Well, for our anniversary we decided to lift Yosh's 2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ. The lift is a Skyjacker budget boost 2.25" with nitrogen shocks. I didn't want to go too extreme since this was her first four wheel drive. Not to mention, the higher you go.. the more it costs and more involved it gets (sye, drive shafts, re-gearing etc). So we kept it simple.
We also replaced the stock bumpers with after market rock bumpers. The stock units are just way too ugly and stick out further than need be. This completes the off road look she was looking for. The front bumper got a Gen-right stubby bumper complete with d-shackles for recovery and a winch plate. We installed all of this including lighting in 48 hours time..
Time for the old parts to take a hike!!
I think something's missing here..
James tearing into the rear bumper.
Adding to the parts pile.. Overhaulin' Style!!
One corner done, 3 more to go.
Drivers side done.. simple and fast. No sweat. (nice black eye)
Outback doing the rear. Dave did a great job mounting up the shocks in a timely manor.
Shot of the rear all finished and buttoned up.
The suspension is all done just as Yosh arrives. She loves it!
Day 2 starts with a mega breakfast supplied by Pete.
After a cup of half coffee, half sugar i start in on the front bumper.
Dixie gets back into her normal viewing position for the day.
Pete and Yosh start in on the LED tail lights.
Time to roll out the new rubber. 17" Dick Cepek DC-1 polished alloys with 32" BFG Mud-terrain KM's.
Sun performance light brackets with HELLA lighting complete the front.
Yosh gives the finishing touch with her Tinkerbell license plate frame.
The final product...
The rear bumper is a Rockhard 4x4 rear rock bumper with swing out. It also has a hi-lift mount, 2" receiver and recovery points built in. Options for this bumper are 2 gas cans and a ice chest basket.
The oldschool and oversized rear tail lights were replaced with super bright LED units called LIGHT DOTS. They have side LED's and back up white LED's built in the same unit and are completely water proof.
Of course none of our rigs would be complete without the proper decal.
Yosh enjoying the fresh air of the open top in the SoCal mtn's.
All in all, i think Yosh will be really pleased with this setup. It's just right for her. The TJ will be perfect for mild trails in the local mtns and exploring the desert backroads.
To all that helped on the build, we really appreciate it. I want to thank Dave, James and Pete for all their help with this project and giving their entire weekend up to help build Yosh's TJ. Thanks again guys.
Time to go test out the rig!!