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2003 Black Wrangler X - Texas Jeep

Discussion in 'Wrangler TJ Builds (1996-2006)' started by The4x4Guys, Apr 21, 2019.

  1. May 7, 2019 at 7:53 PM
    #21
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Bob
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    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    I completely agree, I just wish I had more room to work on it. That's why the passenger seat is in the back of the Jeep for now. Once I pull it out into the grass to spray the bedliner I'll have more room to work on some things that need refurbishment, like the seat tracks, fender flares, now I'm gonna pull the skid plate and paint it......the list grows every day.
     
  2. May 7, 2019 at 7:56 PM
    #22
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

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    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
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    2 inch lift, bumper and winch 33" mud claw
    Hey I did some research on that lizard skin heat shield stuff 180 bucks from jeggs comes with gun and enough to do 50-60 SQ feet TJ floors get righteous hot in summer. Absolutely cannot put bare feet on floor without carpet or floor mats
     
    UrbanCowboy likes this.
  3. May 7, 2019 at 7:57 PM
    #23
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

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    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2005 jeep unlimited
    2 inch lift, bumper and winch 33" mud claw
    I am going to order some in next month I'll let ya know how it went thinking zombie green floors! Should go great with the zebra paint job I'm going to put on it this summer
     
    The4x4Guys[OP] likes this.
  4. May 7, 2019 at 8:08 PM
    #24
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

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    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    Yeah, let us know. I have enough projects lined up on this TJ to keep me busy for several weeks before bedliner becomes an issue.
     
  5. May 7, 2019 at 8:36 PM
    #25
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Gender:
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    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    I just watched a couple of Lizard Skin videos. I like what I see and hear, but is it your plan to spray both the insulation and the sound deadener?

    I wasn't planning on putting carpet back in the cargo area, do you think this stuff has the same protective properties of bedliner?
     
  6. May 10, 2019 at 12:09 PM
    #26
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2019
    Member:
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    Messages:
    175
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    The project continues to move forward after the broken bolt situation.

    Yesterday and today, I wrestled the valve cover and gasket out of the Jeep. There were two obvious spots where oil was clearly leaking from under the gasket, the back of the valve cover (as expected and predicted) and from the drivers side between the valves for the back two cylinders. Both locations have a lot of crud build up and the back of the engine was clearly oily and running down the backside of the engine/transmission. I'm hopeful, but not 100% certain, that I might not need a rear main seal job.

    While losing the nut that holds the ground wire to the engine, I miraculously found one of the valve cover bolts that had apparently been lost the last time that gasket was replaced. When I removed the valve cover bolts I noticed that one of them looked slightly different, despite having the same threads. Turns out that little bolt was hidden on a bracket near the transmission. I eventually found the 18 mm nut that secures the ground wire to the engine. Of course that didn't stop me from dropping it three more times while trying to thread it back on at the end of the job.....LOL

    Here are the during and after pics (forgot to take a before, but you can imagine).

    Headed out of town for a few days to visit my 90 year old Mom for Mothers Day, but upon my return I'm headed to the quarter cash wash (been a long time since it cost a quarter) to spray engine degreaser and power wash the engine, transmission, transfer case, and both diff's before the next series of projects.

    Does anyone know the name (or part number) for the honeycomb aluminum insulation stuff to the right of the valves? Mine is torn and nasty and would like to replace.

    IMG_0468.jpg IMG_0471.jpg
     
    aggrex and TJ_abuser like this.
  7. May 10, 2019 at 12:18 PM
    #27
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

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    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2005 jeep unlimited
    2 inch lift, bumper and winch 33" mud claw
    Ohhhhh dude that looks sweeet red
     
  8. May 10, 2019 at 12:18 PM
    #28
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

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    2 inch lift, bumper and winch 33" mud claw
    Where did you get valve cover and how much
     
  9. May 10, 2019 at 1:05 PM
    #29
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    175
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    I have them in my store The 4x4 Guys.com

    It is from Crown Automotive and costs $129.99 with Free Shipping for Jeeps from 1993 to 2004.
    I'm in the process of adding Crown to the store, so if you are interested, send me a PM and I can manually build an order.

    Thanks

    Bob

    Screen Shot 2019-05-10 at 2.57.04 PM.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2019
  10. May 10, 2019 at 1:06 PM
    #30
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2019
    Member:
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    Messages:
    175
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    I also just bought red aluminum diff covers from Alloy USA to match for the Dana 30 and 35.
     
  11. May 10, 2019 at 6:46 PM
    #31
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
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    Messages:
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    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2005 jeep unlimited
    2 inch lift, bumper and winch 33" mud claw
  12. May 14, 2019 at 6:12 PM
    #32
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2019
    Member:
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    Messages:
    175
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    I've been out of town for a few days visiting my 90 year old Mom for Mothers Day.

    All I could think about while I was gone was the next few tasks on the TJ. Tomorrow, weather permitting, I am taking it to the car wash to powerwash the engine compartment, transmission, transfer case and both diffs.

    While I was gone, my new diff covers from Alloy USA showed up, so I'm hoping to get them installed later in the week. Here is what they look like:
    bkwl_11210_0_jpg-234x234.jpg bkwl_11211_0_jpg-234x234.jpg
    For the Dana 30 For the Dana 35
     
    Last edited: May 14, 2019
    TJ_abuser likes this.
  13. May 16, 2019 at 9:00 PM
    #33
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2019
    Member:
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    Messages:
    175
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    Today was a messy day for the 2003 TJ. I took it out for a drive to the car wash and sprayed the engine compartment with de-greaser and foamy cleaner and then power washed, then engine bay, the oil pan, the transmission oil pan, transfer case, both differentials, and both axles. This took 80-90% of the heavy grease, I may take it back later this weekend for a second wash.

    My fingers are crossed, as there hasn't been any oil drips after the de-grease and power wash, since I had replaced the valve cover and gasket last week.

    When I brought it home, I installed new battery cables. Two to the block and the firewall (ground) and two positive ones to the starter and fuse block, along with a fused cable from the fuse block to the alternator. I bought the kit for the Jeep from CustomBatteryCables.com. It was a very nice kit, with pre-measured and crimped cables, top notch kit.

    Next up on the to do list, is replacing the diff covers with the ones I bought from Alloy USA and then flush the radiator and replace all the hoses.
     
  14. May 23, 2019 at 9:22 PM
    #34
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    175
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    Sorry for so long since my last build thread post. Between maintaining my e-commerce store The4x4Guys.com, working on the TJ, and normal spousal to do items, I've been swamped.

    Since my last post, here is what has been accomplished:

    Flushed radiator, heater core, engine block, and overflow bottle
    Installed new thermostat and housing
    Installed new radiator hoses (upper and lower)
    Installed new heater hoses (both)
    Installed a new vacuum line along back firewall
    Removed old coil rail and spark plugs
    Compression tested engine - pretty normal for 208,500 miles
    Installed new spark plugs and coil rail
    Removed old front and rear diff covers and installed new red aluminum Alloy USA covers and new diff fluid

    I still have a long list of refurbishment tasks before I even get to upgrading it. I've decided to do a 1" body lift that also replaces the existing bushings, since they are dry and cracked. Then I will do a 2" coil and shock lift along with replacing both front and rear track bars, an upgraded steering system, etc. I'm

    Meanwhile, I'm pretty sure I need a new rear main seal, the drip continues even after the new valve cover and gasket. I'm going to take it to a shop to get done since my garage is not equipped for the task. While the shop has the oil pan off are there some other things that I get them to do since the bottom is opened up?

    While I was replacing the vacuum line, I need to removed the battery and batter tray to get to where it terminates and decided to wire brush the surface rust off the battery tray and give it a quick Rustoleum spray, there was hardly any rust but I thought I would clean it up while I had it out.

    The pics below are: the spray painted battery tray, the engine compartment with all the new shiny stuff, and a before and after pic of the front diff, I got too carried away with finishing the rear that I didn't get a before pic, but all you have to do is look under any other 2003 Jeep TJ with a Dana 35 and you'll see what the before looks like....LOL

    IMG_0479.jpg
    IMG_0476.jpg
    IMG_0484.jpg
    IMG_0485.jpg
    IMG_0486.jpg
     
    UrbanCowboy and aggrex like this.
  15. May 24, 2019 at 5:48 AM
    #35
    Awrench

    Awrench Well-Known Member

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    You had some questions - did you get an answer to

    The "honeycomb' material to right of valves?

    The shifter handle removal for the PRNDL plate ( long posts I get confused) ?
     
    The4x4Guys[OP] likes this.
  16. May 24, 2019 at 7:44 AM
    #36
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    175
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    After watching an 18 second video and reading your replies, the shifter handle came off in two seconds.

    As for the honey comb material, no bueno, I have not heard whats its called, part number, or what to replace it with.
     
  17. May 24, 2019 at 9:10 AM
    #37
    Awrench

    Awrench Well-Known Member

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    Ok ....sorry for TMI, always a story, jeep had a vapor lock issue and a TSB* was issued - the aftermarket responded with kits for the issue.

    A typical aftermarket - you might want to GOOGLE and find a good looking kit and always check prices.
    To me form follows function....
    https://www.amazon.com/Design-Engineering-010378-Engine-Injecter/dp/B015NOKWQY

    Anything else- we can help with?


    * attached
     

    Attached Files:

    The4x4Guys[OP] likes this.
  18. May 24, 2019 at 9:13 AM
    #38
    UrbanCowboy

    UrbanCowboy Well-Known Member

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    2002 Wrangler... Hulk
    Suspension: 3 1/2" Rubicon Express Super Flex SL, 1" BL, Brown Dog MML, D44/D30 with Chromoly axle shafts, SYE, Teraflex belly up pan, Adams Drive Shafts, Currie heavy duty front end (inner and outer tie rods and draglink), Fox Racing 2.0 Performance Shocks with remote reservoir, 4.56 gears, ARB air lockers front and rear, ARB twin compressor, 37x12.5 Nitto Trail Grapplers on 17" Mickey Thompson Classics Motor: K&N cone filter and Flowmaster Delta 40 Muffler Body: Stout Fabrication Body Armor (all 4 corners), steel flat fenders (enlarged inner aluminum fenders front and 4" flare rear), Quadratec LED Stealth headlights, Pro Comp light bar with 5 6" HID Lamps, Round LED brake and reverse lights, custom front and rear bumpers, custom tire carrier with Hi-Lift mount, rock sliders, CJ style dropdown tailgate, Warn 9.5 Ti Winch, Rigid Industries metal hood latches, Buggywhips LED light whip, Baja Designs Squadron Pro-R amber wide cornering lights, Interior: Corbeau Baja Racing Seats front and rear with 4 point harnesses. Full custom roll cage, LED dome lights, CB radio, ApolloIntech switch system Audio: 2 10" JL W3v2's in a custom bedlined (waterproof) box, Kenwood 600w amp, 2 Kicker 6.5" marine speakers in waterproof SSV Works cans for rear speakers, 2 4x6 Pioneer front speakers, Axios 400w mini 4 channel amp, JL 500w mono amp, Kenwood head unit
    I’m going to do sound deadening, heat insulation, and the hard coat rattle can they sell, and all in it should be about $400 including the gun for my TJ tub.

    My understanding is that it isn’t quite as tough as bedliner, although it has a similar texture. But with the rattle can hard coat you don’t need to worry about scuffing up the foot wells or cargo area unless you are super hard on it.

    Here is the best video I’ve seen of the install. I just met and had a chat with Brad from Trail Recon at Overland Expo last weekend and he said that his buddy had nothing but good things to say about it and he’s had it for a couple of years now.

    https://youtu.be/xVcCzJGcKlA

    I’m hoping to have it done within the next few months so I’ll do a write up and update as soon as I do.
     
  19. May 24, 2019 at 9:26 AM
    #39
    The4x4Guys

    The4x4Guys [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    175
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2018 Black JLUR
    Mopar 2" lift, 37" BFG KO2's, KMC Rockstar 17" wheels, JCR Offroad front and rear bumpers, WARN Zeon 10-S, CoolTech CB Radio Kit, Rock Slide Engineering step sliders, TeraFlex adjustable steering stabilizer, Rock Krawler adjustable track bars,Magnaflow dual tip black exhaust.
    Perfect, thanks!
     
  20. May 24, 2019 at 10:19 AM
    #40
    Awrench

    Awrench Well-Known Member

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    400$ the bastard needs to come to MY house with his equipment and beer then when finished clean up and guarantee my satisfaction... GMAFB.....
     

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