Diesel Build - 2020 Sting-Gray JLURD

[Themistocles]

Any new work being put in sir? I always find myself coming back to your build thread. I consider yours to be a big inspiration for where I want mine to be.

First, thank you and I am glad this thread provides some value. As for work, not really, I have CCM A-pillar mirrors that are waiting to be installed. But no real hurry on that as the top and doors are not coming off until it warms up a bit. I am in the middle of a complete garage reconfiguration, which when done will allow me to put in a hoist for my hardtop. I need to put in an AAL remote manifold for my compressor, an AAL Versa-table, and AAL quick release rear inner fenders. I am also probably going to switch to a 2.5 ton aluminum tie rod probably from Fusion 4x4. Plus, I am breathing deeply and getting ready to put in aluminum belly armor, probably @Artec Industries.

Work has been pretty busy and I am wrapping up my military time with all the admin stuff that comes with retirement...so jeep has taken a back seat for a while. But that itch can only go unscratched for so long, and I am reaching my limit. Probably start back up again in March or early April to prep for at least a couple East Coast wheeling trips this summer. Though at some point in there I am going to have to find a real job...after playing around in the military for 30-years.
The fix I did for death wobble appears to be holding fine. Zero problems since I initially repaired, and steering feel is still tighter and more responsive than it is on my wife's 2022 MB GLE. Overall, everything is working well, no reconfigurations or changes to installed stuff, fingers remain crossed that holds.

 

[ChuckQue]

First, thank you and I am glad this thread provides some value. As for work, not really, I have CCM A-pillar mirrors that are waiting to be installed. But no real hurry on that as the top and doors are not coming off until it warms up a bit. I am in the middle of a complete garage reconfiguration, which when done will allow me to put in a hoist for my hardtop. I need to put in an AAL remote manifold for my compressor, an AAL Versa-table, and AAL quick release rear inner fenders. I am also probably going to switch to a 2.5 ton aluminum tie rod probably from Fusion 4x4. Plus, I am breathing deeply and getting ready to put in aluminum belly armor, probably @Artec Industries.

Work has been pretty busy and I am wrapping up my military time with all the admin stuff that comes with retirement...so jeep has taken a back seat for a while. But that itch can only go unscratched for so long, and I am reaching my limit. Probably start back up again in March or early April to prep for at least a couple East Coast wheeling trips this summer. Though at some point in there I am going to have to find a real job...after playing around in the military for 30-years.
The fix I did for death wobble appears to be holding fine. Zero problems since I initially repaired, and steering feel is still tighter and more responsive than it is on my wife's 2022 MB GLE. Overall, everything is working well, no reconfigurations or changes to installed stuff, fingers remain crossed that holds.

I notice you ditched the steersmarts tie rod, why is that? My builder, who did awesome work and I have zero complaints, recommended that steering setup for me when I had it in to get the RK kit put on. I was out of town and extremely occupied so I trusted his recommendation and told him to get it done. Now, after the fact, I see several serious wheelers here have removed theirs including @Roky which worries me….

Also, how’s the MBRP exhaust now that you’ve had it a while? Did you ever put a DEF skid on, and if so, does it clear that exhaust? Any drone at highway speeds?

 

[Roky]

I notice you ditched the steersmarts tie rod, why is that? My builder, who did awesome work and I have zero complaints, recommended that steering setup for me when I had it in to get the RK kit put on. I was out of town and extremely occupied so I trusted his recommendation and told him to get it done. Now, after the fact, I see several serious wheelers here have removed theirs including @Roky which worries me….

Also, how’s the MBRP exhaust now that you’ve had it a while? Did you ever put a DEF skid on, and if so, does it clear that exhaust? Any drone at highway speeds?

Hey brother,
My issue was with the drag link, as I had a synergy tie rod on so I can’t speak to their tie rod….. my drag link let loose at 15k which surprised me but figured the way we use the rig,…ok…. But when I went to buy the end to replace it, it was 200.00 ish, that’s when I decided it was time to upgrade…. I was expecting 50.00 ish as I just bought an end for my synergy tie rod and that’s what it was…. I’m not gonna talk shit about the steersmart company as there stuff is well built, but I’m not gonna lie, I was disappointed it let loose that soon……

 

[ChuckQue]

Hey brother,
My issue was with the drag link, as I had a synergy tie rod on so I can’t speak to their tie rod….. my drag link let loose at 15k which surprised me but figured the way we use the rig,…ok…. But when I went to buy the end to replace it, it was 200.00 ish, that’s when I decided it was time to upgrade…. I was expecting 50.00 ish as I just bought an end for my synergy tie rod and that’s what it was…. I’m not gonna talk shit about the steersmart company as there stuff is well built, but I’m not gonna lie, I was disappointed it let loose that soon……

Yeah, I am surprised at that cost as well. Another thing I didn’t realize about the steersmarts is the two clamps with the protruding bolts being so…vulnerable. Looks like a nasty hang up spot. I kept my OEM tierod as a spare for severe trails just in case…

 

[Themistocles]

I notice you ditched the steersmarts tie rod, why is that? My builder, who did awesome work and I have zero complaints, recommended that steering setup for me when I had it in to get the RK kit put on. I was out of town and extremely occupied so I trusted his recommendation and told him to get it done. Now, after the fact, I see several serious wheelers here have removed theirs including @Roky which worries me….

Also, how’s the MBRP exhaust now that you’ve had it a while? Did you ever put a DEF skid on, and if so, does it clear that exhaust? Any drone at highway speeds?

Appreciate @Roky jumping in, great insight as always.

So as for MBRP muffler eliminator, it is holding up great. Really no change to sound of the vehicle, rock solid, and no rust. Very happy with it.

Nope, no DEF skip yet. My understanding is Artec is in the final stage of minor modification to their diesel belly pan...once that is done, I will likely just take the plunge and order it all.

The Steersmarts was in my cart, ready to buy, decision made...and I just kept dragging my feet. I ordered the Steersmarts sector shaft and track bar brace...and just kept delaying on the tie rod and drag link. Part of the issue was I saw a few comments about it contacting aftermarket differential covers, also, as I kept researching and reading posts, I heard a few stories like Roky's. In the end I decided that I would look elsewhere. Haven't pulled the trigger on the Fusion yet, but to date have not heard / read a single negative about the Fusion 2.5 ton. Now, I am absolutely not saying I think the Steersmarts is a bad product. I am sure if I had ordered I would have been happy with it. But I think I will end up with the Fusion.

 

[sciotola88]

Nice build! I'm looking at doing Reid knuckles and either ball joint deletes or dyntrac ball joints when i decide to regear. Looks like the knuckles were a good buy.

 

[Themistocles]

Nice build! I'm looking at doing Reid knuckles and either ball joint deletes or dyntrac ball joints when i decide to regear. Looks like the knuckles were a good buy.

Yeah, I really couldn't be happier with the outcome. I did knuckles, sector shaft brace, ball joints and steering stabilizer all that the same time, so it is really hard for me to tell what did what, but I can say that with all those in...and 2.5 Accutuned Fox DSC shocks, the way it feels and handles now is, in my opinion, what it should have been like from the factory.

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