Membership is at capacity and to the waiting list I go.
So if you haven't figured out from my super secretive user name my name is Rich. I have 4 beautiful daughters (3 are in their 20s and the 4th is 3 years old) and a significant other (VERY SIGNIFICANT) whom is a big Jeep fan herself. I'm from the small town Halifax on the South Shore and have lived in this area most of my 42 year life. I have had 3 other Jeeps in my life other than my current 2010 2dr JK 6speed manual and loved them all. My first was an 85 CJ I owned when I just barely hit my 20s. It was a monster in it's time with a small block Chevy, 4 speed manual, axles donated from a 3/4 ton Surburban, relocated custom leaf springs that produced enough lift for 38 x 15.50 TSL Super Swampers and deep deep gearing (5.38 ? i don't remember). Then there was a 98 Grand Cherokee and then a Cherokee sport. I acquired my Jeep in September 2015 all stock after I sold my Motorcycle. I just didn't feel comfortable riding anymore after my daughter was born.The original plan was to maybe install a budget boost and 33 inch tires. I just wanted something fun to buzz around in and hit Duxbury beach in from time to time. I joined Wrangler Forum, bought myself a subscription to JP magazine and boy did that plan change fast. Let the spending begin!
My jeep has seen a couple iterations in the last 2 years of my ownership. The first was a looks build. I actually spent a TON of money and built a solid franken lift using handpicked parts. Core 4X4 Tier 3 adjustable control arms using Currie J Joints, 3.5" Rock Krawler springs, Crown extended braided brake lines, Synergy adjustable track bars, Synergy drag link flip and Synergy tie rod, All synergy axle side brackets, sector shaft brace and Rock Krawler sway bar links. While I had the axles out I stuffed them with 4.56 gears (still open carriers) and I welded C gussets and sleeves in the front housing along with front and rear control arm skids. I pressed in a set of Teraflex ball joints in the front and closed them both up with a set of Teraflex covers. I mounted 35s and DC wheels with Bushwacker fender flares and a set of Rancho 9000XL shocks. A set of Steel bumpers, some lighting, winch and a CB found it's way on to it as well. This again was a solid LOOKS build. Drive around, hit the beach, maybe a mild trail here and there and it drove and performed well. Then I did some wheeling and things changed AGAIN...
The second version of itself was to make it more suitable for off road. A set of ARB air lockers and Chrome-moly axles found their way into the housings. The 35s were sold and a set of 37" Nitto Mud Grapplers with Level 8 Pro wheels were slid under the fenders. I built a 1 ton drag link and tie rod and mounted them up with a PSC big bore XD steering box and a set of Teraflex high steer knuckles. Some Teraflex big brake kits front and rear helped slow things down and talk about slow... a Rubicon transfer case was installed along with a set of 4.88 gears. An ARB twin mounted under the seat helps air up the tires and locks up the ARBs. I was too lazy to fight with disconnects so a set of Currie Antirocks were installed. Protection underneath is provided by full skids front to back and ORF rock rails and rocker armor. I already had steel bumpers but I welded up the bottom of the rear bumper to close the gap to the frame so I wouldn't get hung up on it, cut in a set of LED reverse lights and sunk in a trailer hitch for my cargo carrier. I relocated the plate to the spare and installed a HD hinge mounted tire carrier for the hefty 37. There were a bunch of other things I did too but to be honest I have done so much to it I can't even remember what the heck I have done to it any more. I have done 100% of the work on my Jeep. Gearing, wiring, custom fab work, welding etc... If it's on the jeep I did it. I truly consider it a passion.
So what is planned for the future? Hemi swap (already have the drivetrain). Aftermarket 44 front housing with 35 spline RCVs and ARB airlocker. Custom long arm suspension possibly with King Coilovers. Custom sport cage before I actually regret not having one. I have the tools to do all this stuff just need the time...
So if you see me out there on the roads or the trails make sure you wave as I am sure to, and keep the shiny side up!
I hope you did all this over the 7 years and not last weekend. I too remember holding my babygirl while standing in an engine compartment . One cause I was on duty , and two cause she wanted to be with me. It feels like last year , shes 29 ! Sounds like you got all the right stuff to come out and play , Its possible someone will read this and drop out. I still run my original Jeep , a 74 CJ-5. Shes in my avitar. Her name is mona. A couple changes to her over the years , but I can say its the original sheetmetal other than the left front fender. Yes its been repaired once or twice but she hides her age from about 30 feet pretty darn good. Hope to see ya on a trail and keep an eye open for an open run. FjR68
