Calgary Jeep Association
4x4 Related Groups => Build Ups => Topic started by: silverfox on February 06, 2011, 05:24:24 PM
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Ok so I figure while it is not technically a build in the true sense of the word I have done a few modifications and have a few more to go so I thought I would consolidate it here in one thread and go from start to finish..............or start to moving towards finish :)
This was how she came off the lot. In fact it was the day she came off the lot.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/Mango%20Rubi/IMG_0662.jpg)
After a couple of midnight highway trips I soon realized how bad stock JK headlights could be and at the suggestion of one of the members here went with the Hella H4 upgrade from Susquehanna Motorsports http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=4669 with the help from my favourite helper.
For anyone wanting more out of there lights I recommend this set..........great brightness and ranger, razor sharp cut off on low beam. The only drawback is that for whatever reason the voltage signals for your driving lights cause the hella to turn on hi-beam. Not a huge issue as soon as you turn on your head lights this is corrected and I am going to use a ProCal to reprogram my driving lights to my fogs.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Hella%20Upgrade/2011-01-16RubiUpgrades_0001.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Hella%20Upgrade/2011-01-16RubiUpgrades_0011.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Hella%20Upgrade/2011-01-16RubiUpgrades_0015-1.jpg)
After that I had been on a run or two without a radio and decided that not being able to talk to or hear from the other folks driving was a pain in the rear. So I installed a Uniden 510 CB. The CB went in the armrest storage container and mounted an external speaker up into the corner roll bar beside the drivers head.
Next on the list was onboard air............while I have no issue lending a my stuff or helping out I suck at using other peoples stuff just makes me uncomfortable that I am not prepared to do what is needed for simple trail running. So I picked up the ARB onboard compressor and a custom bracket from Northridge4X4.ca as well as an ARB tire deflator.
I didn't like the idea of running the switch back inside and cutting a hole in the dash............for two reasons the first is I don't use the compressor without the hood up and pumping up tires so I need to get out and open the hood anyway...........that and I just wasn't reading to be carving up my new dash. So I used some epoxy and a couple of rare earth magnets and mounted it against the inside of the motor well just forward of the battery..........good water protection there and handy. I took a little time to waterproof the switch as much as possible so should be ok there.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Onboard%20Air/2012Feb06_0063.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Onboard%20Air/2012Feb06_0065.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Onboard%20Air/2012Feb06_0064.jpg)
From there it was lift time. I debated doing it myself with some help from friends of course and in the end decided that it was something I wanted done a little quicker (would have taken me a couple of days at least and the JK is my daily driver) and I wanted some expertise and experience in doing it. So Jay at Chanda Precision Motors took the JK in and installed the 2" OME lift with HD Coils, long travel shocks, Currie lower front control arm, and front and rear adjustable track bars. Spidertrax wheel spacers for the stocker rims to work. When it was all in I ended up with an additional 4"
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/Rubi%20Lift/02-02-2011OME2_0035.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/Rubi%20Lift/02-02-2011OME2_0027.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/Rubi%20Lift/02-02-2011OME2_0030.jpg)
Now that the lift was in..............well I guess it needed bigger tires (well perhaps need is a stretch). Anyway I have been talking to this guy on and off for about 4 weeks about this set of 5 Tires and Rims he had up on Kijiji.........in his first ad he was looking for 1,500 for them and in the second ad he dropped to 1,400. We had been communicating back and forth for a while and it looked like he wasn't interested in how much I wanted to pay...........no big deal as I wasn't sold on the tires anyway and hadn't had a good look at the rims. The tires were Hankook Dynapro MT's and the Rims are Eagle Alloys Offroads Series 140. After 5 weeks he had contacted me a couple times in the end he agreed to $900 for all five rims and tires........they rims are in perfect shape, not a scratch mark or corrosion on any of them. The tires are probably 80% tread and 100% on the spare. Score :)
Again I had my favourite helper out turning wrenches getting the new tires on.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Flex/IMG_0943.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Flex/IMG_0948.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Flex/IMG_0964.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Flex/IMG_0991.jpg)
So that is where she stands for now.........One order are a Poison Spyder JK Brawler Lite Bumper and a KingOne 9.5i Winch.
I have a few more things in mind I want to do but that will be it for a little bit.
A couple of poser shots in the driveway.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Flex/IMG_1001.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Flex/IMG_1000.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-02-06%20Rubi%20Flex/IMG_1002.jpg)
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Poser ::)
Looking good Shawn!
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Nice fender! ;)
Looking good. I'm envious!
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your combination is spot on. looks good. the rims arent too much. the lift isnt over the top. the whole jeep sits just right. with new bumpers and a winch should drop it down a bit and it will look perfect. should perform even better. thanks for not putting 20" chrome rims and too much lift. :)
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What made you decide on the OME long travel shocks?
Thanks
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What made you decide on the OME long travel shocks?
Thanks
You mean why that brand or why long travel in general?
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Nice work Shawn! I have lift envy :)
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You mean why that brand or why long travel in general?
The long travel in general? Sorry should have specified.
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The long travel in general? Sorry should have specified.
I am not sure I understand the question ???
Long travel shocks so my suspension would have more travel.............am I missing something here?
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The long travel in general? Sorry should have specified.
As opposed to what? Putting on shorter ones? Lift = more travel...
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As opposed to what? Putting on shorter ones? Lift = more travel...
No, as opposed to the regular/standard travel ones that come with the 2.5" lift! I've been reading up on this kit as I want to get it for myself and have heard that with 2.5" lift you can droop so much with the LT shocks that your springs will fall out and that if you compress to much it will tare off or damage the shock mount if you do not have big enough bump stops, not to mention that they are intended for 5" lift kits. This is why I was asking why he decide to go with the LT shocks over the regular ones.
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Are you looking at these shocks for a JK or TJ?
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No, as opposed to the regular/standard travel ones that come with the 2.5" lift! I've been reading up on this kit as I want to get it for myself and have heard that with 2.5" lift you can droop so much with the LT shocks that your springs will fall out and that if you compress to much it will tare off or damage the shock mount if you do not have big enough bump stops, not to mention that they are intended for 5" lift kits. This is why I was asking why he decide to go with the LT shocks over the regular ones.
Coil retainers and extended bump stops I also added.
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Are you looking at these shocks for a JK or TJ?
TJ I was not considering the LT till now...Should I even bother?
Coil retainers and extended bump stops I also added.
Good to know, how much extra did those items set you back as I haven't looked at those yet?
Thanks guys
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If you want a cheap way to fit 33's and look cool at the mall, buy whatever shocks you want. If you want to havea rig that performs on the trail, then save your money, but the parts that you need, and get shocks that are appropriate for the intended use. Shawn wanted a rig that would perform on the trail while still maintaining good road manners, so he bought a well-built kit from OME and then added the parts needed to let it perform to the fullest.
Anyone that tells you to be afraid of LT shocks because they'll make your coils fall out isn't using their head. OF COURSE you need to add appropriate parts if you want more suspension performance with the same set of coils. It's just like sticking a set of coilovers on your rig. Yes the coilovers are the defining item in your lift...but you need to make sure that the rest of your suspension can keep up with them!
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If you want a cheap way to fit 33's and look cool at the mall, buy whatever shocks you want. If you want to have a rig that performs on the trail, then save your money, but the parts that you need, and get shocks that are appropriate for the intended use. Shawn wanted a rig that would perform on the trail while still maintaining good road manners, so he bought a well-built kit from OME and then added the parts needed to let it perform to the fullest.
I'm not sure how I've given the impression to anyone that I want to wheel my Jeep at the mall or that I just want to fit 33's to look cool...but thanks for the unnecessary and alienating paragraph. I was simply asking because no one has mentioned LT shocks to me before as an option, so I was curious why Shawn decided to go with them over the standard shocks from OME.
I'm sorry for highjacking your thread Shawn, but I need to make it clear that I log onto this site because I am serious about building up my rig to perform as well as it can on and off road and that I am looking for serious information to accomplish this.
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No, as opposed to the regular/standard travel ones that come with the 2.5" lift! I've been reading up on this kit as I want to get it for myself and have heard that with 2.5" lift you can droop so much with the LT shocks that your springs will fall out and that if you compress to much it will tare off or damage the shock mount if you do not have big enough bump stops, not to mention that they are intended for 5" lift kits. This is why I was asking why he decide to go with the LT shocks over the regular ones.
If nobody has previously mentioned LT shocks to you as an option, then why are you specifying two potential problems that might happen if you don't build your suspension system up properly? Or what amount of lift each set of shocks is supposedly set up for?
I'm going to be blunt here and then we can stop hijacking Shawn's thread. If you've got a question, read some related posts. If you still have a question after carefully reading the posts, go ahead and ask. I think you've got those two parts down. But please don't attempt to point out problems with someone's answer when they give you advice. I've seen you do it a couple of times, and that's why you're not always getting the most positive response from people here.
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TJ I was not considering the LT till now...Should I even bother?Good to know, how much extra did those items set you back as I haven't looked at those yet?
Thanks guys
The standard length OME shocks that come with the kits are good for the lifts in the 2-3" range, if you want to step up to a lift in the 4+" range then go with the LTs. The reason OME makes the LT shocks is to pair them up with other aftermarket lifts
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the best mod you've made is that fancy rear fender flare ;)
the Girliefriend likes the look Shawn ;) trying to convince her to do that to hers is not an easy sell ;)
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Thanks for the useful info black yj!
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the best mod you've made is that fancy rear fender flare ;)
the Girliefriend likes the look Shawn ;) trying to convince her to do that to hers is not an easy sell ;)
I might actually just replace it with a stock flare.
I need a way to fully stuff the tires to see if they will rub............I am close but I think I actually might clear.
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I need a way to fully stuff the tires to see if they will rub............I am close but I think I actually might clear.
Try a shop crane/engine lift or....find a spot in the NE/SE industrial areas with "concrete RTI ramps". I've ramped mine right in the lot at work ;D
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Try a shop crane/engine lift or....find a spot in the NE/SE industrial areas with "concrete RTI ramps". I've ramped mine right in the lot at work ;D
actually.........................
i've done this too................ i hate to 'urban wheel' or whatever, but it really is a good way to see what rubs and what doesn't;
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Looks good Shawn. Did you get your PS bumper yet? Mine is supposed to come in this week.
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I might actually just replace it with a stock flare.
I need a way to fully stuff the tires to see if they will rub............I am close but I think I actually might clear.
Just cut all you're flares to match the broken one. Works like a charm.
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Looks good Shawn. Did you get your PS bumper yet? Mine is supposed to come in this week.
Apparently early this week...........PS was behind as this seems to be a popular bumper. WTF do I know, its coming and will be here before my winch is all I am worried about. Looking forward to getting it on though.
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Next step in the evolution
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011%2005%2003%20M101%20Trailer%20for%20Jeeping/IMG_1095.jpg)
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that trailer is bad arse! you should paint it to match the jeep.
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Nice rig and nice trailer... think I saw you today with it... pointed out the trailer to my wife, saying that's what I am looking for..!!! I think the trailer is a Jeep Guy Thing... 8)
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glad you made it home with it .. hope you enjoy it
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Your rig is evolving at warp speed! Mine is glacial at best, but full of envy :). Nice work!
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To install this week ;D
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011%2003%2009%20Poison%20Spyder/IMG_1102.jpg)
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To install this week ;D
Nice!!
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so, how does the bumper mount to the marble countertop? did it com with special hardware?? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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so, how does the bumper mount to the marble countertop? did it com with special hardware?? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Good news is that even mounted to the counter, it is still well placed to pull you out :o :o
::)
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so, how does the bumper mount to the marble countertop? did it com with special hardware?? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Jeez Johnny, it's laminate not marble...you can't mount a bumper to that!
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its OK, its simulated marble, just as strong as the real thing, just cost less ;), you only need to have a few special fasteners.
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JEALOUS!!!
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To install this week ;D
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011%2003%2009%20Poison%20Spyder/IMG_1102.jpg)
Do you not need the fair lead bracket with synthetic cord?
http://shop.poisonspyder.com/Winch-Fairlead-Mount-p/45-57-010.htm
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Yup
didn't take it out of the box for the photoshoot.......................didn't have the right bolts to mount it to the "faux marble" ::)
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i'm just jealous ;)
tis a nice lookin setup. (the winch/bumper is pretty cool too)
can't wait to see it mounted up, and hooked up to my stucka$$ this summer :)
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Nice Bumper Shawn!
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It's going to look great on your jeep nice!!!!
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yes, yes I am, now if I could mount that to the front of the cavalier, that would be sweet!(still sad about the jeep)
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Well I didn't like how the bumper looked on the counter so I decided to move it to the Rubicon
As usual I had my favourite helper with me. He even go to use the air ratchet today and he was stoked. Nice to have someone that can fit underneath to help work in those tight spots.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011%2003%2013%20Rubi%20Bumper%20and%20Winch/RubiBumper_20110314_0006.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011%2003%2013%20Rubi%20Bumper%20and%20Winch/RubiBumper_20110314_0003.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011%2003%2013%20Rubi%20Bumper%20and%20Winch/RubiBumper_20110314_0008.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011%2003%2013%20Rubi%20Bumper%20and%20Winch/RubiBumper_20110314_0020.jpg)
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Looks good now if i need someone to pull me out your all set up!!!
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Holy crap, coming along nicely.
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Tx guys..............don't think much will happen to her for a while. Pretty much where I want it to be.
Have a little mod I want to try to the rear bumper but need some time for that, maybe some lights but no rush
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looking amazing
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shawn, looks great;
that bumper looks even better on the jeep than the counter 8) 8)
so when you goin to one tonnes and 40s?
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Tx guys..............don't think much will happen to her for a while. Pretty much where I want it to be.
Have a little mod I want to try to the rear bumper but need some time for that, maybe some lights but no rush
Funny how we say things and then the world throws us a little curve.
Was out riding around minding my own business when the U-Joint decided to let go. Fortunately for me there were plenty of folks on hand to get it back in workable shape and get me on home.
After checking out a few things it seems like the U Joint on the JK is somewhat prone to "falling apart" and after some further research it seemed that the replacement parts from Dodge where going to run me in excess of $500. Now not to be one to pass up an opportunity to upgrade I started to look into some alternatives...........many guys mentioned Chromoly Shafts and after market U-Joints. I dug a little deeper and found the RCV Ultimate Dana 44 JK Front Shafts.
No More U Joint this is a CV joint similar in principal to the to the Toyota Birfield joint but upgraded by the folks at RCV performance. The test results claim it will withstand pretty much the same abuse as a 35 spline Dana 60 and is backed by the RCV "you break it we replace it" warranty. After a ton of reading and discussion with smarter mechanical folk than me I took the plunge and ordered them up.
They came in last Thursday and went in this weekend.
Here are the shafts waiting install.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-04-19%20Rubi%20RCV%20Shafts/IMG_5036.jpg)
A couple of the RCV shaft and joint.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-04-19%20Rubi%20RCV%20Shafts/IMG_5037.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-04-19%20Rubi%20RCV%20Shafts/IMG_5041.jpg)
Side by side comp with the short side Dana 44
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-04-19%20Rubi%20RCV%20Shafts/IMG_5044.jpg)
And a couple after I go them in.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-04-19%20Rubi%20RCV%20Shafts/IMG_5047.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-04-19%20Rubi%20RCV%20Shafts/IMG_5045.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-04-19%20Rubi%20RCV%20Shafts/IMG_5049.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-04-19%20Rubi%20RCV%20Shafts/IMG_5051.jpg)
After the install I ran them threw the paces and I am very happy so far. All my front end vibration is gone..........regardless of highway speed, in either 2 or 4 hi.
No crow hop in 4hi even on a tight turning radius.
They just seem to run smoother (maybe my imagination but meh its all good) ::)
Simple to install. The biggest issues I had was on the side that threw the ujoint, the dropped joint chewed the crap out of my hub bearing bolts and it took the better part of an hour to get them off.
I am super happy with these shafts and looking forward to giving them a little more of a workout.
So much for being mostly done.........................stay tuned more upgrades/mods to come :-[
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These are some sexy shafts you have Shawn... the rubbers are a matching colour to boot... ;D
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Well after a while the broken fender started to get annoying so after looking into it a bit I was going to pick up some Metal Cloak flares. I was up to the point of ordering and after reading the installation instructions I got to thinking that if those flares ever got caught on something they wouldn't break or likely even bend. But the sheet metal on the front of the Rubi would peel off like a banana so I decided that I didn't want my fender flares being the strongest part of the body.
So I called up Stan and settled on the Bushwacker Flat flares.........which was what I had intended to swap out to back February.
The install is a little finicky but that is more due to getting a really good fit and making use of the existing JK splash gaurds (after some modifications)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-05-20%20Bushwacker%20Flares/IMG_1248.jpg)
Getting the existing flares off was fairly simple, pull out the plastic push tabs and then essentially rip it off. (you don't reuse the factory clips)
It was ridiculous how much mud had accumulated in behind the splash guards but I cleaned em up and cut them as per the instructions.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-05-20%20Bushwacker%20Flares/IMG_1251.jpg)
Which is essentially you cut off anything that would extend beyond the sheet metal.
Putting the new ones on is again a little of a process, you mount brackets to the sheet metal that need to line up just so with the body lines, then reinstall the modified splash gaurds and then put on the Flares. The fit is very tight and I think they have done a good job with the fit. Some patience, finesse and force and I didn't have to modify anything that Bushwacker shipped to get a nice fit.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-05-20%20Bushwacker%20Flares/IMG_1252.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-05-20%20Bushwacker%20Flares/IMG_1256.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/2011-05-20%20Bushwacker%20Flares/IMG_1257.jpg)
I am very happy with the fit, and the look. Also on the ride home in the rain today no road spray covered my window so the Wackers cover my 35's where my stockers didn't.
Oh by the way if someone wants 3 and 3/4's lightly used JK Flares (no splash guards) you are welcome to them.............for a small token of appreciation of course :)
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Looking into the Sway bar skid plate and some new sliders.
Maybe some soft doors and more lights.
Maybe a new rear bumper
Maybe I should rob a bank
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now you need 37s to fill those wheel wells ;)
if you're robbing a bank soon let me know. i need money for my cage, steering, fenders, an atlas, D60s, stoker, hookers, blow, etc ;)
looks good though: i like it
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great looking rig Shawn!
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looks good. i like it. wheels need to be black. black wheels help in the muuuuuud. ;D
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I have the Bushwackers and I am happy with them but a lil' disappointed with the rears. I'm not sure when or where but the rear flare pushed into the body right at the bottom of flare and left a nice divit/ding. Other than that I am happy with them I guess. They will flex and take a beating but they scratch up pretty quickly. Fronts make a great table at snack time ;) Your JK is looking good!
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My stocker wants to be your jeep! I think I will end up following a very similar upgrade path.
Thankfully breaking the Jeep means I get a wife-sanctioned upgrade!
I hung up a bunch on the trail today. Would you recommend a BB (as opposed to a full long arm kit) as a first upgrade? What are your experiences with your OME kit? I'm trying to decide where to spend first!