02-04 to 05+ Front end conversion

Donnie · **Posted:** Tue Mar 13, 2007 4:54 pm

Has anyone done it? I'm wondering what parts are needed, and the cost!

Thanks

chetos · **Posted:** Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:43 pm

I love my libby but two things I wish I could change: 1. Amber colored turn signals. No one makes clear/smoked for an 05 and up. 2. I think the front end of the older libby's looks 'Tuff'!!! The newer version looks too cutish. That's why I have Hella's up there to make it look more ggggrrrrrrr!!

Donnie · **Posted:** Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:51 pm

chetos wrote:

I love my libby but two things I wish I could change: 1. Amber colored turn signals. No one makes clear/smoked for an 05 and up. 2. I think the front end of the older libby's looks 'Tuff'!!! The newer version looks too cutish. That's why I have Hella's up there to make it look more ggggrrrrrrr!!

That's so funny because I think the exact opposite :lol:

. I think the new frontends look more badass.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:59 pm

Donnie wrote:

Has anyone done it? I'm wondering what parts are needed, and the cost!

Thanks

Looks like you need the hood,fenders,fender flares,inner fender liners,grill,bumber,and turn signals/fog lamps.Then you have to get them painted.Not 100% sure that all that stuff will bolt on the older models,may need to do some modifing.Your looking at about $1500-$2500 just for parts and paint(varies on where you get parts and labor rates for your area for paint).A little pricy,just trade in for a newer model year.

chetos · **Posted:** Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:22 pm

If you are looking at that much money and want to make your KJ look tough, get an ARB!!!! It would be cheaper...

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

You can do this, parts and paint, for around $1000. Definately more aggressive looking in my opinion.

jcphoto20 · **Joined:** Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:36 am **Posts:** 507

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dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2007 5:39 am

chetos wrote:

If you are looking at that much money and want to make your KJ look tough, get an ARB!!!! It would be cheaper...

The ARB is awesome! It comes ready for a winch and a place to mount lights. HOWEVER, that bad boy weighs a ton! My Future plans is to put a frankenlift on the Liberty, but I don’t know if the frankenlift could handle the ARB. Anybody have some input?

tommudd · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2007 9:42 am

Frankenlift not able to handle an ARB??

Not sure what you mean there. The Frankenlift will carry an ARB great. Who makes the ARB bumper...ARB, :wink:

and what springs are on a Frankenlift.....OME which is part of ARB! The ARB and OME springs are designed by one of the very best off road companies in the world. THe springs are designed to work well if you have a bumper or not, depending on the medium or heavy duty springs. They will work together. Yes the ARB bumper weighs some but I dont think it is that heavy and depending on which winch, what line you use on the winch its not the bad. My Kilby gas tank skid weighs almost as much as my ARB, or seems like it! :lol:

Go read up on the OMEs and ARB company, thats what I did and will never run anything else trust me they will handle it. I have the heavy dutys (not a frankenlift, my own version) and after over 24000 miles it has not sagged at all.

performancechef · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2007 11:44 am

Hey i have an idea. Why don't both of you trade front ends, Donnie and Chetos?

chetos · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2007 11:48 am

performancechef wrote:

Hey i have an idea. Why don't both of you trade front ends, Donnie and Chetos?

I am saving for an ARB or Rocklizards front end. I am shooting past 'tuff' and going to Terminator! :twisted:

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2007 12:38 pm

dieselenthusiast wrote:

chetos wrote:

If you are looking at that much money and want to make your KJ look tough, get an ARB!!!! It would be cheaper...

TOMMUDD wrote: "Frankenlift not able to handle an ARB?? Not sure what you mean there. The Frankenlift will carry an ARB great. Who makes the ARB bumper...ARB, and what springs are on a Frankenlift.....OME which is part of ARB! The ARB and OME springs are designed by one of the very best off road companies in the world. THe springs are designed to work well if you have a bumper or not, depending on the medium or heavy duty springs. They will work together. Yes the ARB bumper weighs some but I dont think it is that heavy and depending on which winch, what line you use on the winch its not the bad. My Kilby gas tank skid weighs almost as much as my ARB, or seems like it! Go read up on the OMEs and ARB company, thats what I did and will never run anything else trust me they will handle it. I have the heavy dutys (not a frankenlift, my own version) and after over 24000 miles it has not sagged at all." end Quote

Thanks for the report! This is very good to know! :wink:

I’ve heard other Liberty owners complain about the ARB weight as though it was an issue, so I was somewhat concerned. I’ll look into it more and hopefully hear more positive feedback from Jeep Owners who have the ARB.

Quote:

Donnie · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2007 1:07 pm

Let me know Chetos, I might be able to take the bumper off your hands when you get an ARB.

There is something still in me from my showtruckscene past life. I just like the clean OEM look, I don't know if I could do an ARB.

tommudd · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2007 1:39 pm

Know what you mean about a clean OEM look Donnie, I started out that way years ago, I started showing cars bck in 1976, been through them all from 32 Fords, 55 Chevys, Vans (back in the day) late model GMC full size lowered etc. full size Ford 4 wheel drives, 4 wheel drive Dodge vans with 40s, everything including several Harleys.
BUT there is something about the Liberty That when you put a lift, tires, bumpers etc on that just totally brings out a great look. Not that much different but enough that when others walk by, you see them looking to see what all has been done. All the vehicles I ever built were not to totally change the appearance but to take what was there and add just enough to make it unique. Hope this makes sense, but thats what is great about this site no matter what you do you have the support and knowledge of a bunch of fine people. Just do your thing Donnie!

chetos · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2007 2:56 pm

tommudd wrote:

Know what you mean about a clean OEM look Donnie, I started out that way years ago, I started showing cars bck in 1976, been through them all from 32 Fords, 55 Chevys, Vans (back in the day) late model GMC full size lowered etc. full size Ford 4 wheel drives, 4 wheel drive Dodge vans with 40s, everything including several Harleys.
BUT there is something about the Liberty That when you put a lift, tires, bumpers etc on that just totally brings out a great look. Not that much different but enough that when others walk by, you see them looking to see what all has been done. All the vehicles I ever built were not to totally change the appearance but to take what was there and add just enough to make it unique. Hope this makes sense, but thats what is great about this site no matter what you do you have the support and knowledge of a bunch of fine people. Just do your thing Donnie!

AAhhh your so sweet!!!

Donnie, I'll let you know when the ARB is on order, but it will still be awhile!!

02-04 to 05+ Front end conversion

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