The Black Pearl

[TheBlackPearl]

So after a few comments from some WJ owners at Grand Slam West who shall remain nameless. And after seeing the problems that some of the jeeps had at GSW I finally know which way I am going with my 2000 WJ.


SO without further adieu (and because I only have 1 year before the unveiling at GSW 2012). My build is finally beginning! .........
I give you the start of The Black Pearl!!
This is in 2010 right after I got Her.
The specs:
Black 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
4.7L V8

This is Her now. (June 2011)
upgrades thus far include:
255/75R17 BFG's on factory 2009 Rubicon Moabs
S4xC Shackle mounts
S4xC Illuminator light bar (w/o lights)
S4xC Hi-Lift mount
S4xc Antenna mount
Short Ram intake
Custom Exhaust


Future Upgrades planned for this year:
Dana 60 Rear axle with 5.13 gears and ARB air locker
Dana 44 Heavy Duty Front axle with 5.13 gears and ARB air locker
37" KM2s on SpyderLock Beadlocks
High clearance custom front bumper with fully recessed winch
High clearance custom rear bumper with roof rack mounted swing-up tire carrier
Rock sliders
Roof Rack
4 - Hella Black Magic lights

I am planning to start the clean up on the rear 60 tomorrow. will post pictures and updates of progress.

Thanks to Shinobi and Woody and Grakee and Arlo for the motivation to out do them for GSW 2012

[TheBlackPearl]

So I actually got some work in today on the dana 60 rear.

[TheBlackPearl]

I was originally going to re-gear and put a locker in the 60 but since the original 4.10s and the Limited slip is still in great shape and because a small fundage set back. I think I will clean it up and do a disc brake conversion and run as-is for awhile.

[TheBlackPearl]

After a good day. got the factory suspension stuff off and got most of the rust and dust cleaned off and it is ready for new parts. Then I will set it aside and start on the front 44.

[Jeeptech01]

Man that diff is in nice shape. What are your plans for the suspension?

[TheBlackPearl]

Thanks I picked it and the Heavy Duty 44 front up for $200 in Denver needless to say I'm very happy with the purchase. As far as suspension I am going to build a custom 6.5"-7" triangulated 4 link that stretches the wheel base by around 6" (3 front, 3 back) so that I can clear 37" KM2s.

[Jeeptech01]

Cool. You'll need to think about moving the gas tank then too. There are some good tank lifts here. Look at the Blue Submarine build.

[TheBlackPearl]

Yeah thanks I'm actually going to design a bolt on kit to sell on my website so others that want to do the tank lift that are challenged in the tool area can buy and install.

[TheBlackPearl]

Hopefully next weekend I can get the tank lift done we will see!!

[Jeeptech01]

IIRC mine took me two evenings to complete on my old WJ.

[1ABrian]

lookin good. cant wait to watch the custom suspension build

[TheBlackPearl]

Thanks. I will post up pics as the parts roll in. May take a few months due to new job and wifeys New York trip.

[TheBlackPearl]

Just an update. After the wife's New York trip, I started to save up for the parts to build my jeep. But of course life got in the way again and we moved into a new place. And now we have Christmas coming up. So my build is set to recommence in January. We will start to design and prototype the front and rear bumpers and possible sliders next weekend. We should have them ready for purchase before GSW 2012.

[TheBlackPearl]

Ok so things did not go quite as planned but I am happy with it so far. I started with a Rough Country 4" and 35's. This was ok but problematic when trying to stuff KM2's. So i removed the RC 4" and installed a Iron Rock Offroad 6.5" Critical path kit (thanks Kristen) and it is awesome. I am currently working on the rear tire carrier and the rock sliders and should have them done and be able to test them before GSW in June. If everything tests ok then they will be unveiled at GSW.

[Steel City ZJ]

Still doing the axles? IRO's front arms are designed around the 30.

[Cnolen]

Updates?