DadzJLU 2020 build

[DadzJL]

So I have had her for a month now.
In the first month I purchased a hardtop, 33inch wheels and tires, tinted the windows and a few other typical miscellaneous items.

about a week after purchase I learned of the Corrosion issue. I looked everywhere and found no issue. Week 3 I cleaned it well for the first time and ceramic coated it. Found two spots of corrosion on my passenger side rear door and my hood.

after I found this, I contacted people in the corrosion group on Facebook and some local dealers. With the small bit of knowledge I had I asked the Dealers if they would do the repairs and how they would be done. The closest dealer to me had done two. I passed on that one. The other dealer had done a “few” but couldn’t give me any great details on how they did it or if anything ever came back.

I was finally fortunate enough to be introduced to a woman in Pennsylvania who had a wonderful Dealer who had lots of experience with over 200 repairs under their belt. I immediately had it put on a flatbed and had it brought there. About 100 miles from my house. Within hours of them receiving the Jeep I was informed that all 4 of my doors, windshield frame, hood and tailgate had it. That was what I was hoping so everything would be replaced. Within a week all parts were ordered and coming in. I upgraded to a Rubicon hood while I was at it.
While waiting for the body parts I had some other work that needed to be done so I figured why not. I had them change both batteries, oil change, brake fluid flush. Then started thinking about all the modifications I had planned and figured I would have them do some while I was waiting. After many conversations and feelings very good about the Dealer I decided to let them go at it. I added the Mopar “2inch lift”, in “” because it’s more like 4 inches of lift. I had planned on going to 4.10’s with my manual 6 speed 3.6 and 33’s but with the amount of lift I changed my mind and went with 4.56’s and 35’s, now my second set of wheels and tires bought within 2 weeks. I found a buddy that wanted the first set.
So, while it’s there I have decided to go with as much as I can think of for the first phase of my build.

OEM metal front & rear Rubicon bumpers. Rubicon Hood. Mopar 2 inch lift. Nitto Trail Grappler 35.12.5r17’s x 5. I also added the OEM head and fog light LED lights. 4.56 gears and the upgraded steering box on the 21 and up Wrangler.

I am now waiting for the corrosion repair to be completed and to pick it up. I decided to not do the clutch recall since apparently the software update causes all sorts of issues with tire and gear changes.

I look forward to getting it back so I can continue all my phase 1 stuff. A Stinger 12.1 stereo with wireless CarPlay, 5 channel amp and speakers and JL Sub. The front and side cameras that can be added with the stereo, lock box for the trunk and miscellaneous other little things. Still trying to decide on which sliders I’m going to pick.

Anyway, that’s where I am as of today. Here are some photos from day 1 through yesterday with the lift on.

I’m planning on going with a LS1 or possibly a built 383 with fuel injection if/when the cams/rods eat themselves. The Jeep has had zero issues since it was put on the road 5 years ago last week. Not one thing wrong and all regular maintenance done earlier than suggested by the manual. So I’m hopeful that the good maintenance, low miles and the easy life it has had previous to my purchase that it will remain as a well running and trouble free Jeep.

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[Kyanche]

Dang that dealer is amazing. I wouldn't have even realized the stuff in the seams was corrosion lol, looked like goofy solder or adhesive or something to me. Where'd you get the steering wheel? It looks pretty sweet.

 

[DadzJL]

Dang that dealer is amazing. I wouldn't have even realized the stuff in the seams was corrosion lol, looked like goofy solder or adhesive or something to me. Where'd you get the steering wheel? It looks pretty sweet.

Absolutely. This is just one of the reasons it’s so important to take it to a Dealer who deals with the issue on a regular basis.
Some of the better dealers actually have someone who does nothing but work on the corrosion side of things. These are the ones you want to look for. They know the proper way to do the TSB, don’t give you any hassles, know exactly how to add the seam sealer so it doesn’t happen again and will paint basically the entire Jeep so it all matches.

I had to take it out of State but it’s well worth it. If it was done wrong, which many dealers are doing, it will come back. My warranty is up and if it came back it’s a $20k repair to have it done properly.

 

[Poseidon20]

What's the name of the dealer? I'm in northern VA and noticed corrosion on my hood. Wondering if its worth it to drive out to this place you found, they seem amazing.

 

[DadzJL]

What's the name of the dealer? I'm in northern VA and noticed corrosion on my hood. Wondering if its worth it to drive out to this place you found, they seem amazing.

There are two in the area that might be worth it for you. Tate in Fredrick has a person whose only job is to deal with corrosion and I’ve heard solid things about them. I probably would have tried there had I learned of them first.
I’ll attach the info for the dealer in York. Call Jonathan and let him know I sent you. They were able to take my car in and have all parts in the following week and get me right in. For me, that was important because my warranty expired that Friday. I can’t say for sure how good Tate is but the fact that they have someone there who only handles the issue tells me that they know what they are doing.

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