u/Moonshinexxx

First…

I dig the plus print featured in the new advertising pics. Is it available on Printables?

The gray premium vinyl is a pretty good match to the factory decals! Wish the touch up that was done who knows when matched as well!😝

It’s that time… My ‘04 LJ has grown some ventilation holes in the bottom of the windshield frame so I’d like to replace it. I’ve seen windshield frames with pricing all over the place, so I wanted to ask y’all for recommendations before buying something that I might pay too much for, put too much work into, or going for a perceived “deal” that doesn’t fit well.

As always, thanks for the help!

Got the custom caps installed and I’m digging it!

Operation Shitbox is finally starting to come together! 🤘

After a mountain of upgrades and repairs, it’s now sitting on 33x10.50R15 Mickey Thompson MTZs, a Rusty’s Off-Road 3” Advanced Lift Kit, and a brand-new Bestop soft top. Doesn’t really look like it, but it’s come a long way from the day I brought it home.

I’ve still got about $1 million worth of upgrades left on the list (or at least it feels that way 😅), but that’ll happen in due time.

For now, I’m just enjoying driving it. I’m digging this thing more every day!

Next round out planned mods will be a new front bumper and some lighting upgrades, so stay tuned!

Excuse me if I’ve overlooked an obvious resource, but where can I get these collets (purple arrow)? I’m missing one on my Core One + handle and the PTFE won’t stay put and it’s driving me crazy! The side filament gizmo is kinda wonky anyway, so this just adds to my frustration with each filament change…

I figured I could print one but I can’t find a file in the printed parts and I couldn’t find them for sale on Prusa’s or Partsbuilt’s sites.

Thanks for the help!

Hope to get “Operation Shitbox” off the lift and back home today! I got this 2004 LJ about a month ago with the intent of having a fun weekend cruiser that would be a capable trail rig as well.

I had a Rusty’s Advanced 3” lift installed along with one of their steering stabilizers, bunch of new parts (valve cover gasket, rear calipers, brake lines, steering components, radiator hose, new Bestop, etc) and a new set of 33x10.50/15 5 MT Baja Legend MTZ tires!

My main goal is for it to be mechanically sound for years of enjoyment; by no means do I envision it as being restored to showroom new EVER, but I’m sure I’ll continue to mod/fix/repair/upgrade along the way.

I’ll see y’all out there!

Hope to get “Operation Shitbox” off the lift and back home today! I got this LJ about a month ago with the intent of having a fun weekend cruiser that would be a capable trail rig as well.

I had a Rusty’s Advanced 3” lift installed along with one of their steering stabilizers, bunch of new parts (valve cover gasket, rear calipers, brake lines, steering components, radiator hose, new Bestop, etc) and a new set of 33x10.50/15 5 MT Baja Legend MTZ tires!

My main goal is for it to be mechanically sound for years of enjoyment; by no means do I envision it as being restored to showroom new EVER, but I’m sure I’ll continue to mod/fix/repair/upgrade along the way.

I’ll see y’all out there!

If we’re gonna drive a buggy, it might as well have a little Moonshine Leatherworks on it!

The first “mod” to Operation Shitbox (new to me ‘04 LJ) worked, but it wasn’t done the way it should’ve been...

So I did it proper: harness leather pulls that will probably outlast the Jeep!

Last pic shows the factory setup that’s worked just fine for 22 years, but Rolls Royce isn’t the only luxury coach builder now…

The first “upgrade” to the LJ - fixed the passenger door limiting strap with a $5,000 sewing machine to save a $5 part.

Peak Jeep ownership…

Just got this ‘04 LJ yesterday and I’m itching to do some mods/upgrades already!

KNOWN ISSUES

The frame has the usual rust, but I’m hoping it’s not gonna be too much.

The body has some rust as well, but so far the windshield frame is the only major issue.

Small oil leak that I’m hoping is coming from the valve cover.

PLANNED UPGRADES

3”-4” lift kit - any suggestions for a quality lower-cost kit will be appreciated!

33”-35” tires - depends on how much lift it gets.

Got a new in the box MK3S+ that I was gonna build stock but I thought since I’m in the perfect place to start the 3.5S conversion I’ll just proceed vs. building stock then immediately swapping everything after printing a Benchy.

Upgrade parts have been printed on the MK4S, along with upgraded MK4 style Z motor mounts that have already been installed. Haribo has been an arranged per the online assembly instructions. Eating the first 10 per step 11 shortly…

TLDR - I realize I’m a few years late to the game, but these kits are fun and rewarding so I’ve got that going for me…