GCALLY LJ Build

[gcally]

I have been doing tons of research, asking a lot questions and the Jeep Forum peps are a big help. I decided it was time to start a new build thread to help anyone else that has the same questions I did.

My goal is to build a LCG jeep with 35’s. I am starting my build with a crashed 2004 LJ with 24,000 miles.

Here is the starting point
Pics from the salvage sale

[gcally]

The build plan!

I got almost all my parts from Jeff at Rokmen he helped me make very smart decisions about my build. The good part was he mapped out my whole build from A to Z. This way I know that everything will work great together. I think one week I talked to him twice a day for at least an half an hour each time and he had no problems spending time with me.

Suspension:
OME ZJ/LJ 2.5 springs
OME shocks
OME steering stabilizer
ACOS front Coil spacers (my plan is to eventually get the AVE highline kit to keep the lift at 2.5”)
1.25 rear spring spacer (my plan is to eventually get the AVE highline kit to keep the lift at 2.5”)
JKS 1” motor mount lift
JKS 1.25” body lift
Rokmen short arm adjustable upper and lower control arms
Currie HD steering
Currie Antirock
JKS front and rear trackbar
JKS front brake lines

Armor:
Rokmen Mercenary rock sliders
Rokmen Mercenary full corner armor
Rokmen high clearance belly pan
Rokmen gas tank skid
Rokmen engine/trans skid

Wheels/Tires:
AEV Pintler 17x8.5
BFG KM2's 35x12.50x17

Bumpers:
RockHard 4x4 front bumper
GroundpounderFab rear bumper with tire carrier

Winch:
Warn M8000 winch

Drive train:
SYE
CV drive shaft

Stuff I still need to figure out and get parts ordered for:
Front and rear axles
Front brakes


Some of the parts started to show up!!!!

[gribbles]

very nice, keep the pics and updates coming!

[wrangler2007]

Looks like a great build! Can't wait to see the progress

[tsc]

what has to be repaired on the jeep?

[gcally]

Originally Posted by tsc

what has to be repaired on the jeep?

It was a really light hit. I need to replace the windshield frame, fender, and straighten out the rear tub. After the tub is straight I am going to put the Rokmen armor over the damage. Both axles are straight the stock control arms are not bent. I already got a black windshield frame for 125.00 and two black fenders (passenger side will be a spare) for 225.

[p-rev]

no tube fenders?

[gcally]

Originally Posted by p-rev

no tube fenders?

I thought really long and hard about tube fenders. But the only ones that really give you allot more clearance are the ones where you either cut the hood or put a highline hood on. I can gain the clearance I need for 35's by adding some small spacers to the springs until I can afford the AEV highline hood and fenders. Also I really do not like the wing look of tube fenders.

[black954]

What gears are you going to use? I had 32"s on my Auto LJ with the stock 3.73's and it was very underpowered. The auto tranny sucks in the LJ and needs gears badly off road. I never installed a shift kit, but I believe it would help. Goodluck with the project, it's great you have an easy wreck to start with.

[gcally]

Originally Posted by black954

What gears are you going to use? I had 32"s on my Auto LJ with the stock 3.73's and it was very underpowered. The auto tranny sucks in the LJ and needs gears badly off road. I never installed a shift kit, but I believe it would help. Goodluck with the project, it's great you have an easy wreck to start with.

I also have a 4 speed auto.

The gears and axle's are still up in the air. If I stick with the stock front axle I am limited to 4.88's. I really do not want to put allot of cash into a Dana 30 which needs to be done if I want it to hold together with the 35's. I am going to look for a Dana 44 for the front but I have not done any research on what the best and easiest solution is.

[black954]

perhaps a NV3500 is your best solution. I wanted to do this, but had to trade it in on a Suburban for the wife.

[gcally]

Originally Posted by black954

perhaps a NV3500 is your best solution. I wanted to do this, but had to trade it in on a Suburban for the wife.

I want to keep the LJ an auto.

[rubidriver]

This will be sick.

[QuickSilverCon]

I may have similar plans for my next project.
Kind of like my old one.

and those rokmen arms are beefy!

[Scotts_Backyard]

I just can't get over how many of you guys find a wrecked TJ/LJ and do these buildups that is the coolest SH** Kudo's my man and this is going to be a great project I hope you wheel the sh** out of this thing.