JTR Spartacus Build Journal

[Bbannongmu]

No doors + @Bestop Supertruck = STAGE COACH MODE!

Sponsored

 

[Bbannongmu]

trying to steal my catalytic converter? Time for some new fender / wheel well liner

 

[Bbannongmu]

Upgraded Centerforce clutch hydraulics

 

[Gatorized]

Upgraded Centerforce clutch hydraulics

Did centerforce give you any idea what they had updated in the slave and master cylinders? Also. - can you comment on the time and cost of the clutch upgrade? I think you mentioned you had your installer replace the clutch - curious if it was more tHan a single day to get it done. Thanks!

 

[Bbannongmu]

Did centerforce give you any idea what they had updated in the slave and master cylinders? Also. - can you comment on the time and cost of the clutch upgrade? I think you mentioned you had your installer replace the clutch - curious if it was more tHan a single day to get it done. Thanks!

Centerforce didn’t mention specifics - just that it’s improved and while they didn’t say it, it seems like the hydraulics might be the culprit with the issues these Jeeps have seen. The clutch kit cost $1335 and the labor from Keystone 4x4 in Hamburg, PA was $600. The installer split it up over 2 days - tear down on day 1 and install and bleeding day 2. Total time was about 6 hours. Good luck !

 

[Gatorized]

Great videos of the clutch upgrade… would love to see that hill test with the JT in reverse, 2Hi … I have never been so frustrated by a clutch - I think I’ve stalled the JT more in the last 3 years than the total stalls of all MT vehicles I’ve driven over the last 45+ years, reverse being the most frustrating. I had to use 4Lo in reverse up my driveway with a trailer On a slope less than your hill test.

 

[Bbannongmu]

Great videos of the clutch upgrade… would love to see that hill test with the JT in reverse, 2Hi … I have never been so frustrated by a clutch - I think I’ve stalled the JT more in the last 3 years than the total stalls of all MT vehicles I’ve driven over the last 45+ years, reverse being the most frustrating. I had to use 4Lo in reverse up my driveway with a trailer On a slope less than your hill test.

I hear ya. I stalled my JT when I test drive it and often when moving a trailer/backing a trailer when it was stock. I don’t think I’ve stalled it ever with the Centerforce clutch. The heavier flywheel and grippier surface make it do I can take off on flat surfaces with little to no throttle.

 

[CJXJJT]

Great videos of the clutch upgrade… would love to see that hill test with the JT in reverse, 2Hi … I have never been so frustrated by a clutch - I think I’ve stalled the JT more in the last 3 years than the total stalls of all MT vehicles I’ve driven over the last 45+ years, reverse being the most frustrating. I had to use 4Lo in reverse up my driveway with a trailer On a slope less than your hill test.

Exactly the same issue with my JT manual transmission. I installed the AWE trail exhaust, that helped quite a bit as now I can hear that 1000 and less rpm range better. I think the Centerforce clutch and flywheel are in the future.

 

[Bbannongmu]

Upgraded Centerforce clutch hydraulics

Got my Centerforce hydraulics installed. Only drive 5 miles or so. Feels slightly springier and a little more positive engagement/disengagement (the clutch and flywheel took away most of the stock clutch vagueness - this took away the rest). Can really tell in reverse and at the release point in 1st from a stop. No real difference in the rest of the gears so far.

 

[Bbannongmu]

Exactly the same issue with my JT manual transmission. I installed the AWE trail exhaust, that helped quite a bit as now I can hear that 1000 and less rpm range better. I think the Centerforce clutch and flywheel are in the future.

Highly recommend the Centerforce clutch. This and proper gearing have made JTRSPARTACUS an entirely different beast !

 

[Bbannongmu]

Got my Centerforce hydraulics installed. Only drive 5 miles or so. Feels slightly springier and a little more positive engagement/disengagement (the clutch and flywheel took away most of the stock clutch vagueness - this took away the rest). Can really tell in reverse and at the release point in 1st from a stop. No real difference in the rest of the gears so far.

Quick video and pics of the stock stuff in the trash. Install took a shop about an hour. Bleeding the clutch was a PIA but he got it done.

 

[Bbannongmu]

Dreaded faulty Jeep locker sensor! Fix from Z-Automotive through Summit Racing who had it in stock, coming soon.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ZAU-Z-LKR-OEM

 

[Bbannongmu]

Fixed!!!

 

[Blade1668]

Just ordered the Rusty’s 2” Advanced kit. No ETA yet. Very excited!!! https://www.rustysoffroad.com/rustys-jt-gladiator-2-advanced-kit.html
I was back and forth between this kit and Clayton and both seem very well made but price ultimately led me to Rusty’s.

How is Rusty’s lift kit working out?

 

[Bbannongmu]

How is Rusty’s lift kit working out?

Great. Can’t beat the value. I can drive 85mph with a smooth, straight track and off road with good flex and comfort. Just got back from AnthraciteOutdoor Adventure Area off roading. As usual it performed well. I drove 5,600 miles this summer to Yellowstone and had zero issues.

Sponsored