It is 15 years ago since I purchased my first Jeep a Wrangler TJ it was 3 months old, before I had even purchase the Wrangler I knew I was going to modify it. Up until that point I had always had Land Rovers, I had always wanted a Jeep but having moved on from the Series Land Rover onto the Defender I did not want to go back to leaf springs. I was at an off-road event at High Wycombe in 1996 with my girlfriend (now wife). She came over and told me about this Jeep that was giving a display in the arena, and how well it was going over the obstacles on its coil spring suspension, (after I explained to her that Jeeps used leaf springs, I then had to eat humble pies when she dragged me over to see) It was the new Jeep Wrangler TJ that was going to be launched in 1997, being driven by a gent call Barry Stellard from Jeep. After the display I went over to Barry to have a chat with him about the new Wrangler, after a long chat he invited me down to Dover were Jeep where based to have a look around.

So began my affair with the Wrangler and Jeep.

I still have my first Jade Wrangler a 4.0l Sport, over the years it has be lifted 3 times starting with a Pro-Comp kit which stayed on the vehicle for about 3 month, then moving onto Rubicon Express 4.5” short arm kit and then onto the Rubicon Express 5.5” long arm kit, which is still runs, it has many more modifications that I will list as this project evolves. Well I am sad to say that for the past 5 years it has sat in the corner of my yard being neglected, and somewhat forgotten about, as I have had other Jeeps (another TJ, a Cherokee XJ and a Wrangler JK) to play with, but I do miss driving it, and the looks it use get. So I have decided to give it a revamp and update.

So begins project Resurrection, progress will be slow, as I have to fit the work in between jobs and family (how things change!).

My first task is to get it started pull it out of the corner, and have a look over it, and start to make my list of parts that are going, parts that need servicing, and what is going to be updated/changed. High on my list is going to be a rear suspension, steering, and front axle. The TJ already has a lot of trick bits including an Atlas II transfer box, ARB lockers, Warn FWH conversion, Warn full floating rear axle conversion, and Currie Anti-Rock front anti roll bar. Full spec can be seen here. As ideas are formulated, and plans come together the project will be updated.

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