RodReckets AEV JT370 Build Journal

[redline61]

Nice build! Love the upgrades!

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[RodRecket]

Nice build! Love the upgrades!

Thanks! I've done quite a bit of research, trial, and error to get here. Oh, and money and time.?

 

[Lambo77]

Love your JT build and have been silently following as I’m adding the Aev 2.5 to my JT. I would also like to increase my tire size specifically to 39" ko2 and was wondering how the 38" fits on your JT? Do you have plans to upgrade your suspension? Maybe the 3" springs?

 

[RodRecket]

Love your JT build and have been silently following as I’m adding the Aev 2.5 to my JT. I would also like to increase my tire size specifically to 39" ko2 and was wondering how the 38" fits on your JT? Do you have plans to upgrade your suspension? Maybe the 3" springs?

Thank you, I have put a lot of work and consideration into the build.

I'm contemplating several options. For now I'm running it how it sits. Moab will be a good test. I've considered a .5" spacer for a little extra clearance without loosing the rake completely. I've also looked into the AEV HD springs many times but keep coming to the same conclusion, they don't make sense if you are not constantly loaded with substantial weight in the back. Lastly, I've though about other springs, but I hesitate to change the ride quality I like so much with the AEV standard springs and the matched Bilstein shocks.

There's more info in this thread about running the 38s and my thoughts: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/38s-are-the-goldilocks-of-tires-owner-review.73792/

 

[RodRecket]

Update:

After ripping the passenger side inner fender liner out (day 4 metal masher trail) the very slight rub I have at full stuff will be resolved with a .5" teraflex spacer.

I recently...

- De-badge tailgate wrap and replaced the JEEP emblem
- Made my own antirock rear swaybar kit (https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-own-antirock-swaybar-kit.80511/#post-1310968)

 

[RodRecket]

Some crappy garage shots but .5" teraflex spacer in on the front suspension and an adjustable Rancho rear track bar out back.

The spacer went in easy enough. I talked with an AEV rep in Moab and he said I shouldn't have to worry about anything by adding such a small spacer. Little extra clearance for the 38s now. * I should add I still maintain a 5/8" rake in the rear with the spacer. I wanted to have some rake for when I tow our teardrop.

I noticed the rear diff was off because the swaybar end links were both leaning the same direction (uppers tilted to the driver side). I have a Rancho front track bar and went with them again for the rear track bar for a few reasons... doesn't break the bank, simple component, and the bushings are no service rubber/poly for nvh. Install was simple and everything is nice and centered now.

 

[RodRecket]

I added 4 rock lights to the underside. 2 behind the front tires and 2 in front of the rear tires. They aren't something I think I'll get a ton of use out of but man do they help when it starts getting dark on the trail. Wired them to my 4th aux switch so no more blank switches!

Ran the wires through the frame and up the drivers inner fender well. It was a pain in the ass but worthwhile for the result. Will get an evening Pic posted later.

Darker pics

 

[RodRecket]

Another couple of small items that add some convenience.

- Quadratec dead pedal (yes the pad is purposely upside down because I don't want to see the logo when I hop in)
- Oracle bed lights (I wired them so they come one with the existing bed lights when I unlock the doors and with the bed light switch)

 

[JTPatriot]

Very nice build. Like the quake lights in the bed. Contemplating the dead pedal, what are your thoughts on it since installing?

 

[RodRecket]

Very nice build. Like the quake lights in the bed. Contemplating the dead pedal, what are your thoughts on it since installing?

I misspoke on the lights, they are Oracle.
The dead pedal has been a nice addition. I set it in the far back position so it doesn't feel like it's in the way. Super easy install. Lifts up and out of the way when I don't want it there

 

[OverBrass]

I misspoke on the lights, they are Oracle.
The dead pedal has been a nice addition. I set it in the far back position so it doesn't feel like it's in the way. Super easy install. Lifts up and out of the way when I don't want it there

I am trying to install my dead pedal but the damn factory bolt will not budge… I used a socket wrench with 13mm, tried a regular wrench and even went to get adapter to extend the socket wrench (3/8 into 1/2 for 13mm with more depth) because of the break pedal being on the way… now I soaked some WD40 cotton ball and nothing… suggestions? Thought this was going to be a quick 10-15 min process!

edit: 13mm wrench, I accidentally put picture with the 10mm

 

[RodRecket]

Hmm maybe a longer extension and an impact or 3/8 breaker? I'm pretty good at mangling bolts but didn't have the same issue you are.

 

[OverBrass]

Hmm maybe a longer extension and an impact or 3/8 breaker? I'm pretty good at mangling bolts but didn't have the same issue you are.

Even after I put extension to give me more room, it just would not budge… I lefty loosey the heck out of it and just wouldn’t budge. WD40 soaked cotton ball for an hour didn’t help at all either…

 

[RodRecket]

Even after I put extension to give me more room, it just would not budge… I lefty loosey the heck out of it and just wouldn’t budge. WD40 soaked cotton ball for an hour didn’t help at all either…

Wow. My next move is normally heat but you have a lot of plastic/carpet and other items I wouldn't want to put a torch next to. Maybe a heat gun

 

[G0merP]

I like heat on stuck fastener as well. I’d use a soldering iron on the bolt or stud in this case. That should release the thread locker.

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