RodReckets AEV JT370 Build Journal

[RodRecket]

Switched to a beadlock rim and new center caps. It's not drastic but I like the new look and functionality. The torque sequence was damn time consuming but worth it.

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[RodRecket]

Have a few new mods coming down the line but have been busy doing some wheeling!

 

[RodRecket]

Latest round of tinkering includes the instal of metal cloak control arms. Pretty straight forward but of course nothing goes 100% smooth. My geo brackets caused an issue with the MC LCA joint coming into contact with the factory bracket. That required removing the geo bracket, grinding an 1/8", and putting it all back together.

I did this over two days (fronts day 1, rears the next) on my back on the garage floor with basic hand tools, about 9 hours total. Hitting the torque spec is painful but possible with 1 person. I'd recommend being smarter and asking a buddy for a hand.

Initial few miles feels more planted but not very noticeable in a good way. Will get an alignment after I finish installing the new drag link and tie rod.

 

[RodRecket]

Added D&C design lights. Have been looking at these for a couple of years now and finally pulled the trigger. I used an American Adventure Labs turn signal wiring harness so I could integrate the turn signals without splicing into the factory harness. I then wired them up to my factory aux 3 and viola. Very happy with the end result.

 

[RodRecket]

Latest wrenching involved upgraded steering. Felt a bit of looseness and heard some creaking from the front (suspect tie rod ends). Have 36k miles on this JT and it was about 30K miles when my last JT started loosening up. Not dramatically so, but I could notice. Went with Rockjock Currylink draglink and tie rod. Dialed the toe with metalcloaks steering toe alignment tool and had my wife keep an eye on the steering wheel when adjusting the draglink. I'm very impressed with the driving characteristics and straight line tracking. Will take it to the alignment shop on Thurs to check my specs. Next wheeling trip in the Black Hills is coming up in a couple weeks to put it to the test.

 

[smlobx]

Very nice build. Are you still running the stock 4:10 gear ratio?

 

[RodRecket]

Very nice build. Are you still running the stock 4:10 gear ratio?

Thank you. AEV regears the JT370s to 4.56 and it's an ok combo. On the street as a DD it drives great, same with offroad, does great. Where it struggles a bit is on the freeway especially when I'm towing my teardrop. I basically just hold it in 7th to avoid the transmission from searching too much.

I plan on moving up to 38s or a 39 KO2 which may force my hand to regear.

 

[RodRecket]

After a great weekend Jeepin' in the Black Hills I had to make some repairs. This included a new cat/manifold gasket and realigning the exhaust, replacing the rear driveshaft boot, and replacing a few broken fender clips.

 

[RodRecket]

Once I got it cleaned up and repairs taken care of I made a couple of upgrades!

Decided I needed more clearance: Falken Wildpeak RT/01 38/13.5 r17. Looked like a good combo of offroad/onroad capability, will update with a review down the line, not a ton of info on them so far.

Removed the old tires and mounted the new ones by hand in my garage. What a pain (24 beadlock bolts per wheel), but worth knowing it was done correctly.

Also, finally bit the bullet on a swap I've wanted to do since getting my JT, the LE dash swap. Looks so much better IMO!

Better pics to come

 

[RodRecket]

Part of the 38" tire upgrade will include some supporting mods. First up, brakes. I went with some additional stopping power by adding the Powerstop Z36 rotor/pad combo for the front axle. My rear pads/rotors are nearly brand new since having the axle seal and brakes replaced in 2022. I also noticed that my rear brake lines were under tension at full droop so I added extended length Grimm Offroad stainless steel brakelines. Bled the bakes and happy with the pedal feel and stopping power.

 

[Pots&Pans]

Awesome build with some really good info. Going to be watching this one..

 

[Brandon Glads]

Amazing build !

192.168.100.1 192.168.1.1​

 

[SKT]

.

Nice Gladiator! Really liked the style of your last build too!

Hat is tipped for sterilizing the Jeep & AEV stickers.

What cleaning and preventive measures do you take to avoid rust from the salt/brine exposure?

Cheers!

.

 

[RodRecket]

.

Nice Gladiator! Really liked the style of your last build too!

Hat is tipped for sterilizing the Jeep & AEV stickers.

What cleaning and preventive measures do you take to avoid rust from the salt/brine exposure?

Cheers!

.

Thanks! I just take a hose to the underside, back of the wheels, wheel arches (pretty full coverage rinse) once a week and then give it a wash.

End of next week will see some pretty nice upgrades I've been stocking up since black Friday and waiting for the time (and warm garage) to install

 

[RodRecket]

Well it's not much to look at but there was quite a bit of work involved and, I think, peice of mind with the latest instal.

-RCV front axle shafts (retains FAD)
-Dynatrac ball joints
-Dana Spicer chromoly rear axle shafts
-Apex power steering boost kit

Everything with the exception of smooth turning in 4wheel drive (a good change) feels pretty much the same as stock. Which is what I was hoping for while adding strength and reliability to go along with the added weight of 38s.

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