Chris's Sport S Max Tow - Boring Daily 'Build'

[ChrisNLA]

You’ve been busy! Nice work!

Some people like Flyin6 are building badass supercharged rigs.

Here I am every 6 months.

Hey guys I got a new step

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[NC_Overland]

Some people like Flyin6 are building badass supercharged rigs.

Here I am every 6 months.

Hey guys I got a new step

I wish I could afford to buy an AEV Jeep and then replace everything with upgraded parts and then supercharge it. By no means is that a dig, I’m on the same level as you. I bought a fully loaded overland because they had huge discounts on them 2/2020 and the msrp was lower then. Every option on it as $55k and I paid $47k. I hated the look so I immediately took off the overland badge and blacked out the lettering tinted the front windows, took off the whip antenna, put a rubicon LE take off suspension on it and 285/70/18s. Then 5 yrs later I put a second set of the new tires on it and bumpers and winch and combination front lights.

Hopefully soon I’ll do an adjustable height bed rack that works with my bak flip MX4. I could really use something better for hauling kayaks and 12’ lumber and I’d like for it to be able to lower also for a gear basket for more camping gear over the bed so I can’t haul 4 people and fit everyone’s gear.

when I need tires again I’ll do a small lift, 35s, and 4.56 with lockers. Probably another several years for the latter lol

 

[ChrisNLA]

I wish I could afford to buy an AEV Jeep and then replace everything with upgraded parts and then supercharge it. By no means is that a dig, I’m on the same level as you. I bought a fully loaded overland because they had huge discounts on them 2/2020 and the msrp was lower then. Every option on it as $55k and I paid $47k. I hated the look so I immediately took off the overland badge and blacked out the lettering tinted the front windows, took off the whip antenna, put a rubicon LE take off suspension on it and 285/70/18s. Then 5 yrs later I put a second set of the new tires on it and bumpers and winch and combination front lights.

Hopefully soon I’ll do an adjustable height bed rack that works with my bak flip MX4. I could really use something better for hauling kayaks and 12’ lumber and I’d like for it to be able to lower also for a gear basket for more camping gear over the bed so I can’t haul 4 people and fit everyone’s gear.

when I need tires again I’ll do a small lift, 35s, and 4.56 with lockers. Probably another several years for the latter lol

If I lived out west I'd probably be a lot deeper in this truck - but coming from Louisiana it's just so damn costly (time and money) to travel to where I like to wheel, so I didn't invest so deeply this time.

I do have some small plans for the truck in the backlog. I need to install the diff covers I bought, and order the steering stabilizer relocation parts.

I've grappled with how life has changed over the last several years. I was in a circle of guys that traveled constantly around the country. Wheeling, camping. We were the 'heros' in the local Jeep club Everyone wanted to know what we were doing next.

After '22 I met the new ole lady and things slowed down a lot, and I don't hate it. Trips are much closer to home now, we have been focusing on property improvements at the house we are sharing (hers - it has more land), etc. I haven't even seen the Jeep circle of friends in more than a year. I guess after I stopped traveling that was the only glue keeping us together.

Life changes, and some things are 'only a season', and I often remind myself that it's a natural progression.

Wait - this is a build thread, not a therapy session

 

[NC_Overland]

If I lived out west I'd probably be a lot deeper in this truck - but coming from Louisiana it's just so damn costly (time and money) to travel to where I like to wheel, so I didn't invest so deeply this time.

I do have some small plans for the truck in the backlog. I need to install the diff covers I bought, and order the steering stabilizer relocation parts.

I've grappled with how life has changed over the last several years. I was in a circle of guys that traveled constantly around the country. Wheeling, camping. We were the 'heros' in the local Jeep club Everyone wanted to know what we were doing next.

After '22 I met the new ole lady and things slowed down a lot, and I don't hate it. Trips are much closer to home now, we have been focusing on property improvements at the house we are sharing (hers - it has more land), etc. I haven't even seen the Jeep circle of friends in more than a year. I guess after I stopped traveling that was the only glue keeping us together.

Life changes, and some things are 'only a season', and I often remind myself that it's a natural progression.

Wait - this is a build thread, not a therapy session

Haha. I get it.

I agree about the Jeep part. I bought a JKU Rubicon when I knew that I was moving to CO. The reason I bought an Overland was because I knew a rubicon was completely unnecessary in the SE. the only reason I’d add lockers is because I want 35s and if I’m re-gearing anyway then that’s the time to do it.

 

[DanW]

I grabbed this MORE folding step from another forum member.

I have a couple short women in my life and so far, they approve! I may still get an entirely different solution to accommodate the kids getting in the back seat, but this works great for now.

I didnt love the red in thought, but in practice I like that it makes the step easy to find in low light and push down.

Is that easily removable for off-roading?

 

[ChrisNLA]

Is that easily removable for off-roading?

Yep. If you look closely in the picture where the step is on my tailgate, on the step at left you will see two pins with keyrings on them. You pull those two pins and the step comes off of its bracket and you can put it away, and then the rock rail is unobstructed.

 

[DanW]

Yep. If you look closely in the picture where the step is on my tailgate, on the step at left you will see two pins with keyrings on them. You pull those two pins and the step comes off of its bracket and you can put it away, and then the rock rail is unobstructed.

Thank you! My wife is 5´4 and has to climb into the Jeep like she´s a kid on a jungle gym. I´m going to dial one of these up!

 

[ChrisNLA]

Thank you! My wife is 5´4 and has to climb into the Jeep like she´s a kid on a jungle gym. I´m going to dial one of these up!

So far my mom and my fiance have used it several times and it works well enough for getting in. I just remind them to make sure they get a good bite on it before climbing up. You just hook the tip of the step with your toe and push it down, then slide your foot forward and climb up.

 

[DanW]

So far my mom and my fiance have used it several times and it works well enough for getting in. I just remind them to make sure they get a good bite on it before climbing up. You just hook the tip of the step with your toe and push it down, then slide your foot forward and climb up.

Maybe some grippy sandpaper type tape can be put on there for more traction? I showed it to my wife and she loves the idea.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Maybe some grippy sandpaper type tape can be put on there for more traction? I showed it to my wife and she loves the idea.

The holes are stamped upwards so it makes the step surface embossed and has good traction.

Im just overly cautious with my retirement age mother and my ole lady that shattered her ankle in a car accident couple years back

 

[DanW]

The holes are stamped upwards so it makes the step surface embossed and has good traction.

Im just overly cautious with my retirement age mother and my ole lady that shattered her ankle in a car accident couple years back

That makes perfect sense!

 

[ChrisNLA]

My drag link is clunking slightly and has led to light moments of death wobble.

So, no point putting stock parts in for the same cost.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Where did we leave off...

Ah yes. Drag link. So I eventually got the MC drag link installed and that cured the truck of death wobble, so it's been business as usual since. It was a lot easier with this ball joint separator tool. I used this to put some pressure on the end at the pitman arm then a couple taps with a 3 pound hammer knocked it right off.

I finally saw a set of factory running boards come up for sale locally, so I removed the flip down step and put these on. All the short people in my life approve.

My rock rails are in storage - if I ever do a wheeling type trip I'll just swap them out. Only takes a few minutes - no big deal.

Next up, I have some bed molle panels coming in. I was running a toolbox in the bed but it took up so much space, so I reorganized some things into the cab and the remaining items I hope to put along the bed sides. My small shovel, hatchet, strap, etc. Right now I'm back to having all five feet of my bed free and it's been so handy lately.

I really wanted to go with an American designed/manufactured item like the ones 813 Fabrication makes as I like the design more, but I was looking at $210 shipped vs around $500 shipped. I could not stomach that, but if you can go check his stuff out. Looks nice.

 

[RudeJeepin]

I finally saw a set of factory running boards come up for sale locally, so I removed the flip down step and put these on. All the short people in my life approve.

Next up, I have some bed molle panels coming in.

My father in law has those on his Wrangler. They might not be the best looking, but the function good as a step.

I've looked at those molle panels, for the price, I'd go with them. Can't wait to hear your review.

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