JL's JLs Builds

[jlewissystem]

Thanks for the answer on the tubing. I'll try again...

On the roam question, I just installed my frame mounted slider steps, and I did not use the rivnuts. They still gave them to me, but there were brackets included that removed the rivnut requirement. I was glad since I had seen all the rivnut nightmare discussions.

Spoke with Anthony - he called nearly immediately after i sent an email. I assume i got the hardware that they were just transitioning from.....BUT i have already installed 2 of the rivnuts

I'm sure i will get it worked out. I mounted both of them, with exception for the 1 bracket on each side.

I mean this sincerely - thanks @ROAM for the quick response!

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[jlewissystem]

OK - GREAT last couple days, minus the small details.....similar to a good day at the casino! I wont mention the dumb sh1t that i went through - lol.

Got the Radioactive build back from our local shop (Axleboy). They had a quick turnaround for tire/wheel mount/swap and re-gear to 5.13. Also used black Gorilla locking lugs. The shop had them (spline locks) - dont have the P/N - sorry. I plan to visit them next week to tweak the lift i install.

If anyone in the STL area needs powdercoating - go to Gateway Powdercoating - they did a GREAT job!! Worth the wait. My wheels (and ROAM plate) was powdercoated to the color "Sour Apple Illusion". It seemed to match the Mojito closely. @BbyGrlJJ found a dark red that seemed to match the native Rubicon red, which came out great.....and the 2" lift from the tires was nice Still have yet to use my Tazer to adjust. Initially, it felt sluggish, but we are adding weight, so it's all good. It's not as "zippy", but worth the trade-off The gears do keep shift points in check. Curious how a trailer town will be, but gotta wait a bit for the gears to break in. The tires are very quiet - for now.

Radioactive wheels - http://www.mhtwheels.com/zephyr-beadlock-d101-w-11595.htm
Tires - 37 Patagonias (34psi)

The wheels have a -15 offset, which created the tires to stick out 2-3", which is exactly what i wanted. I LOVE the look of going out a bit, but not too much.....SO....PERFECT!

I like the Teraflex Alpha Kit. I took a pic, so those of you could see the back cam with -15 offset. I dont find the beadlock in the reverse pic to be a hinderance (yet), but would be nice if there was some type of extension.....again, a trade that i would accept.

I was thinking about swapping those beadlock bolts out for black ones, but seems to not be that cheap. Would be nice if it were an option from the wheel manufacturer. BUT HEY - cant complain much on stage 1, coming from stock stuff!

The ROAM red panels seem to match the other Rubicon reds perfectly. Dont forget....these rails are POR15'd, so i'm going to be surprised if i see rust pop up.

 

[4xnaz]

Man, that came out amazing. Love it and sorry for your install troubles. However, how fun can an install be if it goes perfectly? LOL

Here's a pic from my rear camera using the Motobilt relocation kit. It doesn't capture the wheel rings in the view.

 

[jlewissystem]

Man, that came out amazing. Love it and sorry for your install troubles. However, how fun can an install be if it goes perfectly? LOL

Here's a pic from my rear camera using the Motobilt relocation kit. It doesn't capture the wheel rings in the view.

Nice! Thanks for the comparison! Looks like they did the cam better. NO install can go perfectly - lol. What's the fun on NOT throwing some tools around the garage.

 

[jlewissystem]

Wanted to throw an update out there on the 5.13 gears: after driving on the roads a bit (including hwy) i am very pleased with how the gearing is now. It feels better geared, like my old TJ and seems to have more of usable ranges to all gears - even moreso, i have 6th gear back! With factory tires/wheels, i never had a need/use for 6th gear. Now, i hit 6th around 75(ish). On-road, the 6sp/37/5.13s are a great combo. Will be a bit for me to report back on the off-road experience.

 

[jlewissystem]

Caught up to my wife with the ROAM rails. Thanks to @ROAM for quick supply of the flagnuts, instead of the rivnuts. Those rivnuts were a pain in the nuts

To add to the many previous to have thanked @TTEChris - your writeup helped immensely. Thanks brotha!

Link to Chris' wiring writeup - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...step-lights-with-door-open-illumination.8744/

I didnt have a bracket laying around like Chris had, so i improvised with a "T" bracket from home depot and cut it. With the T side still attached, it provided support for the relay.

I will say that i'm sick of wiring and although this was relatively easy, it took FOREVER. SO done with wiring - ready for some mechanical, which will start tomorrow

Pics are combined from both vehicles:

RAILS!

 

[TTEChris]

Caught up to my wife with the ROAM rails. Thanks to @ROAM for quick supply of the flagnuts, instead of the rivnuts. Those rivnuts were a pain in the nuts

To add to the many previous to have thanked @TTEChris - your writeup helped immensely. Thanks brotha!

Link to Chris' wiring writeup - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...step-lights-with-door-open-illumination.8744/

I didnt have a bracket laying around like Chris had, so i improvised with a "T" bracket from home depot and cut it. With the T side still attached, it provided support for the relay.

I will say that i'm sick of wiring and although this was relatively easy, it took FOREVER. SO done with wiring - ready for some mechanical, which will start tomorrow

Pics are combined from both vehicles:

RAILS!

Came out great! Love the wheels

 

[BbyGrlJJ]

Took her doors off for the first time to day! FINALLY! Top back & headed out to the pool . Kudos to my husband @jlewissystem for being my muscle & helpin me with the doors

Summer at it's finest!

 

[18JLHEMI]

Nice looking wheels they look a little familiar. Nice looking build!

 

[jlewissystem]

Nice looking wheels they look a little familiar. Nice looking build!

Thank you! Back at ya! I knew there were others out there

 

[jlewissystem]

Thanks to the fam for chipping in on this build, but lived in the garage for the past couple days and a BEAST emerged.

I installed the following:

• SS Bottom Mount Drag link w/Griffin (black) - https://steersmarts.com/collections...tom-mount-draglink-with-griffin-xd-attenuator
• SS Tie Rod - https://steersmarts.com/collections...xd-jeep-wrangler-tie-rod-assembly-jl-jlu-2018
• Teraflex Nexus 2.2 Stabilizer - https://teraflex.com/shop_items/5b7dc80056d70ed493a4b26c
• MC Stabilizer Relocate Bracket(Axle Side) - https://metalcloak.com/jl-wrangler-steering-stabilizer-axle-side-mount.html
• MC 3.5" Gamechanger with Rocksports - https://metalcloak.com/jl-wrangler-3-5-game-changer-suspension-system.html
• Teraflex 1 5/8 TieRod Stabilizer clamp - P/N#99-01-01-158. Need to call Teraflex for this one

The entire process was not that bad. Only did some minor duplicate work. I have not worked on a Wrangler in a while, so i took my time, as to re familiar with it. I came from a WK (IFS), so it was way different. It was fun - had a good time. Limited injuries - only when my Craftsman 1/2" ratchet slipped twice and felt like i broke both elbows. It's older than i am AND NOW GOING IN THE TRASH!

I can't recall the hours - like i said - i went slow, so maybe 16hours total? I dont work right now, so i had nothing to do.

FYI - I used 3 bump-stop pucks all around. Have yet to flex and test

ON THAT NOTE - while my Jeep was out of commish, i borrowed @BbyGrlJJ's Archangel and went to an interview in full suit TODO (top off, doors off).....the ONLY way we should go to interviews. I GOT THE JOB

Here are pics of the components and after pics of the lift, with a tweak that i made: wrapping the shocks in a "Anodized Gold Champagne" vinyl, as to match the MC gold zinc parts. I couldn't fathom adding MOAR red parts, as the Rocksports are black/red. Initially, i was going to paint the MC parts, but the gold zinc grew on me and i wanted to embrace it, especially with the build being "Radioactive". I felt that they all meshed together well. We'll see how long they hold up. It was cheap and easy, so "if he dies, he dies". ROCKY!

Vinyl - https://www.ebay.com/itm/24-x60-Cha...499376?hash=item212984f230:g:b3MAAOSwz71ZVXGK

Front BEFORE

Front AFTER

Wrapping the shocks

Installing shocks

THE NEW BEAST!!

Compared to the stock Archangel.

I still have just under 2" from the top of the garage so good there. Off to my local shop tomorrow, for tweaks and alignment. I will say - the height feels awesome - just where a Jeep should be - IF NOT HIGHER!

Going to take a break for a few days, then do the same thing for @BbyGrlJJ!!!

AND - GO BLUES!!! 1st Stanley CUP!!

 

[jlewissystem]

I forgot to post the weight of the factory vs SS parts. Figured i'd show the weight, for anyone that was curious. I was using a typical "human" scale, so this might not be 100%, but very close. I forgot the rear MC track bar, but i assume it's close to the front.

Factory Tie-Rod Weight 17.5
Factory Draglink Weight 12.5
Factory Front Track Bar 6.5

SS Tie Rod Weight 26
SS Draglink Weight 27
MC Front Track Bar 12

 

[jlewissystem]

Just got back from my local shop, from the alignment. all went well. They had to tweak my shortcomings, as expected Rode it home only - it rode great! I did adjust my stabilizer down to "soft" as it felt VERY stiff, prior to taking it in. It felt tight, but good, after picking it up. I will say that i noticed the Griffin attenuator doing it's job. As i went over bumps on the road and felt them all throughout the pedals and wheels - i did NOT feel it through the steering wheel, which was an awesome new experience. I need to get it off-road before i can give full experience. That may be a while, but early experience was good!

 

[jlewissystem]

Forgot, but wanted to mention the great deals that i received on most of my parts from the following vendors. Thanks guys!!

@Metalcloak @River City Offroad @Northridge4x4

 

[Northridge4x4]

Your JL is looking sweet! The Mojito is such a stand out color!

Thanks for the shoutout @jlewissystem, we appreciate your business and are always willing to help!

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