After the body modifications were completed, it was time to spray some new paint. The factory blue paint was retained purely for simplicity’s sake. Switching colors would mean that the door jambs, firewall, and interior would have to be addressed. This would add time and money to the paint job.
The end result accomplished our goal and definitely helps the Jeep stand out from the crowd. Of course it already stood out from the crowd beforehand, but now the Wrangler does not look like it belongs in a junkyard. The entire process cost less than $2500, which is money well-spent considering how inexpensive this former basket case was to buy. And like adopting a dog from the pound, we also feel good about giving this Jeep a second lease on life instead of seeing it hauled away to the junkyard.
- Special thanks to Harry Wagner for his write-up on this build, as well as Gen-Right Off-Road, Campbell Enterprises, and Rampage Products for their contributions to the build vehicle.
Related – TJ Tailgate Conversion
* Published by JPFreek Jeep Adventure Magazine – The leader in Jeep and adventure enthusiast publications.
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.