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Bama_WJ's Build Thread

281K views 1K replies 151 participants last post by  TX-WJ 
#1 ·
What my WJ looks like as of today:


Table of Contents:


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I figured I would go ahead and jump on the bandwagon and start my own build thead. :thumbsup:

It doesn't consist of my much right now, but I hope to change that by summers end. I'll try to put everything in the order that I got stuff installed. So here it goes...

First off, a little bit of stats:
  • 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • UpCountry Package
  • 4.0L I6
  • 242 Transfer case
  • 98K miles when bought in April of 2007

When I first got my WJ:



I then started to get the itch to start modding things. First in the line up was get some exhaust put on there. I ended up going with a Flowmaster 50 Series and a Magnaflow/Carsound Hi-Flow cat. Sounds pretty nice.



I love coming home from work and seeing a Summit box on the ground!



Video of my exhaust.

Next, I ended up installing a K&N FIPK kit. I found it on eBay for a decent price.



Then I finally purchased a lift. Only had the funds to buy Kevins 2.5" Budget Boost at the time. I really wanted the IRO 3", but I have been real satisfied with this BB paired with the MX-6 shocks. Once you learn how to drive the Jeep decent offroad, only a little bit of lift can get you quite a few places.



A couple pictures of the installation. Nothing to extreme.





Here is the end result. Stock vs. 2.5" BB and 31" Goodyear Silent Armors:



 
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#432 ·
Got everything installed on the front. Been watching my temp gauge real close as well and it hasn't seen past 210, so I guess its good to go.

Just got one simple shot of the front for now. My girlfriend just went out and bought a new Canon T2i DSLR, so I'll probably take some good pictures of everything with her new high dollar camera. Can finally get some good night shots to show the light output. :thumbsup:

 
#439 ·
I'm impressed at how much self controil you have. F/R bumpers lightforce 240s, synthetic winch line. Very nice attention to detail. I just don't see how you had the self restraint not to go by that claytons and 35s with that money.
 
#440 ·
See, I thought about which route I wanted to take when the summer started. It was either the lift/tires route or the bumpers/accessories route. I did a few mental calculating and figured I would only have enough for the bumpers and stuff and not the lift/tires. I mean don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to be sitting on a LAs and 35s right now, but I still needed some money at the end for school.

My mental calculations for the lift/tires route (guesstimating/rounding here):
- Clayton 6" = $ 2800
- 5 15x8 steelies = $300
- 5 35x12.50 MTR/K = $1000
- Gears w/install kits = $500
- Some sort of traction aide in the front - $400
- Gearing install = $500 (probably being conservative here)
- Driveshaft(s) - $300 (at least)
- Other stuff that nickle and dime you - $200

Not to mention I still need a decent amount of room in the back of my Jeep for carrying stuff to/from school. I was cutting it close with having the stock spare back there. Can't imagine a 35 inch tire in the cargo area. I'm also still leery about the 30 up front with 35s and a traction aide.

Light pictures will be here this afternoon. :2thumbsup:
 
#441 ·
Personally I wouldn't lock the D30 with 35's unless you're very gentle on the throttle and are mindful to never bind up the front...

Also I had a minor vibration from my rear driveshaft due to the 6"+ lift (their 6" springs net more like 7" unless you have steel bumpers installed) and so I ended up with a Tom Woods SYE for my 242. So expect another $500 for that if you go that route.

I fit a 35 in the back of my Jeep laying down and it takes up nearly the entire cargo area...So for the past 2 years on 35's I haven't carried a spare with me. With the massive lugs on my MT's it is very rare to get stuff stuck in there. I did get one giant nail in there but it leaked so slowly I didn't get it repaired for a couple months:laugh:

So skip the spare if you're just around town IMHO.
 
#442 ·
X2 on leaving the front open I've witnessed a mj with 35in km2s blow up a d30 (but then again he was very throttle happy, he also laid it on its side). I guess it all depends on driving habits and type of trails you'll be running. Seems like you've got it all mapped out. Just don't sell it after you lift it that's seems to be a growing trend guys drop grands into there jeeps and as soon as the build up is over they sell it for a hybrid car???? So we can expect lift/tires next summer right?
 
#445 ·
Finally got my light output pictures! :2thumbsup:

Bumper fog lights only



Bumper fog lights with low beams



High beams



High beams with LF 240s



LF 240s only



I also got some of the reverse light



Output of the reverse light



Here are some pictures of the LF 240s only. All these pictures were taken right next to the Tenn. River, so I figured I would shoot the LFs across the river to give some perspective on the range these things have. It was probably a little less than a 1/4 mile (guesstimate).



Picture of the beam



:thumbsup:
 
#447 ·
bama how is the rear kma mounted? just using the factory hitch holes? im just curious id like to add more to the mounts on my bumper and i tried tapping in the sides in the back and its real thin one of the bolts already stripped it out...
 
#450 ·
Thanks folks. The lights are insane.



Yes, it just uses the factory mounts for the hitch I would assume. It uses the two rear mount bolts on the gas tank and one more that is closest to the rear of the Jeep.

man those 240s are sick i was considering the 170 but after seeing these pics ill stick with the 240. Do you still wish you wouldve went with a smaller light?
Eh, when I see the output they give me, I really like the 240s. But I still kind of wish I got the 170s just for the look. These 240s just look massive on the front while the 170s would probably be a perfect size. You can still buy the 170s with HIDs like mine, so the light output would probably be similar.
 
#449 ·
man those 240s are sick i was considering the 170 but after seeing these pics ill stick with the 240. Do you still wish you wouldve went with a smaller light?
 
#455 ·
For sure. :thumbsup:

BTW, I gave those tow hooks a good scrub/cleaning tonight and will be getting a box tomorrow. I'll PM you when I'm ready for paypal.

now i want some of those... how much were they? lol

and got a link to them? i wanna check them out

edit: nvm i googled them

im looking at them. thinking i want some in about a 6" version
Yea, the 170s are close to 6-3/4". Perfect size I think. They come in halogen and HID versions, as well. BJ's Offroad has the best price I could find. I'd highly recommend buying from them.

Maybe I'll start a LF trend around here. :laugh:
 
#463 ·
#467 ·
I thought the same thing when we were taking the pictures. I'm definitely looking forward to that phase of the build.

Jeep looks SICK but needs tires so bad! Don't know if you're planning on it, but I think matching the cladding to the bumpers would be the final touch looks wise.
Thanks man. Yea, it does need tires. I don't want to get another set and be stuck with them when I'm pretty close to getting 35s. Might as well keep them till I get my lift. I can't really complain though. I'm pushing 40k on these Silent Armors and they still have decent amount of tread for the milage and abuse I've put them through.

And I have thought about painting the cladding black. But since I was going to bedline the sides whenever I cut the fenders, I'd rather have my side cladding free of anything that would possibly keep the bedliner from sticking. So it will eventually be black. Just thinking ahead.
 
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