The TJ Wrangler model is 13 years old now, leaving plenty of options for the potential buyer. It also means that there are more “well-seasoned,” high mileage Jeeps looking for a second lease on life.
This article details one such transformation. The ’97 Wrangler shown here had been severely abused by its previous owner. While this created a long list of necessary repairs, the purchase price reflected the neglect. A savvy buyer with more time and skill than cash will view this as an opportunity.
The TJ benefits from a dizzying array of aftermarket support, more than any Jeep in history. The price and quality offered is as broad as the options themselves. On this project we wanted to find the best value, not necessarily the least expensive product. When wading through the options one name stood out above the rest: Gen-Right. Gen-Right is best known for their fuel tanks, but they make a variety of other innovative products as well. For our TJ makeover we used Gen-Right’s stretched corner guards and rocker guards. Before we could install the new rocker guards, we had to remove the crude angle iron that the previous owner had welded on to the tub. In contrast to the crude sliders that we removed, the Gen-Right rocker guards bolted in place with perfect fitment. The 3/16” thick steel means that it is unlikely that we will ever need to remove them, but if we do, it is nice to know it is possible with minimal effort thanks to their bolt-on installation.
The rocker guards were ordered in a 4”extended length to match the stretched TJ corner guards. Gen-Right offers a variety of parts to stretch the wheelbase on your Jeep, resulting in greater stability and improved departure angle. Like the rocker guards, the corner guards bolted in place with little difficultly and are constructed of 3/16” steel.
Tags: 4x4, Campbell Enterprises, corner guards, fiberglass, Gen-Right, hood, Jeep, JPFreek, led, Rampage, rivnuts, rocker guards, rockers, soft top, TJ, Wrangler
Since when did a TJ have leaf springs?????
Actually, that’s a good observation. Apparently the previous owner had converted the coil springs to leaf springs. Not sure why this was done in the front but a front coil/rear leaf spring setup is actually a pretty good one.
First off, awesome Jeep. It’s very cleanly done. Out of curiosity, What is the gas tank setup? Is it a modified stock tank? If so how was it done to accommodate the stretch? Also, what rear leafs does it use to get the stretch?
Almost forgot…Did the track bar have to be relocated for the stretch? Or was it ditched?
Thanks for your interest in the project Kyle! The track bar was ditched when the leaf spring conversion was done. This was done using 2″ BDS YJ springs in order to provide an inexpensive lift and accommodate the junkyard axles that originally used leaf springs. Most guys who still run coils (or coilovers) often convert to a triangulated four link when stretching the wheelbase, as it gets rid of the track bar.
This TJ uses a small Toyota rear differential and was only stretched a few inches, so the stock fuel take was able to be retained to keep with the budget theme. Gen-Right makes an excellent tank that works with their stretch kit, or I have seen many people use an RCI fuel cell behind the rear seat. That option is less expensive, but you give up what little cargo room the TJ started with.