RodReckets AEV JT370 Build Journal

[Flyin6]

Any concerns about the ball joints when you get to the Cs? I'm pretty good at turning a bolt, but I'm not much of a welder. The shop that I'd farm that task out to was concerned with heating the BJs and ruining them.

I was talking to a guy who does this. He agreed that I will be fine by taking a good bit of time to burn the truss in. And I'll be able to compare the gaps if any as the welding process continues. As long as everything remains the same, I'm fine. Wrapping a wet terrycloth around the "C extensions should control heat at the ends. I do not plan to weld to the "C"s (I think).

I used to own a shop where we did stuff like this routinely. I have all my own mig equipment and am fairly experienced with it.

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[johnchabin]

LOL Extensive oil change indeed!

I spent months looking at different long arms and comparing to my now "old" set up. Ultimately, the geo brackets were becoming a hang up point. I couldn't find a downside to going this route other than 1. its permanent and 2. its expensive. Now that I'm locked in I'm very happy with the outcome. The old set up was very capable but I keep finding myself drawn to bigger obstacles.

My wife and I started with a ground tent, went to a roof top tent, and now use a small teardrop camper. Being able to drop the camper and make a base camp has really freed us up to go explore and wheel without all the extra gear and tear down/set up. It's a constant expensive evolution, but its fun!

I’ve been contemplating the same lift… RK describes it as a “Complete bolt in system.” I’m still new to this… which part is permanent?

Thanks!

 

[RodRecket]

I’ve been contemplating the same lift… RK describes it as a “Complete bolt in system.” I’m still new to this… which part is permanent?

Thanks!

The "Silverback" kit I went with combines a long arm system in the front and a triangulated 4 link in the rear. You don't need to cut or weld anything for the rear to work but if you are running a 37" tire or larger its recommended (I welded the rear bracket). The front long arm portion of the lift requires cutting the stock control arm brackets off and welding in new brackets farther back on the frame. It's an extensive install and there's no going back to stock now.

That said, Rock Krawler does make bolt-on complete kits. I had a very positive experience talking to one of their customer service techs. We went over every question I could think of. I'm sure if you compile a list of what you want/dont want, they can help you out. Big thing for me was maintenance free joints on the control arms (as an example).

 

[johnchabin]

The "Silverback" kit I went with combines a long arm system in the front and a triangulated 4 link in the rear. You don't need to cut or weld anything for the rear to work but if you are running a 37" tire or larger its recommended (I welded the rear bracket). The front long arm portion of the lift requires cutting the stock control arm brackets off and welding in new brackets farther back on the frame. It's an extensive install and there's no going back to stock now.

That said, Rock Krawler does make bolt-on complete kits. I had a very positive experience talking to one of their customer service techs. We went over every question I could think of. I'm sure if you compile a list of what you want/dont want, they can help you out. Big thing for me was maintenance free joints on the control arms (as an example).

That’s helpful, thank you

I can’t imagine removing a lift after installation and returning to stock, but certainly something to consider. I guess their mid-arm version doesn’t require moving the control arm brackets… and it’s less money.

 

[RodRecket]

I havent posted updates lately but I have definitely made some changes!

PSC adventure kit. Replaces the entire power steering system: steering box, lines, reservoir, pump, and belt. I held off on the ram assist to see how it does, but will likely add it after a couple trails where I found I still bind up.

I also swapped my drag link/tie rod for a beefy 2" aluminum apex set up. Since I'm not worried about backspacing anymore I wanted the strongest set up i could get.

Installed some shock relocation mounts after finding they hit on MCs flex trailer.

Lastly, I trussed the front axle with an Iron Rock Offroad kit. This is in prep for the next mod, something I said I wouldnt do.... more to come

 

[Flyin6]

Initial impression: Beefy!
Seriously good word and parts choices
and
It's lookin' a bit crowded in that work area ;-)

 

[RodRecket]

Initial impression: Beefy!
Seriously good word and parts choices
and
It's lookin' a bit crowded in that work area ;-)

I love the formand function of the AEV bumper...but what a pain in the ass to remove it just to get the grill off!

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