The Butters JK Build

Stotch · Mar 23, 2016

This is "Butters" back when it was new to me.

It is a 2009 6-speed with mostly stock X model components. From what I've gathered the previous owner didn't give a shit. Underneath the carpet was a bunch of garbage (chewing gum, cigarettes, sticky stuff...). It was a repo though, so that was all expected. It has a cheap coil spacer lift with no new links or shock extensions or anything else. Decent 16x8 Alluminum alloy wheels and new 305/70R16 Falken Wildpeaks.

FYI: I'm playing catch up. Most of this was done over the past year. I'm going to try to keep a build thread up to date from now on. As much for my own enjoyment as any of you I'm sure.

Any advice is always welcome.

Stotch · Mar 23, 2016

First Mod, Center Console and Clean!

Picked up a console from a junk yard for $75.
Old

New

Also tore up the shift knobs getting them off, so I got me some Rock Knobs!

Stotch · Mar 23, 2016

Top Hardware Repair and New Bestop

The stay pad/bow straps were all ripped up so I had to dremel off the old rivets and used tow straps to re-attach with some metal trim screws I picked up.

Sorry I don't have pictures of the rest. I also put in a new tinted window Bestop after. Made a huge difference!

BamBamDeer · Mar 23, 2016

Looks like you are well on your way to giving her the respect she deserves!

Stotch · Mar 23, 2016

Body Armor 4x4 Rocker Guards with Step

They look great. Really sturdy even though they are body mounted.

Stotch · Mar 23, 2016

Stubby Bumper Mod

Finally worked up the guts...
That's my dad's brand new 2016 JKUR HardRock (named Stryder) next to Butters.

Added caps, still cleaning it up...

This was the first write up I saw on WAL. Thanks everyone!

Stotch · Mar 23, 2016

DIY Self Disconnects

Still a work in progress... advice is welcome

Clevis pin, and washers

Stow brackets

tdougherty81 · Mar 23, 2016

Blairpod said:
Still a work in progress... advice is welcome
Clevis pin, and washers
View attachment 194329
Stow brackets
View attachment 194330
View attachment 194331

Those clevis pins are weak. I tried that route and ended up making these instead.

Grade 8 bolt cut and rounded with a hole drilled in it. Used for awhile with no issues until I upgraded.

Stotch · Mar 23, 2016

tdougherty81 said:
Those clevis pins are weak. I tried that route and ended up making these instead. View attachment 194348 Grade 8 bolt cut and rounded with a hole drilled in it. Used for awhile with no issues until I upgraded.

Those look good! I might have to give that a shot, they look like they would fit a little more snug. Is it a 7/16 bolt?

Stotch · Mar 25, 2016

Seat Belt Addition

Added a third seat belt for the back of the 2-door seat. It should work great for sqeezing in a nephew for a trail ride

You can see where I cut slots in the floor for the belts. Bonus: My DIY Hi-Lift jack mount!

Inside the under-floor storage where I bolted the belt onto the body.

Stotch · Apr 2, 2016

Trying the bare frame look in the rear. I'd still have some cleaning painting to do, but maybe with the EVO rear...

Stotch · Apr 4, 2016

JKUR coils and shocks!

Coils (17/59) and shocks were off a 2015 JKUR, new swaybar links too; $50 off craigslist. Lost about 1/2 inch going from the 2" BB, but now my geometry matches up a little better. It rides and steers like brand new too! Still 1 1/2" taller than stock

Stotch · Apr 25, 2016

Leveling

Chopped my 2" budget boost with a hand saw and put it back in the front to level it out. I was in a hurry so I didn't get many pictures, but I got this one right after I put them back in. Also put in some used rear sway bar links ($10 on CL) in the front; the sway bar is finally level!

Stotch · Apr 26, 2016

A couple of shots after leveling

notnalc68 · Apr 26, 2016

Blairpod said:
Added a third seat belt for the back of the 2-door seat. It should work great for sqeezing in a nephew for a trail ride
View attachment 194585
You can see where I cut slots in the floor for the belts. Bonus: My DIY Hi-Lift jack mount!
View attachment 194586
Inside the under-floor storage where I bolted the belt onto the body.
View attachment 194587

Those look like the vinyl seats in the '09 I had. Loved vinyl, because you're apt to get caught in the rain with the top down, where I live. Nice Jeep! It's good to see another 2-door build.

Stotch · Apr 27, 2016

notnalc68 said:
Those look like the vinyl seats in the '09 I had. Loved vinyl, because you're apt to get caught in the rain with the top down, where I live. Nice Jeep! It's good to see another 2-door build.

Thanks! I love being able to just wipe down the seats. Both my TJ and YJ had cloth seats, smelled like wet dog for days if I was caught in the rain.

Stotch · May 2, 2016

More Leveling and Extensions

Put in the front shock extensions and cut short coil spacers for the rear. Still waiting on the rear extensions and bump stops...

Then took it out for the weekend!

Stotch · May 16, 2016

EVO 1/4 Pounder Time!

Just put this on this weekend. Still waiting to get a winch and put the lights back on (probably a fairlead mount). Looking at a Warn M8000 on craigslist right now...