'24 JLR-X 'Low Center Gravity' Build+...

[4xFUN]

Goal: Take an already great out-of-the-box 4x4 and improve on-road manners/amenities including ride, handling, cabin quietness and improve off-road capabilities! The JLR/JLR-X with the optional 35" tire package are without a doubt the most capable 2-door Jeep's in history. That said, there is always room for improvement and personal customization...

The Following Is Based On My Needs/Wants And What I Learned During The Build Of My '20 JLR. *The Audio Upgrades, MetalCloak Rear Bumper And A Few Other Goodies Are New Leftovers I Didn't Install On My '20 JLR.

MODS COMPLETED: (Installer Lister After Upgrade)
Rock Hard 4x4 Angle-Up Rock Sliders (Me)
Front XPELL Ceramic Tint To Match Rear Glass (Fast Lane Tint)
Mopar Recon Black-Out Flag Decals For Front Fenders (Fast Lane Tint)
Warn Zeon 10-S Winch W/Grimm Mount On OEM Steel Bumper (Me)
Grimm Mid-Height Grill Guard (Me)
MetalCloak Full-Width Rear Bumper *Black Button Head Bolts (Me)
Rebel License Plate Frame For Rear Bumper (Me)
Iron Cross Red D-Rings For Rear Bumper (Me)
XPELL PPF Front Of Fender Flares, Front Of Hood And Grill (Rouge Films)

Above Mods Complete...

MODS PLANNED: (No Particular Order)

Suspension Upgrade: Synergy Springs, Full Set Synergy Adjustable Control Arms, Synergy Front Track Bar, Synergy Rear Track Bar, Steer Smarts Rubi-Length Tie Rod, Steer Smarts Drag Link, Synergy Adjustable Front Sway Bar Links, 2" Synergy Rear Bump Stop, MetalCloak DuroSpring Bumps, MetalCloak 3/4" Rear Sway Bar Drop Bracket, *New (Release Date July/Aug) Fox 2.5" Non-Reservoir Shocks, Fox T-S High Mount Stabilizer. This System Should Net Right About 1" Over Stock XR/35" Package With Better Ride, Handling, Articulation And Will Fit 37" KO2/KO3 If I Decide To Go That Route Again... (Install Me)

Audio Upgrade: Remove Cargo Floor Alpine 'Sub' And Replace With OEM Cargo Cubby And Carpeted Cover, Install JL Audio Passenger Side Stealthbox Subwoofer, Replace Alpine Speakers With JL Audio Speakers Including Separate Mid's & Tweeters For Dash, Custom 3-D Printed Grills For Top Of Dash Mid/Tweeter Array, JL Audio Multi-Channel and Mono Amps, Additional Sound Insulation. (Install Me And Signature Audio)

High Clearance Exhaust: (Want A Quiet Model For 2-Door 2.0) Had Borla Touring High Clearance On My '20 3.6 But Don't See A Listing For A 2-Door 2.0...The Stock Steering Stabilizer And The Stock Exhaust Both Got Serious Trail Rash In My '20 JLR's Early Days! (Install Me)

Skid Plates: Leaning Hard Towards Artec for Oil Pan / Belly Pan Combo, Have Rancho Lower Rear Control Arm Skids and Next Venture Rear Diff Skid. (Install Me)

Other: TBD

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[GreenWilly]

Your Jeep is looking awesome!

How are your front bump stops looking? With the factory xr springs, front bumper, and winch my front bump stop foam pad is barely touching the lower contact pad just parked. I'm still waiting on my MC suspension. To solve the bump stop issue I'm going with locked offroad bump stops.

I have been very happy with the magnaflow crawler exhaust. The only time it is loud is that annoying 1800rpm cold start.

I just went with a high mount stabilizer bracket and a clamp to fit the fusion tie rod.

 

[4xFUN]

Your Jeep is looking awesome!

How are your front bump stops looking? With the factory xr springs, front bumper, and winch my front bump stop foam pad is barely touching the lower contact pad just parked. I'm still waiting on my MC suspension. To solve the bump stop issue I'm going with locked offroad bump stops.

I have been very happy with the magnaflow crawler exhaust. The only time it is loud is that annoying 1800rpm cold start.

I just went with a high mount stabilizer bracket and a clamp to fit the fusion tie rod.

Thanks!

I had right at 1/2" of front end sag after installing the Warn Zeon and Grimm mount. She also leans a little to the passenger side, so a little less spacing on that side. After installing the Synergy springs, I will carefully re-measure to see what size spacers to use (if needed) to level side to side. I will also be installing MetalCloak DuroSpring progressive bumps when I replace springs.

Drivers side front bump, a little less on the passenger side.

Good to hear on the Magnaflow exhaust, the cold start might be an issue however...I use the Jeep when I go out late at night as my TRX (AWE Cat-back) will rattle the entire neighborhood on cold start!
I did send Borla an email over the weekend and waiting for a response...

On my '20 JLR I originally used the Synergy stabilizer post/trackbar bolt but didn't like the apparent bind on the stabilizer and switched to a SteerSmarts mount. Will decide which mount to use after installing Synergy springs and checking angle of track bar and drag link...I don't think the angle relationship will change much but want to check, if good will use another SteerSmarts stabilizer mount.

 

[proptied]

High Clearance Exhaust: (Want A Quiet Model For 2-Door 2.0) Had Borla Touring High Clearance On My '20 3.6 But Don't See A Listing For A 2-Door 2.0...The Stock Steering Stabilizer And The Stock Exhaust Both Got Serious Trail Rash In My '20 JLR's Early Days! (Install Me)

FWIW, I had the Borla High Clearance on my '22 2.0 2 Door. They do not offer the Touring model, only the S-Type. I know it's all relative, but IMO it is... not quiet. It is noticeably loud when cold, but it does go down to a reasonable level once warmed up.

Besides the noise level, it's still one of my favorite exhausts. I've emailed them recently on 2024 fitment but they have not had any in yet for fitment confirmation. I'm hoping for the same high clearance, but in the touring model, for my 2.0 4 door.

 

[4xFUN]

FWIW, I had the Borla High Clearance on my '22 2.0 2 Door. They do not offer the Touring model, only the S-Type. I know it's all relative, but IMO it is... not quiet. It is noticeably loud when cold, but it does go down to a reasonable level once warmed up.

Besides the noise level, it's still one of my favorite exhausts. I've emailed them recently on 2024 fitment but they have not had any in yet for fitment confirmation. I'm hoping for the same high clearance, but in the touring model, for my 2.0 4 door.

Thanks! I agree the S-type is too loud...I have the Touring Climber on my '20 2-door JLR 3.6 and love it, no idea why they don't offer this for a 2-door 2.0.

 

[4xFUN]

These arrived Friday: Fox new aftermarket 2.5 smooth body IFP HTO shocks! Returned to work after lunch and these were waiting in my office... This upcoming July 4th weekend will be suspension upgrade time! Should be perfect for this JLR-X build.
Only suspension / steering components I have not yet decided on is the tie rod / drag link combo, leaning towards APEX black anodized aluminum or possibly CavFab black aluminum.


Fox New Aftermarket 2.5 IFP HTO Shocks!

 

[GreenWilly]

Only suspension / steering components I have not yet decided on is the tie rod / drag link combo, leaning towards APEX black anodized aluminum or possibly CavFab black aluminum.

I went with the Fusion 4x4 F-ton tie rod/ drag link set. Not installed yet but looks like a great kit in the box. What got me was Apex doesn't warranty their tie rods if you rock crawl. Fusion 4x4 warranties the end links and aluminum bar

 

[4xFUN]

I went with the Fusion 4x4 F-ton tie rod/ drag link set. Not installed yet but looks like a great kit in the box. What got me was Apex doesn't warranty their tie rods if you rock crawl. Fusion 4x4 warranties the end links and aluminum bar

Still looking but upon further review I don't like the APEX 'Ninja' lock washers which look to be a real PITA to make adjustments after folding over the tabs...Will take a look at Fusion as well as RPM but would rather they come black instead of me having to paint / powder coat.

 

[4xFUN]

Steering Decided:
Went with APEX black anodized aluminum tie rod & drag link along with a black stabilizer clamp for the Fox ATS. They included serrated type lock washers in lieu of the Ninja folding-tab type lockers and since they are local (Phoenix AZ) I was able to swing by and pick them up. Also took advantage of their 10% off July 4th sale!

This coming weekend is going to be very busy and very hot working in my non-insulated garage with temps expected of 114-115 degrees!
Full suspension upgrade including springs, all 8 control arms, sway bar links, track bars, tie rod, drag link, high mount Fox ATS stabilizer and the new Fox 2.5 IFP HTO shocks...Hopefully she comes out as good as expected. Since she already leans a bit to the passenger side, I will likely have to add a small spacer to at least the right front but want to install and measure first...

 

[GreenWilly]

Glad they had a work around for the star washer. Those things are PITA to work on. Cannot wait to see the suspension completed. Good luck on the heat. I know how you feel. Working in the garage during the Florida summer sucks. My MC game changer just came in today.

 

[4xFUN]

Glad they had a work around for the star washer. Those things are PITA to work on. Cannot wait to see the suspension completed. Good luck on the heat. I know how you feel. Working in the garage during the Florida summer sucks. My MC game changer just came in today.

Congrats on the MC GC! Those folks make great stuff!!

 

[4xFUN]

Suspension finally finished!
Love the way she rides and handles now, need to get her on an alignment rack and tweak caster...It's good but looks like I can increase caster a bit based on driveshaft / pinion angles. I was able to dead center the steering wheel while on jack stands using the SteerSmarts alignment bars and toe came out exactly as stock-great cause while I really like the big APEX kit...I still hate jam nuts!

This was a ton of work with Jeep on jack stands in a scorching hot uninsulated Arizona garage facing west! However, I wound up with the amount of lift I was looking for: 1 & 1/8 inch front and just a hair under an inch in back, this over stock (before winch, bumper and skids) JLR-X. My perfect LCG build that does not look funny still running 35's but enough lift to easily fit 37" KO2/3's! Though just an inch taller than unloaded stock suspension, she has lots more flex, less lean in corners, minimal brake dive and actually rides better! One thing that caught me by surprise on initial road test was reduced road noise! Likely a combination of a bit more height (further from the road) but mostly better isolation due to the high flex noise-vibration damping type bushings used in most of the new components.

Components used: Synergy front and rear springs, all 8 Synergy control arms, Synergy front and rear track bars, Synergy rear frame side track bar brace, Synergy front and rear sway bar links, MetalCloak DuroSpring bump stops, MetalCloak rear sway bar drop brackets, APEX 2.5 ton black aluminum tie rod and drag link, Fox ATS 'JK' stabilizer, APEX Fox ATS tie rod mount, Synergy Fox ATS adapter kit for tie rod mount, Fox supplied stabilizer stud mount, Rancho e-brake relocation bracket, Rancho (black powder coat) rear LCA skids and the new Fox 2.5" HTO IFP shocks.


A few pictures:

New ride height...

Fox ATS, no clearance issues with Fox 'JK' stud but will NOT fit with either SteerSmarts or MetalCloak axle bracket...

Attention to detail; used disposable shop towels and brake clean to make sure matting surfaces, serrated lock washers and jam nuts clean & free of anti seize...

My old SteerSmarts alignment tool that I bought for my '20 JLR would not clear the hub on the '24 JLR-X, had to take a 3" hole saw and enlarge the center opening. Also on the '24's if you try and level the SteerSmarts by turning the rotor, the opposite rotor also turns so you have to use a rubber tipped quick-clamp to clamp the rotor to the caliper...

 

[AZ Hella]

Suspension finally finished!
Love the way she rides and handles now, need to get her on an alignment rack and tweak caster...It's good but looks like I can increase caster a bit based on driveshaft / pinion angles. I was able to dead center the steering wheel while on jack stands using the SteerSmarts alignment bars and toe came out exactly as stock-great cause while I really like the big APEX kit...I still hate jam nuts!

This was a ton of work with Jeep on jack stands in a scorching hot uninsulated Arizona garage facing west! However, I wound up with the amount of lift I was looking for: 1 & 1/8 inch front and just a hair under an inch in back, this over stock (before winch, bumper and skids) JLR-X. My perfect LCG build that does not look funny still running 35's but enough lift to easily fit 37" KO2/3's! Though just an inch taller than unloaded stock suspension, she has lots more flex, less lean in corners, minimal brake dive and actually rides better! One thing that caught me by surprise on initial road test was reduced road noise! Likely a combination of a bit more height (further from the road) but mostly better isolation due to the high flex noise-vibration damping type bushings used in most of the new components.

Components used: Synergy front and rear springs, all 8 Synergy control arms, Synergy front and rear track bars, Synergy rear frame side track bar brace, Synergy front and rear sway bar links, MetalCloak DuroSpring bump stops, MetalCloak rear sway bar drop brackets, APEX 2.5 ton black aluminum tie rod and drag link, Fox ATS 'JK' stabilizer, APEX Fox ATS tie rod mount, Synergy Fox ATS adapter kit for tie rod mount, Fox supplied stabilizer stud mount, Rancho e-brake relocation bracket, Rancho (black powder coat) rear LCA skids and the new Fox 2.5" HTO IFP shocks.


A few pictures:

New ride height...

Fox ATS, no clearance issues with Fox 'JK' stud but will NOT fit with either SteerSmarts or MetalCloak axle bracket...

Attention to detail; used disposable shop towels and brake clean to make sure matting surfaces, serrated lock washers and jam nuts clean & free of anti seize...

My old SteerSmarts alignment tool that I bought for my '20 JLR would not clear the hub on the '24 JLR-X, had to take a 3" hole saw and enlarge the center opening. Also on the '24's if you try and level the SteerSmarts by turning the rotor, the opposite rotor also turns so you have to use a rubber tipped quick-clamp to clamp the rotor to the caliper...

I loves me some LCG builds. Nice.
Just remember, you are not alone. I too am suffering the oppressive heat here Goodyear.
I see all these posts of the rest of the country out and about driving topless & doorless while we hide inside.
Winter can't come soon enough.

 

[Occam'sRazor]

I loves me some LCG builds. Nice.
Just remember, you are not alone. I too am suffering the oppressive heat here Goodyear.
I see all these posts of the rest of the country out and about driving topless & doorless while we hide inside.
Winter can't come soon enough.

Hey Mike - really great work - your a better man than me - I can handle the garage but not in that heat.
Regarding the Apex products, I installed the Aluminum tie rod and drag link a few years ago on my 2018 JLU. Loved the product, bought into the ninja washers concept, install was great. A few months ago I started having a metallic klink when turning full left. OK well something has come loose - turns out it was the driver side of the tie rod at the jamb nut. As I turned the wheel you could see the tie rod end twist one way and the aluminum tie rod twist the other - Ninja Washer and all!
That's weird but ok maybe I didn't get it tight enough the first time.... or.....
I went through the tightening process again (ninja washers bent out of the way easily) trying to get the 8 degrees of flop as per the Apex instructions. My theory is that if the flop isn't correct when you tighten the jamb nuts it will cause stress at full lock on one side or the other thereby loosing the assembly. I could get 8 degrees before tightening but the best I could get after tightening was 6. Hopefully that works. Right now there is 6 degrees with the wheels straight, a very small flop approaching full lock and no flop at full lock - same both directions.
Hopefully this is normal - Apex seemed to think so.
Have you checked the flop on your install?

 

[4xFUN]

Hey Mike - really great work - your a better man than me - I can handle the garage but not in that heat.
Regarding the Apex products, I installed the Aluminum tie rod and drag link a few years ago on my 2018 JLU. Loved the product, bought into the ninja washers concept, install was great. A few months ago I started having a metallic klink when turning full left. OK well something has come loose - turns out it was the driver side of the tie rod at the jamb nut. As I turned the wheel you could see the tie rod end twist one way and the aluminum tie rod twist the other - Ninja Washer and all!
That's weird but ok maybe I didn't get it tight enough the first time.... or.....
I went through the tightening process again (ninja washers bent out of the way easily) trying to get the 8 degrees of flop as per the Apex instructions. My theory is that if the flop isn't correct when you tighten the jamb nuts it will cause stress at full lock on one side or the other thereby loosing the assembly. I could get 8 degrees before tightening but the best I could get after tightening was 6. Hopefully that works. Right now there is 6 degrees with the wheels straight, a very small flop approaching full lock and no flop at full lock - same both directions.
Hopefully this is normal - Apex seemed to think so.
Have you checked the flop on your install?

The drag link adjust & tighten was quick and easy, no issues at all! I was not a fan of the 'Ninja' washers and was happy when they offered to include serrated Belleville washers instead. As easy as the drag link was, the tie rod was a PITA to tighten as I ran into the problems you encountered. Prior to install I had cleaned all threads, put anti-seize per instructions plus a very light coating on part of the tie rod ends. This was all done on a bench and I kept the jam nuts and Belleville washers protected with blue painters tape, and adjusted and snugged up the assembly to the exact length of the OEM tie rod. I then installed and torqued the castle nuts to spec. I then loosened the passenger side nut and using brake clean and disposable shop towels cleaned the exposed threads, Belleville washer and jam nut of any trace of anti-seize and tightened to 100 ft lbs...easy as pie! Then (the driver side was still tight from the bench assembly) rotated the tie rod so to have the passenger side in it's 'neutral' position and proceeded to loosen and clean the driver side tie rod end as I did the passenger side-so far all good! Set the driver side tie rod end in it's neutral position to match the passenger side and went to tighten...nope, everything moved! APEX warns you not to tighten against the anti-flop joints which makes sense but to minimize the tie rod end wanting to 'move' when tightening, I rotated the tie rod to the anti-flop stops on both sides and held pressure using a breaker bar to prevent excess force from damaging the anti-flop stops and used my other arm and torque wrench to set to 100 ft lbs. This mostly worked but the driver side tie rod end still turned just a bit...I wound up with 6.9 total degrees according to my Klein digital angle finder. I think the only way to be 100% is either rig up some type of jig to hold the driver tie rod end or easier, have an extra set of hands!

Since I plan to get her on an alignment rack soon and get an accurate set of readings, I might try again to get the full 8 degrees of total 'flop'. Hopefully the factory toe adjustments were good (it is exactly the same setting as OEM tie rod and measured the same via the SteerSmarts alignment plate) and I only have to play with the driver side tie rod end and not remove the stabilizer bracket to adjust the toe...

Sorry for the extended narrative!

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