I've started to compile several pictures, so I guess I'll start a build thread. This won't be anything extreme. Probably pretty mild, but over the next year I hope to be able to look back on this build thread and see some pretty decent changes.

• new rear suspension (shocks, leafs, & shackles)
• alignment <-- will have a shop do this
• A/C Electric Fan (old one is gone)
• get the AC running again
• replace the front grill header and headlight holders.
• put in new head liner, old one is already pulled out.
• put in a new stereo and speakers
• 3" lift
• new wheels and tires
• new seals around windshield and liftgate window <-- this I'll have someone else do.

Shocks are already done and the rest of the rear suspension parts are starting to arrive at my doorstep. I should have the rest of the rear suspension by the end of the week and get started on replacing the worn out saggy original 214,000 mile leaf springs.


Day 1.


Rotating the tires.


Valve cover gasket being replaced.


Broken rear shock bolts.


Sitting on jack stands with no shocks while I go borrow an air compressor and air hammer.


New shocks in with grade 8 bolts replacing the stock bolts.


OMIX-ADA Leaf spring bushings.


OMIX-ADA Shackle. (I ordered two at the same time, the other is still in transit, gotta love that!)

 

Leaf Springs came in while I was at work today.





I was able to just tap one leaf spring bushing in using a rubber mallet. The front bushing wasn't wanting to go in so easy. Since it's late at night, I took it back out before it got stuck half way and put the rest of the bushings in the freezer. I'll tap them in tomorrow.

Now I'm just waiting on that one last shackle to come in.

 

Faded hood and cracked header panel. Duct tape compliments of the previous owner.




Starting to remove the header panel.


Plasti-dipping the new OMIX ADA header panel.


Figured I'd save some money and reuse some of the old parts. The left bezel matched the factory body color, the right one did not. Now everything matches the new panel.


Bye bye, old panel.


I had previously taped off the hood and sprayed it, but after drying it was obvious it needed more. Also, front bumper and rear bumper got sprayed.






First spraying of the rear bumper.


After


After


I had finished the night before and it was too dark to get good pics. Of course it had to rain the next day. Here it is with the old panel for comparison.






BONUS!

 

I love those wheels but can never find them or what they're called

 

Is the center section of your hitch (which looks adjustable) up side down? I think you would gain some ground clearance with the receiver on top and the hook holes on the bottom..

Not sure but just a thought..

 

Thanks! They're called Grizzly's. These are the dark gray version.

Now that you mention it, it might be. And in those pics it looks like it sticks out past the bumper, it's actually pretty even with the bumper. I may take it apart and flip it over.