My 2008 JKU Rubicon

[Dutch]

Figured it was about time I share my "build" on here. Its a slow progression of my 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon that I picked up over the summer. I've had a lot of different rigs ranging from Suzuki Samurais, Jeep Cherokee XJ's, and a buggied out Jeep Wrangler YJ on 1tons and 42's. After going the whole buggy route I decided that for now its too expensive and doesn't really fit my desires or that of my family. I first went back to an XJ a built a 2000 into a Adventure Wheeler/Baby crawler of sorts on 35's and beadlocks. I was able to get back to enjoying the easier trails and get into camping with the family (something I hadn't done since I was in middle school) with it. With my daily driver Audi S4 creeping up on 230,000 miles and the XJ at close to 210,000 miles I decided it was time for a new car. I was originally going to get another 1/2ton truck but upon realizing how expensive they had become I decided to get the JK. I'd been drooling over them for years and finally went for it. The following posts will get us caught up to the present.

Cross Posts will have their original date in bold at the top

14Oct2013

This summer I decided it was time to get myself a newer car. My daily driver S4 was 13 years old and had over 220,000 miles on the clock and my family wheeler/camping rig was also 13 years old with over 208,000 miles on it. After going back and forth on what I wanted to do I decided to go with a JKU as my 1 and only vehicle. I wasn't set on a Rubicon or a specific color but I new I wanted the cheapest one I could find that had less than 100,000 miles and was as bone stock as possible. I wound up finding a 2008 Rubicon w/ 72,000 miles on it that was completely stock reportedly never taken off road. I talked the owner down a few more thousand and wound up paying what KBB said the trade-in value was on it. Good enough for me, and bonus it was 1 of the 3 colors on the top of my desired list.

This is after I got it home
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zpsb92871f2.jpg

The first weekend after I got it I took it up to Middle Saint Vrain and Coney Flats for some wheeling. This is a fun trail system for mild to moderately built rigs and I still enjoyed it with my YJ on 1 tons and 42's. Its just a pretty area with a sweet water crossing, good camping spots, and close to where I live.

Some "carnage" from its first wheeling trip
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps2a187e90.jpg

Our group
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zpsfb51798c.jpg

One of several small water crossings
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps2e5f038c.jpg

A little "flex" shot
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps467d6115.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps966ec4b6.jpg

All in all I was really impressed with how it did stock. My only complaint was that there is a significant lack of ground clearance. I quickly got used to hearing the rocker guards or skid plates making contact with the ground. It never did hang the thing up though and despite how much longer than my XJ's or even my YJ it turned amazingly well and didn't seem nearly as school bus-like as I feared when wheeling.

[Dutch]

14Oct2013

Shortly after that first trip my 2.5" Rubicon Express basic spring lift showed up. For the money I can't complain at all. The install was super simple, it came with everything I needed (springs, shocks, panhard bracket, sway bar links), and it rides as well as stock on the road. Its maybe a little harsher on graded dirt roads but that could also be due to the D-rated tires I'm now running. Speaking of, I initially took the Trail Ready Aluminum bead locks and 35" equivalent KM2's off my XJ and put them on the JK using SpiderTrax adapters. I had made an agreement with a friend as to the purchase of my XJ that excluded the recently purchased wheels/tires.

Here it is after the lift:
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zpsef02bb3f.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zpsad507f3b.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps985c9a94.jpg

I had initially planned on trying to find a used hard top for it as my previous soft to rigs were Samurai's and the YJ. One of my Samurais the soft top actually ripped off while going down I-80 through Nebraska and the top on my YJ left a lot to be desired too, although it was a trailer queen so not a huge issue. After driving the JK around a bit I decided that the money I had set aside for a hard top would be better served on a full belly skid system. Knowing that the JKU's are damn near the same weight stock as a 1/2ton truck I new I wanted to keep additional weight to a minimum. I read on here about the different options and decided that the TNT Customs Aluminum belly system was the one for me. I'm glad I got it too because even after the lift and tires this belly sits really low.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zpsc1823df5.jpg

I also wanted a rear shelf to give me more options for storage. I decided on the Rampage one for two reasons. The first being that it was half the price as most of the others I've seen and sorry but some 1" tubing and sheet metal should not add up to a 500$ product. And 2, I like that it can be flipped up and out of the way for taller items.

It installed easily enough although one issue is that the subwoofer box is in the way of the passenger side latch bracket that bolts to the roll bar. I've been running it for a few months now and it hasn't been an issue. I shoved a sponge between the rack and the sub box to keep it from bouncing into it. So far the sub box hasn't been damaged and the rack is rattle free. The struts have no problem holding it in the up position with my tool bags and straps on it too, so for the money I think its a great product.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps7c72cc3e.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps72e22805.jpg

[Dutch]

14Oct2013

I was going to try to get an aluminum front bumper but I couldn't find any that I really liked. I also figured that with most of the aluminum options having a large steel sub-bumper to hold the winch that there probably wouldn't be a huge weight savings over a steel bumper. Instead I took the money I saved by going with a steel bumper and applied it towards a synthetic winch rope for my XRC8 winch I had kept from my XJ. Say what you want about the Smitty Built products but I bought this winch on sale at KOH 2011 and got a free 3yr warranty from 4Wheel Parts. After 2 years I finally used that warranty to get a new controller for it. Other that that issue its worked flawlessly for me and unlike the faithful Chicago Electric/Harbor Freight winch it replaced the winch speed is respectfully fast.

So here is my JCR Offroad front bumper with skid plate and my freshly spooled MasterPull synthetic winch rope (I went with it specifically for the end on it) and sweet flip off smiley fair lead. As a note on the bumper; The bumper itself installed no problem. All the bolts lined up great, including the fog light mounts. The skid plate though did have a slight issues. The bolts that hold the skid plate to the lower cross member of the JK were just slightly off. I was able to get the bolts in there w/o drilling but I really would have been better off drilling out the holes a bit.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps075f65f5.jpg

After that was all done I managed to get out for a trip to Red Cone trail. Its an easy trail that takes you up to the top of the world more or less. What I like about it is that you start out on HWY-285 and after taking Red Cone trail you link up with Radical Hill (not all that radical) and then drop down into Montezuma where you can hop Loveland Pass over to I-70 and back into Denver that way. It also means you can swing into Idaho Springs for some Tommy Knockers, my favorite brewery in CO.

A few pics of Red Cone/Radical Hill
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps13813eb6.jpg

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A bit after that trip I was able to get a TeraFlex spare tire carrier, GenRight Aluminum rear bumper, and RotoPax holder from Vector Offroad installed. I've since double stacked the RotoPax cans (I have 4 total now) and even with 4 water/fuel cans, high lift jack, and larger spare tire that tailgate opens/closes better than it did with only the stock spare tire on it.

I really like the GenRight bumper, but I have to ask, "Was there no way to use more of the factory holes to mount the thing?" You wind up drilling a lot of holes into the frame and really there were already a lot of holes there that could have been utilized. Oh well, you only have to install it once so /end rant.

You'll also notice in this picture that I installed a set of Bushwacker flat flares. I originally want aluminum ones but I talked to a couple of people and they said the tubs on these JK's aren't nearly as strong as the TJ and YJ tubs. They warned that with aluminum or steel flares that a good hit on a tree or rock could result in the tub being damaged where as the plastic ones would just pop off. I'll still probably go with some aluminum corner armor and flares on the rear eventually, but for now I'm happy with the Bushwackers. They installed easily enough despite some of the threads I read on the subject. I did get lazy on the rears and opted to just leave the inner fender liners out. Instead I painted the wheel well with some rattle can truck bed liner. Up front I did trim down the stock inner fender liners.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zpsfcc35ff0.jpg

[Dutch]

14Oct2013

I have since ran Spring Creek in the JK but I didn't take any pictures. I was too busy acting as impromptu tour guide to a group that came up behind my 2 vehicle group. I put the TNT belly armor to good use in the rock garden, but again it never seemed to hang it up. Even when the jeep would land flat onto its belly a simple push of the locker button and it would just climb right on up. I always harassed the JK guys before but these things really do make wheeling easy. I'm now in the "sipping your latte on the trail" club.

Yesterday I went up to Twin Cone trail off of Kenosha Pass. Its a lot more dug out than it was back in 2008 when I last ran it in an XJ on 32's. The little rock garden area has actually become a rock garden now. Had a great time and as usual the JK did great. I did have an issue where my t-case shift cable popped off the shifter. Its happened once before and I've since spent the 6$ on the two little plastic bushing that hold the ends onto the shifter and t-case respectfully. Stupid design though, what ever happened to a washer and nut?

Pics of Twin Cone, not really in order though:

flexing out the RE 2.5" lift
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/Wheeling/IMG_4663_zpsd6c0bb5b.jpg

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http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/Wheeling/067_zps6ba1643b.jpg

Twin Cone is another one of those "I'm on top of the world!!" trails in CO. Takes you up to 12,000+ feet.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/Wheeling/066_zps45502c1b.jpg

You'll also notice I got rid of the Trail Ready bead locks. I just didn't like having to run the adapters with them and now that I'm daily driving my Jeep I'm less tolerant of wobbles. With the bead locks on there I couldn't get them perfectly balanced, this was multiplied by how far out the spacers put them. I got some cheaper explorer pro comp aluminum wheels to replace them and now she is smooth down the highway. I did kind of yuppie out and get the fake locks, even I'll admit they're poserish but after running beadlocks on my jeeps for the last 3 years I've grown really accustomed to the look.

That pretty much sums up where the Jeep has gone since I bought it in August. I did install the bestop under seat storage bins under both of the front seats. I had to replace the TIPM after towing my little utility trailer. Apparently even though there are these things called fuses the TIPM decided that the two little trailer lights were too much of a load on my brake light circuit and shut it off. It wasn't resettable so a new TIPM went in. I also had my BAS/ESP light come on that was fixed by simply turning the steering wheel lock to lock at a stop and then driving. Apparently the sensor got a little upset. I also haven't been able to get my U-Connect to work either. My buddy followed the directions and uploaded the sales code into my VIN on the Chrysler database and then reloaded it into my Jeep's computer. Several attempts and while the TIPM shows its there, and will even show the fault if he shut off that option inside the TIPM, the radio still says its not equipped. These little computer based electrical things are the only issue I have with this Jeep. My S4 wasn't as much of an electronic PIA. Other than that though I'm loving it.

I have a set of Artec trusses sitting in the garage and this spring I'll be installing those plus re-gearing the axles. At that point I'm thinking of going back to 17's and getting some 37's for it. I'm also looking at different long arm setups. The RockKrawler setups seem to be really popular, but I'm also looking at the TeraFlex ones too. I'm very intrigued by the TeraFlex pre-runner system. I like the idea of being able to go bit faster on the trails without my teeth falling out. I know I should be able to fit the 37's w/o any additional lift but I happen to be a fan of up travel and belly clearance and I'm only looking to go up another inch or so.

Before I spend the coin to change the suspension I'll be installing some sort of cage kit. I've seen what happens to these things in a roll over and its scary as hell. XJ's hold up better apparently. I am leaning towards the Poly kit but I don't like how it goes through the dash. I just know I'll probably screw that up. I like the River Raider except that it doesn't go all the way through to the floor up front. I'm thinking I might do the Poison Spyder cage up front and then the Poly in the middle and rear. I should easily be able to add the upper windshield tie-ins to it so that my windshield frame doesn't move around as some here have complained about.

For now even with stock gears and cheap short arm lift its working great as it is. Its a total bolt on queen but after 6 years of fabbing up stuff on both my own and friend's jeeps I wanted to take a break from that and just be able to bolt on something and go wheel. Sure it costs more that way, but it saves me a lot of time and that's worth something too. Instead of spending all weekend making a bumper I spent about 2 hours painting and bolting it on. The rest of the weekend I spent with my wife and kid. Later on down the road I'm sure I'll get back into fabricating stuff, although I'm not sure it'll be on the JK. I'll probably get another XJ or YJ for that. I'm not really sure I want to turn the JK into a buggy.

[Dutch]

26Oct2013

Added a Poly Performance B-Pillar kit to the JK today. It's 2 1.75OD .120 Wall DOM legs that run from the floor to the stock cage just behind the factory b-pillar. There is a frame tie-in underneath along with the harness bar. I added in a pair of tubing couplers so that I can remove the harness bar easily if it proves to be in the way during daily use.

Gutted the jeep
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zpscdca7696.jpg

Welding it in to the Jeep after finish weld and paint was done on the add-in.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zpsc46ecc6a.jpg

After getting the jeep back together
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps957fa760.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps1ee44324.jpg

Here is the frame tie-in. I painted the back side of it and the frame with weld through primer. After this picture was taken I blasted it with some Rustoleum truck bed liner. It's the same stuff I've used on my bumpers and the rest of the cage addition.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zps02a8371e.jpg

I just got my shipping notification for the rest of my cage add ons. I've got a Poison Spyder Customs C-Pillar kit and their front trail cage kit on the way.

[Dutch]

27Oct2013

I ran China Wall today. It was a 5hr drive round trip to the trail head but well worth it. I had a great time and the scenery down there is amazing. I had never ran that trail and really liked how it had some good obstacles spread around that were easily bypassed or taken from different angles. Even better is the trail is pretty smooth between the obstacles so you're not spending all day bouncing around. I'm not sure I'll make another day trip out of it, but I definitely plan on going down there to camp out. Its near Buena Vista so there are more trails in the vicinity.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/wangurmom1/image_zps92600bbd.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/Wheeling/post-591-0-27778100-1382922547_zpsb7c1a806.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/wangurmom1/image_zps1c64807b.jpg

More pics are here:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1106188

[Dutch]

23Nov2013

After cracking a tail light and realizing that unlike the previous Wranglers the JK uses a unique tail light that costs 120$ from the stealership (cheaper aftermarket replacements are still 80$) I decided it was time to change the method in which light is emitted from the back of the Jeep. I had 2 goals in mind for the change. Goal 1 was to have something less likely to be damaged in the first place. Goal 2 was to have something more easily (and cheaply) replaced in the event it was damaged.



I got the kits from RockRidge4WD minus for less than a single replacement tail light. I got the kit minus the LED stop/turn light and decided to instead use standard incandescent ones so that I wouldn't have to deal with adding in load resistors to keep the turn signals happy. The incandescent units are also cheaper to replace and can be found at any truck stop, parts store, or trailer supply facility across the US.



Step 1 was modifying the factory tail light harness. I soldered the lead for the 4" grommet mount tail light to the stock harness. For the LED reverse light I used spade connectors because the wiring on the reverse light isn't removable from the light itself. This way if the reverse light goes bad I can just crimp on new spade connectors and go.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/8D7ADD46-EAF6-4EB8-8E5E-3F425D490097_zpsw6xdbkzt.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/8D7ADD46-EAF6-4EB8-8E5E-3F425D490097_zpsw6xdbkzt.jpg.html)



Step 2 was modifying the tub a bit. There are raised section where the factory tail light screws onto the tub. I used a 1" hole saw to remove the bumps.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/772185CF-AFF1-4CD7-BD05-3DDCB9503071_zpsbj6hcblk.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/772185CF-AFF1-4CD7-BD05-3DDCB9503071_zpsbj6hcblk.jpg.html)



Then I grabbed the air saw and finished cutting away pesky sheet metal.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/F1B981F6-AD51-41F7-81DC-597CB4F44354_zpsok0slqey.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/F1B981F6-AD51-41F7-81DC-597CB4F44354_zpsok0slqey.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/929FB990-25A3-401E-AC5F-3E4361D2F257_zpszwkxmxsk.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/929FB990-25A3-401E-AC5F-3E4361D2F257_zpszwkxmxsk.jpg.html)



After the cutting is done simply clamp the plate in place and drill your mounting holes. Use the bolts provided to attach it to the Jeep and then install the lights. The reverse light is stud mounted and the tail light is a standard 4: grommet mount light. I taped off the tub and painted the part under the plate with bed liner to cover up the exposed metal where cutting/drilling occurred. I figured the bed liner would also help seal out water from getting behind the plate.



All done and ready to impress the ladies. :D



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/586A7FAB-DE85-4E16-81D3-E0E4227E6A4E_zpskftl4ec0.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/586A7FAB-DE85-4E16-81D3-E0E4227E6A4E_zpskftl4ec0.jpg.html)



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[Dutch]

12Dec2013

I took it camping the other weekend. High where we were at was about 7deg that weekend. It was a good trip.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/Wheeling/FEC64CEB-F06B-4EBC-88CD-557C11A325D5_zpsdvwhqnxu.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/Wheeling/FEC64CEB-F06B-4EBC-88CD-557C11A325D5_zpsdvwhqnxu.jpg.html)

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[Dutch]

26Dec2013

A deal has been made and early Saturday morning I'm heading to Vegas to pick up a Hemi drivetrain that came out of a JK. Radiator, wiring harness, a/c lines, PCM, etc are all there so all I'll need to drop it into my JK is the mounting brackets, exhaust, and a battery box. JSS also has an improved fan shroud and fan setup that I'll be getting as well. The plan is to get those things over the next few months and swap it all into my rig this summer. I've talked to Todd over at JSS and he's going to take care of putting my VIN into the PCM for me, and I'll be getting all the other bits through him as well. Robbi at MoTech has the powertrain and is making me a super deal on it helped by the fact that I'm transporting some axles back here to CO for him. Needless to say I am super excited and really looking forward to getting this bad boy into my Jeep. This saves me a lot of money and puts me into a V8 swap about 2 years ahead of schedule, and I even get to keep both my kidneys.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/8A2CED9A-A808-4CE3-97FC-5DCE8CBB7E9A_zpsxbojclxa.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/8A2CED9A-A808-4CE3-97FC-5DCE8CBB7E9A_zpsxbojclxa.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/621205DE-7D6C-4A2E-9606-2FDBAE946179_zpsjxql68w5.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/621205DE-7D6C-4A2E-9606-2FDBAE946179_zpsjxql68w5.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

28Dec2013

Yeah, I'll take a double double with a side of Hemi. :D

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/943AFC78-1C8E-46A2-89B8-2AE9CA9A74CB_zpsjnww5ve8.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/943AFC78-1C8E-46A2-89B8-2AE9CA9A74CB_zpsjnww5ve8.jpg.html)

30Dec2013
Wasn't sure if my engine hoist would reach so we met up at the shop this morning and transferred the Hemi powertrain over to my trailer. Question is, does this count has having a Hemi Jeep or is this a Jeep powered Hemi? :D

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/6FAAC2C0-9441-4246-B483-03A292D70F3F_zpsgbm8urhg.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/6FAAC2C0-9441-4246-B483-03A292D70F3F_zpsgbm8urhg.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

31Dec2013

Supposed to be 50 and sunny all week so I decided to tackle the cage add-ons I've had sitting in the garage. I had already done the poly b-pillar kit. Now I am going to add the Poison Spyder Customs c-pillar and front cage kits.

It only took me an hour to tear it all down by myself. It almost looks like a real Jeep now.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/483C519E-E9AB-4596-8D6F-BD8CD50A815B_zpsq9ukpay3.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/483C519E-E9AB-4596-8D6F-BD8CD50A815B_zpsq9ukpay3.jpg.html)

Here is the pile a crap I removed. I won't be putting half that crap back on either.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/3E148F8B-7F94-4628-B53E-181355A9A946_zpsxaessjo4.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/3E148F8B-7F94-4628-B53E-181355A9A946_zpsxaessjo4.jpg.html)

I'll be painting the rest of the factory cage with truck bed liner like I did the Poly Performance b- pillar kit. All those foam blocks and cloth covers are staying off.

[Dutch]

1Jan2014

Poison Spyder doesn't have any form of directions for the C-pillar kit, I even called to ask. The install is pretty self explanatory but to help others out I took some pics showing where I but them.

This is the floor mount:
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/E6C80017-92AF-46E0-ACD5-B609C684932F_zpsojtyc0qy.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/E6C80017-92AF-46E0-ACD5-B609C684932F_zpsojtyc0qy.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DA8C8770-67DF-4557-B0F9-447964BF7188_zpso7veahxc.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DA8C8770-67DF-4557-B0F9-447964BF7188_zpso7veahxc.jpg.html)

Here is the distanced between the rear spreader and the new c-pillar tube.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/EAC5BB20-92F2-4CC8-898C-58C0E1B0EFFB_zps9fxwkegc.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/EAC5BB20-92F2-4CC8-898C-58C0E1B0EFFB_zps9fxwkegc.jpg.html)

Once I had them where I wanted them I marked the holes to be drilled into the tub for the foot plates but didn't drill the holes yet. I also marked where the tubes met the factory cage.

I then welded the tube to the foot plate where it was easily accessible and then pulled the assembly out. Finished welding the joint to the foot plate and then turned them upside down so I could plug weld the holes underneath where the alignment tabs went into the foot plate.

Once they cooled off I painted them leaving the top inch of the tube unpainted where it had to be welded to the factory cage. I also ground off the paint on the stock cage where the tubes go.

After the paint had dried I put them in place and welded them to the stock cage. I used the marks I'd made for the holes as guides for where the floor plates went. Once the tubes were welded I drilled one hole at a time and put a bolt through it before drilling the next hole.

As a word of caution, be very careful when drilling the two holes into the floor on the driver side. They go in very close to where the fuel filler hoses run.

[Dutch]

1Jan2014

I painted the factory cage once the c-pillar was in. I used Duplicolor Bed Liner, its what I used on my bumpers and it seems to work pretty well.

Here is how the c-pillars line up with the rear seat
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/6E5C4FA0-21F5-45C3-941D-5F6C22E9E192_zps1eibgz3c.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/6E5C4FA0-21F5-45C3-941D-5F6C22E9E192_zps1eibgz3c.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/E205BA0A-C9A7-4C82-A9D1-041CCA175225_zpsvdfaahkp.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/E205BA0A-C9A7-4C82-A9D1-041CCA175225_zpsvdfaahkp.jpg.html)

Here is the rear cage all painted up
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/D928BECF-4844-40DC-B3BC-0C73AF3E3D5F_zpsetrpd0fa.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/D928BECF-4844-40DC-B3BC-0C73AF3E3D5F_zpsetrpd0fa.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

1Jan2014

After I got the rear done I moved on to the total pain in the arse that is the front Poison Spyder Cage install. I had to chase all the threads on the tubing couplers after realizing the hard way that they weren't tapped worth a damn. The driver side a-pillar fit beautifully where it goes next to the dash, the passenger side one on the other hand doesn't fit worth a damn. I also need to chase the threads in it as well. The dash bar fit well enough once I figured out that I had it flipped around the wrong way. The top piece however doesn't fit worth a damn.

I finally got it all together just in time to clean up and watch the Avs beat the Blue Jackets 5 to 3.

Unfortunately it decided to snow today so I have to wait until tomorrow to take it apart, clean it, beat it back together, and then touch up all the paint I ruin beating it into place.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/E151B021-60A8-4DA6-A876-013B65F6E591_zps2qtwwj5t.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/E151B021-60A8-4DA6-A876-013B65F6E591_zps2qtwwj5t.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/C214BD3C-E6FE-421D-B114-89D99F67255D_zpsfpvq82dm.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/C214BD3C-E6FE-421D-B114-89D99F67255D_zpsfpvq82dm.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/D303FFEA-505C-42EE-9B9A-5AFC29A5A9CF_zps7cxr9gus.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/D303FFEA-505C-42EE-9B9A-5AFC29A5A9CF_zps7cxr9gus.jpg.html)

I'm also going to add in the upper windshield frame tie-ins from my stock cage, and add another hole to tie the top of the dash into the side plate. You can see the small button-head bolts on the side plate, those merely hold the dash to the plate. There is another tab closer to the top that isn't being utilized so I'm going to drill another hole. I'm also contemplating welding the spreaders to the factory b-pillar cross member and eventually I'll be adding a frame tie-in as well. The foot plates are in about the same location as the Poly ones so I can make a similar frame tie-in as theirs.

[Dutch]

3Jan2014

I got the Jeep all back together today, I'm glad I never have to install that thing again.



I should have just painted the thing before installing it. It would have saved me from fighting it twice. I did develop a good procedure though.



Step 1: Use a dead blow to beat the tubing coupler into place

Step 2: Run a thread chase down the hole for the bolt

Step 3: Install bolt loosely

Step 4: Move on to next coupler and repeat.



The tubing couplers fit ridiculously tight and I broke off 2 bolts in the piss poor thread jobs before I started just chasing every hole before inserting a bolt. I don't know if the threads were tapped that poorly or if it was a result of welding the tube couplers in when Poison Spyder put the pieces together. Either way its over with now.



Cage painted and installed

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/628183E6-0A53-4166-9AEB-71DE01E3DDB4_zpsb81ab2n4.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/628183E6-0A53-4166-9AEB-71DE01E3DDB4_zpsb81ab2n4.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/039BE7BE-2C60-47D1-B137-04DBB81D96BB_zpswr2j2fqy.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/039BE7BE-2C60-47D1-B137-04DBB81D96BB_zpswr2j2fqy.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/3BEC44FA-0604-4C27-8E9D-B2FC2EC32A43_zpsh4yhz0hm.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/3BEC44FA-0604-4C27-8E9D-B2FC2EC32A43_zpsh4yhz0hm.jpg.html)



When I put the windshield back up and tightened down the brackets I noticed that it sat a good 1/2" closer to the b-pillar hoop. So I pushed it back forward with a clamp and cut off the upper windshield frame brackets from the factory spreaders. Then I welded them into place.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/1C9561CD-B589-4671-8A1A-C067001420A2_zpscywebqgp.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/1C9561CD-B589-4671-8A1A-C067001420A2_zpscywebqgp.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/AA81FC45-5549-41C8-B823-75A19B460F01_zps4e58cw41.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/AA81FC45-5549-41C8-B823-75A19B460F01_zps4e58cw41.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/B3C42A90-ECEC-4D6A-AF2F-14272079C567_zpsufqvkw3f.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/B3C42A90-ECEC-4D6A-AF2F-14272079C567_zpsufqvkw3f.jpg.html)



Then I began putting the carpet and interior back together. I got a little over zealous with the trimming on the windshield frame surrounds but they're in there and not too bad. I also trimmed down the speaker bar and rear dome light mount. I want to get rid of the rectangular tubing going across the back where the c-pillars are. I think this summer I'll cut it out and replace it with regular DOM tubing. Then I'll relocate the dome light to the Poison Spyder center section that goes between those two cross bars. The rectangular cross bar at the B-pillar doesn't bother me as it is covered up by the sound bar. I also left all of the foam and cloth covers off the cage.



All in all I'm happy with how it turned out. The front cage was a royal pain to install but after the second time it was done and will never be coming back out. Eventually I'll add a frame tie-in to it as well. Even as it is I'm sure it'll do its job and keep the family safe in the event of a roll over. I'm also going to add a harness bar at the c-pillar for a little bit of extra strength. I don't take it up hard trails but its good to have the extra security just in case.

[Dutch]

18Jan2014

Ran up to Iron Clads with my buddy Steve from COJeeps. A lot of the snow had apparently melted off but what was left had a good crust of ice and a layer of ice underneath. We got to a point where we just weren't making any progress so we busted out the chains. Here are the few pics I got.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/Wheeling/73E8CFCF-3EDC-4833-8D5C-F1E787CACEE5_zpsaivmreri.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/Wheeling/73E8CFCF-3EDC-4833-8D5C-F1E787CACEE5_zpsaivmreri.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/Wheeling/6E07E84F-67CD-4176-B6C3-0EC4C28963DA_zpsdyrogxox.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/Wheeling/6E07E84F-67CD-4176-B6C3-0EC4C28963DA_zpsdyrogxox.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/Wheeling/7889C516-EC2B-4AA9-B118-1A31A190A675_zpsybzyvjww.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/Wheeling/7889C516-EC2B-4AA9-B118-1A31A190A675_zpsybzyvjww.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/Wheeling/D3197B3E-02EA-4558-A489-5EBB6FE1729E_zpswev2nejv.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/Wheeling/D3197B3E-02EA-4558-A489-5EBB6FE1729E_zpswev2nejv.jpg.html)

This was my first time wheeling with chains and man does it make a difference. I wasn't 100% sure on the rules so I aired back up to 25psi prior to throwing the chains on. Still, once the chains were on we could pretty much just crawl right along whereas before we were throttling through the deep sections with lots of wheel spin and backing up. It was like going from open/open to locked/locked.

[javaman34]

Very cool.

[Jim]

One of the fastest builds / threads in a LONG time.

;)

[Dutch]

Oh it ain't done yet. I'm hoping I can get the rest of the stuff for the Hemi swap and get that done 4th of July weekend. I'll also need new springs at that time. You need an inch taller spring for the front with the Hemi and I've noticed my RE 2.5" springs are only netting me about 1.5" of lift. I still want to get RCV front shafts, Chromo rear shafts, adjustable control arms, hydraulic assist, go up to 37's, re-gear the axles after going to 37's, add aluminum rear corner armor and flares, and so on and so on. It just never ends.

[88Toy]

Sweet Jeep, sir.

[dr350jja]

very nice :thumb:

[tonkatoy]

nice build

[glacierpaul]

Very nice Jeep build, good job!! Do you use anything to hold your chains on your tires? I use rubber bungee cords myself.

[Dutch]

I didn't have any issues with them coming off. I did check them every so often. I do plan on picking up some of the rubber tensioners, they're only $7 a pair at Murdochs.

[glacierpaul]

I Only Use Bungees, But I Definitely Run Chains More Than Most. The Tensioners Just Don't Hold Up To The UV Rays, Hell The Bungees Break Down Too, But You Can Pull Them Really Tight, That Is Why I Use Them.

[Popsgarage]

Yeah, I'll take a double double with a side of Hemi.

Which "Hemi"????? 5.7, 6.1, 6.4???????????

[Dutch]

It's a non-VVT 5.7 out of a 2008 Ram 1500. I'll be using Jeep Speed Shop mounts, battery tray, and radiator to install it. It already has a JSS computer that I need to send to then so my VIN can be loaded into it. The whole package came out of another 2008 JK Unlimited Rubicon.

[Popsgarage]

Nice. Much better then the 3.8 V6!

[Dutch]

Yeah, it should me a significant improvement in the power department.

[Popsgarage]

The 3.8 isn't a bad engine compared to some but it definatlely is under powered when you start to go up in wheel size and start adding lift's, bumpers and all the stuff that adds weight. Heck, you could even find that you gain a bit of fuel economy if you can keep the right foot off of the floor. As they say, "There's no replacement for displacement!".

[Dutch]

As much as I hate the little 3.8L V6 I can't honestly say that I don't get better fuel economy and have greater ability to get the passes than I ever did with my 4.0L powered Jeeps. In all honesty it does and I'm undergeared with the stock 4.10's and almost 35" (315/75r16) tires. If I keep the cruise set for 65 I'll get 17mpg on the interstate and because the engine makes power up high I can rev it out (3-4000rpm) and get up the hills no problem. I love the 4.0L inline 6 for its reliability and torque but I can't really complain too much about the 3.8L V6. The 42RLE on the other hand is total garbage and I would much rather have an AW4 in the JK if I had to stick with a Jeep 4spd automatic. The 545RFE behind the Hemi will be nice, although its no 4L60E or 6L80E. I think if I had gone with the 6spd manual I wouldn't be so desperate to throw away the 3.8L V6.

[glacierpaul]

Question For Dutch And Jonathan, Shoot Everyone, Would It Make More Sense To Supercharge The 3.8 Or Do A Motor Swap?

[Dutch]

I had been going back and forth on that ever since buying my JK. I planned from the get go to either super charge or V8 swap my Jeep eventually, that's part of why I was looking for an older/cheaper JK when I bought it. However, I knew it was going to be a few years so I also wanted to get one in good shape and under 100,000 miles.

As I saw it I had 4 options:
1) Super charge the 3.8L V6 (nets about 300hp total at a cost of about 5-6K)

pros: its the cheapest of the options, takes a lot less labor, and you don't need as many tools or skills to do the install, you also have an easier time at the parts counter or when trouble shooting other problems as your Jeep's drivetrain/computer is essentially stock

cons: you're creating extra power by forcing air (and fuel) down the engines throat at increased pressures, this adds stress to the engine and could seriously hamper the reliability and longevity of it. You're also forcing the 42RLE to withstand more power input, and as a FWD passenger car transaxle converted to a RWD transmission for an overweight pig of an SUV its already pretty close to its limits. Also, you're stuck with keeping the junky 42RLE. The last con is that if you're still unhappy after dropping 5-6K on the super charger you're only real option is to sell it at a significant loss and do the V8 swap anyways, that or live with not being satisfied with a 5-6K purchase.

2) Hemi swap (price and power vary based on the engine you go with, most common is a 5.7L Hemi that'll net you around 340hp if its a pre-2009 non-VVT or upwards of 400hp if its a VVT engine. Depending on the kit you use and the cost of you're engine/trans you're looking at 9-16K to do the swap, not counting labor)

Pros: Being able to say, "I've got a Hemi" :D Its a lot more HP than supercharging the 3.8L V6, the engine was designed to make that rated power from the factory so longevity should be a lot better too. You get rid of the 42RLE and replace it with a 545RFE, a transmission that has been used Durango's, WJ's, WK's, Ram trucks, and a lot more. Its not the best transmission in the world but its a lot stronger and more reliable than the 42RLE can ever dream of. Its also a 5spd/6spd transmission (depending on how you look at it either 3rd gear or 2nd+ are only reached when down shifting) versus a 4spd like the 42RLE. 1st gear is a 3:1 s you have more grunt off the line and with 2 overdrives you have a better ability to get up a hill w/o having to drop into direct (3rd or 4th gear depending on how you look at, 3rd gear in most 4spd automatics) gear and have the motor rev to all hell. Everything is still Chrysler so your integration with the factory electronics is seamless. Everything on your dash will be 100% like original because all your computers/electronics are still Chrysler and happy.

Cons: Cost is the biggest con, downtime is another, its going to take longer to do the swap so you're either going to need another mode of transportation or take some time off of work, and lastly you no longer have a 200* Jeep Wrangler but a Jeep Wrangler with a [insert donor vehicle] engine and transmission, custom radiator, cooler lines, etc.

*fuel economy: this is a major debate but IMHO Dodge's have never been great for fuel economy so going with the Hemi you can probably expect to get the same or worse depending on how you drive and how the vehicle is setup. I plan on being able to keep the 4.10's with my 35's and being able to go down the interstate at 75mph w/o being in direct drive almost the entire time, so at 75mph I'll probably get better fuel economy. However I don't see the V8 getting better than my 17mpg when I set the cruise at 60-65mph and can actually putz along in OD the entire time.

[Dutch]

3) LS Swap (again price and power vary greatly depending on the engine you go with, but you can plan on 320+ HP with a 5.3 and close to 375+ HP with a 6.0L and around 10-18K for the swap. My research showed I would end up paying the same or slightly more to do the LS swap based on using MoTech for the LS kit and Jeep Speed Shop for the Hemi kit. The LS kit cost more so that negated any savings of the LS engine over the Hemi engine and the 6L80E was more used than the 545RFE)

Pros: The LS is lighter, smaller, and arguably more reliable than the Hemi. Its also a lot easier to tune and enhance because its not still using speed density tuning like the Hemi, something I just don't understand why Dodge would keep around. You should be able to source a 5.3L or even a 6.0L for a little less than a comparable Hemi too. The 6L80E is (only transmission that MoTech supports now) is probably one of the best transmissions ever made, it has a deep 4:1 1st gear, 2 overdrives, and you get access to all the forward gears during both acceleration and kickdown unlike the 545RFE's kickdown access only of 3rd gear. I'm a bit biased but IMHO GM makes the best automatic truck transmissions out of the big 3. GM's software is also better typically than Dodge's, so while the 5.3L makes a little less power than a non-VVT Hemi you're going to get full use of its power throughout out the gear and rpm range. Yes, I'm a Chevy guy when it comes to gas trucks so I'm a bit biased but I honestly do feel the LS/6L80E drivetrain is a superior drivetrain.

Cons: There is a lot more parts figuring involved here. If you go with a 5.3L LS there were a lot of differences year to year between them, so make sure you know what you have before ordering your kit, or be patient and look for a specific year/model once you have bought it. The 6.0L was pretty much a 6.0L after 2008 or 2009 so that's a bit easier, however they didn't come with a 6L80E so you'll need a transmission from a different vehicle. If you have a Rubicon you're losing your 4:1 t-case because it won't work behind the 6L80E, you'll need to sell it off and source a standard JK Wrangler t-case. Losing the 4:1 isn't so bad with that 4:1 1st gear in the 6L80E, but its more parts you're sourcing/figuring out. Also, integration isn't as seamless with the LS. MoTech has done a great job but you'll still have 2 OBDII ports and 2 CEL's after the swap.

*fuel economy: I will say with a 5.3L swap you will get better fuel economy than with the 3.8L V6 and 42RLE, with a 6.0L you might lose a bit in town but gain up in the mountains and on the interstate.

[Dutch]

The 4th option I was considering was selling off my JK and getting a 2012 or newer one with the 3.6L Pentastar and 5spd automatic. They make 280 or so HP and the transmission is actually capable of using it effectively. The updated interior is also pretty sweet and haas a few extra goodies, like a built in 110V outlet. I figured I might spend upwards of 10K getting into one, so not any more than a V8 swap and there would be no labor or down time. You can always supercharge the 3.6 too if you still desired more power.

A friend just got one and is running the same height lift and tire size I am, it also has the factory 4.10's (optional on the 12+ Rubicons). I had been planning to drive his before making my final decision but then the deal on the Hemi popped up and jumped on it.

You could also do a diesel swap but they are more expensive than the V8 swaps. I would never want a 4BT in any vehicle I drive and the 2.8 from the Liberty (and foreign JK) is an unknown to me. E-Test legality is harder too.

The only other thing I ponder is holding out for the next Wrangler that might have a diesel and 8spd automatic behind it and the 3.6 Pentastar.

[The StRanger]

My vote would be fro the Hemi !!
Any time you build more HP, you loose some longevity. With the hemi you dont need to build more power.
There has been a lot of folk's who have done the same swap, so you can get advise from folks who have been there.
Besides " Its a Hemi "

And putting a LS in a Jeep is like putting a LS in a Ford !!!
I mean, Its just mot right.

[Dutch]

If I were paying for the labor and had the money I would probably go LS, as it was I was leaning towards the Hemi anyways because the electronic side is easier and I can keep my 4:1 t-case. There is also a little less worry of finding the correct year range engine to mate to the correct year range transmission in order to keep the computer happy like there is with the LS stuff. Typically on the LS swaps you're getting a custom tune because of disparities between different sensor inputs and applications. With the Hemi its all Chrysler and there isn't as much difference to worry about with the transmission vs the engine. The 545RFE is basically unicersal and you can use either a 2wd or 4wd one w/o any issues. As long as you know if your Hemi is a VVT or non-VVT and if its a LX (found in the cars, Grand Cherokee, and Commander) or a truck version you're good to go. Depending on that you've basically got 3 options to choose from for swap kits; Jeep Speed Shop, Burnsville Offroad/Dakota Customs, and AEV. The BOR/Dak Customs requires more firewall alteration because they put the engine down and back, AEV and JSS mount the engines in the same spot but AEV doesn't support the truck engines. I myself and going with JSS because they did the swap originally and are more willing to sell bits and pieces to finish it up.

With the LS swap you've basically got MoTech or MoTech to choose from. JSS is getting into it and according to Robbi at MoTech BOR/Dak Customs is looking to start doing LS swaps as well.

The other thing I looked at was Pollard Jeep in Boulder, NorthRidge 4x4 just up the road from me, and Trail Jeeps in Golden have all done a plethora of Hemi swaps. They all use AEV kits but its all very much the same principle so I've got 3 different shops near me that have experience with it and can give me support if I need it.

In the end I got my Hemi setup for stupid cheap and should be able to get everything done for the same or less than the price of a super charger, it was a no brainer. If Jeep officially announces a diesel Wrangler though before I get it in I'm going to sell it off and wait for that to come out in 2015 as a 2016 model. Performance differences aside I'm a diesel mechanic and prefer diesels over all.

[The StRanger]

Any idea when there going to the Independent front ??

[Dutch]

As far as I have read IFS isn't going to added until at least the generation after the 2016 revamp, if it ever does. I have still yet to see proof that IFS saves any significant amount of weight over a solid axle in a truck based setup. Minus weight savings there would be no other way for IFS to increase fuel economy either. I'll still argue that a solid axle mounted via leafsprings is going to be lighter than a truck style IFS, however I have yet to prove that hypothesis either. One day I'm going to go junk yarding and test my theories. The 1/2ton Dodge Ram is a great platform to see the weight difference between IFS and a coil sprung solid axle. And as the GM 10 bolt is almost identical to the Dodge D44 I'd probably take leaf springs, steering gear box, steering, shocks, axle, etc from an 80's Chevy for that comparison.

I know Chrysler is coming out or has come out with 8spd automatics in the majority of their lineup. They're also supposed to be switching the Pentastar motors over to Gasoline Direct Injection. Those two things, combined with making the doors out of aluminum (possibly the windshield frame and parts of the tub too) are going to do more to increase fuel economy than IFS.

[Dutch]

I did find the listed curb weights of a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 vs a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500.

2001Doge Ram 1500 ST 4x4 Regular Cab Short Bed w/ 5.2L V8 and 5spd manual has a curb weight of 4,718lbs

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 ST 4x4 Regular Cab Short Bed w/ 4.7L V8 and 5spd manual has a curb weight of 4,813lbs.

So you have pretty much the exact same truck and the one with IFS weighs almost 100lbs more.

[Popsgarage]

Wow, couldn't have said it better myself. You've really done your research. And I mean really done your research! And the weight savings is something I've never understood either. All the extra bracketry used to mount the IFS can't possibly save that much weight. I've been contemplating a 4.8 LS swap into the wifes '94 S-10 Blazer now that I finally finished installing a D30 under the front end. (Both things GM should have done themselves.) The swap would be a bit easier for me due to the fact that there are no body modules to interface with and the trans is a NV3500 manual so the only thing left is the engine management system which is really a no brainer. Swap computers, use the donor harness and go.

[Dutch]

There is a lot of extra brackets, and all the major parts are still there between IFS and mult-link solid axle setups. You don't have half that cap with a leaf spring set up.

The thing I love about leaf sprung suspensions is there is a lot less going on. They're simple, and simple typically translates into reliable. But wait? Leaf springs ride like crap and don't flex worth a damn. Wrong!!!! You just have to set it up right.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/Wheeling/e27568b6_zps79ce941f.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/Wheeling/e27568b6_zps79ce941f.jpg.html)


Oh wait, I forgot something. I own a JK now. What I meant to say is that w/o front an rear multi-link coil suspensions, a whole bunch of electro-gizmos, and a built in Keurig brewer/dispenser a Jeep just isn't a jeep. :D

[Popsgarage]

Yep. And the ride is pretty comfortable.

http://us-mg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2_0_0_1_8193621_AJt9w0MAAAsOUuRs4wAAA IEQLy4&pid=1&fid=Inbox&inline=1

[Dutch]

JK rides better than every other Jeep I've owned except that YJ. That thing glided, although body roll was a bit much for street use.

[Popsgarage]

although body roll was a bit much for street use.

Yeah, I'd agree with that. Pic I posted was with factory front Waggy springs with the bottom two leaves removed. No death wobble but it sure did have some waddle. When you went over a bump or highway expansion joint the body would roll or sway side to side over the front end. Took some getting used to. Have since moved to 35's and replacement Waggy leaves up front. No more waddle but the extra 2 inches is a bit much. Looking into a slider box up front instead of the shackle.

[glacierpaul]

Thanks For The Very Detailed Response, Richard!!

[Dutch]

I don't see a pic

My YJ was running stock XJ leaf packs with an extra main leaf all the way around. They were flipped around to provide a good amount of stretch. My wheel base was at 106-107" in the end. I was going to French the springs into the frame and run sliders up front but they parted it out and ditched the thing after blowing up my diesel. I went back to an XJ and more moderate wheeling and then got the JK. I also added camping into the mix and have started focusing more on Adventure or Expedition type wheeling with the entire family.

[Popsgarage]

http://us-mg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2_0_0_1_8193621_AJt9w0MAAAsOUuRs4wAAA IEQLy4&pid=1&fid=Inbox&inline=1

[glacierpaul]

Still Seeing A Question Mark Instead Of A Pic Jonathan.

[Popsgarage]

Yep. Still have yet to figure that out. I'll get 'em up later.

[Hypoid]

Looks like it's tied to your email, Jon...

http://us-mg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2_0_0_1_8193621_AJt9w0MAAAsOUuRs4wAAA IEQLy4&pid=1&fid=Inbox&inline=1

[Popsgarage]

It is and I'm not computer literate enough to post it from my pics to here. I'll get 'em up later.

[Dutch]

I finally got to work on my little utility trailer. I built a new and stronger tongue, tossed some paint on it, and rerouted the wiring so be less prone to snagging. I still need to put all the tie downs back on it but I'm waiting on the paint to dry on the deck. I might also toss a jack on the tongue if the one my neighbor has will work.


The new tongue is made from 2.5" .120 wall box tubing.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/28698D7E-0B9B-4873-BB28-C8E2D2F05D41_zpsdgerh9fm.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/28698D7E-0B9B-4873-BB28-C8E2D2F05D41_zpsdgerh9fm.jpg.html)


It runs the entire length of the trailer and has a 1.5' overlap where it's stacked out front. It's also gusseted at every crossmember.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/F8ED5E47-E7D1-45A1-A7FB-838B62668BB1_zpso8qxkmih.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/F8ED5E47-E7D1-45A1-A7FB-838B62668BB1_zpso8qxkmih.jpg.html)


The wiring runs down it and goes through grommets to each side where it's tucked along a crossmember.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/5430EF53-AD63-4AED-A181-A7464B8BD04D_zpswgwejgev.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/5430EF53-AD63-4AED-A181-A7464B8BD04D_zpswgwejgev.jpg.html)


I then used another grommet to run it through the side instead of underneath, should help keep rocks from taking out the wiring if it drags.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/601A9A64-E272-4362-91F6-33D51E7AAED5_zpslgcdvlhx.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/601A9A64-E272-4362-91F6-33D51E7AAED5_zpslgcdvlhx.jpg.html)


All in all it looks a lot better and should hold up well. The paint on the deck is the Rustoleum deck restorer 10x thick textured paint. It definitely goes on thick and rubbery. Hopefully it holds up well too.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/9A08DC18-2764-46B4-B350-38626BB0F36A_zpsi63lluf1.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/9A08DC18-2764-46B4-B350-38626BB0F36A_zpsi63lluf1.jpg.html)


The next step will be to get a 5-lug trailer axle and lift it up a little bit plus run larger tires. Still, as is it's got 16" of clearance under the trailer and just over 9" under the axle. Once I can get an axle I'll raise it 2" and then go to a 25ish inch tall tire. That'll give me 2.5" more under the axle and 4.5" more under the trailer itself.

[Dutch]

FYI, here is how it looked last weekend when I took it out for the weekend. The trailer is pointing down after the tongue objected to high speed travels loaded up on a really rough road/trail. Hence the work I did over this last weekend.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/7BE67710-AAD0-42E0-8BB2-7F4BF32591FA_zpsq97rkjxd.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/7BE67710-AAD0-42E0-8BB2-7F4BF32591FA_zpsq97rkjxd.jpg.html)

[Funrover]

Nice build up!

[The StRanger]

Very Nice !

[Dutch]

Thanks guys.

[Dutch]

Stupid Jeep!!! I noticed over the weekend that when in 4 Low every time I'd started crawling over an obstacle (very low to no speed and gradual increase of throttle to creep over said obstacle) I would get a weird popping sound. Did some google-fu research that pointed me towards the CV/Rzeppepa on the front drive shaft and sure enough she's sloppier than a 2$ hooker on pay day. I just blew a massive wad on a new front shaft from Coast. New yokes for the t-case and axles, 1310 double cardon at the t-case and 1310 u-joint at the axle, nice smaller diameter thick wall tubing that takes up less space than the stock shaft. but can take more abuse. Its a pricey fix/upgrade but at least I shouldn't have to worry the front shaft ever again. I'm also going to rob the CV off the front shaft to keep as a spare for the rear in case one of the rear ones lets completely loose. I checked them and they're still tighter than a nun at church, so I should be fine for a while.

[dscowell]

sure enough she's sloppier than a 2$ hooker on pay day.

tighter than a nun at church

:lmao:I'm going to have to steel these if you don't mind.

[Shadowmaker]

Hemi that thing yet? Been running with a friend who has a Hemi Unlimited... he creeps up on no one.

[Dutch]

Unfortunately crap keeps happening to prevent me from being able to spend the money. I don't plan on going overly loud with the exhaust, but I do want to be able to hear it when the foot goes down.

[Sonomanclature]

I have always liked the 4 door JK's, looking good man.

[Dutch]

Thanks

[Dutch]

Its been some time since I really updated this thread, I've just been busy doing other things.

After getting the hard top I decided to sell my soft top and reconfigure the "summer mode" as it were. I bought a Smitty Built extended bikini top and a Bestop windjammer. The windjammer is actually for the 2 dr JK as they don't make a wrap around one for the 4 dr's. It does fit pretty well though. I also pulled out my stinky rear carpet and sprayed truck bed liner on the rear tub. Eventually I want to get the entire tub professionally coated by Line-X or Rhino but that'll have to wait.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/BD69A734-C360-427A-893F-93B337B7F480_zps4zy6fi7t.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/BD69A734-C360-427A-893F-93B337B7F480_zps4zy6fi7t.jpg.html)



I brought the bed liner over the "bed rails" in the back to help with scratches.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/88CCAEAB-458F-4076-9984-879BAC11EDCA_zpszglsn1vp.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/88CCAEAB-458F-4076-9984-879BAC11EDCA_zpszglsn1vp.jpg.html)



While out wheeling the other weekend I had an opportunity to get a good side by side comparison (there is a pun there I think) and snagged some photo's showing just how big a Razor 4 seater is.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/D8D392DD-A3EC-4DA7-BE48-407E6C7978D2_zpsqee2qaod.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/D8D392DD-A3EC-4DA7-BE48-407E6C7978D2_zpsqee2qaod.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/6142CF74-6F22-4845-BF79-4F817B7E26F9_zpsyvc3gflg.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/6142CF74-6F22-4845-BF79-4F817B7E26F9_zpsyvc3gflg.jpg.html)



With my plush RE springs only netting me between 1-1.5" of actual lift (they're 2.5" springs) and my metric "35's" only measuring out to be just shy of 34" my belly is extremely low and likes to drag on everything. I've got just a hair over 11" under my skid plates from the T-case cross member back. As such I've managed to dent up my engine skid to the point that now my exhaust crossover rubs on it.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/180B8B9C-5E15-4EE7-BAB6-5F92D7D0FCFE_zpsdpynywsz.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/180B8B9C-5E15-4EE7-BAB6-5F92D7D0FCFE_zpsdpynywsz.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/04F63752-4DFA-4592-B6E8-75DDEFDFE213_zps324in4wq.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/04F63752-4DFA-4592-B6E8-75DDEFDFE213_zps324in4wq.jpg.html)



Now I need to take it into work and flatten it back out with the press, its just too wide to fit into my little HF press at home.



I've managed to wheel this thing a lot and have been hitting it pretty hard the last couple of weeks. I think I've ran 10 or 11 trails in the last 2 weekends. Nothing crazy hard by any means, but still enough that the JK was finally starting to complain. My front CV/Rzeppa Joint was starting to "pop" at me under hard load in 4-Low and it had a fair amount of play in it. The boot is fine and the grease inside is still greasy but it was time for an upgrade. I removed the front shaft and pulled the still functioning CV/Rzeppa of to keep as a trail spare for the rear drive shaft (it has two of the damn things on it). Then I installed my new Coast Driveline 1310 double cardon shaft and yokes I got through Northridge 4x4 just up the road from me.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/475AA39A-368B-43ED-92D8-2D45EC5CE400_zpsrq0fyouu.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/475AA39A-368B-43ED-92D8-2D45EC5CE400_zpsrq0fyouu.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/0C00C03A-12CC-4940-9DD1-64261D5BA881_zpsteafwymt.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/0C00C03A-12CC-4940-9DD1-64261D5BA881_zpsteafwymt.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/A265F850-4CD6-4C6D-8266-F2208D8FAD60_zpsjbyvl2l2.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/A265F850-4CD6-4C6D-8266-F2208D8FAD60_zpsjbyvl2l2.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/81A17855-3094-41EF-8613-CE3C3D5D0558_zps6n75ufi1.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/81A17855-3094-41EF-8613-CE3C3D5D0558_zps6n75ufi1.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/0DA7F17B-3698-4D6D-B930-77509435A3E1_zps7hvwprru.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/0DA7F17B-3698-4D6D-B930-77509435A3E1_zps7hvwprru.jpg.html)



I also finally installed the new shifter cable bushing at the t-case. I replaced the one inside the cab last fall as it was completely MIA but with the skids in place I couldn't get to the one at the t-case. It was also MIA but the cable never fell away from the t-case shifter so it wasn't a huge issue. With me pulling all the skids off for the driveshaft I finally had the access to replace that missing bushing.



That gets me caught up on the JK. Its been a pretty good rig so far and I'm happy with it for the most part. There is some issues with Chrysler's lack of build quality and the electronics can be temper mental but its by far the most comfortable wheeling rig I've owned, and that includes the YJ. The Hemi is still in the garage and will get installed eventually, but for now I want to focus on revising the suspension and steering. The RE 2.5" lift kit is a good bang/buck lift but its time to get some quality components under the thing and actually get the lift height that I was after. I'll be going to PolyPerformance/Synergy 3" springs and probably going to their control arms as well. I also need to weld on my Artec trusses still and regear the axles at the same time. Then I'll be working on upgrading the tie rod and doing a drag link flip. Eventually I also want to add air bumps so I can go even faster on the trails between obstacles. As always, its a money pit and will never be done.

[Dutch]

Spent the afternoon yesterday working on the Jeep. I got my new Poly/Synergy 3" springs installed along with their adj track bar, track bar brace, and steering box brace.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/EDA2AC89-281C-4E2B-B2F2-E086C2373960_zpsjkxnm4y3.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/EDA2AC89-281C-4E2B-B2F2-E086C2373960_zpsjkxnm4y3.jpg.html)

Here is the RE 2.5" front spring next to the Poly 3" front spring

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/250221E7-FBDD-49F4-9628-9939A898A052_zpslirzfdkp.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/250221E7-FBDD-49F4-9628-9939A898A052_zpslirzfdkp.jpg.html)

So up front with the RE springs I was showing about 1 5/8" lift over stock as measured

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/BCE83232-F3FF-465F-9B3F-92AB0190C5EA_zpsusdoxjqx.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/BCE83232-F3FF-465F-9B3F-92AB0190C5EA_zpsusdoxjqx.jpg.html)

With the new Poly 3" Spring I'm now sitting at 3 5/8" over stock. I'm sure it'll settle down a bit though.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/9A407769-FC6B-4A2F-8A8A-41A7805F459E_zpsh289u8gz.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/9A407769-FC6B-4A2F-8A8A-41A7805F459E_zpsh289u8gz.jpg.html)

Out back I went from 1/2" of lift to around 4 3/8" of lift. So I'm really hoping they settle down.

It's sitting a lot higher now, I went from a tad over 11" under my belly slid at the transmission cross-member to roughly 14.5"

It still rides nice, actually I'd say better. It's firmer than the RE springs but very smooth and controlled. I also now have space between the bumpstops, so that's really nice.

Unfortunately my quasi-35's look rather small and dainty now, hopefully they don't make fun of me when I'm getting my latte at StarBucks. :D

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/BFA94720-3DC0-4A9E-85D9-A8B78203F8CC_zps1ibn9p2v.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/BFA94720-3DC0-4A9E-85D9-A8B78203F8CC_zps1ibn9p2v.jpg.html)

[xaza]

Gonna have to get that thing out and flex it. Looking forward to seeing more.

[Dutch]

Here is a side shot of the Jeep with its current stance. The rotopax cans are full too so there is 4 gal each of fuel and water hanging off the pack.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/EE20997A-6815-4215-8991-4B5725BD6F46_zpsauks5bb4.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/EE20997A-6815-4215-8991-4B5725BD6F46_zpsauks5bb4.jpg.html)

I got my CB wired up and installed, CB Shop up by Johnson's Corner is great. After I got it installed I went back up there and they tuned the antennae for me. That hi-lift jack makes it fluctuate a lot as the antennae moves so I added the little foam ball to keep it from getting too close to the hi-lift. One of the Little Green Men from Toy Story hopped on board too, he said he'll be my spotter. :D

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/FE5BDBEC-BBCF-48E8-8282-30C4D7677A73_zpsu2zifuji.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/FE5BDBEC-BBCF-48E8-8282-30C4D7677A73_zpsu2zifuji.jpg.html)

I hung the little Midway CB from the center support on my cage.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/014B52D9-F0C3-410B-A95E-310C7F8C29C2_zps2xp02f4i.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/014B52D9-F0C3-410B-A95E-310C7F8C29C2_zps2xp02f4i.jpg.html)

[Shadowmaker]

Looks good Dutch! That drive shaft is beefy!

[Dutch]

Wound up getting a pretty damn good deal on some nearly new 37" Maxxis Creepies and had to jump on it. Luckily I already had a buyer lined up for my KM2's. I also have my new USA Alloy ball joints and a set of 5.38 gears on the way. Here shortly I'll be pulling the axles and doing the gears, plus finally welding on the Artec axle trusses and inner C gussets that have been sitting in my garage for months now.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/293C80C9-2505-4DCB-84B4-63A317B4E08A_zps39qj4tn0.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/293C80C9-2505-4DCB-84B4-63A317B4E08A_zps39qj4tn0.jpg.html)

[Shadowmaker]

Looks great Dutch! Do you drag that trailer with you on some of the trails?

[Dutch]

I took it over Kingston with 2 dirt bikes on it, never again.

It's just a little utility trailer, I have a hitch mounted cargo basket I use for extra storage when camping. I've found that it's a lot easier to deal with than the trailer.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/A094EA8F-3416-4C48-91C8-829247EDA555_zpsiime2sd4.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/A094EA8F-3416-4C48-91C8-829247EDA555_zpsiime2sd4.jpg.html)

[JFjeld]

Very cool rig. Nice build.

[glacierpaul]

Sweet Richard, you are really making me envious! Looks great on the 37's too! Flares and lift are up next for me, I'm liking how yours is turning out.

[Dutch]

Thanks fellas. I'm definitely liking the JKU for the most part.

[glacierpaul]

Yeah my deal is the swaybar, the dealership says water keeps getting in the module and frying it. I do know to keep it under 20mph. Right now it is stuck/broke disconnected which is great for the trails, but it feels like I could do a sharp turn on the road and roll it no problem.

[Dutch]

Sounds like you should buy mine. :)

[Dutch]

Working on the Jeep again. I'm finally regearing my axles and welding on the Artec trusses. I'm also swapping my ball joints out for Alloy USA ones and welding on Artec inner C gussets. All I'll need now is upgraded shafts and my D44's will be uber strong and fully bomb resistant.



For gears I'm going to 5.38's, makes for a small pinion but should give me a smidge extra power to make up for the 37's. Speaking of, the Creepies are gone. I made a deal with a guy to buy my Creepies and give me a set of 17's. I wanted the 17's so I can upgrade brakes later on, and I wanted a different tire because the Creepies are the worst tire I've ever had on the street. So the deal was made and I picked up a set of brand new Nitto Trail Grapplers. I haven't been able to drive on them yet but just looking at the weight needed to balance them I'm already sure they'll be a lot better. 1 tire only took 2oz to balance, the worst tire only took 6oz to balance. The other 3 all took about 4oz.



One last look at the Jeep with its Creepies and soft top, I'll be putting the hard top back on too after this weekend.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/98952957-4FAA-4FFA-A739-169FCF218C85_zpsexvaujdn.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/98952957-4FAA-4FFA-A739-169FCF218C85_zpsexvaujdn.jpg.html)



What is it about Jeeps that require constant disassembly?

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/A44A589D-A2E2-4D3C-9A10-29F4BC2E69DE_zpszzo31r4z.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/A44A589D-A2E2-4D3C-9A10-29F4BC2E69DE_zpszzo31r4z.jpg.html)



The new wheels and tires

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/14E4E8CA-F16E-43AD-8053-2024FD5D44CA_zps9lht39jl.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/14E4E8CA-F16E-43AD-8053-2024FD5D44CA_zps9lht39jl.jpg.html)



Welding the truss onto the rear axle. I'm using a MAPP gas torch to pre and post heat the housing.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/21694FE1-CEB5-4CF7-B3CF-65B5E8FEA209_zpsz9z0sy6s.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/21694FE1-CEB5-4CF7-B3CF-65B5E8FEA209_zpsz9z0sy6s.jpg.html)



And because I think its funny, here is what it looked like just over a year ago.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/null_zpsb92871f2.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/null_zpsb92871f2.jpg.html)

[88Toy]

What is it about Jeeps that require constant disassembly?

Yea, you'd think that there's a point where the thing is finished and no further work required but I haven't found it either!

Nice work.

[Dutch]

Welded on the Artec track bar mount, and after the gears were done I decided to tackle more projects. I raised the shock mount an inch and half, cut 1.25" off the bottom of the control arm mount, and then plated the bottom.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/8EAA4972-F905-49E6-B133-34C454C9D84B_zpsgltgyge6.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/8EAA4972-F905-49E6-B133-34C454C9D84B_zpsgltgyge6.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/D133F4C6-E335-457C-8181-11CF5898DF48_zpsx7iahnhz.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/D133F4C6-E335-457C-8181-11CF5898DF48_zpsx7iahnhz.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

Rear axle all painted and ready to go back in

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/BC8058F2-0E0A-4B37-9725-4222BA1EFF36_zpswwlvmq2u.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/BC8058F2-0E0A-4B37-9725-4222BA1EFF36_zpswwlvmq2u.jpg.html)

Difference between the 4.10 and the 5.38 front pinion gears.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/6F7CF2DB-7204-422F-B1A1-B2E3A809ED09_zpsfnkixqys.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/6F7CF2DB-7204-422F-B1A1-B2E3A809ED09_zpsfnkixqys.jpg.html)

Starting on the front truss.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DBCBD4BC-FC1A-42B9-925A-2C3624AC96C1_zpsalmk0nsn.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DBCBD4BC-FC1A-42B9-925A-2C3624AC96C1_zpsalmk0nsn.jpg.html)

[redneck23ms]

looking good dutch. i always thought those shock /control arm brackets hung down rediculously low on jk's

[Dutch]

Thanks man.

Yeah, they hang down a lot and with the taller springs my rear shocks are about 2" too short so this gets me back to the correct length. Double bonus.

Control arm skids welded on

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/165975B1-AF5C-4AFA-BC9D-2E4E955C209D_zpsgcciqptt.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/165975B1-AF5C-4AFA-BC9D-2E4E955C209D_zpsgcciqptt.jpg.html)

[redneck23ms]

sooner or later i'll get a welder so i can start doing some more work on mine. oh and a garage would be nice too lol

[Dutch]

I need a bigger garage. It's cramped in here doing all this.


Getting the lower c-gussets welded on.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/BF83EC81-2D83-4D74-B6E1-7A04ADBF5F55_zpsboadg5np.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/BF83EC81-2D83-4D74-B6E1-7A04ADBF5F55_zpsboadg5np.jpg.html)

[The StRanger]

Those are some nice lookin welds !

[Shadowmaker]

Looks great Dutch!

[Dutch]

Thanks fellas

Front axle finished and painted. Unfortunately I didn't get the axle seals in my setup kit and can't get any today. I'll have to finish it up tomorrow night.*




http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/63A7A806-2A5F-4B2B-8584-1BB0BAD0B577_zps6rhbxvdn.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/63A7A806-2A5F-4B2B-8584-1BB0BAD0B577_zps6rhbxvdn.jpg.html)




Using RuffStuff's kit to beef up the front uppers and make them adjustable.*




http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/F1A3CEBF-6B34-490C-A606-CBD7A7737851_zpsnscnovca.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/F1A3CEBF-6B34-490C-A606-CBD7A7737851_zpsnscnovca.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

Holy hell these tires are super smooth and quiet. The 5.38's are fan fraking tastic too, they really let this thing drive like a real car.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/647B32C6-E952-4C68-9760-0B1A1F854AA5_zpsoh8xcrhf.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/647B32C6-E952-4C68-9760-0B1A1F854AA5_zpsoh8xcrhf.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

Daylight shot of it, I has to remove the rear flares because the 37's rub when wheeling. I'll have to figure something out, I don't want to cut up the flares because I'd like to sell them and get some aluminum ones, but those are pretty pricey. For now I'll just pop them off when I go wheeling and put them back on after I get home.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/89CE2A42-ED5B-4468-9CE2-4356740933A6_zpssnwxth8p.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/89CE2A42-ED5B-4468-9CE2-4356740933A6_zpssnwxth8p.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/6B1E3917-C675-4CD4-A9A2-D0E9CF5027A2_zpst2vui80b.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/6B1E3917-C675-4CD4-A9A2-D0E9CF5027A2_zpst2vui80b.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

I ran up Spring Creek and then Kingston Peak over the weekend. I have to say that so far I am very happy with these Nitto Trail Grapplers. They are very smooth and quiet on the road. Aired down to 11-12psi they have excellent traction on dry rocks. I haven't been able to test them in wet or snow yet on the trail. I have driven on the road in pretty heavy rain and they did great. No hydro planing or loss of grip at all.

The 5.38's are great off road and for the most part on it. The only issue I have is that the jeep is now slower going up I-70 because it still won't hold 3rd gear and now in second it's revving out at much lower speeds. I have to slow down to 45mph to keep it under 4000rpm. Pretty annoying on such a modern and expensive Jeep that the powertrain is so useless. Unfortunately I had to sell the Hemi to pay back the credit card company after all the recent mods so now I'm just going to have to deal with it. I might try super charging it later but the reviews are so mixed I'm not sure if I want to spend the money. I might also go down to 4.88's and go back to driving it like a 3spd auto. For now I'm just going to deal with it as other than pulling up I-70 it drives very well.

[Dutch]

So my little brother and mom came into town to go camping/wheeling. I decided to try out Rock Creek for a camping site as I had seen some pretty good spots up there a month or so back when I ran that trail. Steve decided to tag along so that made a whopping two rigs (ok 3 if you can't my brother's stock WJ but it stayed parked at the camp site). We ran MSV/Coney after setting up camp, Mike joined us for that. Late in the evening (or was it early in the morning?) Steve and I donned our liquid helmets and ran Rock Creek in his XJ full bore. And then today we ran Miller Rock. It was a good trip and Rock Creek turned out the be a great area to camp.

A few of the camp site, it was nicely secluded and right next to a creek
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3150_zps432d8f65.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3150_zps432d8f65.jpg.html)

The bridge you crossed to get to the site
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3148_zpsa1dc7d00.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3148_zpsa1dc7d00.jpg.html)

Why do kids HAVE to get wet?
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3154_zpsd97c813c.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3154_zpsd97c813c.jpg.html)

On MSV/Coney
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3178_zpsbf1d31fc.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3178_zpsbf1d31fc.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3183_zpsafd0a6f8.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3183_zpsafd0a6f8.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3189_zpsa3f06966.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3189_zpsa3f06966.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

More from MSV/Coney
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3191_zps311a04b3.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3191_zps311a04b3.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3198_zpsdf60cf73.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3198_zpsdf60cf73.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3206_zpsf9af82fa.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3206_zpsf9af82fa.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3220_zps91b80bb8.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3220_zps91b80bb8.jpg.html)

We needed fire wood so we snagged 5 or 6 cut down sections we found on MSV/Coney. Then we had to cut them down and split them, this definitely killed a lot of time, but we got a lot of fire wood for our labor.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3241_zpsb5a2f52a.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3241_zpsb5a2f52a.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3243_zpse6972b2d.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3243_zpse6972b2d.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

Pics from Miller Rock
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3248_zps9cd900a2.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3248_zps9cd900a2.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3252_zps7594c2b0.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3252_zps7594c2b0.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3257_zpse8bf48f7.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3257_zpse8bf48f7.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3274_zpsf1b80c46.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3274_zpsf1b80c46.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3283_zpsfdacd751.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3283_zpsfdacd751.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3293_zps7e41cedb.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3293_zps7e41cedb.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3296_zps32dd6876.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3296_zps32dd6876.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3298_zps0445f522.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3298_zps0445f522.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3301_zpsf0b8baf5.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3301_zpsf0b8baf5.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

Traffic Jam on very narrow shelf road
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3305_zps5d3cfd2d.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3305_zps5d3cfd2d.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3300_zps0942e532.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DSCF3300_zps0942e532.jpg.html)

Great trip over all, and best of all we had no break downs.

[Jackie]

Why do kids HAVE to get wet?

Because they don't want you to know until they are near frozen to death and needing you to hug them so badly they can't stand it any longer!

[Dutch]

I had to modify the wheel well slightly to keep from rubbing on the 37's, I also trimmed back part of the bushwacker flares to keep them from hitting the tire too.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/3E1977EC-1674-4580-8956-A1C151BF5F67_zpstyirvdtg.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/3E1977EC-1674-4580-8956-A1C151BF5F67_zpstyirvdtg.jpg.html)



I also cut out some new sway bar end link tabs as I cut the factory ones off when I raised up the shock mounts.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/403CEEF4-E635-4C9F-A191-AB9EF2C0C202_zpsg80ifbvq.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/403CEEF4-E635-4C9F-A191-AB9EF2C0C202_zpsg80ifbvq.jpg.html)



Then I put together some new adjustable end links for the rear sway bar.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/FE098157-53E5-4165-9540-023A5D676782_zpsswowkvfd.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/FE098157-53E5-4165-9540-023A5D676782_zpsswowkvfd.jpg.html)



Not bad for a Monday afternoon.

[Dutch]

So after the snafu on Red Elephant I decided it was about time I relocated my license plate. I had been meaning to do it for a long time but had been too lazy. The issue I have had is that my RotoPax carrier on my spare tire is in the way of all the relocation kits.

I made my own by cutting out some sheet metal at work on the plasma table and then drilling some holes and adding a few bends. I used a cheap LED light from Checker's and wired it into the stock license plate light harness, reusing the OEM connectors to make disconnecting it easy if/when the spare tire needs to come off.

I drilled a small hole into the cargo area to run the wires through from the factory harness.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/3568ACBC-9AA0-40B5-9316-5AC6671ED9B7_zps4ooebfqh.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/3568ACBC-9AA0-40B5-9316-5AC6671ED9B7_zps4ooebfqh.jpg.html)

I ran them down along under the tailgate seal and up to the tailgate harness. I passed them through the cloth harness protector with the rest of the wires. Then ran it out the same grommet the 3rd brake light (or CHMSL) exits through.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/7CE2D471-6449-4DD2-AE51-E6ED2B86FDE3_zpsxg6zamas.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/7CE2D471-6449-4DD2-AE51-E6ED2B86FDE3_zpsxg6zamas.jpg.html)

Here is where I reused the OEM connector
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/15C6DDCA-7FB0-4ADC-A4A7-1734A469C33A_zps3gbscrhj.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/15C6DDCA-7FB0-4ADC-A4A7-1734A469C33A_zps3gbscrhj.jpg.html)

I used these little threaded knobs I got from ACE to keep the license plate bolts from hurting the spare tire, and to keep the bracket under tension.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/BCB785D6-89F6-44B7-B118-AE02E1202188_zpsjicekvjq.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/BCB785D6-89F6-44B7-B118-AE02E1202188_zpsjicekvjq.jpg.html)

Here is the finished product complete with the delete filler I picked up locally at Northridge 4x4.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/439FCF9D-50FB-4CF2-AC60-B0118059B812_zpsapzzeyp6.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/439FCF9D-50FB-4CF2-AC60-B0118059B812_zpsapzzeyp6.jpg.html)

And here is how it sits with my RotoPax cans on the mount.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/D82DDA94-BE9D-47F0-9110-76CB72D37565_zps0qo3vk6y.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/D82DDA94-BE9D-47F0-9110-76CB72D37565_zps0qo3vk6y.jpg.html)

All in all a fairly simple project that I should've done a long time ago. Now I just need to get around to making a new bracket for my CHMSL to raise it up over the RotoPax cans as well.

[Dutch]

Here it is all lit up. This little 6$ LED light I picked up at Checker's is pretty bright.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/EBD94818-F863-447F-845D-A2AA50D2A769_zpsntz1au48.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/EBD94818-F863-447F-845D-A2AA50D2A769_zpsntz1au48.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

I wasn't happy with my license plate mount so I changed it up today. I used some 1" tube to make vertical extensions for the plate and CHMSL mounts. It matches the rest of the mount that way.


I kind of rushed through it so it's not perfect, but I'm a lot happier with this one than I was with the other one. The plate is a lot more solid now too.


http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/790B8F7F-9207-49DB-BD14-02FA40654C4B_zpsyngfk7fj.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/790B8F7F-9207-49DB-BD14-02FA40654C4B_zpsyngfk7fj.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

Better pic in the light


http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/7911A134-9A5E-45E0-809F-14EA77C102E9_zpsnfc3payr.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/7911A134-9A5E-45E0-809F-14EA77C102E9_zpsnfc3payr.jpg.html)


And with the RotoPac cans installed.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/B28B7C71-15AC-453C-B1CF-83A09398295E_zpsdzgoxrds.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/B28B7C71-15AC-453C-B1CF-83A09398295E_zpsdzgoxrds.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

My new sleep system showed up today. It's a Big Agnes Park Series bag rated for 20deg. It has a sleeve in the back to hold the air pad and then another for a pillow. I went with an insulated Q-Core pad that is rated for 15deg and their Q-Core inflatable pillow too. I also added a fleece sleeping bag liner that brings the entire thing down to 0-5deg of rating.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/35DD55BF-3108-41D2-8997-A9E4F6EF4937_zpskwgl19gl.jpg

Best of all, and the main reason I got it all, is that it packs down really small. Here is everything packed up compared to just my old sleeping bag.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/225E0482-28D6-4AD2-ADF2-9B0CD4B4616F_zpsao7zc3of.jpg

This will save a lot of room in the Jeep, and that's always a good thing.

[Jackie]

That looks like a really nice bag set-up. But with 0-5 degrees expected, I'm staying home!!!

[Dutch]

A group of us from COJeeps will be camping out Dec 20-21, this will be the third annual Freeze Your Weenies Trip and I'm super excited.

[The StRanger]

Got cold weather camping outa my system years ago !

[CS79bronco]

If ya gotta be out & about in winter that would be a good compact kit to have in the rig in case of emergency.

[Brucker]

Very cool addition to the bug out bag!

[Dutch]

My rear driveshaft has been beat up pretty good over the last year + of wheeling. It started vibrating and being generally annoying at speeds over 50mph.


Unfortunately, while you can replace the rzeppa joints you apparently can't get them rebalanced because none of the local shops I called had fixtures to hold it. I also don't have the 500$ just laying around for a double-Cardon upgrade.


Luckily Trail Jeeps in Golden was able to hook me up with a nearly new drive shaft from a 2014 they'd just done some work on. At 100$ for the entire thing I gladly drove down to get it.


http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/A75CA998-D50D-4474-A8F8-C9BC3C1C2B1E_zps1q7supr5.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/A75CA998-D50D-4474-A8F8-C9BC3C1C2B1E_zps1q7supr5.jpg.html)

[glacierpaul]

That is a major smoking deal! Quadratec has them new at $600 for an auto and $900 for manual. Awesome find!

[MultiScuf]

Englewood driveshaft couldn't do it?

[glacierpaul]

Not for $100.

[redneck23ms]

There is another one on co5x4 for $100

[glacierpaul]

There is another one on co5x4 for $100
His is for a 2 door model, damnit anyway!

[Dutch]

Driveshaft shops don't have the fixtures for balancing them. Besides, the CV joints are 100$ each and typically having a shaft rebalanced is 50-100$ depending on the condition of the shaft. So 250-300$ compared to 100$ for the "used" one.

If the JK doesn't sell then I'll replace the rear shaft with a double Cardon one like I need to. It's the 3rd thing on my list of stuff to do. First is a t-case brace kit, second is rebuild the front shaft (it's already a double Cardon), 3rd is the new rear shaft, and 4th is replace the rear 3" springs with 2" springs. Although with this shaft being so new I might do the springs before the rear shaft.

After that I'll be looking to either get adjustable rear arms or go long arm in the rear. I also will need to upgrade my steering. Then hydraulic assist and upgraded axle shafts. It's never ending.

[Dutch]

Glacier: If you are in need of a new driveshaft hit up Northridge. They'll probably just give it to you if they have one laying around. Otherwise Trail Jeeps should have another one.

If Northridge does have one I can pick it up for you, they're just up the road from me.

[Dutch]

Finally tackled my cargo basket issues. The height it sat above my floor was too low for me to fit any of my coolers under it. So to fix this I first used some 1.75x.120 HREW to add in a harness bar between the Poison Spyder C-pillars. I then hacked up the original mounting brackets for the rear of the basket and made some new ones that utilized the original locking pins up front. I've now got the basket high enough to sit any of my coolers on top of my folding camp table. And by using the pins and hinges I can tilt it down for ease of access to the stuff in it.

Thanks again to Steve for giving me a hand yesterday.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/9FEBEB86-347F-4682-A21F-9399C7901993_zpstkuxwwox.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/9FEBEB86-347F-4682-A21F-9399C7901993_zpstkuxwwox.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/F1CDACEA-8B9A-4BC3-B97A-6D072496D58F_zpsvaewkqjg.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/F1CDACEA-8B9A-4BC3-B97A-6D072496D58F_zpsvaewkqjg.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/331B0F04-5FD8-4E3A-87B2-A126E822AD8B_zpssdqbsdcu.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/331B0F04-5FD8-4E3A-87B2-A126E822AD8B_zpssdqbsdcu.jpg.html)

I might have to add some gussets to the mounting points, and I'm a little concerned the pins will bend. I'll see how it goes, it's freaking cold and I just want to be done for now. I've already got some ideas for strengething it if needed but as it is when I try to shake it the whole Jeep moves and the basket doesn't budge.

[Dutch]

Painted up and drying in the garage.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/6A6E5103-C894-41CB-A2FC-F270CFC06DB1_zps4owrtvkk.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/6A6E5103-C894-41CB-A2FC-F270CFC06DB1_zps4owrtvkk.jpg.html)

[Rick]

awesome!!!

[Dutch]

How it all fits with the seats
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/8F3DD838-42FE-4BBC-AFA8-8F620BAE3514_zpsf3xhfonw.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/8F3DD838-42FE-4BBC-AFA8-8F620BAE3514_zpsf3xhfonw.jpg.html)

I can still fit the high lift on the rack too, although I do have to take the foot off. Once the hard top comes off in the summer I can leave the foot plate on it.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/F000FB5B-9AD9-43A3-A681-38A7964424B7_zps4rssw3qb.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/F000FB5B-9AD9-43A3-A681-38A7964424B7_zps4rssw3qb.jpg.html)

[Myrtle Turtle]

Dutch, what basket is that? I've only seen the plastic ones for the JK.

[Dutch]

Dutch, what basket is that? I've only seen the plastic ones for the JK.

That is the Rugged Ridge one. They recently updated the design a bit but its still steel as far as I know. Synergy also makes a really nice one but its a lot more expensive. I'm pretty sure Genright and/or Poison Spyder also offer them.

Honestly the way I did this one you could use any of the universal 1" tube cargo/Baja baskets. I went with the Rugged Ridge one initially because it was relatively cheap compared to the others I'd seen. When I added to the cage and wanted to change the mounting I figured I'd just re-use it instead of trying to sell it and then buy another one.

[Dutch]

I was able to install my Rock Slide Engineering T-Case Brace after work tonight. The boss let me bring it in and throw it on the lifts. It took me just under an hour to do, and that included getting the TNT Belly pan skids out of the way and then back on.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/DC2C957D-A004-4CE0-A45D-C252CB423B75_zpsckkkta4s.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/DC2C957D-A004-4CE0-A45D-C252CB423B75_zpsckkkta4s.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/3514DAAD-2366-431D-8F15-9BC2B0C2EB33_zpsunncwtuk.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/3514DAAD-2366-431D-8F15-9BC2B0C2EB33_zpsunncwtuk.jpg.html)

It clears the TNT belly skid just fine and everything seemed good to go on the drive home. I'm glad I was able to get this and install it before any issues popped up with my stock t-case. I'm running 5.38 gears with the 37's so I know the driveshafts are spinning like crazy. I started to notice a bit of a vibe from the front Coast driveshaft too and think the center ball is starting to get a bit sloppy. I was starting to get a bit concerned it might take out my t-case. If this thing makes the stock case as bullet proof as its supposed to then I'll probably never swap the case out for an Atlas as I thought I might have to, and that saves me a lot of money.

[Myrtle Turtle]

That is the Rugged Ridge one. They recently updated the design a bit but its still steel as far as I know. Synergy also makes a really nice one but its a lot more expensive. I'm pretty sure Genright and/or Poison Spyder also offer them.


I think it was my google skills lacking, when you search by "cargo basket" you get a plastic Bestop version, when you search by "baja basket" you get all kinds of steel ones. Thanks!

[Dutch]

No worries, and mine might have been a Rampage product now that I think about it. Its probably mentioned earlier in the thread.

[Dutch]

So I finally ordered an Anti-Rock sway bar for the front of the Jeep. The factory smart bar still functioned so it's on Craigslist to hopefully recoup me some funds.


By ditching the factory sway bar I am able to switch over to the TNT Guardian bumper that shoves (and shoves is correct, it's a tight fit) the winch under the grill. This gives me about the best approach angle possible w/o doing a lot of extra work. As such I pulled and quickly sold the JCR front bumper. I got enough out of it to almost completely cover the new bumper.


Old junk removed:
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/A5A0FC09-29B5-4F71-A9B9-5B9C1A981D31_zpsxkrorxrn.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/A5A0FC09-29B5-4F71-A9B9-5B9C1A981D31_zpsxkrorxrn.jpg.html)


The cutting begins:
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/16FAC62C-3A72-4F2F-8A45-9B1C346FD851_zpsdppr2xaa.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/16FAC62C-3A72-4F2F-8A45-9B1C346FD851_zpsdppr2xaa.jpg.html)


Even more surgery required:
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/1C1F0C25-CC31-4C66-B851-7F69E8586BE4_zps2a0brw2k.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/1C1F0C25-CC31-4C66-B851-7F69E8586BE4_zps2a0brw2k.jpg.html)


New bumper set in place:
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/5424E544-02BA-4F66-B068-C4E66C250ADE_zpsmwwclfjd.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/5424E544-02BA-4F66-B068-C4E66C250ADE_zpsmwwclfjd.jpg.html)


All bolted in place. I still need to run the wires for the winch and secure the solenoid box. The trick little bracket TNT provides won't really work with the Smitty box. I also need to tie up the factory fog light and sway bar harnesses. I'll be getting some LEDs to wire into the stock fog light harnesses later.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/B1DAFA54-70C4-4BE1-92D6-201F5EDA4D13_zps5oreauv4.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/B1DAFA54-70C4-4BE1-92D6-201F5EDA4D13_zps5oreauv4.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

Almost got things finished up on the JK.

I ran the power wires for the winch and spoiled up my rope. Then I tackled the LED fog lights TNT sells with the bumper. I cut the ends off the stock fog light wiring and used GM Weatherpack connectors to plug the new lights into it.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/84E82E32-E150-4DEE-944F-C727B0988023_zpszmt1glnp.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/84E82E32-E150-4DEE-944F-C727B0988023_zpszmt1glnp.jpg.html)

I also used the Weatherpack connectors to make adapter pig tails out of the stock fog light ends in case I ever have a need to go back to factory lighting.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/298EF1E3-9620-44BA-9675-B313C6E2232C_zps1qmq9l2x.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/298EF1E3-9620-44BA-9675-B313C6E2232C_zps1qmq9l2x.jpg.html)

I still need to secure the solenoid box to the bumper, but otherwise the antirock is installed and the bumper is all done. I'll pull it out of the garage for some better pics this weekend.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/36E00E35-2AA3-4541-8F12-6D25446CB298_zpsayx0r8be.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/36E00E35-2AA3-4541-8F12-6D25446CB298_zpsayx0r8be.jpg.html)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/07329A12-28A2-403E-AB83-ECCD53591B2E_zps9tc2jseu.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/07329A12-28A2-403E-AB83-ECCD53591B2E_zps9tc2jseu.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

Outside picture with everything done
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/69E6C2B8-D38F-4EFA-B373-1CE98FC24070_zpskhpk9pmi.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/69E6C2B8-D38F-4EFA-B373-1CE98FC24070_zpskhpk9pmi.jpg.html)


I'm thinking of welding a piece to the cage to mount my RotoPax fuel cans on the sides like this.
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/01E84F4A-BEFE-4D02-89EC-266D047C5383_zpsflzol23i.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/01E84F4A-BEFE-4D02-89EC-266D047C5383_zpsflzol23i.jpg.html)


http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/C5D1A354-655C-476C-8FAC-9CC3FF3DF8A3_zpsbuvy3on2.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/C5D1A354-655C-476C-8FAC-9CC3FF3DF8A3_zpsbuvy3on2.jpg.html)

[Dutch]

New axle for the JK?
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/6C70820E-44EB-4626-BECC-DDD7467CA174_zpsxfykkxgy.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/6C70820E-44EB-4626-BECC-DDD7467CA174_zpsxfykkxgy.jpg.html)


http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/D4A282D1-5DA1-4C43-A8B1-2B7E76CAF3DB_zpsoee3fjwr.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/D4A282D1-5DA1-4C43-A8B1-2B7E76CAF3DB_zpsoee3fjwr.jpg.html)


:D


It's a front axle out of an FMTV, the modern 2.5 and 5 ton trucks. I have to rebuild 30 of these damn things. Its a freaking monster but I would love to build a buggy around a set. Removable 3rd member, gear reduction hubs, over all more compact than a 2.5T Rockwell yet rated for an armored 5 ton truck. I'll post up more as I learn this axle.

[88Toy]

Wow, what does it weigh? Doesn't look like it's been used enough to need a rebuild. Some serious scrub going on there.

[Dutch]

The wheels have a massive amount of back spacing, just like the HMMWV wheels so scrub isn't bad. The book says it weighs a bit over 1500lbs as a complete assembly. The entire housing is cast steel so its heavy.


32 spline 1.5" inner shafts, 35 spline 1 3/4" outer shafts. Nothing too crazy there but obviously there is a ton of room for bigger shafts in that thing.

[Brucker]

That is a beefy axle for sure! I still remember the time that I turtled (rolled on to the roof) my old FJ40 with Rockwells. It was so heavy that it took 5 different buggies to pull it back over. That was when I decided that lightweight was better than overkill...

[Dutch]

I got a 50" light bar from Justin, plus some mounts for them. The mounts came nicely powder coated and fit pretty well. I'll need to get some longer bolts so I can remount the add on mirrors for when my doors are off. I also need to figure out how I want to route the wiring for the light bar so for now its not hooked up.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/F07EFCCD-E317-46DF-93B8-1219217E5168_zpsoairksvu.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/F07EFCCD-E317-46DF-93B8-1219217E5168_zpsoairksvu.jpg.html)



I also took the tailgate and tire carrier off so I can figure out my spare tire mounting for in the bed. Here it is sticking out about an inch farther than it should with an RCI 15gal fuel cell behind the back seat. As you can see I'll be able to lower my cargo rack down several inches. All the tools and recover gear will go under the back seats to shift weight around and free up as much room as possible for cargo.



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/3502DD11-AB01-421C-A952-891E48A3668C_zpso5edv3cx.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/3502DD11-AB01-421C-A952-891E48A3668C_zpso5edv3cx.jpg.html)



http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z97/DutchVDub/2008%20Rubicon/016703B0-F114-4BC0-84B5-C183D0FDD52A_zpssvesuvzg.jpg (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/DutchVDub/media/2008%20Rubicon/016703B0-F114-4BC0-84B5-C183D0FDD52A_zpssvesuvzg.jpg.html)



Once I sell off the TeraFlex tire carrier setup and the GenRight bumper I'll buy my fuel cell and figure out a much lower profile bumper setup. I also need to figure out how I'm going to go about mounting a tubed tailgate to wrap around the spare tire. That tailgate will angle back to the tub and have the license plate and 3rd brake light on it.



I'm thinking the easiest thing to do is buy some corner armor and just weld tabs onto that. Then use bushings to support the 2 cross bars for the tailgate.