Its just not the look i am going for. I'm not sure what that look is yet, but I know I don't want a full bedlined jeep.

 

 

You know you could've taken off the track bar(axle side) and sway bar end links for more droop, and if it matters the remove the tie rod end off the pitman arm for more droop...

 

Actually, the arms are fouling on the axle housing. I would have to cut away at the axle to get more drop, I would get more drop on one side, if the other was lifted up, due to angles, but dropping straight down Like I did, the lower control arms hit the mounts for them.

 

Got my two new bump stops installed. Extracting the old ones was extremely satisfying! If you've never extracted a broken bolt, its a PITA, but if you are successful, its amazing. Got 3 of my new control arms measured in correctly but cannot get the old one to loosen, so going to have to take it to my dad's where he has a vice I can put it in and go to town on it. Then will be getting a new tie rod in the next day or two, so will get that installed, and then I have to align everything again, adjusting the track bar is a pain as well, if you've never done it, I don't suggest it takes two people yelling at each other! Probably going to hit everything with a coat of paint just because its out and I can clean it up and paint it. Probably go deep red/maroon - we'll see when I get to the store to buy the paint.

 

So excited! Getting a diff cover coming in: http://amzn.to/1RQxqgM

also getting some new radios since my CB killed itself: http://amzn.to/1PI2A7q

as well as some stuff from my sponsor: https://www.gardenstate4x4.com/
Some gaskets to curb my oil leaks.

Lots of new projects to make the wife annoyed!

 

I'll just leave this here...http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/

Also make sure you get your HAM license before using them too much. You might be able to get away using them on FRS/GMRS channels for a while but it's technically illegal.

 

what's the link for?

and yes, I plan on getting my ham license, a bunch of guys use these radios without them on channels you don't need a license for? I'm guessing that's the frs/gmrs channels. Once I get them they are going to go over programming them and they are sending me a channel list?

anyways, I'm going to learn more about them in the mean time.

 

The user manual that comes with them is written in broken english and has errors. Someone went through it and fixed the errors and rewrote sections of the manual and posted it there. There's a bunch of other useful infor about the radios too.

To transmit anything on these radios technically you have to have a license. The FRS guidelines are that you have to have a fixed antenna that transmits at less than 5 watts. Because of the removable antenna it's technically illegal but I highly doubt anyone will care unless you're being malicious. GMRS i think you can have removable antennas but there's a weird GMRS license you need for that. It's really way more complicated than it should be. If one of your group members has a Callsign you can all use his, with permission, if you're in eyesight. This rule can probably be bent a little as well...lol

Edit: and programming channels via keypad is a nightmare. The programming cable(~$8 i think on amazon) and free software is well worth it!

Edit 2: Oh yeah and don't get the really cheap PTT microphone speaker things, A friend bought the 2 pack that were something less than $10 and they quit shortly after the 2nd-3rd uses.

 

Got you. Yeah, we'll see. Thanks for the link, I'll check it out for sure (its blocked at work for what ever reason).

These are going to be used on trail runs among vehicles. I don't expect to get much more than maybe 1/4 mile between radios. we'll see, I've heard they have much better and clearer sound than CBs.

 

So frustrated, got it all buttoned up yesterday, went to drive it around the block, just for it to die and not start again.. I think its my nss, but will have to yank it off, clean it up and then put it back and see...

 

This was last night but got things put back together, did an alignment, and drove it to pick up tacos last night. didn't stall, didn't over heat, and didn't strand me anywhere. it was quite boring.

 

Well able to cross some stuff off my list (added some, just to cross them off)

1) you get what you pay for, my replacement engine leaks like crazy, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and while doing that might as well do my rear main seal. transmission pan gasket, and intake/exhaust gasket need to be done too.
~$50 in gaskets, but hours of labor. Progress 33% - Got some of the gaskets, but not all, Will wait till I get all of them to do the work.

2) front seats, driver's side is a bit collapsed, will replace both, something more supportive and comfortable on a long bumpy road.
~$500 in seats - Progress 33% have two TJ seats, not sure if I'm going to use them or not, will wait and see if I can score something better.

3) take front suspension off completely, remeasure control arms, put in new bump stops, etc.
Free (already have the bump stops) but Hours of labor DONE!

4) "3rd row" Need to add at least one more seat to fit the whole crew in
~$250 Already picked one out, a best top unit. Progress 0%

5) roll cage, internal, Bolt in.
~$1200 Progress 0%

6) upgraded brake system. my brakes don't seem to hold up to the added weight of the tires etc.
~$300 Progress 0%

7) paint, no idea on color yet but need some awesome AIC off road decals.
~$2500 Progress 0%

8) front/rear bumper
~$1400 Progress 0%

9) New tie rod and tie rod end (passenger side) ~ $15 DONE!

10) Front diff guard ~ $60 DONE!

11) dash mat. The arizona sun has been murder on my dash, starting to get some tiny cracks so thinking of picking up a dash mat to cover it up.
~$50

 

Rear disc brakes from Liberty or ZJ are almost direct swap if you have an 8.25.

 

Yes, I do have an 8.25, good to know. I'm probably going to be going to my local breakers to see what they have available, and what I can get it for. Front seats, brakes, and brake booster/master cylinder.