Jeep JKU Build Inspired by a Trip to the Rockies
Sometimes, all we need is to see a bunch of cool Jeep Wrangler builds to inspire us to build our own.
Family Vacation
Though we all share the bond known as Jeep, we've all gotten our inspiration from different places. Some simply see a cool build and want to replicate it. Others might have family members who are into the hobby. But for JK-Forum member newcomb, his inspiration for building this JKU came from a family trip out to Colorado.
Photos: JK-Forum
Make It Happen
After seeing a bunch of cool Jeeps on his vacation, newcomb just couldn't shake the desire to build his own. So mere weeks later, he picked up a low-mile 2004 Jeep JKU and began bringing his dream to life.
Photos: JK-Forum
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's offroad build right here in JK-Forum.com.
Cosmetic Upgrades
The first order of business was swapping out the hood and installing a hard top lift and door hangers in the garage. And then, some cosmetic/useful mods, including red trail rated badges, GraBars for the front, and a Spiderweb Shade for the back.
Photos: JK-Forum
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's offroad build right here in JK-Forum.com.
Big Stuff
Many little things followed, from LED headlights and foglights to taillight covers. But then it was time to start focusing on the big stuff. And by that, we mean suspension.
Photos: JK-Forum
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Careful Planning
newcomb wanted to run 35" tires, as this Jeep was going to remain his daily driver and weekend toy. So with an eye toward retaining the Wrangler's proper suspension geometry, he started ordering not only the parts he needed, but the tools to do the job as well.
Photos: JK-Forum
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Making Room
That included a host of products from Rancho, SteerSmarts, Teraflex, and Tom Wood. All with an eye toward making room for a set of Mickey Thompson MTZP3 315/70R17 tires, wrapped around black AEV Pintler 17x8.5 wheels.
Photos: JK-Forum
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Paying Off
The tool list was even longer than the parts list, however. But all of this hard work, planning, and spending money seemingly paid off once the installation finally began.
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Smooth Sailing
The job wound up taking a little over a week, but went off mostly without a hitch. Save for a little trouble getting the front end apart, of course. In the end, newcomb was able to do 100% of the install in his garage by himself, which is an impressive feat for a newbie.
Photos: JK-Forum
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's offroad build right here in JK-Forum.com.
Worth It
Like any big project, however, the pain is soon forgotten after it's all finished. And we'd say that the little bit of blood newcomb had to spill here was well worth it in the end.
Photos: JK-Forum
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's offroad build right here in JK-Forum.com.
Blueprints
So if you're looking to do a major suspension overhaul on your Jeep, this thread is well worth a look. newcomb has provided some very detailed notes along the way that might just help you on your next project!
Photos: JK-Forum
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's offroad build right here in JK-Forum.com.
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