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E's Gray Steel JKUS Build

5K views 30 replies 9 participants last post by  EWhite37 
#1 ·
Purchased my first Jeep 2 weeks ago and am already obsessed with researching how I'm going to build it. This looks like it's going to be fun and expensive hobby.

Got a new 2014 JKUS S in Anvil. Gray Steel is an omage to one of my favorite cars' I 'veowned, which was my Suby WRX in blue, which was Blue Steel of Zoolander Fame. I'm loving the Anvil color and the pictures don't do it justice. Color is always changing and I think it looks best under a cloudy sky. Luckily I live in San Francisco. :facepalm:

Options that came with the purchase:
- 24S package with Auto
- Connectivity w/ Sirius
- Max Tow (3.73 Gears)
- Differential Rear Axel
- Supplemental Side Airbags
- Hard Top
- Slush Mats
- Engine Block Heater (that I'll never use).

I don't "plan" on doing any rock crawling with this, but you know what they say about best laid plans. I'm going with a build that looks good but is also functional. Want to make this more of an expedition vehicle.

I'll be putting on some new shoes tomorrow:
- 16x8 ProComp 7069 w/ 4" BS
- Toyo Opencountry ATS II 295/75R16

I don't want to go as big as 35's as the wear and tear they place on the OEM parts, but I really like the look of the 35's vs 33's. Wanted to do the Duratrac 305/70/16's, but they don't make those anymore. Figured a good compromise was a tire in 295/75R16 as they are about 1/2 inch taller. Didn't want to go as wide as the ProComp's have 4" BS. I know that this tire size is a little off and there are only about 4 options in AT: Toyo, Nitto, BFG, and General. Living in the city and doing 90%+ city street driving, the Toyo's got the best reviews for that type. Also will encounter a good amount of rain, so the BFG/General didn't work as they got more negative scores in wet terrain vs the Toyo's. As you can see, I did a ton of research on tires. There is no one perfect tire for my criteria, but I hope these work out. I'll let you know.

Went with the 16" wheels as I was worried about some of the issues with 15" wheels with bigger tires if I decide to get bigger. Didn't want 17" as I like the look of more rubber and I was trying to keep the weight/cost down.

Those are getting mounted at 4wheelparts in Oak town and then I'll drive them around and figure out if they work. After that comes the lift. Thinking that I want around 2" of lift, but I'll see how it looks and feels without it. I know I'll need it as I'll def rub if I go offroad, which I really want to do.

Will also throw on some bumpers and rails to protect on the trail, but also from a-hole SF parkers as I got to street park this thing. Love the looks of the MetalCloak bumpers, just not sure if they are in the budget. Also thinking about a winch, but worried about someone ripping it off while street parked.

Will post some before and after pics with new dubs.
 
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#3 ·
Made my first mod to it yesterday. Added All Sales Manufacturing black 21" stubbie antenna. Research said that the 21" size worked the best and so far I've noticed improved reception on both AM/FM. Looks good too. Got from Summitracing.com for $19 and have to say I was very impressed with them. Free shipping for orders over $99 and it came in less than 24 hours. Website said it fits a JK 2012+ with the adapters, but the adapters included didn't work. Had to get adapter 6201 from Amazon for about $4. Came in 2 days thanks to Prime.

Thinking about putting some blue loktite on it. Has anyone done this with their stubbies and do you take them through car washes? Instructions say not to.
 
#4 ·
Got some other parts/plans here waiting to be put on in the next week, just need to get the proper tools:
- Rampage Locking Hood Catches
- Mopar Fuel Door Cover (non-locking) and paint screws black.
- Hella H4 E-codes in route. Going with the non-kit option and will stick to factory wattage wth PIAA Xtreme White bulbs. Got the H13 to H4 converter coming too.
- Debadge Wrangler/Sport stickers on side
- Plastidip grill flat black as well as TrailRated badge and keyholes.
- Plastidip rear lights and side markers in smoke.
- DIY grill screens from Lowe's gutter guards. Can't decide to go black or red.

There's so many brilliant idea's I get from this forum, it's hard to stop adding plans...
 
#5 ·
New shoes, before and after



Land vehicle Vehicle Car Jeep Automotive tire




Land vehicle Vehicle Car Jeep Tire




Land vehicle Vehicle Car Tire Automotive tire




Tire Automotive tire Wheel Rim Alloy wheel



Completely changes the attitude of the Jeep. Love it. Ride is good so far, but still need to do chalk test and air down a little more. At 32 PSI right now.
 
#11 ·
New shoes, before and after

View attachment 1032489
I copied your tire/wheel set - just what I was lookin for.

I was told to run these at 35lbs by Les Schwaab.

Some data:

Stock Body Position - measured on lower metal edge of body:
Front: 17 3/8"
Rear: 18 1/4"

With new Tires:
Front: 18 3/8"
Rear: 19 1/8"

Weight:
61.5lbs - Stock tire and wheel
84.4lbs - Toyo Open Country AT II 295/75R-16 on 16x8 ProComp 7069

The only place this rubs at the moment is on the stock air dam at full lock. No biggie to trim that.
 
#8 ·
The Jeep looks nice, I like those 7069s. Here is a pic of mine ProComp 7069 16x8 with 305/70/R16 Falken Rocky Mountain ATS II and 2" coil spacers lift
Thanks man. Yours does as well. I dig the black and white combo. I almost went with the Falken's, just didn't have the size I wanted.

Whose lift is it? Trying to figure out which one I want.
 
#9 ·
Added the Mopar fuel door today. Painted the screws black so they would blend in. There's a good short tutorial on YouTube by Teraflex giving hints on how to install. Way better than the horrible directions provided in box.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Tire Automotive tire
 
#14 ·
What pressure are you guys running these E rated tires at? My local tire shop put them at 35 lbs out the door but I read that they have to inflate them per the vehicle sticker for legal reasons? I dropped them to 31 and they seem less harsh.
30 front 32 rear +/- 2 psi
 
#15 ·
Update

Wow, it's been a while since I updated the build. Have done a ton of additions and dropped a cr@p loan of coin. Here's an order of what happened:

Plastidipped the front grill, the marker lights on the front fenders the Trail Rated Badge, and all silver key holes. Need to redo the front grill as I dipped when it was around 60 degrees out and it didn't work nearly as well as it should. Had to redo marker lights after first try was too thick and light didn't come through. Two lights coats of black works well.

Took off all the stickers with a Heat Gun and Goo Gone.

I also installed a Hex/Honeycomb screen behind the grill based on Hellbender's write up.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f314/custom-jk-grille-screen-write-up-655089.html

Purchased the material (aluminum) from McMasters Carr and sprayed with Rustoleum Bedliner. Really like how it turned out.
 

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#16 ·
Next step was the lift and a roof rack as I had my first offroading camping trip coming up. The trip consists of myself, two friends, and a dog. This required me to put the cooler and a couple boxes on the roof so that we had enough space. Didn't want a full attached Gobi style rack as I wanted the freedom to take top off easily. Something I can take on and off easily and I could also attach other accessories. Really liked the Front Runner modular system. Decided to get two load bars that allowed me to position multiple things on them without the big cost of a large rack. This did require me to drill into the hard top. System held up really well on the trip and there have been no leaks thus far (knock on wood) through the drilled holes. Used lots of silicone to seal them. Did take the load bars off after trip as there was noticeable wind buffeting. Need to attach a thule style fairing for snowboarding season.

I was also wanting to make some sort of attic rack that goes above the cargo area, but not above rear passengers head. Using the internal supports from the Front Runner rack, I was able to create this system using adjustable straps with clips. This allows me store sleeping bags, mats, and other soft goods above.
 

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#17 ·
Next step was the lift. I met some local Jeepers and talked to them about different lifts.Decided that I want to do a LCOG lift as the Jeep is my DD and I also want to do long road trips.Also wanted to do some rock crawling and also allow me to upgrade 35’s with trimmed fenders.After lots of deliberating I went with the following:

- Synergy 2” 4dr springs
- Fox IPF Shocks
- Synergy bump stops
- Synergy brake line relo
- Synergy Front Lower shock mount bracket
- Synergy front and rear adj track bars
- EVO rock star skids
- JKS Adj Rear End Links
- JKS Quicker Disconnects

The ride seems better than stock and taking turns and braking is most improved. Got probably 2.5”’s out of the lift.

The other item I added before the trip was the Springtail rear passenger side rack with a Quadratech Fat Fifty Ammo Box.Thread showing other’s using of the rack.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/springtail-jku-side-rack-2nd-gen-498721.html

I keep a Gerber hatchet and the ammo box full of JK specific tools, a 3/8 ratchet set, duct tape, a tow strap, gloves, and a couple other odds and ends.Very easy install and a real solid piece of hardware.
 

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#18 ·
First trip was amazing. Offroading, fishing, shooting, drinking, a true man-cation.Buddies did complain about lack of handles and straps when getting in the Jeep when off camber.

Been eyeing the Welcome Manufacturing Grabars, so I picked up a set for the front driver and passenger.Install was a PITA as the bolts wouldn’t fully thread all the way in on the passenger side, thus resulting in handle that moved when grabbing it.Think this was more the fault of Jeep as the original hole for the install was not filly straight.Fellow Jeeper mechanic re-tapped the hole, used a special grease, and got the bolt to fully thread.These things are solid and look very OEM.

For the rear, I order paracord straps from Surprise Straps. Very quick shipping at a great price.Get many compliments on these as they color match the Jeep perfectly.

The next thing I had to get was proper rock sliders. I had borrower some Rubi stock sliders for the camping trip, but they were just loaners. I was looking mainly at the EVO sliders or the LOD sliders as I needed something that attached to the frame and had a solid reputation. I lwenyt with the LOD's as they provide a step for the shorties and looked great. LOD instructions asks for you to tap the frame and use their bolts in that drill tap. Talking to others who had this, they recommended drilling the frame and using Grade 8 bolts and knurled nuts instead as this provided a much better support. Went that route, but it's tough getting the nuts inside of the frame. Have to use a modified hanger to do it.
 

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#20 ·
The next major round of upgrades were inspired by an offroading trip in early August. On my way from the Bay to Mammoth, I planned on doing some solo offroad camping off Hwy 88 near Kirkwood with the dog. Really mellow trail and not too long so if something happened, I could hike out. Ended up meeting a couple guys that were airing down their rigs at the start of the trail and we decided to wheel together. Trail was super mellow and I wanted more. They were planning on doing Deer Valley going North to South from 88 to 4, which began at the end of the mellow trail. This ended up being the most difficult offroading I had done to date. Got hung up on rocks, a downed tree, and needed their help getting unstuck. Bent the rear bumper pretty hard coming off a rock and used the rails extensively. Did Slick Rock that night and next morning and incurred more trail damage. Had to get winched out on one occasion. This got me thinking that I needed bigger tires and more importantly that I needed better armor underneath. I called my Jeep guy as soon as I arrived in Mammoth to assess what I needed. Definitely was going to upgrade the tires to 35's and had to get good protection due to my LCOG build. Pics of the trip and damage:
 

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#21 ·
Got home from the trip and ended up getting the follow armor:

- Flowmaster 50 Muffler and installed that where the EVAP was originally located.
- Nemesis EVAP Relocation Bracket
- PSC Extreme Crossmember. My original got taco'd in spots.
- EVO Oil Pan and Transmission Skid
- Poly Tie Rod Clamp and Fox Steering Stabilized Bolt to relocation the steering stabilized above axel.
- Riddler Diff Covers
- Synergy Front Axel Sleeves, Gussets, and control arm skids
- Poly Ball Joints for the new heavier tires.


Got it all installed a couple weeks ago and Jeep sounds much meaner with the Flowmaster exhaust.

After that, I needed to address the bumpers. Been eyeing the Hanson Front Stubby w/ Winch Guard for a while now and finally pulled the trigger. Best looking stubby on the market by far. Had it powder coated with more a textured black than the shiny smooth black it normally comes with. Removed the air dam and will be cutting off the lower cross member.

For the rear, I decided to pull off the original and run with no bumper for now. I like the look and if I decide to stick with it, I’ll get the EVO hitch mounts to go into the frame gaps and have a new hitch welded into the middle.

I also added the Teraflex HD tire carrier hinge and mount. Very easy install. I relocated the rear license plate to the spare and plugged with the PSC plug. I have the ORO 3rd brake light and license plate light bracket waiting to be installed. Maybe tomorrow.
 

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#22 ·
And that brings us up to date until yesterday morning, when the man in brown delivered 5 new Nitto Trail Grapplers 35x12.50x17's mounted on Raceline Monsters without beadlocks. Got a screaming deal from Discount Tire Direct and they mounted and balanced for free and shipped to my house at no cost with no taxes. Got a $50 discount for being a forum member here.

Now, why did I get new wheels? Good question. I wanted to keep the Pro Comp 7069's as they look great and had 4.0 BS that I needed. However, finding the Nitto's in the 315/75R16 was impossible and Nitto is not currently making any and doesn't have plans for any production any time soon. I confirmed this with Nitto customer support. The other manufactures that made that size didn't make sense for what I want to do, which is DD + Rocks + Snow. The TG's get good reviews in all these areas. Only downside is that they're 78 lbs a piece.

I decided that I needed to go to the 17's as they are a wheel size that fits many different tire options. Wish I had known this when I bought the 7069's. I searched many different tire options. My requirements where that they had to be alloy, the BS needed to be 4.5 or less (wanted to avoid wheel spacers), and they had to be matte black. I torn between the new ATX Cornice's, the ATX Slots, the MB TKO's (without center caps), and the Raceline Monsters. Ended up going with the Racelines as they fit all the categories and where $60 less per wheel than the Cornice's. If money wasn't an issue, I would get the Hutchinson Rockmonsters in Arget, but they're $400+ per pop.

The new tires definitely change the look and I like the Monsters more than I expected. Now the question is, do I run them without the center caps or with. I kind of like the look of no caps, but tell me what you think. Pics below show one with caps and one without.

Fenders are being cut and will be ready next Wednesday and UPS just delivered the Superwinch Tiger Shark 9500. Will install tomorrow.
 

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#31 ·
With

I have to admit I like it with the caps.

Been watching your progress as mine is a DD but needs to handle light trails, some rocks, and snow. Won't need the rock climbing you seem to be moving into, but otherwise I may be following your lead on the suspension/lift/tire mods.

Great thread, keep 'em coming!
 
#24 ·
With the caps
 
#25 ·
Nice thread. Good stuff. I think I may have seen your Jeep....do you get to Marin or Napa much?

Anyway, don't feel too bad about your trail damage. I just rolled my beloved Jeep a few weeks ago while deer hunting. I'm also surprised you made it through Slickrock. I was there not long ago and I was on my skid plates alot with a 3.5" Teraflex lift and 35's. It was my first time there but from what I was told that trail changed quite a bit over the last year; a lot more difficult now.
 
#28 ·
Thanks man. I do get out to Marin a couple days a week. Usually heading up to Terra Linda and back to the City.

As far as Slickrock, I got through it, but not without the damage and needing to winched up the last tough part after I get wedged in the bypass. Need to go again, but next time with some guys that can spot me.

That sucks that you rolled your Jeep. Totaled?
 
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