A proper build up thread......JK
 

So a got a JK a few weeks ago. One week and 50 miles after I picked it up I started the modification process.

Stock Photo. I still say that a stock JK looks ridiculous without a lift and some bigger tires. I'm not a fan of the bumpers either, so those are on there way out.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

I spent the next weekend installing a Full Traction Ultimate 3" lift.

Added New wheels - Procomp 7189s 17x9
Added new tires - BFG KM2s 35x12.5x17

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Then, we did a temporary afternoon hack job on the front bumper. It was to lame to drive it around with that stupid mini-van stock bumper. I have new Shrockworks bumpers on order, but they take six weeks.

This will suffice until it arrives. The front bumper is the underlying metal from the stock bumper, trimmed to the size of a stubby bumper. I welded end tabs on the sides and a flat sheet of metal to the front to cover the holes. Then painted it black.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Stage 1 - Complete.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

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Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

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Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Comparison to a stocker. :jump:

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Most recent thing I did was to replace the whimpy Dana 44 diff covers with Riddler 1/4" thick covers. I switched to Royal Purple gear oil in the process.

front

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

rear

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

looking awesome!

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Looking forward to seeing it in action next month. :cool:

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

nice touches...looks great...

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Nice JK
How do you like it so far?

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

I can't comment on that until I get it offroad. :) It's looking like my first opportunity will be in Moab next month. I'm gonna give it a good workout there.

There is no question this thing is not an H2 in terms of road comfort. The visibility is excellent, the road ride is not too bad. The engine is a bit underpowered for the 4-door version (which I'm going to somewhat alleviate with new gearing). I love the MyGig nav/sat/DVD setup with the 20gb harddrive and USB. But none of that really matters. :D I can't wait to get out and wheel this thing.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

You need D-rings.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Should be easy enough to flip back over.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Nice looking rig!

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

I agree.......

Although the hooks you did look nice and beefy...they look goofy....

Just my opinion. I like EVERYTHING ELSE about it...

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

This bumper is only a six week temporary one. 4 weeks ago I ordered a front and rear bumper from Shrockworks. Should be here in about two more weeks. And yes, it has D rings. :) I'm going to put my warn 9.5ti on when I install it.

I also have a steering stablizer to install and an EVAP cannister relocation kit to install, plus a bunch of electronics.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

It is nice, but your hummer was nicer.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

At least the JK isn't yellow. :p

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Jeep yellow sucks. Have you seen it? I'd have gone with that if it was the same as the Hummer yellow.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

great !! Congrats !!!!!! :perfect10s: :perfect10s:

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Shrockworks is some really nice stuff. Someone I wheel with quite often has the shrockworks rocker guards and rear bumper......awesome stuff....

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Bump for updates

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Should have some pics of it in action next week from Moab. :cool:

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Some updates.

Shrockworks screwed me by delaying my bumper for 8 weeks, then telling me I'd have to wait another 4 weeks. So i said screw it and built my own winch bumper. I used 3/16" 2x5 rect. tubing for the main cross member. Added a winch 1/4 winch plate behind in and welding it to the cross member and bolted it to the frame rails. Then I added some shackle tabs to a 1/4" plate and bolted to the front. Finally, put on some hi-lift jack mounts so I could bolt it direcdtly to the bumper.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

I also made some control arms skids plates. The front control arms are pretty exposed and I've seen where guys fold those whimpy factory axle mounts over. So.....I beefed 'em up.

Fabbed them out of some scrap 3/16" steel plate.

Before (just to the right of the diff):


After:

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Awesome.

The bumper looks great!

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Creative industrial art. Like it!

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Top Off.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Soft Top, on for summer.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

I can't believe you did that big addition and still don't park the 'burb in the garage.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Hahaha. I'm sure my neighbors are thinking that too. Six months of construction and at the end they were waiting for that monster to finally get parked out of site.

NOPE!

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Where's the spare tire for the Jeep? I thought you modded the factory one to sit higher. ???

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Waiting for my bumper which is due in next week.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Spent some time the garage today. Added some finishing touches to the sides of the bumper and added some tabs for mounting my offroad light - PIAA 520s. Pix are crappy cuz they are from a camera phone.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Whoo Hoo! My bumper arrived today. This will be going on this weekend. I'll be starting my tire carrier build soon.

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Nice! I like Shrockworks' stuff. :cool:

What are the extra slots for? Lights? :confused:

Re: A proper build up thread......JK
 

Yes, I think. The slots were a surprise to me. Not sure I'd have ordered them if I had the choice. Now I'm gonna have to spend money on lights. :D

There are no slots on the pics of the bumper on Shrockwork's website. :confused: Actually, I sort of like the idea of rear lights.