Refreshing the TJ - Build Thread
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Having never seen Monstaliner in person, It is hard for me to compare. I made my decision based on buddies at shops who have used both. Every one of the recommended Al's Liner hands down. After spraying it with the gun, I could not be happier with the product and the pricepoint.
Final coats of clear in high wear areas, pulled the fenders and the radiator out. Kinda made a mess after I thought the radiator was drained. High pressure hose to the rescue.
Stole some guys from work today and lifted the cage into the Jeep. It is not bolted in yet and sitting on some wood blocks so I can put the floor spacers in before I tie into the frame.
Then to warm up on some tools I decided to dimple die my electric fan brackets. I guess I was looking for an excuse to dimple die something.
Dimpled > Before
Both Done
Painted and installed on the new radiator.
Stole some guys from work today and lifted the cage into the Jeep. It is not bolted in yet and sitting on some wood blocks so I can put the floor spacers in before I tie into the frame.
Then to warm up on some tools I decided to dimple die my electric fan brackets. I guess I was looking for an excuse to dimple die something.
Dimpled > Before
Both Done
Painted and installed on the new radiator.
Just wrapped up the AEV Highline mock-up. I had to cut the inner fenders for the shock towers and the outside lower portion for the boatsides.
After looking at both options, I modified my stock fender flares for the AEV fenders. The 6" wide flares just look too large for the 265/75/16 and will likely do the same on 33's when I need new tires.
Passenger side:
After looking at both options, I modified my stock fender flares for the AEV fenders. The 6" wide flares just look too large for the 265/75/16 and will likely do the same on 33's when I need new tires.
Passenger side:
Yet another weekend in the garage. Projects are starting to get tied up!
As I am bored as hell between drying coats I figured I would post some progress...
Cooling System Update:
As I have to replace the radiator anyway, I figured now was a good chance with the front end already apart to fix the zip tie mounted transmission cooler which has haunted me since I installed it. Downgraded the size of the cooler, but with a much more reliable mounting, the PSC Cooler bracket with transmission cooler. I'll eventually add another cooler in there for the PS or Oil.
The thing that bugged me most about the bracket was the lack of flow it provided between the brackets...so I did some drilling and dimpling to the bracket and went a bit overboard. The cooler was cut a bit too, so now air will flow through the 1" center piece where it was blocked previously. Maybe I shouldn't be around tools when I'm bored...
Before:
After: (Kinda done offhand so excuse the alignment variance.
Now the painting stages and mess that is my garage/driveway while the inside is sheeted off.
Prep and Primer. Color in about an hour. Bit of sanding needed around the front fender seam.
As I am bored as hell between drying coats I figured I would post some progress...
Cooling System Update:
As I have to replace the radiator anyway, I figured now was a good chance with the front end already apart to fix the zip tie mounted transmission cooler which has haunted me since I installed it. Downgraded the size of the cooler, but with a much more reliable mounting, the PSC Cooler bracket with transmission cooler. I'll eventually add another cooler in there for the PS or Oil.
The thing that bugged me most about the bracket was the lack of flow it provided between the brackets...so I did some drilling and dimpling to the bracket and went a bit overboard. The cooler was cut a bit too, so now air will flow through the 1" center piece where it was blocked previously. Maybe I shouldn't be around tools when I'm bored...
Before:
After: (Kinda done offhand so excuse the alignment variance.
Now the painting stages and mess that is my garage/driveway while the inside is sheeted off.
Prep and Primer. Color in about an hour. Bit of sanding needed around the front fender seam.
...and...color and clear...
Given that the last time I touched an HVLP gun was close to 15 years ago for painting a bicycle frame, I'm fairly happy with how it turned out. There are 2 minor drips on one of the fenders, and a few dust spec blemishes. Considering that this was painted in a garage, that's expected. I ended up using 3/4 Quart of Primer, 1 Quart base color, 1 1/4 Quarts of clear. That puts this painting project below $250 bucks with a $150 of extra paint for the next time I need to add something to the jeep.
Hopefully I can get the cooling system back in tomorrow and fenders mounted.
I'd say that matches the level of factory orange peel. This certainly isn't a show car!
Boat sides.
Hood.
Turned out ok. Orange peel a bit heavy. Debating whether to buff it or not.
Given that the last time I touched an HVLP gun was close to 15 years ago for painting a bicycle frame, I'm fairly happy with how it turned out. There are 2 minor drips on one of the fenders, and a few dust spec blemishes. Considering that this was painted in a garage, that's expected. I ended up using 3/4 Quart of Primer, 1 Quart base color, 1 1/4 Quarts of clear. That puts this painting project below $250 bucks with a $150 of extra paint for the next time I need to add something to the jeep.
Hopefully I can get the cooling system back in tomorrow and fenders mounted.
I'd say that matches the level of factory orange peel. This certainly isn't a show car!
Boat sides.
Hood.
Turned out ok. Orange peel a bit heavy. Debating whether to buff it or not.
Busy day today chipping away at putting a box full of screws and bolts BACK on the Jeep for a change.
Boatsides, fenders & hood mounted, radiator and cooler brackets installed. Still lots of odds and ends.
Cooler mounted on bracket.
Door edging covering the inner fenders where it surrounds the shock towers.
Hood not latched yet (sitting on spring) and flares not mounted.
The worst of the panels. Heavy orange peel. I must've had the spray gun too far away on the clearcoat. Color matching is very close, however the new panels are bit yellower. Once I clean up the old paint and wax it, it should blend better. If not, a buffer may help.
Boatsides, fenders & hood mounted, radiator and cooler brackets installed. Still lots of odds and ends.
Cooler mounted on bracket.
Door edging covering the inner fenders where it surrounds the shock towers.
Hood not latched yet (sitting on spring) and flares not mounted.
The worst of the panels. Heavy orange peel. I must've had the spray gun too far away on the clearcoat. Color matching is very close, however the new panels are bit yellower. Once I clean up the old paint and wax it, it should blend better. If not, a buffer may help.
RugerTrailer
The Trailer Guy
Looking good ! Your sleeper is coming together nicely. Can't wait to see finished pics.
Thanks Nate! Hoping to get all the small projects wrapped up where I feel that it is trail ready again. Then you can teach me how to drive!
It runs. It drives. Updates this weekend for the next list of projects!
Thanks! As you said, the low profile skid is still missing! I hope to tackle the fabrication of the mounts this weekend! There is a pile of 1.5"x.120" wall tubing and bushings sitting in a pile right now.
Minor Update : We took it 4 hours south a few weeks ago on a shake down run for some kayaking and camping. Was running incredibly hot after all my cooling changes and I was able to confirm that the front skid was preventing air from hitting the bottom of the radiator (Transmission inlet) and causing the transmission to heat up the engine. I pulled the skid at the camp site and the trip home was sitting around 205 instead of 235-240. At idle or moving slow it stays around 180. Next up for cooling is making sure my fan is on a thermostat instead of constant on, and putting an additional cooler inline for the AW4.
I have a ton of small stuff to work on this weekend and I'll post some pictures and updates shortly!
Garage Sale Time:
Currie CE-9121 - Track Bar Relocator Barcket
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/product.aspx?id=1173
Part #: CE-9121
New : $74.95
Condition : NEW IN BOX
Asking : $65 Shipped.
Description: Our rear trac bar relocator bracket for 1997-2006 Jeep TJ's and LJ's. allows the trac bar to be installed at the proper angle and position after a lift kit is installed. The bracket bolts on the rear axle housing and relocates the Trac-Arm pivot point. It is made of heavy duty steel has a powder coated finish and includes all mounting hardware.
Bilstein Shocks
Front Bilstein (24-024426)
http://www.quadratec.com/products/16070_105.htm
0" Lift, 20.41" / 12.68" Eye / Stem
Rear Bilstein (24-024433)
http://www.quadratec.com/products/16070_106.htm
0" Lift, 19.07" / 12.40" Eye / Eye,
New: $76.99 Each
Condition : Good (~50,000 Miles)
Asking $100 Shipped
Description : Self-Adjusting Deflecting Disc Valving, High-Flow Piston Reduces Harshness, Independent Rebound & Comprssion Tuning, Larger Working Piston Area for exact dampening. Superior control for larger diameter tires.
Teraflex Budget Boost
http://www.teraflex.biz/tj-wrangler-1-5-budget-boost-lift-kit.html
Part #: 1341200
New : $130.99
Condition : Excellent (missing bumpstop extensions)
Asking : $75 Shipped
Description : This kit is the most economical solution to lifting your Wrangler. The budget boost will provide enough lift to run a 31x10.50 tire. The budget boost will provide two inches of lift when combined with factory rubber insulators (1.5" without). Fits all Wrangler models including Rubicon and Unlimited.
TJ Add a Trunk
New : ~130 ish.
Condition : Fair
Asking : $40 Pick Up Only
Steering Linkages
Factory TJ Steering & Track Bar
Condition : Used
Asking : $20 for both.
Jeep TJ Factory Seat Belts
Condition : Used
Asking $100 for the set. Includes all adjusters. Brackets in top left are for Rear Seat (Not included)
2000 Ford Explorer Sway Bar & Diff Cover (8.8)
Condition : Used
Asking : Get it out of my garage. Going to metal scrapper in 1 week.
Synergy Suspension TJ Harness Bar
http://www.synergymfg.com/synergysu...ulder-Harness-Bar-for-Stock-Cage-p-26265.html
New : $50
Condition : New in box.
Asking : $40
Description : Manufactured from 1.5 x .120 DOM Tubing, Bent and notched for quick weld on installation, Designed for aftermarket shoulder harness seat belts
Jeep TJ Factory Hood - OEM
Condition : Used - Good
Asking $150
Jeep TJ Fender Flares w/ Indicator
Condition : Used
Asking : $40
Ford Factory 3.73: 1 Gearing
Condition : Used - Great Low Miles < 75,000
Asking : $80
Spicer/Currie 2-2-939 with Hardware
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/Product569.aspx?id=1043
Condition : New in Box
New : 39.95
Asking : $30 Shipped
Ford 8.8 1310 Series Flange Adapter - Dana Spicer - 2-2-1379
Condition : New in Box
New : $30
Asking : $25 Shipped
Jeep TJ JKS Swaybar Disconnects
http://jksmfg.com/i-13306763-wrangler-tj-1997-2006-quicker-disconnect-fits-0-2-lift.html
Condition : Used - Fair (Conditionally working fine) Needs new bolt/Slight damage to one pin.
New : $175
Asking : $75
Pro Tools 105 1.75” x 6” 90º (SALE PENDING)
http://www.pro-tools.com/diesets.aspx
Condition : Used - Excellent
New : 255+50 Shipping
Asking : 250 Shipped
Jeep TJ Factory Cowl
Condition : Used
Asking : $40
Currie CE-9121 - Track Bar Relocator Barcket
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/product.aspx?id=1173
Part #: CE-9121
New : $74.95
Condition : NEW IN BOX
Asking : $65 Shipped.
Description: Our rear trac bar relocator bracket for 1997-2006 Jeep TJ's and LJ's. allows the trac bar to be installed at the proper angle and position after a lift kit is installed. The bracket bolts on the rear axle housing and relocates the Trac-Arm pivot point. It is made of heavy duty steel has a powder coated finish and includes all mounting hardware.
Bilstein Shocks
Front Bilstein (24-024426)
http://www.quadratec.com/products/16070_105.htm
0" Lift, 20.41" / 12.68" Eye / Stem
Rear Bilstein (24-024433)
http://www.quadratec.com/products/16070_106.htm
0" Lift, 19.07" / 12.40" Eye / Eye,
New: $76.99 Each
Condition : Good (~50,000 Miles)
Asking $100 Shipped
Description : Self-Adjusting Deflecting Disc Valving, High-Flow Piston Reduces Harshness, Independent Rebound & Comprssion Tuning, Larger Working Piston Area for exact dampening. Superior control for larger diameter tires.
Teraflex Budget Boost
http://www.teraflex.biz/tj-wrangler-1-5-budget-boost-lift-kit.html
Part #: 1341200
New : $130.99
Condition : Excellent (missing bumpstop extensions)
Asking : $75 Shipped
Description : This kit is the most economical solution to lifting your Wrangler. The budget boost will provide enough lift to run a 31x10.50 tire. The budget boost will provide two inches of lift when combined with factory rubber insulators (1.5" without). Fits all Wrangler models including Rubicon and Unlimited.
TJ Add a Trunk
New : ~130 ish.
Condition : Fair
Asking : $40 Pick Up Only
Steering Linkages
Factory TJ Steering & Track Bar
Condition : Used
Asking : $20 for both.
Jeep TJ Factory Seat Belts
Condition : Used
Asking $100 for the set. Includes all adjusters. Brackets in top left are for Rear Seat (Not included)
2000 Ford Explorer Sway Bar & Diff Cover (8.8)
Condition : Used
Asking : Get it out of my garage. Going to metal scrapper in 1 week.
Synergy Suspension TJ Harness Bar
http://www.synergymfg.com/synergysu...ulder-Harness-Bar-for-Stock-Cage-p-26265.html
New : $50
Condition : New in box.
Asking : $40
Description : Manufactured from 1.5 x .120 DOM Tubing, Bent and notched for quick weld on installation, Designed for aftermarket shoulder harness seat belts
Jeep TJ Factory Hood - OEM
Condition : Used - Good
Asking $150
Jeep TJ Fender Flares w/ Indicator
Condition : Used
Asking : $40
Ford Factory 3.73: 1 Gearing
Condition : Used - Great Low Miles < 75,000
Asking : $80
Spicer/Currie 2-2-939 with Hardware
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/Product569.aspx?id=1043
Condition : New in Box
New : 39.95
Asking : $30 Shipped
Ford 8.8 1310 Series Flange Adapter - Dana Spicer - 2-2-1379
Condition : New in Box
New : $30
Asking : $25 Shipped
Jeep TJ JKS Swaybar Disconnects
http://jksmfg.com/i-13306763-wrangler-tj-1997-2006-quicker-disconnect-fits-0-2-lift.html
Condition : Used - Fair (Conditionally working fine) Needs new bolt/Slight damage to one pin.
New : $175
Asking : $75
Pro Tools 105 1.75” x 6” 90º (SALE PENDING)
http://www.pro-tools.com/diesets.aspx
Condition : Used - Excellent
New : 255+50 Shipping
Asking : 250 Shipped
Jeep TJ Factory Cowl
Condition : Used
Asking : $40
Last edited:
heehawhardy
Adventurering
yummmmmm!!!! So much fun/work. Love the progress MUCHO MUCHO
Thanks!