Working on this LJ project with my daughter… what’s next?

I picked up this LJ as a project for me and my daughter to work on together. Thought it’d be fun to fix up and take out on some trails. But once I started digging into it, I kept finding rust. Totally my fault for not checking it closer before buying. Luckily, it’s not too far gone to fix.

After a couple of weeks of work, it’s back on its wheels again. There’s still plenty of work to do before it’s trail-ready, but here’s what’s been done and what’s still on the list.

Done so far:

  • Zone 4.25" lift (3" spring, 1.25 body/motor)
  • UCF aluminum gas tank skid
  • New fuel pump
  • New brake calipers
  • Black magic pads and rotors
  • Brake fluid flush
  • New headlights
  • 35x12.5x15 Cooper STT tires on Mammoth wheels
  • Spare tire delete
  • Savvy t-case shifter
  • JKS front track bar
  • Currie Correctlync steering
  • Alloy front shafts
  • New wheel bearings
  • New ball joints

Next on the list:

  • Diff covers
  • Currie or Clayton adjustable arms
  • Regear to 5.13 with e-lockers
  • Trimming or high-line fenders
  • Tummy tuck (UCF skid, SYE, driveshaft)
  • Bumpers
  • Winch

The thing about numbered phases… they never end.

Alden said:
The thing about numbered phases… they never end.

Exactly, a Jeep project is never really finished.

That LJ looks awesome. (I usually hate calling them LJs, but I’ll let it slide this time.) Those 35s look huge. For a second, I thought they were 37s. Maybe it’s because I’m used to seeing 17s. I’ve got 35x12.50R17s on Method 701s. You should think about adding some rocker guards or sliders.

@TerrainTrekker
Thanks! Rocker guards or sliders are definitely on the list. Not sure if I’ll buy them or make my own yet, but they’ll be going on soon. And yeah, the 15s do make the 35s look bigger.

If the rust gets worse, you could always go for a new frame. It’s pricey but would give your LJ a fresh start.

Barrett said:
If the rust gets worse, you could always go for a new frame. It’s pricey but would give your LJ a fresh start.

Luckily, it’s not that bad. Most of the rust is on the crossmember where the rear shocks bolt in and a bit on the rear part of the tub near the EVAP stuff. I’ll probably replace or move that crossmember down the road, but it should hold up for now.

I replaced the frame on my JKU. It was way cheaper than buying a new Jeep and starting over.

Looks great! What kind of car are you planning to get for your daughter?