IamJEEP's Garage

[IamJEEP]

Well, there's not much going on right now but a few mods.......

First I installed the Rocky road 2.25" lift.............
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

Then I installed "Limited" rear grab handles and color-matched them to be different than the norm...

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/08/IMAG0032-2.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png


That's about it for now............stay tuned.

[LWM]

looking good, I like the color matched grab handles!

[Sal-XK]

Can you actually use those grab handles to pull your self up on or they just for show?

[IamJEEP]

looking good, I like the color matched grab handles!
Thanks, i have more tricks up my sleeve................stay tuned.


Can you actually use those grab handles to pull your self up on or they just for show?
Yes, they are very sturdy and can assist on lifting you up. I didn't use the hardware that was provided, tho. The nutserts that came with the kit easily stripped on me so, I used some thick walled alluminum nutserts I have at work. Check out the pics below.......The top ones are the "supplied" hardware and the bottom is what I used.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/08/rearhandles2-3.jpg


Here is a pic of my nutsert installed..........It doesn't look like it's on very well but, trust me it's not going anywhere.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/08/rearhandles1-4.jpg

[Sal-XK]

I'm looking for an easy way to my roof basket I was thinking of getting an RV ladder or something. How much were those grab handles?

[NeilSmith]

I'm looking for an easy way to my roof basket I was thinking of getting an RV ladder or something. How much were those grab handles?

i just stand on the tires to reach the top, just be careful if your shoes are wet and the tires are slimed up.

[IamJEEP]

I'm looking for an easy way to my roof basket I was thinking of getting an RV ladder or something. How much were those grab handles?they were like 67 bucks or so. They are deffinately strong enough if installed correctly. Also, they make a tire step that folds up.

[Sal-XK]

you got a link to where you purchased them.

[IamJEEP]

Justforjeeps.com
you got a link to where you purchased them.

[IamJEEP]

Leeparts.com has them for 58 and change.


you got a link to where you purchased them.

[HueyPilotVN]

looking good, I like the color matched grab handles!

Yes, I like them also. I think I might color match my spare tire cover.



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/08/01114-3.jpg

[IamJEEP]

Oooooooh, me likey! Do it, I dare you. Lol.


Yes, I like them also. I think I might color match my spare tire cover.



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/08/01114-3.jpg

[IamJEEP]

Got my Mopar Hitch installed with color-matched bezel...............................

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/08/user18291_pic2628_1283019293-3.jpg[/IMG]

I know, I know......it's the baby hitch, but thats all my Commander is rated for.

[07JeepXK]

Now you just need to get the wiring harness installed.

[IamJEEP]

Now you just need to get the wiring harness installed.

That is correct...........just don't know what I need. There's a 7 pin round harness, a square one, ect. Kinda at a stand still right now on that. I might just buy one at the parts store and wire it in with a relay. IDK...?

[07JeepXK]

What do you plan on towing? A lot of smaller trailers use a 4 pin harness. I have the normal 2 inch reciever on my XK and it came with the 7 pin harness when I purchased it. I just use a Mopar adapter whenever I tow something that requires a 4 pin.

[IamJEEP]

What do you plan on towing? A lot of smaller trailers use a 4 pin harness. I have the normal 2 inch reciever on my XK and it came with the 7 pin harness when I purchased it. I just use a Mopar adapter whenever I tow something that requires a 4 pin.

Nothing really, its more for the "look" lol. But, in case I need to tow a trailer its good to know that I can now. Actually, the hitch looks like its made to hold the 4 pin harness. I've seen the units with the round 7 pin and mine doesn't look to be that way.

[LWM]

Nothing really, its more for the "look" lol. But, in case I need to tow a trailer its good to know that I can now. Actually, the hitch looks like its made to hold the 4 pin harness. I've seen the units with the round 7 pin and mine doesn't look to be that way.

Unless you are going to tow a trailer with trailer brakes you do not need hte 7 pin system.

[IamJEEP]

Unless you are going to tow a trailer with trailer brakes you do not need hte 7 pin system.

Good to know, thanks.

[07JeepXK]

It definately looks like your setup was made for the 4 pin harness.

[IamJEEP]

Finally installed my new-to-me lights. They look good, but it's only part of my final plan.

Before headlights.....

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/10/B4Lights-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/10/B4Lights4-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/10/B4Lights3-1.jpg

During.....(I also installed the studs needed for the Matrix)....

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/10/During-1.jpg

After with smoked corner lights...........................

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/10/AfterLights1-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/10/AfterLights3-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/10/AfterLights2-1.jpg

That's it for now....

[IamJEEP]

I installed my Matrix-4xGaurd w/hoop and fog lights today. Check out the pics......................

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/12/IMAG0042-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/12/IMAG0041-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/12/IMAG0038-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/12/IMAG0036-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/12/IMAG0034-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/12/IMAG0018-1.jpg

[LWM]

Very nice, I sure do like that color Commander.

[IamJEEP]

Very nice, I sure do like that color Commander.


Thank you.

[IamJEEP]

Here is what I did to cure the D-shackle clanking on the Matrix. Others have used felt and that works as well, but I chose to use rubber chair feet cushion thingies....



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/12/Dshackles2-1.jpg



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/12/Dshackles3-1.jpg



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/12/Dshackles4-1.jpg



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/12/Dshackles-1.jpg



That's it........It only cost me $2 at Home Depot and it works great!

[IamJEEP]

So today I had a chance to finally install my hitch wireing harness and also the rear bumper lights...For now I wired them to light up with the tails/turn/brake lights, but later on I will swap them out to clear white lights for reverse assistance (I have not found the white ones I like, yet). You will see in the pics provided that I soldered on a "pig tail" to the hitch harness so i can just unplug it when ever I'd like. I didn't take pics of the actual install, 'cause I just followed the thread on the lights that has install pics. So, on to the pics.....

Here you can see the hitch harness with the pig tail and the light harness as well.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/032211130606-1.jpg

Here is a closer look...
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/032211130623-1.jpg

Another look....
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/032211130659-1.jpg

Lights.......
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0043-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG00401-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG00421-1.jpg

O.K., no night pics yet 'cause since I wired them into the hitch harness, I still have to program the computer so it knows I have a hitch. Therefor they will not light up yet.

PS: That license plate holder was a gift from my girl so, don't hate me 'cause you aint me. LOL!!!

[Sal-XK]

Nice install, this is on my mod list for sure.

[NeilSmith]

When I installed my hitch, I used a T-One Connector for the trailer light plug instead of using an oem wiring harness. I did not have to do any computer programming for the plug to work. I have towed a utility trailer and the plug had no problems. Is this what you are referring to ?

[cico7]

When I installed my hitch, I used a T-One Connector for the trailer light plug instead of using an oem wiring harness. I did not have to do any computer programming for the plug to work. I have towed a utility trailer and the plug had no problems. Is this what you are referring to ?
Neil, where did you get that?

[NeilSmith]

they sell em at parts stores, I got mine from Hidden Hitch online. Its a very simple way to add the trailer plug.
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/products.aspx?lvl=2&parentid=1500&catid=1505&part=0

[IamJEEP]

they sell em at parts stores, I got mine from Hidden Hitch online. Its a very simple way to add the trailer plug.
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/products.aspx?lvl=2&parentid=1500&catid=1505&part=0

I wish I would of known about this earlier. This is the way to go , instead of running the factory harness all the way to the front and programming the comp to recognize you have a hitch.

Cico, you should go that route that NeilSmith pointed out.

[IamJEEP]

When I installed my hitch, I used a T-One Connector for the trailer light plug instead of using an oem wiring harness. I did not have to do any computer programming for the plug to work. I have towed a utility trailer and the plug had no problems. Is this what you are referring to ?

Yes, I have to program the comp to recognize the harness.

[IamJEEP]

New wheels and tires installed tonight, Man what a difference! I had to take some quick pics for someone (Hmmm?) so, they are not the best. Whenever I have time to clean up the Jeep and take nice pics, I'll replace these. But, for now here you go....."Someone".


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0007-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0006-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0008-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0003-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0004-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0001-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0002-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0010-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0009-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/IMAG0011-1.jpg

Specs..........
MHT Fuel Hostage 17x8.5 +14ET
Nitto Terra Graplers 265/70/17

First Thoughts............
The offset is perfect..puts the wheel just about flush with the flairs. There is plenty of clearance on backside to clear the dreaded bolt. Gives the Commander a muscular look from the front/rear and fills out the wheel wells nicely. The tires rub at full lock in the usual spot but, just barely. I think I can get away with just remolding the inner wells and not mess with the pinch weld, we will see later. These tires are not as aggressive as I wanted but, they are almost silent. If I roll up the windows and kick on the a/c, I cant here them at all. I do 95% on road daily driving so, tire silence is a plus. We will see how they perform next month at Uhwarrie.

[Sal-XK]

another one with a teaser post LOL congrats bro can't wait to see them tomorrow.

[cico7]

Yes, I have to program the comp to recognize the harness.


I wish I would of known about this earlier. This is the way to go , instead of running the factory harness all the way to the front and programming the comp to recognize you have a hitch.

Cico, you should go that route that NeilSmith pointed out.

That is what I did. Done, got the shirt, blew the fuse. Thanks Neil!! I have the 7 pin harness, but I spent the extra $54 to beat IamJeep installing the wiring harness.
And it is a lot easier. Took 15 minutes and it was very easy. And it worked!!!

[IamJEEP]

That is what I did. Done, got the shirt, blew the fuse. Thanks Neil!! I have the 7 pin harness, but I spent the extra $54 to beat IamJeep installing the wiring harness.
And it is a lot easier. Took 15 minutes and it was very easy. And it worked!!!

I would like to point out that I installed the harness first but, Don's actually works. Therefor, he did beat me to it. "Bow down" LOL!!

[Sal-XK]

Hey bro no posting for you get out and take pictures man :)

[cico7]

I would like to point out that I installed the harness first but, Don's actually works. Therefor, he did beat me to it. "Bow down" LOL!!
I think the question is who won. I don't know that I won because mine works, your was installed first. The bet was a steak and potato at Uhwarrie.
So other than IamJeep, who thinks he won vs cico7?
What, you don't remember the bet??? I do. Ok, I just made that up. Caleb I am game on the answer to this if you are!


Hey bro no posting for you get out and take pictures man :)
Since this is IamJeep's garage, I trust you are talking to him.

[Sal-XK]

Since this is IamJeep's garage, I trust you are talking to him.

Ya want to see the shoes!

[IamJEEP]

Don, you are on! Make a poll thread about it and let the members decide. Does this mean we have to catch the steak as well?

[IamJEEP]

Sal, patience young grasshopper. I'm at work so no pics till after.

[Sal-XK]

Sal, patience young grasshopper. I'm at work so no pics till after.

That blows man, I'm voting for Don because you made me wait :)

[IamJEEP]

Aww man that hurts........................Here is a pic for you, then...(scroll down)































https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[Sal-XK]

Ok back on my good side for now...

[cico7]

I didnt know there was a bad side! You always said "It;s all good man"

[Sal-XK]

I didnt know there was a bad side! You always said "It;s all good man"

Shhhhhh trying to make him feel bad for teasing me LOL it's all good......

[cico7]

Shhhhhh trying to make him feel bad for teasing me LOL it's all good......
You have a dark side...
My proof is here: My Wiring (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_PTx76LRkVNI/TadF51BPJII/AAAAAAAAFoQ/_lyq-VNrhuA/s640/wiring1.jpg)

[IamJEEP]

Added pics to post #33, check'em out!


Oh, Don.......I know you didn't go there? Where's the pic of the wiring to the lights? LoL!!!

[cico7]

Added pics to post #33, check'em out!


Oh, Don.......I know you didn't go there? Where's the pic of the wiring to the lights? LoL!!!
I dont see any wires....just some wheel pics...

[Sal-XK]

Those look real nice man the off set totally changes the look of the XK makes it look so much better and tougher. I might have to go with that style of rim myself but I think I will stick them out a little further.

[IamJEEP]

I dont see any wires....just some wheel pics...

'Cause I did'nt take any, duh!! Someone is trying to win a steak....

[IamJEEP]

Those look real nice man the off set totally changes the look of the XK makes it look so much better and tougher. I might have to go with that style of rim myself but I think I will stick them out a little further.

Thanks bro, I wanted to go with the 4.5" BS at first. But I figured that if i kept it conservitive, I wouldn't have to do a bunch of alterations to the wheel well. I wanted a deeper lip than what these have but, I really like how they look in the well. I personally think it looks better in person. For some reason the pics take away from the overall look of the set up (could be 'cause of my crappy camera). You can see for yourself what i mean next month in person.

[Sal-XK]

I think they look awesome on your Jeep bro, and I understand about the modifications to the wheel well. Fortunately for me I don't mind attacking my jeep with a saw and a hammer to make things fit LMAO

[07JeepXK]

Your XK looks great!

[cico7]

So, you going to get that Mall Crawler dirty??

[IamJEEP]

Your XK looks great!

Thanks bro........it's getting there.



So, you going to get that Mall Crawler dirty??

Yep, in about three weeks!

[IamJEEP]

First, I had to make some new cross rails that were lower profile (so i can park in the garage at work). I used curtain alluminum rails that we use at work. Cut them to length and test fitted them..............

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/NewRails6-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/NewRails5-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/NewRails4-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/NewRails3-1.jpg

Continued............

[IamJEEP]

Then I sprayed them with undercoating/bed liner stuff and installed them in their resting area..........

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/NewRails2-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/NewRails1-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/NewRails-1.jpg

I gained 1.25"s of lower profile....with the sport bars (including the mounts) it was a total of 4"s high.......with my home-mades it came out to be 2 3/4"s high.

Continued..............

[IamJEEP]

Then it was time for the basket.......Originally i planned on widening and lengthening it because i wanted a little bigger basket but, I ended up just putting it together and seeing how it looked.........I'm glad I did, it fills the roof of the XK pretty well and I did'nt think I needed to mod it any.....Sometime in the future I will fab up a custom basket from scratch but, for now i'll rock the Rage......I picked this basket because of Sal's review and torture tests......Anywho, on to the pics.....

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/RageBasket4-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/RageBasket3-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/RageBasket-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/RageBasket8-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/RageBasket7-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/RageBasket6-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/04/RageBasket5-1.jpg

I still have to mount some rear facing lights and make a light bar for the front, but thats a differrent thread..................I'm out!!!!

[IamJEEP]

Got some rack lights on today and ran some wires for front fogs/driving lights/and front roof lights. Still have to hook up the relays and switches but ran out of time, gotta take mom out for early dinner( it's mothers day). Here's the rear lights I installed................

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/RackLights1-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/RackLights1-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/RackLights3-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/RackLights-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/RackLights2-1.jpg

[Sal-XK]

Now you can see backing up. You'll get a lot of use out of those man good job.

[IamJEEP]

Thanks, they are a bit smaller than I wanted but you can't complain for free. I'll have to take them down and spray the mounts black (they are brass color now) as I don't like what they look like now. Other than that, I'm happy how they turned out. I just drilled into the lower rack tube and installed two threaded nuts for each light and screwed the mounts on. That's it.

[Sal-XK]

Free is always good :) You can't beat it. I would of mounted mine similar but I didn't even want to spend money on bolts long enough. A lot of my mods aren't done exactly the way I want them there always dictated by what I have laying around the garage.

[IamJEEP]

Free is always good :) You can't beat it. I would of mounted mine similar but I didn't even want to spend money on bolts long enough. A lot of my mods aren't done exactly the way I want them there always dictated by what I have laying around the garage.

Hey bro, that's part of how mods begin, just grab whats laying around and make something with it.

[IamJEEP]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/RoadTrip2011049-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/RoadTrip2011026-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/RoadTrip2011052-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/CalebsPhonePics131-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/CalebsPhonePics126-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/CalebsPhonePics270-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/CalebsPhonePics167-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/CalebsPhonePics132-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/CalebsPhonePics166-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/CalebsPhonePics164-1.jpg

[IamJEEP]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/RoadTrip2011051-1.jpg

[Sal-XK]

Looks good bro seems like you had a pretty nice trip

[IamJEEP]

Looks good bro seems like you had a pretty nice trip

Yes sir, it was a nice 2500 mile road trip and the XK handled it like a champ. Just found out that sidewall damage is not covered by warranty (kinda knew that but tried anyways). So, $170 for one new tire soon to come. LOL.......it was fun as hell tho, glad I did it.

[ped4599]

Looks like a nice road trip! Where where these photos taken?

[IamJEEP]

Looks like a nice road trip! Where where these photos taken?

Thanks. We were all over so im confused of where exactly, lol. NE Florida, SE Georgia, SE South Carolina, alp over North Carolina, and Georgia. Then back down through Central Florida.

[Matt]

Looks like a fun trip. I really like the style of your XK as well. :)

[IamJEEP]

Looks like a fun trip. I really like the style of your XK as well. :)

Thanks bro, there are a couple of things i want to change but all in good time.