Just finished the bed liner paint on the bumper, now to let it sit for a few days while the liner hardens up. I'm ready to see this thing mounted!

 

Looking good!

 

Thanks!

 

Finally got it installed. I love it. It's exactly how I envisioned it. I'm still waiting for the drop down tire carrier to dry a bit more before I man handle it.

 

Replaced my chriping water pump and swapped the thermostat while I was in there and cleaned everything up. While I had it all out I replaced the motor mounts, and the crossmember, and the transmission mount.


Water pump time!



Busted my return line



Fixed with some fuel line and hose clamps. I will eventually be upgrading this rig to a poly tank and returnless fuel rail.



All fixed with new pump, 160 deg thermostat and gaskets.



Scrapped old cross member and transmission mount.



New Rusty's 1" drop crossmember and heavy duty poly transmission mount.

 

Let the paint dry a while before handling this and installing it. Tolerances are extremely tight due to not wanting any rattles on the road and trail. I just have to wire up the third brake light and plate assembly now.

 

looks great

you said those wheels were off a 2000 TJ? do you have any more info of where i could get some? love the way those look

 

It took me six months to find a fifth, and the guy ended up just giving it to me. They aren't terribly hard to find given they were fairly common on base model Tj's. I would hunt around some junk yards and Craigslist. I found my fifth odd a guy that deals in used cars and junk.

 

I busted my butt until midnight last night wiring up the tire carrier. Brake light comes on when brakes are applied, plate light comes on with the lights. Plate bracket has plug behind it in case the tire need removed. Plug under bumper in case I want to remove the entire carrier.

 

A couple more pictures with the top plate installed, then on to other projects. Namely adding a leaf in the rear to help with the added 200lbs I have hanging off my rear. That will be next.

 

After installing the rear home made bumper, I realized how bad the rear didn't care for the added weight. I ordered and installed the Iro long aal kit. I'm quite pleased with the ride, firm but supple. It seems to have added a decent amount of load capability as well. I also tightened the lash on the steering box, and completed the removable door mod on the passenger side over the weekend.

 

Now down to the wire, and making the surf gear ready for the season. I traded a guy my pole only rod rack for a Harbor Freight aluminum hitch haul he modified for fishing. I had to make a few more modifications to handle a decent sized cooler bouncing on the dunes. It didn't fit quite tight enough for my liking so I welded shims on the base and redrilled the hitch pin hole. It's so tight now it has to be hammered on. I splashed some paint on it and now she's ready to rock.

 

I decided to go ahead and install seat covers to protect the JKU seats for the summer. I don't care for the fact that they don't have a "back" to them so I imagine here soon I'll pull the bench back and cover it with something. I blacked out my rod rack/hitch haul, because matching stuff. The over all fit is decent for cheap covers. I already made some custom mods to them. Mainly reinforcing the buckles, and I completely reworked the headrest covers as it looked like a mickey mouse hat before I tailored them.

 

First adventure since all the updrades. She ran good and got me to camp. The aal have broken in somewhat and the ride is quite nice. Also mounted up my fire extinguisher.

 

It's been a great summer and not much breakage to report. It's time to get back to building. I just picked up my cross bracing for the mid stiffeners and knocked the dust off the welder. party time.