jaymzinsa

Finally finished the first half of my Coastal Offroad bumper. Now need to build the swingout tire carrier and jerry can holder.

Thanks, I've been very happy with the truck. Still have a bit of a to do list; finish the rear bumper, front lokka, beefed up lsd, start welding the front bumper... Sorry to hear your VQ might go. I honestly couldn't tell you first hand how the swap went as I have a trusted mechanic and had his shop do all the heavy lifting but he did say there were a few things that needed to be slightly modified to have it fit correctly. It apparently had some components that weren't on the original engine, however, he said it wasn't a huge issue and got it done in just a couple days. Not sure what vehicle the "new" engine came from, but it was a much newer year model with only 55K on it and runs great. I got in there with him on some of the suspension work and that wasn't too bad either. Removing the tranny for the new clutch was a major pain in the ass, that thing is huge and heavy.

Hauling my 02 shell with a blown engine from cali to AZ. The pilot didnt like it too much but survived. Next to stock after i finished the first part of the build with a fresh JDM 3.5, new suspension and lift. Maiden voyage shakedown run doing what it was built for Found some mud in the desert this spring Went through some fairly rough stuff to get a nice pic at lake havasu Latest addition, halfway through a coastal offroads bumper, adding the swingout gate soon

Late to the party, heres what I did to my 02. Disclaimer, the Boss gave me carte blanche with my build. While it wasnt cheap it was way less expensive than buying something newer like a pro4x xterra, 4runner, or FJ and upgrading one of those vehicles, plus it was a blast to work on. As Jotegir mentioned above, i first either replaced every suspension arm/link/connector, even new rack and pinion, or in the case of the pan hard, replaced the bushings. Anything that wasnt welded down got replaced. I got everything from rock auto and bought the upgraded greaseable mevotech supreme parts. At the very least replace the bushings. Adding a lift to a loose suspension is asking for trouble. I also upgraded my CVs with high articulating joints which can handle the extended angle much better than stock. (also rock auto) For the lift, up front I went with OME struts ARB-N145S. The Rugged Rocks website says they are still available. Those struts are longer than stock and I have yet to top them out. I put AC 2" lift springs from 4x4parts.com over the struts. In the back, I went with bilstein 5100 shocks and nrc9449 springs in back. This has given me a slight rake but it should even out when I finish my coastal offroads steel swingout bumper and has been a great setup that gets me to most places my jeep buddies can go.

Thanks for your response. I am in Scottsdale and run a lot of the AZ desert trails. I don't really do any serious rock crawling but otherwise like to push the limits of my pathy as far as climbs/descents, off camber stuff, etc. I like to take those two monkeys in the pics out to remote fishing and camping spots. I appreciate your candor about adding the sfd. I agree, my current 2" lift set up is quite capable and has gotten me wherever I have wanted to go as long as I take the proper line. The Jeep guys I head out with are amazed. Interesting thought on the low range gear transfer case, gonna look into that. Also agree on putting in some proper rock sliders. I have a question about replacing my front bumper. What do you do about the part of the intake that will be hanging out and left exposed? Final question, what mods do you think I need to run 265/75s or maybe even 32x11.5s?

Hello all, my name is james. I am trying to decide whether to install a 4” SFD into my pathy and am soliciting opinions. I rebuilt this 02 5spd about a year ago. I have replaced and upgraded every suspension link, control arm, etc. Has a new rack and pinion with high articulating cvs and warn manual hubs. Up front I used OME struts and AC lift springs. In back i have 9449 defender springs with bilsteins. Gave me a slight rake but i can live with it, plus i’m gonna install a heavy coastal offroad bumper/tire carrier so that may even it out some. Gonna install some sfcreation skid plates soon, already have the missing link. The tires are 265/70r16 toyo open country on procomps with -19 offset. I want to run a bigger tire but dont want to compromise ground clearance. The boss gave me a hall pass so pretty much all suggestions are in play. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Do you have any kits available? I think I would go with a 3” lift. Currently have AC springs with OME struts up front and LR 9449 with bilsteins in back. I see you are in surprise, I’m in scottsdale so i could pick it up and also hopefully get some tips/suggestions for the install.