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Jay's 05 WK Build Thread

113K views 396 replies 62 participants last post by  Wingnutj 
#1 ·
Figured I'd start a proper build thread so I'd have somewhere to post up my progress rather than dropping random pics all over the place. After wearing out my WJ I decided to stick with another Grand and get a WK. Here is the WJ prior to selling with 180k miles on the clock:

After selling the WJ I looked long and hard across the entire US for the best deal on the exact WK I wanted. I had a few color choices but a few other specs were must have's-
-tow
-5.7l Hemi
-Heated Seats
-Sunroof
-QDII
-<50k miles
After a few months of patiently waiting and negotiation attempts I found the right WK at a steal of a price. So I made a two hour trip and negotiated that steal price further down and drove it home. I sold my Yakima basket with the WJ, so I picked up a Rola and installed it along with my Yakima load bars and bike trays:

I found that along with my Yakima parts, some of the black trim was beginning to fade, so I picked up some U-Pol Raptor liner and began removing and spraying parts. It's been months since spraying and each piece looks brand new. I highly recommend this stuff!


After saving for a couple more months and reading what seems like almost every lift related thread on the forums I decided on a 4" Superlift. My WJ had 2" pucks and crappy shocks and rode like a shopping cart. This time around I wanted maximum lift with minimal geometry change and ride impact. I'm picky about chrome but decided I liked the mix of chrome and silver on the Jeep, with the exception of the stock chrome wheels. I wanted a bit of a dish, but a very simple wheel. I also wanted a tough wheel that would take some abuse. The winning choice for me was the AEV Savegre. AEV makes great products and I knew I couldn't go wrong with them.

After much debate I decided to have someone do the Superlift install as I just didn't have the necessary tools to do it right. I wouldn't take it just anywhere, but I got connected with a great local shop[/URL] that does awesome work. Here is the post-lift result:



The next product I recommend is Plasti-Dip, at least as a temporary solution that is completely reversible. I'd read about it on the forums and I was toying with the notion of painting my grille black. So a trip to Home Depot and 5 bucks later, I sprayed the grille with Plasti-Dip:

I'm glad I only used Plasti-Dip instead of actually sanding, priming, and painting, becuase after two weeks of it I decided it wasn't for me. I peeled it off in about 30 seconds and my chrome grille was good as new. I've got plenty of upcoming projects, starting with a lighting overhaul. I chose Rigid Industries for the majority of my aftermarket lighting. They are pricey, but if you compare their light output vs current draw, then watch their ballistics testing videos on YouTube, you will see they make an incredibly great product. I am currently testing different fitment locations to achieve the max light output. Once that is complete I will setup a shoot that shows the different lights and their outbut brightness, all at same ISO/speed/arpeture. Here is a quick look at light output of just the Rigid LED, no headlights:
 
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#308 ·
I live in Raleigh, born in Greensboro, spent summers in Linville though. My fiance is from West Jefferson and her family is there so I am up in the NW corner of the state about 8-12 times a year. Once I have my Jeep built we'll have to meet up if it works out. I'd love to see your ride.

I haven't been to Asheville in ages but am planning a camping trip out there soon.
 
#309 ·
Cool! There are a few trails around the Boone area I've been wanting to explore. Get to building that Jeep so we can go!
 
#312 · (Edited)
No lift, 265/70/17's :thumbsup:

My tire's are too close to the front fender to do too much. I actually have had the RC 2" lift for over a year, but I hate the way it makes the front end look like its higher than the rear due to the cut of the fenders.

I need to find a way to add an inch to the back part of the lift, then I'd go ahead with the install.
 
#320 ·
Jeff, I think just a rear OME coil with no spacers will be a good place to start if you are going to run the BB. That will give you an additional inch in the rear. I that doesn't end up boeing enough, you can cut down your rear spacer to one inch and throw it in there.
That's the route I would take. Either way, don't let your lift just sit around in the garage, put it to use! :)
 
#321 ·
When I said spacer I meant the 2" BB spacer. The coil alone will make it look like crap. I really don't like the front looking higher than the back because of the fender.

I'll get something together one day. To be honest, I still haven't fully decided on whether I want to lift it, or get some 22's, lol.
 
#325 ·
Got some more work done last night! I test fit everything and made the bumper cuts for my shackle mounts.
Measure 5 times, cut once! Lol


I used painters tape to mark my lines on and keep the cuts clean. Then I just cutout with a dremel and sanded by hand. I wrapped small pieces of sandpaper around a miniature screwdriver to round out the burred corners.

And finished!




The shackle mounts will be bedlined black before its finished.
 
#329 ·
I tried those (got the ones from Autozone) and even with cutting relief "v"s in the back I couldn't get them to make the 90 bends and lay flat. I am going to keep trying them though, I haven't given up yet!
 
#331 ·
Here's my slow progress update! I picked up a Superwinch X9 for cheap on craigslist. After getting it home I found it sits a bit higher than I anticipated, so I am going to have to rework the upper radiator support.

I ordered two new solenoids for it off Amazon and I'll mount them up high by the battery. I tacked in my shackle mounts, but I'm going to tie in their back plate to the upper bar that will support the upper radiator brackets.

This is my first time welding, so my welds look like %^#*!! But I made sure they burned through well so they will hold.
Here is as it sits now with the winch Installed. I still have to wire it, mount the solenoid, more upper support work and paint.
 
#336 ·
I've got several photographer friends, and who in the south isn't a fan of weapons? I've talked up your site to some friends so hopefully you will get some traffic!
 
#335 ·
Thanks Nate!!! I haven't picked up line yet. I want to get Viking line with a safety thimble but I'll have to save up for it. I've got a new 75' cable that came with the winch but I don't even want to spool it on there. Hopefully I'll get the metal work done this weekend!
 
#337 ·
I took the day off and worked on the Jeep all day!
Ready for paint!


I went ahead and masked my Fairlead. I had already scraped the face of it just working with it in the garage.

Voila!

I've been wanting to do my fading mirrors for ages, so I masked and sprayed them too.

I've got a little more bumper cover trimming to do tomorrow along with wiring. I wrapped it up tonight so I could go eat sushi with a hottie!
 
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#338 ·
That raptor liner looks MEAN!!! Looks great Jay!
 
#339 ·
oh man schawwwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiingggg!

can't believe you you did your mirror covers...that had to be a little shakey haha. came out good though, nice job!
 
#343 ·
Here are some more pics from this weekend's work. I took down the Rola, welded it together, and bedlined it too. I even put down a thin coat of bedliner on the Rigid LED bar since the paint was fading on it. I'm going to end up bedlining all the black parts on the exterior to keep it consistent, even the SRT8 grille mesh.
Enjoy!











 
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