Page 1: Intro and Modifications
Page 2: Tire Carrier install
Page 3: Fender Trimming
Page 4: ZJ Rear Disk Brake Conversion
Page 5: WJ LCA swap & RE LCA and Track Bar install
Page 6: Bilstein 5100 Shocks and Detour’s Shock extensions
Page 7: 33" tires installed
Page 8: Steering upgrades (ZJ Tie Rod Conv and C-Rok steeringbox reinforcement)
Page 9: Transmission Cooler & Gauge
Page 10: Blank for now
Page 11: Maintenance notes and random pictures
Page 12: Camp Jeep 2007
Page 13: 17 Jan 2009 Eglin AFB ride
Page 14: 7 Feb 2009 Eglin AFB ride
Page 15: 2 May 2009 Eglin AFB ride
Page 16: 22 Aug 2009 Jeep club Tubing on the Blackwater River
Welcome to my site featuring the build-up of my XJ "Trail Phrog" (named after my other obsession).
Enjoy and let me know what you think. Cheers.
Here's a fun video of my recent mod upgrades:
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While building up my XJ, I wanted to keep the stock look (but still aggressive) and maximize the off-road capability. I was looking for the biggest tires w/ minimal lift (my wife still needs to be able to get in w/out straining herself). The focus is to maintain reliability, build within the constraints of a budget, and find the balance between off-road capability (for moderate wheeling) and rider comfort. With that, the tires won't go any larger than 33", the lift will stay at 3" (well, I ended up going 4" for level control arms with RCX drop brackets), and Detroit TruTracs.
The local Jeep Club:
The most recent flex with all the mods listed below (the current set-up scores about 1000 on the RTI ramp):
Flex at 4" lift w/ RE super flex CAs and new shocks
Flex with Rusty's 3" full pack lift:
Here are the mods (so far):
Suspension:
-4" lift (Rusty's 3" full pack lift w/ RE 3/4" spring spacers & TeraFlex 1.5" Shackles)
-Bilstein 5100 Shocks
-Rough Country Control Arm Relocation Brackets (4" lower than stock)
-RE SuperFlex fixed UCA, Adjustable LCA, and TrackBar (FullsizeXJgear.com)
-JKS Front sway bar disconnect
-3x hockey pucks for front bumpstops
-Iron Rock Front Coil spring retainers (ironrockoffroad.com)
-Rear DPG bumpstop plates (www.dpgoff-road.com)
-Detour's 1.5" Rear Shock extenders
-RE 4 degree steel shims
-Rear sway bar removed
Wheels/Tires:
-285/75R16 (33"x11.5") tires Goodyear DuraTrac
-MB Gunner-5 16"x8" Anthracite Machined wheels (4.25 BS)
-Detour's TailBone Tire Carrier (painted to match factory paint)
Armor:
-Rock Rails (AJ's 3/16" Super Rails)
-1/4" Differential Guard front and rear (Bad Apple Fabrication)
-Used OEM front, transfer case, and gas tank skid plates
Drive Train:
-Transmission cooler (B&M 70268) and gauge (B&M 80212)
-RE Slip Yoke Eliminator
-Spicer 33.5" CV Driveshaft (RE1898-335)
-41 Tooth Speedo Gear
Axles and Brakes:
-Speed Bleeder Brake bleed screws from speedbleeder.com
-Detroit TrueTrac front and rear
-Yukon 4.56 gears
Dana 30 Front:
-Slotted/dimpled brakes rotors from BrakePerformance.com.
-Rough Country extended brake lines
8.25 Rear:
-'94 ZJ Grand Cherokee disk swap and stock rotors.
-Rubicon Express Extended Brake Line
Recovery:
-WARN recovery strap (14,400 Lb capacity)
-C4X4 Front hooks
-Used OEM Hitch
Steering:
-ZJ Tie Rod Conversion
-C-rok steering box reinforcement bracket
Other Stuff:
-Junk Yard Cruise Control install
-Uniden Pro520XL CB Radio w/ 3' Firestik Firefly
-Optima Red Top Battery
-Removed the black plastic door guards
Coming "Soon":
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-Front limiting straps
-Floor Mats
-Relocated stock flares or Rusty's flares
-Rook Rack (www.jcroffroad.com)
-LeBaron Hood vents; That engine bay is HOT
-RAAMaudio matting to quiet the ride
-High Lift
-Air compressor
-Body Repair... holes, dents.... ugghhh
-New paint...? (what's the point?)
Eventually:
-Power upgrades.
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Previous Mods:
-1.25" Spidertrax wheel spacers
-16x7 Ultra Star (from a 2001 XJ 60th anniversary edition)
-265/75R16 Maxxis Bighorn tires
-WJ Lower Control Arm Swap - Limits droop WAY to much
-DYI front sway bar disconnects - PIA to use, replaced w/ JKS discos
-Re-drilled stock track bar mountx
-Aussie Locker in the front Dana 30
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2009
2007
