[bradleyfitz]

Bare with me for a quick rundown of where I am currently at.

I started off with the RE 3.5" SF Kit and 33x10.5 BFG A/T's. Here's a pick from one of my first trail runs. Later that year I would add tube fenders and the Ricochet rockers from Poison Spyder Customs.



After my first year of wheeling I decided I wanted lockers and a larger / more aggressive tire. Since I didn't want to spend money on the 30/35 combo, I put together a budget for axles and started shopping around. After finding a sweet deal on a built HP44 front axle (from a 79 Bronco) set up for a TJ (warn 5x5.5 premium hub conversion, ARB locker, 4.88 gears -- also included two sets of rims and hydraulic assist steering), I was able to go bling on the rear axle and went with a HP60 from Solid Axle Industries with all the bells and whistles. Also added was adjustable front / rear trackbars, adjustable front / rear upper control arms (which effectively now makes my short arm kit the RE 4.5 SF /w 3.5 springs), a 1.25" body lift, a super short SYE from Novak / Teraflex, a new rear drive shaft, and 36" bias iroks. Last year I added a front bumper and winch plate from Blue Torch, a Warn 9.5ti winch, Currie anti-rock, custom rear bumper, new exhaust, electric fan conversion, in-cab winch controls, and a CB.

As it sits today, pic from Rausch Creek fall 2008.



I've been extremely happy with the build so far. The short arms do better than most people would believe. The only breakage I have had with the above setup over the last two years is one broken upper control arm mount on the front axle and one torn rear upper control mount at the frame. I have given serious thought to just adding a tummy tuck and calling it a day, but in the end, I want a longer wheelbase, which I hope to do this year.

Changes this spring will include:
- Full cage
- After market seats
- 5 point harnesses
- fuel cell
- a little TLC

Last year my left turn signal quit on me. Since the rig is only on the streets a couple times of month, it's nothing a left hand hanging out the window didn't solve. When I rolled it out of the garage two weeks ago for my e-test, the right turn signal didn't work either. I ordered a new multi-function switch from the dealer and replaced it. This should have been a 30 minute process, but it turned into an hour b/c I couldn't get the top trim part above the steering wheel to come out. It was a PIA to work around with it there.

The old:


The new:


Since I had the dash pulled apart I decided to pull the flasher relay out and finally do the "fast flash" fix for when you are running LED turn signals (this is for 1997-2000 TJ's). The relay is tucked way back behind a heater hose and it's kind of tricky to get at. It's actually more accessible from the bottom I think.



I ended up disconnecting the plug from underneath and then just removing the bracket it is attached to from the firewall. With the relay out and removed from the case, you can cut the circuit path (as shown in red below) to stop the fast flash. You have to make sure you remove all trace of the circuit, otherwise it will still fast flash. I should have done this 3 years ago! So quick and easy.



Next up was seat removal. By far the easiest thing I have ever removed from the Jeep. Broken bolt count = 0!
Passenger seat out:



Driver seat out:



Got the sound bar out as well. Trying to get everything prepped for the new cage...

[05zx10r]

nice thread!!! keep the pics/updates coming

[Imped]

Sick rig man, nicely done. That's a sweet set of axles you have there.

[mrbates]

looks like you have a solid plan, i plan on doing a full make over on the jeep after this next deployment, i just don't have the tiem right now.

[stjjames]

[bradleyfitz]

Didn't get much done this week. Installed the new headlights (H4's). The lights on my TJ are absolute crap. I decided to go with the H4's because I may upgrade to HID bulbs later.





I started work on the fuel cell this week. I had hoped to have it installed, but I just didn't have the time.

Some of the goodies from KORE... I purchased both their rings to adapt the stock TJ pump and also sprung for the bling fuel line. I'm all about one stop shopping!

Rings:


Install Kit:


A well packaged fuel cell from Summit Racing (RCI-2161A):


The fuel cell is a 15g cell that will fit behind the rear seat. I'm also planning on recessing it into the bed for a little more additional space.



Using the bottom ring as a template, I cut the cell and drilled the holes. In theory, it should now be as simple as dropping the gas tank, removing the pump, and hooking up the lines.



I picked up the tubing for the cage this afternoon and loaded the Jeep up in the trailer... and off to a friends I go to bend some tube

[bradleyfitz]

Stock cage is out...

[FedEazel]

What are your plans for the cage?

[bradleyfitz]

Originally Posted by FedEazel

What are your plans for the cage?

I'm modelling the cage after the one from BTF... I'll be using their dash pillars.

[Jay12]

have you thought about herculining the tub while everything's out?

[SpydermanTJ]

Originally Posted by Jay12

have you thought about herculining the tub while everything's out?

X2. Do it!
Sick TJ! Can't wait til I have the funds to do more to mine...

[bradleyfitz]

Originally Posted by Jay12

have you thought about herculining the tub while everything's out?

I plan to, although not until after the cage, seats, and harnesses are done. Now that the stock cage and it's crappy torx bolts are out (seven of them broke), pulling everything to herculine should be pretty simple and painless.

[Jay12]

Originally Posted by bradleyfitz

I plan to, although not until after the cage, seats, and harnesses are done. Now that the stock cage and it's crappy torx bolts are out (seven of them broke), pulling everything to herculine should be pretty simple and painless.

ya thats why I was thinking with everything pulled apart it'd be the perfect time.

[bradleyfitz]

Starting to take shape ... soft top fits!

[UTWeezul]

Nice looking build. Can't wait to see it come together!