WJ build for outdoor fun

[The_War_Wagon]

When you're running 35's (or bigger), a correct-size spare is NICE to have!!!

[J.M.]

Alright, so the rockers and bumper are not even started yet, but I got some other stuff going.



Got my steering linkage mounted. Unfortunately I did a less than acceptable job eyeballing the toe-in. On a weekend getaway 2 weeks before the 'big' vacation, I lost 3/32 of front tread (tires got bald). I needed new tires before (for) the vacation trip
I went back and forth between getting new 35s for my JK wheels (17") or taking my chances on fiting 15" wheels and 35s. I went the 15" route for my wallet's sake. The set of 35x12.5R17 would have been $1350. The set of 35x12.5R15 with 15x8 rims was $1200. Next time I need tires I'll be below a grand for the set. Let's hope I don't have to get bushwackers to cover the rubber.



You can also see the new light pods front and back. They run off the house batteries, are wired into a fuse box, 4 relays, and 4 individual switches. The lights are intended for night outings and camp setup in the dark (no street use). I can swivel them 90 degrees towards the outside if need be.

Here my currently favorite shot of the WJ from the beach vacation:

[2002wranglerX]

Love the build man.

what fridge are you running?

[J.M.]

The fridge is an old, little, dorm fridge. Unsure of the manufacturer.

[J.M.]

The fridge has actually a Sanyo tag on it.

[Deadman 94 xj]

I like it. Nice job so far.

[RalphDogg]

I like it

[J.M.]

After realizing that I have better light to setup camp than for driving to the camp site (putting candles in front would be an upgrade over the stock headlights), I decided to replace the front flood lights with spots for driving. I got 2 30W, 10 degree spots and put them on the roof. The 18W flood pods went into the bumper, and hooked up to the stock fog light wiring.

[J.M.]

Got the HKOffroad winch mount for the WJ. Now if somebody would buy my JK takeoffs so I can get a winch!

[joshs1ofakindxj]

Slick!

[J.M.]

Finally got a winch and mounted it too. Still have to clock the gear box to get the clutch handle in a better position, and find a spot for the control box.

[tow hook]

looks great, it's come a long way. I hope we can do a ride at rock run this spring. the wife has gotten some up grades too, i'll have to get a more updated photo. are you going to bantam this year?

[The_War_Wagon]

the wife has gotten some up grades too, i'll have to get a more updated photo.

Looking forward to that, although I fail to see how bigger ta-ta's will help out at Rock Run.

[muddeprived]

Looking forward to that, although I fail to see how bigger ta-ta's will help out at Rock Run.

Bigger ta ta's help with EVERYTHING!

[The_War_Wagon]

Bigger ta ta's help with EVERYTHING!

My bad - I think I'm spending too much time on Pirate...

[J.M.]

I did not go to Bantam the last couple years. My schedule was not Jeep friendly. Don't know yet how this year will turn out. I definitely want to go to RockRun a couple times.

[tow hook]

Looking forward to that, although I fail to see how bigger ta-ta's will help out at Rock Run.

ta ta always help. lol

[tow hook]

I did not go to Bantam the last couple years. My schedule was not Jeep friendly. Don't know yet how this year will turn out. I definitely want to go to RockRun a couple times.

with us both on the same size tire, and drive train, we can have a nice day out there. and not get to deep and break those darn front cv axle shafts. we ll make plans, just post here, or send me a p/m. it's been 2 years scence I seen ya last. jeep looks great.

[J.M.]

It's been a while but I recently had a chance to work on the Jeep again. So in order to pass inspection, I have to get my rocker panel situation figured out. Since the best way to fix something is to upgrade, I started to replace the rocker panels with 2x5 3/16 square steel. Special thanks once again to WJLizard who facilitated and provided shelter, tools and motivation.





that's the first side done:



As soon as the schedule allows, we will tackle the driver side as well. Hopefully before a cop notices my expired inspection.
I also have a set of rub rails for the sliders on order and will weld them up within the next couple weeks (schedule permitting).

[J.M.]

After that i tackled a few useless projects that add a nice touch to the build, and can be completed within an evening or two.

I replaced the interior light bulbs with LEDs.

Wrapped the wood grain with something that matches the Jeep's color scheme:







And I added bug screen to the rear windows, so I can keep the windows open without letting chitin armored intruders in. Especially useful for airflow when I bring the fridge along.

[tow hook]

the foam in the rocker panels, is the killer. behind the rear doors/ wheel well is the next to rust. the jeep looks good, hope to catch up with you soon. I like the screens in the back windows

[tow hook]

i'd add 2-3 kickers for support

[J.M.]

New storage system. Found some flight cases in the exact right dimensions to be drawers of sorts. I cut them to the right height and built them a new home in my trunk. The access door in the bottom gives quick access to the wheel well. I have some spare parts and fluids down there.







It's nice that I can pull the flight cases out and take them inside to load/unload.

[tow hook]

looks good, I hope to meet up with you at bantam

[J.M.]

I put the PGH-OffRoad hitch cover on for Bantam! Hope to meet yinz!