What did you do to your Ultimate Jeep today - 2013

[Matt]

Looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with this year!! :cool:

[The_War_Wagon]

Too many bowl games on - I gave 'er the day off. ;)

[Matt]

Looks like my front end noise is coming from the steering rack. So i'm going to try tightening the rack adjustment which has helped other members, and if that doesnt work then possibly a driver side inner tie rod.

[07JeepXK]

Hopefully you don't have the same problem I had. I thought the noise was coming from the drivers side inner tie rod but once I replaced it, it still made the noise. Turned out to be the rack itself where the inner tie rod screws in.

Yesterday I spent about 45 min messing with the secure console I installed the day before. I'll start a thread today showing what I did so other members with the secure console can do the same if they want

[Matt]

Adam did you ever try adjusting the rack yoke to take up slack to see if that helped the noise? Im going to give that a try Saturday when I put my new bushings on

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Havent done anything yet, listed is started though.. Got my new TPMS modules those will be going in soon, transmission lines replaced, sliders-SA UCA's from JBA and front and rear spacers going in-March and of course headers-SOON!!!!

[BonesWK]

Adam did you ever try adjusting the rack yoke to take up slack to see if that helped the noise? Im going to give that a try Saturday when I put my new bushings on

Please post up some pictures of where you are tightening because I have the noise going on as well. Also what bushings you putting in?

[Matt]

Please post up some pictures of where you are tightening because I have the noise going on as well. Also what bushings you putting in?

Will do. It's an external torx, size E20 (so order a socket if you don't already have one). Its on the driver side of the rack pointing up/forward; you can see it if you look above the sway bar.... though I think 3.7L and 4.7L vehicles you need to remove the oil filter drain guard because that sits over it. I think that, primarily for us lifted guys, we wear our pinion gear down more due to the upward force from the angles associated with our lift kits. It seems like 1/8-1/4 turn of the pinion adjustment alleviates a lot of front end noises people complain about. I'll throw up a how-to thread after I do it and let you know if it solved my problem.

EDIT: Figured the rack yoke adjustment deserves its own thread in the proper forum so its searchable and easier to find:
http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?2235-Steering-Rack-Yoke-Adjustment-(Solve-popping-noise)&p=40807#post40807

I'm replacing my sway bar bushings. I put Moog in this past summer but my passenger side wore out already. I did find out that my trans lines were leaking again, but not enough to drip onto the garage.... but that bushing was soaked in trans fluid which probably helped break down the polymer.

[BonesWK]

Gotcha, I had the hardest time changing out those stupid bushings.

Thanks for the other thread man, looking forward to seeing how it goes for you - I may try to do the same.

[The_War_Wagon]

I did find out that my trans lines were leaking again, but not enough to drip onto the garage.... but that bushing was soaked in trans fluid which probably helped break down the polymer.

My mechanic just pointed that out to me on my XK. What's the story on these leaky lines, and is it going to be a recall issue, or...??? :confused:

[Matt]

Recall is doubtful. They're a PITA to replace (and on the 5.7L nearly impossible without removing the radiator and possibly the driver side manifold)

[Matt]

Well took my skid plates off yesterday and that didn't help my popping noise. Going to change my front diff fluid today to see how it looks and try to rule out diff chatter. After that, im wondering if one of my CVs are on their way out.

[DetroitMarauder]

Put together my Rage Roof Rack. Now I need to find larger U bolts to fit my sport utility bars.

[stites-xk]

Might trade the XK in for a wrangler!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

Changed my front diff fluid. The old fluid didn't look bad, but wasn't pretty either! Didn't change the popping sound so looks like that's not it either. I'm pretty much down to the CV's but really don't want to replace those "just because" since aftermarket ones scare me based on how many some members have broken, and I just can't afford $2k for RCV's (especially on a hunch that's the problem)


Might trade the XK in for a wrangler!

Say it aint so :(

[stites-xk]

It might be if they give my the right quote im looking for.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Core XK]

My ultimate jeep was pulled over today for a tinted license plate. PA State Troopers are very picky :)

Tint removed and good to go....

I forget that my XK sticks out like a sore thumb with what Matt and I have done to it.....

[Matt]

Did the trooper at least like your XK?? :p

And where are the pics of the roof rack?

[Core XK]

Did the trooper at least like your XK?? :p

And where are the pics of the roof rack?

lol EVERYONE likes the XK ;p

I still didn't put it on LOL it was snowing and really cold the day I was going to so I just didn't feel like it. I'll post a pic once its on though!

[Matt]

So you coming over today? We gotta get that rack on :p

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Wasnt today but Saturday I installed the new TPMS modules, finally! No more service tps in EVIC!!! Also noticed the transmission cooling line leaking more now, need to address that sooner than later...

[BonesWK]

The cold weather finally made my battery start show its age and I could barley get it turned over. It was about time, I had the Advance Auto battery for 4 years with no issues...

So I bought a new one from Autozone A Duralast. God dang, I had forgotten how much the batteries were for our rigs!!! that one hurt almost $200

[cabledog25]

just looked at pictures of it and noticed i have a little over a month till im renunited with it again haha

[Lt_JWS]

put an ignition switch in... so far so good on my dash going crazy problem! Oh and drove it to this mileage.....

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/690/20130127144729998.jpg/)

[TrialByFire]

Went to Lowes today and bought a 12mm bolt to reattach my front driver-side sway bar. The last couple of wheeling trips I thought it was handling pretty funny, looked underneath and saw the upper bolt had sheared off! Handles great again...yay!

I know I have been off the grid lately but haven't really been doing much outside of work. The warmer weather (here) is starting to make me itch for Moab again and I'm looking to replace my Bilstein struts (they are completely shot, resulting in lots of tire rubbing) with some coilovers (thinking King or ADS) before I head up north.

One other item of note is that I'm going to contact SuperLift about getting a new front crossmember. Mine's bent backward pretty bad from some (minor) impacts with boulders--minor enough that I think it should be beefed up for off-road use. We're going to reinforce the new one before we install it this time.

[The_War_Wagon]

Mine hit 75,000 miles last Thursday. :eek:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/SPEEDO_zps49bc7c5f-1.jpg


As for today, I swapped out my low-beams for some Sylvania Silverstar Ultras! :cool: Since i'm in the city, I figured the low beams were justifiable. I might swap out the fog lamps if I like these.

[valpacer]

Oops.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/DSC_0560_zpsb0e3260a-1.jpg

Placed 3rd in the first round of the Suspension Stuff Comp on the weekend, 1st and 2nd were trailed unregistered Rigs, so im pretty chuffed. Except for adding some more 'character' to the drivers side....Again!

[criket]

^Time for an exo cage Dave

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Frustrated with work took a few hours off to give my women some TLC.. washed and waxed her fine a$$..
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/egu2anuj-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/a5y7ujyz-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/va7aju8a-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/4e5y7a5e-1.jpg

Edit: Just realized its Valentines Day to!!!

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

Going to give my XK some TLC today. Got another noise in my front end so im going to try tracking that down. I don't like how my passenger side LCA looks so I have be changing that out in the near future too :mad:.

Probably give her a good wash today as well... it's been a while!

Just ordered some HOAT coolant, NV245 t-case fluid and some diff fluid/trac-loc additive. With the hell we put our diffs/t-cases through, gotta change that fluid often to keep those clutch packs happy :p

[Adondo]

I've been pretty much hibernating all winter. Now, the weather is getting better, and I'm starting to come back out of my den... like Punxsutawney Phil. :)

I'm in the middle of a camera and GPS upgrade. I got tired of my flaky cheap Chinese eBay GPS/rear-view camera locking up. The screen was never easy to see anyway. And, the camera is wireless, and sometimes the video is jagged or snowy, just what I need when backing up a half mile on an old railroad bed in the dark.

A while back, I got a CCD camera for my Chrysler 300. It's a nice camera, and when backing up in the pitch dark, I have "daylight" in the monitor. The backup lights alone make it look like I'm backing up in a football stadium. The same eBay order for the camera etc. was the logo projectors. They sent the wrong ones the first time, so they resent the entire order. So... I ended up with a 2nd CCD camera. Woohoo! The XK has not only LED backup lights, but a pair of 50 watt halogens on the roof rack, so it's be full daylight in the dark!

I'm putting the camera into a small enclosure since it's designed to replace a Chrysler 300's license light, so it mounts up under the trunk lid. (sorta) It's put in with silicone in the box's lid, and will be mounted on my roof rack with the lid and/or installed camera upside down to keep water out. (The box will be lid down, but the camera correct) It probably doesn't matter as the camera is weather sealed anyway, but why push my luck? A test run of the camera works good at 6 feet high. (on a portable monitor) The car's camera is only about 2 feet off the ground.

The new WIRED camera (no more flaky wireless crap) will be connected to a 7" mirror/monitor. (Replaces the Jeep's rear-view mirror) That has two inputs, so I'm going to put a second camera somewhere up front to get a close-up of rocks etc. when off-roading. I'm even considering the forward facing camera to be underneath somewhere to see the chassis. I also ran a power wire from the backup lights because the monitor switches to backup mode to prioritize the rear view cam. That way, when I switch to reverse, it goes from cam 1 to cam 2. (The rear facing cam) That input wire also turns on the monitor in case it's turned off. (The monitor is a mirror unless it's on and lit up)

The Chinese no-name GPS will be replaced by an easy-to-see-in-daylight Garmin, which I already have.

ALSO...

I just ordered a 40 inch LED light bar. After a Jeep rally last year and seeing one putting out a massive beam much like the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" I just HAD to have one. It should be here on the 20th via FedEx. That will replace the two halogens on the roof rack. The light bar is a 30 degree spot, with five figures of lumen output. :cool: My front bumper HID's are 3,500 lumens each for about 7,000 total, and the new bar will be double THAT. :)

[Adondo]

Got the camera project done, and I LOVE IT!!

The front camera works GREAT for break-over hills. I played around this weekend at Hover, which is what I'd call "Colorado Jr." because it's STEEP with loose clechy soil. In the past, wheeling there is a PITA because climbing a hill that's 30 degrees means all you see is sky past the hood, and you either need blind faith to hope there's ground on the other side, or get out and scout it first.

Now, I have forward vision with a somewhat down angled camera, so I can see what's there.

The camera:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/20130216_143250-1.jpg

Heading up a much steeper than it looks hill:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/20130217_150353-1.jpg

Normally, all I can see is sky thru the windshield. Or, lean out the side window, but you still can't see what's over the top.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/20130217_150349-1.jpg

[Adondo]

The 7 inch monitor mounts on top of the mirror, and becomes a new, dark tinted mirror. I've noticed that even if it's on, I can refocus my eyes and either see that forward camera view, or what's behind. Going into reverse switches to the rear camera, which has a feel somewhat of looking down from a 2 story building. (Fish eye lens, mounted on the roof rack)

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/20130216_143349-1.jpg

The rear cam.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/20130216_143312-1.jpg

Oops. I gotta get that copyright text changed... its 2013 now. :)

[Lt_JWS]

I like that dual camera setup.... what brand is that monitor and does it just "clip" on the factory visor.

[Adondo]

I bought the monitor from here: http://stores.ebay.com/SainSpeed?_trksid=p2047675.l2563 (The eBay seller's store) He's selling the monitors alone as well as packages with cameras. I bought the camera along with the logo projectors because the camera was specific to the Chrysler 300, and that was a different seller.

The monitor has rubber grippers and a sliding bracket thing much like the convex mirrors that fit over the rearview mirror. It's pretty secure too, and takes only seconds to install.

Installed the light bar last night. It's OHMYGOD bright!! Photos later...

Okay, here's a crappy cell phone one. I can tell you this: it's high noon in front when the thing's on!!
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/20130219_181946-1.jpg

[pjmjr508]

that's looking great, need to come out & play again

[Adondo]

Yes, pjmjr508, it's time to go play. The weather is getting more into JEEPING!!

Some photos.

The whole look. But... I'm now considering a 30" bar to replace the bumper's HID's. They almost look like Mickey Mouse ears now. :p The 30" would be perfect, as it would be about the width of the grill, and my HID bracket setup would retrofit easy.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/IMG_4226-1.jpg

Little closer.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/IMG_4223-1.jpg

3/4 view.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/IMG_4227-1.jpg

And... how it's mounted.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/IMG_4224-1.jpg

[Adondo]

Once again, I did consider a double row, 240 watt bar. If it was a new installation, you betcha. We're talking a good 19 amps running, so #8 AWG would be needed. I had #10 already up there for the halogen driving lights. (Which are truly worthless compared to the LED bar) The single row, 120 watt bar runs about 8.8 amps at 13.5 volts. I didn't want over current and/or voltage sag problems, and I'm too lazy to rewire the roof rack. :p

I went on a fuel run last night, and used the card lock by the airport. I had it on when I turned a corner, and it lit up an ENTIRE four story industrial building. We're talking a 40 foot tall, maybe 80 foot wide building, and it's COMPLETELY lit up, side to side, top to bottom, and from about maybe 800 feet away. I stopped, turned the bar off, then used high beams only. The building became a big object in the dark, with the upper part fading into black. With the bar, it's BRIGHTLY LIT and ALL OF IT.

What's funny, is the thing almost makes the rest of the lights on the Jeep invalid. They don't even seem to add much to the mix anymore. That's why I'm thinking about getting a 30" bar to replace the bumper HID's.

A) LED's are on RIGHT NOW, there's no brightening up over half a minute like HID's. My HID's are tied into the high beams, so there's a delay as they get started.
B) The LED's beam pattern leaves nothing in the dark.
C) I think it's cool looking, and 21st century. My round HID's suddenly look so 1970's. The only thing missing is the yellow KC smiley face covers. :cool:

[Matt]

Wow man that's looking great!!! You think you even need another light bar on the bumper with that one up top? I'd say put a 20" on each side of the roof rack and take the round lights off the front and rack.

[Adondo]

Wow man that's looking great!!! You think you even need another light bar on the bumper with that one up top? I'd say put a 20" on each side of the roof rack and take the round lights off the front and rack.

That's next. :) Maybe 10" long alley light bars.

Probably not on the bumper. But... those HID's are wired with an "arming" switch, and they follow the high beams. The uppers are on another switch in a different place, so I can't just flick the high/low lever and go dim. While playing around in town, I have to drive with a finger resting on that roof rack light switch so I don't make someone wreck their car.

Besides, I can visualize a matching bar on the bumper instead of those round HID's. The bar will sit low too, and more grill will be exposed.

On edit:

A 30" bar is on the way!!

[cabledog25]

what brand is that light bar? im interested in one.

[Adondo]

Totron.

http://www.totron.com

Frankly, I see no reason to spend $1,500 on a bar when you can do $300.

[07JeepXK]

Rotated the tires and extended the rear JKS sway bar links another inch. So now they are two inches longer than stock links and the sway bar/end links are at just about a 90 degree angle. Corners much better now with a lot less body roll

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Which way do you rotate these beasts?

[Matt]

Just rotated my tires and changed the front diff oil. Cleaned up my brakes, added silicone to the back of the pads... going for a drive in a bit to see if any of that took care of some noises im getting.

I rotate Rear straight forward. Cross fronts to the rear. The L/F goes into the spare, the spare goes to the R/R.

[07JeepXK]

I used to rotate the rears straight forward and cross the fronts to the rear. But now I just do rear to front, front to rear and don't cross them. They get really loud when you start changing the direction that the tire has been used to spinning

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Thats what I was afraid of, read that on another forum but they were talking about 35's..

[07JeepXK]

Plus our MT/R's are picky

[The_War_Wagon]

Had it towed across town to the dealership, for a dead starter. The ironic thing is, it died in the parking lot at Monro Muffler, as I had gone down there - where my Ramcharger is being resurrected - to drop off for them, a new...


... starter. :rolleyes:


Found out it wasn't covered by the warranty, which NEVER seems to cover much of anything. ALSO discovered I have loose U-joints up front (which I didn't know - Geez... I wonder if the POWERTRAIN warranty will cover THAT? :rolleyes:), and leaky tranny lines (which I DID know). If the warranty won't cover the U-joints, I'm getting that AND the leaky tranny lines fixed at Monro! :mad:

[Adondo]

Yeah, tell me about the warranty crap.

When my wheel sensor died, I took it to the local-yokal stealership. While it was there, they told me the ball joints were bad and need replaced. Of course, the warranty is denied because I have a lift kit and big tires installed.

Gee, a Jeep with a lift kit and bigger tires? REALLY?!? HOW UNUSUAL for anyone with a Jeep to do what's generally the FIRST upgrade a new Jeep gets. Give me a break.

I'm thinking of cancelling that extended warranty, because something like the sunroof will fail, and it will be denied because it has a lift kit and bigger tires.

Oh, and the ball joints that the dealer wanted $1,300 to replace? I took it to a buddy who owns a frame and alignment shop. His guys said "they're a bit worn, but bring it back in about 10,000 miles, and we'll put a set of greasable joints on it." (And for about $650 too) I'd have had them fix my wheel sensor, but they don't have any way to hook to diagnostics on the Jeep.

[Adondo]

Took some photos last night. I don't know what I did to blur the outside view ones, the Canon was on a tripod. :mad:

Anyway, here's low beams.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/IMG_4242-1.jpg

High beams, which in my case include the bumper HID's and HID converted foglights.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/IMG_4241-1.jpg

The whole enchilada:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/IMG_4240-1.jpg

[Adondo]

From the inside. I used manual mode, so the shutter and aperture were the same for all the 2.5 second shots. I braced the camera against the ceiling.

Low beams:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/IMG_4252-1.jpg

High beams:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/IMG_4253-1.jpg

ALL of 'em:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/IMG_4254-1.jpg

[1USMC]

Very nice light set Up !!

I also like the way you did your cameras.

[Adondo]

Thanks.

The lights are very hard to capture, and the photos really don't do it justice. I may be nuts, but I have a 30" bar on the way, should be here next Wednesday FedEx. That will sit right at the bottom of the grill, and I'm thinking those HID's are going to replace my "alley" lights.

I was doing the math last night. The single row bar's LED's are 450 lumens each. That's a reasonable figure because my everyday carry Fenix PD32UE's forth level is 400 lumens, with 740 full power. And, that's a flashlight that's an inch shorter than a Mini-Maglight.

So... the 40 inch bar with it's 24 five watt Cree LED's is 120 watts and 10,800 lumens. The 30" bar with 18 LED's is 8,100 lumens. When I get it installed, that's 18,900 lumens blasting away, and that doesn't include the headlights or anything else. (Evil laugh: moo hoo ha ha ha)

I'm thinking the single row bars are the better deal actually, because the double row bars, Ridged included, use 3 watt LED's instead. A 40 inch bar has 80 three watt LED's for 240 watts. Those work out to 180 lumens each, so that ends up being 14,400 lumens, which isn't all that much more than a single row's 10,800, and those are lots more money.

I've found that the rear camera's guide lines really help in backing up. If it's a dirt road, I just line up the lines with the tire tracks, and away I go. It's like cheating.

[pjmjr508]

Nicely Done

[Matt]

Changed my oil
Cut the slots in my front bumper for my shackles.
Played around with resi mounting options.
Think I found root cause of front end noise.
....heading out to make some spacers when my buddies daughter is done napping

[07JeepXK]

What did the front end noise turn out to be ??

[LWM]

Picked up lumber for skid plate crates and took them to UPS!

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Installed new rear fox shots, check thread for report, changed rear diff fluid, cleaned up rear 4xGuard and rotated tires. Gave her a quick wash to..
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/yvysa6u2-1.jpg

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

What did the front end noise turn out to be ??

Pretty sure its a bad LCA bushing. Need to send Mevotech an email to get a replacement.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/20130221115241_zps3a0ef8f2-1.jpg

[07JeepXK]

Yeah that would do it

[Matt]

Amazon refunded me for the Mevotech control arm. I couldn't bring myself to ordering the same as a replacement and went with Crown Automotive (they're supposedly the OEM supplier). I don't want to change this arm again :p

[07JeepXK]

That's why I didn't buy the cheaper LCA from rockauto but not happy with the lower ball joints that came with the more expensive LCA's

[Matt]

Mevotech has a decent reputation so I didn't think it would be an issue.

Swapped the arm out earlier today and that front bushing was shot. I could move it by hand! The Crown arm looked pretty good. If I have a problem with my driver side mevotech arm I may order another Crown.

Also changed my t-case fluid today. Looked pretty good for the amount of wheeling i've done!

I think brakes are next on my list.

[07JeepXK]

Glad you got that fixed. I need to do my rear brakes soon. Not much pad left on them

[TrialByFire]

Replaced my SuperLift front crossmember yesterday. It was a six our job (with two of us) because you have to remove the CVs to remove the drop bracket bolts! Found out my drivers-side CV was so stiff I had to pry it to get it to move enough to remove it (could explain the poor gas milage and all the clicking when I turned). SuperLift has beefed up the X-member so hopefully it won't bend as easily now. The new one went in fairly easily and now the tire rubbing is gone since they sit about an inch forward from where they were with the bent X-member. Today, we get the skid plates back on, then off for an alignment. I'm going back up to Moab for four days on Wednesday to see what else I can break!

[lekmedm]

Yesterday I replaced all 16 spark plugs in my hemi. Oh, what a job!

[FLYCAV]

Installed my new Monroe Load Leveler shocks (F150 version). No real issues except that I had the wrong size washers to use as spacers on the top and had to run to the hardware store. By the looks of the old OEM shocks that I took off, I guess I can say I got my moneys worth out of them (yes - I have the old shock completely compressed with two fingers). I also started PB blasting my front end so I can swap out the struts with the new OME struts as well as new control arm bushings and ball joints.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0153_zpsdc62cf09-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0154_zps10e52602-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0156_zps75715139-1.jpg

[fco27]

What is the part number for the shocks? :)

[07JeepXK]

Tuesday night I installed a QD II front diff in my XK! No I've got QD III lol

[FLYCAV]

What is the part number for the shocks? :)

Monroe 58643 Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting Shock Absorber. This is the version for an F150 that some are using on their XK's with a lift. There is also another model that would be a replacement for the stock XK shock, model 58646. If you go with the F150 size you'll have to use 3 washers as spacers in the mount on the inboard side of the shock since the upper mount on the shock is a little smaller than the XK shock.

Amazon had the best price I could find at $90.33 for the pair.

[fco27]

Does the XK still stay leveled with this shocks or does it lift more from the back? Another question is would this work if I install a RC lift?

[lekmedm]

I just gained 20hp with the decal from Jon!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

Hey Mark... getting a head start on Christmas?? :p

[lekmedm]

Hey Mark... getting a head start on Christmas?? :p

I feel like I'm making up for 15 years of Christmases. :)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

[Lt_JWS]

Put new fog lights in, and put a starter in....

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/resizedimage13634045218.jpg/)

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/818/201303152210153221.jpg/)

[FLYCAV]

Does the XK still stay leveled with this shocks or does it lift more from the back? Another question is would this work if I install a RC lift?

I have the 2" RC lift and using the F150 shocks I got an additional 3/4" lift in the back.

[lekmedm]

This will look real cool once it's wired up. :cool:

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[criket]

^Oh yea!!! Whatcha plan to put in the other spaces?

[07JeepXK]

This will look real cool once it's wired up. :cool:

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

How does that stay in place? Looks like there is nothing behind where the screw holes are

[p@55w0rd]

Those switches look great!

[lekmedm]

^Oh yea!!! Whatcha plan to put in the other spaces?

I think I'd like something like this:

1866

:cool:

[lekmedm]

How does that stay in place? Looks like there is nothing behind where the screw holes are

There is a backing plate supplied with the screws. It's just a bit larger to hold things in place:



Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

[criket]

I think I'd like something like this:

1866

:cool:

BWHAHAHAHAA!!!

I like it.

[Lt_JWS]

Got the rack replaced... i can enjoy driving my jeep again, no ESP problems!

[lekmedm]

I put in my switches.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

[JustinS]

Those look pretty sweet.

[The_War_Wagon]

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png Since the Ramcharger is finally OUT of Monro, I took the Commander in, to trace out those leaky transmission lines. :mad: They look leaky near the front - near the cooler.

Lines getting ordered - probably installed next week.

[Matt]

Good luck replacing them man.

If you want to save some time, just cut them. I couldn't get mine out (though I think the 4.8L has a bit more clearance)

[The_War_Wagon]

My mechanic wants to drop the entire header to get to them - as long as it doesn't COST an arm & a leg, I'll let him!

[JustinS]

I've gotta fix mine too...but I'm cutting mine instead if replacing them with lines that will just end up leaking all over again.

[The_War_Wagon]

Maybe I can have in-lin tubing in MI make me some stainless lines - like they did the fuel lines for my RC!

[Matt]

You already have stainless lines. You just need to replace the hose section that's leaking. Cut the crimps off, put new trans hose on with clamps and you're good to go. Click the picture below to link to more pics.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408121236-1.jpg (http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?1784-Transmission-Cooling-Line-Replacement&p=29542&viewfull=1#post29542)

[The_War_Wagon]

YOWZA! Barely looks like room for the lines, much less a camera! :eek:

I'll pass this pic along to my mechanic - and any others ya' got - as visual aids. Just WATCH - as soon as I PAY for this to get done, Jeep will FINALLY issue a RECALL on them! :rolleyes:

[Matt]

^^ Click on that picture. It'll link you to a post with a bunch of pics of what I did.

[Lt_JWS]

cleaned it up!

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/688/resizedimage13653663410.jpg/)

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/580/resizedimage13653663267.jpg/)

[lekmedm]

Between yesterday and today, I finished my 120k service (at 126k!). Previously I changed all of the hemi's spark plugs. Yesterday was fluids: transfer case, engine oil, front diff, and transmission. Today was the rear diff and washing off the mud on the back side of the skid plates and reinstalling. Damn, I'm sore! ...But it's well worth it! She rides nice when she's all lubed up! :cool:

[Matt]

She rides nice when she's all lubed up! :cool:

....uuhhhh

[07JeepXK]

Bwhahaha

[The_War_Wagon]

Added a beavertail!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/BTAIL_zps9ad8b5eb-1.jpg


And for those who are of the Scouting inclination - particularly if you're a Woodbadger, you'll be happy to know, that I USED to be a Beaver (and a good ol' beaver, too!). SR-351, to be exact. :cool:

[lekmedm]

And for those who are of the Scouting inclination...

Eagle Scout here. Class of '86!

[The_War_Wagon]

Eagle Scout here. Class of '86!


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/smiley_salute-1.gif Class of '81!


https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[lekmedm]

I got me one of those...

1891

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[Lt_JWS]

couldn't for the life of me decide on a wheel... so i plasti-dipped my stock ones....

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/10/resizedimage13676822188.jpg/)

[Ross]

Those rims came out good! I like how you left the center cap silver aswell.

[oleblue27]

Well, I've been double lifted in the rear with OME HD coils and RC spacers, but I haven't had the money to do the front cause of money issues. Well I now am double lifted in the front! At first, I put the whole OME HD spring, with the RC spacer on top and RRO UCA's and when I put the tires on the UCA's and Spindle were touching the spring and spring perch. I also remembered that I left my 1/4 spacers in there. So it was terrible and my tie rods looked like they were about to bust. Today, I took it all apart again, took the 1/4" spacers out, cut a coil off the HD springs (ill be running superlift one day soon) and reseated the spring. Now I have about a little less than a finger clearance between the spindle and drug assembly. The front of my jeep measures 39.25 to the fender, and the rear measures 38.5. Also, I haven't gotten my alignment yet but am waiting til then to post pics in my garage thread! Just thought I'd share a little bit of my dilemma lol.

[Matt]

On one hand. You're crazy...

On the other hand..... I like seeing other guys test the limits!! Lol cant wait to see all the pics dude

[oleblue27]

I don't mind at all! Lol, what's the worst that can happen?! (Exaggerating) I just downloaded tapatalk so ill be able to post pics in a minute.

Matt, you wana see before or after I fixed it? Lol. Here's a teaser pic!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/juhumedu-1.jpg

[duneslider]

Well, Moab killed my stock battery. Had to upgrade to something decent. I was able to make a Diehard platinum 34/78 fit. This should be able to handle the bumpy roads.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/8715788713_12667d1936-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/79159560@N04/8715788713/)
2013-05-06 17.47.11 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/79159560@N04/8715788713/) by duneslider (http://www.flickr.com/people/79159560@N04/), on Flickr

[The_War_Wagon]

SO far this week, I got 'er washed and applied the spring wax. Armor All'ed the inside and Vinyl trim - gotta vacuum it before Friday, because I'm goin' to Bantamfest this weekend! :cool: Well, the cruise-in on Friday night, anyways. 1,500 Jeeps in downtown Butler; traffic is closed to all BUT Jeeps - gotta go XK-represent! ;)

Decided to order an aFe R5 replacement filter, so I could take my time and clean the original. Yeah, it's an extra $66, but the original has been in it for 2 years and NEEDED cleaning - you could FEEL the difference the clean filter makes tooling around in it today!

Did the oil/lube/filter change this afternoon - added a half-quart of tranny fluid, since we haven't set aside the time yet to replace the leaky lines. Meh... they're finally recalling Libertys - maybe they'll get around to Commanders in my lifetime. :rolleyes:

[Matt]

traffic is closed to all BUT Jeeps - gotta go XK-represent! ;)

Make sure you have that camera rolling... i want to see the video when the guy tells you to turn around because only Jeeps are allowed down the street! lol

[The_War_Wagon]

The FINAL pieces for my CB install have arrived (and if anyone knows a GOOD spot to drill a hole in a firewall, SING OUT WITH PICTURES!!!), so that should be my day off (Monday) project!

PICTURES to follow... :cool:

[Adondo]

Not so much what I did TO my XK, but what I did WITH my XK today. (Well, actually yesterday, and in 99 degree heat)

I yanked out two dead juniper trees/bushes. Two out of several others just died.

I rigged up webbing and a block to the weeping willow tree since I couldn't get an inline pull.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/IMG_5045-1.jpg

The little trees were only about five feet tall, but the Jeep was getting dragged a bit until the roots popped out like champagne corks. I guess pulling them up by hand was certainly not going to happen. :)
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/IMG_5046-1.jpg

[lekmedm]

Well, today I had it washed for the first time since the Superlift went on! It's nice to see I still fit through the car wash.

Fresh wheel alignment was done. The tech said my steering rack is OK.

I also finally put on my 4xGuard belly skid in preparation for this Sunday's Rausch Creek trip! Yay!


More edits: Last week was an oil change and front diff oil change. A week or two prior new rear upper control arms went on.

[JustinS]

Explored a level-b road toady. Need to get out and do some actual wheeling.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/20130728_132849_zps132a266f-1.jpg

[Matt]

My XK's been severely neglected lately. Can't remember the last time I washed it. The kids "morning snacks" are taking over the floors lol (need to attach that with the shop vac).

Someday soon I hope to be able to start modding her and giving some TLC again.

[Core XK]

While getting a new battery the pepboy mechanics said they now love commanders after seeing mine. I truly love still getting compliments all the time. Makes me feel like im riding around in a classic muscle car!!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[pjmjr508]

Nice

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Mines dead, sitting there collecting dust. Need to find time to put this starter in, sounds like a blast to do

[The_War_Wagon]

Forgot to mention that I finally replaced the aFe cone filter the other week. Decided to just go ahead and buy ANOTHER, so I could thoroughly clean the first one, and let it dry for several days. Then I re-oiled it, and sealed it back in the bag the new one came in. Not a lotta miles (15k maybe) since i installed it, but that was almost 2 years ago - it NEEDED cleaning! :eek:

GOOD thing is, I've picked up about 1 - 1.5mpg, now that it can breathe again! :rolleyes:

And I washed it, and Armor-All'ed the trim today! :cool:

[sean112280]

I did some normal maintanence: changed the plugs, oil, and air filter

[Matt]

^ hey man! When's the next stage of the lift going on?

[sean112280]

IDK man. my CJ has been eating up my time and $. I am deploying at the end of the year so I can save up the money for everything then.

[pjmjr508]

Sean112280 have you done any wheeling on base at FT Lewis yet?

[sean112280]

Ive been to evans creek and Elbe. Not "allowed" to wheel on post.

[pjmjr508]

I guess they must of change the rules, about 8 yrs ago when I first moved to WA, ex brother inlaw took me out on base. How was evans creek & elbe?

[sean112280]

Evans was fun, but it was a night run so I didn't get to "see" it. I liked Elbe it's nice in the woods

[Adondo]

Had my 60,000 mile transmission service done today... at 67,000 miles. (Shhhh, don't tell anyone I waited so long)

[07JeepXK]

I thought the transmission service was at 75,000 miles on our jeeps?!?!

[Matt]

I go by the severe schedule which is 60k (however i did my filters at 42k... for no particular reason; so i'll be doing a drain/fill at 60k)

[07JeepXK]

I go by the severe schedule which is 60k (however i did my filters at 42k... for no particular reason; so i'll be doing a drain/fill at 60k)

How did you do your filters at 42k without doing a drain/fill when you changed them? Confused!

[Matt]

How did you do your filters at 42k without doing a drain/fill when you changed them? Confused!

lol because i obviously dropped the pan and changed that fluid; figured that was implied when i said i did my filters :p

@60k I'll use my fluid evacuator to suck all the fluid out of the trans pan and fill without messing with the seal. I'll probably keep doing that every ~20k until I hit 120k and put new filters in again (which at my current rate will be about 4 years from now)

[07JeepXK]

lol because i obviously dropped the pan and changed that fluid; figured that was implied when i said i did my filters :p

@60k I'll use my fluid evacuator to suck all the fluid out of the trans pan and fill without messing with the seal. I'll probably keep doing that every ~20k until I hit 120k and put new filters in again (which at my current rate will be about 4 years from now)

Oh you made it sound like you just changed the filters at 42k (not the fluid) and the were going to do another service at 60k, now I understand. It didn't make sense at first when I read it

[JustinS]

Did some yardwork today ;)
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/08/20130811_163536_zps391c8d0e-1.jpg

[Matt]

I'd like to see that tire on your roof!!

Finally got around to washing mine today..... can't remember the last time i cleaned her up :confused:

Also picked up some hardware to finally fix my 4XG sliders. I don't have a single rivet still in tact.... was a horrible idea using tiny aluminum rivets (i guess they'd be OK if i didn't beat them up like sliders...)

[JustinS]

I don't think they make a roof rack strong enough to hold that beast!

[The_War_Wagon]

Bought the rest of the Ram Mounts (Legos! :p) I need, to finish mounting my cb & scanner. Hope to get back AT that by next weekend, and git 'r' done by NEXT Monday! :cool:

[Adondo]

Swapped out my halogen "alley" lights on the roof rack with Totron 27 watt flood lights. At only 2 amps and a daylight output, they'll also make great campsite lights. The 50W halogens were okay, but they look downright dim compared. (Yellowish light) These have a much wider flood pattern, and very even output. (No hotspots or artifacts) They reach out to about 75 feet.

Also, with LED's they're regulated, so as the battery voltage drops, they stay at 100% output. (HID's also do this) Ordinary "hot wire" lights dim as the battery voltage drops.

http://www.totron.com/led-work-lights/details/22/5/led-work-lights/4--27w-9-32v-round-led-work-light

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[Adondo]

Okay, I lied... it's not my XK actually, but the 300 instead. I added a "stealth" LED behind the grill. This one is a 20 inch dual row light, and it's BRIGHT! The light was supposed to be here today, but showed up a day early, so I got it mostly done last night. Actually, both LED orders were a day early, works for me.

Unlike the Jeep's two combo spot/flood single row bars, (a 30" and 40") this one is a spot pattern. Holding it directly (before installing it) makes a big spot on something. There's some scattering with the chrome grill, because like the Jeep, not only can I see about 1/2 a mile of pavement ahead, (And by "see" I mean every pebble and twig) but also the tops of telephone poles and trees, and even power lines overhead. I could go off-roading with this setup!

The only thing left now is to run the control switch and wiring to the dash. Now, it's just coiled up under the hood. The light bar follows the high beams, (like the 30" grill bar does on the Jeep) and the switch will be an "armed and ready" like I did in the Commander. (No manual on, only follow the high beams, or not) In the XK, the 40" roof rack bar is strictly off-road use and manual on/off.

You can kind of see it:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/08/20130830_133125-1.jpg

It's easier straight on from the front.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/08/20130830_133131-1.jpg

Last night, all mounted, but powered with test leads.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/08/20130829_222221-1.jpg

How it sits. It's solid, mounted to a heavy frame piece.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/08/20130829_222137-1.jpg

I cut out a square from the black 1/2" thick styrofoam, then used self drilling 3/8" bolts. The frame piece is about 1/8" thick.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/08/20130829_222124-1.jpg

[LWM]

Nice.

[pjmjr508]

Nice setup.

[1USMC]

Looks Great !!!

[Matt]

Did a lot of work on Marks xk today.... front diff fluid, oil change, rear lca zerk fittings etc etc. Then the sun came out and I decided to give my xk some luv'in; installed the rivnuts on the passenger side so I could throw the sliders on next weekend.

[The_War_Wagon]

Had a THOUGHT to rig my cb/scanner setup, by hanging it from the four inner trim nuts (using STRONGER, longer, hex nuts, for starters) inside the central a/c ports on the dash... but have decided it would still be too heavy AND ugly... so I'm BACK to the drawing board, on a "console-ABOVE-the-console" idea, using sheet steel folded & bolted through the lower console trim, and extend it about 2 - 2 1/2' ABOVE the shifter... or some such... https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/wacko3-1.gif

[lekmedm]

Did a lot of work on Marks xk today.... front diff fluid, oil change, rear lca zerk fittings etc etc. Then the sun came out and I decided to give my xk some luv'in; installed the rivnuts on the passenger side so I could throw the sliders on next weekend.

Nuthin' like some inspiration...!

Thanks again for the help!

:)

[lekmedm]

Had a THOUGHT to rig my cb/scanner setup, by hanging it from the four inner trim nuts (using STRONGER, longer, hex nuts, for starters) inside the central a/c ports on the dash... but have decided it would still be too heavy AND ugly... so I'm BACK to the drawing board, on a "console-ABOVE-the-console" idea, using sheet steel folded & bolted through the lower console trim, and extend it about 2 - 2 1/2' ABOVE the shifter... or some such... https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/wacko3-1.gif


I know you've seen this post before, but maybe you'd like to revisit the idea of my mounting system/location. It's worked out to be really stable. You could probably still stack your goodies and have them easily accessible.

http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?2455-Playing-with-CB-location

[The_War_Wagon]

I know you've seen this post before, but maybe you'd like to revisit the idea of my mounting system/location. It's worked out to be really stable. You could probably still stack your goodies and have them easily accessible.

http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?2455-Playing-with-CB-location


I had seen that, and it's a nice setup. I worry about Pittsburgh drivers (being hit BY one of them), and have that thing get airborne - especially since I travel with one or more children in the truck quite often. I have a doublestack mounting bracket, that I intended to use in the Ramcharger. I may utilize it in my current idea, and buy ANOTHER one for the RC.

I'm kid-free today (mommy got Labor Day weekend off - NOT daddy...), so I can go back over to Lowes & STARE at the sheet metal for a while. Guy at my church works in industrial HVAC, so he's got a bending jig IN the company truck - we can go to town on some sheet steel! :cool:

[oleblue27]

Installed my rustys rear adjustable trac bar and painted my diff cover! Also helped a busy install new lower control arms on his superlift wk.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/musypejy-1.jpg

[Ross]

Ended up getting the defender rack installed a few days ago. Thanks again to both pjmjr and superacerc for the roof rack.

After searching the web for awhile for a side mounted ladder, all I could find were either for Land rovers or some 200$ "specialty offroad" ladder; So I decided to break out the propane torch and make my own. Here are some pics, sorry for the crummy quality:

[pjmjr508]

Ended up getting the defender rack installed a few days ago. Thanks again to both pjmjr and superacerc for the roof rack.

After searching the web for awhile for a side mounted ladder, all I could find were either for Land rovers or some 200$ "specialty offroad" ladder; So I decided to break out the propane torch and make my own. Here are some pics, sorry for the crummy quality:

Looking good, was glad to help. Hope you like my packing skills lol.

[lekmedm]

Ended up getting the defender rack installed a few days ago. Thanks again to both pjmjr and superacerc for the roof rack.

After searching the web for awhile for a side mounted ladder, all I could find were either for Land rovers or some 200$ "specialty offroad" ladder; So I decided to break out the propane torch and make my own. Here are some pics, sorry for the crummy quality:


Looks nice, but it seems you need a ladder to reach that ladder!

[Matt]

How strong is the sheet metal in that area?

I always envisioned making a folding ladder that came down against the tire for support.

[Ross]

I specifically chose the small slant right below the window because the sheet metal under that flexs to much and I wanted to be able to always leave it on. The small slant takes the pressure from the ladder without flexing and I added rubber cane stoppers to distribute the weight a bit more. It does seem a bit high up, but I use the rear tire as a step up. The ladder is really helpful when trying to rearrange stuff on the rack, as it is higher than just standing on the tailgate or tire. I figured I can also just make another small ladder and hinge it to my current one if height starts being a nuisance.

[Matt]

Very cool. using the tire as the first step is a good idea.

[The_War_Wagon]

Actually got the winter wax and detail done BEFORE the weather turned cold and rainy for a change!!!

I usually get to thinking in early September, "Hmmm... 'bout time for the winter wax." Next thing I know, it's early November, I haven't done it, and I have to do it on some day when it's damp, windly, and in the upper 40's... and then I catch a cold. :mad:

Used Maguire's Color-X and the orbital buffer on the body. Used Eagle 1 spray wax for the inner doors & inside hatch area. Armor-All'ed all the trim and waxed the windshield, since Rain-X hasn't been worth a damn in 20 years! Gotta vacuum it next time I'm at the Get-Go, but otherwise - she shines like a proof silver dollar! :cool:

[The_War_Wagon]

Figured I'd better take pics, before the storms tonight undo all my work! :(

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[oleblue27]

I took my double stack apart /: so now I am running just Old Man Emu struts and Springs with a coil cut off and a 2" RC spacer in the rear. Which means I am running my 34's with just a 2" lift! I have no rubbing in the rear thanks to a little trimming of the wheel well liner and some self tapping screws. The front driver side only rubs at full lock. But the passenger side is bad, but as long as I take it easy I have no rubbing. Good news is I should be ordering the superlift by the end of the month finally! So I shall be at 6" of lift.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/yna9ury8-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/sadyzy2y-1.jpg

[oleblue27]

Oh! And I also sanded and repainted my roof rails, mirrors, side molding, rear step plate and door handles! Along with some headlight restoration and the removal of the front bumper and cutting of the flares even with the turn signal to get ready for my new bumper!

[1USMC]

The War Wagon > What did you use on your wheels ? Armor A..

Nice Job.. Looks Great.....!

[1USMC]

get ready for my new bumper!



34's on a 2" lift... Wow..
You will like the new lift !!

Sorry If I might have missed a post.. but what bumper are you getting ?

[The_War_Wagon]

The War Wagon > What did you use on your wheels ? Armor A..

Nice Job.. Looks Great.....!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/p84730z-1.jpg On sale for $4.99 at my local Advance Auto yesterday, so that's what I used! :cool:

[1USMC]

I'll have to give it a try.. I like how it looks and definitely like the sale price !

Thanks..

[Adondo]

Solved my Foxwing awning support pole storage problem.

I was getting tired of the poles laying crossways behind the seats, always in the way when the seats are folded down. Built a tube with 3 inch PVC. Now, they're always there, but not in the way inside.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/20130918_190748-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/20130918_190759-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/20130918_190850-1.jpg

[LWM]

I need to build a tube for mine. Great idea.

[lekmedm]

Love the doggie in the window!

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[pjmjr508]

looking great.

[Adondo]

That's Jack, my "micro coyote." (He's a Pomeranian, with "wolf sable" coloring) He has to supervise what I'm doing. He'll bark at the shop door until I let him in.

I used the rest of the pipe and made a longer one on the other side, and now my walking stick goes into that one. I've always expected the thing to punch a window out on a hard trail from its sliding around. (or poking someone's eye out) I've put it on the roof rack, but then it gets plastered filthy, and I have to clean it off before using it, so half the time it gets left behind on a hike. I need the thing for flipping rattlesnakes out of my way if nothing else. :) My stick is 5 feet long, and I've had it forever. There's badges/medallions from about every national park nailed onto it.

One more thing I did was make a "wrench" for the caps with a piece of oak 1x3. I used the milling machine to make a 1 5/8" square hole in the middle of an 8 inch long piece, and rounded the corners on the belt sander. I can torque the caps tight real easy, so the average parking lot thief can't just walk up and unscrew it/them. The wooden piece goes into the mesh storage thing on the driver's side in the back. It's very light and not like packing a heavy pipe wrench. :)


On edit:
Oh yeah, last night I tossed the factory jack out. With an ARB X-Jack, why bother? Besides, would YOU want to use that silly unstable thing on a dirt trail which is where the chances are highest to get a flat? The things are a death trap on perfectly level pavement. The X-Jack is an airbag that lifts the Jeep 30 inches if needed, and mud or sand, it doesn't care.

That left room in the back for winch stuff like the snatch block and the like. Now I don't have to dig it out after unloading camping gear first when/if I need to winch something. My J-hook hitch piece, a shackle, a folding shovel, trucker's triangle reflector, and a few flares are crammed into that space now.

[Matt]

Had a busy one today...

Oil Change
Tire rotation
Drain/Fill Coolant
New P/S fluid in the reservoir
Replaced upper balljoint boots
Cleaned & lubed all bushings

(Then the wifes car...)

[HoosierJeeper]

Washed it!

[Adondo]

Over this last weekend, I remodeled the storage area. I figured it out too, ever since I bought the X-Jack, I've ended up with the under-the-floor space AND a storage box on top. I've HATED it for the last couple of years. So, I started rethinking it all. The X-Jack took up about 85% of the under-floor space, shoving the rest into the locker box.

The X-Jack takes up a lot of space underneath, and both jacks (the factory one and a floor jack) have been thrown out. So... I rebuilt the storage by removing the old floor jack partition, then making a "well" for the X-Jack.

The storage box is now GONE, no longer taking 40% of the space back there!! I did the math: after redoing the storage space with the new X-Jack well, there's 5,913 cubic inches of box space. Now, EVERYTHING is underneath, and I have my cargo floor back again! THe X-Jack only takes up 4" of space from the side.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/20130921_191219-1.jpg

The lid had to be notched out for the new well.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/20130921_191137-1.jpg

Added a P clamp to a trim screw in the grab handle. (Which was for the 3rd row seat, and will never get used again) That way, a bungy holds it in place.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/20130921_191241-1.jpg

The X-jack removed.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/20130921_191300-1.jpg

And, the spaces crammed. That's plural because the one by the door sill have ready items there, such as road flares, the winch control, trucker's triangle, a folding shovel, etc. The Turbo 360 is an LED "road flare" with a 'rotating' pattern. (Some fire depts. have them)
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/09/20130921_194418-1.jpg

[pjmjr508]

looking great

[lekmedm]

Well, I'm not doing this today, but this little feller is going on at my next oil change.

2127

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[thance]

looking great

OK, I'll bite....... What is that little thing????

[Adondo]

It's a quick change oil valve. You put it in place of the drain plug. Use a short hose, and there's no more mess.

[thance]

For me, on the 5.7, the mess is with the filter change were there is a channel in the front frame for the the oil to run down, but it gets all over the axle assembly, front suspension, chassis, and factory skid.... I never seem to have a big enough drain pan to catch all the different drips. Not well thought out, but I suppose there is a lot going on and not much space to do it in.

[Ross]

That quick change oil valve will make oil changes so much easier and cleaner, since you wont have to remove the Superlift skid every time.

[lekmedm]

That's the idea!

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[The_War_Wagon]

Scrubbed the &*^*^%&%&%##$@ seats with a shiitleload of THIS!!!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/10/7041349_ttl_t246r1_pri_larg-1.jpg Going to the hayride Saturday night was the last straw. My kids couldn't have gotten MORE dirt on the back seats, if I'd opened the sunroof and driven under a mudslide! :eek:

Three white clean shop towels later, I had three beige/brown shop towels, and HOPEFULLY (by tomorrow), clean seats! :rolleyes:

[The_War_Wagon]

Oil lube, filter, tire rotation, & state inspection. Added a can of Sea Foam to the gas tank as I topped off with Shell 89 octane! :cool:

[Matt]

Took advantage of the weather and gave it a good once-over after last weekends wheeling trip. None of the dried dirt showed signs of absorbing oil so thats a good sign!

[The_War_Wagon]

Oh yeah - ran it thru the carwash this afternoon, too! :p

[Adondo]

Removed the 30" LED light bar from the grill and reinstalled the HID's I removed a few months ago. (Did this all last night)

Although the LED bar is fantastic, I...

A) was never crazy about the way it looked. The round HID's with their Allen head screws fit the look of the Jeep's front end much better.
B) The 40" bar on the roof rack is so powerful that turning on the 30" bar just made my pupils shrink even more. Yes, folks, it's possible to have TOO MUCH LIGHT on a Jeep.
C) My amphibious 6x6 needed it more.

Sitting in the driver's seat of the 6x6
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/20131105_212000-1.jpg

The installed Totron 30" light bar.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/20131105_212436-1.jpg

Now, the jeep's back to this look again. Taken at Raven's Roost last year. The long strip of an LED bar where the round grill lights are just didn't look that great to me.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/IMG_3729-1.jpg

[lekmedm]

Did we ever have one of these threads for 2015?

[andjon2]

Installed a new battery and spark plugs. Tomorrow I will do the brakes.

[The_War_Wagon]

Changed the *&^%^&%$^@%#! PVC valve, after 109,000 miles. Like every OTHER MOPAR engine, the most expendable, frequently changed item, is in the MOST inaccessible place under the hood. :mad: Ask me about changing the cold air idle valve on my Ramcharger's throttlebody sometime... :mad::mad:

The engine had begun to stumble of late while accelerating. Idle is smooth, so I started poking around, and finally discovered, that it does in FACT have a $32 PCV valve (Advance Auto - and special order at that! :mad::mad::mad:). In spite of it's inaccessible location, I still managed to change it in about 15 minutes... Oy...