Jeepeto III - JLUR XR (Xtreme Recon) Build Thread

[Jeepeto]

(Edit: Took delivery 9/15/21 this thread will remain and become the build thread.)

How it started

How is going

Waiting to take delivery on a 2021 JLUR Xtreme Recon and the long wait has given me time to start building out the Jeep on paper. I can't help myself and have been buying up parts that I can find in stock as I impatiently wait to take delivery.

We just sold our 2019 2 door JL Sport in preparation to take delivery on the new rig. The new Jeep will be built for my wife's daily driver (local small town driving ~1 mile per day), weekend runs to town, weekend trips, and a few trips out to Moab Utah from North Texas each year to go wheeling. We have two medium (35-50lb) dogs that will spend a lot of time in the back, and will make the pilgrimage out to Utah with us each year.

I'd like to hear from those of you that have used any of the modifications that I plan to incorporate into the build. How do you like them, how difficult was the install, tips/tricks for smooth install, long term durability, anything I should know before continuing with my purchase? Is there another product that does the same job better?

Carry over from 2019 JL
- Vector off road E-dock
- 67 designs mounts for cellphones, tablet, ham radio, mag mount mic holder, and go pro
- Yaesu FTM-400 dual band radio
- Molle bags
- Jackery 1,000

Already purchased
- Warn VR 10s
- Warn JL winch plate
- Factor 55 Flatlink
- 37" x 12.5" Tires, Yokohama Geolander G003
- MetalCloak 3.5" Game Changer Rock Sport Edition
- Mopar true beadlock rings
- Rock Crawler No Limits Sway Bar Links
- Cool Tech ham radio antenna mount
- Carolina Metal Masters grab bar “ball” mount
- Magnetic Mic radio mount
- Innovative Products 4 tire air system with ARB twin compressor
- Tazer JL Mini (Had one on my previous JL and loved it)
- Rydonair 13" shorty antenna (Amazon)
- Fumoto F106S engine oil drain valve
- Redline Tuning Hood Struts
- Dometic CFX3 45
- American Adventure Labs M.A.S.S. Fridge Slider
- American Adventure Labs M.A.S.S. Storage Platform
- American Adventure Labs M.A.S.S. 6" Drawers (x2)
- American Adventure Labs M.A.S.S. 4" Drawers (x1)
- American Adventure Labs M.A.S.S. cargo shelf
- American Adventure Labs "VersaTable" tailgate table (on backorder)
- Genesis Off-Road Dual Battery Kit (2x) Full River Batteries
- MPS Front seat overhead MOLLE rack
- ThinSkinz rear door card protection
- Spider Web Sun Shade
- Custom fuse panel with 4-AWG wiring to rear compartment for power distribution
- Carolina Metal Masters Grab Bar Mount
- MOLLE Platform Solutions rear overhead cargo rack
- XG Cargo Rear Bags
- Escort MAX360c radar detector with hard wire kit
- TrailRax PakRax - WaterPort on drivers side/Rotopax on passenger side
- Baja Designs LP6 amber lights up front (2x) *still backordered!*
- Chase lights - I had Baja Designs S2 Pro amber flush mount in the rear bumper of my last JL for chase lights. Has anyone done this with the OEM steel bumpers? Found a no cost solution to this
- Debadge - if you can’t tell it’s a Jeep…

Parts I'm considering
- MetalCloak Rocker Rail
- 30% window tint on front driver/passenger windows
- I saw someone who posted a wireless CarPlay adaptor for the Uconnect system that plugs in in the center console. Does this work well? And does someone happen to have a link to the "dongle"? I didn't think to save it.
- Alternately, is there a way to tap into the Uconnect system from the back side of the radio or media connections? I plan on running cables behind the dash up to the cell phone mount anyway. If I could have a clean way to connect the cell phone with a wired connection I would prefer that to wireless dongles.

Sponsored

 

[rent]

I'm waiting for my XR as well. I'd like to contribute the following:

* Outback Trailgater Table - Ordered and received quickly from Rebel Off Road out in CA. It is a very substantial and impressive piece of hardware. It'll be one of the first things I put on. If you have any questions and need details, l can take pictures for you.

Side note regarding ordering from Rebel: Free shipping, no sales tax collected to TX, and the price is about $10 lower. Their product description says that they will give you either a silver or hammertone based on inventory. I added a note saying I preferred hammertone and received one.

I was deciding between this and the AAL table. This eventually won out due to the extra space offered by the bamboo pull out.

* AAL MASS Cargo Shelf on order. I picked the textured black with red accents. I think it will compliment the redical dash and red stitching well. It will be a superb match to your Firecracker Red. I will report back after receiving it (shelf is currently in paint stage)

* AAL Overhead Molle Panel on order. Also did the black with red accent. Will report back.

* I'm considering all-around Xpel Prime XR Plus Super Ceramic tint (70%+ windshield, 30% sides and rear) for their superb heat rejection. Local tint shop quoted $775.

* I got a Fishbone Wheel Well Bin that will sit on top of the wheel well right behind driver side rear seat. Solid construction and very well made.

* Quadratec Dead Pedal

* Rydonair 13" shorty antenna (Amazon)

* Fumoto F106S engine oil drain valve

* XG Cargo XG-314 Cargo Bag. This is a pair of triangular shaped bags that go onto the rear legs of the roll cage. They are surprisingly roomy, and solidly made. In stock at mpexhaust.com in AR - free shipping, no sales tax collected to TX.

* Last but not least, an ARB Hydraulic Lift. It's just too cool.

 

[Jeepeto]

I'm waiting for my XR as well. I'd like to contribute the following:

* Outback Trailgater Table - Ordered and received quickly from Rebel Off Road out in CA. It is a very substantial and impressive piece of hardware. It'll be one of the first things I put on. If you have any questions and need details, l can take pictures for you.

Side note regarding ordering from Rebel: Free shipping, no sales tax collected to TX, and the price is about $10 lower. Their product description says that they will give you either a silver or hammertone based on inventory. I added a note saying I preferred hammertone and received one.

I was deciding between this and the AAL table. This eventually won out due to the extra space offered by the bamboo pull out.

* AAL MASS Cargo Shelf on order. I picked the textured black with red accents. I think it will compliment the redical dash and red stitching well. It will be a superb match to your Firecracker Red. I will report back after receiving it (shelf is currently in paint stage)

* AAL Overhead Molle Panel on order. Also did the black with red accent. Will report back.

* I'm considering all-around Xpel Prime XR Plus Super Ceramic tint (70%+ windshield, 30% sides and rear) for their superb heat rejection. Local tint shop quoted $775.

* I got a Fishbone Wheel Well Bin that will sit on top of the wheel well right behind driver side rear seat. Solid construction and very well made.

* Quadratec Dead Pedal

* Rydonair 13" shorty antenna (Amazon)

* Fumoto F106S engine oil drain valve

* XG Cargo XG-314 Cargo Bag. This is a pair of triangular shaped bags that go onto the rear legs of the roll cage. They are surprisingly roomy, and solidly made. In stock at mpexhaust.com in AR - free shipping, no sales tax collected to TX.

* Last but not least, an ARB Hydraulic Lift. It's just too cool.

I'm waiting for my XR as well. I'd like to contribute the following:

Yes sir, you've been quite helpful keeping the build sheet going in the XR thread. Can't express how much I appreciate that.

* Outback Trailgater Table - Ordered and received quickly from Rebel Off Road out in CA. It is a very substantial and impressive piece of hardware. It'll be one of the first things I put on. If you have any questions and need details, l can take pictures for you.

I was deciding between this and the AAL table. This eventually won out due to the extra space offered by the bamboo pull out.

I do like the design of this table better, and for the same reasons. I'm only considering the AAL for the light and matching the red/black of the kitchen.

Side note regarding ordering from Rebel: Free shipping, no sales tax collected to TX, and the price is about $10 lower. Their product description says that they will give you either a silver or hammertone based on inventory. I added a note saying I preferred hammertone and received one.

I'll keep this in mind if I go that way, it's still an option for sure

* AAL MASS Cargo Shelf on order. I picked the textured black with red accents. I think it will compliment the redical dash and red stitching well. It will be a superb match to your Firecracker Red. I will report back after receiving it (shelf is currently in paint stage)

Yes please do report back after receiving this. I'm really curious about build quality. Everything looks top notch but I can't find much real world use on their products. Definitely curious about noise with the metal as opposed to wood like Goose Gear

* AAL Overhead Molle Panel on order. Also did the black with red accent. Will report back.

I'm curious about this with the top off. It's definitely been discussed as an option. I do like the convenience of my overhead molle panel, but I have to think this one detracts from the open air experience. This seems like it would be pretty intrusive, although undeniably convenient. I've never had a hard top before, I don't really know how often I would have it naked and may not mind after a while.

* I'm considering all-around Xpel Prime XR Plus Super Ceramic tint (70%+ windshield, 30% sides and rear) for their superb heat rejection. Local tint shop quoted $775.

I'm defiantly a fan of ceramic tint, it does a great job of keeping the interior cool. I'll have the rear quoted as well although probably in clear or very minimal tint as I've made the mistake of putting 5% over factory and it makes for a terrifying experience backing up at night. (pre back up camera days)

* I got a Fishbone Wheel Well Bin that will sit on top of the wheel well right behind driver side rear seat. Solid construction and very well made.

I had one of these in my 2 door. I really liked it, I may have to look into the 4 door options.

* Quadratec Dead Pedal

I'll have to see how much of an issue this is for me. I've only ever owned manual Jeeps.

* Rydonair 13" shorty antenna (Amazon)

Already on order, had it on my 2 door and it was great. I'll update the build sheet here.

* Fumoto F106S engine oil drain valve

I need to order one of these, I have had one on my last 3 vehicles and it's just so convenient

* XG Cargo XG-314 Cargo Bag. This is a pair of triangular shaped bags that go onto the rear legs of the roll cage. They are surprisingly roomy, and solidly made. In stock at mpexhaust.com in AR - free shipping, no sales tax collected to TX.

Had these as well for the two door, although the location is different and the bags are as well. I may end up ordering some for the 4 door depending on how it works with the kitchen.

* Last but not least, an ARB Hydraulic Lift. It's just too cool.

I like 'em but damn $$$

I gotta say, you do have good taste! I'll be excited to see your build progress if we ever take delivery on these machines.

 

[entropy]

whats the point of ordering a XR if lifting for 37s??? what am I missing?

 

[Jeepeto]

whats the point of ordering a XR if lifting for 37s??? what am I missing?

Beadlocks, heavier duty axles, 4.56 gears, bigger brakes, tailgate reinforcement, etc. It's not just 1.5" lift and 35's, the supporting mods are there to accommodate larger tires

 

[entropy]

Beadlocks, heavier duty axles, 4.56 gears, bigger brakes, tailgate reinforcement, etc. It's not just 1.5" lift and 35's, the supporting mods are there to accommodate larger tires

does it come with bigger brakes? thats cool. What are the axles? The gearing I was aware off.

 

[Jeepeto]

does it come with bigger brakes? thats cool. What are the axles? The gearing I was aware off.

It is listed to come with bigger brakes. The axles are listed as "HD", not sure what exactly that means. I've heard rumors that they've done away with the FAD on the front axle. Can't hurt I suppose. I didn't really have the option when ordering, it was a forced option at the time. But I'm sure i would have done it regardless.

 

[entropy]

It is listed to come with bigger brakes. The axles are listed as "HD", not sure what exactly that means. I've heard rumors that they've done away with the FAD on the front axle. Can't hurt I suppose. I didn't really have the option when ordering, it was a forced option at the time. But I'm sure i would have done it regardless.

The reason I ask. Is because I will be really excited to see it has those other perks. Not only it is a great deal but that would mean there will be a lot of XR takeoff suspensions and I would love one for my sport!.

Anyway, your planned build looks very nice. a total beast.

 

[Jeepeto]

The reason I ask. Is because I will be really excited to see it has those other perks. Not only it is a great deal but that would mean there will be a lot of XR takeoff suspensions and I would love one for my sport!.

Anyway, your planned build looks very nice. a total beast.

Lol, I'll let you know when my XR take off's are ready. I just came from a sport, I really loved that Jeep. I considered keeping it and putting one tons/40's on it but I just couldn't justify doing that. I'd never see that money when I went to sell the vehicle. Ended up changing my ordering strategy this time and going the "bought not built" route. I figure if I can tie most of the mods to the VIN I may see some of the money back when it comes time to get the next one.

 

[rent]

* I'm considering all-around Xpel Prime XR Plus Super Ceramic tint (70%+ windshield, 30% sides and rear) for their superb heat rejection. Local tint shop quoted $775.

I'm defiantly a fan of ceramic tint, it does a great job of keeping the interior cool. I'll have the rear quoted as well although probably in clear or very minimal tint as I've made the mistake of putting 5% over factory and it makes for a terrifying experience backing up at night. (pre back up camera days)

> Thanks for reminding me. I will ask for minimal tints for the rear sides and back window so they will match the front sides.

* XG Cargo XG-314 Cargo Bag. This is a pair of triangular shaped bags that go onto the rear legs of the roll cage. They are surprisingly roomy, and solidly made. In stock at mpexhaust.com in AR - free shipping, no sales tax collected to TX.

Had these as well for the two door, although the location is different and the bags are as well. I may end up ordering some for the 4 door depending on how it works with the kitchen.

> Forgot to mention that I have a concern about if the XG Cargo Bags are compatible with the AAL MASS Shelf. Guess will find out soon.

I gotta say, you do have good taste! I'll be excited to see your build progress if we ever take delivery on these machines.

> Same to you my friend. And I keep on telling myself the waiting just makes that day of arrival much sweeter, but who am I kidding I want it now.

 

[Jeepeto]

* I'm considering all-around Xpel Prime XR Plus Super Ceramic tint (70%+ windshield, 30% sides and rear) for their superb heat rejection. Local tint shop quoted $775.

I'm defiantly a fan of ceramic tint, it does a great job of keeping the interior cool. I'll have the rear quoted as well although probably in clear or very minimal tint as I've made the mistake of putting 5% over factory and it makes for a terrifying experience backing up at night. (pre back up camera days)

> Thanks for reminding me. I will ask for minimal tints for the rear sides and back window so they will match the front sides.

* XG Cargo XG-314 Cargo Bag. This is a pair of triangular shaped bags that go onto the rear legs of the roll cage. They are surprisingly roomy, and solidly made. In stock at mpexhaust.com in AR - free shipping, no sales tax collected to TX.

Had these as well for the two door, although the location is different and the bags are as well. I may end up ordering some for the 4 door depending on how it works with the kitchen.

> Forgot to mention that I have a concern about if the XG Cargo Bags are compatible with the AAL MASS Shelf. Guess will find out soon.

I gotta say, you do have good taste! I'll be excited to see your build progress if we ever take delivery on these machines.

> Same to you my friend. And I keep on telling myself the waiting just makes that day of arrival much sweeter, but who am I kidding I want it now.

I fear that I may have been selected for additional inspections. The wording they use when I check in on Jeep Chat makes me think that it's going to be delayed.

 

[rent]

I fear that I may have been selected for additional inspections. The wording they use when I check in on Jeep Chat makes me think that it's going to be delayed.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. They may have a protocol for random additional QC check, or someone at JC just happens to pick that canned reply to say it's built but not yet shipped.

 

[Jeepeto]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. They may have a protocol for random additional QC check, or someone at JC just happens to pick that canned reply to say it's built but not yet shipped.

I'm really hoping that's the case. I'm ready to start turning wrenches on this thing. Although being forced to take the time to really think about the build before hand is going to make life so much easier. I had the last jeep apart like 8 times running wires for things on an "as needed" basis. I'm hoping to pull this one apart once and run everything where it needs to go, it'll make life so much easier when I decide to add lights later down the road.

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Waiting to take delivery on a 2021 JLUR Xtreme Recon and the long wait has given me time to start building out the Jeep on paper. I can't help myself and have been buying up parts that I can find in stock as I impatiently wait to take delivery.

We just sold our 2019 2 door JL Sport in preparation to take delivery on the new rig. The new Jeep will be built for my wife's daily driver (local small town driving ~1 mile per day), weekend runs to town, weekend trips, and a few trips out to Moab Utah from North Texas each year to go wheeling. We have two medium (35-50lb) dogs that will spend a lot of time in the back, and will make the pilgrimage out to Utah with us each year.

I'd like to hear from those of you that have used modifications that I plan to incorporate into the build. How do you like them, how difficult was the install, tips/tricks for smooth install, long term durability, anything I should know before continuing with my purchase? Is there another product that does the same job better?

Carry over from 2019 JL
- Vector off road E-dock
- 67 designs mounts for cellphones, tablet, ham radio, mag mount mic holder, and go pro
- Yaesu FTM-400 dual band radio
- Molle bags
- Jackery 1,000

Already purchased
- Warn VR 10s
- Warn JL winch plate
- Factor 55 Flatlink
- MetalCloak 3.5" Game Changer Rock Sport Edition
- Mopar true beadlock rings (pending forum member pricing at the moment)
- Rock Crawler No Limits Sway Bar Links
- Cool Tech ham radio antenna mount
- Innovative Products 4 tire air system with ARB twin compressor
- Tazer JL Mini (Had one on my previous JL and loved it)
- Rydonair 13" shorty antenna (Amazon)
- Fumoto F106S engine oil drain valve

Parts I'm considering
- American Adventure Labs M.A.S.S. "cargo management system" kitchen
- American Adventure Labs M.A.S.S. cargo shelf
- Outback Adventure - "Trailgater" tailgate table
- American Adventure Labs - "VersaTable" tailgate table (integrated light looks nice)
- Goose Gear Kitchen (Pricy $$$$)
- 12v Fridge (Engel, Dometic, ARB, what's your experience and/or opinion)
- 37" x 12.5" Tires, Yokohama Geolander G003 (I had these in a 35" on my previous build and really liked them)
- 37" x 12.5" Tires, Nitto Trail Grappler
- MetalCloak Rocker Rail
- Baja Designs LP6 amber lights up front (2x)
- Baja Designs S2 Pro amber flush mount in rear bumper for chase lights
- 30% window tint on front driver/passenger windows
- Full debadge (Considering everything but the trail rated badge as it is "stamped" into the sheet metal. Has anyone done the Rubicon stickers? I'd like to see what it looks like without them)
- Front seat overhead molle rack of some kind (had the MPS on the soft top but it doesn't have the cut outs for the freedom top locks so I will need to replace it)
- I saw someone who posted a wireless CarPlay adaptor for the Uconnect system that plugs in in the center console. Does this work well? And does someone happen to have a link to the "dongle"? I didn't think to save it.

Hi Josh! You have a great list of upgrades already put together for this build.

I'm running the MC 3.5" Game Changer and love it (I ran the same lift on my previous JK build). My reason for running the MC lift is this, it rides great for daily driving and for a short arm kit, will flex like mad. I'm attaching a pic of the first flex as we installed the lift.

I have the AAL MASS Cargo Shelf, ARB compressor mount/Relocation Bracket and waiting on the MASS Storage System and Fridge Slide Out. All the AAL products are super well designed and manufactured. Having the ability to add custom colors is also very cool.

I'm running the Baja Designs LP4's...incredible light source.

Here's a few thoughts to consider:

- Upgraded shocks?
- TeraFlex Spare Tire Carrier to help carry the weight of the new 37's?
- Rock Slide Engineering StepSliders (Your wife will thank you)

Looking forward to watching this build come together!


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[Jeepeto]

Hi Josh! You have a great list of upgrades already put together for this build.

I'm running the MC 3.5" Game Changer and love it (I ran the same lift on my previous JK build). My reason for running the MC lift is this, it rides great for daily driving and for a short arm kit, will flex like mad. I'm attaching a pic of the first flex as we installed the lift.

I have the AAL MASS Cargo Shelf, ARB compressor mount/Relocation Bracket and waiting on the MASS Storage System and Fridge Slide Out. All the AAL products are super well designed and manufactured. Having the ability to add custom colors is also very cool.

I'm running the Baja Designs LP4's...incredible light source.

Here's a few thoughts to consider:

- Upgraded shocks?
- TeraFlex Spare Tire Carrier to help carry the weight of the new 37's?
- Rock Slide Engineering StepSliders (Your wife will thank you)

Looking forward to watching this build come together!


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

Hi Josh! You have a great list of upgrades already put together for this build.

Thanks for your response. You have a beautiful Jeep by the way!

I'm running the MC 3.5" Game Changer and love it (I ran the same lift on my previous JK build). My reason for running the MC lift is this, it rides great for daily driving and for a short arm kit, will flex like mad. I'm attaching a pic of the first flex as we installed the lift.

I keep reading nothing but good things about this lift. I pulled the trigger on it this morning, and I'm definitely excited to hopefully have my "buy once; cry once" solution

I have the AAL MASS Cargo Shelf, ARB compressor mount/Relocation Bracket and waiting on the MASS Storage System and Fridge Slide Out. All the AAL products are super well designed and manufactured. Having the ability to add custom colors is also very cool.

Glad to have some real world feedback on the AAL stuff. It looks very clean, I'm pretty sure this is what I will end up going with. I really like the way it looks with the red/black; that will match my rig anyway. What did you end up ordering for your storage system/fridge? I'm trying to find what works and what doesn't. (i.e. fridge slide out driver side with (2) 6" drawers and (1) 3" drawer on passenger?) I haven't seen too many full set-ups online. Also I noticed a YouTube video from a month or so ago that shows a triple fridge slider that may become available soon, looks like a nice option if it ever makes it to production. Also, what fridge do you have? And would you recommend it?

I'm running the Baja Designs LP4's...incredible light source.

Baja Designs is top notch. I ran them on my last rig and cannot say enough good things. I love the versatility, being able to change from a white spot to an amber flood is very nice.

Here's a few thoughts to consider:

- Upgraded shocks?

Going with the rocksports for now, maybe one day I'll throw on some six packs if I find the need

- TeraFlex Spare Tire Carrier to help carry the weight of the new 37's?

From what I understand the Mopar tailgate reinforcement is sufficient? Not 100% on this, but I think I read it somewhere. Anyway, it's part of the XR package. If it comes out that it's not sufficient I will definitely look into something to support the extra weight.

- Rock Slide Engineering StepSliders (Your wife will thank you)

Are these those steps that auto-magically drop down when you open the door? Do you have them? How do they hold up off road?

Looking forward to watching this build come together!

I'm signed up for my own mailing list on this one. Definitely excited to see it some together as well.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw

I'm a sucker for YouTube, I'll definitely check it out!

-Steven

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