2 Door JL Red 3.5" 37's

[aven2rus]

The plan is 3.5" and 37's.

I have it supported on the frame and the axles both with control arms and shocks removed. This so I can easily install the upper and lowers arms then follow-up installing the lift coils. Saves a lot of the struggle lining up arms.

Find a lot of the hardware is difficult to line up straight with so reached for a lot of 1/2 drive accessories and some hand wrenching was involved.

View attachment 92174

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[aven2rus]

Ultra Beadlocks are off to the powder coater. We came to the decision that Prismatic Powders "Astatic Red" is the closest match to the Jeep color. Wheel will be red, ring black. Last 4 vehicles where black wheels and played out for me personally so red it is.

Lift kit is also receiving this color. Hopeful this choice is a good match.

Test fit reviled a need for a Hub Centric Rings 78mm To 71.5mm with this particular Ultra Wheel, found easily for $12 on eBay.

Wheel color Wednesday if all goes as planned.

 

[rcr1340]

I'm looking forward to the progression of this build. Love the 2 doors

 

[aven2rus]

Thanks! This showed up on the lot close to me and caught my eye so I sold my 4 door JK to the neighbor who has been eyeing it for some time.

37x12.5 Nitto Ridge Grapplers, 3.5" Skyjacker lift with uppers and lowers (Comes with Currie Johnny Joints), AFE Exhaust, AFE Intake and OEM Switch panel all have shipped so hopefully will be posting install update soon.

So with the shipping of the exhaust I removed that. The hangers are no longer welded to the frame, rather they use a bracket. This makes it real easy to remove the muffler and deali g with the past pesky rubber hangers from under the Jeep. Stood the muffler on end and pushed them off by hand. Will install them on the AFE exhaust and bolt back in.

 

[krucam]

I'll be curious to get your feelings on the 3.45 final drive ratio with the 37's. Beautiful 2 door btw...

 

[aven2rus]

I'll be curious to get your feelings on the 3.45 final drive ratio with the 37's. Beautiful 2 door btw...

It will be temporary, just have imited time to get this back together right now. I installed 4:88's in the JK with 37"s and was very happy with that, so going the same route. I have driven a Rubicon on 40's with stock gearing (lower than sport). The new lower first and second gearing on the 8 speed auto it is a bit more forgiving on the street but I would never be satisfied running the hills of NEPA.

Also waiting to see what traction devices show up after SEMA as I will do those along with the gears. See from install kits on the market I will still be dealing with crush sleeves I am not a fan of.

I will be sure to provide some feedback.

 

[aven2rus]

First to arrive for installation the OEM Switch Panel. Be certain when you order to get the proper kit there is Sport and Rubicon the difference is the Rubicon has silver bezel and made to fit with the locker switches. Everything you need right down to the shrink wrap.

Will limit the install images as there is a great installation video that CJ Pony posted up


Install instructions that are in the kit are also online
https://www.mopar.com/moparsvc/pim/media?id=9428497203230

 

[aven2rus]

Wheels ready.

 

[Ralph2018JL]

Wheels ready.

Looks great!

 

[TTEChris]

Nice build so far, can't wait to see it finished.

 

[aven2rus]

Switches installed. Was a lot of help having the video as the instructions do lack some detail with them assuming a person is Mopar tech.

I did fnd on my own you have a good clear eye on the grommet from the inside and made a cut with an exacto knife at the hanger where I feed it through. This made pulling the large group of wire coming through the grommet much easier.

The only issue I have at this point is I cannot really verify the success as it needs to be flashed at the dealer.

Also need to verify fuse locations in the box and install fuses not outlined in the instruction. Like having it OEM, nice clean look.

Instructions have you tie off to the trough in the back with tie wraps. I had these adhesive backed mounts I fastened it with after I was not pleased with the look of using that method. Looks much cleaner.

 

[aven2rus]

Another small arrived. Gas Cap Cover, $28 on eBay. Did not come with the rubber gasket as some do. I would have preferred it did. There are units that do have the gasket.

I was able to cut the OEM out and used a quality contact cement to install on the new unit.

It snaps in and out, Out taking some good force so use caution. I used a plastic spreader to protect the body getting it started. Pic shows it on the new unit for reference.

 

[aven2rus]

Living in NEPA requires some attention to effects of the winter elements. I coated the front & rear axles with POR15. I have found form past experience this holds up excellent and prevents that haze of rust showing up after the first winter. Also touched up any weld on the frame that showed any small sign of rust. This requires a top coat and will be using a satin to be closer to the OEM color and take out some shine.

A little goes a long ways with POR15 and if you close the lid on the can with pint on it you will never get it open again. They now have a 6 pack of 4oz cans that are super convenient and a zip lock bag works for a few days between tasks. Anything you get this on including yourself it sticks, so were gloves, long sleeves and protect your floor is it matters to you.

 

[aven2rus]

That first rock rash will be a hard felt one

 

[aven2rus]

Kit arrive and the match to OEM Jeep color is excellent.

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