I was going to start this on Day one when I bought my New 2012 Sport Unlimited on April 22nd but I got busy, had to order parts, traveled for 2 weeks, then got tied up working on it and ordering more parts. SO i am going to catch up on the build.
First the Theme: Dozer Orange (obviously) Matchbox special edition, Caterpillar.
Vehicle Purchased 2012 Sport Unlimited with Connivence package, Tow group, side steps, XM, sticker was 32,090 so after my research I offered them 11% off sticker 28,570+ttl=30,000 out the door
Build Items:
3.5" Rubicon Express Standard lift
315/75/16 Dura tracs
Black SIm Beadlock rims
XRC MOD fron bumper with Stinger
XRC Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier
Smittybuilt Rock Crawler Side Armor
Metal Cloak front and rear Fenders
Body Armor Trail Doors
TrekTop NX
May 6th, finally got back into town and picked up what parts were in. Lift, from bumper and the rear doors.
Thru it in the shop, put it on jack stands and started pulling parts.
Now one thing I found out for this lift is that although it was nice to have it fully suspended when it came time to compress the new springs it lifted the front or back end off the jack stands. If doing it again (or for the first time after reading this) I would leave one set of wheels on the ground for the counter weight.
Aside from that the Rubicon kit was very easy to install. Also while I was at it I went and replace all the track bar bolts front and rear with the 9/16 grade 8 bolts. The Rubicon kit comes with new cam adjusters front and rear with hardware so it only cost me 25.00 for the extra bolts I needed to finish it off.
Also to the opportunity to paint my brakes black since I'm putting on black rims.
I had a few folks asking about the "pump relocation kit" with the bumper. As you can see the MOD is cut out for it and there is no need for that kit. The bumper went right but the stinger on the other hand was more challenging. As I have found with most Smittybilt products, "some modification" is necessary. The bolt holes did not line up with the bumper and I had to run a tap through the bolt holes to clean them out. I used a spreader to "push" the stinger apart to align the holes and thread the Allen bolts into place.
The side plates that come with the MOD if you are not using the extensions, are stainless. I did not want the shiny stainless showing since everything is black/orange for the theme. So I flipped the plates and plasti-dipped sprayed them. I think it looks MUCH better this way.
Got the rims and tires in today (expect the spare) so with by sons help we buttered everything up, got it aligned, and took it for a drive.
With 108 miles on it we drove it for a little bit and I am TOTALY amazed at how smooth and plush the ride is! This makes my 2000 TJ feel like a covered wagon in comparison. Also the new 3.6 motor pulls the 315's (aka 35") tires with no problem. Again AWSOME ride.
With 108 miles on it we drove it for a little bit and I am TOTALY amazed at how smooth and plush the ride is! This makes my 2000 TJ feel like a covered wagon in comparison. Also the new 3.6 motor pulls the 315's (aka 35") tires with no problem. Again AWSOME ride.
You can take the rubber plug and the wire out of the tailgate (where the 3rd brake light wire comes out), sneak all of the wire into the tailgate then put the plug back in place with the wire stuffed inside the tailgate.
Ok now to clean up the tailgate and remove the rubber stops and the third break light wire. The third break light wire unplugs from behind the interior vent hole in the tailgate. Once removed it leaves a 1" hole. The rubber stops leave a 9/16" hole.
If you go to Lowes (home depot does not carry them) for a 1.39 per bag of 2 you and get the nylon hole plugs that just pop in. See below
So beside installing the bumper by my self, this went went on with ease. I put the same bumper on my TJ 1 1/2 years ago and it was a pain in the As:whistling:. this one was easy.
So the side plastic steps pretty much suck. I'm glad I didn't run over a coke can and flip it up into them it could have been catastrophic.
These went on fairly easy but again there were alignment issues. I had to drill out the driver side bolt hole on the rock rail to get it to line up. But that aside once they were on, they are 100% solid. Love the look, stability and functionality of them.
Ok body armor doors on, I am having a small rubbing issue (let the jokes fly now). They are ordering a new set to see if it's just a production issue. If not I will modify the latch mounts to achieve a little offset to solve the problem. But that aside phase 2 is complete.
Phase 3 starts Thursday!!!!!! The big stuff. My Metal Cloak fenders shipped on Friday and will be here tomorrow. Also my stickers for hood and side are done and I should get them tomorrow. And as soon as my spare comes in I will begin the third break light install in the center hub of the rim.
As a note I do not recommend ordering from jeepaddons.com/truckaddons.com! I ordered my trektop NX from them on 5/2 because they promised it would ship on the 7th. On the 10th I asked for a tracking number and was told they did not have it in stock and it would not ship until the 16th! I hate it when these places promise you the world just to take your money.
I never thought I'd want a yellow or orange vehicle of any kind.. until a few months back when dozer grew on me. My wife isn't sold so she can have the '12.. I want to order a new one.
Woah. You don't mess around do you? I like how you have a plan and are going at it full force. I can't buy tires without agonizing over the decision. :rofl:
I couldn't even imagine what kind of ulcer I'd give myself if I tried to do all the stuff you're doing.
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