Some people mistakenly think that I don’t like Jeeps because I am a Toyota guy, but I don’t see the two as mutually exclusive. In fact, my first vehicle was a CJ-7. The good thing about a Jeep is that it is easy to find parts for them. The bad thing about a Jeep is that they become cookie cutter, and a lot of modifications actually make them worse (I am looking at you, angry eyes grille). In the past I avoided Jeep project vehicles because that was a market already being heavily covered by Rick Pewe, Fred Williams, Christian Hazel, and Verne Simons. That doesn’t mean I don’t like Jeeps though. In fact, I love this one, I think that it is the best Jeep ever built.

I would dare say that the LJ is the best Jeep ever built. Why? Long wheelbase Jeeps have always been revered, from the Scrambler and the Jeepster to the modern four-door Wrangler. This is a formula that works, as they are narrow enough for the trail but have added wheelbase for increased stability and interior space. There is one Jeep though that does it better than all of them, the Jeep Wrangler LJ (aka Long TJ or formally the TJ Unlimited). These Jeeps are modern enough to use a fuel injected engine and coil suspension (unlike the Scrambler) yet not as bloated as modern JKs, JLs, and JTs with four doors, electronic nannies, and larger dimensions.

This specific example is a “grown up Jeep” that was originally built by my friend Jereme Wormington. It looks rather understated with full sheetmetal and fender flares, but packs a punch with the Rubicon features like locking differentials and a 4:1 transfer case coupled with AEV’s Highline kit that allow me to run 37-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers with only 2.5-inches of lift. The Jeep rode like a dump truck when I got it from Jereme, but Samco Fabrication revalved the 2.5-inch remote reservoir King shocks and JKS control arms were added at all four corners. The front axle was converted to WJ knuckles, which not only provide bigger brakes but also raise the drag link angle to nearly flat. Custom track bar mounts were made to match the drag link angle and improve the roll center.

Quick Specs:

4.0L engine
42RLE automatic transmission
Rocktrac NP241 transfer case
Dana 44 axles w/ RCV axle shafts, 5.38 gears, and factory lockers
AEV Highline Fenders
Skyjacker 2.5-inch dual rate coil springs
JKS Adjustable Coil Over Spacer (ACOS) w/ integrated air bumps
King 2.5-inch diameter remote reservoir shocks with custom valving from Samco Fabrication
JKS adjustable control arms and track bars
37-inch Nitto Trail Grappler tires on AEV Pintler rims
PSC Big Bore XD steering box and pump
GenRight 31.5-gallon Safari fuel tank and skidplate
ComeUp Seal 9.5i winch

Articles:

WJ Knuckle Swap- https://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/su...
JKS Control Arms- https://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/bo...
Modifying Lockers To Work In High Range- https://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/el...

Smittybilt Seat Covers- https://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/bo...
Rough Country Seat Risers- https://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/bo...