View Full Version : FLYCAV's Garage
FLYCAV
03-12-2013, 09:38 AM
Since I now have the mod bug, I thought I'd start my garage thread to document some of it.
As a little background, I currently have a 2006 XK 3.7L that I bought new. I just paid it off in Sept of 2012. I pretty much left it stock up until then because I didn't really have the extra time or cash for mods and wheeling with two small kids and a new house. Now that the kiddies are older (8 and 10) and I need something to keep me busy and out of my wifes hair, I've started working a little more out in the garage.
Here is a pic of my XK up on jacks during instalation of:
K&N CAI, Rough Country 2" spacer lift, new rotors, pads and painted calipers, pich weld mod, 1.5" wheel spacers and Falken 265/70/17's.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCF1549_zpsf40429ce-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCF1546_zps8efcfa18-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCF1550_zps8a0627ba-1.jpg
Grinding slots for pinch weld mod
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCF1552_zps382d09b8-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCF1564_zps0ff5cd67-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCF1562_zpsa12ed788-1.jpg
Replaced all of the dash lights - this pic is showing that I also put one behind the "Information Center" section which is not normally lit.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0662_zpsa900eb6f-1.jpg
My helper (whenever I can pry him away from his Xbox and iPod
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0130_zpsed24de18-1.jpg
FLYCAV
03-12-2013, 09:41 AM
Here are a couple more after the lift and new tires.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCF1573_zps26e0441e-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCF1576_zps05b62220-1.jpg
A lame flex in the snow at winter camp.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0720_zpsfd680182-1.jpg
FLYCAV
03-12-2013, 10:16 AM
Yesterday at work was like Christmas morning. The UPS Santa and the FedEx Santa brought me all kinds of goodies.
Monroe Sensa-Trac Load Leveler (F150) shocks
OME replacement struts, strut mounts
Moog control arm bushings
Moog ball joints
Last night I installed the Monroe shocks
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0153_zpsdc62cf09-1.jpg
Off with the old...
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0154_zps10e52602-1.jpg
...and on with the new.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0156_zps75715139-1.jpg
Prior to installation the wheel well measured 36.5" from the ground at the hub. After install it measured 37.25" for a net gain of 3/4" lift.
Coming along great man. :)
FLYCAV
03-13-2013, 07:49 PM
Started tearing apart the front end tonight. Here's all the goodies going on.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0160_zps2187ec57-1.jpg
Work came to a halt when I got to the damn lower strut mounting bolt. The same one I couldn't get off when I put on my lift. It''s been soaking in PB Blaster for almost a week and it still wouldn't come out out. The rubber bushing inside is almost shot and rotates as the bolt turns.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0162_zps56749745-1.jpg
I realized after an hour that I was using the wrong tool. So, for all of you out there that hav had trouble removing that bolt, here is the correct tool for removing it. :cool:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0166_zpsaaa67140-1.jpg
Had to stop for the night with the strut, knuckle and lower control arm removed from the drivers side. Won't get a chance until Saturday to get back on it.
criket
03-13-2013, 09:37 PM
LOL sawzall FTW!!!!
Rig is looking great man! Looking forward to following this build.
07JeepXK
03-14-2013, 04:53 AM
I'm sure you already plan on doing this but if that bushing is shot I'd recommend replacing it while your at it. Then never seize the hell out of the new strut fork bolt and you will never have that issue again
FLYCAV
03-14-2013, 05:11 AM
I'm sure you already plan on doing this but if that bushing is shot I'd recommend replacing it while your at it. Then never seize the hell out of the new strut fork bolt and you will never have that issue again
I'm replacing all 3 bushings on the LCA and anti sieze will be my friend.:)
p@55w0rd
03-14-2013, 05:12 AM
Yep typical north east salt and grime! I have the exact same sawzall...
thance
03-14-2013, 10:41 AM
How's the ABS line? The one right under the SawZaw blade?
...I air chiseled the ABS sensor on my Bronco years ago...... so I know what can happen even when your aware and trying to avoid.
thance
03-14-2013, 10:47 AM
Also, did you try breaking it free with an impact wrench, hitting it with a big hammer, using a jack to adjust the relationship between the lower control arm and the fork?
You do still have the ball joint connected, right? I think I found it easiest with this in place, however, you have some play with the jack if it is out.
Just some thoughts before someone cuts the bolt and has to find a replacement..... though, back to the Bronco, when all else fails I've had to do the same to get out a rear shock.
FLYCAV
03-14-2013, 01:10 PM
How's the ABS line? The one right under the SawZaw blade?
...I air chiseled the ABS sensor on my Bronco years ago...... so I know what can happen even when your aware and trying to avoid.
ABS line survived. I actually moved it out of the way before actually cutting.
FLYCAV
03-14-2013, 01:28 PM
Also, did you try breaking it free with an impact wrench, hitting it with a big hammer, using a jack to adjust the relationship between the lower control arm and the fork?
You do still have the ball joint connected, right? I think I found it easiest with this in place, however, you have some play with the jack if it is out.
Just some thoughts before someone cuts the bolt and has to find a replacement..... though, back to the Bronco, when all else fails I've had to do the same to get out a rear shock.
I used an impact wrench on it going back and forth while periodically tapping, hittting then bashing it with a sledge for probably an hour. The only rotational movement was from the worn out rubber flexing back and forth. I tried supporting with a jack to unload pressure. That bolt was stuck. Realize it's has been through 7 winters in Northern Ohio and MI where they use a ton of salt on the roads and it has 130K miles on it. I wouldn't recommend cutting it off unless it is stuck.....and that bad boy was STUCK!!
FLYCAV
03-17-2013, 06:18 PM
This weekend I made some progress but not as much as Iwould have liked.
Saturday:
After removing the struts, control arms and knuckle on both sides, a buddy andI took the control arms over to his house to remove the bushings. A couplehours with his cutting torch and a big hammer we were able to get all 3bushings out of each LCA. We made a mess out of his garage floor and part ofhis driveway with all of the burnt rubber. We also removed the ball joints from both the upper and lower CA's.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0172_zps049bce68-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0175_zpsa8d7f1d5-1.jpg
We also took the struts assembly apart and then assembled the old springs onthe new OME struts and mounts.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0181_zpsa7a42400-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0185_zpsafc08a0d-1.jpg
Then it was time to take our families out to to an Irish pub for dinner andcelebrate St Paddy's Day.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0183_zpsb03e7f1b-1.jpg
Today we pressed in the new bushings and the ball joints on the LCA. We couldn't get the upper ball joints in the CA's. After about an hour I decided I would just take them up to a local shop to have them do it on their press sometime later this week.
07JeepXK
03-18-2013, 04:57 AM
I would recommend tightening the upper strut nut more. You should be about to see about 9 threads. If not you could get clinching from the front end
FLYCAV
03-18-2013, 07:57 AM
I would recommend tightening the upper strut nut more. You should be about to see about 9 threads. If not you could get clinching from the front end
OK. Thanks.
07JeepXK
03-18-2013, 05:53 PM
Not a problem.
FLYCAV
03-21-2013, 04:47 AM
Finished getting the front end all together and drove it the 1 mile to allignment shop. The traction control was acting up with any slightest turn of the wheel. I' m hoping it's just from being out of allignment.
07JeepXK
03-21-2013, 04:57 AM
That's exactly what the problem is.
FLYCAV
03-23-2013, 06:03 PM
I picked up the Commander from the alignment shop yesterday after work. Just as I hoped, the traction control issue was resolved with the alignment. I took it down down some dirt roads today (since there is no shortage of them here in MI) on the way home from dinner with the family and the suspension felt great. It's a lot stiffer now without the shot struts and shocks. I can't wait to get it off road in 2 weeks at the Southington Ohio Cammanders meet up.
criket
03-24-2013, 04:27 AM
Its amazing what difference new struts and shocks make. Be sure to take plenty of pictures of the meet. I wish there was one close to me.
FLYCAV
03-31-2013, 10:55 AM
The latest addition to my garage (my mini garage anyway). Porche 917 K NSR slot car. Road testing it at Lightning Speedway in Livonia, MI.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0217_zps0494b2b8-1.jpg
pjmjr508
04-02-2013, 03:26 PM
The latest addition to my garage (my mini garage anyway). Porche 917 K NSR slot car. Road testing it at Lightning Speedway in Livonia, MI.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/IMAG0217_zps0494b2b8-1.jpg
very nice
FLYCAV
04-02-2013, 05:11 PM
My project for tomorrow arrived today. A huge thank you to Ken Davis at Aspen Creek Offroad for jumping through hoops to get this back from the powdercoater and shipped out in time for me to get it installed prior to heading to Southington Offroad Park this weekend for the Ohio Cammanders meet.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/IMAG0230_zpsb6b15b23-1.jpg
^^ Good stuff!
I was disappointed that Saguaro's version didn't come with reinforcement places for inside the frame rails. Looks like Aspen Creek put some extra thought into their kit.
jjt250
04-02-2013, 05:27 PM
Looks great! By the way Matt, Saguaro updated their shackles to include those sandwich plates. I actually bought the plates separate when they updated them. I payed like $15 + shipping.
Ah that's good to know. I just made my own with some steel I had left over from another project.
FLYCAV
04-02-2013, 05:42 PM
^^ Good stuff!
I was disappointed that Saguaro's version didn't come with reinforcement places for inside the frame rails. Looks like Aspen Creek put some extra thought into their kit.
It is extremely well thought out and built kit. It even includes the nylon blind rivets for the wheel well. The customer service was exceptional as well.
Just checked out their website. Looks like they're just a distributor for Sagauro products.
pjmjr508
04-02-2013, 06:11 PM
Just checked out their website. Looks like they're just a distributor for Sagauro products.
Sagauro4x Had changed their name to Aspen Creek. Same company along with the same people working there (minus Jacky)
lol well i'll be damned... guess its been a while since i've went to the S4xC website
FLYCAV
04-03-2013, 02:22 PM
After breakfast my son and I headed out to the garage to install our new front recovery shackle mounts/shackles. It was about 30 degrees this morning and was quite chilly working with the garage door open.
Here is the before picture.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/IMAG0232_zpsced077f3-1.jpg
Grill off.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/IMAG0234_zps704ec268-1.jpg
My son helping take the bumper off.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/IMAG0236_zpsa8e9a76f-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/IMAG0237_zpsd1e387ac-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/IMAG0238_zps1c120866-1.jpg
Mounts bolted in.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/IMAG0239_zpse3963ae9-1.jpg
All back together. Looks like I might need to trim just a small section of the bumper where the shackle bolt extends out.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/IMAG0240_zpsb792470b-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/IMAG0244_zps7969fa7d-1.jpg
thance
04-03-2013, 02:52 PM
and here I thought I was the only one with shackles in the front.........
Looks Good!
pjmjr508
04-03-2013, 04:33 PM
Looks good, I need to do this as well
1USMC
04-03-2013, 09:23 PM
Nice Job !
lekmedm
04-04-2013, 06:45 AM
and here I thought I was the only one with shackles in the front.........
Looks Good!
Nope. Matt's got 'em, too.
FLYCAV
04-04-2013, 07:19 AM
Nope. Matt's got 'em, too.
Matt, Did you end up trimming your bumper?
Yes I did... much easier to get the shackles on/off now!
thance
04-04-2013, 08:59 AM
See what's happening here....... pretty soon everyone will have a set.
Delete those picks before it's too late!
On a separate note, if you take a look at the picks of the exposed radiator up top, you will see two support brackets running up to the hood latch.........
Don't remove those. My hood has quite a nice bounce at 65+mph. They are quite important.
thance
04-04-2013, 09:02 AM
Yes I did... much easier to get the shackles on/off now!
My shackles are held in place with a grade 8 5/8" (at least) bolt. Do you know where I can get a 5/8 wing nut?
Why do you need a nut? The shackle should be threaded on one side
thance
04-04-2013, 09:51 AM
Why do you need a nut? The shackle should be threaded on one side
Those threads do get in the way, but I used the biggest bolt that would get through them. Mine attach on the outside of the shackle as oppose to inside as designed.
If you look at this pic with your brightness and contrast all the way up I think it is visible. Black on black in a shadow is never good for clarity.
http://www.theultimatejeep.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1851&d=1363297475
...don't forget to tilt your screen just right.
FLYCAV
04-05-2013, 08:04 AM
Yes I did... much easier to get the shackles on/off now!
Trimmed mine this morning. Loading up now for the trip to Ohio for the outing at Sothington Offroad Park.
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