[silverjeep]

After reading several other builds, I thought others might enjoy reading what I have done to my Jeep. I find it inspirational to read others progress. I am not nearly as talented as some of the other builders but what I lack in skill I have in determination. I'll attempt any project.

I started off by buying a silver 06 Wrangler Unlimited used from a local dealership. It had 8,000 miles when I bought it. Here she is bone stock.





Due to my limited budget I slowly purchased a budget boost by Trailmaster(BB), a JKS 1.25 BL and some Mickey Thompson MTZ tires. Size 33/12.5/15. It took 6 months to get all tires, the BB and BL. I tell my wife how could my jeep budget be limited? I drive an unlimited and it needs an unlimited budget. She says

I used to go to the local truck accessory store and purchase 1 tire at a time until I got all 5. I rode around with no spare for a couple months until I could afford the spare. Here's she is strait out of the garage. Quite an improvement I thought.

[silverjeep]

I was running stock shocks for a while. I finally decided to upgrade to some Skyjacker Hydros. I went with longer shocks anticipating going to a 4" lift. Things have changed since I'm now going for the LCG style build. THis is basically the shocks I bought. This pic is not mine though.



The problem with running longer shocks was I kept throwing springs when flexing. So I found some coil spring retaining clips from Rusty's to keep my factory springs in. They are very stout and came with a self tapping screw. An easy 10 min install. They worked like a charm.

[Deacon]

Welcome, SA-town buddy.

I wish I'd gone with an LJ...

[silverjeep]

Before my first time out wheeling a buddy gave me some Rubicon rocker guards. Something told me I needed to install these before I went out. I was very glad I had these. I came down on the rockers so many times. Rocker guards are a must have. These are mine.



Here are some picks of my first time out.





Flexing out

[silverjeep]

Thanks for the welcome! It's good to be home again. I do like the extra LJ room. Especially with the kids and all their stuff.

[silverjeep]

After my second trip out I was hooked. After getting stuck a few times I needed a locker. Since I had limited slip in the rear axle I figured I would start with an Aussie Locker in the front D30. I went with the Aussie for it's reputation and cost. I ordered on from Northridge and installed it my self. I had a real tough time due to the lack of proper tools. The locker eventually was installed and I couldn't wait to test it. Sorry, I have no pictures of the install. The locker ended working great. Steering was a little stiffer. It felt like I could go up anything on the trail. I could easily get in trouble with this thing.

Here's some picks out with the Austin Jeep Exclusive Club. This is the trip where I kept getting stuck and convinced myself to get a locker.



Here you can see me spinning and getting nowhere.



Downside to owning an LJ.


I managed to make a bridge on this gap


Another BB flex shot

[silverjeep]

Weary of placing my spare on my tailgate due to weight, I elected to get a swingout tire carrier. I shopped around for several weeks and ended ordering a Xtreme duty bumper and swingout tire carrier from LOD offroad. They had a good price and it said it could hold up to a 37" tire. I figured that should hold my 33" tire easily.

The "Brown Santa" delivered the box when I was out in LA looking for work. I didn't open it for a few weeks. I thought I may have to unload it to buy food since I was out of work. After seeing it everyday in the corner of the garage I opened it when my wife wasn't looking.

This bumper is stout and pretty easy to install. Easy with two people. Finally, I have a spare that doesn't take up my space in the back.






After the install I got some great ideas from the JF. I installed this 3rd brake light by recycling the factory brake light. I made it tall to accommodate a 37" tire. JUST IN CASE.

[silverjeep]

After two years of riding with a BB spacer lift. I decided that I wanted to move to full size springs. Since I no longer wanted the 4" lift, the Rough Country 2.5 lift would be an affordable way to go. I was ready to order off of the forum when I found a new kit on Craigslist. I picked it up minus the front 2.2 shocks from a local guy that actually bought it from the RC vendor on the JF. The kit was pretty easy to install. My wife helped out a bunch. I couldn't have done it without her. She likes to wrench every now and then.

I had a really hard time getting the passenger rear lower shock mount to go in. When I installed my Skyjacker Hydros I torqued them to spec but it was so tight that the bushings were squeezing out and it actually squeezed the shock bracket. I had to reopend the bracket a little and us some force to get it in. FUSTRATING. I love the ride and the look of the the new kit. No more BB for me. Now for some TNT tube fenders before the 33's wear out. Prepping for 35's. Here's picks of the new lift.

[silverjeep]

So I finally ditched the magnet CB antenna and got a firestik with some money my mom gave me for my birthday. That sounds funny considering I'm 34.

I had the antenna for a few months until I decided where to place it and with what kind of mount to use. I finally found what I was looking for at a local CB shop.

I decided to place it on the swing out part of the bumper. My first choice made the antenna hit the tail light. I like the location since it move the antenna out of the way when I'm putting stuff in the back. I also used a tie wrap at the top of the carrier to prevent the antenna from hitting. I still need to address how the wire is coming from the CB to the antenna. This will work for this weekends wheeling trip to Cline Ranch. Here's some pics.

Mounting


Swing Open


Swing Closed

[Imped]

Nice build man. Hope the job outlook has improved.

[silverjeep]

Thanks. It has been a slow build but it will eventually get to where I want it to be. Next steps are 35's and tube fenders. Oh, I'm still looking for a staff position but am freelancing when I can. Makes it tough to upgrade my HEEP.

[never monday]

suck that gut in!

[Neeco]

Looking good man! Keep us updated, and I as well, hope the job market has been better for you.

[unlimited68]

Great looking jeep.How much did you pay for the rear bumper.

[DME]

Silver LJ crew holla

Looks good!