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The "LifeProof" Build Thread

16147 Views 87 Replies 19 Participants Last post by  LifeProof, 
LifeProof
:wave:Welcome to the build thread that will be documenting my 2002 Solar Yellow TJ, LifeProof.

I enjoy the outdoors very much and have a fondness for camping, hiking, mountain biking and pretty much anything that can get me closer to mother nature. Recently i have been getting into off-roading and i am starting to get the itch for it. I have many ambitions in mind for my Jeep but my current location will help me keep it small for the time being and allow me to save for what i want, when i need it.

Most recent picture

June 2017

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LifeProof
Just some things that stand out while I have been a JeepForum subscriber.

Good quotes

Hendrix said:
Build it for where you wheel and live not where you want to wheel and live.
Click to expand...
:thumbsup:
aw12345 said:
Life is to short to waste it just working.
Click to expand...
:thumbsup:

Thanks to all

From when I bought my jeep in July 2011 to December, I began to google more and more about jeeps. Links to Jeepforum kept popping up but I hadn't registered until after the holidays. I had begun to learn so many things about wheeling, jeeps, mechanics, and so much more. I appreciate all those who gave me guidance as a new member and those who continue to pass on their wealth of knowledge.
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LifeProof
As of February 2014

Current Modifications/Upgrades
- K&N Cold Air Intake
- 1.5" Wheel Spacers
- HiLift Recovery Jack
- HiLift offroad kit
- 30x11.5 TSL/SX Super Swampers
- Cragar 15x8" Soft 8's
- Uniden CB radio
- Sony GT710HD
- Kicker dash and sound bar speakers
- KC 130w Daylighters
- KC windshield mounts
- Poison Spyder Customs hood louver
- Rough Country 2.5" suspension lift
- Removed rear flares
- Antirock front sway bar
- JK turn signals
- XRC8 comp series winch
- Rampage frameless top
- Barnes front bumper
- Barnes rear crossmember
- Paramount Restyling front fenders

Future Mods/Upgrades
- Front Rubi D44 (Thanks Jankoid)
- Rear XJ D44 (Thanks MO2500)
- 36x12.5" TSL/SX's (for the time being 35" MTR/K's fit the budget better)
- Allied/Raceline Beadlocks (the MTR/K's will ride on my cragar's)
- Custom dashboard
- Custom roll cage
- Custom skid plates
- Off-roading/camping trailer
- Rockers ((Barnes rockers are waiting for paint/install)
- Rear fenders (Paramount rears are waiting to be shipped)
- Rear Antirock
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7
July 2011 - April 2012

First day with the top down



First day with the doors off



Got tired of my stock tires



So...



:2thumbsup:



Felt like such a badass :laugh:



Saying goodbye before I left for Afghanistan :thumbdown:

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LifeProof
MAY - SEPTEMBER 2012

Spent my time in Afghan

My job


My dad sent me this photo and about 100 like it to keep me updated to make sure nothing happened to the jeep lol

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7
October 2012- March 2013

Poison Spyder Hood Install



Poison Spyder Hood Install



Poison Spyder Hood Install



New Spark Plugs



CFA!!:cheers:



Beaufort, SC



Compared to my buddies YJ on 37" Rockers

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4
Uwharrie

March 2013







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16
April 2013 - June 2013

URE Damage



URE Damage



Wheel cylinder replacement



Alternator replacement



Fender triming



Fender triming



Fender triming



Fender triming



Fender triming



Fender triming



Fender triming



Fender triming



Temporary signals



Temporary signals



New JK lights



With hazards on

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3
Uwharrie

July 2013





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LifeProof
August 2013

A few things that have been inside my head recently for when i plan to upgrade:

- I was looking into ECORS last year and with the new AA class this year, i was optimistic for when i get out of the Marines to look into that. Well, upon more research i found my antirock DQ's me for that.

- Looking at picking up some better axles. ie: Front D44 or HP30/Rear D44 or 8.8

- Pondering weld on beadlocks for my current steelies. Think its a good way to take advantage of what i have and save up money for good beadlocks later.

- Debating about which welder to start of with, probably a Hobart 140.

- Waiting to pull the trigger on a tube bender. Fenders and bumpers to come.

- Looking into metals, most likely going to fab everything from aluminum when possible. Get it prepared for if i do get into racing.

- Been studying the reagear write up from pirate4x4. That will be my project on the new axles along with fabricating some goodies for them.

- Extended shocks, front and rear. With a long arm upgrade, upper triangulated.

Again this is all in the 18-24 month from now time frame.

The axles will be getting worked on throughout 2014 as well as the metal work such as bumpers, roll cage, skins, etc.

The axles/new suspension and tires will go under the Jeep in early 2015.

When i get back the 2014 season has to look forward to a whole bunch of wheeling on 30's and a whole bunch of fabricated parts.
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Uwharrie

October 2013




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LifeProof
So i got the thread cleaned up a bit and made a "Wheeling" thread to post all those pictures that were cluttering the page.

The after action report from my wife was amazing. She had a blast and i wish i could have been there. There are plenty of things we talked about as far as needed upgrades and wanted upgrades.

A lot rides on whether or not i will be getting a truck come next summer or if we both decide to reenlist or not. For now planning will go both ways to prepare for whatever happens.
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LifeProof
khwrx said:
hey i think i wheeled with you a couple months ago at ure . i was in a white yj . It was pretty slick that day and i was having axle wrap issues .
Click to expand...
Yupp that was me, Did you ever replace those yota leafs?
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LifeProof
Yeah the wife and i went back in July shortly before i got sent back to Afghan and she just got back from URE a few days ago, she made it all the way up from the ledges to the top.
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LifeProof
Rear axle- Check


XJ 44
4.88 Yukon gears
Yukon Grizzly locker
Blue Torch fab differential cover
ZJ disc brake conversion.
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LifeProof
Less than a week and i'll be home!!

Ordered from Barnes4wd:
Front bumper
Winch Fairlead mount
Rear Bumper
Rear Tie-ins
Rocker guards

Still need to order:
Winch
4 D-Rings
New top
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3
Got the front bumper and winch on.

Rear and rockers still waiting to be installed.

U joints and pinion seals to be replaced this weekend.

New rampage top is on and waiting for uppers to arrive still.

Sent from my iPad using JeepForum

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7
The wife had her birthday today. This was her present and her party.

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Cuder said:
Welcome home and thanks for your service!!!! The Jeep is looking good.
Click to expand...
Thank you on both counts.

Cuder said:
I like the fenders. Who makes them?
Click to expand...
Thanks, Paramount Restyling. ordered mine from summit
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LifeProof
ZerolFaithl said:
x2 welcome back!
Good to see another NC boy made it home safe!
Good looking Jeep maybe we'll see you out at URE this summer:2thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Thanks, yeah I'll be out there for the jamboree and most likely Memorial Day. Then just have to find some good weekends to make the drive for in the summer

So the wife and I have decided to do the rear fenders from paramount as well.

Those, the rockers, flush tail lights, and finishing the top are our next projects. We are currently up in Jersey on leave for a week though.

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