Samson

[TRI-JAB]

Looks great!!!

Thanks! More parts in the garage that need to get installed.... stay tuned!

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[TRI-JAB]

Finally got my Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform (42113B) installed on Samson. Was able to attach the rack to the Backflip Revolver X4S tonneau using the Front Runner Top Mount TALL Legs (LASS033) by using some uni-strut nuts and 3/8” bolts and washers. Had to slightly oversized the through holes in the legs to accept the 3/8” bolts.

Rhino Rack had the side rails on clearance so I added those as well.

 

[TRI-JAB]

Mounted my recovery boards on the Rhino Rack today using the original Yakima Recovery Track Mounts that I bought for the Overhaul HD side bars that did not work out on Samson. They fit well in the tracks of the Rhino Rack Platform.

 

[TRI-JAB]

Finally bit the bullet and re-geared Samson. This is one thing I did not want to take on so I took it to a shop. Figured while the JT was in the shop, I'd upgrade a few more parts....

Started with Yukon D44 Front and Rear Ring and Pinion Kits - went from the stock Rubicon 4.10 to the Yukon 4.88. Went with Yukon gears so I stuck with Yukon for my heavy duty Front and Rear Diff Covers:

Also upgraded the front CV Axles to RCV Performance W/FAD and the rear to Dana Spicer 44 AdvanTEK Chromoly shafts:

And added an Adams front 1350 CV Extreme Duty Series driveshaft and an Adams 1350 2-pc rear driveshaft:

The shop also "tuned" up my suspension. I had all kinds of play in the steering. Ended up taking off the Sector Steering Shaft Brace and replacing my Drag Link with a Yeti XD. Fixed the track bar and now it drives on rails. That's what I get for being a first time lift installer.

The only part is they swapped around my rear track bar, so the 37-inch spare would no longer fit. I talked to @Clayton Off Road who gave me great support through this process. Adam quickly identified the issue of the track bar now being backwards. I had the shop swap it back and now i just need to put the spare back under the truck. I did some quick measurements - should have no issue. Just need to get it back under there.

This has been a huge difference in the steering and the gearing. I am thinking of getting rid of the "Hike It" throttle controller. The 4.88 gears are so smooth on acceleration with my 37-inch tires. Really happy with re-gearing. My wallet is not, but the JT is exactly where I want it to be now.

 

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Finally got the @ORACLElights Skid plate wired up.

 

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Added a Pelican V800 Vault case to the Rhino Rack to hold all of my recovery gear and free up space under the rear seats.

 

[Johnnyblender]

Great build thanks for posting

 

[TRI-JAB]

Great build thanks for posting

Thanks! It has been a lot of fun and even more learning as it has gone along.

 

[TRI-JAB]

Took Samson to Brown Mountain OHV in Pisgah National Forest last weekend for the first time. All the mod's have worked out great. I was happy that nothing rattled on the new rack even when hitting the bumps/rocks. Had a great time. It turns out the older I get, the less my body likes to be in off camber situations.... little pucker factor coming over the rocks with the amount of body roll that I had. Luckily I had a great spotter!

I mentioned in a previous post that I installed a "Hike-It". Since regearing, I have it turned off. I did not like the over revving with the lower gear ratio. I will point out, that I like having the "Hike-It" for offroading. The "ECO/OFFROAD" mode works great for me and how I like the throttle to respond when climbing, etc.

I am not a mud guy. I don't mind it, I just don't seek out playing in it. Yes - Samson got dirty... I blame Rammstein. I had turned on SiriusXM "Lithium" just before a mud hole. I would normally creep thru to reduce the mud I will have to clean off when I get home. However, my left foot got too into the beat as I hit the mud hole. If I could figure out how to post video from my iPhone, there is a great one out the front window as the brown wave comes up over the hood!

 

[Tomentose]

Added a Pelican V800 Vault case to the Rhino Rack to hold all of my recovery gear and free up space under the rear seats.

Finally someone did something like what i want to do!
question though, did you drill though the bottom of the box to mount it? did it stay waterproof? i want to do this with my recovery/survival gear as well but mount it on the side of the bed rack and was nervous about water and also drilling through an expensive box - i was going to silicone the mount holes but still. any photos of the mounting bolts?
what kind of lock do you use on the box if any that can survive the elements?

 

[TRI-JAB]

Finally someone did something like what i want to do!
question though, did you drill though the bottom of the box to mount it? did it stay waterproof? i want to do this with my recovery/survival gear as well but mount it on the side of the bed rack and was nervous about water and also drilling through an expensive box - i was going to silicone the mount holes but still. any photos of the mounting bolts?
what kind of lock do you use on the box if any that can survive the elements?

Yes, I drilled through the bottom of the case. The Rhino rack has slots that work with Uni-strut nuts. I used 3/8 x .75" (I think) bolts with a washer and lock washer. I did both so I could put some silicon caulk under the washer to seal it up. So far it works well. I was reluctant to drill through the case as well, but I couldn't find a better solution. I am really happy with the size of the Vault.

For the locks, I used:

Master Lock M115XTLF Magnum Heavy Duty Outdoor Padlock with Key, 2 Pack Keyed-Alike

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038TXYGW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Time will tell how well they survive.

Next time I open it up, I'll take a few pics.

 

[Tomentose]

Yes, I drilled through the bottom of the case. The Rhino rack has slots that work with Uni-strut nuts. I used 3/8 x .75" (I think) bolts with a washer and lock washer. I did both so I could put some silicon caulk under the washer to seal it up. So far it works well. I was reluctant to drill through the case as well, but I couldn't find a better solution. I am really happy with the size of the Vault.

For the locks, I used:

Master Lock M115XTLF Magnum Heavy Duty Outdoor Padlock with Key, 2 Pack Keyed-Alike

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038TXYGW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Time will tell how well they survive.

Next time I open it up, I'll take a few pics.

Awesome. I will probably do the same with mounting it. Just found my v800 on sale so I ordered it and will post the results when I get it.

 

[TRI-JAB]

Received a second BOH from Peters Mill in VA. Ended up going off trail onto an ATV trail…. Climbed snow and ice up the hillside only to have the trail narrow. Samson has a few new pinstripes. Worst part is a large tree had fallen and blocked the end of the trail. Turned around and went back down what we climbed up. It was a good time. Had my nephew with me, so it was a good bonding time.

 

[TRI-JAB]

Samson got some additional back up light support thanks to the @ORACLElights rear bumper LED reverse lights, this weekend. I used the light harness vs the wire taps. I am happy with the results.

 

[Blucid]

Great build so far, very thoughtful mods and upgrades. Keep them coming.

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