SiliconTi
Stuck in the Mud
OK, here is a the build list of my Jeep. I'll do a bit of a twist on the usual build thread, however, by not only telling you what parts I went with, but why and if I'd do it differently again. Items are in no particular order. Here goes:
Mirror Drill: no brainer, free, and stops the streaking.
Tires: TreadWright 315/70/17 (35") Guard Dog. Very good tire at a great price. No regrets. If money was no object, I'd have Pit Bull Rockers on there. If I go with the TreadWrights again, I'll get the Kedge Grip.
Master Craft grab handles: these are not the cheapest, but they still look great after 4 years and work well. They are incredibly strong too. Helps get me into the Jeep and helps me fold back the roof.
Radio Shack CB Radio with K40 fiberglass antenna. I'd go with a Cobra 29LX if I did it over (and still may).
Yaesu ft-8900 HAM radio with a Larsen 2/440 mag mount. Love it, works perfectly.
ARB and Warn Tree & Extraction straps: they work well. I carry two of each.
ShrockWorks Mid front bumper: Yes, waiting 6 months was a PITA, but it was worth it. This has been flawless except for the powder coating failing, but powder coat always fails. I'd do it again as it is very strong and does not flex under a load. I do not like the looks of full width bumpers, and they catch on everything. Stubbies look weird and have no real protection. I could keep the fog lights too.
Warn XD9000i Front Winch: love it, perfect winch. I'd like synthetic line, but this is a nice winch with a fast line speed. I bought this one because the price was right.
Odyssey PC1500 battery: Gives me 1500 amps for 30 seconds, then drops to 850. Awesome battery. I had a PC1200 which I beat the crap out of and it is still going (moved from the Jeep to a Max IV). I have two PC625s in the rear to run a 'fridge and the rear winch. Outstanding batteries.
Axle and xfer/trans breather extensions: a must for deep water. Easy and cheap to do.
RCK4x4 Gauge/switch pod (mounts above the radio). Has voltage gauges for the front and rear batteries, switches to activate the gauges and to send power to the rear batteries to charge them, or to allow myself to jump start if the front battery is dead (saved my bacon once already). I'd like to have an automatic system to handle the charging, but this works so well, I can not justify the cost.
Daystar Switch panel: works well, no issues except I bough one with the switches installed and they are a loose fit.
Blitz Jerry Cans: I have two, and they suck. Powder coating is very poor, and I've already lost one to rust. Not worth it. These are no longer on the Jeep.
Crown Jerry Cans: These are better than the Blitz and have a built-in nozzle. So far (after 2 years) no corrosion or peeling paint.
Warn SPI Compressor: works well, has a 1/3 gallon air tank. If I did it again, I'd go with the Dominion kit for a bit more money. I originally wanted a portable unit, but I just drive the Jeep up to whatever needs air.
Hi-Lift Extreme Jack: I keep it well lubed and protected from the elements. As expected, it works perfectly. Why buy any other brand?
AEV 3.5SC Lift. Really happy with this lift. Outstanding on and offfroad (at trails rated a 5-6/10, so far). It took quite a bit of work to repair the damage from the RC lift, but was worth it. I had a Rough Country 4" Lift with Arms: I chose it because it was on sale and was inexpensive. I've had two major issues with it: 1) the drivers front upper arm eats bushings for lunch. No clue why. I have to replace it 2x a year. RC gave me two boxes of them for free after the lift was disco'ed. 2) I can not keep the front lower arm bolts torqued. They always loosen up. I also used cam bolts which was a dumb idea. 3) the design caused the front trackbar mount to tear off at the frame.
Synergy upper front trackbar reinforcing mount. Repair damaged caused by the RC lift. Works well.
Rock Hard Skid plates: I ran all four (engine, trans, fuel and evap). Work perfectly, very strong. I did remove the fuel tank skid to save weight, but the others are all still there.
Rough Country Single Steering Stabilizer: it was inexpensive and I crushed the factory unit. This sucked and I removed it - steering system kept hitting it and jamming. Replaced with the OME unit included in the AEV lift.
OR-Fab Tire Carrier with Fuel Cans: Looks great works perfectly. Yes, it is a PITA to install, but has done all asked of it and more.
Rock Krawler HD Steel Tie Rod: weighs about 60LBS, solid steel (it may be disco'ed replaced with an Al version). You can jack the Jeep up by it if you had to. Perfect.
JKS Front Adjustable Track Bar: Installed to solve the bushing eating issue, but did not help. Did recenter the axle though. This has been removed after the AEV lift was installed.
JKS Rear Adjustable Spring Perches: Tried these to correct the bowed rear springs. Worked on one side, but not the other. Need an adjustable rear bar to fully use these. I'd not do it again. These have been cut and welded on as the AEV lift was installed.
Hood Louvers: Cut four 4" holes in the hood and covered with plastic louvers. Trying to keep under hood temps down off road. Next time, I'd do the mechanical fan conversion instead.
LubeLockers: work perfectly. Make fluid changes and inspections easier.
K&N Air Filter: I needed a new filter and am hoping for better protection.
AEV Pro-Cal programmer: to reset TPMS, reset speedo and have high idle. Works perfectly.
EVO C Gussets: Weld on design. Easy install, hoping to not bend the C's. I'd do it again.
Olympic Smuggler Rear Bumper: I wanted a rear winch bumper that did not require surgery. This is the only one. I like it and would do it again, but there are some weak points: 1) the drain holes in the winch are are too small 2) they need more metal between the bumper and the body - gap is too big and 3) it is kinda ugly. I like the two point and Hi-Lift slots though. I'd do it again.
Warn Magnum 9K Rear Winch: this is a Warn XD9000 with a Brazilian motor and different engagement lever. Much noisier than a "real" Warn, but gets the job done. Synthetic line would make it nicer and lose some weight.
MOPAR Entry Guards: These are the plastic trim pieces for the door jam. Just looks nicer with them.
Rugged Ridge 1/2 Doors: I bought these used cheap. They are OK. Biggest complaint is that the inner latches are useless and the uppers are expensive.
Synergy Weld-on Rock Rails/Steps Kit: easy to weld on, pre-cut tubes. Nice kit and works well. If I did it again, I'd replace the factory Rubi rock rails with welded-on frame mounted rails. The Rubi rails are not good enough for the rough stuff and I have the body damage to show for it.
OR-FAB Rocker panel armor: to cover the damage the factor rails inflicted, to give me a place to kick off mud and to cover dents on the rocker. I do not like the looks as much as I thought I would and they are a colossal PITA to install.
Painted Wheel Covers: My Moab rims are all beat up. I elected for painted eBay wheel covers to make it look nice on the road, and just pop-them off for off-roading. Easier than swapping wheels and much cheaper. I no longer use these as they fall off, I just painted the rims instead.
ReadyWelder II welder: I like it and it works well, but you can not control the heat well. REPLACED with a with a Hobart Trek 180 - fantastic product, and worth its weight in gold when you need it.
I build a false floor in the back to have a drawers for straps and tools, and 12v and 120v outlets. It also makes the rear flat so I can sleep in it.
Coleman PowerChill 40 Refrigerator. Not really a 'fridge as you can not control the temp. Works well and is pretty quiet. It is no Engel, but was cheap and works for me.
KC Daylighter 100W spot lights, bumper mounted. I never use them. No, really. They look good though.
SpiderTrax 1.5" Wheel Spacers: so I could run my factory wheels. Work perfectly, hold their torque perfectly. Worth the money.
AEV Snorkel: I bought this used and put it on for fun. I really do not need one, but what the heck. In reality, it is in the way - branches get caught on it all the time. I do not think I'd do it again. (Not in the pictures.)
Offroad Elements Limb Risers: I think Land Rovers look cool with limb risers, so I tried them on the Jeep. They work, though they do cause quite a bit of wind noise. I do not like that the brackets move when a heavy branch gets lifted and it has damaged the paint in the hood. I do not think I'd do it again. (Not in the pictures.)
Hood Net: This is a cheap bungie net I placed on the hood to hold dirty gloves, straps etc a la the Camel Trophy. Handy, but, like the limb risers, people are constantly asking what it it for. (Not in the pictures.)
I think that is it. Hope this helps someone.
Mirror Drill: no brainer, free, and stops the streaking.
Tires: TreadWright 315/70/17 (35") Guard Dog. Very good tire at a great price. No regrets. If money was no object, I'd have Pit Bull Rockers on there. If I go with the TreadWrights again, I'll get the Kedge Grip.
Master Craft grab handles: these are not the cheapest, but they still look great after 4 years and work well. They are incredibly strong too. Helps get me into the Jeep and helps me fold back the roof.
Radio Shack CB Radio with K40 fiberglass antenna. I'd go with a Cobra 29LX if I did it over (and still may).
Yaesu ft-8900 HAM radio with a Larsen 2/440 mag mount. Love it, works perfectly.
ARB and Warn Tree & Extraction straps: they work well. I carry two of each.
ShrockWorks Mid front bumper: Yes, waiting 6 months was a PITA, but it was worth it. This has been flawless except for the powder coating failing, but powder coat always fails. I'd do it again as it is very strong and does not flex under a load. I do not like the looks of full width bumpers, and they catch on everything. Stubbies look weird and have no real protection. I could keep the fog lights too.
Warn XD9000i Front Winch: love it, perfect winch. I'd like synthetic line, but this is a nice winch with a fast line speed. I bought this one because the price was right.
Odyssey PC1500 battery: Gives me 1500 amps for 30 seconds, then drops to 850. Awesome battery. I had a PC1200 which I beat the crap out of and it is still going (moved from the Jeep to a Max IV). I have two PC625s in the rear to run a 'fridge and the rear winch. Outstanding batteries.
Axle and xfer/trans breather extensions: a must for deep water. Easy and cheap to do.
RCK4x4 Gauge/switch pod (mounts above the radio). Has voltage gauges for the front and rear batteries, switches to activate the gauges and to send power to the rear batteries to charge them, or to allow myself to jump start if the front battery is dead (saved my bacon once already). I'd like to have an automatic system to handle the charging, but this works so well, I can not justify the cost.
Daystar Switch panel: works well, no issues except I bough one with the switches installed and they are a loose fit.
Blitz Jerry Cans: I have two, and they suck. Powder coating is very poor, and I've already lost one to rust. Not worth it. These are no longer on the Jeep.
Crown Jerry Cans: These are better than the Blitz and have a built-in nozzle. So far (after 2 years) no corrosion or peeling paint.
Warn SPI Compressor: works well, has a 1/3 gallon air tank. If I did it again, I'd go with the Dominion kit for a bit more money. I originally wanted a portable unit, but I just drive the Jeep up to whatever needs air.
Hi-Lift Extreme Jack: I keep it well lubed and protected from the elements. As expected, it works perfectly. Why buy any other brand?
AEV 3.5SC Lift. Really happy with this lift. Outstanding on and offfroad (at trails rated a 5-6/10, so far). It took quite a bit of work to repair the damage from the RC lift, but was worth it. I had a Rough Country 4" Lift with Arms: I chose it because it was on sale and was inexpensive. I've had two major issues with it: 1) the drivers front upper arm eats bushings for lunch. No clue why. I have to replace it 2x a year. RC gave me two boxes of them for free after the lift was disco'ed. 2) I can not keep the front lower arm bolts torqued. They always loosen up. I also used cam bolts which was a dumb idea. 3) the design caused the front trackbar mount to tear off at the frame.
Synergy upper front trackbar reinforcing mount. Repair damaged caused by the RC lift. Works well.
Rock Hard Skid plates: I ran all four (engine, trans, fuel and evap). Work perfectly, very strong. I did remove the fuel tank skid to save weight, but the others are all still there.
Rough Country Single Steering Stabilizer: it was inexpensive and I crushed the factory unit. This sucked and I removed it - steering system kept hitting it and jamming. Replaced with the OME unit included in the AEV lift.
OR-Fab Tire Carrier with Fuel Cans: Looks great works perfectly. Yes, it is a PITA to install, but has done all asked of it and more.
Rock Krawler HD Steel Tie Rod: weighs about 60LBS, solid steel (it may be disco'ed replaced with an Al version). You can jack the Jeep up by it if you had to. Perfect.
JKS Front Adjustable Track Bar: Installed to solve the bushing eating issue, but did not help. Did recenter the axle though. This has been removed after the AEV lift was installed.
JKS Rear Adjustable Spring Perches: Tried these to correct the bowed rear springs. Worked on one side, but not the other. Need an adjustable rear bar to fully use these. I'd not do it again. These have been cut and welded on as the AEV lift was installed.
Hood Louvers: Cut four 4" holes in the hood and covered with plastic louvers. Trying to keep under hood temps down off road. Next time, I'd do the mechanical fan conversion instead.
LubeLockers: work perfectly. Make fluid changes and inspections easier.
K&N Air Filter: I needed a new filter and am hoping for better protection.
AEV Pro-Cal programmer: to reset TPMS, reset speedo and have high idle. Works perfectly.
EVO C Gussets: Weld on design. Easy install, hoping to not bend the C's. I'd do it again.
Olympic Smuggler Rear Bumper: I wanted a rear winch bumper that did not require surgery. This is the only one. I like it and would do it again, but there are some weak points: 1) the drain holes in the winch are are too small 2) they need more metal between the bumper and the body - gap is too big and 3) it is kinda ugly. I like the two point and Hi-Lift slots though. I'd do it again.
Warn Magnum 9K Rear Winch: this is a Warn XD9000 with a Brazilian motor and different engagement lever. Much noisier than a "real" Warn, but gets the job done. Synthetic line would make it nicer and lose some weight.
MOPAR Entry Guards: These are the plastic trim pieces for the door jam. Just looks nicer with them.
Rugged Ridge 1/2 Doors: I bought these used cheap. They are OK. Biggest complaint is that the inner latches are useless and the uppers are expensive.
Synergy Weld-on Rock Rails/Steps Kit: easy to weld on, pre-cut tubes. Nice kit and works well. If I did it again, I'd replace the factory Rubi rock rails with welded-on frame mounted rails. The Rubi rails are not good enough for the rough stuff and I have the body damage to show for it.
OR-FAB Rocker panel armor: to cover the damage the factor rails inflicted, to give me a place to kick off mud and to cover dents on the rocker. I do not like the looks as much as I thought I would and they are a colossal PITA to install.
Painted Wheel Covers: My Moab rims are all beat up. I elected for painted eBay wheel covers to make it look nice on the road, and just pop-them off for off-roading. Easier than swapping wheels and much cheaper. I no longer use these as they fall off, I just painted the rims instead.
ReadyWelder II welder: I like it and it works well, but you can not control the heat well. REPLACED with a with a Hobart Trek 180 - fantastic product, and worth its weight in gold when you need it.
I build a false floor in the back to have a drawers for straps and tools, and 12v and 120v outlets. It also makes the rear flat so I can sleep in it.
Coleman PowerChill 40 Refrigerator. Not really a 'fridge as you can not control the temp. Works well and is pretty quiet. It is no Engel, but was cheap and works for me.
KC Daylighter 100W spot lights, bumper mounted. I never use them. No, really. They look good though.
SpiderTrax 1.5" Wheel Spacers: so I could run my factory wheels. Work perfectly, hold their torque perfectly. Worth the money.
AEV Snorkel: I bought this used and put it on for fun. I really do not need one, but what the heck. In reality, it is in the way - branches get caught on it all the time. I do not think I'd do it again. (Not in the pictures.)
Offroad Elements Limb Risers: I think Land Rovers look cool with limb risers, so I tried them on the Jeep. They work, though they do cause quite a bit of wind noise. I do not like that the brackets move when a heavy branch gets lifted and it has damaged the paint in the hood. I do not think I'd do it again. (Not in the pictures.)
Hood Net: This is a cheap bungie net I placed on the hood to hold dirty gloves, straps etc a la the Camel Trophy. Handy, but, like the limb risers, people are constantly asking what it it for. (Not in the pictures.)
I think that is it. Hope this helps someone.
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