The Build Begins! 5 Jeep Wrangler TJ Upgrades

In this video my son and I begin to make some small improvement to his 2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ that he recently purchased. We just wanted to add some safety gear, the ability to self-recover and a convenient interior modification in this video…. More upgrades to come soon.
Father & Sons Day Trip on the Trail: • Father & Sons Day Trip...
Phone Mount: www.67d.com/?rfsn=1599795.57d74d
Fire Extinguisher: amzn.to/2wJIuud
Bartac Mount: amzn.to/3bsIHRp
Smittybilt Winch: amzn.to/2JlO5K4
Winch Plate: amzn.to/2y6VZV8
Fog Lights: amzn.to/3dz6tgq
Fairlead Light Mount: amzn.to/2QR8o6f
First Aid Kit: amzn.to/2yftZ1N
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[@TrailRecon]

I hope you all are staying safe and healthy! We've got a few more garage projects we'll be doing over the next couple days while we are staying home. If there is something you would like to see, let us know.

[@projectraptor6975]

I like the Winch Light Mounts. Those look pretty badass mounted there! #JeepLife

[@dominiklf331]

Does he have his own YT?

[@TrailRecon]

Instagram DM is the best way to shoot questions my way

[@TrailRecon]

kzbin.info/door/eP4F0oz18qogTBMYBCbkWg

[@adarshsharma1434]

I'm concerned about the airflow to the radiators sitting beside that humungous wrinch.

[@abdubitar960]

THIS IS SOOOO FREAKING COOL A BUILD SERIES ON A TJ!!!!!!

[@Logan-te3iq]

abdu bitar literally me rn

[@the_bencredible]

As a TJ owner myself I can’t wait to see this thing progress.

[@jwxfd]

Bencredible_Jeep_Adventure I’ve got a 97 myself. I’m glued to this series

[@swarbrickjesse]

LOVE the father son aspect of the channel. Reminds me of my dad and I, with a lot less frustration lol. Jordan and you are twins! Great vid as always brother! Stay safe. Perfect time for upgrades!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks so much!!

[@utopia.exploring]

I agree with this completely! Really great to see your kids picking up with the thing that you love! Personally, I loved this video. I have a mechanic father and I love spending time in the garage with him. Fun to watch! Looking forward to more of these.... Easy, hard, short or long projects/trails

[@BorderlineExplorer]

I like the lights on the fairlead. Some smaller squared wide lights off to the sides would be cool too. Please continue to show us this build especially the LIFT!! Your channel and a couple others inspired me to make my own. You & the family stay healthy!

[@davelier9572]

Celebrating 20 years with my 97 TJ Sahara this week and I also have a 2014 JKUR. Keep the TJ simple, light and functional. So fun!

[@GoodOldGamer]

There's so much you can do with a trusty old TJ! So many mods out there to choose from. If you plan to take the doors off a lot, you could mount mirrors on the A pillars. That way they're always on. You could switch out the gear shifter head, put leds in the dashboard, put in all kinds of storage boxes under and behind the seats, new head and tail lights, decorative decals, side rails, flat fenders for more clearance... Since he wants to put a roof rack on top for a tent, you're probably not putting down the soft top so you could even get one of those hatchback soft top replacements that doesn't really go down but adds a new look that follows the roll cage.

[@fatpaul2008]

I’m convinced Jordan is US Navy issued robot

[@mikeyoung6347]

I realize what you typed was not meant to be derogatory... too many Navy guys around here.

[@zandergourley6089]

He’s probably a Corpsman, little different than most jobs in the Navy

[@OvenBak3d360]

I’m offended he killed Cookie Monster to make his sweater 😂 just playin

[@Malc664]

Man, you got the best sense of humour.

[@cootie181]

Looks like you are going to have fun with this rig! Excited to see how you build it out! Oh, mad thank both of you for your service!! I am an Army Desert Storm veteran and have been in or worked for the Army for the last 33 years ... love my military !! Now overland is my passion! Love watching your videos! Carry on!!!

[@frankreyes5735]

Great information! I’m Inspired to start on my 97 TJ. With 297000 miles and still going strong Can’t wait to see more and get some ideas. Thank you!

[@dakine215]

I don't know why you guys don't have more subscribers. Your videos are high quality! The offroad community needs to show the love and get the word out for you guys. Especially the newbies like me! Take care and good luck with the project.

[@TrailRecon]

I appreciate that!

[@blakstar64]

At first glance, l thought Jordan was sporting a bathrobe.

[@droid7627]

The campshire hoodie is a $180 hoodie that'll save your life man

[@davedynamite1298]

Rei has it on sale now!

[@droid7627]

I've already got one that's been broken in plenty well, but if they go on sale in Canada I just might buy another just to wear

[@waynebeck7801]

Overlord Kilo I wouldn’t were 180.00 hoodie to work on my Jeep.

[@Jundt22]

Love the light location with lights above the winch. Honestly the bumper isn’t the worst, maybe some texture paint (like bed lining) would make it look better? Looking good so far, can’t wait for the new video. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@sabavovk2749]

Too much stuff in front of radiator! !!

[@mikehoffman3690]

Navy Corpsman. Following in dads footsteps. Very cool.

[@suppermuddyjeep]

Don't forget a out bending the relay in the fuse box to run your fog lights and your high beams at the same time. I like the lights mounted on the winch! Cant wait to see what lift you got.

[@007twm]

Jordan, your Jeep is shaping up nicely. Keep up the good work. Good Dad/Son time.

[@chrisblanchard4849]

When I lifted my 05 TJ, I installed a 1 inch body lift, 1 inch M.O.R.E. motor mount lift and a 33 Engineering skid plate which only hangs down 1 inch below the frame and pushes the transfer case and transmission back to it's stock location under the body. Its too bad they don't exist any more. Good start, Jordan!

[@octico]

1.25 BL Savvy, Currie Lift. 1"MML, low clearance T-Case pan (tummy tuck) GCF, and finally SAVVY T-Case Shifter linkage

[@1Tambo]

i installed the smittybuilt SRC Cage in my daughters TJ.. Best safety investment ever .. Then added Lockers.. Jeep ran the rubicon on 33's with no issues

[@peteacevedo3411]

Great to see this build as we shelter in place here in Colorado. I like the comment "don't tell mom she doesn't have a winch". Good stuff

[@jordandinoffria6514]

Since I was 16 I've had a TJ, best MOD that is very inexpensive is the TJ dome light switch that quadratec has... easy install and very convenient when u want the doors off.

[@roselsimpson858]

I laughed when you mentioned sam the cooking guy and his son I love those guys. I like what you are doing in your down time great content

[@matthewj2492]

Wow! Not only do I enjoy your channel, but I respect your channel. Your son, a Navy Corpsman saved his money while stationed in 'Okinawa'! so few Americans understand what this means. But I do. You should be very proud of your son! As a matter of fact, I am proud of your son! This young man as earned every ounce of this Jeep! This young man is doing what so few would ever consider, serve & save. I really hope you two have some great memories building this Jeep, and driving it, may God bless both of You! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

[@azorka13]

Yes I am enjoying a lot with your videos and over all getting ideas to improve as well my TJ 1997. Greetings from Spain guys. Still alive! Take care there in States

[@mattmorse8430]

Remember to check the OPDA on a 2006 TJ is a Crown replacement and cam condition! Thrilled to see a TJ build!

[@siphamandlankazimulokubhek5986]

I'm also a jeep enthusiast from South Africa this has made me realize that it is not that bad to get a functional cheap jeep and upgrade it the way you want this is so interesting I'll come back to this vids once mine is bought thanks trailrecon

[@m1977v]

Excited to come back to the channel and see work done on a TJ! 03 Owner here with 140k miles.

[@patrickhayes8570]

I’m 6’6” and I found the big boy seat bracket was a huge help on my TJ. Adds a ton of leg room, it really helps for those long drives. Love the new rig!

[@fatLPfan]

I’m a TJ owner!! Love this video seeing your upgrades its awesome!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@trekkinnw3568]

Thank you for putting this together!! What a great escape of all the craziness going on in the world!! Great video!!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@teop7887]

Pristine TJ Rubicons are becoming unicorns... Really hard to come by. Hopefully it will retain some of its stock appeal. Good luck, Jeep on! 😎👍

[@alsims8280]

Thanks for sharing a true home build rather than some thing that is just blown out by outrageous sponsors. Good to see father and son working together.

[@ninja63639]

Definitely like the bumper mounted spot for the lights better. If you get the older style tow hooks they're centered with the bolts so they'll give you the clearance for the lights

[@joemarine2]

You can always add a couple of smaller flood lights to angle out to the driver/passenger sides in those holes.

[@MrMe1280]

This build has me more excited than the gladiator build. Can't wait to see what lift wheels are tire he chose. And being a father son build really ads to the fun of the videos. My son is 15 and I've been throwing the idea around about getting him a beater tj to play with.

[@phintze]

I love my 67 Designs phone mount. It is incredibly solid, and is one of my favorite mods.

[@rogue109]

I don't know why, I've never had kids myself, but seeing you and your son do this makes me smile. I'm proud of you both for your service and seeing you guys work together warms my heart.

[@jmanstuck]

You must know why.

[@tristansundquist1834]

Just came back from korea. Just bought a LJ rubicon and I’m loving every bit of it.

[@JohnnyVeritas]

In the Marines we called that "appropriating" ;) Thanks for serving Docs, nobody appreciates Navy Corpsmen more than us Grunts. Another great video!!!

[@joecanis484]

In the Army we called it a "midnight requisition".

[@JohnnyVeritas]

@@joecanis484 AWESOME!!! Thanks for serving!!! Sometimes we would say that we "Liberated" it ;)

[@bbnc6241]

Keep the lights centered. In regards to the front bumper, make your own! A welding episode would be awesome!

[@davemiller3027]

I’ve been out of the Jeep game for several years but one of my Favorite accessories I added to my LJ were the Misch Big Boy Seat brackets. They made riding in an LJ/TJ that more comfortable. Since he looks like he has some Long legs I’d bet he’d appreciate them.

[@JasonAHammons]

Loved the Sam the Cooking Guy comment! Lol. Thanks for the content, Brad.

[@GFOBigLebowski1]

I had one of the first 2 door Rubicons like this. That was one of my favorite jeeps of all time. I have had 8. It was a beast! Yall will have fun with this! I cant wait to see where you go with it!

[@JeepTJWheelin]

I thought about a 3" lift w/ 33's but fortunately very early on getting into off roading Jeeps, many told me, their TJ became very sluggish going from just 32's to 33's in addition to a domino effect of needing additional expensive parts. And I'm glad I listened! Because I drove a TJ with this set up and it didn't have that low end torque and was very slow off the line. And most of them returned to 32's while some fell for the aftermarket bait, very expensive bait. I get many who want to know what is the perfect build. Which is not easy to answer because everyone does different things with their Jeep. But I would like to share mine since my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn drives and handles absolutely amazing on and off road. Keep in mind, I am NOT a rock crawler, although I don't go out seeking rock crawling it's still a lot of fun encountering them on the trail and knowing the TJ can handle it. I'm an adventurer who takes the family beach wheelin, beach camping, surf fishing, and we hit fun, moderate trails in the fall and winter getting to our favorite fishing holes and camp sites. Which is why the build is for what's near and for what we do, nothing was put on this TJ unnecessarily for show. I see too many "spotless Jeeps" with 33's - 38's. As long as you have good off road instincts and common sense, a modest, high quality build will allow you and your family to have a lot of fun! All in, I'm at $25k with my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn. And I can honestly say build wise, I'm done!! I might Raptor line it since the TJ has a few rough paint spots and won't ever have to worry about off road pinstriping again. The best part is, this TJ not only keeps up, but outperforms a lot of these $40k - $75k JK's & JL' s. Due in part to people's inexperience and just "over building". The '05 TJ has a modest build, yet is extremely capable, durable and best of all, affordable. I encourage any Jeeper to search for a rust free TJ 4.0 I6, preferably stock, 3.73's w/ LSD and a Dana 44. And to use my build as a "guide". But I highly recommend this build for anyone who is an adventurer, not a rock crawler. Best of all, it will eliminate you from chasing your tail, and the aftermarket will have one less "just empty every pocket" victim out there! It was a lot of trial and error but it has been well worth it. 2" Old Man Emu coils 32" KO2's or 32" BFG MT's Quadratec Baja alloy rims - perfect backspacing - no rub! Currectlync steering Freedom Off Road front Adj track bar M.O.R.E steering box brace JKS quick disconnects Freedom Off Road front lower Adj control arms The rest are fixed Detroit Axles Transfer case drop kit Fox 2.0 Shox Fox steering stabilizer Professional 4x4 shop to do the alignment Since doing this, I have had the best experience with any vehicle I've ever had. Staying with 32's allows us Jeepers to maintain that great low end torque, saves us a lot of money on unnecessary aftermarket parts and still be able to wheel most anywhere. It's the best of all worlds! One of my favorite mods was adding a Banks cat back exhaust giving it a throaty growl, but not obnoxiously loud ticking off the neighbors. Absolutely perfect for the 4.0 I6. Most importantly, be honest with yourself, build your TJ for what you will be using it for. And know YOU CAN do great trails and much more with just a 2" lift and 32" ko2's or MT's! DO NOT let the aftermarket pushers fool or shame you into thinking you "need" 33" - 40" tires and a 5" lift to wheel. That's 🦬💩! They know full well, once they get you at 33's, it's a freaking cash cow for them! Because you just embarked on their multi thousand dollar build conveyor belt. And it's 100% unnecessary for moderate wheelin'! Your axles, drive train, drive shafts, engine, gearing and a host of a lot of other stuff now "needs" to be upgraded. The aftermarket pushers feast on naive people. Don't be that guy! Like cereal companies saying breakfast is the most important meal of the day, the aftermarket will continue to take advantage of the misinformed. And anyone with a 2 door JL Rubicon, while I definitely prefer my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn over anything from '07 - present, I have to say these 2 dr JL Rubicons are absolutely complete, no reason to do anything to them! 33" MT's, perfect stock height lift, 4:1 ratio, lockers, etc. I wheeled with a couple that have this animal of Jeep and told them to leave it alone, it's perfect! They knew what they had and I don't forsee them changing anything. I tell them mine is just as capable and $40k less. 😎 But at least they won't have to spend so much as a dollar in unnecessary upgrades. O|||||||O 🇺🇲 Only in a 2 Dr 🇺🇲 '41- '06

[@gorillahd9247]

I'm looking forward to this build. Congrats on picking up a really nice TJ. A M.O.R.E. engine/oil pan skid would be a nice addition for where you guys wheel. A Spiderweb shade or Alien shade bikini would be great as well.

[@reafkennedy3069]

With the stock bumper and winch plate setup the fair lead mount looks great.

[@travisa3492]

1 to 1.25 inch body lift. Motor mount lift, 2-3 inch suspension lift, belly up/tummy tuck. With flat fenders and 35's. Great combo. Run this set up myself and absolutely love it.

[@Mike_E_44]

Good quality times with your son.

[@montechie]

I like the idea of bumper lights plus the fairlead lights. Our fogs (Rigid DOT cert fogs) are mounted low and wide in our bumper on our LJ. They light up the ditches great for deer (#1 danger in MT) and don't bother other drivers like our stock high fogs did. We did a 3.5" JKS short arm lift. I really liked that it kept the factory angles (for a Rubicon), but I wish I had sprung for a long arm kit instead. They're just smoother on everything. The other sort-of regret was going to 285/75r16. Hindsight I would've done a narrower width 33. After the tires the power on our automatic 4.0 just disappeared, and there were other issues like needing a real tire carrier.. We regeared later to 4.88 and love it, but would've saved a lot of money with "pizza cutters" at first.

[@vince5048]

Very cool. I like the center mounted lights better. Good luck with the build.

[@BunnyTJ]

Again, I love the blacked out headlight bezels. I painted mine. I do prefer the more light setup as you want to see in front of you and maybe angle some of them outward as well so you have a wider field of view.

[@bobbysmith7528]

I love it, I might have to take some anger from mama bear but my boy is setup. Reminds me of my dad❤️

[@littlebuddyFilms]

Like the lights on the winch. Thanks for showing the how-to; great video.

[@crackrk]

Love the build. This makes me miss my old TJ, but the JL-U is more family friendly. Have fun!

[@DeanJohnson67]

love Okinawa! spent a lot of time there from 2008-2014!

[@georgebrill3072]

Super nice to be able to spend time with your son. Great channel.

[@TrailRecon]

Always great time in the garage with my boys! Thank you!

[@tersy9862]

That's the cleanest tj I have ever seen.

[@maggiedonovan]

Great to see you guys.....Thank goodness for trail Recon and You Tube!!!

[@TrailRecon]

More to come!

[@45auto]

I prefer these smaller installs as they are the types of mods I can afford and will actually put on my Jeep (though mine is a JK).

[@reesenewland662]

Honestly would love the look of the outside lights and the center lights if you get another set of lights and angle them to be a set of low level ditch light get them in a flood pattern.

[@clday25]

Love the TJ videos! Takes me back to my first Jeep which was a brand new red 2002 TJ X I bought after graduating college. The 4.0 really responds to basic mods like a quality intake, header, bigger throttle body, exhaust and a tune to tie it all together. You’re gonna need more power after the 35s, even with gearing. Keep the TJ videos coming!!

[@mwaynem]

Your a great dad. I love wrenching with my kids.

[@kilroywashere9343]

I daily drive a long wheelbase TJ. Such a fun vehicle.

[@DM-tf6mk]

Very cool. Look forward to watching the build unfold.

[@mcarroll42]

So pumped that there is a TJ build in 2020. I own one myself and its nice to wrench on something that is simple for a change. Keep it up.

[@elielviseman]

👏👏 New Trailrecon Video! Best way to pass time in quarantine

[@a.rivera6646]

I like the lights mounted on the winch in the center. I have a similar winch now I might be ordering me some lights 🤙🏽

[@richardearle463]

Thanks to him AND you guys for your service. Great way for a son and father to hobby together. And I'm sure the TJ vs JK vs JL will come out

[@ghedionmanakelew7306]

lookin forward to the lift and bigger tires. It's about to look like a beast.

[@Garagecouple]

Really happy to see we both got a rubicon TJ at around the same time and we are both documenting our TJ builds on youtube! We are super excited to see how different our builds will be over the coming couple months! Hopefully yours hasn't had nearly as many issues as ours..needing a PCM and everything. Oh well, cheers Brad!

[@talezfromthedashcam3138]

What's nice about this vid is, it's an everyman's install....

[@thomasrhodes766]

Looking forward to watching this build. After 4 years I finally have time to replace stock steering components and install lift kit on our TJ.

[@onetruebob_tj]

Took the wife's winch!?!?! You are a brave man 🤣 I used the same bracket on the winch fairlead to mount a short LED light bar. To be 100% honest I still have my stock TJ Driving lights mounted on the Smittybilt Stinger. I like the phone mount. Might have to get one. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the lift install.

[@shadoe722]

This is great...enjoy watching the upgrades so far. I’m about to start on my 2006 LJ...looking forward to the lift install.

[@mht6848]

I haven't been watching your channel long. I had no idea your son was a corpsman! I was a Marine for five years...just got out in September of 2019. I also spent some time in Okinawa. We were probably there at the same time! We love our Corpsman!

[@TrailRecon]

Right on

[@tylerwalker6653]

He should buy big boy seat brackets! His legs will thank him. 6’4 myself and it makes the WORLD of a difference.

[@tdurfee1296]

So glad I found this channel. I'm brand new to jeeping and loving it. I just purchased a 2000 red TJ just like this one...sort of. Mine is not the Rubicon. But your videos are helpful and I'm really looking forward to building mine the way I want it. Thanks for the quality videos and inspiration. Blessings.

[@sdechc_jku2900]

Love wrenching with my son. As I just bought my son a 2008 jk sahara. I know you enjoy the father son time just as do!

[@dant4786]

There’s little mystery to what your son will look like when he’s your age. My goodness you guys looks so similar. Great vids and channel. Thank you both for serving.

[@jmsuitter5]

Thanks for the share guys looking forward to the continued videos

[@Ace-vn2ch]

looks great hoss! from one vet to another....thanks for your service

[@joshgibson5061]

Love the look of the factory bumper with a winch. Very clean and simple.

[@joshgibson5061]

I’m also an 06 tj owner

[@DDG-Goat-Farms]

Love the videos thanks for something fun to watch i did the same thing on my jeep couldn't find a front bumper i liked and went with winch plate your son's a good man be safe guys

[@whiplash1298]

Had my Tj since October 2016. Tailgate Table is a must. If you haven’t already, upgrade the dome light to an LED. With the soft top, make sure the canvas above the front seats is taught or else water will pool up. Another thing I’ve been considering doing to mine is running a 12V power connection and a switch for the dome light to the back of the Jeep at the base of the C pillar. Good luck and happy wheeling!!

[@fomocoloco7172]

TJ's are really good honestly just keep everything nice and greased up and keep and eye on you ball joints

[@J.Bradley.]

I'm glad to see things getting closer to the roots around here.

[@bushcraftandfriends1471]

I’m really excited to see this build as I’m a tj owner myself!! I think if he wants a new bumper I would go with a low profile stubby bumper just to keep it out of the way and so in the near future he doesn’t get hung up on it like he could potentially with a wider bumper. Rock sliders would be another thing with keeping the body from being damaged (I learned the hard way) lastly don’t forget your lockers!!

[@bushcraftandfriends1471]

My bad it already has lockers as it’s a rubicon!! Also what I did with my Jeep is I kept my stock bumper and just cut it to make it stubby and light!

[@jimanastasiou1061]

It’s so thoughtful to post such a nice video on these hard days..keep up the good job and we are looking forward for the next one!

[@ryanworks6550]

Sam the cooking guy reference! Awesome

[@alexdegrat1006]

Enjoyed the video. I like the lights centered on the fair-lead myself. I like that you do videos on the TJ, JK and JL. Something for everyone!

[@millenniumoverland]

Brad & Jordan, Love, Love, Love the TJ(especially the color 😉) My first Jeep was a '99 TJ and I totally miss it. Can't wait to see all of the mods. One recommendation...my last jeep was a soft top and had the fire extinguisher mounted in the cargo area. The only issue was getting that rear window open quickly. Here in the desert the dust and sun murder the zipper and getting the window open was somewhat of a chore. I found a mount for the rail on my driver seat for quick and easy access. Just a thought...thanks for keeping us entertained.

[@BGTrombone]

Love moving them to the middle!

[@camaroguy305]

I'm sure you are considering sway bar disconnects for the front. Look into the Currie Antirock setup if so. No need to crawl underneath when you go off road.

[@ciscocarrion]

Can't wait to see the lift kit installed! My first Jeep was a red TJ!

[@dylanolson8023]

Another fun video Brad! I hope to be able to wheel with y’all someday!

[@samsara2024]

Its great to see father and son working together in a TJ :). I have my TJ still from factory and I want to start making improvements on it when this Covid thing finish! Greetings from Spain.

[@keithblackburn7516]

Enjoyed watching the video and was recalling my first winch install using the Warn winch plate with Warn Power Plant winch on my then stock bumper. I liked the KC Lites. Good start on the upgrades. Looking forward to more videos.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

THANK YOU ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BE WITH YOU ALL ALWAYS ! ENJOYED !

[@ChestersGump]

The more lights on the rig, the better. Thanks for sharing mods to an older model.

[@TrailRecon]

No problem 👍