Let me start off by saying that, unfortunately, this thread isn't going to be slammed with updates, or D60s with 40" installs, or trail rides in Moab. Believe me, I wish it was. But the reality is that this is my DD and occasional trail warrior.
I live in central NC, and the closest ORV park is Uwharrie, which is an awesome trail system. I hope to make monthly trips out there and maybe venture to some other nearby trails.
So, a little history. In 2011, I purchased a 2011 JKU Sport. I installed a Teraflex spacer leveling kit along with a set of 33" Falken Rocky Mountain ATS tires. It was my DD and I took it to Uwharrie a couple times. Unfortunately, I had to give that Jeep up in 2013, but I always knew I would get another one day.
That day came in July of this year when I picked up my current 2017 Big Bear JKU in Granite Crystal Metallic (hard top, auto, connectivity, 3.73s).
Here is a pic at the dealership the day I bought it.
The following photo will be ever changing as I plan to update it with each modification i make so that the first post always has the "current state" of the Jeep. So this is how it sits today, 12/14/17.
Modifications completed to date:
"Wrangler" and "Unlimited" stickers removed from fenders
Trail Rated badge and key locks plastidipped black
Innovative JK rear seat recline kit
Front and rear grab bars/handles
Mopar door sills
1.5" SpiderTrax spacers
DIY third brake light relocation
Rancho 2" Progressive kit with 9000XL adjustable shocks
On my previous JKU, I switched out the wheels for 16" Level 8 Strike 5s, but I really liked the stock black wheels on the Big Bear edition. So the first real "mod" to the new Jeep was adding a set of 1.5" SpiderTrax spacers. I picked up the spacers new from a fellow forum member.
Next up was a mod I had done on my previous JKU; relocating the third brake light. I really hated seeing the beanstalk in the rear view mirror.
This is a simple mod that only involves removing the stock carrier, cutting off the stock light, screwing on a couple L brackets (I used 3" ones), painting the brackets and cut area, splicing a LED trailer side marker light into the stock wiring, mount the light to the L brackets (I actually used zip ties), remount. Quick and easy 1 hour job.
The light looks off center in the close up pic, but its not. I was just standing to the side a bit when I took the pics.
Looks great so far! And let me know if you ever want some company at Uhwarrie, I’m about an hour from there in Indian Trail and started going there this year.
THe original plan was to go with the Teraflex leveling kit on this Jeep just like I had done on my previous, but to utilize the Performance (spring) version this time. That all changed when I started reading up on the Rancho 2" Progressive 4 coil kit. I always knew that the 9000XL shocks were great performers, and when I saw that the cost of the 2" lift kit was only marginally more than the shocks by themselves, I decided that the Rancho kit was far more bang for the buck than the TF kit.
My son and I installed the kit in about 6 hours one Saturday afternoon, taking our time. Very simple install. I went ahead and installed the 2" front bumpstop extensions since I knew larger tires were coming soon.
Rides way better than stock and actually looked quite good with the stock 265/70/17 KO2s. I currently have the shocks set to 3.
After what felt like an eternity, Black Friday week finally arrived and I quickly ordered up a set of 285/75/17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers in load range C. While my original plan was to go with a 70 series, I just couldn't resist going a bit taller this time around.
I had to remove the Big Bear bumper trim in order for the spare to fit. It actually rests on the bumper just a little, which is actually a good thing. This setup weighs around 94lbs, which exceeds the capacity of the stock carrier. I will eventually replace the carrier with the Teraflex hinged carrier, but this will suffice for the short-term.
These tires are nothing short of amazing. Nearly silent, great in the rain, and were great in the little bit of snow we had last weekend. Can't wait to get these off-road.
Every once in a while, Google will send me an email letting me know that some of my backed up photos had been "stylized". This time, it stitched a few of my pics together to create this one. Thought it was just too good not to share.
Maybe you already figured it out, but you aren't going to be able to go back and constantly switch out the photo on the first post. The forum isn't set up to allow this. It locks the post after a certain amount of time. Nonetheless I like the color and you've made some great choices on mods. Keep it up!
I've contacted admins every once in a blue moon, but they prefer to leave it as is. It's frustrating as the OP, but that's how it is. Welcome to the club
Received a few goodies for Christmas. AEV ProCal to correct for the larger tires, 15" antenna, 67 Designs Mount, and Teraflex Sport lower control arms.
The LCAs really helped to tighten up the steering a bit. It was never "sloppy" after the lift, but was always a little slow to return to center. All good now.
Next up will most likely be rock sliders (ACE probably) and JKS Quicker Disconnects.
Your JK looks great just the right size set up , it’s coming along well. I just ordered the same size & brand tire. I like the tall but just a little narrow set up. How is it with 373 gears?
Honestly, it's nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be with the 3.73s. It was "ok" without recalibrating, but the ProCal brought the shift points back in line (and corrected the speedo/odo of course). I've considered adding the Pedal Commander at some point down the road to gain a little pep (aka, throttle response).
You will love the Ridge Grapplers. They have been awesome so far.
I already bought the AEV pro cal for a lower air pressure setting, and i just bought the pedal Commander! Wow what a huge improvement. So my last jeep was a 2011 rubicon with 411 gears, had some 35” tires on the big side. Eventually replaced with 34” tires that was perfect.
Shortly before the end of the year, I took advantage of a killer deal AOR was running on this ProComp LED headlights. Absolutely amazing, especially for the price. I decided to give the cheap Xprite LED fog lights a chance and they have been working out pretty well. The color temp is almost a dead match to the ProComps. I do get an occasional flicker from time to time, so I plan to add some anti-flicker harnesses soon.
Sorry for the cellphone pics.
I also upgraded the reverse, license plate, and dome/map lights to LED.
JKS Quick Disconnects have also found their way under the Jeep. Simple install and will make hitting the trails much faster.
Next up will be Synergy shock extensions that I will run until I go with flat fenders. At that point, I will remove the 2" bumpstop extensions as well as the shock extensions. I also went ahead and ordered the ProComp front brake line relocation brackets just to be on the safe side. I have already received the brake line brackets, but the Synergy extensions were on back order.
We get more ice than snow here in central North Carolina, so when we had a sizable snow storm roll through last week, I took the opportunity to go have a little fun. (again, sorry for the cell pics)
Just ordered a DV8 FS-15 stubby front bumper. Synergy shock extensions and a Cobra 75 CB will follow that. Teraflex hinge and mount before too long hopefully.
That will probably wrap up this round of mods for quite a while.
Just installed the DV8 FS-15 bumper this afternoon. Surprisingly, no front end sag to speak of. I didn't install the winch plate yet, so I'm sure I'll need to add a small spacer whenever I install a winch down the road.
Very happy with the bumper overall and have always thought it was one of the best looking stubbies out there (aside from some of the PSC and JCR offerings, but they are much more expensive). That said, there are a few areas I'll need to address. Will be contacting DV8 tomorrow for some touch-up paint.
Well, it has been MANY moons since I updated this thread. I'm going to try to remember the things I've done (in no particular order) since the last post.
Swaps:
Rancho springs to the Mopar 2" coils
Front shocks that came with the Rancho kit + 2" extensions (23.7" combined length with 7.6" travel) to RS999331s (27" length with 10.4" travel)
Stock wheels with 1.5" spacers to 17x9 XD Bullys
285/75/17 Ridge Grapplers to 35x12.5x17 Ridge Grapplers
Additions:
Quadratec rear mid width bumper
Premium soft top
Kenwood DMX7706 head unit
Kicker speakers
Teraflex hinge and tire carrier
MCE flat fenders
ACE front inner fender liners
Exhaust spacer
SteerSmarts Yeti XD adjustable track bar
MetalCloak Rocksport steering stabilizer and relocation bracket
Teraflex rear track bar relocation bracket
1/2" spacer to front coils
AEV 3rd brake light
Rear backup camera
Rugged Ridge hood latches
Front and rear PSC diff covers
Cobra 75 WX ST CB radio and FireStick antenna
And here are a couple recent pics. I have been very pleased with both the look and the performance. If I was to change anything I've done recently, it would be to go with Method bronze wheels instead of the XD Bullys. I'm not "unhappy" with the Bullys, just wish I would have listened to my gut and gone bronze Methods.
Well, it has been MANY moons since I updated this thread. I'm going to try to remember the things I've done (in no particular order) since the last post.
Swaps:
Rancho springs to the Mopar 2" coils
Front shocks that came with the Rancho kit + 2" extensions (23.7" combined length with 7.6" travel) to RS999331s (27" length with 10.4" travel)
Stock wheels with 1.5" spacers to 17x9 XD Bullys
285/75/17 Ridge Grapplers to 35x12.5x17 Ridge Grapplers
Additions:
Quadratec rear mid width bumper
Premium soft top
Kenwood DMX7706 head unit
Kicker speakers
Teraflex hinge and tire carrier
MCE flat fenders
ACE front inner fender liners
Exhaust spacer
SteerSmarts Yeti XD adjustable track bar
MetalCloak Rocksport steering stabilizer and relocation bracket
Teraflex rear track bar relocation bracket
1/2" spacer to front coils
AEV 3rd brake light
Rear backup camera
Rugged Ridge hood latches
Front and rear PSC diff covers
Cobra 75 WX ST CB radio and FireStick antenna
And here are a couple recent pics. I have been very pleased with both the look and the performance. If I was to change anything I've done recently, it would be to go with Method bronze wheels instead of the XD Bullys. I'm not "unhappy" with the Bullys, just wish I would have listened to my gut and gone bronze Methods. View attachment 4517695 View attachment 4517699
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