Papas Truck

[Edub]

I have the same switch kit! Quality, so far. Only using 2 switches. 3rd looking to add onboard air, so ran across your thread.

Any issues with it behind the inner fender?
Do you have aftermarket inner fender liners?

While I know that there are some inner fenders out there that are compatible (and I believe they are listed on the manufacturers website who make the mounting bracket, im still rocking the factory inner fenders.

I have mixed feelings about mounting it there and it's definitely a question of give and take. its ridiculously practical and stealthy, it's easy to rout the line anywhere you want, and the kit was fairly easy to install.

the cons are, you will never keep it clean, and once the mud gets caked on, it can overheat which has happened to me before. when it does just let it sit for a few min and it will start up again. I was airing up several Jeeps when it happened so it's not the norm.

Honestly, I would probably do it again unless someone else comes up with a better mounting solution for under the hood that doesn't involve removing my (apparently rare) engine cover.

Sponsored

 

[Edub]

Gears and Lockers.

After putting up with years of 80% Rubicon envy and 20% actual need, I finally pulled the trigger on lockers since I was doing a regear anyways.

Went with the ARB air lockers and Revolution Gears 5.13

I know it's a controversial subject that has been discussed many times. I chose 5.13 because despite me living at flat sea level, many of our road trips take us into the Rocky Mountains and I felt like it was a good match. Plus, this gives me a little wiggle room if I get larger tires in the future.

I'm super happy with the install and love the way we chose to use the rest of the mounting bracket from Grimm Offroad to mount the manifold. Very Clean.

The Diff covers were purchased for no other reason than its difficult to spend this sort of money and not have something visual change on the Jeep. And it adds a nice little touch of functionality to it.

 

[Edub]

Air gauge and ditch lights.

As a follow up to the ARB air lockers, I decided there is value in being able to see my current air pressure. after considering different options for mounting an air gauge, I opted to go with a pod mount. this ended up being far more complicated than I expected as to the best of my research ability, there is really only one company that produces these (that I could find).

I started with reaching out to Banks Power and spoke with one of their engineers who assured me that their pod would work with other digital gauges. It does not.

I then found Aeroforce who also manufactures something similar however these are specifically designed to fit a standard 52mm gauge. After waiting a week, they informed me that they were out of stock but with my permission they sent me an older model that also fit. when it arrived, I can say I'm pleased with how they look. The finish looks solid however the fitment does leave a little to be desired. There is a plate on the bottom of the grab handle that gets replaced for their kit and it keeps popping off on one end. nevertheless, it's a very clean install that ads a lot of function. Despite that analog look, it is electric.

I went with a dual gauge from GloShift with the intent on placing one sensor on the ARB manifold and the other on my air tank. (I have yet to place the air tank)

Jeep Gauge Pods – AeroForce Technology, Inc.

An added bonus functionality is that combined with my 4 tire air hose, I can now inflate rigs from inside my cab and monitor their air pressure with accuracy.

 

[Edub]

Cheap Ditch Lights (a non-review...review)

In preparation for some night wheeling that was coming up and a desperation for another project to get me out of the house, I realized I was still missing ditch lights.

I opted for something cheap as a temporary means until I can find/afford something more respectful and powerful.

I opted for the Harbor freight Road Shock LED lights. These were too "affordable" to pass up.

THE GOOD:

• they turn on
• they fit
• cheap
• one side each has dedicated LEDs to cover your left and right sides.
• seem to be bult reasonably well

THE BAD:

• low output
• no immediately available amber covers*

The results are you get something that works in a pinch and if all your doing is dressing up a daily mall crawler, they are brilliant. For serious night use, I would highly recommend something more powerful.

I did get the flood lights as opposed to the spots because I feel I have that covered already. This resulted in some hood glare, but again, I feel this is because of my decision to go with the floods.

The output was comparable to shining your cellphones flashlight out the window. You could see light, but the output of my headlights only highlights how little light they put out to the side in contrast. Mind you, I'm referring to the "side lights" that I bought it for. The Main forward-facing LEDs are comparable to my high beams at best. Another option would be to point them out a little which I haven't tried yet.

You will need to supply your own mounts and, but the installation is very straight forward using any other manufacturers instructions. I did build my own wiring harness and am utilizing AUX 3 button for power.

* turns out these are the same design used by Quadratec and they DO offer amber lens covers that reportedly fit.

 

[TeamBens]

How is that place Elevation Jeeps? I’ve been thinking about taking mine in to get some work done

 

[Edub]

How is that place Elevation Jeeps? I’ve been thinking about taking mine in to get some work done

I've always been very reluctant about having anybody do anything for me when it comes to my cars. that being said, I realize I have my limitations and drew the line at re-gearing and lockers.

I was very pleased with the results. the solution that they came up with for mounting my ARB manifold was exactly what I had envisioned, and we talked about my expectations beforehand so that showed me that they listen. Adam was really attentive, and the other Adam was quick to help.
I'm going to continue doing most of the work myself but it's nice to know that there are places I can go to when I hit my limits.

 

[RockTrixWheels]

What a beast! Love what you've done to her so far from start to now!

 

[Edub]

What a beast! Love what you've done to her so far from start to now!

thanks Mr Trix!

 

[Edub]

back in early June, I took the truck to my local (ish) offroad park with some buddies to play with the new lockers. upon packing up, I noticed that my JKS quick disconnect had cracked and the threads were no longer holding. On the way home I experienced a slight shimmy but decided to park that thought in the back of my mind for later. As soon as I got home, I ordered a Rock Jock Anti rock. I was on a tight time constraints because the family trip was quickly coming up and we were to be taking the truck to Hot Springs AR for (amongst other things) off roading at my favorite park.

Unfortunately, I wasn't aware that if you are coming from the JKS disconnects, you need a special replacement link to compensate for the modifications needed to make the JKS work. so, it wasn't going to be ready in time. so, I then ordered a cheap JKS knock off on Amazon just to hold me over for my trip.

Side note: if you've never been, Hot Springs Offroad Park is (in my opinion) one of the best parks in the south. The trails are all one way and well rated. the tree cover provides great shade to keep things cool and there are some great views.

This is all going somewhere, I promise.

remember the shimmy? well as we were driving back to Houston, we felt it again, but this time quickly evolved to a full-on death wobble. I smiled at the possibilities as I remembered that I was still on the factory drag link and Sway bar. rest of the trip was uneventful and much slower. but as soon as we got back I started ordering.

Terraflex Ball Joints
Terraflex Tie Rod
Terraflex Draglink

I was leaving nothing up to chance and if my money would have permitted it, I would have thrown in some new knuckles for the cherry on top.

nevertheless, yesterday morning I got to work in the summer heat.

Naturally it took way longer than I would have liked however I managed to get everything done except the ball joints. (those will have to wait until the weather gets cooler). fortunately, it seems link mine are still good since after the alignment, I have not been able to replicate a shimmy.

so, all this to say, I worked on the Jeep over the weekend and wanted to tell someone as my wife is numb to it by now and just doesn't appreciate the effort that goes into DIY.

Sponsored