LJD RC's other JLU, "Moonlight"

[VoltSCX]

Welp, I just can't keep myself away from these things lol. Just picked this thing up today in a trade with some goodies, thought the name "Moonlight" was fitting since my mom named her JLU "Sunset," and I named my JT "Sunrise."

It's completely stock except for the body pins, rear bumper, beadlocks, and some knock-off Hyraxs.

It cleaned up pretty nice, definitely excited to start messing with it. Planning on going through and re-greasing the diffs/portals and the trans. I don't have a lot of plans for it yet, but I would like to freshen it up a bit since it's been run kinda hard, and seems like it might be one of the earlier models.

Now all I need to finish the collection is the dark grey JT, lol.

 

[VoltSCX]

Took some time today to overhaul the shocks. For the most part they seem to be in pretty decent condition, although it probably wouldn't hurt to replace the springs.

They feel much better, I can't imagine how long it's been since the oil's been changed. They were extremely soft, almost like they barely had any oil left (there was oil in them but not much). Used my go-to Associated 35wt oil in them and they feel like new.

Also went through and replaced some of the old rusty screws with some stainless ones I had left over from the Gladiator. I still need to go through the axles and trans, but I'm completely out of grease and it'll be a few days until the grease I ordered shows up.

Overall this project's going pretty alright so far. I think the next steps are new grease (and bearings if needed), switching the dig out for the 2-speed, and maybe a couple aluminum upgrades since I can get cheap Integy ones for less than new plastic ones (and I've already had a mostly positive experience with thier parts).

 

[JatoTheRipper]

As much of an Axial hater as I've become, mostly because of my love for but frustration with the brand, there's something still very cool about the SCX10 and their Jeep bodies. Nice job saving this one "from the crusher". You made it look so much better already.

 

[VoltSCX]

Took some time today to clean up the interior of the body, as well as the windows.

Also went ahead and installed the mirrors again. Cleaned up real nice.

 

[VoltSCX]

Removed the old scratched up beadlocks and knockoff Hyrax tires, and replaced them with the original Trail Grapplers and some Proline Holcomb wheels (same wheel/tire combo I used to have on my Gladiator. Good memories). Also installed a set of center caps from my SCX1 Wrangler. Turned out pretty clean, I think it looks much better. I also won't miss the Hyraxs, since in my opinion the Grapplers can grip almost as well and visually look much better. Also tightened all of the hex hubs since every single one was loose and wiggling.

Also installed the original rear bumper since it has a much better departure angle than the aluminum one that was on it. And of course, added some stickies because they're fun.

 

[VoltSCX]

Installed a pair of brand new front fenders since I had a set from the Gladiator project (I went with aftermarket ones for the new body, the new radiator came with a set). Might pick up some of the other bits (sliders, bumpers, rear fenders, etc) if I can get them for a decent price. Still waiting on my grease to come in, should be here tomorrow. So far for a mostly free build, I'm very happy with this truck. I considered selling it once I was done, but I honestly think I'm gonna keep it.

 

[VoltSCX]

Still waiting on grease, I guess it's not coming today lol. Went ahead and extended the front links by about 3 turns in an attempt to prevent the tires from rubbing on the fenders so much. Had to end up trimming the lower corners of the bumper so the tires wouldn't rub. Looks pretty good.

Also installed some small rubber bump stops just to be safe. It's so much nicer now, doesn't rub very much at all.

 

[VoltSCX]

Stripped the transmission apart today and overhauled it. Everything appeared to be in decent condition, which was nice. The transmission is a lot more complex than I remember it being, but I found a good method to keep everything together.

Instead of completely stripping it down, I split it into two halves and did each half one at a time (upper, then lower). Worked pretty well, and was able to get everything back together without any problems.

I used my go-to grease, Losi Great Grease. I use it in all of my trucks and it's always worked great. Would recommend.

Reinstalled the trans and also hooked up the 2-speed while I was at it. Runs pretty smooth.

Went ahead and added a little more grease in the front and rear diffs since they seemed mostly alright, and then overhauled the portals (I completely forgot to take pics, lol).

And it's done! At least, it is for now. I'm happy with it as-is, it's a fun truck and it'll be a good baseline going forward. I might throw on some alu upgrades if I feel like it, but for the most part all that's left is hitting the trails and general maintenance.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

That grease looks so familiar. If you can find the OEM, you will be able to get a larger quantity for probably not much more than the cost of one tube. RC grease is repackaged and then profits are tacked on without any value added.

It looks almost like Maxima Waterproof Grease.