Stock to Rock - Discount Tire LJ

[Discount Tire]

I picked up an LJ a little while back and I thought a build thread was in order. Its time to converte this LJ from stock to ROCK! This year the LJ will make it out to some Discount Tire Sponsored events and it will hit the trails quite a bit so if you recognize it please stop me and say hi.

Without too much talk here's what we're starting with.

Fully Stock 2004 LJ 4.0 Auto (Isn't it cute?..... Not for long! :)

-Travis

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/01/Travis_LJ-1.jpg

[Discount Tire]

After browsing pages and pages of bumpers for the LJ I settled on a front and rear bumper from Hanson Off-road. I was looking for a mid length front bumper with a moderate sized stinger and winch mount. For the rear, I was looking for a rear bumper with an integrated hitch and heavy duty tire carrier. Hanson had exactly what I was looking for and.. its all made in the USA.

Installation: The directions were clear and all hardware was included. I installed these by myself but having an extra pair of hands would have made my job a little quicker. Some drilling was required for the rear tire carrier but for the weekend warrior installing these bumpers should be a breeze

Quality: Photos don't do these bumpers justice. These are some of the nicest bumpers I have seen. The quality of the welds, the fit and the finish are all top notch! These are made using 3/16 steel. They are powder coated with a semi gloss black and all mounting hardware is grade 8.

Some Notes for others considering these bumpers:

Front bumper: If you are temporarily mounting your stock Fog lights to the winch plate you will need to lengthen the fog light wiring. This wiring is not included.

Rear bumper: With the factory center brake light removed an aftermarket center rear brake light will need to be purchased and installed. I'll update this post when I have completed this step.


More information on Hanson Off-Road Products: http://www.hansonoffroad.com/index.php

On with the pics!
Front Before:
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

Front After:
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
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https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

Rear bumper before:
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

Rear Bumper After:
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[Discount Tire]

I installed my rock sliders this past weekend. It took a little over an hour start to finish. The instructions were clear and all installation hardware was included. I really like how clean of a look these sliders have. One the Jeep is lifted it will be nice to have the step as well.

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[LWM]

That is turning into one fine looking rig!

[Discount Tire]

Thanks Knappster!

[Sal-XK]

it's way to clean it needs some scratches :)

[Discount Tire]

it's way to clean it needs some scratches :)

Haha, There's a couple nice ones in the driver's door but they are hard to see on camera. We'll be headed to Easter Jeep Safari this year with the LJ so I am sure it will get plenty of trail love marks while we am there. :) :) :)

[Discount Tire]

I'm working on the suspension now. I snapped this quick pic of the rear last night before it got dark. Fingers crossed, I should be done installing the suspension tonight! I can't tell you how impressed I have been with the parts and customer service at Full Traction. Full Traction has really done there homework here and the quality of their parts is outstanding. I am no pro mechanic so I have sent my fair share of questions to the guys at Full Traction. They have been very, very helpful. More pics to come...

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/02/IMG_20110214_173836-1.jpg

[Discount Tire]

The lift is on! I finished it up late last night. It was too dark for photos so I'll snap a few today and post them up by tomorrow. Tomorrow the Jeep is scheduled for an alignment and the exhaust installation. Friday, if all goes as planned, the new shoes will be bolted up.

I've got some light on and off-road miles planned for the Jeep this weekend I can't wait to start breaking in the new suspension.

[Sal-XK]

Looking good man. Can't wait to see it flexed out so take some pics

[GPintheMitten]

Like it. I want to see your new tires with the lift. I agree, needs a couple of scratches... tears, tears.

[Discount Tire]

More pics next week but this is what the rocks will see :) .....

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/02/LJ-1.jpg

[strokeZ]

Looks great!!!!

[07JeepXK]

Nice tires. They look similar to mine...lol

Edit: Sorry guys, been really sick the past couple days. Not sure why I thought those tires looked like mine. They definately arent MT/R's. haha

[Discount Tire]

I was hoping to get out and snap a bunch of flexed up photos this weekend so you could get a good look at the Full Traction lift but this is the only picture I managed to take. I was just south of Prescott, AZ this weekend at about 7000ft in elev. It dumped on us pretty hard. Friday night there was no snow, this is what it looked like yesterday morning.. :)

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/02/IMG_20110220_103258-1.jpg

[Sal-XK]

I'm guessing your going to have some fun getting out of there then.

[Discount Tire]

I grew up in Oregon and practically learned how to drive when there was snow. It took me back driving in it again yesterday. It was a lot fun.

[GPintheMitten]

Looking good!

[Discount Tire]

A few weeks ago I finished up the install on the Full Traction lift and Full Traction exhaust. I had the Jeep aligned and installed my wheels and tires. Today, I finally had a chance to snap a few good pics.

I had the Jeep out at TDS a few weeks ago and also took it out on the trail last weekend. I can't say enough great things about the suspension. Even without locker (yet) the Jeep has ten folds the off-road performance that is had when stock.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/03/IMG_6457-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/03/IMG_6445-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/03/IMG_6461-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/03/IMG_6465-1.jpg

[Sal-XK]

looking good bro nice flex

[LWM]

That is starting to look like a very capable off road rig.

[IamJEEP]

Very nice, I'm liking the outcome a lot!

[IamJEEP]

Any updates??

[Discount Tire]

I'm installing some new sway bar links this week and I have an intake that needs to be installed as well. In the next month I also have a new pair of front seats I plan to install and I may be installing a CB Radio too. I am not sure about the CB yet though. I haven't decided on a handheld or a hard wired unit yet...

Next week I'll be putting the wheels, tires and suspension to the test in Moab for Easter Jeep Safari. Is anyone from here going?