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RodReckets Sport S Build Thread

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Absolutely loving your build, also got a Sport S. How’d you go about getting the aux switch bank? You just go through the dealer for the parts/install or did you just order from MOPAR and install yourself?
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RodRecket

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Absolutely loving your build, also got a Sport S. How’d you go about getting the aux switch bank? You just go through the dealer for the parts/install or did you just order from MOPAR and install yourself?
Thanks man, it's been/still is a fun project.
I bought the auxiliary switch from mopar, installed it myself, and then had the dealer flash the computer.
I'm happy with it but so you know the install is a pain in the ass
 

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RodRecket

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Yup the link you sent was the one I got for the Dana 44 and Returned! OMG! There was no way that that U-bolt was going to fit and I did not want to force it. Has there been a design change to the casting for 2021??
Ok so you have the right skid but the u bolt is too short. This has come up in a couple of threads. Message the Rancho rep on this forum. He will get you set up with a new u bolt that fits.
 

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Ok so you have the right skid but the u bolt is too short. This has come up in a couple of threads. Message the Rancho rep on this forum. He will get you set up with a new u bolt that fits.
Thank you! I would like confirmation on the casting tho? Yours is a 2020 JT mine is 2021. I read somewhere Jeep changed a bit to the axle? I wanna make sure this will fit right? rancho was no help. I PM'd matt I hope he responds.
 

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After staring at my front light bar for months I decided to take it off. After upgrading to the Oculus LED headlights/fogs it really doesn't add much light up front and it's always looked kind of just stuck on to me. I didn't like the look of the naked mounting tab so I cut that off as well. Looks much cleaner to me now.

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Jeep Gladiator RodReckets Sport S Build Thread 20211215_143145


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Jeep Gladiator RodReckets Sport S Build Thread 20211215_143145


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Jeep Gladiator RodReckets Sport S Build Thread 20211215_143145


Jeep Gladiator RodReckets Sport S Build Thread 20211215_143145
How attached is that tab and what did you use to cut it off?

I have the same bumper on order and won’t be mounting any lights. What paint did you use to touch It up and how well did it match?
 
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How attached is that tab and what did you use to cut it off?

I have the same bumper on order and won’t be mounting any lights. What paint did you use to touch It up and how well did it match?
The tab is welded on. I used an electric cut off wheel/grinder to cut of the tab and then smooth out the the bull bar. Then I hit it with some rustoleum self etching primer and rustoleum flat/matte black. The paint matches pretty well and it's on the back side of the bull bar so it isn't noticeable.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...amel-Flat-Black-Spray-Paint-7776830/100670370
 
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Changed up my bed/tonneau/rack

Went with a Bak X4S cover. It's a hard rolling cover that secures the bed when locked and has t-slot on the bed rails for mounting a rack. I will be using front runner legs and crossbars to mount the RTT now. When I'm not using the RTT I can strip the rack off and have a completely open bed (for mulch and truck stuff)

Jeep Gladiator RodReckets Sport S Build Thread 20220113_074555


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A very exciting addition to the JT Sport was the installation of an Eaton e-locker. A lot of consideration went into this choice vs air locker, ox locker, and truetrac. I didn't want to worry about an air pump or condensation freezing in arb air lines, didn't want to run the ox cable, and didn't want to have any daily driving interference (and not a truly locked diff) from a truetrac. The e-locker is wired up to my auxiliary panel so I can engage it in 2high, 4high, or 4low. Wiring is simple and tucked out of the way.

20220227_205726.jpg
 
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Here's the updated tonneau/rack/tent combo. Held up very well on a trip to Moab for EJS and back from MN.

20220419_092430.jpg
 
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I pulled the spare to get some hitch measurements and the exhaust hanging down kept catching my eye. Decided to zip off the back resonator and trim the spare heat shield. A lot of room now! Does have a slight drone from 1900 to 2200 rpm otherwise no noticeable change.

20220420_105037.jpg
 
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RodRecket

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I finally ditched the rear seats and built a platform

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I love your build, keep the updates coming!
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