JTRD Build

[Vegas_Blue]

I appreciate everybody’s photos as it has helped guide my decisions regarding my own build. Here’s what I’ve done so far. Hope it helps some of you with your build decisions

Swaybar disconnect skid is shown in this photo. I just cleaned, primed and rattle canned it. I had to remove the two lower factory nutserts on the frame horns so it could fit.

Overall I’m pretty happy with the ride on and off road. Barely any power loss with the tires/wheels. They added about 20lbs per corner. I get 18-19mpg around town (Las Vegas) and probably 20 Hwy (cruising 80mph).

• warn evo vr10s winch w/synthetic rope
• Artec Nighthawk front bumper and skid
• Artec front axle truss w/labor
• Clayton 2.5” Overland Plus lift kit, Artec rear axle truss, and labor
• Rock Hard rock sliders
• Warn Epic Jackhammer 17”x8.5 Wheels (4)
• Nitto Ridge Grappler 37x12.5 tires (4)
• Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks
• Hot head headliner w/sound assassin
• Center console organizer (Amazon)
• Antenna (Amazon)
• roll-n-lock tonneau cover
• Spare new Vision steel D window wheel and used 37” MT tire ($220 total)
• Tazer JL Mini
• KC Flex Era 3 spot lights
• A pillar light mounts (Amazon)
  
  
  
  

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[3VOLVE]

Nice build. Like the Artec armor you have there and that it isn’t black.

 

[TT32VGT]

nice build. what made you go clayton over evo or another lift?

 

[Vegas_Blue]

nice build. what made you go clayton over evo or another lift?

 

[Vegas_Blue]

EVO and the Rock Krawler triangulated 4 link we’re appealing. I liked the beefiness of Clayton and their maintenance free CA joints. None of my decision was based on experience with any of these lift kits. They all had good reviews. Ryan at Vegas 4x4 and Off-road suggested Clayton. He used to work for them. Since Clayton was already on my list prior to meeting Ryan, I went with my gut and chose that lift. Got it on sale, too. I also talked to a Clayton Rep on the phone and got a good vibe.
It really tracks and rides well. I’m not hitting my bump-stops like I was with the stock suspension. I can blast through a dip without worry.
But nothing is perfect, as I did get one mild case of death wobble after hitting a rough spot on asphalt at about 35mph. At that time I had the stock Mopar steering stabilizer. Ryan pointed out the play in the Mopar stabilizers (about 1/4” in both directions) and suggested an inexpensive replacement (Monroe I think) which had zero play. Haven’t had any death wobble problem since.

 

[Vegas_Blue]

Nice build. Like the Artec armor you have there and that it isn’t black.

 

[Vegas_Blue]

Thanks, I kind of dig that look too.

 

[lildev1972]

EVO and the Rock Krawler triangulated 4 link we’re appealing. I liked the beefiness of Clayton and their maintenance free CA joints. None of my decision was based on experience with any of these lift kits. They all had good reviews. Ryan at Vegas 4x4 and Off-road suggested Clayton. He used to work for them. Since Clayton was already on my list prior to meeting Ryan, I went with my gut and chose that lift. Got it on sale, too. I also talked to a Clayton Rep on the phone and got a good vibe.
It really tracks and rides well. I’m not hitting my bump-stops like I was with the stock suspension. I can blast through a dip without worry.
But nothing is perfect, as I did get one mild case of death wobble after hitting a rough spot on asphalt at about 35mph. At that time I had the stock Mopar steering stabilizer. Ryan pointed out the play in the Mopar stabilizers (about 1/4” in both directions) and suggested an inexpensive replacement (Monroe I think) which had zero play. Haven’t had any death wobble problem since.

Great looking set up. Im in Las Vegas also........Do you still recommend Ryan and his shop?
I met with him and liked him but have not gotten the quote or follow up yet from him yet

 

[Vegas_Blue]

Great looking set up. Im in Las Vegas also........Do you still recommend Ryan and his shop?
I met with him and liked him but have not gotten the quote or follow up yet from him yet

I would still recommend him. He doesn’t always get back in a timely manner. But maybe because he’s working on a lot of jobs. I’d just call him of you feel he’s taking to long to get back to you. He’s pretty cool. I noticed several vehicles in stages of repair at his shop when I was there. Ryan seems very knowledgeable and explains things thoroughly. Once he began the job on my Jeep is was done reasonably quick. I had the lift completed at 11k miles and now I’m at 45k. Still drives straight and no issues. I added a Helwig sway bay on my own. Easy install. It’s set at the middle hole and did slightly improve body roll and stability in the wind.

 

[Free2roam]

EVO and the Rock Krawler triangulated 4 link we’re appealing. I liked the beefiness of Clayton and their maintenance free CA joints. None of my decision was based on experience with any of these lift kits. They all had good reviews. Ryan at Vegas 4x4 and Off-road suggested Clayton. He used to work for them. Since Clayton was already on my list prior to meeting Ryan, I went with my gut and chose that lift. Got it on sale, too. I also talked to a Clayton Rep on the phone and got a good vibe.
It really tracks and rides well. I’m not hitting my bump-stops like I was with the stock suspension. I can blast through a dip without worry.
But nothing is perfect, as I did get one mild case of death wobble after hitting a rough spot on asphalt at about 35mph. At that time I had the stock Mopar steering stabilizer. Ryan pointed out the play in the Mopar stabilizers (about 1/4” in both directions) and suggested an inexpensive replacement (Monroe I think) which had zero play. Haven’t had any death wobble problem since.

I had Ryan do mine as well. 2.5 overland lift kit diesel HD springs.

 

[lildev1972]

I would still recommend him. He doesn’t always get back in a timely manner. But maybe because he’s working on a lot of jobs. I’d just call him of you feel he’s taking to long to get back to you. He’s pretty cool. I noticed several vehicles in stages of repair at his shop when I was there. Ryan seems very knowledgeable and explains things thoroughly. Once he began the job on my Jeep is was done reasonably quick. I had the lift completed at 11k miles and now I’m at 45k. Still drives straight and no issues. I added a Helwig sway bay on my own. Easy install. It’s set at the middle hole and did slightly improve body roll and stability in the wind.

I appreciate it. Yeah I called twice so far to get that quote so hoping for the best. He did seem very helpful and knowledgable when we met in person.
so over 30k miles, what lift did you go with?

 

[lildev1972]

I had Ryan do mine as well. 2.5 overland lift kit diesel HD springs.

How do you like the lift? How does it drive on the road?

 

[Free2roam]

How do you like the lift? How does it drive on the road?

I feel the shocks I went with need to be upgraded. Maybe a better stiffer shock. Not sure. As far as on road. With the steering upgrade I did. I've got absolutely no complaints. I also have the camper and a Hellwig sway bar in the rear. Love it so far.

 

[lildev1972]

I feel the shocks I went with need to be upgraded. Maybe a better stiffer shock. Not sure. As far as on road. With the steering upgrade I did. I've got absolutely no complaints. I also have the camper and a Hellwig sway bar in the rear. Love it so far.

Appreciate it. Which Clayton Springs did you get, standard or HD cause of the weight And do you sit level or little rake? Which shocks did you go with?

 

[Free2roam]

Appreciate it. Which Clayton Springs did you get, standard or HD cause of the weight And do you sit level or little rake? Which shocks did you go with?

Fully weighted down. HD diesel springs. Fox smooth bore 2.0 non reservoir. Thinking about upgrading the shocks. But it really does drive nicely. I feel I'm pretty level.

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