Runner's Build - A Shale Green LJ Adoption
- Thread starter Runner
- Start date
mopar31898
Member 2026
Flawless work as always. Really like the look of the LJ.
Lastly, the Jeep is now sitting on new beadlocks and 35x11.50R17 Falken AT4W tires. These were picked because Falken went to a heady duty three ply sidewall, which is available in a C rating. It was tedious work to get these mounted and I used 12 oz Eco balance beads in each tire. The combination is heavier than anything I've run before, which means a big brake kit will be needed. The balance beads work perfectly and there is no vibration at 70+ mph.
On the front I had to extend to a longer wheel stud and add a 1/2" spacer to get my wheel backspace dialed in. All is good now!
The longer studs, even with the spacer, also gave me more threads on the lug nuts. I even found an old set of wheel center caps that where a perfect fit. All is good now!
The longer studs, even with the spacer, also gave me more threads on the lug nuts. I even found an old set of wheel center caps that where a perfect fit. All is good now!
OneArmedSaint
Member 2026
That is a LOT of cables for the transfer/rubicrawler!! Your meticulous nature really shines through on the work Rich. Great job.
-Joe
-Joe
spnkzyj
Member 2026
All so gorgeous.On the front I had to extend to a longer wheel stud and add a 1/2" spacer to get my wheel backspace dialed in. All is good now!
The longer studs, even with the spacer, also gave me more threads on the lug nuts. I even found an old set of wheel center caps that where a perfect fit. All is good now!
Do you have a part number or something for those longer studs. Been wanting to do that for a couple years now and every time I dive in I get conflicting info. Was going to commit when I do the WJ conversion.
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Buy (Set of Ten Studs) 1" Longer Than Stock Wheel Stud Bolts for 1941-2018 Jeep Willys Wrangler CJ2 CJ3 CJ5 CJ7 CJ8 YJ TJ JK Cherokee Grand Cherokee Grand Wagoneer Liberty 1/2-20, .625" Knurl, 3" Long: Wheel Studs - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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To be clear, these were mated with a 1/2" spacer I needed to get the Backspace correct.
Thanks Joe. Hope all is well with you!
spnkzyj
Member 2026
I need to add about a 1/4" spacer, but I want more threads anyways. Racing with longer studs spoiled me in just getting wheel mounted quickly.
Working on small stuff that's sitting in boxes, and I've not done before. The upper rear panel is removable on the hardtop, so I pulled it to install a pivoting 18" light. It's tied into the door light switand can be turned on/off as desired.
FWIW, given a number of factors, this is planned to be my last TJ/LJ build. The focus here is on drawing on all the mistakes made in the past and being very clear on the expected outcomes, in terms of target numbers I'm working towards. The base plan is centered around building for maximum ground clearance, given the following criteria:
- 35" tires
- 10" shock travel
- 3" springs and 1.25" BL
- 18" belly height
After lots of work and iterations, including the addition of a 1" aluminum spring spacers up front, bump stop adjustments front and rear, and numerous other tweaks, I've squeezed out every bit of clearance possible within those parameters. Here's what the final numbers (all measurements are at the lowest point) look like:
Shock Travel
- Front 10", with 5" up and 5" down
- Rear 9.5", with 4.5" up and 5" down
Rear Differential Clearance = 10 7/8"
Front Differential Clearance = 10 7/8"
Gas Tank Skid Clearance = 17 5/8"
Front Bumper Clearance = 24 1/2"
Rear Bumper Clearance = 22"
Rocker Clearance = 24 7/8"
Steering Box Skid Clearance = 20 1/2"
Front Lower Control Arm Skid Clearance = 12 3/8"
Front Engine Skid Clearance = 17 7/8"
Transfer Case Skid Clearance = 18 1/2"
While I could probably squeeze out a little more rear shock travel with extensions on the lower rear factory shock mount, the tradeoff is reduced ground clearance. Leaving that alone, the numbers have come in where I wanted them and the overall performance is very, very good. While it's a dream to add a mid-arm, out-boarded shocks for additional travel, and more, this is a solid start, with very good reference numbers!
- 35" tires
- 10" shock travel
- 3" springs and 1.25" BL
- 18" belly height
After lots of work and iterations, including the addition of a 1" aluminum spring spacers up front, bump stop adjustments front and rear, and numerous other tweaks, I've squeezed out every bit of clearance possible within those parameters. Here's what the final numbers (all measurements are at the lowest point) look like:
Shock Travel
- Front 10", with 5" up and 5" down
- Rear 9.5", with 4.5" up and 5" down
Rear Differential Clearance = 10 7/8"
Front Differential Clearance = 10 7/8"
Gas Tank Skid Clearance = 17 5/8"
Front Bumper Clearance = 24 1/2"
Rear Bumper Clearance = 22"
Rocker Clearance = 24 7/8"
Steering Box Skid Clearance = 20 1/2"
Front Lower Control Arm Skid Clearance = 12 3/8"
Front Engine Skid Clearance = 17 7/8"
Transfer Case Skid Clearance = 18 1/2"
While I could probably squeeze out a little more rear shock travel with extensions on the lower rear factory shock mount, the tradeoff is reduced ground clearance. Leaving that alone, the numbers have come in where I wanted them and the overall performance is very, very good. While it's a dream to add a mid-arm, out-boarded shocks for additional travel, and more, this is a solid start, with very good reference numbers!