[John M Beard]

This project began as a visit to Armbruster Industries to get a quote on a few upgrades to my 2005 Red TJ.

The next thing you know, I was searching the country for a LJ. Since I was now convinced that I needed a 110" stretch on a Long Jeep.

Not wanting to make a long story even longer, I found a 2006 Jeep Unlimited at Davies Jeep in Ohio. The LJ cost me $5,865.00 + $1,200.00 shipping. I also found a grill and factory half doors.

On March 15, 2020 I ordered parts... $85,000.00 in parts.

We ordered every conceivable part that we needed. King Shocks was our hold out. 2 months to receive the Coilovers.

I will prepare a comprehensive build sheet later.

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[RubiconLJ]

Sweet build!

 

[John M Beard]

We took the LJ out to the Logandale Trail System with a professional photographer for some Poser shots.

This is the LJ at 90% complete.

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[johncanfield]

That's a world class build, how does it handle? I know some guys that had various issues after a major build.

 

[inline6]

looks great

I like the fender trimming tool.

 

[Mouse]

I was admiring the tool as well, but I think it is intended to simulate the tire.

 

[John M Beard]

John,

Thank you for the compliment. Coming from you... means more than you know.

I have had the LJ a total of 2 days at which time I prepared a comprehensive "Punchlist". I have driven it less than 3 miles. I felt a drive shaft vibration (slight), and a noise in the driveline shifting between 1st & 2nd.

I am scheduled to go out to the Logandale Trail System on 10/24 to run a few trails (moderate).

Then it will go back to Josh for his "final" adjustments...

The little I drove it, it was smooth, and predictable.

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[John M Beard]

I was admiring the tool as well, but I think it is intended to simulate the tire.

Yes, Josh fabricates everything he does. The suspension is a one-off Armbruster Industries Suspension.

Everything is shoved up through the floor board, such the transfer case, and rear shock towers.

Engine is a L96 Connect and Cruise package. 5.13 gearing.



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[John M Beard]

The LJ has an approximate 20" + belly height. The Armbruster Industries aluminum belly skid is flat front to back.

The LJ sits approximately 2.5" lower than a Tracer Chassis, with a higher belly clearance.

I went with 40" Nitto Trail Grapplers, on Procomp 8-lug wheels.

The axles are Currie Enterprises Dana 60 front and rear, with (cough, cough) ARB lockers on both ends.

Warn Hub up front.

The armor and bumpers are from Genright.



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[svtotem]

Gorgeous. Now don’t go and get it all dirty, John.

 

[John M Beard]

Gorgeous. Now don’t go and get it all dirty, John.

That's the exact purpose for the build. It's going to be a blast first time in the rocks. October 24th.

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[johncanfield]

I've been very pleased with my 37" Nitto Trail Grapplers but I have to run them at 6-8 PSI before they really hook up. Sometimes I'll heat them up if I'm struggling on an obstacle which also helps traction since they aren't stickies.

I have a Currie Rockjock D60 in the rear and it's been a solid performer (and an ARB locker.) I specified the high pinion (I assume you did as well) version which really tucks the drive shaft out of the way.

Try to get as many miles on the LJ before you go seriously playing in the rocks. You should do quite well with that amount of crazy articulation.

 

[John M Beard]

Yes, on the 24th my plan is to just begin to get familiar with the LJ. Slow easy trails.

I have several hundred miles of break in work to do. I'll keep those hormones in check.





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[John M Beard]

I've been very pleased with my 37" Nitto Trail Grapplers but I have to run them at 6-8 PSI before they really hook up. Sometimes I'll heat them up if I'm struggling on an obstacle which also helps traction since they aren't stickies.

I've been told to run trails at 6 psi.

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[John M Beard]

Details of the build.

I intentionally purchased a Salvage Title LJ because I didn't want to cut up a "good" LJ.

Josh Armbruster cut, notch, braced, & reinforced the frame. The end product is that the LJ has a noticeably lower stance.

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[johncanfield]

That's the way to do a build, start with a clean sheet of paper. Since the LJ has a salvage title, I assume you can register it and get tags?

 

[John M Beard]

The LJ build specifically required that it be Registered in the State of Nevada as part of the agreement.

It has every safety device required for registration and it is a requirement that the builder provide a Smog Certificate as Required by the State of Nevada, and Clark County.

We are building in brackets to attach removable mud flaps.

I still need to have a VIN check and safety inspection. Builder is required to assist.

Jury is still out...

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[Mouse]

Looks like a great build. Love the flat belly and attention to detail to get the uptravel. Building the suspension at full bump and installing the drivetrain makes it all work. Would you mind a few more pics of the rear suspension?

 

[Mouse]

The jeep deserves a full article in Crawl magazine! I have the editor's email and would be happy to connect you.

 

[John M Beard]

The jeep deserves a full article in Crawl magazine! I have the editor's email and would be happy to connect you.

Now that would be the cat's meow...

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