The 2005 LJ lives again. Time flies but about 6 yrs ago this happened: https://posse4x4.org/forum/general-4x4-discussion/jeep-recovery-in-alder-springs-wednesday-12-6/
The rig was totaled and parked at my parents for a few months under a tarp while the paperwork with the insurance company was handled. After that it was towed back up to my place and has been parked ever since. I got it drivable again to toodle around the property but with other rigs and projects it has sat firmly on the back burner. All that changed last week when i was hit with motivation and made some appointments to get it legal and driving again. Cleaned all the mouse turds out of it, ripped the moldy carpet out, and used a carpet spot cleaner on the seats. Also replaced the glass in the passenger window and put new mirrors on it.
First stop was AAA since their DMV counter is way faster than DMV itself but alas, they cant process the salvage title until a re-built title has been issued by DMV.
Second stop was DMV where 2 hrs of waiting and 5 minutes of playing dumb to the nice lady behind the counter got me out of about half the fees and having to smog. The task list from DMV was a Light/lamp inspection, brake inspection, VIN verification, and surrender the original plates.
Removed the aftermarket LED bulbs and put a hand full of new bulbs in and everything worked. Brakes were pulling and sticking on the front left for a few miles then started working properly on the way to the inspection.
Third stop was the shop doing the inspection, lights passed but he complained my taillights were dim and suggested LED bulbs. Brakes were good but pads looked old and e-brake didn't hold well enough so I failed the brake inspection.
Fourth step was at the autoparts store and got all new brake pads all around including parling brake shoes and front calipers (to replace the sticking one). It was 100 degrees so only replaced the rear pads and cleaned and adjusted the parking brake shoes. It now locks the rear tires at half pull on the lever.
Passed the brake re-inspection no problem. Plan for Friday is to drive to CHP for a vin inspection then to DMV to finish the paperwork. Next Thursday it gets a quieter muffler since I'm not a teenager and glass packs don't do it for me any more.
Remaining tasks to get it fully legal and road worthy:
-Install a steering stabilizer
-Rebalance the tires or install the new ones
-Replace front calipers and pads
-Replace cracked windshield
Upgrades to happen with parts already on hand:
-40" yokohama XMTs on Sidetracked Offroad Beadlocks
-35 spline outers and unit bearings with yukon hubs
-Metalcloak RE replacement Radius Arms
-Bestop Twill full replacement soft top
-Engine skid plate (modify a Metalcloak JKU engine skid)
-Rear upper coil bucket re-location
-Warn winch isolator
-Custom 3dprinted switchpanel for accessories
Upgrades/repairs needed:
-PSC Big bore steering box/hydro assist
-Rear Metalcloak RE Replacement control arms
-Replacement carpet kit
-Minor Body work to get the rear tub lined back up.
-Front tube fenders
-Replacement Clock Spring
-Replace downstream O2 sensor
-Power and mounting for fridge
Current Build - 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited
76k miles, stock engine, 6speed, 4:1 t-case, 609 axles with grizzlys and 4.88s (see build link on axles below), RE 5.5" long arm kit, sliders, bumpers, M8000 winch, Poison Spyder gen 1 cage, spiderweb shade custom for cage, y-link chevy 1-ton steering
https://posse4x4.org/forum/write-ups/custom-9in-axles/
