2018 JK build

[SamAbdul]

JEEP UPDATE - SUSPENSION

For nearly a year the Jeep was on its stock suspension tackling Badayer, Qudra, Sweihan and even Baby Liwa once.

When I finally decided to upgrade, I went with the Fox 2.0 Mopar shocks which seemed like the smart option. They were on a promotional price and justified what you spend vs what you get - Dealer installed and I retain my warranty. Unfortunately the kit for the 4 doors was installed on my car which made the rear end bounce uncontrollably. As they didn’t have one for the 2 doors, I returned that kit and got my money back.

The next step was to find an aftermarket option under AED 4K. That’s when a friend recommended I try these Hurricane shocks. I was skeptical at first as they’re a local brand but then again I wouldn’t know if I didn’t try. After all we’ve seen so many local brands make it big.

The Hurricane 2.5 were in instant upgrade. I could hit climbs full throttle, switch crests at the pace I wanted, basically the limit was set my by own testicular fortitude.

I’ve now used the @hurricane.performance 2.5 adjustable shocks now for nearly a year and a half and all I can say is I got more than what I paid for. The owner promised to tune my shocks until I was 100% satisfied with their performance - and that’s what he exactly did.

Verdict? Whether it’s summer or winter, this set has never let me down. I’ve hit ditches and multiple jumps and never had to go back to them with a problem.

Now this got me thinking, if the 2.5s performed this amazing, how would the triple bypass be? So the plan is to try something else… something a lot more serious.

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[SamAbdul]

Here’s the latest upgrade- @hurricane.performance 2.5” Triple Bypass Shocks.

So far I am more than pleased with how they perform on and off road. The Jeep feels like a completely new car at this point. If it put a smile on some of the expert drivers, then i know i got the right thing.

Like all bypass shocks, these offer the option to adjust compression, rebound, high and low speed - which is a bit new to me so I am still learning on how to maximize the benefit from these shocks. Plus they come with a twin hose set up for that smooth compression and rebound.

Here are some basic specs:
2.5” shock body diameter with a 0.8” thicc boi shaft
Front Travel : 9.8”
Rear Travel : 9.6”

 

[SamAbdul]

it was finally time to replace the front drive shaft. Why might one ask? It’s simply because the stock drive shaft does not have the flexibility to cope once the Jeep is lifted. Regular axle flex and off road abuse does not help either. The stock shaft lasted exactly 12 months from the time I lifted the Jeep. You could get an exhaust spacer kit but you’re just going to prolong the inevitable. The stock shaft will not keep up if you are not in stock stance.

After some research I had my eyes set on the custom drive shafts by Tom Woods. I went to @aevdxb and it took them less than an hour for this install.

Here’s a comparison:
Stock Left & TW Right.
The TW shaft comes with a multi U Joint that allows for better maneuverability under travel or flex situations.
No doubt from a glance, the stock looks beefier but don’t let that fool you. It’s mince meat now.
In the 3rd picture you’ll see the torn boot.

 

[SamAbdul]

 

[SamAbdul]

My motto for life is “Never Pay a Premium” however when it came to deciding on which AUX lights to purchase I made an exception.

I pride myself for having a “thrift shop” Jeep. I tried my best to find the best deals and avoid paying the high margins and premiums for after market parts here. My suspension isn’t “Proudly Made In Murica” and my rims were a steal at the dealership clearance.

I was successful with my process until it came to deciding which lights to go with. It was the @the4800traveller who showed up with a pair of Baja Design LP6s mounted on his VTC - the first person I think to have that set up on a VTC. The output of those lights was unbelievable. The pair share a combined of 20,600 lumens with a 200° spread. I immediately fell in love! Then I heard the price - which was + AED 4,000 for a set mounted. That money could buy me the entire inventory at a lights shop at dragon mart!

I saved up and gave @torcuae a call to schedule the installation. It’s been a year since I got the LP6s and they have proved they are worth the money every time I switch them on. Plus they look so damn good with their honey comb design.

I swapped the clear lense to the amber because in many peoples opinion it helps to cut thru dust when chasing someone during night drives. The interchangeable lense also provides another benefit - if you chip or crack your lights, just swap out to a new set of lenses. Also BD products come with a life time warranty.

I recently purchased a set of Squadron Pros from @aboods to mount on my A Pillars. These lights although small, provide a combined 9,200 lumens. This is enough to provide visibility on the forward sides of the vehicle. I didn’t really need A pillar lights as the LP6 provide enough light spread, but it was more of a aesthetic aspect.

So if you’re looking to add some lighting to your rig, and don’t want 10 different lights mounted to your bumper, hood, roof and any other place you can think of, give Baja Designs a chance.

 

[BajaDesigns]

My motto for life is “Never Pay a Premium” however when it came to deciding on which AUX lights to purchase I made an exception.

I pride myself for having a “thrift shop” Jeep. I tried my best to find the best deals and avoid paying the high margins and premiums for after market parts here. My suspension isn’t “Proudly Made In Murica” and my rims were a steal at the dealership clearance.

I was successful with my process until it came to deciding which lights to go with. It was the @the4800traveller who showed up with a pair of Baja Design LP6s mounted on his VTC - the first person I think to have that set up on a VTC. The output of those lights was unbelievable. The pair share a combined of 20,600 lumens with a 200° spread. I immediately fell in love! Then I heard the price - which was + AED 4,000 for a set mounted. That money could buy me the entire inventory at a lights shop at dragon mart!

I saved up and gave @torcuae a call to schedule the installation. It’s been a year since I got the LP6s and they have proved they are worth the money every time I switch them on. Plus they look so damn good with their honey comb design.

I swapped the clear lense to the amber because in many peoples opinion it helps to cut thru dust when chasing someone during night drives. The interchangeable lense also provides another benefit - if you chip or crack your lights, just swap out to a new set of lenses. Also BD products come with a life time warranty.

I recently purchased a set of Squadron Pros from @aboods to mount on my A Pillars. These lights although small, provide a combined 9,200 lumens. This is enough to provide visibility on the forward sides of the vehicle. I didn’t really need A pillar lights as the LP6 provide enough light spread, but it was more of a aesthetic aspect.

So if you’re looking to add some lighting to your rig, and don’t want 10 different lights mounted to your bumper, hood, roof and any other place you can think of, give Baja Designs a chance.

This is a great write-up, thanks for recommending our products. If you ever have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out via email.
Email: [email protected]
Best,
Brandon

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