Silver JKU

[scribzilla]

Got the skid plate mounted (required a little grinding to fit and paint) at lunch today, also chiseleled off the spot weld for the exhaust spacers.

 

[scribzilla]

Got the exhaust spacers in this evening. That was a pain. Could've used a third hand!

 

[97TJGUZZY]

I really like that engine skid. Does the exhaust spacer literally just push the exhaust out the back of the jeep a few inches?

 

[scribzilla]

Yep, I believe it pushes the y pipe back about 1.5". Once the spot welded tab from the rear of the pipe is removed, it slides into the catback.

 

[97TJGUZZY]

Yep, I believe it pushes the y pipe back about 1.5". Once the spot welded tab from the rear of the pipe is removed, it slides into the catback.

oh, that makes sense.

 

[scribzilla]

Installed the cam locks on the front axle during lunch today

 

[97TJGUZZY]

Installed the cam locks on the front axle during lunch today

View attachment 19720 View attachment 19721

Mine doesnt have cam bolts? did you add those?

 

[scribzilla]

They came with the kit from JKS. Supposed to take place of geometry brackets or control arms.

 

[97TJGUZZY]

They came with the kit from JKS. Supposed to take place of geometry brackets or control arms.

View attachment 19723

did you have to cut out and make it a slotted hole in the control arm bracket for it to work?

 

[scribzilla]

Yes, I meant to take a pic but forgot until it was bolted up. It's sort of perforated, I just cut along the lines (rear of the bracket) and installed the cam washers.

 

[scribzilla]

Since I've had lots of time to conjure up things to do... I've always loved the simplicity of these bumpers from Olympic 4x4, but was never crazy about the top winch mount. My plan is get one of the winch plates for the Hard Rock style bumpers and fit it to my current one. I feel like it's probably better off mounted within the frame rails and not on top. Also have a bull bar with light mounts I plan on cutting down a bit and welding to the top.

 

[Twilliamson]

i like your idea, The between the frame rails mounting isn't too difficult..
If you wanted to save a buck or two you might grab one of those harbor freight mounting plates as a starting point.

Grab you some Rope while your at it... Cable is out, Rope is hip....

 

[scribzilla]

Suggestions on rope?

I thought about the HF thing but like the way this integrates with the mounts on the frame rails.

 

[97TJGUZZY]

I hate I didnt get to you before you cut out those slots int he axle. Those can be a huge problem if they get loose at all and are a common cause of death wobble. Just make sure you keep them tight.

 

[scribzilla]

I debated installing them - found a few instances of people having issues with them. Most seemed to be around wheeling pretty hard. Worst case scenario if they do become an issue, I can weld them in place.

 

[scribzilla]

I've had an annoying squeak since the lift install. You could hear it when rocking all 4 corners and going over bumps. Finally isolated it last night to the passenger rear swaybar link. The upper bolt was a tad loose.

Also, got to play in the dirt last Sunday!

 

[97TJGUZZY]

I've had an annoying squeak since the lift install. You could hear it when rocking all 4 corners and going over bumps. Finally isolated it last night to the passenger rear swaybar link. The upper bolt was a tad loose.

Also, got to play in the dirt last Sunday!

View attachment 19796

how is the ride compared to stock with the new kit?

 

[scribzilla]

It is a little smoother for sure and seems to track better on the road.

 

[97TJGUZZY]

It is a little smoother for sure and seems to track better on the road.

nice, does it seem stiffer in the front? Mine felt stiffer until I put on the drop brackets. I'm wondering if it was because I didnt have the shock extensions on until I did the drop brackets.

 

[scribzilla]

it seems stiffer all around