Bender's 1:1 JK Build - Project Getaway A few shots of my newest toy, a 2012 JKU Sahara. I bought it a few months ago, and have plans for some minor mods. It is going to be our family getaway vehicle for camping and wheeling trips in the future. Plans are to do a small lift by either using Rubicon springs and shocks, or picking up a Teraflex kit. I also want to make the jump to 35" BFG AT's from the stock 32's. I will most likely be selling the stock wheels and tires in favor of old school 15" wheels and tires for cost alone. Buying 35's for my stock 18" wheels will get pretty pricey if I don't make the switch. With the bigger tires comes the need for better rear bumper with a swing out tire carrier, not sure which direction I will go with this yet. I may cut the stock front bumper into a stubby, or look into the Poison Spyder Brawler lite front bumper. Seat covers are another must have on my "to do" list, kids and dogs are already working my interior over. I have done a lot of research on the seat covers that are available and the Trek Armor covers seem to have awesome reviews. Rocker guards are another must have for me, even though this isn't going to be a full on crawler. I am probably going to see if I can find a set of stock Rubicon sliders for cheap on Craigslist. And I am sure the want list will continue to grow. :ror: First mods I wanted to do were simple, remove the silver bumper covers and front wind dam. I also stripped the factory stickers off for a little cleaner look. I love this new Crystal Red color, and the stickers took away from the overall look in my opinion. "thumbsup" The day after I bought it. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-...547_211709.jpg Removing the front air dam and bumper cover. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/jk-001.jpg http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/jk-004.jpg Installed the front license plate by drilling the stock bumper. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/jk-006.jpg The factory sticker before removal. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/jk-009.jpg I used a hair dryer to soften the stickers up, but not sure it was really needed. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/jk-013.jpg Then you can peel the stickers away. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/jk-015.jpg The Sahara sticker left quite a bit of residue on the front fenders. In order to clean that up without using harsh chemicals, I used electrical tape. Repeatedly stick the tape over the sticky area and pull it away until the residue is gone. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/jk-017.jpg http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/jk-018.jpg http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/jk-019.jpg Last thing I did was use some Acetone and a paper towel to remove any leftover residue. I washed both sides thoroughly with soap and water after using the Acetone too. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/jk-022.jpg Finished product. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../10/photo1.jpg Plans for this weekend are to black out the Jeep logo on the grill, and the Trail Rated badge on the driver's side front fender with black Plasti-dip. If I do decide to keep the stock wheels they will recieve the black Plasti-dip treatment as well. 8) |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Will 15's fit over the brakes on a jk? |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Quote:
|
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Pretty sure that the first Sahara with a soft top I've ever seen. Did you get the hard top too? |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build You might be able to run 35" tires without a lift. |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Just go here....and get it over with...."thumbsup" American Expedition Vehicles - Brute Kit, V8 HEMI, Aftermarket Jeep Conversions, Suspension Systems, Products, Wheels, Accessories and Highline Kits for Jeeps (TJ, JK, WK, XK) |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Quote:
looking forward to see where you go with this."thumbsup" |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
|
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Looking good Brad! First thing I did to my JK was remove those side decals and front air dam also!"thumbsup" Watch your hood at high speeds cause it may start to flutter with that air dam off. Mine did that anything over 65mph and all I did was remove the hood spring and it stopped. Let's have a wheel painting party! :mrgreen: |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Quote:
So far no issues with hood flutter, even at 80mph. :mrgreen: I will let you know if i decide to Plasti-dip the stock wheels for sure. "thumbsup" |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Look a lot better with the Vacation Land license plate on it...yes the lobster plate..lol |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Quote:
|
Nice jk, looks pretty similar to my x I just picked up http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/30/u8yqehyr.jpg |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Quote:
|
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Tip for removing stickers, do as shown, but instead of using the tape to pull off the remaining adhesive, WD-40 works amazing. Then just clean with alcohol and give it a good wash and wax and walla. Nice looking Jeep, buddy just picked up a JK 2Dr in the same color. |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Quote:
|
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Got a little more work done on the Jeep this past weekend. We installed a 3/4 leveling spacer out front to level out the overall stance, on top of adding slightly taller front factory coils. This lifted the front about 1" overall. I also went ahead and blacked out the "Trail Rated" badge on the driver front fender and the "Jeep" logo on the front grill with Plasti-dip. 8) A few shots of the spacers and new coil springs. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-035.jpg The 3/4" leveling spacers http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-036.jpg First thing we did was jack the front up with a Hi-lift, and braced the chassis with jack stands on the frame cross member. Remove the tire, and unbolt the sway bar link, lower shock mount and brake line bracket from the frame. This will let the axle drop out enough to remove the coil spring. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-037.jpg After everything is loose, push down on the axle to remove the spring. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-038.jpg There are quite a few different factory springs for the Wranglers, front and rear, and they all vary slightly as far as length goes. The higher the last two digits are in the serial number on the spring, the taller the spring will be. My stock springs were 16's out front. I am replacing the 16's with 17's, which are about a 3/16" - 1/4" taller, for a little extra lift when installed with the 3/4" spacer. Stock coil removed. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-039.jpg The serial number on the stock spring, the last two numbers are what you want to look for to determine what you have on your JK, 16AC. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-...11/jk-039a.jpg A shot comparing the two front coils. The stock coil spring on the left, new coil on the right. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-040.jpg Install the leveling spacer over the bump stop first, than the spring isolator and the spring. Make sure the spring is properly seated in the lower spring perch too. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-042.jpg Re-install the lower shock mount, sway bar and brake line bracket, and just snug them up for now. Then, re-install the front wheel and tire, gently tighten the lugs nuts up for now as well. Once both sides are done and sitting back on the ground we can go around and torque everything back down again, including the wheels. All finished, and one inch taller out front. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-046.jpg Now on to the badges, all taped off and ready to spray. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-048.jpg http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-053.jpg Plasti-dip used to black out the badges. It is a spray on rubber coating used for numerous applications, such as for handles on pliers. It can be sprayed on just about any surface, and peels right off if you don't like it. I have even pressure washed the Jeep since blacking out the badges without any peeling issues. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-051.jpg You want your first coat to be thin to ensure it adheres properly to the surface you are painting. Then do 3-4 more coats after that to get complete coverage. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-057.jpg The finished product after about 4 coats of Plast-dip. http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-074.jpg http://wordpress.axialracing.com/wp-.../11/jk-082.jpg Eventually I want to black everything out that is silver or chrome, including the key locks on the front doors, and rear gate. |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Are those Rubicon springs up front? I've got my 4 Rubi spings and Rubi shocks if your interested. Also have 5 Rubicon BFG tires with 9000 miles on 4 and a brand new spare. |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build You have seriously ugly man legs. I expected more from you. Jk is looking better. |
Re: Bender's 1:1 JK Build Quote:
Quote:
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:25 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.
Copyright 2004-2014 RCCrawler.com