Jeep WJ Build Walkaround (4in lift on 33's)

[@jw11432]

Over the last year or so, I put a lot of work into an 04 GC Limited. Bought it on a whim at an online auction with plans to do quick fixes and flip, but some circumstances changed and ended up deciding to keep it and drive it. Previous owner had neglected the poor thing (perhaps even owner(s) before them), as if there was some kind of liquid somewhere, it was leaking. To list the repairs and part replacements would take too long, it might be shorter to list what I haven't touched lol but two of the most important things I did was have the cylinder head's intake valve seats redone and peened in place (4.7 V8; for those that know, they know why I did this lol), but while there, valve stem steals replaced and lifters cleaned and verified to be in good order. The second thing was ditching that hydraulic cooling setup. This meant a new PS pump, but with a mechanical fan plus an electric fan (wired to only come on with AC turned on via new separate relay), on top of an upgraded 2-row all-aluminum radiator, my temp gauge has yet to even touch the 210 mark, and I'm in Dallas. While my WJ is a pavement princess (no mountains to climb here), it's also a factory 2WD, which suits me fine. Really liking it, but the only thing I think I need to address is the steering box. Put in new suspension and got an alignment, and tried adjusting the steering box which helped quite a bit, but I think it's just too far gone (factory component with 148k miles on it).

[@rockyridgetv1601]

Replacing the steering box will make a big difference for you🔥

[@jasonhaner2319]

I bought mine cheap..thought I could just throw on a lift kit and have a bad ass ride...I'm taking care of the neglect from the previous owners and building it right...this is teaching me patience and love.

[@kwmoore3464]

I have a '02 WJ with the exact same lift. Mine came stock with the NP242 & the 4.7L. I'm even running the same tires as you are. I had to remove the drop pitman & go back to the stock one to fix the steering problems you talk about. I do have the drop track bar mount. I also have to run 32's because the 33's would stuff into the wheel wells & lock up movement when it flexed. I even put extended bump stops & that didn't help much. I had a '93 ZJ with a long arm suspension & 33's & that Jeep took me almost anywhere I wanted to go. The WJ is the replacement. Over all it's better Jeep, but sometimes I do miss the ZJ.

[@rockyridgetv1601]

It’s hard the only thing you can do is trim the fenders more I haven’t stuffed my tires into the fenders yet but they would rub.

[@kwmoore3464]

@@rockyridgetv1601 The fenders are trimmed & the Bushwackers installed about 3 years ago. I just had a Powertrax Grip pro installed in the front & the 44HD has a Hydra-Lok in it. I live in the mountains East of Albuquerque on the North end of the Chihuahuan Desert so I'll be able to do a full offroad test this summer. I'm thinking about trying 255/80R/17 tires they are narrower than the size your running but still 33's. Maybe that will help.

[@mcgrath274]

I have a 2004 overland. Quadra drive. When I turn hard left I get a binding and a groan. Changed all fluids in diffs and transfer case to factory spec. Yes I used Mopar friction additive to the diffs. Still get a binding and groaning sound left turns only

[@rockyridgetv1601]

I haven’t personally had that problem with my front axel. I would check all the ball joints, tie rods, and wheel bearings. Was there metal shavings in the old oil when you changed the diff fluid?

[@homerg58]

I'm from pa as well when I'm done doing the build to my new wj if we are close we should meet up it will be on KZbin as well

[@rockyridgetv1601]

That’s sounds great looking forward to seeing the build!

[@Danielprokopij]

I think the track bar drop bracket paired with a drop pitman can fix a lot of peoples bump steer its just not very spoken about

[@rockyridgetv1601]

Yes that is very true, Thanks for watching!

[@TheMainLead]

I like the holes in the rotors to get sand and mud in

[@gustavobitencourt3580]

Nice setup bro

[@mattfreeman117]

Nice jeep mine is about the same but did you have the rear being all loose i added the iro rear sway bar that seemed ro help and i got to add a new gear box as mines leaking and hopefully it helps with the steering as its kinda loose as well

[@rockyridgetv1601]

Thank you 😊

[@tjf1531]

Very nice looking wj

[@rockyridgetv1601]

Thank you🔥🔥🔥

[@jesusrperezd]

hey very nice looking, thanks for sharing. How long have you had the wheel spacers? any problem with them? I want to install those on my wj but not sure about safety, any brand or part number that you can recommend?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

I have had the wheel spacers for 3 years haven’t had any issues with them. Check out the description of the video there is a link for the same wheel spacers I currently have on the jeep. I live in an area with lots of pot holes so they would have broke by now if they were not safe. Thanks for watching!

[@jesusrperezd]

@@rockyridgetv1601 great I will check then out

[@pennypackmtb2542]

I have the same WJ and went IRO long arm 4". I also drove out to Coal, Pa and picked up the Skid Plate at Affordable Off Road, for my gas tank. Besides that everything is the same or what I plan to do. Nice build. If you're really trying to keep it Pa State Inspection compliable, they only allow 1/4 inch spacers. I'll never tell, but 1/4 is useless anyway. Did you upgrade the brakes?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

I did upgrade the breaks with a power stop kit it came with calibers, rotators, and pads

[@pennypackmtb2542]

@@rockyridgetv1601 I will be going the POWER STOP way myself. Excellent choice!

[@jdsrcs8061]

Cool looking WJ brother!!!! How was the install on the bushwackers? I am thinking about getting a set but go back and forth!!! Subbed🤘🤘🤘

[@rockyridgetv1601]

The install on the bushwackers took some time but it was nothing to difficult to install just required some fender trimming. It’s definitely worth it, they transformed the look of it. Thanks for watching!

[@BassSoLowItHZ]

Im getting ready to lift mine 4 inches . Ive got 20x12 with -44 offset rims im gonna put on it so mine are gonna stick out alot more Hoping to run 33/12.50s. Did you have to cut fenders or trim plastic to clear them ?

[@markadger]

What are the specs on the Falken tires? Great build!

[@rockyridgetv1601]

The tires size is 285/70R17 and they are the M/T (Mud Terrain) style. Overall the tires handle well in the snow and mud handle decent in the rain. For a mud terrain tire they are quite and handle well on the road.

[@newlion7013]

Nice build! How many inches of drop does the iro track bar mount give?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

The iro track bar mount drops it 3” from stock. Thanks for watching!

[@jasonhaner2319]

Got my front end straight finally..building this in my garage and getting the whole suspension right. I have new spring isolator rubber and rough country 2.5 lift pucks ready to go on..doing it all at once. Looking into the iron rock rear upper A-arm kit..and addco rear sway bar with possibly the disconnect ends. Would you run it?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

I run the rear iro a arm and I like it I would recommend it. Having sway bar disconnects is a great option to have with it.

[@SAGwords]

Are you sure you have 2inch spacers. The link in the description is Amazon link to 1.5

[@rockyridgetv1601]

Yeah the spacers are 1.5” I’m not 2” that was my mistake in the video.

[@patryk3g265]

What is the distance between b flare and the front tire

[@robertwarren1735]

Awesome build.I have a 99 WJ with 127000 on it.4.0.The gas milage is not the best.The injectors you swapped are 4 volt?Also did your KandN improve your milage?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

The injectors I swapped are 4 hole injectors. The jeep 4.0 l comes with 1 hole injectors. Upgrading to 4 hole is supposed to help with better mpg and a smoother running engine. I believe the K&N air filter did help get better gas mpg and it gave it better throttle response as well. Thanks for watching!

[@JF32304]

I had an 04 that I threw a 4" rough country lift on and that thing rode like a dump truck after because of the short arms. Never again will I use the short arms.

[@rockyridgetv1601]

Yeah if your looking for a smooth ride long arms are a better option

[@JF32304]

@@rockyridgetv1601 yeah. It was rough as all dang get out. I'll never do that again.

[@graystone3048]

So the bushwackers gave you enough of a trim that the 33’s don’t rub? I know there’s some slight trimming involved with the flare install but is it enough on its own or did you have to trim more than the flares required?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

I only trimmed to what the flares required you can’t trim more then what the flares ask for or they will not fit properly.

[@dylan.r622]

I have an 2000 jeep inline 6 , any reccomendation for good shock absorbers? The advance auto Ones are crap. Also i changed the steering damper and the death wobble still happens whenever i ride over a small bumb in the road.! Any advice?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

First you need a good steering stabilizer I have a rough country. Next check your ball joints and tie rod ends are in good shape. Your shocks will not cause death wobble that’s more in your front axel.

[@dylan.r622]

@@rockyridgetv1601 thank you👍

[@RobertLowery]

For anyone looking to resolve "Death Wobble" in a WJ, and probably most vehicles. www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/DeathWobbleChecklist.pdf

[@Catboy-hr2qp]

How'd you fit 33s on 4 inch lift? Is it because all the trimming required for the bushwackers? I'm going 4 inches lift soon but gonna run 31s on mine since I don't want to have to trim the body part in the rear of the front fender well did that once never again lol hopefully with adjustable arms I can push the axle forward enough to clear, with my jks adjustable trackbar and dual steering stabs i can hopefully avoid the same issues you had if not ill drop the track bar but shouldnt have to from my understanding with it being adjustable. I do plan to do an over the knuckle steering setup in the future

[@rockyridgetv1601]

Yes cutting the fenders for the bushwacker flares gave me enough room for 33’s. Moving the front axel forward is always an option I didn’t move mine forward.

[@markcarpenter3600]

I'm running IRO Long front and rear, 255/75R17C on METHOD 703's +12. There's a little rubbing on the plastic in the rear when I really get it twisted up, but front and rear tuck nicely into the finder wells. Using Timbren DDF974 as a jounce under the front bump-stop extensions, controls the up travel nicely. I had to remove the IRO drop track bar kit temporarily, because of interface with the older style IRO adjustable track bar with the diff. It did help with steering.

[@paultynan8705]

Nice vid and rig!

[@rockyridgetv1601]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@jakeryan682]

Does the lift kit raise the bottom of the differential ?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

No the lift kit will not raise the bottom of the differential. Adding larger size tires will raise the bottom of the differential.

[@dylan.r622]

Can the jeep grand Cherokee 2000 inline 6 2wd be converted to 4wd?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

Yes it can be all you need is a transfer case a front axel a front drive shaft and a shifter from a 4wd jeep I would recommend checking out your local junkyard for there parts or you could buy them new depending on your budget thanks for watching!!

[@dylan.r622]

@@rockyridgetv1601 it will be a junkyard build. Also could you believe i overheated mine up to 260 degrees F drove it like 4 miles home the engine made a clank clank noise💀 i thought i killed it but changed radiator and coolant hoses and it runs flawlesly🤣. I daily drive it all the time.

[@dylan.r622]

Its fuking inmortal, also the car was parked in a field for 2 years without starting before i got it

[@GenXplorer0321]

Just a heads up. But your track bar is backwards.

[@rockyridgetv1601]

I will have to take a look at that. Thank you

[@GenXplorer0321]

@@rockyridgetv1601 you also don't need that drop bracket for the track bar once you install it correctly

[@markcarpenter3600]

Its not backwards. Unfortunately the early IRO WJ trackbar's were not properly designed to clearance the diffental, and they have since redesigned them. I had to remove my dropped trackbar kit because of it rubbing the front of the diffental. The hook has to be at the bottom because of the way the bottom mount was designed, on the WJ For some reason IRO didn't think they needed all of the bends that are in the factory track-bar.

[@kwmoore3464]

What is the metric size on your tires?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

They are 285/70/r17

[@reanash2096]

looks like a 2 inch lift

[@rockyridgetv1601]

It’s a iron rock off-road premium short arm 4in lift

[@gizzyguzzi]

Wow. Those flares are hideous. Sorry

[@rockyridgetv1601]

Some people like them some people hate them thanks for watching

[@graystone3048]

So the bushwackers gave you enough of a trim that the 33’s don’t rub? I know there’s some slight trimming involved with the flare install but is it enough on its own or did you have to trim more than the flares required?

[@rockyridgetv1601]

I didn’t have to do any additional trimming the bushwhacker flares along with the 4 in lift kit gave me enough room for 33s thanks for watching!