My build... 2001 TJ in the FL Keys

bchjeep · 11-03-2009, 07:29 AM

I puchased my Jeep in October 2008 up in Jacksonville on the drive down to Key West from Boston. I has totalled a 2005 Grand Cherokee on my first attempt to make the drive, and I thought this would be a better suited vehicle for the Keys. When I purchased it the Jeep has some minor modifications with a Borla Exhaust, K&N Intake and numerous interior mods.
My goal was to bring it back to a clean looking Wrangler with a nice size lift big enough for 35s.

I started with bring it back to looking stock by removing the stickers on the fenders and most of the interior modifications. There is still a lot of holes in the interior molding but eventually I will replace those. I also created a new switch pannel that gives me 6 switches that looks almost stock!

I removed the subwoofers and installed my subwoofers and CD receiver with satelite which is a necessity in the Keys. I tried with this system to make it hidden so without a top on no one would walk with my components. I think it looks pretty good at this time, I am just not sure what to do with the wires.

bchjeep · 11-03-2009, 07:36 AM

Next was time to get rid of the air ride suspension and all the wires/tubes included. I decided to go with a 4" suspension lift made by Superlift because I got a real good deal on both the springs and the shocks on Ebay.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I replaced the suspension components, added a 0.75" spacer lift (BB), changed out the trackbars for adjustable ones and lowered the transfer case about 1". Drives pretty well, but it needs some more work. I have ordered some Currie Adjustable Control arms for the front. Hopefully that will take care of some of the problems. Also ordered some new Goodyear Wrangler MTRs that will be mounted on Cragar Soft 8s. That will get me to the 35" tires I was looking for!

Xaos88 · 11-03-2009, 08:00 AM

Always nice making those little changes to make it your own. I'm taking mine on a road trip to KW mid dec. let me know if you want to get together and compare notes!

RedTeej · 11-03-2009, 08:15 AM

nice man, its going to look nice with the new meats on there! How do you like living in the Keys?

MikeUnlimited04 · 11-03-2009, 10:36 AM

looks like its gonna be a sweet build. dont forget to regear for those 35's!

**Imped** · 11-03-2009, 10:55 AM

Looks like a nice setup so far. Real clean. Just so you know, you have a NV3550 transmission and NP231 transfer case. If you can, add a 1" MML and SYE/CV driveshaft to the list so you can remove that t-case drop.

bige2533 · 11-03-2009, 10:55 AM

Where do you wheel down in the Keys?

schebs05tj · 11-03-2009, 11:00 AM

Two questions.
1. did you do the speaker box in the bottom of the seat?
2. How did you do the speaker box in the bottom of the seat?

**1ATony** · 11-03-2009, 11:42 AM

Nice pictures

**cragrat** · 11-03-2009, 12:30 PM

love the back seat! can you give us some more details on that, like, how did you do that? what kind of subs are those, and don't say pioneer. do they not need any air? whats is the seat hiding a box and is it uncomfortable? hell, why not do a whole right up un your rear seat? thats awesome.

**BomberJeep** · 11-03-2009, 12:53 PM

I love where your going with this. I have been down to Key West numerous times and love it. Where can you go wheeling down there?

bchjeep · 11-03-2009, 06:53 PM

I will start a write up on the back seat... I did all the work myself. Yes, they are 10" Pioneer subs. It was the best thing I could find for the very narrow area. I will dig through possible pictures I have to get a write up. The amplifiers actually slide out from under my front seats. The whole system is pretty well hidden.

As far as off-roading down here I have found a few paths that I am working on the legality, but for now it is pretty minimal. I am hoping to make a few trips up the keys to the mainland for some real trail drives. I will also possibly be moving this summer as I transfer at the U.S. Coast Guard's will.

Plan on adding the Daystar 1" MML and have already ordered the SYE. I will be measuring for a new driveshaft once I have purchased a high-clearance transfer case skid plate and a Daystar 1" BL. It is all coming and on the list, but as you all know... these things are usually a ongoing project... especially when the wife is watching the driveway

.
Thanks for watching the build!

redbob2323 · 11-04-2009, 06:42 AM

hey man, i lived in Islamorada this summer and took a couple trips to the keys i wish i had my jeep but it would cost toooooo much to pay for gas to get down there

**JeepRocks86** · 11-04-2009, 08:28 AM

I love the keys... Not much wheeling though.

jim_bert · 11-04-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeepRocks86

I love the keys... Not much wheeling though.

keys are beautiful...spent the past two new years in key west....amazing time..