rough country 3.25" lift with 2"puck up front
4.88 GEARS, D30 W/ AUSSIE LOCKER D44 33X1250X15
Currie Anti rock, Trail gear bumpers, Rokmen tummy tuck with Eng skid, Genright Rockers
Smitty Bult XRC 10k winch
JESSETHELJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2009, 05:33 PM   #9
JeepinTJ99
Registered User
1999 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Westminster, MD
Posts: 1,797
Send a message via AIM to JeepinTJ99
Quote:
Originally Posted by JESSETHELJ View Post
Nice Job. That Hobart 140 is a champ. I stated off making my tube doors first. Rocker panels will be next after i get the plasma cutter. So i look forward to your rocker build. With your bumper any chance I could get a rear shot from the back? I do think it would be a great idea extending the top plate all the way back. Looks so clean. Did you do one side at a time or did you cut both sides at once.
Sure, next time I take pics (which will be when the shackles and winch gaurd are added later this week) you can count on a rear shot.

I did one side at a time ... pretty much every piece had to be ground-down to fit. Not to exact with cardboard, a marker, and 4-1/2 cut-off wheels, LOL. All fun, though. I just thought it was easier to do one side, then compare the other side's pieces to the completed one to get them looking the same.
__________________
Go anywhere: 1999 Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport || CarDomain || Summer Build Thread

Go fast: 2009 Buell 1125CR — Racing Red || CarDomain
JeepinTJ99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2009, 05:42 PM   #10
Jeep02Apex
MURPHY'S LAW IN EFFECT
 
Jeep02Apex's Avatar
2002 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Strongsville, OH
Posts: 3,452
Hope you don't ever consider an Anti-rock, otherwise very nice build
__________________
Silver 02 TJ Apex Edition. "Pandora"
BeachinXJ made me do it :(

Starting my Savvy Diet!



Jeep02Apex is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2009, 05:57 PM   #11
JeepinTJ99
Registered User
1999 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Westminster, MD
Posts: 1,797
Send a message via AIM to JeepinTJ99
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeep02Apex View Post
Hope you don't ever consider an Anti-rock, otherwise very nice build
You know I was thinking that. Nothing a little grinding action wouldn't correct ... those systems don't really stick out a couple inches farther then the cross-member anyway.
__________________
Go anywhere: 1999 Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport || CarDomain || Summer Build Thread

Go fast: 2009 Buell 1125CR — Racing Red || CarDomain
JeepinTJ99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2009, 06:02 PM   #12
JeSimmers
Senior Member
 
JeSimmers's Avatar
1997 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Northeast, Pennsylvania
Posts: 771
Very nice, I frequent Rausch Creek...maybe I'll see your work in person!
__________________
Red Jeep Club Member #454
1998 ZJ - The wife's
1997 TJ - Mine
JeSimmers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2009, 06:05 PM   #13
Jeep02Apex
MURPHY'S LAW IN EFFECT
 
Jeep02Apex's Avatar
2002 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Strongsville, OH
Posts: 3,452
Quote:
Originally Posted by JeepinTJ99 View Post
You know I was thinking that. Nothing a little grinding action wouldn't correct ... those systems don't really stick out a couple inches farther then the cross-member anyway.
Not even that far, actually I don't think it's even an inch.

A little cutting and you'd be fine, you're right. Here's a pic for reference.
__________________
Silver 02 TJ Apex Edition. "Pandora"
BeachinXJ made me do it :(

Starting my Savvy Diet!



Jeep02Apex is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2009, 08:51 AM   #14
JeepinTJ99
Registered User
1999 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Westminster, MD
Posts: 1,797
Send a message via AIM to JeepinTJ99
Quote:
Originally Posted by JeSimmers View Post
Very nice, I frequent Rausch Creek...maybe I'll see your work in person!
You sure will! I'm up there whenever I can get up that way (it's a long haul for me).


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeep02Apex View Post
Not even that far, actually I don't think it's even an inch ... A little cutting and you'd be fine, you're right.
Thanks for that pic Apex ... it'd be a real quick grinding job to clearance the arms & bushings. Maybe oneday I'll get one ...

And I forgot the most important part of this bumper ... it was free. Got the 1/8" plate free from the fab shop at work just browsing their scrap pile.
__________________
Go anywhere: 1999 Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport || CarDomain || Summer Build Thread

Go fast: 2009 Buell 1125CR — Racing Red || CarDomain

Last edited by JeepinTJ99; 07-17-2009 at 09:43 AM.
JeepinTJ99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2009, 05:18 PM   #15
Bennettj13
The Pumpkinator
 
Bennettj13's Avatar
2005 TJ Wrangler 
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pendleton IN
Posts: 2,638
Send a message via AIM to Bennettj13 Send a message via Yahoo to Bennettj13
You directed me here. I want OBA updates!
__________________
James

Quote:
Originally Posted by mdywglr4x4 View Post
Your rig is like... awesome. Gives me a broner roflmao
LOOKING for a set of soft half doors (uppers AND lowers) in black diamond. PM if you have some.

SELLING a factory Gray soft top with tinted windows in good condition, and blinker/marker guards and rear tail light guards. PM if interested.

IMPACT ORANGE '05 TJ... The Pumpkinator (I should rename it the "Nothing for it's intended purpose build")

-Founder of "The Impact Orange Jeep Club" on Jeepspace

If JF Has Helped You, Help Support JF. If It Hasn't... Support JF Anyways
Bennettj13 is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply
Thread Tools


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Jeep Forums Replies Last Post
What "stage" are you in your build? Me, I'm at 0. Neec0 TJ Technical Forum 49 10-01-2009 09:00 AM
Stage 1 complete of Rubi Build (PICS) ROLLTIDEtj TJ Technical Forum 9 06-20-2009 09:59 AM
first stage build sprout929 TJ Technical Forum 7 01-20-2009 08:52 PM
Starting Stage II (my 06 build) Benderff TJ Technical Forum 1 06-26-2008 03:54 PM
97-03 TJ 4.0 Jet Stage 1 or Stage 2 Chip John Thomas TJ Technical Forum 6 03-26-2007 07:54 PM


The time now is 07:30 AM.

Jeep®, Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and other models are copyrighted and trademarked to Jeep/Chrysler Corporation.

JeepForum.com is not in any way associated with Jeep or the Chrysler Corp.