KOH Stock Class - Really Stock LJ Build

[FC4X4]

Here is the platform... a 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ). I have made no progress since purchasing the vehicle one week ago, other than planning the build and getting it weighed. Tear down will start this week and I will try to post my progress, but time is severely limited to be pimping my Pirate build thread. The Currie/Savvy LJ build certainly makes me envious, and I'm sure will work well, but I don't have a budget or plans to do anything like that to my Jeep. My goal is simply to pass the technical inspection and start racing! Anyone looking to Co-drive in this class? I'm also still looking for any interested sponsors... we're running about $6k short on our budget at this time.




I was actually surprised how light the Jeep was in its stock form.

1880lbs - Front
2140lbs - Rear
4020lbs - Total GVW

Plans include:

Stock 4.0L Motor, Stock 42RLE Trans, Stock Tcase
Safety Equipment to pass technical inspection
Dynatrac Pro-Rock Dana 60 Front. 35-spline, Chromoly, Yukon slugs, Detroit
Moser Dana 60 Rear. 35-spline, Chromoly, Semi-Float, Strange Spool, Disc Brakes.
5.5" Suspension Kit - TBD
Trailready 15x10 Beadlocks
35x13.5-15" BFG Krawlers
Vanco Hydroboost
Body Armor

[DOUG38S]

What do you have in mind for co driving? I was going to build one for this class but want to focus more on the main race and the race car. I wouldn't mind a little co dogging. Sounds like fun.

[FC4X4]

Well, I've never really written it down, but here goes. I thought it would be easier to get a co-dawg from my group of wheeling friends here, but it's all work-this and money-that from the three folks I've talked to.


1) Someone who can commit to being on the lakebed starting Friday morning, February 3rd and can stay through the race on Sunday, the 5th.

2) Must have a valid driver's license.

3) Must have experience in driving and spotting in the rocks.

4) Must be in good physical condition to handle not only to riding in the Jeep for the duration of the race, but to pull winch cable for my low and long LJ on 35s.

5) Must have their own racing helmet & firesuit present at technical inspection and the race.

6) Should be able to operate a GPS & Race Radio.

7) Everyone's heard it... there's no free ride. I'm looking for someone who can help with the remainder of the entry fee and RV Rental (if they don't already have their own accomodations). Other plusses might be someone who could help supply or loan items which I do not yet have for the race, such as a vehicle to pre-run, a large screen GPS, in-car radio, winch, etc. I guess the total amount of monetary committment could vary widely depending on what else you can bring to the table. If you can provide a lot of gear, or a lot of time prior to the event money would be less of an issue. I am a little hesitant about getting a co-driver from the internet, but time is wearing thin. Final registration is due on 12/15/11.

Thanks for your interest... please PM me if this sounds reasonable.

[Team Willys]

I would be down but We won't be getting there in time, plus like so many others I just don't have the money to throw around to be a co-bitch lol. We are starting a build of our own for next years every man challenge.

Which brings up the question... How the hell do after market 60s qualify your rig as being a "really stock LJ" lol. Not saying I wouldn't do the same If I had the funds, but the title isn't so fitting in my opinion. I fully expected a D30 front 44/8.8 rear or some type of junkyard axles. Props to you for having a big check book but its a shame to see this class already turning into a $50,000 rig event. The goal of this was to keep it cheaper and smaller so "every man" willing would have a shot.

Im not being rude or trying to call you out by any means, heck, yours is pretty stock compared to the Savvy build, but I think you understand my point. You are fully within the rules of the class so I say go for it if you can afford it.

[DOUG38S]

Originally Posted by FC4X4

1) Someone who can commit to being on the lakebed starting Friday morning, February 3rd and can stay through the race on Sunday, the 5th.

Was leaving MD on Wednesday. Probably getting in Saturday or Friday.

2) Must have a valid driver's license.

Unless they arrest me before I get to CA

3) Must have experience in driving and spotting in the rocks.

Not a problem

4) Must be in good physical condition to handle not only to riding in the Jeep for the duration of the race, but to pull winch cable for my low and long LJ on 35s.

Not a problem

5) Must have their own racing helmet & firesuit present at technical inspection and the race.

I got extras if we need them.

6) Should be able to operate a GPS & Race Radio.

Not a problem.

7) Everyone's heard it... there's no free ride. I'm looking for someone who can help with the remainder of the entry fee and RV Rental (if they don't already have their own accomodations). Other plusses might be someone who could help supply or loan items which I do not yet have for the race, such as a vehicle to pre-run, a large screen GPS, in-car radio, winch, etc. I guess the total amount of monetary committment could vary widely depending on what else you can bring to the table. If you can provide a lot of gear, or a lot of time prior to the event money would be less of an issue. I am a little hesitant about getting a co-driver from the internet, but time is wearing thin. Final registration is due on 12/15/11.

I'm not interested in paying your way. Its too much of a logistical nightmare of my own getting there with dollars and cents. I am interested in racing and helping a team race at a high level. If your interested in a guy thats done the KOH race once or twice (5 years now) I'd be interested. Might even have a sponsor or two that can help. Probably can help in other areas, pit support, etc but its shy of 10k to do the race right for us and that doesnt include getting the rig ready.

My resume: http://offroadpress.com/2011/11/spot...-doug-bigelow/

Thanks for your interest... please PM me if this sounds reasonable.

Bigelow

[mwilken03]

Originally Posted by FC4X4

Well, I've never really written it down, but here goes. I thought it would be easier to get a co-dawg from my group of wheeling friends here, but it's all work-this and money-that from the three folks I've talked to.


1) Someone who can commit to being on the lakebed starting Friday morning, February 3rd and can stay through the race on Sunday, the 5th.

2) Must have a valid driver's license.

3) Must have experience in driving and spotting in the rocks.

4) Must be in good physical condition to handle not only to riding in the Jeep for the duration of the race, but to pull winch cable for my low and long LJ on 35s.

5) Must have their own racing helmet & firesuit present at technical inspection and the race.

6) Should be able to operate a GPS & Race Radio.

7) Everyone's heard it... there's no free ride. I'm looking for someone who can help with the remainder of the entry fee and RV Rental (if they don't already have their own accomodations). Other plusses might be someone who could help supply or loan items which I do not yet have for the race, such as a vehicle to pre-run, a large screen GPS, in-car radio, winch, etc. I guess the total amount of monetary committment could vary widely depending on what else you can bring to the table. If you can provide a lot of gear, or a lot of time prior to the event money would be less of an issue. I am a little hesitant about getting a co-driver from the internet, but time is wearing thin. Final registration is due on 12/15/11.

Thanks for your interest... please PM me if this sounds reasonable.

Im guessing you dont know who Doug Bigelow is? LMAO!

[easyspops]

Doug, you're way overqualified, and FC4x4's 6K is probably a short estimate. He's got a great looking Jeep, and it would be fun for a while, but how long before you grabbed the wheel Doug?

Doug's focus in a race won't center on keeping your bodywork straight. Doug doesn't go to the races with a goal just to pass "tech". Doug gets in a car to win, not to joy ride, not to sightsee, not to come in second. Pick someone else, your Jeeps way too pretty to let Doug even near it.

FC4x4, don't get me wrong, Doug's a great guy, but if you last 11 miles before he rips your seatbelts apart, and throws you out of your Jeep, I'd be suprised.

[fuggy]

Originally Posted by easyspops

Doug, you're way overqualified, and FC4x4's 6K is probably a short estimate. He's got a great looking Jeep, and it would be fun for a while, but how long before you grabbed the wheel Doug?

Doug's focus in a race won't center on keeping your bodywork straight. Doug doesn't go to the races with a goal just to pass "tech". Doug gets in a car to win, not to joy ride, not to sightsee, not to come in second. Pick someone else, your Jeeps way too pretty to let Doug even near it.

FC4x4, don't get me wrong, Doug's a great guy, but if you last 11 miles before he rips your seatbelts apart, and throws you out of your Jeep, I'd be suprised.

I disagree. Doug would be a great co-dawg to have for this race and has put in his time on the Hammer Trails. I could see the stock LJ being the biggest limiting factor in the decision due to limited test and seat time in a 'new' rig. Just pre-running with Doug could prove invaluable in this race.

[FC4X4]

Originally Posted by Team Willys

Which brings up the question... How the hell do after market 60s qualify your rig as being a "really stock LJ" lol. Not saying I wouldn't do the same If I had the funds, but the title isn't so fitting in my opinion. I fully expected a D30 front 44/8.8 rear or some type of junkyard axles. Props to you for having a big check book but its a shame to see this class already turning into a $50,000 rig event. The goal of this was to keep it cheaper and smaller so "every man" willing would have a shot.

Im not being rude or trying to call you out by any means, heck, yours is pretty stock compared to the Savvy build, but I think you understand my point. You are fully within the rules of the class so I say go for it if you can afford it.

Well, I've been running these aftermarket 60s in my POS trail rig for the last four or five years, which took me years and years to upgrade to. I do not have a "big check book". Quite the contrary, I would expect that I will be trying to run this race on one of the lowest budgets out there. Look at the Savvy build... there's no way that if you count all of the parts, fabrication, and experience that is going into that rig that it was done for only $50k.

My comments about really stock relates more to things like the body, motor, transmission, steering, etc... all of which have ZERO mods. I guess I consider 60s to be standard fare these days.

[FC4X4]

Originally Posted by mwilken03

Im guessing you dont know who Doug Bigelow is? LMAO!

Nope... sure didn't... until after I posted! Oh well, it's spelled out now for anyone who is interested... we needed to start the discussion somewhere.

[FC4X4]

Originally Posted by easyspops

Doug, you're way overqualified, and FC4x4's 6K is probably a short estimate. He's got a great looking Jeep, and it would be fun for a while, but how long before you grabbed the wheel Doug?

Doug's focus in a race won't center on keeping your bodywork straight. Doug doesn't go to the races with a goal just to pass "tech". Doug gets in a car to win, not to joy ride, not to sightsee, not to come in second. Pick someone else, your Jeeps way too pretty to let Doug even near it.

FC4x4, don't get me wrong, Doug's a great guy, but if you last 11 miles before he rips your seatbelts apart, and throws you out of your Jeep, I'd be suprised.

Doug is obviously over-qualified to co-drive for an in-experienced driver in the stock class. If he's interested in doing it for fun, or practice, or whatever though... I say more power to him!

I never said I could race for $6k. I said that I'm $6k short of my budget. I have about a $17k budget for both vehicle mods & the week of the race. After I subtract the money from the one local sponsor I have been able to attract and the money I'm putting in, I'm still falling $6k short.

Here's a quick shot of the body on my recently parted-out trail rig. I have no concerns about mechanical and body damage.



I never cared about the body on that thing and I have zero expectactions of bringing back my "new" LJ in one piece. I'm fine with both mechanical and body damage if it's in an effort to be competitive. I don't want anyone to think that I lack a competitive spirit... I am competitive, but realistic. If you think I'm going to be running in the front of the pack with a stock motor after starting 39th in the race... the first race of my life... I think you would be mistaken. I'm fine with that, but it doesn't mean I won't be working my ass off before and during the race. I'm trying to gain some seat time and experience to get started competing at a higher level. I went to KOH last year for the first time and was floored. I followed it up by helping out at BITD in Vegas. It quickly became apparent to me that I did not have the means to compete at this level and that's why I'm so excited Dave Cole put together stock class racing for this coming year.

I am glad I posted up and got the discussion moving!

[FC4X4]

Originally Posted by fuggy

i disagree. Doug would be a great co-dawg to have for this race and has put in his time on the hammer trails. I could see the stock lj being the biggest limiting factor in the decision due to limited test and seat time in a 'new' rig. Just pre-running with doug could prove invaluable in this race.

agreed!

[DOUG38S]

Originally Posted by easyspops

Doug, you're way overqualified, and FC4x4's 6K is probably a short estimate. He's got a great looking Jeep, and it would be fun for a while, but how long before you grabbed the wheel Doug?

Doug's focus in a race won't center on keeping your bodywork straight. Doug doesn't go to the races with a goal just to pass "tech". Doug gets in a car to win, not to joy ride, not to sightsee, not to come in second. Pick someone else, your Jeeps way too pretty to let Doug even near it.

FC4x4, don't get me wrong, Doug's a great guy, but if you last 11 miles before he rips your seatbelts apart, and throws you out of your Jeep, I'd be suprised.

You crack me up. I seriously doubt it would be 11 miles. Probably the first 2.

[FC4X4]

Welcome to the team, Doug. This is gonna rock!

[DOUG38S]

Let's do this. Looking forward to making this LJ rock. If it works out like I think it is going to with sponsors this is going to be an absolute beast of machine. Looking forward to this as much as the main race.

First up. Bulldog Winch is on board as they have been with my team for a long time now. In a race that could be determined by who has the fastest winch I'm looking forward to putting the new Alpha Series line-up on the front of this LJ. Gonna be fun!

[MT4Runner]

Originally Posted by DOUG38S

I've got a great headlamp and have been eating Vitamin A supplements like M&M's to boost my night vision. I figure you can save $$$$ by eliminating the electrical system in your LJ.

Pick me!

Originally Posted by easyspops

Doug's focus in a race won't center on keeping your bodywork straight. Doug doesn't go to the races with a goal just to pass "tech". Doug gets in a car to win, not to joy ride, not to sightsee, not to come in second. Pick someone else, your Jeeps way too pretty to let Doug even near it.

FC4x4, don't get me wrong, Doug's a great guy, but if you last 11 miles before he rips your seatbelts apart, and throws you out of your Jeep, I'd be suprised.

[Bigburlynakedguy]

The best co-drivers are good drivers. Just sayin.

[DOUG38S]

Originally Posted by MT4Runner

Was that your headlamp I borrowed last year?

[lxh0318]

Glad to hear you guys are teaming up!

[FC4X4]

Thanks, Loren. Started the teardown today...

[Provelogear]

You have a bunch of work to do in 61 days! Good luck and hope to see you on the lakebed!

Gerald

[ne14jpn]

Originally Posted by FC4X4

Attachment 637225

I wish I NEVER did this to my '03

[FC4X4]

Originally Posted by ne14jpn

I wish I NEVER did this to my '03

Why is that? BTW, will try to get you pics of that Supercharger tomorrow.

[DOUG38S]

Because it was destroyed in less than three years.

[M&C_TJ]

should be interesting to see the results. good luck out there.