2011 \"JKPROJECT\" (entry level)

[Raddadd]

This in no way compares to the builds shown here previously but thought it would be cool show my new stock JK getting some upgrades. This might take a year (or so)to complete...it\'s all about the cash.
I got an awesome amount of feedback and leads from Finger Lakes 4x4 forum and it\'s members to help me \"get started\"
Thanks to all !

So heres the \"stock\" before photos(again) to start.

Phase one  =(current savings)

BFG KM2 285/75/16  (5 tires)
Pro Comp 7089 Series 16x8 W/ 4.5 back spacing(5 wheels/lugs)
Tera Flex 2.5 lift w/springs & shocks.
Tera Flex Quick Disconnects.
Aussie front locker.

Phase two: (later this year)
Aussie Rear Locker.
Rock  rails. Additional skid plates.
Front and rear bumpers.
Wench / recovery gear
Jack and mount.
Tube doors.

[Raddadd]

Heres where we stand as of tonight (05/07)...

Tires and wheels are in!
Had them mounted and balanced today.
Got that \"Lug Centric \" thing set and ordered new lug nuts that have the conical taper that matches the wheel (60 degrees). My stock ones didn\'t seem to sit well.
 
Lift Kit and discos will be here Tues and we plan on the install Saturday the 14th. (photos of rookie doing a lift to follow).

Will need to get the locker soon and find help with that install. Maybe Erik might have time.

[Dragon]

If he\'s still doing it, and has time, talk to Ryan with Blue Dog Jeep.
He\'s the one who put the front locker in my JK and i can\'t recommend him enough!

[Raddadd]

Thanks.....no luck with Ryan kinda busy these days with the little ones.

[Ryan_25]

Thanks for thinking of me, but I dont do that anymore. I am happy to answer any questions you may have during the install.

If you can do the lift, you can do the locker.

[Raddadd]

A new toy is on my desk ! Ready for some fun.

Thanks Ryan! I just feel a little intimitated breaking into the diff.

I\'m gonna try to get some help but if I have no luck I will go at it solo.

[Raddadd]

Time to get started.
Checked all parts and confirmed all tools needed were at hand.
Shocks,springs,spacers,bump stops,links,brake and track bar brkts plus hardware bags.

[Raddadd]

Some shots of rear end work.....didn\'t pick up the camera after that! Totally forgot.
Everyone was right in saying this would be straight forward and fun. I had a blast...everything was easy to work on and all nuts anf bolts came right out. Air tools helped also.

[Raddadd]

Took measurements before and was 36\" (bottom of fender) front and 36.5 back. Now were 38.5 front and 39 back.
Good thing they sent the rear spacers (didn\'t know about them before the kit came in)cause it kept the slight rake. Would had a saggy rear I guess.

Have to address and issue with the front brake line ( need new line I think) as when at full flex the stock lower brake braket does not allow for the line to move. So I disconnected it and have it hanging along the back side of the shock. Now I can disconnect and at full flex have enough brack line. Can\'t get hung up on anything but the bracket will/is against the lower part of the shock.
Any feedback on this ?

Rolled it out, checked it all, and headed directly to get the alignment done. That went very well. And while it was up I found a couple of control arms bolts that needed torqin.....argh.....

Had the computers\' TPMS system set to zero so no warning light and told it the new tire size.

So far she rides REAL nice and no clunkin or \"strange\" stuff going on. No warning lights!
I\'ll get under her agian this week and re check everything.

Thanks again to everyone who gave me feedback and direction in the past months. I don\'t think I would be at this stage if not for your help!

......o yea....Aussie front locker goes in Monday.

[MrMindless]

Sharp.

I\'d probably remove that support bracket and just make sure the brake line is tethered somewhere so as not to catch things.  small bungee cords can work well.

[Raddadd]

I\'ll try that. Saves me from dealing with brake lines.

Well here are some more rookie lessons learned:

Found out my computer was NOT adjusted for the tires as I got the TPMS light today.....took awhile. And while driving on the expressway the shifts points seemed wrong as I went uphill. Lost milage too.
I am looking into the Procal Module to take care of these issues. ?

And.....when I had my tires mounted they put 50SPI in. It felt a little loose on the thruway in the rain!!!
Gonna drop to 35# and go from there.

So many bases to cover when you lift and mod a vehicle!
Hopefully I get them all covered without costing me my other arm and leg!

[MrMindless]

50psi???

nuts.

set your pressure right before you wear the tires in too far.  either chalk or paint the tire, or use a spotty wet parking lot.  start with high pressure and drop in small increments until you see good contact from the shoulder tread blocks.  2-3psi below that is where you\'ll get the best treadwear.

[Raddadd]

Took the air down to 35psi and WOW what a difference. Softer ride , much better handling. I\'m guessin 32 will be the magic number. As soon as this monsoon ends I\'ll find a dry spot and find out.

Cool tip.

[Raddadd]

Well I got the help I needed getting my Aussie locker in...

Out with the old.......

[Raddadd]

and in with the new !
This was a awesome project to do! I definitely was greatful to have a experienced and knowledgeable coach to walk me through it and to insure it was done correctly.
Not having knowledge of the parts in the diff would have made this real tough (as it states in the instructions)but once you have done it ......real nice and easy. Very clever design !

So now I\'m tapped out and was able to do what I need to have some fun. I\'ll be keeping my eye on phase two later in the year. And keeping my ear to the tracks for the NEW JK REAR AUSSIE LOCKER !.....now were talkin traction !

More on the AEV Procal Module when that comes in.

Till then I\'m going to get out there and enjoy it.