It started life as a stock 05 Rubicon LJ. KMA is in the process of stretching the rear axle back 5". Adding 14" coilovers up front and Rubicon Express 2.5" Progressive rate coils. The coils will be mounted on custom coil mounts made by KMA for a total of 4" of lift. We are planning on using Genright rear shock mounts and 2" King Emulsion shocks with a 14" stroke. KMA is in the process of building the cage and custom fenders. KMA Fab is a great custom fab shop and I am loving the progress they are making. KMA is using a Rubicon Express long arm lift and then tweaking to meet the needs of the vehicle. Keeping the stock 44's and adding 35 spline and an ARB to the rear and RCV up front, I know I am pushing it here but when it breaks, it will get built stronger.

Here is the cage so far, it still needs a few bars. The cage is being made out of DOM.


http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/8662/dsc02815b.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/dsc02815b.jpg/)
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/6170/dsc02835r.jpg (http://img80.imageshack.us/i/dsc02835r.jpg/)
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3616/dsc02837sa.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/i/dsc02837sa.jpg/)
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9244/dsc02840z.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/i/dsc02840z.jpg/)
http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/3624/dsc02845x.jpg (http://img685.imageshack.us/i/dsc02845x.jpg/)

The fenders are made of 3/16" steel and will allow me to run 40" tires as soon as my wallet can afford them and new axles.
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7585/dsc02433o.jpg (http://img228.imageshack.us/i/dsc02433o.jpg/)
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3559/dsc02430r.jpg (http://img256.imageshack.us/i/dsc02430r.jpg/)
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/80/dsc02426c.jpg (http://img263.imageshack.us/i/dsc02426c.jpg/)
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6297/dsc02428n.jpg (http://img265.imageshack.us/i/dsc02428n.jpg/)

Cool idea on the fenders.



V

The fenders are KMA's. I knew I wanted the radius but Scott came up with this look.

Here is a shot of the coil mounts. Scott cut out the gas tank cross member and moved it back 5" then built a new body mount. It came out sweet.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8613/dsc02285v.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/i/dsc02285v.jpg/)
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/2544/bodymount.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/bodymount.jpg/)

Very cool idea on the fenders, dig the LJ stretch :D

can you post up some more detailed pics of the fenders? I am getting ready to do some for my CJ and like the idea.:smokin:

Fenders started with a formed steel inner then KMA sized up the flare, then trimmed the fender for fitting the flare. The entire fender is made of 3/16 and is very strong. The inner still needs to be built and a plastic add on extension to the flare will be added for street driving. Goal is a unique usable flare. One of the things that bothers me with some many tube fenders is that the front and rear flares don't match in height so of course mine will be the same height thanks to KMA.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8804/20100429144250.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/20100429144250.jpg/) http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/6162/dsc02438s.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/i/dsc02438s.jpg/)
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/899/20100429144351.jpg (http://img696.imageshack.us/i/20100429144351.jpg/) http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2130/dsc02433u.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/i/dsc02433u.jpg/)

Keep going...
Good job. :eek:

Got some goodies
Rubicon Express 2.5" rear progressive rate coils
King 2" Emulsion 14" shocks for the rear
King 2" Emulsion 14" coilovers for the front

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/7984/dsc03060o.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/dsc03060o.jpg/)
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1410/dsc03051e.jpg (http://img143.imageshack.us/i/dsc03051e.jpg/)

Those springs look a little soft for the front... :D


Build looks great, the front fenders are very interesting and unique. Love the cage work.

yeh the fenders are top notch... ive thought about doing something similar a while ago but it didnt come to fruition. they look like the old power wagons trimmed down heh. like it :smokin:

Thanks guys its coming along. I guess I will ad some more coils to the coilovers.
Rubicon Express lift tweaked a little by KMA Fabrication to be made into a 4 link. RE 2.5" progressive rate coils. We will be installing Genrights shock mounts tomorrow to house the king 14" shocks.
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/764/20100504172547.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/i/20100504172547.jpg/)
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2316/20100504172558.jpg (http://img249.imageshack.us/i/20100504172558.jpg/)

Holy shit, those are the longest 2.5" rear coils I've ever seen. It still doesn't look like you'll have a problem unseating them, though.....

What's the rate on the two sections of that coil?

I really like the front fenders I dont know if they are for me but I really like them.

Im liking the front fenders. good job man

Interesting build. Looking forward to the progress build.

By interesting I mean great build, very unique, IMHO.

looks good. what are you doing for a fuel tank?

Love your fenders but dont understand whow the progressive rate rear springs work if the bottom section has gone solid already and the jeep is just sitting at rest. Can you tell me what rates you had them made? Is the rear unusually heavy for a TJ?
I'm not knocking your build just trying to get a grasp on the benefits of the rear springs in your setup. I have progressive rear coils and like them and think they will be even better once i finish my rear bumper/tire carrier and load with tools. Btw my rear coil's soft section doesn't go solid til about 2" of compression past ride height. Again like the build ~ Huck

The coils are Rubicon Express 2.5" progressive rate coils. They are designed for a minimal lift but to have the ability to stretch out when not under a load so that they don't slip off the coil buckets or limit flex.

Suspension shots - Cut through the frame on rear. KMA installed a 1" body lift but when cut through the frame moved the back section of frame up to fit the standard body mounts for a better departure angle. In these pics, testing tweaked Rubicon Express suspension, everything is tacked. We are adding gussets to the rear frame cut through. Both axles are getting 19-20% of angle flex.
Frame Cut through-will add gussets
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9948/dsc03118dr.jpg (http://img248.imageshack.us/i/dsc03118dr.jpg/)
2" Body lift
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/4095/dsc03120g.jpg (http://img404.imageshack.us/i/dsc03120g.jpg/)
1" body mount in rear
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1156/dsc03121m.jpg (http://img256.imageshack.us/i/dsc03121m.jpg/)
Rear RE suspension and sway bar
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/8764/rearjy.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/rearjy.jpg/)
Rear flex
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/459/dsc03126w.jpg (http://img24.imageshack.us/i/dsc03126w.jpg/)
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9895/dsc03136k.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/i/dsc03136k.jpg/)
Front trackbar bracket
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9345/dsc03152g.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/i/dsc03152g.jpg/)
Front coilover mounts
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/1512/dsc03161m.jpg (http://img641.imageshack.us/i/dsc03161m.jpg/)
Front flex
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1244/dsc03166d.jpg (http://img163.imageshack.us/i/dsc03166d.jpg/)
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/8814/dsc03167i.jpg (http://img341.imageshack.us/i/dsc03167i.jpg/)

Sweetttttttt

sexy fenders! i really like how it looks different and the tires fit snug in

The coils are Rubicon Express 2.5" progressive rate coils. They are designed for a minimal lift but to have the ability to stretch out when not under a load so that they don't slip off the coil buckets or limit flex. Would you happen to know there static lenght? It looks about 16". I dont think their acutual purpose is to act as a tender. Progressives are supposed to improve the ride when driving with light or heavy loads also ride better on big and little bumps. Because i was fearfull of having springs drop out of there perches in the front i had custom coils made with a extra light rate (110#'s)that were also designed with a static lenght of 25". They provide about 4.5" of up travel and dont lean the jeep over when front end is climbing an obstical with only 1 front tire at a time. The rear progressives are a little stiffer and help control body sway. If you wouldnt mind please pm me after youve had these out and tell me what you think. Might come in handy on another project.

sexy fenders! i really like how it looks different and the tires fit snug in They are definetly cool looking but can you turn much while articulated without lots of rubing?

I talked to Rubicon Express and the springs are designed to have the lower springs touching each other under just the load of the jeep. They are right at about 12.5" with out a load and provide 2.5" of height with their bucket. We are getting about 4" of lift with upper coil buckets that KMA made. I will keep you up to date as we get them on the trail. Testing with the jack leads us to believe we are going to have a full turning radius with no rubbage by adding a 1/2" of height or bump stops. Shown at full compression with shock bottomed out.

Gas tank mounting, cut out the rear cross member and replace with 2x2" tubing to raise the gas tank. Added shock hoop support that also supports the front of the gas tank.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/939/tanktq.jpg (http://img263.imageshack.us/i/tanktq.jpg/)

Sounds good and like you're on it . Id' hope RE is smarter than me, afterall thats their business. I'm hoping to finish the last little bugs on my LJ and get it out for a shake down this weekend but with Mothers day who knows. Good luck with your build ~Huck

Cool build. I bet your welder was tired after those fenders. Both welder (machine) and welder (person).

Welders were warmed up thats for sure. lol

KMA made a custom front bumper to match the rest of the build.
Rear fenders made of 3/16" steel.
More to come.
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8871/20100517150234.jpg (http://img139.imageshack.us/i/20100517150234.jpg/)
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4665/20100517150246.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/i/20100517150246.jpg/)
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/2658/dsc03200k.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/i/dsc03200k.jpg/)
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/4251/dsc03206em.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/dsc03206em.jpg/)
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3195/dsc03207u.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/dsc03207u.jpg/)
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/6810/dsc03198v.jpg (http://img268.imageshack.us/i/dsc03198v.jpg/)
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/9923/dsc03217k.jpg (http://img715.imageshack.us/i/dsc03217k.jpg/)
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9958/dsc03220o.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/i/dsc03220o.jpg/)

Drove it for the first time. It drives great but needs a Hemi. Thanks to KMA Fabrication for a great build, can't wait until its finished.
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/9837/20100602141551.jpg (http://img44.imageshack.us/i/20100602141551.jpg/)
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/841/20100602141637.jpg (http://img692.imageshack.us/i/20100602141637.jpg/)
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9693/20100602142147.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/i/20100602142147.jpg/)
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/489/20100602142315.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/i/20100602142315.jpg/)
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/811/20100602142331.jpg (http://img143.imageshack.us/i/20100602142331.jpg/)
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/8522/20100602142340.jpg (http://img44.imageshack.us/i/20100602142340.jpg/)
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/867/dsc03383m.jpg (http://img266.imageshack.us/i/dsc03383m.jpg/)
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/2627/dsc03385l.jpg (http://img52.imageshack.us/i/dsc03385l.jpg/)
http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/6774/dsc03387h.jpg (http://img576.imageshack.us/i/dsc03387h.jpg/)
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/3312/dsc03389k.jpg (http://img706.imageshack.us/i/dsc03389k.jpg/)

Looks really good. I like the "needs a Hemi" comment...dont they all. :D

Very nice. Those fenders are sweet!

Damn fine looking jeep, I'll agree the fenders are nice as hell. I'd just like to figure out why my welder which is nearly identical to yours wont make beads like that. :bawling:

I'd like to see those coils flexed out . . .

Wow it came out great. In love with the fenders

I'd like to see those coils flexed out . . .

Will try and get you some pics of the rear coils working. Found out the Genright sway bar is to stiff for flex but drives great on the road, it is easy enough to remove one arm for crawling. KMA is going to french some lights in the fenders and build inner fenders, then I will get everything powdercoated.

Touching base on the build. Wheeled it today. Front sway bar is a tera flex that was unlocked. Damn thing squeaks like crazy but allows good flex. The rear Genright sway bar limits too much when connected but drives so great on the street. Any ideas other than removing one link when I get to the trail would be appreciated. Few pics so you can see what I mean with rear swaybar hooked up.
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/5146/20100630155930.jpg (http://img697.imageshack.us/i/20100630155930.jpg/)
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4334/20100630160116.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/i/20100630160116.jpg/)
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/9250/20100630160105.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/20100630160105.jpg/)

Looks good, bet your glad you sold the jk for the LJ

Looks good, bet your glad you sold the jk for the LJ

After wheelin 4 door jk's, 2 door jk's, TJ's and LJ's I have found they all have there strength's and weaknesses. I am really enjoying this LJ and am building because I loved my last LJ, but I am truly amazed how well the JK's wheel with minor alterations. JK's are perfect daily driver/ wheelers for the weekend warrior. But to build extreme a LJ is a very nice way to go. Thanks to KMA Fabrication (http://www.kmafabrication.com) for all the help.

Cage got coated today. Check out the cup holders. Thanks KMA
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1232/20100707193553.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/i/20100707193553.jpg/)
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/4095/20100707193629.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/20100707193629.jpg/)
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4756/20100707193643.jpg (http://img705.imageshack.us/i/20100707193643.jpg/)
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/6492/20100707193657.jpg (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/20100707193657.jpg/)
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5770/20100707193710.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/i/20100707193710.jpg/)
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7776/20100707193722.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/i/20100707193722.jpg/)

Any updates on this rig? Do you have a part number on the progressive coils? I can't seem to find one and am also wondering if they make them in a front application too.

Damn good looking rig :smokin:

That rear view must be to check out some of those 'larger woman'. :laughing:

Looking Good! keep it up.

They don't make a front
Any updates on this rig? Do you have a part number on the progressive coils? I can't seem to find one and am also wondering if they make them in a front application too.

Damn good looking rig :smokin:

I have removed the mirror. I kept thinking I was drunk, I was seeing three of everything.
That rear view must be to check out some of those 'larger woman'. :laughing:

Looking Good! keep it up.

Added tubing a lights to the fenders. Got everything powdercoated and painted.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8199/imag0040rq.jpg
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3253/imag0061va.jpg
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/8584/imag0067sd.jpg
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/8835/imag0072nr.jpg
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/3010/imag0080n.jpg
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/5926/imag0037xh.jpg
http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/9514/imag0028rn.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8230/imag0026qr.jpg



Jeeps is finished, so its up for sale. ADDICTED TO THE BUILD.

Cool idea on the rock lights! You should post that in the "all about the little things" post