Nate's 2002 TJ, Not so simple anymore by gst95dsm

6 minute(s) of a 391 minute read

Got my other new toy today.... gotta say it's a pretty sexy contraption. I can't say installing the bushings in the frame is much fun though. Mine were a rather tight fit.   I swung by my buddies on the test drive and forked it out, I wasn't worried about the flex, it's got plenty, but I was worried that the bolt for the sway bar link was going to be all over my MC inner fender. I was wrong though, it just barely clears. That's cool. Street driving impressions were good, little more body roll to be expected but not a big deal. It's going to feel weird not having to disconnect and reconnect, I'm so used to doing it.

10-4-2013

Now that the ugly stock sway bar is gone I'm looking at a new better looking and lower profile bumper. I'm really liking the Barnes bumper... Anyone have an opinion on it? The price is crazy cheap. I'm ordering the flat skid for sure, and just might order both

Took some measurements.

18 3/4" frame to ground (measured just behind the T case skid)

16 1/2" T case skid height to ground. (soon to change, ordered a Barnes flat skid today)

16 3/4" Gas tank skid to ground

100" wheelbase

72" top of windshield frame (not including header for bikini top)

5" up travel in the rear (4 and change down travel)

4 1/2" up travel in the front (5 and change down travel)

24.5" long rear driveshaft

Ummmm.... that's it I think. Anything pertinent I missed?

My buddy got his 2011 JK back from Jeep Speed Shop today..... 5.7 Hemi Swap! Pretty sweet. Went for a ride and it's definitely a whole different ball game. The swap was very cleanly done also.  

10-5-2013

Gotta throw out this tool recommendation. I've been needing a new work lightfor a while now, I have a few but they are pretty weak and don't have stands so I'm always trying to find a place to hang them and shine the light in the right direction, annoying. I found myself using my iPhone the other day propped up on something under the jeep like a dumb dumb so I finally sprung for a new light. I noticed at Costco they had a SnapOn work light with a sturdy base for $40. I finally picked one up and holy crap it's pretty impressive. 1600 Lumens is A LOT of light I found out. Anyways if you're looking for a nice LED work light I'd go snatch one up before they are gone. I know I'm going to love having it now.  

10-6-2013

Well my shake down run is complete! Everything went well. I will have to get used to it again as it just feels different. The stretch made a lot of obstacles I've been climbing for years just seem much less steep, which I guess is what you'd expect. The anti rock was nice, mostly because I didn't have to fiddle with the discos. It did seem to control the front axle and keep it from feeling "floppy" under the rig. It seemed quieter up front with less sounds coming from the coils as they quickly go from extended to compressed on the rocks. Over all it felt good. It was very nice not slamming down on the tank! I barely scratched the skid at all. Well.... overall I'm happy. Everything worked well, no issues, no leaks, no weird sounds.

I decided to try a climb called $10 rock that gives the area it's name (I have no idea why). I've pulled up to it but never actually tried it and no one in my group has done it un-assisted either. Well.... I did it! Haha. I pulled up to it not really thinking it was doable, It's about a 10' waterfall, steep and fairly intimidating, something that with stock wheelbase makes you instantly feel like you're going to go over. I pulled up a couple times and it didn't feel to bad. It was just me and son so I didn't want to do anything unsafe, but after a couple feelers I went for it and climbed right up. Felt pretty good to do something I haven't done before after all that work!

Here's some photos and maybe a video or two.  

My wheel well cut out came out pretty perfect.

$10 Rock

Tate shot in vertical.... dammit, haha. Of course video does no justice once again.

A little bit more media from today.... Just got the jeep all dusted off and inspected for anything loose or leaking. All is well. Looking forward to the next couple weeks getting the new front bumper dialed in and the flat skid figured out. Should be some pretty worthwhile mods. Then after that it's Duroflex time.  

http://s13.photobucket.com/user/gst9...2ebef.mp4.html

http://s13.photobucket.com/user/gst9...682ca.mp4.html