JK Jeep Rubicon unlimited build aka Mall Krawler [Archive]

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 05:02 PM

Ran Slaughterhouse stock.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Jeep017.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/IMG_1517.jpg

I installed a 2.5" budget boost and started building some bumpers. 6 x 3/16" steel.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bumper001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Bumer005.jpg

Used the crappy 110V MIG welder at work to start the build.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bumper008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bumper010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bumper024.jpg

Added a bar, light mounts and shackle mounts with TIG welder at home.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bumper042.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bumper041.jpg

Installed some Hella 500s. Took it camping at Middle St. Vrain.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bumper037.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/campdick001.jpg

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 05:16 PM

I smooshed the front steering stabilizer on some rocks. So, I made a bracket to move it up out of the way.

Stock location.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bracket008.jpg

Drew up a bracket.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bracket006.jpg

Up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bracket010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bracket011.jpg

Removed the boot and painted the shock body black. Stock vs. new.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/bracket023.jpg

Now on to the rear bumper. Stock bumper is dented and I did not want to hang a big tire on the rear tailgate.

Supplies...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear0035.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear0045.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear006.jpg

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 05:25 PM

The front bumper is simple on purpose, the rear has a little more shape to it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear008.jpg

Picked up some parts, mounts and hinge for tire carrier swingout.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear040.jpg

Deciding where to mount hinge.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear051.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear052.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear056.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear057.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear058.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear059.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear060.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear061.jpg

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 05:34 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear063.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear070.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear074.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear072.jpg

Mount can be flipped for 40"+ spare.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear080.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear076.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear083.jpg

But I'm only going 37". MT Baja Claws.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/beef001.jpg

Need more lift.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/beefy004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/beefy005.jpg

1" body lift. Installing flat fenders.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/ruby002.jpg

Jackie

March 11th, 2011, 05:40 PM

NICE!

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 06:03 PM

Made a Hi-Lift mount.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear085.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear086.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/rear087.jpg

Visiting Estes Park, stopped and ran Pole Hill before my flat fenders came in.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/PoleHill003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/PoleHill011.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/PoleHill013.jpg

Made a gas can mount.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Jerrymount002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Jerrymount001.jpg

Painted and installed Zenon flat fenders.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Front03-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Front01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Rear01.jpg

Parked at Toys For Tots run.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/TFT009.jpg

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 06:12 PM

I want to make it harder for my gas can to walk away, so I bent and rattle canned some steel and welded on a lock mount.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Jerry010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Jerry011.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Jerry012.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Jerry013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Jerry015.jpg

Picked up a CB and antenna and fabbed up an antenna mount and CB mount.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/CB001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/CB003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/CB004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/CB005.jpg

So, my son is too young to drive... building this for him.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/minibull009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/minibull007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/minibull004.jpg

March 11th, 2011, 06:18 PM

Thanks for the pics! Build is looking great!

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 06:22 PM

Mini Jeep is gonna have matching bumpers and mad flex! Parked next to stock Radio Shack cousin for reference.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/minibull002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/minibull003.jpg

Got to test out the budget boost/37's combo at Chinaman.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture2412.jpg

What, you don't have a lucky deer foot?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture2408.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture2424.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture2426.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture2420.jpg

Putting my recovery points to the test.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/P1090497.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/P1090460.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/P1090534.jpg

Oops, more recovery to work on. :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/P1090509.jpg

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 06:34 PM

XJ was doing ok.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/P1090481.jpg

Then this was too slick, so I pulled him up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/P1090476.jpg

Scenic Buena Vista.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/P1090502.jpg

Went to play on Carnage Canyon, but we ran outta daylight and the girls and kids were getting too cold.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture2433.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture2429.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture2448.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture2449.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture2454.jpg

Dressed up the Heep for halloween.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/hall10004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/hall10002.jpg

Got myself a little Christmas present. I've been putting this off until I built a new front bumper.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture079.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture081.jpg

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 06:49 PM

I decided to just mount it on the bumper I already built for now since I can't decide how I want the new one to look.

Unfortunately the winch won't fit between the bar. Removed bar and light mounts. Cut out the center and mounted a piece of 7 x 1/4" steel. Welded to the front and has tabs at the rear that bolt to the frame.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture090.jpg

Had to take a break and mount some track bars for a friend.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture096.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture099.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture045.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture050.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture116.jpg

Started my rear mini Jeep bumper.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture109.jpg

Finished the front, but now I gotta re-do it to mount a little winch!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture108.jpg

Got a can of rattle can red that matches my Jeep from the stealership. Once it's cured I'll give it a little polish.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture107.jpg

Mporter

March 11th, 2011, 06:51 PM

Very nice. Where did you get that spring pin for your tire carrier?

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 06:52 PM

Thanks for the possitive comments! :thumb:

Stephen

March 11th, 2011, 06:55 PM

Very nice. Where did you get that spring pin for your tire carrier?

I made it. It's a piece of rod inside a piece of tubing, pretty easy. Now that I've been running it a while I've realized it needs to be thicker, it bends a little if you forget to pull it up and try to close the carrier.

scout man

March 11th, 2011, 07:54 PM

i like that lock for the gas cans. I am mid-tire carrier build right now and was just trying to decide how to accomplish that. Thats one of the best options I have seen so far. :thumb:

Roostercruiser

March 11th, 2011, 09:06 PM

Purdy nice so far

Brad

March 11th, 2011, 09:28 PM

I was lucky to see the early stages of his rig (some pics from inside Audi)

Love your Jeep as you know! :thumb:

kemat

March 11th, 2011, 09:30 PM

Very nice and the fab works looks great:thumb:

Rob

March 11th, 2011, 09:39 PM

Top-notch work. Looks great.

Rmart74

March 11th, 2011, 10:13 PM

Dude your build is AWESOME!!!! You won the grand prize!!!!You are elected to help me build out mine!!! ;). In all seriousness, fenomenal!!!! Awesome job.

Pathrat

March 12th, 2011, 12:36 AM

I was going to say nice work, like everyone else but my favorite is ZOMBIE OUTBREAK RESPONSE TEAM.....OMG I LOVE IT!!! That is my favorite mod.

Brody

March 12th, 2011, 07:34 AM

Looking very nice!

You do some really nice work!

4finger

March 12th, 2011, 08:19 AM

love the build. its looking real good!!!!

MelloYello

March 12th, 2011, 09:36 AM

Lookin good. Nice build.

Mporter

March 12th, 2011, 10:24 AM

i like that lock for the gas cans. I am mid-tire carrier build right now and was just trying to decide how to accomplish that. Thats one of the best options I have seen so far. :thumb:

Same here haha. I like all his tire carrier designs.

Stephen

March 14th, 2011, 03:29 PM

Thanks everyone! So far everything on the rear carrier has worked out great with the exception of the spring loaded retention pin needing to be thicker.

I have been using a Co2 tank to fill my tires after runs. I wanted to mount a compressor too without spending $500, so I bought a $45 MV50 pump. This is for the sole purpose of filling tires. This pump has had good reviews for the cost and is even quicker than some $200 compressors. I wanted to mount it under the hood and be able to switch it on in the cab without having to pop the hood, this is how it went down...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture130.jpg

Cracked it open and bypassed the stock switch...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture133.jpg

The pump does not use a standard sized air hose, so I tapped that...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture136.jpg

The stock hose also bleeds off pressure until you're filling something with air. Since I'm using a standard air hose and chuck I didn't wanna blow up my little pump, so I installed a pressure relief valve set to 50 psi...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture137.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture138.jpg

Next up, fab a bracket real quick and rattle can bed liner it...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture146.jpg

Mounted next to master cylinder...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture148.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture152.jpg

The pump comes with alligator clips, I replaced those...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture151.jpg

Bought some air hose...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture157.jpg

I used a tee to run it to each side of the Jeep so I don't have to drag hose over the hood or carry 100 foot of air hose...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture156.jpg

Stephen

March 14th, 2011, 03:50 PM

I made a bracket and tucked the fitting up between the frame and rock rails. Hopefully it's good enough to keep it from getting killed, i may make a skid under it to make sure...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture160.jpg

Under pass. door below door hinge, view bending down...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture159.jpg

View w/o bending down...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture158.jpg

Hose attached...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture161.jpg

We like to camp several times a year and most of the time we are on a trail and have no light through trees. I am going to mount some rock lights soon, but I also wanted some strictly off road lights with 100w bulbs. So I found some Hella 700s on sale and made some windshield brackets.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture748.jpg

Rattle can bedliner again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture750.jpg

upnover

March 14th, 2011, 03:53 PM

I love to see stuff built!

Nice job!!

Chris

March 14th, 2011, 04:00 PM

Very nice Stephen! Have ypu used your new OBA setup? I'm curious on how long it takes after airing down. Next on my very short list is some form of OBA though I'm leaning towards Co2.

Mporter

March 14th, 2011, 05:00 PM

Sweet. I actually have that exact same compressor. Wanna help me set up mine like that?

Stephen

March 14th, 2011, 05:55 PM

Very nice Stephen! Have ypu used your new OBA setup? I'm curious on how long it takes after airing down. Next on my very short list is some form of OBA though I'm leaning towards Co2.

I did one tire when I first put it together and I can't remember exactly, but from 18psi to 30psi took about 2 minutes if I remember correctly. I'll probably run 15psi now that it's on.

Here's the comparrison I was talking about, it's pretty good:

http://www.parksoffroad.com/prodreview/inflatortest/inflatormain.htm

Sweet. I actually have that exact same compressor. Wanna help me set up mine like that?

I'd probably be down for that some time, it's not real difficult, the bracket being the hardest part.

Stephen

March 14th, 2011, 06:04 PM

These are the Hellas with a clear cover over the lense. I got the covers on Amazon, I think they're for Hella 1000s...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture633.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture632.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture1021.jpg

Switches for lights and compressor. Daystar panel and switches.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture1018.jpg

In the last few weeks I got around to replacing the budget boost with some Rock Krawler 3.5" springs and Bilstein 5100s. I also threw on some front and rear JKS adjustable track bars.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture1026.jpg

Budget boost cell phone pic...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture864.jpg

New springs and shocks...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture1028.jpg

I think that's all I have for now. I need to get to work making a couple skid plates this week or next, for the evap canister and to replace the tranny skid that the drive shaft with rub on at full flex.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture976.jpg

Brody

March 14th, 2011, 07:11 PM

Brad

March 14th, 2011, 08:12 PM

I've got to get those covers.. I only saw the rock guard ones and really did not want to try clear bra. Really does not hold up to big rocks which I feel my 500's will see.

kemat

March 14th, 2011, 09:07 PM

Very nice, I bought the Viair 450-P compressor kit, this is the 100% duty cycle unit. I did a test on my 285/75R16 (33) tire from 15 psi to 32 psi and it took 3 minutes if I remember right. I am considering mounting mine under the hood as well but haven't yet and when I do I'll probably put a small air tank in as well.

RockyMtnHigh

March 14th, 2011, 09:26 PM

Very nice work indeed, welcome to the forum too! :thumb:

Stephen

March 14th, 2011, 09:58 PM

I need to get to work making a couple skid plates this week or next, for the evap canister

HAHA...talk to Aaron about that one. He talked to me about making a skid plate for the evap, then promptly crunched it.

Love the clear covers. Nice to see someone somewhere doing a little thinking. "Clear covers? Expensive lights?....Huh...." I got a non clear covered broken Hella in my garage...

Are you really sure that you want to take that off road? If it was mine, I would probably just polish the thing cause it looks so nice and clean....I do want to know where you got the Mall Rated sticker. I just put a chrome 4X4 emblem on the front of mine for the 'hard of thinking' and a 'Mall Rated' sticker would fit right in...

I've got lots of pinstriping, I try to buff it once or twice a year, but a lot of it is too deep for me to want to take that much clear coat off. I've also got some trail damage on the rear quarter sheet metal and busted plate holder. Which is funny that you mention the skid plate procrastination. If I had relocated my rear plate sooner, it wouldn't have caught on a tree. Oh well, now it's more fun to take off road.

I don't have the "Mall Rated" sticker yet, but I need it for my minivan powered 4x4. lol

Very nice, I bought the Viair 450-P compressor kit, this is the 100% duty cycle unit. I did a test on my 285/75R16 (33) tire from 15 psi to 32 psi and it took 3 minutes if I remember right. I am considering mounting mine under the hood as well but haven't yet and when I do I'll probably put a small air tank in as well.

That's definitely the way to go. I'd like a tank too. If I could do it over again I would have designed a tank into one of my bumpers. When my cheapo pump burns out, I'll upgrade now that I have everything installed and like it.

Very nice work indeed, welcome to the forum too! :thumb:

Thanks. I saw your dogs in another thread, very beautiful. We have a family weim too, and she's the best dog we've ever had! If my wife had her way we'd have a vizsla and German short hair too (I have had a German short hair in the past)! :D

Stephen

March 14th, 2011, 09:59 PM

I've got to get those covers.. I only saw the rock guard ones and really did not want to try clear bra. Really does not hold up to big rocks which I feel my 500's will see.

I didn't think they had them for 500's, but you metioned in your build thread you found some, awesome!

Brody

March 15th, 2011, 06:57 AM

That's definitely the way to go. I'd like a tank too.

Check out Pro Tools:

A Pro Tool Inc

4.5 Star Rating: Recommended 2 reviews

(303) 623-3743

1950 W 13th Ave Ste 2
Denver, CO 80204

They repair all sorts of power tools and air compressors. They usually have a stack of various sized air tanks in the back of the shop that they will sell you for $10 apiece. A lot of times you can get the tank, fittings and switch when you buy the tanks..I have a twin tank under my heap that was from a Hitachi rolling compressor. Works fine....

4finger

March 15th, 2011, 07:52 AM

hahahahahahah, i was gonna put that same"Mall Rated" sticker on my 4runner. right next to my "grocery getter edition" sticker im gonna put on. love it!!!!

the jeep is turning out real nice!

MelloYello

March 15th, 2011, 06:48 PM

Super awesome builds. The OBA is great.

Brody

March 16th, 2011, 07:42 AM

I reread my post where I did a left handed compliment of how nice your paint job/rig looked, so I am glad you didn't take offense. It could have easily been mistaken for a dig. You got my drift, at any rate. Really nice looking rig. Almost all of my rigs have ended up being some version of black primer by the time I was done wheeling and bashing them mainly because I found that I was spending what was to me, way too much time trying to keep them looking nice.

The last couple, before they ended up primered, were a 77 Ford F150 that I had painted a sweet dark metallic gray, then later on, painted a nice deep metallic red. After I endoed that one, I took all of the neat junk off of it (what was salvageable, meaning all the mechanical, as the body, bed hood, fenders and cab were trashed) and bought a nice 69 Bronco that I did a frame off on. I did a tilt fiberglass hood fenders and front clip, fiberglass half doors, etc on it, then painted that one a really nice metallic blue. The Ford stayed looking pristine until the accident, but the Bronco ended up looking much like the rig I have now. Pretty much anything I have had since the F150 that I have wheeled with has ended up primered black.

I appreciate the work involved with keeping a wheeling rig looking nice, but I guess I am a bit too lazy anymore to do much more than wash the heap, rattle can the dings and call it good. The most time I spend on it anymore is stripping the cage every couple of years, checking and repairing any welds, and de rusting it. I am really big on staying on top of the mechanical junk, though....

I have to say that it was a real effort not to paint my heap a sweet dark metallic Toyota gray before I stuck the exo cage on it. I had installed the front and rear "Ivan Stewart" style fiberglass hood, fenders and bedsides, and it just looked so bad....I was picturing how cool it would look all shiny and dark gray...Glad I didn't now as it would have been an absolute horror show to try to keep the paint job looking sweet buried under the exo cage.....

Jackie

March 16th, 2011, 03:45 PM

Stephen - I have the exact same compressor, and while it's a lil' slow - it does the trick to get your tires aired up. If you decide to do some side-work let me know. I'd love to have it on-board so I don't have to remember to bring the thing every time I go off-road.

Your Jeep looks great. :thumb:

Mporter

March 16th, 2011, 05:16 PM

remember to bring the thing every time I go off-road.

throw in the back of the heep and forget it haha. that's what i do.

Jackie

March 16th, 2011, 05:23 PM

I've never forgotten it yet, but I don't want to leave it in there for sticky fingers to grab! I haven't used my hard top in two years, and I don't lock it with the soft top on (what's the point?). Onboard would be really nice if it's affordable.

Brody

March 16th, 2011, 07:17 PM

Happy to help with this if Stephen can't. Do a lot of research on the compressors before you shell out the bucks for one. The prices run the full gamut from $20 to well over $500. And, like was said, some of the cheaper compressors do almost as well as those costing a lot more. Depending on where you mount it, heat will be more of an issue with the cheaper compressors than with the expensive ones, but is something to keep in mind for any of them.

I posted some compressor reviews in the Tech section under the OBA/On Board Air thread so you may want to look at that.

If you have room for a tank, that is a handy feature, but not a necessary one as you can fill right off the compressor. I have set up OBAs for other people and have had some form of OBA on just about every 4x4 I have owned since the late 70s/early 80s. Right now I have the AC set up as a compressor cause I have no need for the AC with tube doors. I have a tank in the back under the bed and air fittings run to both the front and the rear so I can just carry a shorty coiled hose.

Your options are limited by budget and room...

Stephen did a sweet job on this one, especially since the underhood space is at a premium on the Jeeps...

Jackie

March 16th, 2011, 08:52 PM

especially since the underhood space is at a premium on the Jeeps...

No kidding. Tonight I lifted the hood to add some windshield washer fluid (which is about as mechanical as I get) and I spent a few minutes trying to figure out how my tiny compressor would even fit in there. (???)

Mporter

March 16th, 2011, 09:03 PM

Magic!!!

Brody

March 17th, 2011, 08:24 AM

Oh, there are probably spots for it. Gotta start with the compressor first...

This link reviews a bunch of them:

http://www.offroaders.com/directory/products/viair-compressor.htm#Air_Compressor_Systems

Adrian(Twisted Bronc) has one that he didn't pay too much for that rocks. I think Josh(HAKU) grabbed one of these after using Adrian's but I am not too sure. Might PM Adrian to see what he ended up with.

foxtrot

March 18th, 2011, 01:20 AM

Stephen

April 1st, 2011, 08:45 PM

build looks great! just a suggestion for the air lines, but you may want to make some sort of cover for the fitting below the truck. seeing as those have to be slid back to work, I'm sure they wouldn't be to happy with a bunch of mud all over them. just a thought :)

Thanks. When I bought the parts to put this together I looked for something at Ace hardware w/o success. I've been using the finger cut off nitro gloves until I get something, working ok so far.

Stephen - I have the exact same compressor, and while it's a lil' slow - it does the trick to get your tires aired up. If you decide to do some side-work let me know. I'd love to have it on-board so I don't have to remember to bring the thing every time I go off-road.

Your Jeep looks great. :thumb:

I built mine since I had some spare time. I don't know if I would feel comfortable building one for some one w/o knowing how this pump will last through water crossings, mud, heat and time. I'd recommend using it for what it is. I did use mine yesturday, took my son to Heft Hand to do some shooting and play with the new lift and it will fill from 18-28 psi in a hair shy of 2 minutes.

cfr

April 2nd, 2011, 12:04 AM

and Bilstein 5100s

How do the Bilstein's ride? Specifically, around town with potholes, road cracks, etc.

RockyMtnHigh

April 2nd, 2011, 12:08 AM

Thanks. I saw your dogs in another thread, very beautiful. We have a family weim too, and she's the best dog we've ever had! If my wife had her way we'd have a vizsla and German short hair too (I have had a German short hair in the past)! :D

Oh those weren't mine, they belong to a buddy. I have a chocolate lab and a Aussie/German Sheppard cross. That was the first time I had seen his Weimaraner and since then she's been out with us on the water, I am impressed and thinking that may just be our next dog and that's coming from someone who thinks the world of labs. Maybe I will just get one of each, who knows.

I am enjoying seeing your additions, you do a damn good job and it makes me wish I had taken metal shop instead of wood shop. I am really digging that OBA setup and how you ran the lines on each side. Keep the updates coming! :thumb:

Brody

April 2nd, 2011, 07:50 AM

Thanks. When I bought the parts to put this together I looked for something at Ace hardware w/o success. I've been using the finger cut off nitro gloves until I get something, working ok so far.

This is in reference to closing off the air line fittings under the truck to protect them from dirt and debris:

Go to WalMart and get a couple of cheapo rubber bike handles. Simply cut the push on style bike handle down to the right size and you have your 'waterproof cover'. WalMart has the biggest cheap selection. A bike shop will charge you three times as much for bike handles.Use a light coating of vaseline or light grease on the inside of the handle and you are good to go. I have two very exposed fittings for air on my heap and, whereas I am not using the bike handles at the moment on either one, that was what I had been using for years.

What I am using now are some +- battery pass through bulkhead terminal covers that turned up when I was doing some cleaning....

Stephen

April 4th, 2011, 09:14 AM

Oh those weren't mine, they belong to a buddy. I have a chocolate lab and a Aussie/German Sheppard cross. That was the first time I had seen his Weimaraner and since then she's been out with us on the water, I am impressed and thinking that may just be our next dog and that's coming from someone who thinks the world of labs. Maybe I will just get one of each, who knows.

I am enjoying seeing your additions, you do a damn good job and it makes me wish I had taken metal shop instead of wood shop. I am really digging that OBA setup and how you ran the lines on each side. Keep the updates coming! :thumb:

The first dog I had when I was a kid was a lab. I've had a few others since then. Our Weim has been a great dog. We'd like to get another soon. You definitely wouldn't regret adding one to the family.

I wish I woulda taken metal fab too! lol I did take a couple welding classes. I was lucky enough to have my welds bend tested and x-ray'd. That really helped drive home the importance of a good weld. I had great instructors. My TIG instrusctor's welds didn't look like a human even did them! lol

How do the Bilstein's ride? Specifically, around town with potholes, road cracks, etc.

The shocks and springs ride better than stock. The stock Rubi shocks are valved stiffer, it was definietly a rougher ride. I've been a long time fan of Bilsteins. Konis were the first performance shock I used on a car, had bad luck, been using Bilsteins since. That was 20 years ago... I'm old! :frown:

Thanks. When I bought the parts to put this together I looked for something at Ace hardware w/o success. I've been using the finger cut off nitro gloves until I get something, working ok so far.

This is in reference to closing off the air line fittings under the truck to protect them from dirt and debris:

Go to WalMart and get a couple of cheapo rubber bike handles. Simply cut the push on style bike handle down to the right size and you have your 'waterproof cover'. WalMart has the biggest cheap selection. A bike shop will charge you three times as much for bike handles.Use a light coating of vaseline or light grease on the inside of the handle and you are good to go. I have two very exposed fittings for air on my heap and, whereas I am not using the bike handles at the moment on either one, that was what I had been using for years.

What I am using now are some +- battery pass through bulkhead terminal covers that turned up when I was doing some cleaning....

Thanks, I responded to your IM. I couldn't find anything at ACE when I was specifically looking for them, figured at some point something magical would land in my lap when I wasn't even trying. It's the same way with hookers! My wife doesn't get on the net, so I can make jokes like that! :D

Stephen

April 4th, 2011, 09:45 AM

Speaking of things falling in to my lap when I'm not looking, I needed a bike rack for the Heep. The big spare caused some trouble finding a bike rack for the job. I couldn't find what I wanted on Craiglslist of course. Then I was looking through the garage and saw one of those bike racks you strap to your trunk...

Sooo, I took that apart, used some one and two inch square tubing I bought to make a rear rack/basket for my tire carrier and whipped this up...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture051.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture052-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture054.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture053.jpg

This is the first try, no hinge at the bottom. Decided to take a few minutes and add one so I can open the tailgate...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/IMG_0922.jpg

It works good, but more importantly, the ladies were flocking to me at the trail! Must look good too. :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture972.jpg

Deer Creek Trail parking lot...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture1002.jpg

On the trail...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture948.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture991.jpg

Brad

April 4th, 2011, 11:36 AM

Very innovative! Looks good! Now build me one! :D

Stephen

April 4th, 2011, 12:54 PM

Very innovative! Looks good! Now build me one! :D

Thanks, Brad. I don't have anymore bike racks to steal parts from! :D

That and I need to repair this today...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture1119.jpg

My kid shot it! He's 9. He was doing good. Well, until I told him he could spend 30 rounds as fast as he wanted. :lmao:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture1108.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture1093.jpg

There it is in the background holding a 'Zombie Chuck' target before he fatally wounded it with the 556...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture1086.jpg

Zombie Steve target for reference :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/Picture929.jpg

Brad

April 4th, 2011, 02:50 PM

I love that target... :thumb:

Mporter

April 4th, 2011, 03:20 PM

And you have a Sig556!?! now im super jealous.

That's a yeti bike right? How do you like it and (if you dont mind me asking) how much did that run you?

transplant87

April 4th, 2011, 03:49 PM

Hey stephen the jeep is looking good , and i like youe tire mount sooo muck i might try to use that on my k5.

Stephen

April 4th, 2011, 07:31 PM

Brad, if we shoot sometime I'll give ya a zombie target, I've got some extras, they're fun!

Hey stephen the jeep is looking good , and i like youe tire mount sooo muck i might try to use that on my k5.

Thanks. Do it! I can't remember where I got the idea, but it has been awesome so far.

And you have a Sig556!?! now im super jealous.

That's a yeti bike right? How do you like it and (if you dont mind me asking) how much did that run you?

The SIG has been great and you can see, my kid loves it. He's had more rounds through it than I have!
The Yeti was pricey new! So I bought it used for 1k. I think I spent the money I was saving for 35" tires. I had to wait, so I went 37's to make up for it. :D

Mporter

April 4th, 2011, 11:51 PM

The SIG has been great and you can see, my kid loves it. He's had more rounds through it than I have!
The Yeti was pricey new! So I bought it used for 1k.

Dang you got that Yeti for a steal. I wish I could afford even a used Kona or Yeti full suspension, but alas i'm a broke college student with a 4x4 rig.

Those 556's are nice but for that price, i'll take a Stag Arms .223 and a Springfield XDm

glacierpaul

June 29th, 2011, 05:32 PM

Stephen, VERY NICE JEEP!!!!!!!!! Rmart74 has my idea... wish you were my neighbor!! You got some mad fab skills! And ingenuity is a great thing to have at your disposal!!

Brody

June 29th, 2011, 05:49 PM

He does some nice stuff, doesn't he?

Of course, I like the things that go bang, too.....

Stephen

June 29th, 2011, 07:49 PM

:GroupHug:

Thanks! I am using a sawzall and an air-cooled TIG to fab 3/16 and 1/4 inch steel, so I definitely appreciate the props!

I have been working on the Heep a little lately. I was beefing up the front D44 with gussets and sleeves before my argon tank ran out. Doing it an inch or two at a time so I don't ruin the ball joints until I have more $ to do those...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/IMG_3116.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/IMG_3121.jpg

I stopped by Rokmen and got some front/rear lower control arms, these are the fronts...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/IMG_3383.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/IMG_3386.jpg

I planned on getting some alloy wheels, but everything I liked was back ordered, so I pulled the trigger on some beadlocks, same wheel as Spiderlocks, different ring...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/40008.jpg

And a set of these... :eek:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/sidewall.jpg

Next to the 37s...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/40s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/40-side.jpg

:D

MelloYello

June 29th, 2011, 10:36 PM

Oh, Hell yeah! Looking good! Post up when you put the new shoes on.

Stephen

June 30th, 2011, 12:06 PM

Oh, Hell yeah! Looking good! Post up when you put the new shoes on.

:D

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3Xf0oy5SexM/TgQLXJUE8QI/AAAAAAAAACo/iu7m7e3Z4L8/s912/flex005.JPG

Flex inspector...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-92_kkxL-RUc/TgQLIffiB5I/AAAAAAAAACY/5A8-KcBFxaA/s912/flex003.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l3QE9bAcbHU/TgQLIjd5mCI/AAAAAAAAACc/lEEN9mdx7ns/s912/flex002.JPG

Glamour shots...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U7w6wkU3xZI/TfuoET9ZNxI/AAAAAAAAABc/Gst5ArUCTwI/s912/redrx02.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-buUziuF6GnI/TfuoXjiSZ4I/AAAAAAAAABs/tay59G0T3zc/s912/redrx04.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3v78pWS1Zok/TfuoZ6oSIrI/AAAAAAAAAB0/9qJq3WpHw_w/s912/redrx05.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AsGy6XB5G24/TfuoHDTVESI/AAAAAAAAABg/AXiKfGgV41I/s576/redrx03.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Fhi46QJJBKY/TfuoLdiEjSI/AAAAAAAAABk/L2gau5x4y1g/s800/redrx01.JPG

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/40010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/40012.jpg

Aaron

June 30th, 2011, 12:19 PM

Very nice. It makes mine look like a baby.

Brad

June 30th, 2011, 12:23 PM

Stunning Stephen! Really like the result. Have you done gears yet?

jesse05lj

June 30th, 2011, 07:40 PM

Very nice jeep! I have been debating trading my. 05 lj in for a jk

Stephen

July 1st, 2011, 10:01 AM

Thanks guys! :D

Stephen

July 7th, 2011, 11:43 AM

I tried to edit my post above and add some pics of me rolling up my sleeves and adding my sleeves... but I was over my per post pic allowance, so I'm adding them here.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/sleeves001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/sleeves003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/sleeves002.jpg

Brad

July 7th, 2011, 02:15 PM

Nice Work!!! :thumb:

Mporter

July 7th, 2011, 02:31 PM

Nice welds....I can MIG pretty well but TIG is a whole different ballgame

Stephen

July 8th, 2011, 09:36 AM

Thanks guys.

I would love to add a MIG to the garage! They're so simple and easy to use, especially for stuff like this, where I'm laying/sitting on the garage floor. My axle gussets were the biggest pain in the rear that I've ever had to TIG! These were a little easier, but damn, on the floor through the knuckle still sucked! :D

mumbai

July 12th, 2011, 08:50 PM

Awesome rig...

Stephen

July 24th, 2011, 09:37 PM

Awesome rig...

Thanks!

I went out to the garage today to do transfer case maintenance, instead I ended up changing the lines on my bumper a little. I built my front bumper before the rear, this matches the rear a little better. My lighting for pics was kinda crappy with the sun setting.

Before...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-buUziuF6GnI/TfuoXjiSZ4I/AAAAAAAAABs/tay59G0T3zc/s912/redrx04.JPG

After (the spots are water from rinsing metal dust off the Jeep)...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MKjeVZgUyc0/TizOiEyiTxI/AAAAAAAAAJI/iafBwRrU304/s912/newbump3.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MUu9a7E4sQ0/TizOgVKEOWI/AAAAAAAAAJI/hqUOwT9yiZo/s912/newbump2.JPG

Slapped on a couple of these too...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h7lnmzdAF58/Tii1Tau8jfI/AAAAAAAAAHI/VjiN0RUFP2c/s912/riddler.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-htK04Q0i8Gg/TizOjLYlEDI/AAAAAAAAAJI/RGyjER51nvA/s912/newbump4.JPG

96blkbeauty

July 24th, 2011, 11:56 PM

Love this Jeep! You do really good work.

DETN8R

July 25th, 2011, 01:02 AM

Thats something blasphemous you did to that riddler diff cover.

Just Kidding.

Great build, I'm jealous.

Stephen

August 3rd, 2011, 10:51 PM

Love this Jeep! You do really good work.

Thats something blasphemous you did to that riddler diff cover.

Just Kidding.

Great build, I'm jealous.

Thanks!

I bribed my kid with a toy so he would behave while I took better pics than the car wash lot pics, so I could enter the prestigious JK of the month contest! :lmao:

No decent wheeling pics though, I'd ask my wife to get some, but after seeing her video attempts.... :frown:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DNgLJNsh2V8/TjojUgnb4MI/AAAAAAAAADw/egedqB6tRas/s800/front.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3Zxu61CPlqY/TjojuDL_NQI/AAAAAAAAAEI/epI85pVC5-Y/s800/rear.jpg

glacierpaul

August 5th, 2011, 09:05 AM

You would get JK of the year if it was up to me, envious as heck of your Jeep!! Maybe some day....

Stephen

August 8th, 2011, 09:55 PM

You would get JK of the year if it was up to me, envious as heck of your Jeep!! Maybe some day....

Thank you! :)

jesse05lj

October 4th, 2011, 09:45 AM

The Build is very nice. But i was wondering if you could post some pictures of the rockmen control arms ?

Stephen

October 4th, 2011, 10:48 AM

The Build is very nice. But i was wondering if you could post some pictures of the rockmen control arms ?

Page four has two really clear pics of the fronts. The pics don't really do them justice though, because they bring the beef!

You can kinda see them in this pic...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vKgUJG5N7t0/TofYsc7ASoI/AAAAAAAAAIs/p2J6ns5RN1c/s912/fall1.JPG

Not quite as well in the pic. Umm, maybe not at all... but the leaves are pretty! :D

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y6vzgf6ZXPU/TofZQ68Y6aI/AAAAAAAAAI0/dUg0VesiqRU/s912/fall4.JPG

You can definitely see the rears in this pic! :D

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g8EK7Ybt5z8/Tofad1PW7kI/AAAAAAAAAJI/zuc2azigFsg/s912/fall9.JPG

OK, I've been kinda feeling like a little anorexic. I've been looking at pics of my turd and all I see are those huge, overweight bumpers and it's killing my self esteem. :frown:

Is anyone else seeing this? Is it just me? Am I the only one that thinks it needs a diet? It's difficult to start all over, I need motivation. I'm thinking I need to build some aluminum bumpers. :D

jesse05lj

October 4th, 2011, 11:51 AM

Like the pictures the fall colors are amazing!

Stephen

October 4th, 2011, 04:47 PM

:D

Thanks. Well, I just got back from picking up some aluminum, sooo it looks like my big ol' pig is going on a diet! :eek:

Jackie

October 4th, 2011, 09:23 PM

I AM in the market for a new bumper. I want all the "Tupperware" gone eventually! (The only good thing about the plastic is I can smack it up, scratch it up, whatever, and not get in trouble from Britton!) :D He knows it will eventually all go away!

Edit: I like the "Droolicon" idea!

Stephen

October 4th, 2011, 09:52 PM

Whatever you come up with, I have no doubt that it will be extremely sweet! I think Jackie is in the market for a rear bumper if your "trimming" it down too!

One day when I grow up, I want a Jeep like that!:D

Grow up? You mean get fat? :D

I like your little lightweight rig. Mine makes good for a family off road minivan, I'm just trying to make the best of it's obesity problem. :lmao:

I AM in the market for a new bumper. I want all the "Tupperware" gone eventually! (The only good thing about the plastic is I can smack it up, scratch it up, whatever, and not get in trouble from Britton!) :D He knows it will eventually all go away!

Edit: I like the "Droolicon" idea!

I do have the one in the pic above if you want a stubby with hoop, light mounts, D ring mounts and winch mount. If you wanted something different, I could make that too.

Jackie

October 4th, 2011, 09:57 PM

No. I just got the new front bumper. It's a Shrockworks midwidth. But I'd like to get the big fat butt off it next! (Hopefully complimentary to the front bumper).

Stephen

October 4th, 2011, 10:33 PM

That's a nice bumper. I think I already saw pics of it from a run, forgot! :D

glacierpaul

October 5th, 2011, 07:02 AM

Look forward to anything you do to the Mall Krawler!! My Jeep wants to be like yours when it grows up....

Popsgarage

October 6th, 2011, 12:54 AM

Stephen

October 7th, 2011, 06:08 PM

Post #66 and #74. Is that Off Road Evolution's C2 gusset kit and 44 magnum sleeve kit? And does it work, or have you not had a chance to try it yet? Got the same thing for the wife's Dana 30 for her soon to be SAS'd '94 S-10 Blazer.

Evo gussets, TeraFlex sleeves. I wasn't real impressed with Evo's sleeves since I do a lot of water crossings and figure it could trap any moisture and mud that may slip in. I also was not really very impressed with their gussets because they have huge gaps. Jeff at Rokmen said most people don't weld the spot where the big gaps were, so maybe I installed them wrong.

Stephen

October 7th, 2011, 06:20 PM

I got to making my alloy front bumper, bought some 6061...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1QGMV3i4ksI/Tou-WYiFZxI/AAAAAAAAAJc/ZqTrNYCr9FM/s912/alloy01.JPG

I built a steel winch plate first...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-stcHGTMmbNM/To-GAswiIPI/AAAAAAAAAJw/jgajlSFP46U/s912/alloy1.JPG

Next step was to set the winch in for a test fit, mark the mounting holes for the winch and fairlead and start building the outer alloy skin...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Faqo7gyZ5-Y/To-GCm5VymI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ZDO0tlkRsZo/s912/alloy2.JPG

I let the 10 year old at the welder for a bit with some scrap aluminum...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qhI4-N_1NC4/To-F-DkrDII/AAAAAAAAAJs/UXnfnjS6kgA/s912/alloy3.JPG

I got it mostly done. It still needs another light mount and some tubing for the bull/light bar. I installed my old bumper because I'm done for a while, building this reminded me why I don't really like using aluminum all that much. I was running out of a hundred bucks worth of supplies, all my torch cups are getting broken from carelessness, I was low on tungsten and I'm already 200 bucks in. Whatever, I havened used aluminum in over 3 years, I'm outta practice a little...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Peg7xj2DpOI/To-GOUImlYI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/TF4Ei6oyMm8/s912/alloy4.JPG

The steel bumper weighs 60 lbs. The new bumper is 20 for the winch plate and 10 for the skin. The bolt on D ring mounts are about 5-7 lbs.

Popsgarage

October 7th, 2011, 10:30 PM

sooo it looks like my big ol' pig is going on a diet!

After seeing your skills with a tig torch, I'd say that sound like a perfect idea. Only, don't paint them, get them anodized. That would be bad@$$. Black anodized. Oh, yeah.

Check out these guys. Don't know how much, but it would be way cooler than paint. I work with aluminum every day, (I'm a glazier) and anodized is so much easier to deal with than paint.
http://www.thomasnet.com/colorado/anodizing-1790179-1.html

Stephen

October 21st, 2011, 02:02 PM

After seeing your skills with a tig torch, I'd say that sound like a perfect idea. Only, don't paint them, get them anodized. That would be bad@$$. Black anodized. Oh, yeah.

I gave that some thought. It would be really cool to rebuild everything in aluminum and have it all anodized, that'd probably do way better on the rock than having powdercoat chipping! I'm not sure how much it costs... maybe someday.

In the meantime I slapped about $40 buck in tubing on to my stock rails for some extra protection until I can figure out what I want to build for frame mounted sliders.
Stock rail and tubing on the ground, one completed rail, mounted...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yGhRFxMdg3s/TqCG0UAfz-I/AAAAAAAAAN0/RMtykmo48TU/s912/sliders01.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kV6JfdTJTZk/TqCGpwRYtnI/AAAAAAAAAN0/23LEVLm5zhM/s912/slider02.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2qhRzDH-I10/TqCGnLNOsPI/AAAAAAAAAN0/FV0fuNRWH5Y/s912/sliders03.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--oznPs-WOGk/TqCHD9lYovI/AAAAAAAAAN0/LtrMHtJ0hxQ/s912/sliders04.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ScNjvNu930/TqCG9SXhc4I/AAAAAAAAAN0/3uLPAMQvFBo/s912/sliders05.JPG

Stephen

October 21st, 2011, 03:54 PM

They look great! You're definately a badass with the welder! :thumb:

Thanks. I'm getting kinda outta practice a little. I need to work on it more.

jesse05lj

October 21st, 2011, 05:29 PM

Looks great

Michael4rnr

October 21st, 2011, 07:44 PM

Looks really good.

glacierpaul

October 22nd, 2011, 07:30 AM

As always, cool...

Stephen

October 22nd, 2011, 09:44 AM

Thanks guys!
:thumb:

Stephen

October 22nd, 2011, 09:06 PM

I drove by Crawlertech4X4's Crawl-O-Ween open house and got on the RTI ramp. I have a little bit more trimming to do on the rear inner fenders, not much, but I can get it a little higher when I do.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4FYVP6J6X70/TqNyfPh6v4I/AAAAAAAAAOM/Z0QQ7FEJ35U/s912/hall001.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WX3xfthrBR0/TqNyZQwAEKI/AAAAAAAAAOE/z5aGpdfWgBs/s912/hall002.JPG

We had fun, had some BBQ and carved a pumpkin. Then we headed downtown to the Denver Zombie Crawl.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7f7P-1ZTMCg/TqNyfgWJBoI/AAAAAAAAAOU/syuFWP5tZPQ/s912/hall003.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tDHtC0_qTl4/TqNy_2T66_I/AAAAAAAAAOk/ksBCZbyG2o4/s912/hall004.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LEovWlzFnCs/TqNy-6orAXI/AAAAAAAAAOc/cPLxQeV4JIU/s912/hall006.JPG

We had an insane amount of zombies posing for pics on the Jeep. There were over half a dozen people taking pics sometimes. It was funny. Here's 3...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NrJL2u5Otkk/TqNzCMvdWuI/AAAAAAAAAOs/WDLKcdobFJw/s912/hall005.JPG

Beefy

October 22nd, 2011, 09:08 PM

Excellent pictures! I'm in love with your rig. :D

Stephen

October 22nd, 2011, 09:12 PM

Excellent pictures! I'm in love with your rig. :D

Thanks. The heep had it's own fun today. You only live once. Or twice if you're a zombie. :lmao:

Beefy

October 22nd, 2011, 09:17 PM

Thanks. The heep had it's own fun today. You only live once. Or twice if you're a zombie. :lmao:

:lmao:

I'd take my own picture on your rig, but it may not be appropriate. :D:lmao::lmao:

Stephen

October 22nd, 2011, 09:19 PM

:lmao:

I'd take my own picture on your rig, but it may not be appropriate. :D:lmao::lmao:

:lmao:

Wait, I need to get my lady to do that! :D

Michael4rnr

October 22nd, 2011, 10:06 PM

Those are awesome pictures and everyone likes your jeeps.

Mporter

October 22nd, 2011, 10:34 PM

Is that all the flex you got?!!

I'm sorry but there's an overwhelming number of positive comments on your jeep....I need to play devils advocate

Heather

October 23rd, 2011, 01:25 AM

Awesome!! Looks like a great time!

jesse05lj

October 23rd, 2011, 09:52 AM

good pic's

Stephen

October 23rd, 2011, 10:10 AM

I'm a little disappointed that there were no Zombies under the wheels of splattered all over the Jeep...:lmao:

We did have a lot of fun. We talked to lots of zombies and there were much better photo ops, but I'm a horrible photographer! I miss all the good shots! Who gets pics of smiling zombies anyway?! :D

There was this one chick that was a zombie stripper... I wanted to get a pic! My wife woulda probably stabbed me! Good thing she was at the bookstore! :lmao:

trailfiend

October 29th, 2011, 11:00 AM

That looks awesome! I wish I had your welding skills, truly an awesome build!

Stephen

January 3rd, 2012, 10:51 PM

That looks awesome! I wish I had your welding skills, truly an awesome build!

Thanks! Have you tried welding? It's fun! I have noticed it comes easier to some people, but more practice means more parts for your Jeep! :D

Well, I was thinking one day and I came to the conclusion that the rig just wasn't "mall" enough. Sooo, I painted my beadlock rings black and viola, more "mall"!!!
Well that and the bare aluminum rings were starting to look like a dirty dish pot. No more rock action for these pretty rings!
Oh yeah, and I swapped out my silver OE decals for some black ones...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jw4aVxyMNkg/T0iQWCxRSEI/AAAAAAAAAmY/tO1IPiUiuxo/s912/222.jpg

My wife asked and I complied with a few things I wouldn't mind for the Jeep this Xmas. She got me a few Rotopax containers and mounts. I made a mount for my tire carrier, washed it up and took some pics...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mLaWNzvgD3Y/TwR0-W_r0XI/AAAAAAAAAh8/QnEULSIeq4U/s912/009.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OLIxWjEG0DY/T0iQZFPyhLI/AAAAAAAAAmg/1PvFqQF684w/s912/223.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K7C_surI-Ik/T0iS8tM4vrI/AAAAAAAAAnE/gcSbXKWSNxo/s912/224.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JeWcdMYIDhY/T0iR_gbAW3I/AAAAAAAAAmw/gtXRPcF3jZM/s576/225.jpg

I have a set Poly Performance Synergy ball joints I need to swap out for the craptastic plastic OE ones, but that doesn't jive with my mall vibe, so please disregard. :thumb:

Popsgarage

January 4th, 2012, 12:06 AM

She got me a few Rotopax containers and mounts.

Sounds like a good present to me. And as always, looks damn good!

Brody

January 4th, 2012, 07:39 AM

That really looks nice Stephen! Nice work as always!

Stephen

January 4th, 2012, 11:15 AM

That really looks nice Stephen! Nice work as always!

Thanks! A friend made fun of me yesterday, "LOL, you had to go do another photoshoot after you painted the wheels?"
What can I say, I'm like my wife in front of the mirror with a new pair of jeans! :lmao:

Stephen

January 4th, 2012, 07:24 PM

DISCLAIMER: This is just a test, cans will replace bottles and ice or ice packs will fill in the surrounding area!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dnThZ1XPY3s/TwT0XeoWK3I/AAAAAAAAAic/IgjUL0z9Fgw/s912/010.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AEs1ooYNGuc/TwT0WjnTFUI/AAAAAAAAAiU/8GFIUrCyYV8/s912/011.JPG

:D

Brody

January 4th, 2012, 07:54 PM

What can I say, I'm like my wife in front of the mirror with a new pair of jeans!

I think your wife probably looks better in jeans that you ever will in the Jeep. Sorry guy. Just saying...:D

You have obviously had some first aid training. There have been more than a few instances where a buddy of mine or I have broken, dislocated, or suddenly have a lot of blood going on. The prompt ingestion of some sort of alcoholic beverage (for all parties) seems to be the first order of business, unless bones are showing or you have a spurter. This is contrary to all of the first aid training and nursing experience that I ever learned, but most people I know feel that it is an essential part of "prompt response".

I fractured my arm due to rockfall on a rock climb a number of years ago. Dropped me to my knees. I taped my arm up to my side and, with some tension, managed to finish the last 300' one handed. We got back down to the car, and promptly administered.....err.......first aid...of a sort. My buddy, who had also decided that he should share in the 'first aid' although he seemed to be uninjured, then suggested that we seek more and stop for happy hour at a bar. After many shots and beers, very thoroughly numb (that prompt first aid stuff) and way too messed up to drive to a hospital ER, my buddy dropped me off at my house where I happily passed out. I woke up the next AM with a serious hangover, a left arm 3 times normal size (greenstick fracture). Coffee and a handful of pain killers got me to the hospital....and got rid of the hangover...Again, a prompt application of first aid....:D

I used to teach advanced first aid, too. There are some things you just don't say in classroom/teaching situations....:lmao:

Stephen

January 9th, 2012, 08:08 PM

I've been in ROTC and a few law enforcement classes, and they seem to really like first aid in those settings, but I have no really good first hand first aid experience. I think it might be common knowledge that alcohol makes everything better! :D

mattzj98

January 9th, 2012, 09:10 PM

I want a fat tire!!!

your Jeep looks awesome Stephen! very jealous!
:)

Beefy

January 9th, 2012, 09:12 PM

When I get my 4-door, you can practice your welding skills building me some stuff. Or, I'll have your sloppy leftovers that you changed out. :lmao::lmao:

Brody

January 10th, 2012, 07:15 AM

Jeff-I still have those brand new control arm bushings at my house...

I think it might be common knowledge that alcohol makes everything better!

Well, from a more serious standpoint, holding a good shot of whiskey, scotch, gin, or other strong liquor in your mouth will numb a toothache. It will also partially sterilize any nasty open wound (on the better something than nothing principle).

We were camped about 6 miles in to do some rock climbing at around 11,000 feet, near the top of Hankins Pass in Lost Creek. A friend of mine had brought her dog. On our last night there, her pooch, whom I was patting at the time, lunged forward an tagged me in the face, opening a down to the bone gash on my cheekbone, just under my eye. I sorted the dog out, then got a friend to hold a signal mirror while I stitched my face up, something like 8 stitches or so. Alas, although I had suture kits, I had neglected to bring any lidocaine...We did, however, have some rather stellar single malt scotch...After a couple of shots (:lmao:), I then used some of the scotch to 'sanitize' the gash....

The other part of this story was that, probably due to the rather liberal use of the scotch (hell, we were done climbing and it was just a face...:D) was that after the first 3 stitches or so, I got all jacked up doing this in the signal mirror. My best buddy, a guy I have been climbing with since the early 80s, (and who I have stitched up on more than one rock /ice climb) got tired of watching me fumble the remaining stitches. He offered to finish stitching me up, something he had never done before. So there we were facing each other on our knees with all the rest of our little group watching the entertainment. He brings the needle up to my face and his hand is shaking like he has palsy. Well, this view was a bit disconcerting from my standpoint, especially since it was close to my eyeball. I needed to break the tension a bit so that I could get my faced stitched up. I reached over and grabbed his "jewels" and said, "Now, we aren't going to hurt each other, are we?" We both cracked up. Our friends thought (and still do. I heard a variation on this story years later being told by one of the folks that was there. It has gotten better...)that we were both nuts. We each had another shot, and he finished stitching my face up with no further drama...

Would have been rougher without the scotch...Good job on the stitching, too, as it is lost in the wrinkles under my eyes...

Beefy

January 10th, 2012, 08:40 AM

Pete I totally forgot about that and they are definitely needing to be replaced! I have lots of training until the end of May but I will get it to you a soon as I can! Thanks for the reminder!!

MelloYello

January 10th, 2012, 10:22 AM

That is the best first aid kit ever.

Stephen

January 10th, 2012, 09:00 PM

I want a fat tire!!!

your Jeep looks awesome Stephen! very jealous!
:)

Thanks! You're repping the 4 door Jeep club pretty good yourself!

:thumb:

That is the best first aid kit ever.

It's going to get used a lot!!! :D

Stephen

January 10th, 2012, 09:04 PM

mattzj98

January 10th, 2012, 09:37 PM

Thanks! You're repping the 4 door Jeep club pretty good yourself!

:thumb:

It's going to get used a lot!!! :D

Gotta rep. those grocery getters and mall crawlers ! We never get enough credit lol

glacierpaul

January 15th, 2012, 07:43 AM

A huge congrats to Stephen and his Jeep, for winning Jeep of the year over on Jeepforum.com!!!:2thumbup::bowdown:

Brody

January 15th, 2012, 07:52 AM

Ditto on that!

Fame and fortune are sure to follow!

mattzj98

January 15th, 2012, 06:53 PM

Congrats Stephen!

Popsgarage

January 15th, 2012, 09:53 PM

Congrats, Stephan!:thumb::thumb:

Brad

January 15th, 2012, 11:37 PM

A very well deserved win! :thumb:

Funrover

January 16th, 2012, 10:38 AM

That is a beautiful rig!

Stephen

January 16th, 2012, 10:53 AM

Thanks everyone! The best part of the heep is wheeling with you guys!

And an extra special thank you to jeepforum members that helped me win it! :thumb:

Stephen

February 6th, 2012, 07:21 PM

I used some stainless steel sheet metal to make this for the heep...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6zqdHtyJ6gk/TzB72bA9CyI/AAAAAAAAAls/CuK0Nkl0nGo/s800/oh.jpg

:D

mattzj98

February 6th, 2012, 08:01 PM

not sure what that is.. so... can i have it?
|
(license plate bracket?)

Beefy

February 6th, 2012, 08:02 PM

Can I have your rig? :D

Matt can have that piece though. I can share. :D

Stephen

February 6th, 2012, 08:09 PM

not sure what that is.. so... can i have it?

(license plate bracket?)

It does look like it could be a plate bracket! :D

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-boe7FcRwUFs/TyyTmzHuI8I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/ktEJCONp3gU/s800/IMG_2603.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VPUtCJ07emI/TyyTOkozHsI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/JrIftrkqb28/s800/IMG_2594.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OIVIdGN8b3w/TyyT1uoeUHI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/pubsD7OrelI/s800/IMG_2600.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YoAZKxXvQ9U/TyyTKokxo4I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/93JhN4aWSqA/s640/IMG_2592.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6WJtHdPainM/TyyTyHQhCVI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/3RJNBEnOZk4/s800/IMG_2605.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DgWUaR6rbes/TyyT7p0Q36I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/OwcxVpE9ss4/s800/IMG_2610.JPG

Stephen

February 6th, 2012, 08:10 PM

Can I have your rig? :D

Matt can have that piece though. I can share. :D

Wait a sec! That thing took a few days to make! :lmao:

Beefy

February 6th, 2012, 08:28 PM

Very cool!!

mattzj98

February 6th, 2012, 08:30 PM

hell i'll take it. but ONLY if it comes with that shiny flashy thing inside

Aaron

February 6th, 2012, 09:02 PM

How much for one?

jeepjk_packard

February 6th, 2012, 09:56 PM

Very nice! There are companies charging lots of money for iPad holders.

Brad

February 6th, 2012, 10:24 PM

That looks amazing! Can't wait to see it in person.

Popsgarage

February 7th, 2012, 01:56 AM

Once again, Stephan, phenomenal work!!!!!

Brody

February 7th, 2012, 08:35 AM

Nice piece of work Stephen!

Stephen

February 7th, 2012, 06:00 PM

Thanks guys! I was online looking for a holder and noticed it was kind of expensive to buy a setup.

The bracket snaps on and can snap off in 2 seconds, but there's access to the stock stereo if I just wanna leave it on. I can still adjust the volume on the stereo from underneath with the iPad in place. I'm using it for GPS and music in the front. I'll need to build something in the back seat for my kid to watch movies too. I've been playing with it the past few days and so far it works great!

glacierpaul

February 9th, 2012, 06:55 AM

Nice Stephen!!

Chris

February 9th, 2012, 09:33 AM

Very cool, much fancier than my iPad mount - I use a mini bungee cord. :D

Heather

February 10th, 2012, 11:19 AM

Holy cow you make such cool stuff. In such a variety of scales and applications, too!

RockyMtnHigh

February 10th, 2012, 11:36 AM

NICE!!!:thumb:

Stephen

February 11th, 2012, 05:13 PM

Thanks everyone! :)

Holy cow you make such cool stuff. In such a variety of scales and applications, too!

Thanks! It's funny that you say that. After hitting up a bunch of stores for a TV wall mount, I can home and made one of those last night. I wasn't gonna pay $80-200 to hang a TV on the wall! :lmao:

Very cool, much fancier than my iPad mount - I use a mini bungee cord. :D

Pics in your build thread?! :D

Rick

February 11th, 2012, 05:18 PM

:thumb:Very cool. Looks out of the factory

Chris

February 11th, 2012, 05:46 PM

Pics in your build thread?! :D

Sorry Stephen but I haven't added it to my build thread yet because I know the masses will steal my idea. I've retained a high buck patent attorney to work with me and he tells me I should keep it under wraps until he has my concept protected. Apparently it won't take any more than 16 years and a $600,000 retainer.

However, being generous I will share my prototypes currently in four colors. :rolleyes:

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm302/FrontRange4x4/Keep/c810e088.jpg

PS, yours looks great! Well done! :thumb:

Brody

February 11th, 2012, 06:38 PM

LoTech, LLC......

Stephen

February 12th, 2012, 08:00 PM

Sorry Stephen but I haven't added it to my build thread yet because I know the masses will steal my idea. I've retained a high buck patent attorney to work with me and he tells me I should keep it under wraps until he has my concept protected. Apparently it won't take any more than 16 years and a $600,000 retainer.

However, being generous I will share my prototypes currently in four colors. :rolleyes:

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm302/FrontRange4x4/Keep/c810e088.jpg

PS, yours looks great! Well done! :thumb:

Very nice! I keep at least 2 bungees in my Jeep at all times!

OMG Stephen - I was thinking the same thing about the damn tv mounts for the wall. I would BUY one from you if you would make me one! :) *Edit - I need to learn to weld* :)

*On a side note - your mount inside the jeep beats the hell out of my cb mount - 2 pieces of electrical tape ROFLMAO!!!! Like I told Matt yesterday - it does the job, stop laughing so hard! :)

Don't knock it! Your electrical tape CB mount is the beginning of a fabrication addiction! That's how we all start, well, usually duct tape, but you know what I mean! :lmao: