Yes, I sure did. Really tightened up the steering wheel feeling. I have the drag link, tie Rod and falcon nexus stabilizer to go on here when I get more time too. It’s nice to do it stages to appreciate the little things one at a time.
Good to hear!Yes, I sure did. Really tightened up the steering wheel feeling. I have the drag link, tie Rod and falcon nexus stabilizer to go on here when I get more time too. It’s nice to do it stages to appreciate the little things one at a time.
I also added the MC rear bumper support brackets. Did you ever consider those? I figured a little insurance incase I catch a corner coming off something.
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love the new look!Customizing My Fuel D124 Beadlock Wheels
When I decided to make the switch from my red Fuel Covert beadlocks to the current bronze Fuel D124 beadlocks I noticed the D124 used a different style beadlock ring. What I did not like about the D124 ring was it did not have drainage holes and held water, mud inside the wheel lip.
Fuel Covert Beadlock
Fuel D124 Beadlock
When I was swapping the Coverts for the new D124's I verified the beadlock ring bolt pattern was the same between the two wheel sets. So, I reached out to Wheel Pros for help with ordering a set of the Covert Style beadlock rings with the drainage hole set up I wanted. There were none in stock and it took 4 months for them to finally come in.
Here's a few pics of swapping the rings. 24 bolts x 5 wheels. If you've ever mounted beadlocks, then you know how time consuming this process is working your way around the ring 3 times as you torque them down.
And here's a few pics of the new custom set-up. Same basic look, much better function now.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
great post Steven. You shared these with me out there and it gave me tons of confidence on these trails.I recently posted the video short 'Jalapeno Pickle'- Pickle Trail in Moab. While putting that video together, I realised it might be cool/interesting/informative to quickly discuss my thoughts on how I approach wheeling, crawling obstacles.
Getting a chance to watch footage of various Jeeps and their drivers attempt challenging obstacles as well as seeing myself do it provides great feedback that I can use to improve my driving skill.
I live in the Midwest and I don't get a lot of time on the trail so when we are out with a group say in Moab at EJS, I'm always watching, asking drivers questions on technique to glean any insight I can get.
Over the past several years as I've worked creating content for my YouTube channel I've had the opportunity to work with and observe some very talented people in the Jeep and off road community. Bryce from Dixie 4-Wheel Drive comes to mind. Bryce who was taught by his father Milt Thompson was driving off road at the age of eight. He once told me he learned wheeling driving a stick, no lockers, etc.. He later added, modern Jeeps with lockers, autos make it pretty easy to do now.
One thing I did notice riding with Bryce on the trail was his use of the brake pedal while climbing (one of the techs at Dixie 4-Wheel Drive told me brake pads are the most frequently replaced parts on Bryces' Jeeps). He uses a lot of brake to modulate traction and the ability to put the power down in a very smooth, controlled way. He also showed me the 'Moab Bump' technique. You can see me attempting both brake modulation and the Moab Bump technique in the video.
While I'm on this topic of better crawling ability, closely watching the driver(s) in front of you helps a lot. I call this 'collective knowledge' and I see it action every time out on the trail...the driver behind should have a better grasp of the best line. Of course, driver experience has a lot to do with it. I think it works along the lines of this axiom...want to get better at something, go out with and do that thing with someone who is better at it than you. This has helped me a lot.
Events like Easter Jeep Safari can be very helpful in this regard. While the trail runs will be slow, you do have a chance to watch the good and the not so good and this provides a chance to better your wheeling technique while in the company of those who can help you if/when you screw up.
So, here's my checklist countdown if you will as I get ready to run a trail, crawl an obstacle. Please keep in mind that it does not always go as planned??
1) Let the experienced drivers lead.
2) Watch and learn from the driver ahead of you (collective knowledge).
3) Assess not only the drivers line but how is he/she built... 35's, 37's, 40's? Can I do what they did?
4) Trust your spotter. They see what you can't.
5) Take a deep breath...Are my lockers engaged (if required), sway bar released, in gear? (you'd be surprised).
6) Feel good about what you are about to do, or don't do it. I've seen drivers get in over their heads and have the good sense to stop, or even have someone with more experience jump in your rig.
7) Commit and send it (usually the best part).
PS Don't forget to:
- Use your brakes on a climb to control wheel spin and put the power down in a more efficient manner.
- Detune your throttle if you are running a throttle controller for better throttle application (especially helpful with a turbo equipped Jeep).
- 2nd gear on the auto trans for better traction?
I hope this helps in some way. I don't profess to being great at wheeling...just someone trying to get better each time out. I'd love to hear from you about your approach...keep the 'collective knowledge idea going here.
In the meantime, here's a few more pics from the trail...
Watch and learn from the driver ahead of you...
Trust your spotter...
Commit and send it!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
Thanks John!
Thanks John, good to hear!
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Hi Justin. On my 3.5" MC Game-Changer lift, you run the stock brake lines. On the rear, you bend the brake line bracket upward which gives additional slack to the line. let me know if need pics of anything?
I think I understand the rear ok. I was more curious on the front. Did you leave the bracket at the bottom of the spring perch and just remove the bracket that was attached to the lower control arm? Or did you do anything else? If you had a pic from behind one of the front tires with the tire turned out that would be great.
Let me finish up what I'm doing and I'll get you a pic. Give me a about an hour or less.
Here's a couple of pics so you can see the two mounting points and how much brake line their is at static ride height.
Perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. I really appreciate you taking the time to take those! That’s what I was hoping was going to work. ??Here's a couple of pics so you can see the two mounting points and how much brake line their is at static ride height.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw
-Steven
