Johnny Boots Expo Do-All build

[JohnnyBoots]

I've been doing a little work on my Jeep lately and figured I might as well start a build thread. My goal is to build it up how Jeep should have offered it from the factory. Say a Rubicon-esque model. I'm not going to rock climb or mud bog in it, it's more of a camping, dog-mobile, go to the lumberyard, kayak-hauler, trail riding vehicle so it'll be mild compared to most of the Jeeps around the interwebs. I also want to improve the functionality of it. My wife will be driving it as well so she's not going to stand for a pulling out a step ladder to get into it.

It started as a 98 Cherokee Classic with 106k, I bought it off CL for $3500.

This is right after I purchased it and added a set of hella 500's to the bumper. First trip with the kayaks!

 

[Cascade Wanderer]

Johnny, I like the way you're going with this. Very much so.

I've prowled an awful lot of the west over the past 40 years, with various vehicles. Normally a good, stock 4x4 can get a fellow where he needs to go, and home again.

Did some great running around in a stock Cherokee & Grand Cherokee years ago, and we've even used my wife's bone-stock Ford Explorer on some terrific trips.

My Jeep Wrangler, and my oldest son's 1998 Cherokee are a little more beefed up, but mostly for fun, not because we "need" all the mods. You'll be able to do a lot with that cool-looking red Jeep of yours with minimal mods.

I'd put good all-terrain tires and some recovery gear near or at the top of the list.

Looking forward to your build thread!

Regards, CW

 

[JohnnyBoots]

I started this and got distracted so I left off the post of where it's at now. That picture was Summer of 2011. She's changed...but not drastically. So far these are the mods:

-31" x 10.5 R15 Cooper Discoverer AT3's on the stock wheels.
-OME lift, medium duty front and rear with Nitrocharger shocks.
-Homemade Discos.
-Full Interior LED lighting (I work for a LED lighting company so this was a no brainer).
-Kelleys WIP 4awg Battery Cables
-Rustys 1" drop X-member
-New Kenwood head unit and polk speakers all around.
-Ram mount iphone/gps mount.
-Tranny Cooler
-JCR Vanguard Rear Bumper

...and a ton a maintenance work.


I've also got a pile of parts waiting to go on;

-Rear diff cover/skid from Four X
-JCR lower quarter panel armor
-JKS mini-skids
-ZJ rear discs
-etc.

I'll post some more pics shortly. I've done some unique mods to bump up the usefulness of the interior I'll post as well.

 

[JohnnyBoots]

Since I work for an LED company it'd be dumb not to have some killer lighting. Here all the floorboard lighting is replaced with 2W LED strips and I used a recessed aluminum fixture we make that is installed in the tailgate. Supremely helpful when camping or unloading at night.

 

[Topo.Ranger]

Thats awesome! Where can i get those!

 

[JohnnyBoots]

The tailgate light? I could put something together if you're interested.

 

[dieselsdad]

Definately interested in knowing more about a package on that tailgate light.

 

[JohnnyBoots]

Alright, I'll throw something together for the light kits.

It's been to long since I've done any wrenching. My wife had a friend over from out of town...guy time! Yesterday I tackled the steering box spacer and this was what I found. I honestly thought it would come out in pieces judging from the feedback here.

So I replaced it with a IRO steel spacer. Hard to see but it's beefcakeiness is there.

A front bumper is a long time out but I wanted some recovery up there. Here's the installed IRO front recovery brace and hooks.

 

[mtbxj87]

I've been thinking about that iro hook set up, I wonder if it would work with factory skid plates?

 

[JohnnyBoots]

Couldn't tell you, I don't have a skid plate nor did I do any research into its figment with one. I'll likely do a front skid at some point but would likely go aftermarket.



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[JohnnyBoots]

Got a few more hours of wrench time in. Today I finished painting the rear bumper and got everything ready for a trip to New England to buy a boat in May. This got all the bracing squared away and I'm digging the darker more gray paint.

I also got the jcr lower quarter panels painted and installed. I'm really happy with these and the fitment was spot on!

I also got new pads and rotors on up front. I've got a rear zj kit and stainless lines waiting but I didn't want to tackle a fluid change just yet.

Next week I'll tackle fluids and finalizing my tranny cooler and possibly...an exhaust.

 

[JohnnyBoots]

Bought a 4xDoctor rear diff cage and painted it red...flashy!

Also did an oil change and started on these rear LED back up lights that came with the JCR bumper.

 

[Mitch502]

Have you thought about upgrading to either a ZJ steering box or a durango steering box?

EIDT: I really like the lower quarter panel armor.

 

[JohnnyBoots]

Have you thought about upgrading to either a ZJ steering box or a durango steering box?

EIDT: I really like the lower quarter panel armor.

I did briefly but I've read things about a reduction in turning radius which I don't want. Unless I'm misinformed.

I'm really digging the lower armor too, I'd like to continue it all the down the body but I dont think I want to go with their vanguard "sliders".

 

[JohnnyBoots]

Wanted a bit of beef in the undercarriage so I went with a rusty so transfer case with a 1" drop.

Also did some bump stops to replace the crumbling 15 year old versions. That sway bar is gone btw.

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