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Snobrdrkid's WJ Build Thread

420K views 7K replies 99 participants last post by  snobrdrkid07 
#1 ·
I figured I would start one of these for the fun of it! Unfortunately no lifts yet. But my WJ is at least not bone stock anymore! :D

I will start from the beginning.

The build Sheet
Code:
Sales Code:  ---    Description:
*E7 Cloth Low-Back Bucket Seats
-L5 Taupe
ADC Convenience Group
AHT Trailer Tow Group
APAS Monotone Paint
A24P 4.0L Engine(ERH)/4Spd Auto Trans(DGK
BAZS 136 Amp Alternator
BC6S 625 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
BRYS Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
CACS Low Back Bucket Seats
CBWS Highline Door Trim Panel
CFNS Rear 60/40 Folding Seat
CGUS Child Seat Anchor System-LATCH Ready
CG1S Next Gen Multistage Front Air Bags**
CKDS Floor Carpet
CKNS Cargo Compartment Carpet
CKTS Cargo Tie Down Loops
CLE Front & Rear Floor Mats
CLHS Cargo Trim Panel w/Storage Net
CLPS Door Sill Scuff Pads
CSC Cargo Compartment Cover
CSRS Passenger Assist Handles
CUDP Mini Overhead Console
CUFS Full Length Floor Console
DGBS All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
DGK 4-Spd. Automatic 42RE Transmission
DHAS Lock-Up Torque Converter
DHPS Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD System
DJJS Dana 30/186MM Front Axle
DMEP 3.73 Rear Axle Ratio
DRMS Dana 35C/194MM Rear Axle
ERH 4.0L I6 Power Tech Engine
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GEGS Deep Tint Sunscreen Glass
GEPS Flipper Liftgate Glass
GFAS Rear Window Defroster
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GNVS Sun Visors w/Vanity Mirror
GTNS Power Mirrors, Fold-Away
GWA Power Sunroof
GXMP Remote Keyless Entry
GXXS Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System
HAAS Air Conditioning
HGAS Hood Insulation
HGDS Deluxe Insulation Group
I38S Route 38 - UP, Mesquite, TX
JAYS Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JCBS 120 MPH Primary Speedometer
JHAS Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JHBS Rear Window Wiper/Washer
JJBS Dual Note Electric Horns
JKAS Locking Glove Box
JKPS 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet
JKYS Power Accessory Delay
JPBS Power Locks
JPDS Power Windows, Driver One-Touch
JPSS Power 6-Way Driver Seat
KRSS STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
KWSS STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
K4SS STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
K5SS STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
LACS Illuminated Entry
LAGS Warning Chime
LAZP Vehicle Information Center
LBBS Courtesy Lamps
LBCS Glove Box Lamp
LCES Rear Courtesy/Reading Lamps
LDBS Cargo Compartment Lamp
LETP Traveler/Mini Trip Computer
LMBS Halogen Headlamps
LPSS CHMSL Lamp
MDAS Front License Plate Bracket
MFTS Body Color Grille
MHAS Black Windshield Moldings
MT2S Trail Rated Badge
MVCS Jeep Badge
MWES Side Roof Rails
NAS 50 State Emissions
NBGP Federal Tier 2, Bin 9A Emissions
NFPS 20.5 Gallon Fuel Tank
NHMS Speed Control
PB8 Midnight Blue Pearl Coat
QB8S Midnight Blue Pearl Coat
RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles
RBKS AM/FM Compact Disc Radio w/Chgr Ctrl
RCGS 6 Speakers
RDDS Fixed Long Mast Antenna
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCAS Steering Wheel
SDAS Normal Duty Suspension
SUAS Tilt Steering Column
TBBS Full Size Spare Tire
TBLS Inside Mounted Spare Tire
TTB P245/70R16 OWL All Terrain Tires
TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires
WDQP 16" Steel Spare Wheel
WDRS 16X7.0 Lux Alum Silver Wheels
WLYC All Steel Wheels
WLZC All Aluminum Wheels
XFJP Class III Receiver Hitch
XFKP 7 Pin Wiring Harness
XFLP 7 to 4 Pin Wiring Adaptor
XPFS Protective Coating and Remover
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications
YGCA 7 Additional Gallons of Gas
ZKFP Spring - Left Front
ZKYP Spring - Left Rear
ZYFP Spring - Right Front
ZYYP Spring - Right Rear
Z6DS GVW/Payload Rating
1AAS U.S. Dealer Retail
135S Zone 35-Washington
2TEA Customer Preferred Package 2TE
26E Customer Preferred Package 26E
3FTA Convenience Group Discount
39BA New Price Tracking
4X7A Virginia Chapter-90 Recovery
5I1S WJ-Vehicle Family
5I4S Four Wheel Drive (4WD)/(4X4)
5I8S Left Hand Drive (LHD)
594S Vehicle Order Tracking
6USS U.S. Specifications Label
647S Virginia Ship to State Code
947S Virginia Sold to State Code
My 2004 Grand Cherokee was bought brand new in 04, It was the family SUV until it was given to me in the Summer of 2010. I have been driving it and loving it ever since!

When I got the Jeep - could not wait to start making it my own
  1. New Steering Stablilzer
  2. 4 Skyjacker Nitro 8000 Gas charged shocks
  3. New tailgate lift struts. (June 2010)
  4. Projector and Halo headlights (Aug 2010)
  5. Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X794 Head Unit (Aug 2010)
  6. Interior white LED's put in. (September 2010)
  7. New Yokohama Geolander All Terrain 245/70/16's (November 2010)
  8. Memphis Coax 3-way 6x9's Fronts and Memphis Coax 2-Way 6.5 Rears. (which are freaking loud) (November 27th 2010)
  9. 55w H1 HID Lights at 6000K Color Temperature (December 1st 2010)
  10. Alpine MRP-M500 amp with Alpine 12" 1223D Dual Voice Coil Subs running at 2-Ohms (500 watts RMS)
  11. Alpine MRX-F30 amp for the doors pushing 75 watts x4 (August 2011)
  12. SuperChips - Flashpack
  13. Painted the bottom part of the bumper to look like an Overland.
  14. Got the Front Windows Tinted
  15. Put on a set of Overland Rims
  16. Electro-Luminescent Overland Gauges

Table of Contents
1. HID's
2. Halo Lights
3. Subs
4. Snow Jan 2011
5. Kenwood Headunit
6. Factory Build Sheet
7. NC Pictures, OBX
8. Fuel Filter Change with Picture
9. Mopar Skid Plate
10. Auto-Dim Mirror
11. Rear 3/4 Inch Spacer Install
12. Front Bumper Painted Silver Strip
13. Yard Work
14. Left for VT
15. Front Drive Shaft
16. Sinking Creek - Potts Run 1
17. Double Din Face Plate
18. Highlights from Callalantee, Mountain City, TN
19. Maintenance Day
20. Hit the 4Runner Pretty Good with the Trailer - Pictures
21. Idle Videos
22. First Look at the OME HD Coils
23. OME HD and JKS Adjustable TB - Pictures
24. Overland Rims 1
25. Gear Oil Change and Differential Pictures
26. Overland Rims on
27. Overland Rims 2
28. Window Tint Pictures
29. Rock Light Switch 1
30. Rock Lights On!
31. Car Show - Jeeps!
32. Ready to go back to Tech
33. Rolled 100,000
34. Overland Gauges Came in
35. Overland Gauges at Night!
36. Mountain Lake Wheeling
37. To-Do List
38. Kickdown Video
39. Snow at VT
40. Another Wheeling Picture
41. Wheeling Aftermath Clean Up and EVIC disassembly
42. Rear Axle Seal Going
43. Cleaned up
44. OME HD Coil Spring Update!!
45. 0-60 Videos
46. Back at VT - Spring 2012
47. K&N Filter Numbers
48. Cold Start Up Video
49. HID's driving
50. Auxiliary Transmission Cooler 1
51. Auxiliary Transmission Cooler Install
52. Copperhead Wheeling Pictures
53. Copperhead Rocks with the WJ
54. Mechanical Fan Hitting the Electric Fan
55. Noob Lift Chart
56. Turbo Encabulator
57. Freedom Roof Rail Teaser
58. Freedom Roof Rails Installed with Pictures
59. Cam Talk
60. Can't Trade in my Jeep
61. City Driving and Acceleration Videos
62. 2/10 Would no Drive - VERY FUNNY
63. OME HD LIFT - FINALLY
64. Trunk LED's
65. Painted Rear D.S.
66. Cleaned Up with the Lift
67. Moog Order - Open boxes
68. Stillen Brakes
69. Moog TRE - Measurements
70. Brakes and Tie Rods Installed
71. Rear 5100's
72. JKS Track Bar Movement 1
73. Air Box Mod
74. 4.0 Wheel Spin
75. Front D.S. Angle :(
76. IRO Control Arm Info
77. Broken U-Joint
78. JKS Track Bar Movement 2
79. AP Run-Down
80. Results from Southern Performance

Pictures:


Current:



 

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7
#2,981 ·
My XJ used to tear the sand up (not literally, you know what I mean), my WJ kinda just fishtails around a bit and bobs around like a whale in the sand then when you wanna move it spins for a couple seconds, sinks a bit, then goes. Its too heavy lol! I think a better set of tires will definitely help me out. Whats your plan for tires with those OMEs? I cant say I feel your pain with the Jeep modding stuff, my mom thinks it makes the Jeep look rugged and manly and my dad always wants to try helping with the wrenching because he used to work on cars as a kid. His knowledge is somewhat out of date lol.
 
#2,982 ·
The WJ on the beach is just so dang heavy, like you said. That is where the under powered takes into big play with the soft stuff. That is why I dump it in low and keep it under 20 mph. It has done well for open/open. How does an open diff work. It sends power to both sides until one side has less traction and it "slips" and sends all the power to the "free" wheel.

*Sigghhhhhh* As for the lift. I was planning on just bring the springs/track bar up with me after spring break and putting it on with my guys from the off road club who have tools and what not. I actually want to put JUST the springs on (I know that is probably not the best). Then, see how it rides, how much lift it has, (remember, I only have the B springs that net 2.75 inches, then add the kinda worn iso's). Then see how it rides. How far out the shocks are extended. Just a whole round out check of it all. Then if the lift isn't too noticeable I can probably keep it on. Dad knows that there are spacers all the way around. Granted they are only 3/4 inch spacers. He was just kinda like 'ohh'. I do need new shocks soon as well.

Summary: Plan on bringing up the springs and track bar up. Installing ONLY the springs and see how it rides. etc
 
#2,983 ·
Oh, How am I doing here? Haha

 
#2,984 ·
I wish I had an 04 cubby like yours... if you're not afraid to do some plastic trimming it looks soooo clean


also take a look at the Cobra 75 WX ST if you dont wanna mount a CB anywhere out in the open
 
#2,986 ·
Michaels probably less biased on this because I really dont like anything 4600k+ but if I were to do mine I'd say get a set of silverstars but more importantly get an auxilary headlight harness because the factory one is pretty thin gauge and you lose a decent bit of output in voltage drop across the long thin lengths of wire to the headlights alone. Also any bit of haze on the factory headlights (they all do it eventually) will reduce your output.
 
#2,987 ·
compcrasher86 said:
I wish I had an 04 cubby like yours... if you're not afraid to do some plastic trimming it looks soooo clean

also take a look at the Cobra 75 WX ST if you dont wanna mount a CB anywhere out in the open
I like my cute little cubby hole? Hahaha. Ill check that out too.

mrJ said:
The 75 is nice. I may sell mine and go back to it. Hey, you know about this stuff...what do you suggest for headlight bulbs that aren't hid? Hir? Let me know bc I'm ordering tonite
The new slyvania silver stars XZE or something like that, are brighter the the slyvania ultras. my buddy got 3 sets and like then so far.

compcrasher86 said:
Michaels probably less biased on this because I really dont like anything 4600k+ but if I were to do mine I'd say get a set of silverstars but more importantly get an auxilary headlight harness because the factory one is pretty thin gauge and you lose a decent bit of output in voltage drop across the long thin lengths of wire to the headlights alone. Also any bit of haze on the factory headlights (they all do it eventually) will reduce your output.
Matt, it was a foggy night tonight... I may be changing my fogs to a lower color temp. I have 4500 or 5000 and I may want to go to 4300, I don't want yellow. Maybe 4000k.

Didn't think about how small the wires are for the headlights, they are kinda thin imho too.
 
#2,988 ·
Final product :)
 
#2,989 ·
Weekend Plans for the Jeep:
1. Take of the tire size calibration I put on with the super chips. I think that is what is throwing it off. I had adjusted it for the smaller tires on the Overland Rims. Going to put it to stock and see what happens.
2. Going to adjust the transmission cable at the throttle body and see how that goes.
 
#2,990 ·
I think I finally got mine "almost" perfect, going to loosen it one click because it shifts nice and firm except when its cold its holding first too long. Definitely drives great now. PM me or txt me if you're having problems, I can probably furnish pics if necessary
 
#2,991 ·
compcrasher86 said:
I think I finally got mine "almost" perfect, going to loosen it one click because it shifts nice and firm except when its cold its holding first too long. Definitely drives great now. PM me or txt me if you're having problems, I can probably furnish pics if necessary
I am going to start but just going one click at a time and seeing what happens. I only currently have 2 complaints with the trans. The 1 to 2 lag when on it pretty hard and then when im in 3rd, and on it pretty good, then press it to the floor, it slams hard into 2nd gear. Like major clutch dump. It only does this when already going hard in 3rd gear. If I was cruising in 4th or 4th locked maintaining speed and floored it, it would kick to 2nd w/o a problem.... if you don't get what I mean. Let me know and ill explain more.
 
#2,992 ·
Absolutely make completely sure that after each time you adjust it the clip goes back on and locks into place, if that comes off and your cable goes slack itll throw the tranny into full soft shift mode and you can imagine how much itd love that
 
#2,993 ·
compcrasher86 said:
Absolutely make completely sure that after each time you adjust it the clip goes back on and locks into place, if that comes off and your cable goes slack itll throw the tranny into full soft shift mode and you can imagine how much itd love that
Alright man, I will take a look at the FSM again and follow those instructions. Oh, you mean full SH*T shift mode ;)

I think ill have to video the 3rd to 2nd kickdown that I was describing.

Also, I was going to class last night, and turning out of campus, there is a decent hill. So I was on her good all the way too 70 mph. But once the rpms got to about high 2000's, I felt the Jeep starting to take off. Wooo power band.
 
#2,994 ·
I think I posted this before. Here is a video of the RPM's at Idle and you can see that the gauges are more sensitive to the RPM Fluctuation. My other set did not do this. I think I will like it eventually haha.


Here is another video of the RPM's at Idle when I am clicking the A/C on and then off.



Those videos were both shot in Park. It will idle a little lower when in Driver =/ Which I do NOT like... I wish it would idle at 700-750 all the time.

I took my superchips programmer and set the tire size back to stock and fixed the speedo. It is now pretty much dead on! :thumbsup:
 
#2,995 ·
Well the 42res don't have variable torque converters so no matter what you're going to get an idle dip in gear as it works against the transmission. This is also why the idle is low, so it doesnt fight the tranny too hard and overheat the fluid. My buddy's WK with the 5.7 has a full variable torque converter and it's great, no idle fluctuations at all between gears. Sounds to me like somebody's been driving moms BMW too much and it's spoiling your standards :p
 
#2,996 ·
Yeah I figured it was putting pressure on the engine when it drive compared to park/neutral. Also a sound point on why the keep the RPM's lower then. Another reason for the POS 42re.

My gosh, Everything I drive is faster then my poor WJ. The Rubicon is even faster flat out. The BMW is awesome, the Mercedes is just super comfy, and the Land Rover is a monster with a lot of power.
 
#2,998 ·
Matt, that is 4wheeler14, and I have watched all of his videos numerous times... I am jealous. :D
 
#2,999 ·
snobrdrkid07 said:
Matt, that is 4wheeler14, and I have watched all of his videos numerous times... I am jealous. :D
Oh trust me I've PMd the kid and hes somewhere on JF too I'm mad jelly. I think hes got a cutout on his 4.7HO which id definitely have to throw in when i get one :p Ps... Woot 3k post in a build thread
 
#3,000 ·
Oh trust me I've PMd the kid and hes somewhere on JF too I'm mad jelly. Ps... Woot 3k post in a build thread
Nice on the 3,000th post! (Edit, First on 201st page :p) Yeah I have seen him around here too. I had actually thought that he went to VT at one time, he is our age. I saw a red Overland in the Parking lot with a NJ plate on it. But when I went back to the videos, plates did not match. :D

It is raining here right now, I do not know if I will get to work on the transmission cable today...
 
#3,001 ·
Winch Mount?

What do you all think of this?!
 
#3,003 ·
Have not a clue! Was posting that up cause it looked awesome! haha. It is probably custom fab.
 
#3,005 ·
I like the color of it fo sho, but its not an american model. they probably have a custom mount for the winch though that keeps it nice and low with the solenoid mounted else where.
 
#3,008 ·
This is true, the flat black doesn't look to bad at all in that picture. I REALLY love how the stock bumpers look on the WJ, I would never cut them significantly or take them off. I like the lines. I would like to see someone make a winch mount plate that you can use with the existing bumpers.

you know, I'm gunna be that guy... I dont particularly like it, looks kinda bulbous to me. IMO unless they can make it completely flush, like fairlead in the original bumper, I'd prefer an offroad bumper. Plus offroad bumpers make life fun. When my XJ wouldnt start I pushed it up the driveway into the garage using my ARB, I've also pushed my front end pretty deep into some snow banks without regrets, I've knocked over a couple bushes and brush, and the PO of the ARB took out a small tree with it. Plus when I get a winch it will be completely hidden behind the bumper.
Hahaha. I am gonna go with your point, seeing how it is very valid. The steel bumpers on the Rubicon are so bad *** and you can take out about anything you want with them. Also the winch looks really good on it. The thing that I personally don't like about steel bumpers on the WJ or even the TJ for example is when the bar goes all the way across and covers the lights. That is just me.

Pic of the bumper on the Rubicon


:thumbsup:
 
#3,007 ·
you know, I'm gunna be that guy... I dont particularly like it, looks kinda bulbous to me. IMO unless they can make it completely flush, like fairlead in the original bumper, I'd prefer an offroad bumper. Plus offroad bumpers make life fun. When my XJ wouldnt start I pushed it up the driveway into the garage using my ARB, I've also pushed my front end pretty deep into some snow banks without regrets, I've knocked over a couple bushes and brush, and the PO of the ARB took out a small tree with it. Plus when I get a winch it will be completely hidden behind the bumper.
 
#3,010 ·
Rough Country was also supposed to be making a long arm kit for the WJ.... didn't happen. Haha. But I wonder if there is anyone making one for the WJ.

One of only winch bumpers I like for the WJ is the LSR Incline. hahah
 
#3,015 ·
One of only winch bumpers I like for the WJ is the LSR Incline. hahah
Is that the one Akro (Jamie) has?! I love that bumper it looks amazing. If I had bought my bumper new I would have been more picky but the ARB just happened to be on craigslist I mean damn what are the chances of a WJ one being up, at such a steal too!

Is it going to be better quality than.their other wj stuff?
Pffffffftch like the rear shock relocation brackets? No offense but those alone were enough to completely turn me off to RC, seems like they just do not care about the quality of their products. I hear some of their other products have major issues too, the shocks suck. Nope not touchin em.
 
#3,012 ·
LOL SLAP. Was thinking something along those lines too :laugh::laugh:
 
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