Bradywgn71 798 Posted August 11, 2012 Bought this stock WJ in 2011. Photo at the Ajax Mine near Superior, AZ. Started with changing fluids, replaced the front differential cover with a cover from Solid, and general maintenance. Front differential cover: Tested her out in Calico, CA and Ajax trails. Clear that upgrades were needed but "Hope" performed admirably in some "easy" aka moderate trails. Some"scratches" to the transfer case skid plate and rock rails: Bent the skid plate mount over a dry waterfall in Calico: Replaced the muffler that was ripped off in Calico Installed back-up lights and interior hatch light with switch. Found a good set of rims off of Craigslist and some used 285/70-17 BFG KM2 tires as well. Looking forward to better tires in the future. Played around with spray painting the rims but decided against it. I had to cut the front bumper and fenders to accommodate larger tires. Will be cutting the rear openings this weekend. Just ordered my new Clayton 4.5" lift, Kevin's Offroad skid plate & rock rails, Curt roof rack, new Hobart Handler 190 welder, and other goodies this weekend. Waiting on "Brown Santa". Wondering if he would like some cookies for all his hard work bringing the boxes of goodies! The month of August and September will be busy for me. Found out it might not be the best time to work in the garage This jeep is originally from California and southern AZ so all rubber pieces are shot and with her mileage she needs some TLC. Will be replacing motor and transmission mounts, hoses, bushings, and various other worn out parts. Future plans include building custom rear bumper with tire rack and also front bumper with lower radiator protection. Looking at options for ways to mount refigerator on a slide so we can still sleep in the Jeep. Finally, added a new member to the family. He is an Australian cattle dog mix and we named him Clayton. Don't think he will help us get a discount!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 4,148 Posted August 11, 2012 yay a build thread! congrats on ordering the goodies! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzJeepChic 2,565 Posted August 12, 2012 ^^^X2^^^What K said! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aloysius80 0 Posted August 13, 2012 got photos with the new wheels on it? looking good so far. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradywgn71 798 Posted August 14, 2012 Only picture I have with the new tires and Moab rims so far: BFG KM2 285/70-17 and no lift (it's on the way). I need to get my wheel spacers mounted, it rubs pretty hard on the stabilizer bar when the wheel is cranked. She looks a little more like she means business now! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aloysius80 0 Posted August 14, 2012 I've got to trim mine, when we went out on Sunday night it never went near the guard but after the disconnect busted it made plenty of contact with the front bar. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 4,148 Posted August 14, 2012 Bradywgn71 & aloysius80 - be sure you guys replace your factory wiper reservoir or you will eventually grab it with the tire and tear it up. or if you really extend the bump-stops alot, that will prevent the problem, but then you are limiting your potential articulation. more info on using a ZJ bottle as a replacement here (note that you do need a 96-98 year ZJ bottle): http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/zj-washer-fluid-reservoir-wj-1336041/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aloysius80 0 Posted August 14, 2012 Bradywgn71 & aloysius80 - be sure you guys replace your factory wiper reservoir or you will eventually grab it with the tire and tear it up. or if you really extend the bump-stops alot, that will prevent the problem, but then you are limiting your potential articulation. more info on using a ZJ bottle as a replacement here (note that you do need a 96-98 year ZJ bottle): http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/zj-washer-fluid-reservoir-wj-1336041/ thanks K. looking into that among other things. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradywgn71 798 Posted August 14, 2012 Thanks K. I have already removed the washer bottle from the fender and am getting the ZJ bottle for under the hood. I've done a good amount of trimming so far and may need to do more. Waiting on my wheel spacers so I can see what other areas need the cut-off wheel and big hammer taken to them. Other than the pinch seam, did you have to hammer back the foot well area? Or did you move the axle forward a bit with your long arms? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aloysius80 0 Posted August 14, 2012 I have a question for you Chris, according to specks, 02 on had a DC front drive shaft. Our one is 1st month 02 and still has CV shaft from the factory whats yours got in it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
