Matt's Garage

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Where'd you find those? The tape seems to work well but I was wondering long term if it will hold up..

[Matt]

Mcmaster.com part number 95327A701

[Matt]

Fox Shocks Installed.

Click the picture to jump to the thread

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/20130421093506_zpsdda09e3f-1.jpg (http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?2305-FOX-2-0-Reservoir-Mounting&p=43763&viewfull=1#post43763)

[Matt]

Took my rola rack off today and modified some Thule trays to carry my bikes..

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/20130530160413_zpsaac1e066-1.jpg

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https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/20130530172904_zpsb8eaeafb-1.jpg

[07JeepXK]

Looks much better!!!!! Not you just need a Superlift

[Matt]

Rear bumper with fullsize spare..... THEN superlift

[lekmedm]

Hey, Matt, there's a chance I'll be in your area tomorrow afternoon. Are you free after work?

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[Matt]

Hey man i'll be home all day. Took the week off from work because of the new family member making an appearance on Tuesday.

Feel free to stop by. I plan on pressure washing my house.... so if you call or text and i don't get back to ya, its because im up on a ladder cleaning. Open invite still, you know where i live :)

[06JeepXKHEMI]

**** if you have beer I'm coming!!

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[Matt]

**** if you have beer I'm coming!!

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I'll supply beer and food if you bring your detailing equipment! lol

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Hahaha!! One of these days Matt Ill make a day trip out of it and come down. But Im afraid the Jeep wont be there, although Im sure I can find something for you to fix on the POS in my garage hahahaha.. how was the first night home?

[Matt]

First night home was good. Knock on wood, but so far this little girl is a good sleeper.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Good to hear man, as much as Im looking forward to having kids I do love my sleep!

[Matt]

Good to hear man, as much as Im looking forward to having kids I do love my sleep!

Oh i do too. When the time does come for you, just remember that the "no sleep" stage is temporary whereas the "help daddy wash/wax car" stage lasts a loooooot longer :)

[06JeepXKHEMI]

hahaha yea I know that first hand, where do you think I learned everything from?!?! my pops had my out there when I was 10, changed motor mounts on my first Jeep at 12, but hey I got cold beer every time!

[Matt]

Took my sliders off today. I'm going to get a quote from a local welder to put some tubes on them, so they'll be a mix of SA and 4XG sliders. Depending on how much that'll cost will depends on if I actually sell them or not.

In the mean time.... I kind of like the "no slider" look (and im not doing any significant wheeling in the near future... Green's at most until I have sliders again).

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/08/20130817090550_zps6d3ee427-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/08/20130817132741_zps7ca993a6-1.jpg

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[Matt]

Ordered some grip tape.... I have an idea that might turn out kind of neat (or be crappy and i'll have to re-do it :p)

[Core XK]

Ordered some grip tape.... I have an idea that might turn out kind of neat (or be crappy and i'll have to re-do it :p)

Hope its not the great idea I thought of ...

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[Matt]

Of course not man! I would never think of taking credit for your greatness :cool:

[Core XK]

Just confirming :p

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[The_War_Wagon]

Oh i do too. When the time does come for you, just remember that the "no sleep" stage is temporary whereas the "help daddy wash/wax car" stage lasts a loooooot longer :)

I WISH! That's how my little brother & I were raised; wash & wax EVERY Saturday from spring through fall. For my kids, it's, "Let's-go-watch-DADDY-wash-&-wax-the-trucks-&-maybe-he'll-squirt-us-with-the-hose-while-we-run-around-&-scream-like-lunatics." https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/08/rolleyes-1.gif

Jeep Commander, Dodge Caravan, & Dodge Ramcharger: I get to wash & wax 'em all solo... https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[JumpmasterRT]

Got some parts in today. Now i just have to wait (im)patiently for my front OME springs/struts. Then no more sagging!!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/09/20110915171940-1.jpg

They just slip right in there and stay or is there a trick?

[Matt]

They wedge in there. I through a dab of RTV on them to help hold them in place over time.

[JumpmasterRT]

They wedge in there. I through a dab of RTV on them to help hold them in place over time.
Yeah, that didn't work. LOL


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[Matt]

Probably didn't wedge them all the way in.

[JumpmasterRT]

Probably didn't wedge them all the way in.

Several times actually and the RTV flattened from the bead. Even left them overnight to set. :confused:

It's just MY rig. The things that go wrong on mine don't happen to anyone else. LOL

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[Matt]

Lol your rig is "special"

[pjmjr508]

JumpmasterRT
I had the same issue at first, then I tighten the strut center bolt on top & it helped, don't ask why it just did.

[Matt]

..... was talking to the wife about possibly doing the superlift this spring/summer (if the stars align with funds/tax return/etc.. and my bday/fathers gift).

Going to be swapping out my OME HD setup this winter for the 5100 struts and cut OME MD springs as a "stage one" lift. Then when I put the SL on i'll adjust the 5100's to get the lift i want :cool:

[lekmedm]

Do it... DO IT!!!!

(I'll be happy to help.)

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[Core XK]

You forgot to add that your suspension is being sold to me. Hands off people :p

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[Matt]

It is uncanny how you're literally following in my footsteps.... lol what's it like knowing the future?

[Core XK]

Lmao it looks good. Kids, family, jeeps, good friends

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[Matt]

Lmao it looks good. Kids, family, jeeps, good friends


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/chucknorrisapproves-1.gif

[Matt]

One step closer Corey... did some work on a coworkers jeep last week and he gave me a $50 gift card (well his wife did, i told him not to pay me anything). So I just used that to order the mounts.

Might throw my RC car on ebay too; if that sells I can order the struts sooner and swap them out so you can paint them ahead of time.

[Core XK]

Saweeeeet

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[Matt]

Phase 1 parts starting to roll in.... No hits selling my R/C Crawler yet though

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[Core XK]

Nice! Do I need new brake line brackets when we do this swap? You should give me a list lol.

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[Matt]

No you won't need new brake line brackets until you buy my shocks.... but that'll work out because I'll have the superlift brackets so i'll just give you the ones i made.

[paroxysym]

Matt, how many insulators are there front and rear? rockauto offers 4 for the front and 4 for the rear

[Matt]

The front struts have an upper and lower insulator; different part numbers.
The rear springs also have an upper and lower insulator, but they're the same part number. So if you wanted all new insulators for the rear you'd order 4x the same part number.

[Matt]

Looks like December's going to be a busy month in Matts Shop..... Corey is your fiance going to let you hang out a few weekends?

[Core XK]

Looks like December's going to be a busy month in Matts Shop..... Corey is your fiance going to let you hang out a few weekends?

haha what is the "To Do List" ?

[Matt]

Well one weekend I could definitely use your hand installing the Steel Armadillo rear bumper :cool:

Then another weekend to swap out my front suspension & install rear track bar... don't "need" your help for that, but company is always welcome!

Then clean/paint the UCA's and struts i took off.... and install your modified OME lift front & rear. Oh and your rear brakes and probably fix your e-brake too.

I'm sure we'll find some other stuff to work on in the process :p

[mrnavy2]

When u need help or company, let me know I will come over. :-)

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[Matt]

Steve, buddy you know you're welcome here anytime!

[lekmedm]

I can try to make it over, too.

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[Matt]

Sweet! Sounds like we'll have a kick'in wrench fest. :D

[hoaxci5]

wrenching in dec?! ok I'll be there too :p

[Matt]

lol i like how this is working out.... i'll let you guys do all the work and i'll just drink beer and supervise :p

[hoaxci5]

no no no, you only get to do that when it's someone else's jeep..

[Matt]

hahaha and you know how good i am at not getting my hands dirty...

[mrnavy2]

We need to share the beer ..

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[mrnavy2]

Hey matt is that the rear bumper u are talking about?

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[Matt]

Yeah I ordered a bumper from Jon with a spare tire carrier centering the spare on the back instead of offset to the side.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

This sounds like a trip to make!!! Anyone up for regear and lockers install?!?

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[07JeepXK]

This sounds like a trip to make!!! Anyone up for regear and lockers install?!?

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I'll do it. Meet you at matts house lol

[06JeepXKHEMI]

HAHAHA!!! Im in desperate need of a regear, local city driving nets me 10mpg, the engine rarely gets up to temp and I never drive more than 5-6 miles. A regear would get me up to 14-15 city, from what others have reported. Now imagine what it will be when I get the MTRs

[Matt]

We can make this happen!

I think ill have to setup one of those big shed tents and get the butane heater going!!

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Thats a long drive for me!

[Matt]

Bring a sleeping bag :)

[Core XK]

Lmao sounds like a lot fun to me. Let me know when it begins and ill get down there. I dont think we have too many plans in December. I work every other saturday though.

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[mrnavy2]

I know I am.welcome buddy. Just let me know when u are ready. I there. Btw are u replacing your travel.hitch? I can use that mine.

06jeep. Short drive for me. .camping in Matts backyard .lol

Sounds like a plan. And some hot tea n coffee.

Matt, if u dont need that trailer hitch anymore, I will be happy to take it off your hands for a price

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[Matt]

Hey steve its all yours buddy

[mrnavy2]

Thank u sir. Please let me know when u going to do that steel bumper .sure sounds interesting.

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[Matt]

Will do man. Jon posted some pics on FB today... its almost done already :)

[Core XK]

Looks like a fun 2 months. Hopefully I can get down there for most of it!!

Going to order my paint today lol

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[mrnavy2]

Lets Rock n Roll. :-)

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[Core XK]

Do you think (2) 8 oz. Cans of duplicolor will be enough to paint 2 springs, 2 UCAS, and 2 struts? Lol its exact match of my xk.

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[Matt]

Get 4.... I think they're smaller cans. I was planning on getting a 6 pack of them

[Core XK]

Get 4.... I think they're smaller cans. I was planning on getting a 6 pack of them

What color are you getting?

[Matt]

The matching color... gonna see how the bumper looks painted to match, but matte.

[Core XK]

Okay. Il grab 4. Can you tell me where to buy my bump stops for when we swap?

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[Matt]

Two of these:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pra-bb02?seid=srese1&gclid=CKWY9YqDhLsCFUzxOgodzQsAmA

[lekmedm]

The matching color... gonna see how the bumper looks painted to match, but matte.

I think it should look pretty good, like the South African bumper pics. Was that an XK or WK in SA?

[Matt]

That was a white XK with the Maniac (South African) bumpers. ... my goal is that overall setup. I'll be almost there after the superlift :)

[07JeepXK]

Seeing how we both pretty much have Superlift rear's already (minus their rear LCA's) can you order just the front components? If so what's the price?

[Matt]

Also need the uca and traction bar brackets.. pretty much the only thing I won't use from the SL kit is rear shocks and springs.

[07JeepXK]

Also need the uca and traction bar brackets.. pretty much the only thing I won't use from the SL kit is rear shocks and springs.

Well I'd probably get adjustable UCA's and I have an adjustable track bar that's already adjusted perfectly. I am going to get the rear UCA's and LCA's in the next few months. Was just wondering if you can order just the parts for the front instead of having to get the whole kit if and when the time comes? If not I'll have a ton of extra parts

[Matt]

Adjustable arms arent a replacement for the brackets. Lateral motion increases linearly as the angle of the pivoting member increases. So you can adjust those arms all you want and it'll look pretty sitting there, but then when the suspension starts moving your axle will be swinging all over the place.

You want the control arms and track bar to be as flat as possible at normal ride height to reduce lateral motion throughout the range of suspension travel (side to side from the trackbar, front to back and pinion rotation from the control arms)

Running some quick numbers with both cases (yours without brackets and mine with brackets) and 8" of droop from ride height, your axle will shift forward about 5" vs my 2", and will shift to the driver side about 1.6" vs my .75".

Also, considering I want to run between 5-6" lift the brackets are definitely needed.

So you could order just the front kit... but I wouldn't recommend it. Get the full setup so you can maximize your rear suspension travel and minimize lateral movement.

[Matt]

Another quick note- our suspensions are also maxed out with the shocks extended 28-29". After fixing the control arm and trackbar angles with the superlift brackets we can go up to 32" long shocks. Thats definitely a capability I want :)

[07JeepXK]

Adjustable arms arent a replacement for the brackets. Lateral motion increases linearly as the angle of the pivoting member increases. So you can adjust those arms all you want and it'll look pretty sitting there, but then when the suspension starts moving your axle will be swinging all over the place.

You want the control arms and track bar to be as flat as possible at normal ride height to reduce lateral motion throughout the range of suspension travel (side to side from the trackbar, front to back and pinion rotation from the control arms)

Running some quick numbers with both cases (yours without brackets and mine with brackets) and 8" of droop from ride height, your axle will shift forward about 5" vs my 2", and will shift to the driver side about 1.6" vs my .75".

Also, considering I want to run between 5-6" lift the brackets are definitely needed.

So you could order just the front kit... but I wouldn't recommend it. Get the full setup so you can maximize your rear suspension travel and minimize lateral movement.

Ummm with the LCA's Superlift provides for the rear you don't run brackets. Their old kits provided brackets for everything because it would cost them a hell of a lot more money to include rear UCA and LCA's with their kit. The only reason Superlift went to a fixed LCA in the rear is because to many people were complaining of the brackets hanging low and getting caught on everything. I spoke to Superlift years ago and they also said they provided a bracket for the rear track bar again because it would increase the cost of the kit to provide an adjustable.

When have you ever seen a wrangler that has brackets for the rear or front end? You don't. Either it's a kit with minimal lift where the brackets aren't required or it's a 4" plus lift that you add either new fixed or adjustable UCAs and LCAs.

My buddy jay has the BDS 4 inch lift with BDS adjustable upper control arms and Beefy Rustys lower control arms. His jeep was by far the best riding lifted vehicle I've ever driven in. He's been lifted like that for over 3 years now and his axle doesn't swing anywhere. All the brackets that Superlift provides in their kit is to lift the mounting point to where you can still use the stock control arms and track back and have the axle centered front to rear and side to side.

[Matt]

Looks to me like AEV's 4.5" JK lift uses control arm and track bar brackets (The RE 4.5" extreme kit uses both track bar drop down brackets as well as adjustable track bars, upper & lower arms brackets with adjustable arms). There's also other factors in play for sfa platforms that we cant take advantage of such as long arm kits that reduce the lateral movement for the larger lifts and added suspension travel.

Our XKs have very short links in the rear which make the effect worse than other jeep platforms as well.

Fact is you're going to limit the suspension travel in the rear because your uca is still going to hit the tank, adjustable or not, for no good reason since those 3 brackets aren't likely very expensive parts. In doing so you're doubling your side to side axle motion and more than doubling your axle forward motion.

Not worth it imo. Theres certainly no performance benefit to it and definitely some negative/undesirable effects. $.02

[Matt]

Damnit i wish I had an 08! Just had to order a new wiper motor/module.... got all excited when I thought it was only $80 (checked at work today using the 2008 parts manual i had). Just to be sure I checked my 2007 manual before ordering; the 2006-2007 models use a different wiper motor assembly, and it's almost twice the price. $150 gone :(

[07JeepXK]

Matt have you seen comparison pics of a 4 inch Superlift using brackets and the 4 inch BDS using both upper and lower adjustable control arms? The proof is in the pudding. As far as compression (stuffing the rear tire into the wheel well) the Superlift kit using the brackets pushes the rear tires into the door as the BDS using adjustable uppers and lowers with no brackets centers the tire at full compression in the wheel well. Can you guess what happens when it comes to flexing out the rear end? Again pictures don't lie.

I'm not sure where you get there are no performance benefits to the adjustable over brackets. I guess you would rather have your tires getting pushed into your doors at compression and flex due to the changed pivot point by using brackets. Still not sure what the negatives are because normal driving the axle will be centered perfectly side to side and front to rear and it's not going anywhere. Off road it still stays centered like on road which doesn't happen with the brackets supplied by Superlift.

[Matt]

BDS has its own design flaws, and rather than correct them they stopped producing the kit and rebranded it under their sister company (Zone).

Superlift, via the direction of the guys at 4XG took the first step in improving their design with the lower arms which helped with the compression issue. So that's a moot point.

My tire won't get shoved into the fenderwell at full flex, i can assure you that. To get our suspension to really function correctly we need the UCA brackets and adjustable arms; which is what I plan on running. You're welcome to run whatever you think is best. As long as we're modifying our rigs and having fun who cares? :cool:

[07JeepXK]

Don't get me wrong BDS definitely has it's design flaws. Honestly I think that kit is garbage compared to the Superlift. But I was referring to using adjustable upper/lower control arms compared to stock control arms and brackets. Hell even the BDS adjustable control arms were weak and had crappy bushings. But now we have available to us beefy Superlift fixed lower control arms and beefy Rustys adjustable upper control arms.

I guess I don't understand your reasoning on using brackets for the UCA's paired withthe provided Superlift LCA obviously with no brackets. Isn't this changing the whole suspension geometry as far as pivot points? What are the brackets going to do to make it better than not having the brackets

[Matt]

I guess I don't understand your reasoning on using brackets for the UCA's paired with the provided Superlift LCA obviously with no brackets. Isn't this changing the whole suspension geometry as far as pivot points? What are the brackets going to do to make it better than not having the brackets

The first reason is suspension travel. Unless you move the gas tank, you'll never get more down travel than we have now since the upper arm will hit the tank. The UCA brackets give clearance for another 3-4" of down travel.

Yes the geometry changes, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Currently the superlift results in crappy pinion angles; adjustable UCA's help that but only to a point. With the UCA bracket the LCA will be at a steeper angle; which means as the suspension extends downward the lower link will move forward more than the upper link which will pivot the pinion upwards towards the trans, which is a good thing.

Ya know... the more I think about it the more I realize Jeep really never expected xk/wk owners to do what we're doing. I get the feeling the consensus was "eh, they'll just buy JKs" lol

[Core XK]

So I work (2) weekends in December but Sundays are usually good for me. Let me know when your putting the bumper on so I can hopefully come down and give you a hand. If we have to wait until January to do my suspension then that's fine. I ordered the paint and bump stops. I will be painting the springs within the next week or so!

And I guess we can just paint the UCAS and Struts before we put them on? lol

[Matt]

Sounds good man. I was hoping to see some black friday/cyber monday deals on JBA arms, OME springs or the 5100 struts to order some more parts.

Ill have to check with Jon to see when the bumper might be shipping so we can try to plan for a weekend. Maybe we'll do my suspension/bumper one weekend, and your rear suspension one weekend; then you take the front parts home, paint them and we do your front suspension another weekend?

.... Or i do the bumper the day it arrives and that's out of the equation lol

[JustinS]

If you find any deals on the 5100 adjustables let me know!

[Core XK]

Sounds good man. I was hoping to see some black friday/cyber monday deals on JBA arms, OME springs or the 5100 struts to order some more parts.

Ill have to check with Jon to see when the bumper might be shipping so we can try to plan for a weekend. Maybe we'll do my suspension/bumper one weekend, and your rear suspension one weekend; then you take the front parts home, paint them and we do your front suspension another weekend?

.... Or i do the bumper the day it arrives and that's out of the equation lol

Or do your suspension/bumper and I can take the parts home and paint them, and then we can do my suspension another weekend. If we do the rear and not the front its going to look so funny lol I should have my paint and bump stops next week. I will be painting the springs probably that week.

Any ETA on your bumper?

[07JeepXK]

It won't look funny with just the rear done. Your front is already lifted. If your front was stock suspension and you were doing the rear it would look funny.

[Core XK]

Yeah but im going from oem springs and RC spacers to OME HD springs and RC spacer, and I think my front is already lower then rear but I could be wrong. I guess it wont be that bad.

Matt can you send me the link for rear rotors and pads. I guess we can do that since id rather take spacers off with you then a shop do them.

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[Matt]

I'll text you the part numbers. Adam got the step up from what I normally run but he hasn't installed them. I'll send you both numbers and let you decide which ones you want to try.

Also got an email from Jon. If things go well and he has time, he might be able to ship the bumper by the end of the week :)

[Core XK]

I'll text you the part numbers. Adam got the step up from what I normally run but he hasn't installed them. I'll send you both numbers and let you decide which ones you want to try.

Also got an email from Jon. If things go well and he has time, he might be able to ship the bumper by the end of the week :)

I got my paint today so I intend to paint the springs this weekend. Do you want me to mail you a can to paint the UCA's? lol

I am good for Sunday the 15th if that works for you? Saturday I am going to a christmas get together.

If we are going to jam in removing your suspension, installing your new, painting mine, and installing mine within the same day then I will hold off on ordering rear brakes :P

[Core XK]

Matt,

Just to clarify, you are currently running OME HD Springs, OME Struts, and a strut spacer up front to sit at your current height? and SL Springs in the rear?

As far as rear, if I put on OME HD Rear springs + my RC spacer it should be the same height as JUST having SL springs?

[Matt]

Well it all depends on what shows up. Im working overtime this Friday and December 20th... so I told my boss im taking the 13 off (and maybe the 16th too).

I ordered all the parts for the MADLIFT (Matt's Adaptable Lift) setup yesterday. If everything comes in by the 12th I think I may just tear apart my suspension and get to work, knock it out Friday the 13th. If that works out, we can easily knock yours out that Sunday.

[Matt]

Matt,

Just to clarify, you are currently running OME HD Springs, OME Struts, and a strut spacer up front to sit at your current height? and SL Springs in the rear?

As far as rear, if I put on OME HD Rear springs + my RC spacer it should be the same height as JUST having SL springs?

Yup. You should sit just like I do now.

[Core XK]

Well we can figure it all out next week. Wondering if I should order brakes. Decisions

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[Matt]

If they're not squeaking you have time left :p

[Core XK]

If they're not squeaking you have time left :p

Yeah they are not squeaking but I don't want my new front brakes to take all of the abuse and have to be replaced earlier lol

[Matt]

Putting a new wiper motor/transmission in tomorrow after work, along with this gem:

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[lekmedm]

Ooooooooh... Action in the shop, baby!!!

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[Matt]

^^ you should see the shop floor. I painted the bar the other night and clearly did not have enough cardboard down lol

My wife sent me a text at work asking about the floor and I told her it's the first stage of my Christmas decorations; I just need to add a sign that says "Santa's reindeer slaughtering station". I don't think she found it very funny... but she knew who she was marrying so she'll have to deal with it :p

[Matt]

Traded my hitch mounted rack for a tire mounted bike rack today... now i'm set for when my Steel Armadillo bumper shows up!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131206144211_zpsceb95cbb-1.jpg

[mrnavy2]

Dont forget let me know when u need my help. Lol.

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[Matt]

Will do man!

[06blkhemi]

Matt. Did you replace our Steering rack yet? Mines making mad noises. Hoping itll hold off till spring!! I can't wait to see that new bumper!!

[Matt]

Havent replaced mine yet. ... ever since I tightened the yoke backlash its been relatively quiet. Might want to give that a shot if you haven't done so yet.

I need to get a tracking number from Jon. :)

[Matt]

Gonna be a busy week!

Bumper will be here Tuesday and I may try putting it on Wednesday or Thursday. ... hoping my suspension parts come in too and I dont get called into work Friday meaning I can be done everything by Saturday (barring having to take the front apart again to adjust the height).... Needless to say im a bit anxious. If all works out ill really be enjoying the whiskey during Christmas!

[LWM]

Take some notes and photos of the bumper install if you can and help me write a set of installation instructions. Feel free to call me if you have questions.

[Matt]

Will do!

Gonna be interesting, just my luck it feels like I pulled a muscle in my shoulder. ... nice injury to have the week I plan on doing A LOT of heavy lifting type work :(. It'll get done though!

[lekmedm]

Will do!

Gonna be interesting, just my luck it feels like I pulled a muscle in my shoulder. ... nice injury to have the week I plan on doing A LOT of heavy lifting type work :(. It'll get done though!

Crappy install timing around the holidays. :( I'd love to help, but I won't be able to get away these next couple of weekends. The wife would KILL me!! LOL

[Matt]

Just tell her you're going shopping for her ;)

[Core XK]

Just tell her you're going shopping for her ;)

Matt has written a book on excuses to provide to the wife. He doesn't guarantee the reaction or success however.

Matt, I am available Sunday depending on what your situation is and if your up for my suspension swap. If not, we could always find a weekend in January that works for us both. I still have not painted my springs as its too cold I believe the paint is spraying all types of wrong.

[Matt]

Still waiting for the struts and UCA's... hoping they come this week :confused:

And that's a great book idea; i may have to publish it to make some more spending money!

[Core XK]

Yeah id prefer to do it on a Saturday so I can get it aligned Sunday but its no big deal if not.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

That's why i wanna get it done ASAP. Starting January, through the end of February every Saturday i'm mentoring high-school kids (and have another Masters class starting up, on top of my normal work/dad duties). If those parts show up Friday i'll probably start tearing my jeep apart then and there lol

[JustinS]

Still waiting for the struts and UCA's... hoping they come this week :confused:

And that's a great book idea; i may have to publish it to make some more spending money!

I'm impatiently waiting as well. I have a week off staying Friday and want to get this stuff done! !

[hoaxci5]

I might be able to make an escape if you guys need/want a hand.

[Matt]

Could always use a hand :)

Lets hope UPSaclause drops by my house soon. Maybe ill even try putting the bumper on tonight so I could build the struts tomorrow or thursday after work [if they come]

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Wish I could say I'm available but in 2 days I'll be on a ship cruisin thru the Bahamas..

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

[Matt]

No bumper delivery today :(

[07JeepXK]

Don't you have a tracking number?

[Matt]

Kind of. Jon sent me a copy of a shipping status (not sure what company) and it said est delivery 12/17. So if it doesnt come tomorrow ill bug him again :p

[Core XK]

That sucks I hope everything comes. Weather is going up this weekend so hopefully I can paint my springs. I can still head over Sunday depending on your parts.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

Well still no bumper :(

My 5100s came so I went ahead and butchered a spring and put one together. Maybe my arms will show up tomorrow and give me something to do on Friday. ..

[LWM]

Bumper arrived in your town yesterday, not sure why they did not drop it off today but it looks like it is on the schedule for tomorrow.

[Matt]

Oh sweet. ... setting me up for a busy wrenching weekend!

I wanted the bumper on before I screw with the suspension.

[JustinS]

Looks like you're going to have a productive Jeep weekend!!

[lekmedm]

If this is the same shipping company that delivered my lift, you better keep on them. When I finally got a call to schedule a delivery, they told me it was their third attempt to contact me. Well, that was a load of mierda! That bs delayed receipt by about a week.

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[Matt]

Oh man I hope thats not the case. I'll ask jon if they even have my cell #

[LWM]

Oh man I hope thats not the case. I'll ask jon if they even have my cell #

I gave them the number & e-mail you provided me.

[Matt]

Yup I just checked their website. Says "out for delivery".

They have a 29minute customer service response guarantee so I just emailed them asking if signature is required and, if so, to call me before the truck gets there so I can meet them.

[Core XK]

Whats the status on UCAS

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

So I just got a call from the truck driver....was sitting in front of my house wondering where I was. Told him I never got a call from the company and you shouldve heard his sigh "these guys suck they've been doing this to me all week".

I gave him the verbal to leave it in front of my garage. Felt bad and didnt want to make him wait ~20min for me to get home....im sure he has other places to get to.

[Matt]

Not sure where my UCAs are... would be nice if they come too!

[LWM]

So I just got a call from the truck driver....was sitting in front of my house wondering where I was. Told him I never got a call from the company and you shouldve heard his sigh "these guys suck they've been doing this to me all week".

I gave him the verbal to leave it in front of my garage. Felt bad and didnt want to make him wait ~20min for me to get home....im sure he has other places to get to.

Hope he had help getting it off the truck!

[Matt]

You're telling me... this feels like more than 215lb!

See you guys in a few hours

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219_170841_zpst6vumcgq-1.jpg

[Core XK]

Awesome!!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[mrnavy2]

:-)

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

[lekmedm]

I told you those freight companies are sketchy! ;)

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[Matt]

Hmmmmm...

[JustinS]

hmmmmm...

pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Matt]

Not good yet. Gonna eat some dinner and ill update

[Matt]

Sooo im definitely not having the best Jeep'n day...

First I hear my OME MD spring idea might net me weaker springs than my stock ones.... ugh, kick me in the nuts.
Next, my JBA arms still haven't come in yet (ok that might work out for me the way this evening has gone)
Third, my bumper install isn't going as easy as i expected. Mostly minor stuff that can be overcome though.

My first "oh crap" moment was when i realized the backup sensor harness needs to be modified because one sensor is out of reach. Not a big deal, i know how to cut and extend wires...

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219184852_zpsa5d89a56-1.jpg

So i epoxy the sensors in place and figure i'll move on to drilling out the frame rails for the brackets. Well i'll be damned.... this is a GOOD bit too!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219194412_zpsce80c5f4-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219194437_zps3872e6c4-1.jpg

Still can't knock me down... finish it off with a good 1/2" bit (i can always enlarge them later) and press on so I can get this bumper on! Right?

Hmmmm, damn bumper won't go on... oh i'm an idiot, i need to take off the TPMS bracket

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219205437_zps328f957b-1.jpg


Ok now it's ready.....

.... an hour of swinging a 5 lb mallet later, it's still not on. The bumper needs to go up higher, but the dowels in the mounts need to go down. It's an un-winnable battle with this much steel.

So i gave up around 9:30. Tomorrow i'm home with the baby (two older kids going to work with my wife) so i'll try working on it some more; especially since my JBA arms didn't come so im not tearing my front end down. I think im going to try cutting the dowels off... maybe buy a new/larger drill bit to increase the hole size in the frame too and how I can get this thing on. Might have to grind down some of the edges too for a bit more clearance.

[LWM]

Sooo im definitely not having the best Jeep'n day...

First I hear my OME MD spring idea might net me weaker springs than my stock ones.... ugh, kick me in the nuts.
Next, my JBA arms still haven't come in yet (ok that might work out for me the way this evening has gone)
Third, my bumper install isn't going as easy as i expected. Mostly minor stuff that can be overcome though.

My first "oh crap" moment was when i realized the backup sensor harness needs to be modified because one sensor is out of reach. Not a big deal, i know how to cut and extend wires...

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219184852_zpsa5d89a56-1.jpg

So i epoxy the sensors in place and figure i'll move on to drilling out the frame rails for the brackets. Well i'll be damned.... this is a GOOD bit too!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219194412_zpsce80c5f4-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219194437_zps3872e6c4-1.jpg

Still can't knock me down... finish it off with a good 1/2" bit (i can always enlarge them later) and press on so I can get this bumper on! Right?

Hmmmm, damn bumper won't go on... oh i'm an idiot, i need to take off the TPMS bracket

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219205437_zps328f957b-1.jpg


Ok now it's ready.....

.... an hour of swinging a 5 lb mallet later, it's still not on. The bumper needs to go up higher, but the dowels in the mounts need to go down. It's an un-winnable battle with this much steel.

So i gave up around 9:30. Tomorrow i'm home with the baby (two older kids going to work with my wife) so i'll try working on it some more; especially since my JBA arms didn't come so im not tearing my front end down. I think im going to try cutting the dowels off... maybe buy a new/larger drill bit to increase the hole size in the frame too and how I can get this thing on. Might have to grind down some of the edges too for a bit more clearance.

Glad to see it arrived in the same condition it left it and the paint seems to be intact, One thought on the pin location... Make sure you have the "L" shape brackets right side up (there is a top and a bottom).

[lekmedm]

Like a kid on Christmas. (Timely reference, no?)

To quote Yoda, "You must unlearn what you have learned."

It's late. Goodnight!

[Matt]

One thought on the pin location... Make sure you have the "L" shape brackets right side up (there is a top and a bottom).

The brackets are currently a non-factor... the bumper won't physically go on far enough to even try getting the bolts in the brackets.

The pins either need to be cut off, or I need to enlarge the holes they go into. Considering I don't think they help at all since the bumper sits on the rear "shelf" of the unibody, i'm thinking grinding them off is the best option.

Though I like how Mark put it; gonna head to bed soon and start with a fresh mind tomorrow :)

[Matt]

OK ROUND 2!

Woke up early so I could do some cutting/grinding before the wife left for work.

It's nice out too so I pulled the jeep out and hosed off the rear... was tired of getting dirt/sand in my eyes!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220074119_zpsce7ef987-1.jpg

This was the main culprit of my misery last night. The bumper needed to go higher but this dowel was interfering, already at the top of the hole is was designed to go into. I have a feeling those holes on the back of the frames are more manufacturing purposes only and not held to very tight tolerances like the rest of the body/frame; might explain why this fit on Jon's and not mine.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220074140_zpsa5b496bf-1.jpg

Also shaved down some of the edges to add clearance where it was a tight fit and digging into the body. If it goes on i'll probably grind away more in the spring when i pull it off for paint.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220075438_zpsa8cc1a15-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220075452_zpsb4dd393e-1.jpg

..... round 2 starts soon. I think the only other thing i'll want to do is increase the hole size in the frame rails; maybe to 5/8" or so.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220_075847_zpsedrx2jw0-1.jpg

[07JeepXK]

Are there not holes in the wings of the bumper where the bumper mounts on the sides of the XK?? My stock bumper has two holes on each side where it slides in and locks to the Jeep

[Matt]

No you take those off. I'm going to write up a step-by-step for Jon once I get this thing on properly.

I need to figure out what to do with the rear TPMS module. Hoping i can get my hands in there to reinstall the screws with the bumper in place. I'm also hoping it's not sitting where the front edge of the bumper wants to be!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219205437_zps328f957b-1.jpg

Granted i do have my TPMS turned off so I can remove it if i want.... but i'd like the ability to turn it back one if they ever make rubber stems that work.

[07JeepXK]

Why would you take those off? Are those helping support the sides of the bumper?

I'm glad my XK doesn't have all that TPMS crap!

[Matt]

They're not needed for the steel bumper due to all the framing. Also the stock bumper can be "flexed" outwards to take it off, this wouldn't work on the steel bumper because you cant pull it outwards.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131219181510_zpsc938d1fe-1.jpg

[Matt]

Well i lost round two. .. and it might be TKO :(

[LWM]

Well i lost round two. .. and it might be TKO :(

I wish I could be there to help, I am disappointed that this didn't just slide in like the others. This is the first one with the new fabricator but I was told he bolted it to my Jeep so it should have fit perfectly if he really did bolt it on (I sent him a voice mail to confirm he did what he told me he did).

[Matt]

I hear ya man... check out your in-box I just sent you a ton of pics.

[lekmedm]

*ouch*

2196


...and he's done...

2197

[Matt]

Yeah that's pretty accurate man.

And Mark you know me and how irked i get when there's something I can't fix.... this one's definitely a killer. Stuck between a rock & hard place as well since there's no clear path of where to go from here. I can't easily put my stock bumper back on (need to order parts), fenders are already cut, etc.

Gonna need some hard drinks tonight.

[hoaxci5]

I'll bring you some beer, should I bring my welder too?

[Matt]

Lol definitely bring the beer... hold off on the welder though. I've already contemplated that but there's just too much that's off, I dont want to chop it all up just yet.

Jons seen the pics and isn't too happy either. Gotta see what he wants to do with it.

This was the fab guys first attempt. It looks like he put the puzzle pieces in the right spots but wasn't aware of some special/critical angles that Doc knew about since he built it from scratch.

[Matt]

Just got status on the UCAs... theyre not shipping until Monday.

Soooo Jacob im all for working on the bumper tomorrow. I think it would be beneficial to Jon too, have another person familiar with XKs to take a look and make sure im not just crazy (or stupid). He said his fab guy swears he put it on his XK with no issues, which i find hard to believe; there's no way frames varied that much XK to XK, and Ron's slid right on without issue as far as i know.

The only thing i'll mess with tonight is grinding away metal so I can get the hatch closed and maybe put the wheel studs into the tire carrier. Maybe get a new drill bit and drill some bigger holes in the frame rails too.

[hoaxci5]

I'll be there with beer (just me) I'm escaping for the day.

[LWM]

Try sliding the bumper on first without worrying about the brackets behind the scene. If the bumper slides in then all we need to do is adjust brackets accordingly. I am good for what ever you decide to do.

[JustinS]

Sucks you're having troubles Matt but you'll get it figured out and it'll be sweet!

[Matt]

Try sliding the bumper on first without worrying about the brackets behind the scene. If the bumper slides in then all we need to do is adjust brackets accordingly. I am good for what ever you decide to do.

The bumper doesn't slide on, has nothing to do with the brackets. When i get it on as far as it will go, these bolts aren't even close to lining up:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220_102822_zpsaq49tado-1.jpg

I had to grind away at that L-bracket to help raise the bumper up. That got me close but still wasn't enough (i didn't want to grind away too much since that is what's holding everything on after all....

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220114522_zps3be918a6-1.jpg

To raise the threads up higher we pulled the bumper back a bit, put my old track bar in the hitch and lifted like hell to "twist" the rear of the bumper upwards. Doing this we were able to just barely get the bolts to thread in.

At that point we used those bolts to "pull" the bumper onto the vehicle as far as it would go and basically wedge it in place (i just tried taking it off... gonna wait for Jacob to lend a hand tomorrow so i dont hurt myself when it releases).

The tailgate also wouldn't close. I had to grind away this area on both sides... it now closes but still touches

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220_180821_zpsx9y1lmj9-1.jpg

This is as good as it's getting, there's absolutely no adjustments/tweaking that can be done, the other brackets aren't hooked up.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220_180907_zpsxzjxp7i3-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220_180930_zpsoexvziob-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220_180653_zpswfchyvb1-1.jpg

Interesting how the sides are on such an angle but the frame rail brackets look pretty straight:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220_155834_zpsirqhgvyr-1.jpg

Jacob and I will play with it tomorrow.... But i don't see any physical way to get this thing installed correctly. There's too many angles that need to go the opposite direction, on a rigid assembly.

I've literally installed new struts in less time than i have into trying to get this bumper to fit. No way someone "slid this right on" for a test fit and it was "good".

[Matt]

Before forcing the bumper on as far as it would go by using the hitch bolts, this is the absolute closest I could get both sides to line up.... (this was earlier yesterday, i had a bad feeling but was hoping for the best)

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220_102718_zpscqg3wea6-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220_102657_zps4rixhkky-1.jpg

^^In that position, the threaded holes for the hitch bolts aren't even visible through the frame.

[07JeepXK]

I wish I could come and help you out. I would totally cut off that L-bracket that bolts the bumper on to the jeep and do some work to the bumper to lower that bracket and re weld it on slightly angled to help raise the sides of the bumper. Then you would also have to fix the brackets underneath that bolt to the frame rails and angle them a hair and weld them back in. If you have me a few hours, cut off wheel, welder and some steel and this thing would look perfect.

[Matt]

The bracket sits right on the square tube so it cant be lowered very easily. The entire cross brace needs to be modified... but to get to the structural welds to modify it the actual bumper panels need to come off. At that point i'd pretty much be cutting up the entire bumper and custom piecing it back together.

I spent a lot of time this morning trying to find a relatively easy way to make it work; once its in front of you, you start seeing the other problems that really balloon the issue.

[Matt]

Ok Jacob maybe bring the welder tomorrow. Wonder what would happen if I cut off the front ~1" of this L bracket. Might allow us to rotate the bumper a bit and still get the bolts threaded in...

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220114522_2_zpsb372be1b-1.jpg

I always think better with beer in me...

[hoaxci5]

welder and beer what time should I arrive?

[Matt]

Whenever your heart desires. If i'm still in bed past 7am i consider that a miracle.

[hoaxci5]

lol - so glad we're past that stage.. I'll be there before lunch, but not early by any means :p

[Matt]

Anyone who's met my son will love this...

The little dude went in the garage after he got home tonight (my wife and i were in there looking at the Jeep), he walked right up to the bumper and said "Daddy, this is nice.... BUT you definitely need to put something here to fix this" as he pointed to the huge gaps in the sides.

..... thanks bud. Just got called out by my 4 year old lol

[Core XK]

Anyone who's met my son will love this...

The little dude went in the garage after he got home tonight (my wife and i were in there looking at the Jeep), he walked right up to the bumper and said "Daddy, this is nice.... BUT you definitely need to put something here to fix this" as he pointed to the huge gaps in the sides.

..... thanks bud. Just got called out by my 4 year old lol

Lmao!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[LWM]

Worse case I will refund your purchase, buy you new fender and a bumper if necessary, Do all you can to make it work but know that if it fails I will make it good!

[Matt]

Jon I know you will. But I also have a lot of respect for you and what you're doing for us, and small businesses in general (my dad is a small business owner, and he's a one man business), so I want to do everything I can to make it work.

I really wish you were there to witness the "test fit".. but hindsight is 20/20. And I can see your fab guy doing a bit of CYA right now; he probably built it side-by-side to yours and didn't have any reason to think it wouldn't fit. So i'm hoping this doesn't hurt your relationship with him, but maybe used as a "lessons learned". Hopefully show him the pictures so he see's how far off it is. The next time he makes one he may want to build it on your vehicle so he gets some of the tribal knowledge Doc had from making the original. Right now i basically have a really expensive prototype :(

I'm still going to hold true to my promise and write you some install instructions. And depending on how it goes today, there's a few areas where I think you can change a dimension or add a cut which will help with the install as well; or at least reduce the likelihood of someone having a tough time putting it on.

I have two main goals today:

1) Get it presentable so it's not embarrassing to leave it on.

2) Get it so the R&R is as easy as it should be. As of right now it's a two man job, puts a lot of stress on components and uses the hitch bolts to "wedge" it on; giving those threads a limited number of uses. Screwing up the threads on that L-bracket would be bad, really bad.

[07JeepXK]

Ok Jacob maybe bring the welder tomorrow. Wonder what would happen if I cut off the front ~1" of this L bracket. Might allow us to rotate the bumper a bit and still get the bolts threaded in...

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131220114522_2_zpsb372be1b-1.jpg


I always think better with beer in me...

If you do this, run a bead of weld down the length of the bracket after you cut off the inch of material. If sure you already thought of this. Just my .02

[mrnavy2]

Matt, sorry to read u are having problems with your new bumper. But I know u pretty well and I am sure u will make it fit somehow.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

[lekmedm]

No updates from "The Shop?" Disappointed! :(

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[Matt]

Literally just sat down about a half hour ago. Worked all day on the bumper... not really any good updates to give; except that the beer Jacob brought is delicious.

[Core XK]

Yeah I hope things turn around for you with this project. I agree with mrnavy. If anyones gonna figure this out you will lol

However, delicious beer is always a good thing!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[hoaxci5]

It was a long day for sure..

[Matt]

It was a long day for sure..

Thanks again for all your help today man. I'm pretty sure I would've thrown my 3lb sledge through the wall quite a few times if you weren't here... lol not saying that still won't happen, but at least not today :p

.....and at least i have confirmation that i'm not crazy, nor stupid. (ok so the verdict still might be out on the "crazy" part...)

[lekmedm]

No solutions? Any ideas what needs to be done to get it to work?

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[Matt]

I have some ideas. Need to order some raw material and make some new brackets....and a few other things. It's not gonna be done in the immediate future though; my busiest time of the year is January-March so free time is basically gone.

Still need to do quite a bit of suspension work as well and don't want to keep Corey waiting.

[LWM]

Anything you need from me let me know.

[Matt]

I know we'll figure it out man. I just want to do everything I can to turn this into a positive.

[Matt]

.... alright the sun's finally coming up (yeah i didn't sleep much tonight)

Setting my goals a little lower for day 4.

[Matt]

Ok... Day 4 update.

The bumper is ON. Long story short, this is how it's staying until the Spring. I'm going to need to make new brackets and I wasn't confident I could get the bumper back on if I took it off today... there's some bare steel under there that i'll clean up when i have more time, and material on hand to make new brackets.

I consider this a success; it's finally presentable.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131222163114_zpse0d798cb-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131222163139_zps6737f5e7-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/12/20131222163245_zpsb19e514f-1.jpg

Hopefully Jon can work through the issues i've had. If he does and the installation is as easy as its supposed to be, the Steel Armadillo bumper is definitely a "must have". Unfortunately for me, some of the things that make this bumper so great (extremely strong, low profile with no space to spare, etc) worked against me due to the fitment/angle issues.

[pjmjr508]

Looking Good

[Core XK]

I have to admit man, the bumper still looks bad ass even know its not perfect.

[mrnavy2]

Wow it looks good. Holly cow. Strong. We all knew u would work it out. As we say in the Navy. BZ

[Matt]

Thanks guys!

I'm happy I finally had a successful day. All i wanted at this point was to be able to use my vehicle for DD and i achieved that. I still have some work to do before i'm confident using the bumper to pull stumps or for offroad recovery, but that'll come later. To be clear; if this bumper fit from the start, it could pull down a house. I definitely sacrificed strength to get it to fit right.... but since I don't plan on pulling anything heavy or go wheeling in the pines in the near future, I really just wanted the aesthetics to work out as best as possible. I can add strength later. And i have a few ideas that'll help Jon prevent this from happening with future orders.

....lol i'll definitely be checking out early tonight though. This Eagles game will determine how soon i take my Advil PMs!

[Core XK]

Game is damn good so far so no advil pms just yet!!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[LWM]

I am glad you got it on there and it looks presentable, I would like to ship you a replacement however as I am concerned with the hitch and the possibility that it may not hold up to it's intended uses over time.

[Matt]

Just replied to your email. That's been a pit in my gut since cutting that bracket off so i'm happy we're on the same page there.

I'll help out with whatever you need to get better production going. You can even have your fab guy call me if he has any questions about what/why didn't work.

.... but there's one thing i'll never forgive you for..... you sent me a bumper and no sticker !!

[lekmedm]

I'm glad you finally got it on. I hope it's strong enough for that big spare right now.

(Don't let JT see those gaps!)

I'd love to come visit the Jeep in the new year. Oh, and you, too. Lol.

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[mrnavy2]

Ill come down in a few weeks to check it out and have a New Years Beer with u. .i'll bring the beer. Just a peek will be good and a quick beer. Merry christmas buddy to u and your Family

[JustinS]

While not perfect, It still looks pretty good.

[Matt]

Wow those Advil's kicked in quick! I needed that after not sleeping the night before... and it's nice to sit here and relax with my coffee, not having to wait for the kids to get up so I can start making noise in the garage :p

I have a few ideas/additions for the bumper. Should be pretty slick when said and done...

Mark/Steve- maybe we can try getting together at the same time and make it the first annual MSMS (Matts Shop Mini Summit) :cool:. We'll try to get Corey and Jacob too.

[mrnavy2]

Sounds good to me Matt.

[lekmedm]

Cool beans! :)

[Matt]

Brown Santa just dropped off the UCAs. Looks like another busy weekend coming up!

[Core XK]

I sent paint to your house! Lol should be delivered tomorrow.

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[Matt]

Well, under the knife she goes.... wish me some luck

[07JeepXK]

Well, under the knife she goes.... wish me some luck

Hell yeah, I better get pics sent to my phone! You know I need to be the first to get pics and updates!

[Matt]

Damn moog balljoint doesnt fit! No ones got one local. :mad:

[07JeepXK]

What do you mean?? Which ball joint?

[Matt]

Passenger lower balljoint. Boot got ripped a while ago so I figured id throw a replacement on while I have it all apart. The Moog one I bought looked like the right size but I was basically able to press it in by hand. Ordered a Duralast from autozone because its the only thing I could get by tomorrow afternoon. I hope it fits....

[07JeepXK]

Hmmm what was the part number? My buddy has MOOG lowers on his. I wonder if it's different since you have aftermarket LCA's

[Matt]

The part number on the box was right, i'm hoping it was packaged wrong. I could push it all the way in by hand, and when in the groove for the C-clip is ~1/16" above the top surface of the LCA.

LCA's shouldn't be any different, especially since it's a Crown part and they supply OEM jeep parts. The balljoint I took out looks identical to stock as well.

[Matt]

Absolute worst case i'll be throwing on my original LCA tomorrow. I replaced it for semi-preventative maintenance (the bushings were definitely hurting).

**my buddy works at a Dodge dealership and they have an OEM LCA in stock so he's going to bring it home in case i need it tomorrow. Really really really really can't afford it right now, BUT if the BJ doesn't fit tomorrow I won't have many better options. And really don't want to rip my suspension apart again in a few months.

[lekmedm]

Damn, this is all going uphill... :(

[Matt]

Im getting numb to the fact the jeep gods are trying to sabotage me. Just kind of wish I had that 3rd vehicle about now

[06JeepXKHEMI]

If it were easy everyone would do it and you'd lose interest, we all like a challenge that's why we go wheeling, break **** and figure things out to make it better!!

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[Matt]

Oh the "modification" part of the install went quite well and it looks like my cut spring estimation was right on. The lower balljoint has been giving me a battle. First the knuckle refused to release, even with my pickle fork. Then once it released, I didn't have the right size balljoint cup... so i had to get creative to press it out. Finally got it out, breathed a sigh of relief, go to press in the new one and whatchya know, i could practically "press" it in by hand.

We'll see how today goes. I'd like to finish it up so I can focus on rear bumper tweaks for Jon. Also gotta try and get the garage cleaned up so I can start fresh with corey's install tomorrow.

[Matt]

2nd balljoint didnt work either. Guess im at a standstill till my buddy gets here with the new arm.

I'll have to get with Crown tech support to see whats going on after the dust settles.

[JustinS]

2nd balljoint didnt work either. Guess im at a standstill till my buddy gets here with the new arm.

I'll have to get with Crown tech support to see whats going on after the dust settles.

I wonder if Crown offers balljoints for their arms....since they are obviously upsized from stock.

[Matt]

They sell an OEM replacement. If it works in the OEM arm, it should work in theirs as well, as with any OEM replacement balljoint.

[mrnavy2]

Matt, how did it all work out?

[Matt]

Put the new OEM arm and got it back together Friday... just in time to tear apart another XK suspension (Corey's) yesterday, which went A LOT smoother.

Just gotta find time to get to the shop and get it aligned. got it surprisingly close in my garage using some ancient tools lol

[mrnavy2]

Thanks good. Glad everything work well. Time to get things straight and relax, with a beer. Happy New Years to u and your family.

[Matt]

Thanks Steve. Happy New Years to you too.

We'll have to schedule MSMS soon :)

[mrnavy2]

You bet.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Matt, what's the ride difference with the cut MD coils with Bilsteins to the OME HD?!? Just curious as those who bought the OME MD on an XK was not happy with how much slop there was

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[Matt]

its definitely softer than the HD springs but cant really comment on ride quality until i get it aligned. Between the new UCAs and changing the passenger side LCA i know my camber & toe are way out which causes excessive steering slop. I do want to put my rear sway bar back on too.

[Core XK]

Even without an alignment I really like the ride quality and stiffness of the OME Lift, and I like how it is modified which makes me feel special. I am interested to see if it changes at all tomorrow once the alignment is done.

[Matt]

Get your own garage thread :p

...What did Kacie say when she saw it?

[Core XK]

Get your own garage thread :p

...What did Kacie say when she saw it?

lol I've been in your garage enough where I have special privileges to post whatever the F$*k I want in this thread! She noticed the silver and how it was taller from the tire :P

[Matt]

I still can't believe you were brave enough to have me paint those control arms for you....

[Core XK]

This is true......

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[Matt]

Edit:

Putting bumper mods here
http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?2620-My-Steel-Armadillo-Bumper-amp-Mods-(Matt-s-version)

[Matt]

Well a bit of good news... Crown issued me a refund (minus shipping) for the control arm issue. Takes a bit of the sting away!

[Matt]

Damn cabin fever is kicking in big time... cant wait until spring weather comes along so I can start playing with the XK again. Hell I might even clay bar and wax her while I have the "itch" to do some work!

[mrnavy2]

Lol. Matt, just wait for that snow to.come down again. Then u can get out.

[Matt]

Itchin even more now. Just got done my 60k mile oil change, tire rotation and gave EVERYTHING a really good once over. XK's holding up to the abuse i've put it through.

Some fresh spark plugs tomorrow and if it's warm enough it might even get a quick bath afterwards :)

[mrnavy2]

:-)

[Core XK]

Nice! Any suggestions on some maintenance I should do come spring?

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[Matt]

How many miles do you have?

[Core XK]

How many miles do you have?

33k

[Matt]

T-case fluid and drain/fill the radiator.

[hoaxci5]

I thought the red/orange whatever coolant was good for more like 100k?

[Core XK]

T-case fluid and drain/fill the radiator.

Cost for that Matt? I'd like to do that and rear brakes plus E-Brake Line. Hopefully all of that isn't too much so I can still get the sliders lol.....

I'd sacrifice sliders to assure I am maintaining the XK. It has a long life ahead!

[07JeepXK]

T-case fluid and drain/fill the radiator.

At 33k no way! He's good to go for a lot longer than that on the coolant!

[Matt]

I thought the red/orange whatever coolant was good for more like 100k?

100k or 60 months, whichever comes first


At 33k no way! He's good to go for a lot longer than that on the coolant!

He's 4 years in on the coolant that's only good for 5 years. "Time" matters more for the coolant than mileage. Even sitting there in the garage it's deteriorating.

A drain & fill is easy and keeps the system fresh. Especially with this HOAT stuff and aluminum parts its cheap insurance... i do mine every 2 years and don't have to worry about doing a complete flush which takes more work.


Corey it's not expensive at all. 2 quarts of tcase fluid and a gallon of HOAT antifreeze concentrate will be ~$50-$60.

[07JeepXK]

Yeah I guess but he still has a year

[Matt]

I bet his xk was manufactured in 2009...

[07JeepXK]

Lol yeah mostlikely