James' Jeep TJ

[jamesrw30]

I have been encouraged to start a build thread on my Jeep so here we go. I started with a stock 1997 TJ, 2.5L 5 speed on 31's. Kept it as it was for a number of months, well until I moved here and found this group actually. Since I have been here I have put a Fabtec front bumper I bought off here, Rough Country 9500lb winch, took off the plastic step sides (still for sale by the way), put on rocker guards and a two inch body lift (thank you Brian). Don't have pictures of all this being put on, only after they are on. Going to try to do better about taking pictures during the process of what I am doing. Future plans include 2.5 inch suspension lift from Rough Country, hopefully before c4c but don't know if I can afford it. Bump up to 33's then from there who knows. Definitely want to keep it easily drivable on the street but very capable off road also.
Mechanically she is pretty sound. Has almost 173k on it but runs well. I have had to replace the starter and starter relay, front and rear diff cover seals, pinion yolk seal (thank you Shawn), steering stabilizer (thanks again Brian), and do a little clean up under the hood. I am looking for an underhood fuse panel cover if anyone has one they would part with. Not sure what else to list right now. It is going to be a slow build as I am also planning and saving money for a wedding. But I will keep everyone posted on what I do.

[Ben]

i had a tj and a 2.5 in lift from rough country on it.. very good lift it easy to put on and you can stuff 33s under it.

[jamesrw30]

Looking forward to getting it. Hopefully will be able to get it before the harlan trip. We will see.

[Ben]

hahaha.. ya man i hear that. rough country is a awesome lift brand.. good luck on the jeep!!

[muddinmatt]

Sounds like we have alot of the same ideas. Streetable & Trailworthy. Slow build but instead of a wedding im trying to get a kid thru college.

[jamesrw30]

Well got the flares off, painted and back on. Worked on it yesterday and today. Here are a few pictures of the process. You can see what I started with and where they ended up, major improvement. Had to take a shot with the flares off, looked quite odd to me.
Matt, I can only imagine how trying to put a kid through college would put a large dent in the Jeep fund. HAHA You are ahead of me so I have some catching up to do. Your Jeep looks very nice by the way.

[highrolrcustoms]

Eep is looking good! I am starting to think you should forget about the lift kit and do a front locker before harlan.....prob be more benefit and keep ur jeep more street friendly. Maybe post a thread asking which would be more benifical

[jamesrw30]

I wondered about that myself. I will do that and see what I get. Thanks for the suggestion!

[Ben]

i think the front locker would do more help up there at Harlan.. but it all depends on the tires.. they cost a ton of cash!!!!

[jamesrw30]

Got the high lift jack mounted today thanks to some brackets made by Brian. The 60 inch just fits on the hood without hanging off.

[jamesrw30]

Ordered some armor today. Got a steering box skid and diff covers (rough country) off ebay. Everything should be here before c4c. May be as far as she makes it before the event but there is always hope.

[jamesrw30]

Got the diff guards in and on today. Waiting on the steering box skid now.:kewl:

[highrolrcustoms]

looks good...one step closer!!

[jamesrw30]

:kewl: thanks brian, very ready to hit the trail. Nice picture by the way. :icon_mrgreen:;)

[jamesrw30]

Got the steering box skid on yesterday. Haven't figures out if I can post from my phone so it may be awhile before I can put up a picture but it looks like it should do the job.