[97heep]

Last pic with everything on, all parts are now at the body shop getting painted, I should have them back on Friday, just in time for the weekend.

That looks good. I have to say I am not a fan of the TJ metalcloak fenders but those JK ones look great. Can't wait to see it after the parts get back from paint and installed.

 

[MxRubicon]

Got a call earlier today, parts are ready. Did I mention I also have new differential covers?

 

[MxRubicon]

Last details before the final installation, painting over all the fresh drilled holes

 

[MxRubicon]

I have been slammed with work and haven't had a chance to put everything back together, but today I sneaked out at lunch to install the exoskins, I hope to have everything done by the weekend.

 

[MxRubicon]

Progress is been slow the last few weeks, but I finally have some time to continue the work.
I decided I don't like the flat black the fender were painted with, so I decided to paint over it with rustoleum rugged black, is a texturized paint, hopefully the paint job underneath will make a good primer. here is what it looks like:

 

[MxRubicon]

Taking advantage of the time off, I started installing the suspension yesterday, Metalcloack 3.5" Game Changer with Fox shocks, the arms on this thing are beefy there is no comparison to the OEMs, here is the rear I should have the fron done later today.

 

[MxRubicon]

Ever wonder why exhaust spacers and/or a new driveshaft is needed when lifting a JK?
This is the axle at full droop with new suspension, the DS is resting on the exhaust pipe, you can tell what the limiting factor will be if no action is taken. For me the action was placing an order for a Tom Woods driveshaft.

 

[MxRubicon]

Suspension is all done, working on the floor with Jackstands is not as fun as it used to be 10 years ago, I need to make friends with someone who has a lift :smile2:. Our next house which will probably our forever house will have to have space for a shop with one

Overall the 3.5" suspension netted 3.75" at the rear and and 4.75" at the front. 37" tires are on back order, so for now I still have the stock wheels and tires.

Next is the driveshaft, and hopefully I won't need to do anything with the exhaust after that.

 

[johncanfield]

Right you are about a lift, it's an amazingly useful shop feature. Be sure your new shop floor is at least 5" thick with at least #4 rebar on 16" centers.

 

[MxRubicon]

Two tires showed up yesterday, three to go. I don't know what is worse not having any tires or having only two.
Not much of a difference, right?

 

[johncanfield]

You're all set for the quarter mile run!

 

[MxRubicon]

Goodies keep coming, last night when I got home the aluminum inner fender and the hd carrier tire were waiting for me. Installed the tire carrier last nigh, and finished painting the inner fenders this morning so I can install them this evening.

 

[MxRubicon]

Still waiting on the tires, place I bought them from said they should ship out next week. The good news are I have the new driveshaft, Northridge was running a sale so I went with an Adams instead of the Tom Woods.

 

[MxRubicon]

And here is a pic of the inner fenders installed

 

[MxRubicon]

Next mod on the list is RAM assist, I decided to go with a ******* ram from West Texas off road, right now I am contacting a few local shops to see where to have it installed.

 

[rlenglish]

With the new driveshaft do you still need exhaust spacers? why do you want assist? Have you ran it before?

 

[MxRubicon]

According to what I have read and been told I shouldn't need it, I will know for sure once I install it and cycle the suspension, but I'm hoping I won't.
I never had ram assist before. But everyone who has one raves about how much easier is to turn the tires when locked and in difficult off road situations, so I want to give it a try alomg with the ram I will be upgrading the tie rod.

 

[MxRubicon]

Got an email this morning with a tracking number, tires are on the way:elf:
And I just placed an order for an AEV procal so I can calibrate the speedometer once the new tires are installed.

 

[MxRubicon]

I installed the DS yesterday, there is significant more clearance between the exhaust and the DS, but I don't know if it will be enough, still need to flex the suspension. Belly armor is off and I won't be putting it back on until I make sure I have no interference problems, I really don't want to have to remove and install it again if I have to modify the exhaust.


Tires are now here, I'm itching to put them on, but I think I should wait until the truss and gears (and possibly the ram assist) are installed.

 

[MxRubicon]

After searching for a shop to do the work I can't in my garage, I decided to take the Jeep to letzroll offroad in Phoenix, they will be taking care of the truss and gears in two weeks.
I am now debating on what to do about the steering, letzroll suggested I go with the PSC overlander steerig kit, but at $1850 is almost twice what I expect to spend on the RNR installed.
Maybe if I put the TJ up for sale again... Nah, won't make that mistake again