Truly transformed, this 1997...
Truly transformed, this 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ is now well-equipped for trail use. Along with Skyjacker's Rock Ready I bent-arm long-arm system, the rig is outfitted with body armor from M.O.R.E., 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain KM2 tires, and Skyjacker's RockLock sway bar.
Since the all-new Jeep Wrangler JK was introduced as a 2007 model, more and more Jeep Wrangler TJs have come up for sale in most areas of the USA. These Jeeps are great, easy-to-moderate trail runners in stock form and can be easily built using bolt-on parts to conquer more extreme trails. After a short search through the local classifieds, a 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ was discovered for a very acceptable price.
Sticking to a plan of using bolt-on parts for this particular build, we came across Skyjacker's new Rock Ready I bent-arm long-arm suspension system. As noted, the system uses arched (bent) control arms to help increase ground clearance and approach angle. The kit uses Skyjacker's NG (Next Generation) rod ends, which feature an internally rebuildable design and new pivot plus inserts for maximum articulation. The arms themselves are manufactured from DOM tube and are 80-percent longer than the stock arms and much stronger. The Rock Ready I kit includes all of the necessary parts for a clean installation. Parts include the 1/4-inch-wall bent long arms with rod ends, front and rear adjustable track bars, an integrated two-piece sub frame assembly, relocated control arm mounts, new coil springs, and longer brake lines. The Rock ready kit was also further complimented with use of Skyjacker's RockLock sway bar system.
To continue the bolt-on nature of the build we contacted M.O.R.E. for a set of its front and rear body armor fenders with flat fender flares. The fenders look great with the lift in place and help open up the fenders a bit for the 35-inch BFG KM2 tires. M.O.R.E. also supplied one if its RockProof front bumpers.
With so many bolt-on parts available it's easy to see that creating a well-equipped Wrangler TJ is not at all a difficult proposition. Manufacturers' such as Skyjacker, M.O.R.E., and Mastercraft have accounted for the fact that some vehicle owners may desire tackling their own installations and have built such possibility in to the components they manufacture. Special tools or skills aren't necessarily required to achieve the desired results, provided you have some experience using hand tools and can follow well-written directions.
Check out the following photos and captions to explore the finer points of the installations, and to get a better idea of how you can better equip your own 4x4 using easy-to-install, off-the-shelf components.
Since 1997 marked the first...
Since 1997 marked the first year of the Wrangler TJ it was no surprise that this 1997 had seen some rough miles. The stock suspension components were well worn and compensated for with a 3-inch body lift in order to maintain a decent ride height.
The Skyjacker 6-inch Rock...
The Skyjacker 6-inch Rock Ready I bent arm long arm suspension kit includes all necessary components for installation. The kit includes front and rear coil springs, front and rear lower long arms with spherical rod ends, an integrated two-piece sub-frame assembly, adjustable front and rear track bars, double-disconnect front sway bar end links and extended rear sway bar end links, a dropped pitman arm, front and rear stainless steel-braided, polyurethane-coated DOT brake lines, and a heavy-duty steering stabilizer.
Skyjacker offers various upgrades...
Skyjacker offers various upgrades for its kits, including its RockLock sway bar. The Rock Lock sway bar positively locks or unlocks the sway bar for trail or highway use. When locked there are three torque arm mounting positions available so the greatest ride quality can be easily achieved.
The 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ...
The 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ was brought to Off-Road Innovations in West Monroe, Louisiana, to have the Skyjacker components installed. Here the front end is shown partially disassembled as the crew completes the teardown of stock parts.
Here the OEM lower control...
Here the OEM lower control arm mounts are shown cut and then ground clean. Once the area was ready, paint was applied to the exposed surfaces. Remember to always use the proper tools and safety equipment.
To install the kit you have...
To install the kit you have to cut the factory lower control arm brackets, but no welding is required; all parts are bolt-on.
To mount Skyjacker's bolt-on...
To mount Skyjacker's bolt-on sub frame the ORI crew drilled the outer mounting locations and then installed the supplied bolts, washers, and nuts. The body lift shown in the picture was removed before installation of the remaining components.
The upper control arm mounts...
The upper control arm mounts are repositioned using the provided relocation brackets. Once proper placement was determined the brackets were used as a guide for drilling mounting holes.
One of the upper control arm...
One of the upper control arm relocation brackets is shown installed. Once the mounting bolt was snug the clamp was removed.
The front lower link was secured...
The front lower link was secured to the axle using the provided hardware. The control arm links are arched (bent) for an increased approach angle. The kit features an 80-percent increase in the length of the lower control arms and produces no more than 1.5-degrees of caster change.
With the new control arms...
With the new control arms in place the ORI crew installed a set of Skyjacker Hydro shocks along with the front and rear coil springs and new bump stops.
Skyjacker's Rock Ready kit...
Skyjacker's Rock Ready kit includes front double-disconnect sway bar end links. The sway links were installed for photos but were soon replaced with Skyjacker's RockLock sway bar system.
A heavy-duty dropped pitman...
A heavy-duty dropped pitman arm is included in the kit in order to help maintain factory-like steering geometry. The new adjustable front track bar is also shown installed.
The Skyjacker Rock Ready I...
The Skyjacker Rock Ready I kit re-uses the upper control arms in the front and rear of the TJ. New upper arms are included with the Rock Ready II kit. Mated with the bent long arms of the Rock Ready I kit, however, the relocated stock arms function well.
The rear extended sway bar...
The rear extended sway bar links were installed to complete installation of the Rock Ready I lift components.
The ORI crew moved to the...
The ORI crew moved to the installation of the RockLock sway bar by inserting the sway bar bushings into the front crossmember tube.
With the bushings in place...
With the bushings in place the new torsion sway bar was installed in the front crossmember tube.
The RockLock sway bar arms...
The RockLock sway bar arms were then installed on the ends of the torsion sway bar.
A locking hub assembly is...
A locking hub assembly is used to lock and unlock the sway bar. Here the hub assembly base is positioned on the splines of the torsion sway bar.
The passenger-side sway bar...
The passenger-side sway bar arm installs in the same manner as the drivers-side.
Once the arm is in position...
Once the arm is in position a retaining ring is bolted in place and further secured using a snap ring around the torsion bar end.
As a final step of the RockLock...
As a final step of the RockLock installation the outer hub assembly is bolted in place and tested for proper operation.
A front view of the installed...
A front view of the installed kit shows the adjustable arms as well as some of the lift components, including the coil springs, shocks, and steering stabilizer.
With a handful of extra parts...
With a handful of extra parts installed along with the Skyjacker Rock Ready I suspension system this once mild-mannered TJ is ready for action. The 6-inch system rendered clearance for a set of 35x12.50R15 BFG KM2's on 15x8 Eagle Alloy wheels. Other upgrades applied to the TJ include body armor from M.O.R.E. and Mastercraft Baja RS front seats.
A M.O.R.E. steering box brace...
A M.O.R.E. steering box brace supports the stock steering box with protection supplied via a Skyjacker steering box skid plate. A Skyjacker steering stabilizer is also in place, mounted to a custom tie rod equipped with Heim joint ends.
MasterCraft Baja RS seats...
MasterCraft Baja RS seats are installed up front and a matching Mastercraft seat cover adorns the factory rear seat.
The M.O.R.E. body armor combo...
The M.O.R.E. body armor combo includes front and rear steel fenders with a flat fender-style flare and a front RockProof bumper. The Skyjacker high-clearance bolt-on sub frame is also in view. The rear bumper is a Hanson unit and the rock sliders are from Off-Road Innovations.
The new Rock Ready suspension...
The new Rock Ready suspension creates a great deal of flexibility for the 10-plus-year-old Wrangler. The front RockProof bumper from M.O.R.E. offers great approach angle and plenty of space for the 35-inch BFGs. A Skyjacker Rock Ready steering box skid plate is included with the Rock Ready I suspension system.