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Greenmachine13's Build

6K views 49 replies 12 participants last post by  GreenMachine13 
#1 ·
I bought my Jeep brand new back in early 2013 but I never started a build thread.

I figured I'd use this space to chronicle my Jeep's journey. Every so often I'll update with some of the already completed modifications and eventually it will catch up to real time modifications. :)

But for now... here it was the day a got it. The perfect blank canvas.

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Specs:

2013 JK Wrangler Sport S
3.73 Gearing
255/75/17 Goodyear Wrangler SR-A
 
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#3 ·
Give us a little teaser, when you bought it what was your build/mod list. Looking forward to following along.
Ironically, when I bought it I had no plans to modify it; but it didn't take long until the mod bug bit me!

After a few months of ownership I started watching videos of Jeeps off roading and thought I'd enjoy it and that is what got me going.

My initial plan, after committing to giving off roading a try, was to merely upgrade to a better set of stock size tires and wheel it like that to get a feel for what it could do.

Stay tuned!
 
#4 ·
Some of my early modifications were simple but yet important for my off road adventures. Then some others were purely cosmetic.

I swapped the stock SRA tires for stock size Duratracs and while I was at it Plastidipped the wheels black.

I didn't want to worry about the negative effects of larger tires at this point but I wanted something that would do better off road while maintaining excellent on road characteristics. Snow driving was also a factor.

I de-badged the Jeep in preparation for some custom decals in the future.

I installed a CB radio for communicating with fellow Jeepers on the trail. Additionally, I swapped out the stock radio antenna for a 13" stubby antenna.

I made a mistake in this phase by buying flimsy side rails (the mopar side rails did look good) instead of rock sliders... this will come back to haunt me later.

Quadratec floor mats (full set) replaced the stock carpeting.

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#6 ·
My custom decals arrived, so I got those put on.

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Prior to my first "real" off road experience I decided to convert the stock front bumper to a stubby bumper using the VDP stubby bumper kit.

At the same time I trimmed the stock fender flares and relocated the side markers (converted to LED) into the stubby bumper end caps.

I also added the MBRP bull bar, which required a relocation of the vacuum pump. A cheap set of off road lights from harbor freight completed the front end for the day.

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Land vehicle Vehicle Tire Car Jeep


I then took it down to the local river for some fun and to get some mud on it.

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#7 ·
It was finally the day for my first real off road experience! I was meeting up with a group of Jeepers at nearby Off Road Park called Rausch Creek. Our group was supposed to stay on the green trails (easiest) but we ended up doing a few of the easier blue (medium) trails that day as well.

There were a lot of Jeeps in our group that day!

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I also learned a lot of valuable lessons. Remember when I said I made a mistake by getting the Mopar Side Steps instead of Rock Rails?

This looks innocent enough, but I took a bad line (newbie) and that rock in the foreground pushed my side steps up and bent the rocker panels... Ugh!

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The other thing I learned was that disconnecting the sway bar is mandatory for doing any real off roading... The BLD kicked in here and pulled me through. Luckily I was able to touch it down softly. (This is a green trail, called Trail 11)

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The last two things I would learn is that the stock diff covers get dented pretty easily and it would be a good idea to relocate by axle breathing tubes. I can't find the picture, but the front diff cover got a decent size dent in it when I hit a rock hiding in tall grass. We also did several water crossings (thus the need to relocate the axle breathers).

Here is a picture of one of the Jeeps in our group making a water crossing. I had already crossed but did not get a picture.

Off-roading Mud Geological phenomenon Vehicle Water


I learned that my Jeep, with a stock suspension and stock size tires, could navigate the easy green trails with absolutely no issues; but on the blue trails I found the skid plates were getting put to use and rock rails should've been a priority but the functionally stock Jeep was still able to negotiate these trails without much trouble.
 
#8 ·
After my first off road adventure I came away with a sense of what I needed to do next but also of some of the things I got right. I also earned my first badge.

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The CB Radio was definitely a good move. Several of the Jeeps in our group had CBs and it made for easy communication within the group. The leader would give helpful information about any obstacles and how to tackle them.

If someone got held up in the back of the pack, they could radio ahead and let them know to hold up.

The Duratrac tires were flawless on the types of trails we were on. We didn't do anything where there were sharp rocks and also didn't get into any deep mud. We did however do a lot of loose dirt/gravel, off camber, shallow and slippery mud, water crossings and some smaller rock obstacles.

The experience left me wanting for more but I wanted a little more peace of mind with some of the problem areas of my Jeep.

The first thing that needed attention was the rocker panels. I opted for these smittybuilt rock rails. I also painted the lower rocker panel black (using spray paint truck bed liner). This helped hide the dent and also will protect from rusting since the paint had flaked off.

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I also added a hood rack so I could carry a shovel with me. With winter coming up, it's nice to have a shovel.

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Next up was some differential protection. I opted for these SOLID diff covers, both front and rear.

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Lastly, for now, I wanted to get my axle breather tubes higher. So I relocated the front line into the engine bay and the rear one I routed into the rear tail light.

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A set of sway bar quick disconnects were on the list but I was having trouble deciding on which ones to get because I was already thinking about a small lift... some lift kits come with sway bar disconnects, so I decided to hold off until I made a decision on whether to lift the Jeep or not. In the meantime I would just have to manually unbolt the stock links every time.

My next trail ride was just around the corner and I was anxious to see how my new improvements would work out...
 
#12 ·
#13 ·
What did you use to mount the shovel? I've been wanting to do that but haven't come up with a good way of doing so.
 
#14 ·
It's a custom made rack by WranglerAddict (on these forums).

I can take some more detailed pictures for you. It can also hold an axe and shovel at the same time.
 
#18 ·
I knew before my next trail ride I would want to air down my tires. In order to air them back up I would need a compressor. I opted for this Slime dual compressor.

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Hand luggage Bag Baggage Luggage and bags Suitcase



It was time for my next trail ride! The improvements made a big difference. Especially the sway bar quick disconnects.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Off-roading Automotive tire
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Off-roading Automotive tire


I wheeled in this, essentially, stock configuration for several outings and it was very capable. However, I would occasionally drag the bottom and I have several very nice dents in the crossmember and fuel tank skid.

My friends are getting the itch to do the harder trails, and I want to go along... I feel some more upgrades are needed. ;)
 
#19 ·
I began my plans for going bigger.

My ultimate goal would take some serious funds and that would require some serious time to save for.

I needed a temporary solution that would get be going so I could be more capable while I was saving funds for the ultimate goal.

The first step was to get a hi-lift jack. This is not only useful for jacking up a taller jeep, but it can also be a good tool for the trail

hi-lift
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Next, I opted for a barely used set of 4-Door Rubicon shocks and springs. This would give my two door a 1" lift and the shocks would be an upgrade over the stock sport shocks.

Rubicon shocks and springs
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Just this small improvement would help me out on the trails! It did, but I knew this was just the first step in my temporary solution... The Jeep show was coming up and I had a parts list already made.
 
#20 ·
Skipping ahead a bit, just installed these heated seats today and just in time for the cold winter months.

Toasty!

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#21 ·
Finally getting around to doing some more posting.

Got the AEV 2.0 spacer lift installed and got the 315/70/17 Duratracs mounted on the stock rims. Used 1.5" wheel spacers to prevent rubbing at full lock.

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255 vs 315

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315s without 2" AEV Lift

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35s with 2" AEV Lift

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Testing the flex along with buddie's jeep

I also replaced the air damn with a steel skid plate, which can be seen in the picture above. I also decided to go with a set of adjustable quick disconnects from Steinjager. They can be seen in some of the previous pictures.

I knew having these larger tires would require some strengthening modifications to the Dana 30... stay tuned
 
#22 ·
Having these bigger tires meant the stock carrier was no longer sufficient. I really didn't want to opt for a heavy bumper and tire carrier setup. I decided to remove the carrier and put the tire in the trunk (secured with ratchet straps).

I also decided to remove the rear bumper for better clearance on departure, plus I thought it looked more rugged and less refined that way. This was, although looked cool (to me), a mistake that would bite me later.

My buddy helped me make a custom "tramp stamp" with LED 3rd brake light. I used a Poison Spyder delete plate for the license plate relocation.

Moved the CB antenna to the rear bumper.

I eventually found some small caps to replace the bump stops. This will be seen in a later post.

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#24 ·
Having bigger tires means bigger trails and the potential for bigger damage.

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The 35s and the lift definitely improved the off road prowess but I had a bit of a set back when I backed into a tree that was in my blind spot.

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I decided fix this using the Warrior Products aluminum corner guards. I painted them to match the body color (used mopar rattle cans).

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Had to hammer out some of the damage and cut holes for the round LEDs. I used Load Resistors to fix the fast blinking.

Technology Automotive wheel system Auto part Electronic device Automotive lighting


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Very happy with how it turned out.
 
#27 ·
I knew up to this point my front axle was the weak point. I wanted some insurance, especially on the Cs. I decided to add some gussets and sliders to help keep the D30 alive until I have the funds to go with a prorock. Popped in some heavy duty Alloy USA ball joints while we were at it. Also, repainted the entire axle with rust converter.

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Camera accessory Cameras & optics Tripod Room Photography
 
#28 ·
Decided my next upgrade would be to beef up the steering. I opted for the Metalcloak Full HD setup. It includes, tie rod, drag link, and steering stabilizer along with 1-ton rod ends for both. The tie rod will even work if I had stock backspaced wheels.

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Comparison of stock vs Metalcloak ends

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Metalcloak setup

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#30 ·
Slight change in plans...

Still going with the 4.56 gears (which I already have on hand) but decided to only lock the rear dana 44. I figured I might as well beef up the axles while I was at it.

I opted for a set of G2 35 spline axle shafts and an ARB air locker (An after market locker is required in order to have 35 spline shafts). The locker came with a free differential cover!

I also purchased the ARB Air Compressor to handle the air supply duties.

More pics to come when I unpack and get things installed:
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I plan to use the A-Pillar switch pod and along with these switches to control everything.

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These switches will light the text area in green whenever the dash lights are on. If the switch is activated then the picture icons will light up in red.

The front 30 will remain open until I've saved enough cash to replace the entire assembly with a more stout 44 (dynatrac or teraflex).
 
#31 ·
Installed my summer top (Trektop NX).

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Also got the new rear bumper and tire carrier from Rancho. Customized it by welding on a shackle tab.

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I like that the tire carrier opens with the tailgate. Very nice bumper. Also, the Hardrock license relocation kit can be seen. Moves the plate to the spare tire. I also got the third brake light / license plate light LED kit with it.
 
#32 ·
Nice, I was going to get the Trektop Nx but found the Rampage frameless for $120 on ebay. I also didn't want to add mounts to the rollbar then have to take them off when I put on the hard top when it starts getting cold out.
 
#33 ·
Yeah. That's one of the annoying things about the NX but I got a deal on it plus a $50 rebate but still wasn't as cheap as you got your rampage for.

Luckily it's only one bolt on each side...
 
#37 ·
Yeah, rubber well nuts and stainless steel screws are supplied for mounting the corners to the body tub but you could use pop rivets instead.
 
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