planning a backcountry adventure. pics for truck prep.

[AMDemon]

We have decided to take a nice trip through my home state of michigan. I am currently trying to get the truck ready to go, here's some pics of the route and the jeep. The map isn't my exact route. We will be taking trails as much as possible, but google won't map out off of the roads.

I finally got around to picking up a spare tire. I will ve finishing the spare tire mount for the rack tonight.

This weekend i am pulling out the budget boost and installing the real 3" lift.

 

[AMDemon]

I also installed a brush guard on the front. It's main purpose is for a mounting point for the limb risors, and a place to mount auxillary lighting.

 

[JTY]

Looks like a decent road trip.

Am interested in seeing how your limb risers develop. How are you going to mount them to the roof rack at the upper end?

 

[AMDemon]

they will be from the edges of the rack down to the edges of the brush guard where it wraps around the headlamp.

i will post pics of those when they are done.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

How long are you planning for the trip?

I've been up in that area above L. Michigan and it's really nice. Make sure to post up after you've finished the trip.

 

[AMDemon]

this will be a 7 day trip. with a weekend to clean the truck out and recover.

we plan on traveling about 4 hr's a day (while my 2 yr old is napping).

 

[AMDemon]

so i got the 3" lift on (but it is more like 4").

now i have a mysterious clunk in the front end. 99% sure its the lower control arm bushings. so i ordered those up.

i'm starting to feel the pressure of the time crunch.

 

[computeruser]

Just a suggestion: You're missing some great scenery between I and J by staying down on 28 as you head east...

 

[AMDemon]

thanks for the suggestion computeruser. we are looking into that.

so i installed the rusty's adjustable control arms last night. now a serious drive line vibration is present. i think its the rear u joint. ER'

and also found the track bar joint is very bad. so more parts are on the way. if this persists i'm gonna have to postpone the trip.

 

[Sport-Trac 01]

Looks like a great trip! When are you planning it for? I'll be taking a trip around the UP that's basically the opposite of path you're taking. My first stop is Whitefish Point then out along the Pictured Rocks.

 

[AMDemon]

it's this month. i can't wait!

 

[bob91yj]

I hope you get your rig sorted out before the trip.

Any hand tools you are using to repair the rig now, I would include in your pack out. New bolts on a new lift, it's inevitable that something is going to get loose.

 

[AMDemon]

^^ thanks for that. i always carry a full tool kit. i've broken down on trails in the middle of the night with no cell phone reception before. not fun.

 

[bldeagle10]

nice looking ZJ, make sure you post up a ton of pix! people love love love pix

 

[AMDemon]

ok so i got the clunk and vibration sorted. i screwed up with the adjustable control arms.bbut pinion angle is good now and new u joints are in the rear axle.

new sway bar end links are on.

and i fabed the hi lift mount friday night.

now to in install the track bar brackets andnew front track bar and have it aligned and i'm done.


now that i ran it for the week end i noticed the load bars giving out on the hi lift side.

now to figure out a really quick fix.