2008 JKU "Argenta" Build Thread (plus a 2010 Islander side project)

[pc1p]

The Motobilt Rear Fuel Tank Kit arrives today, so over the weekend, I worked on getting it ready. The first step was getting the fuel filler neck removed and trimmed out.

I was shocked that it could not be removed without lifting the tub. Since I don't need to "save" it, I simply cut it out with a Diablo Sawzall blade, using the space in the "notch" in the rear driver-side wheelwell opening.

The Motobilt tank doesn't allow the use of the factory rear sway bar, so you have to run a Currie or similar. Unfortunately, removing my OEM sway bar led to this:

I need these holes since the Motobilt rear tank skid uses them as a mounting point. So far I tried to get the broken bolts out with the "weld on a nut" trick, but it's being stubborn. I may have to drill these out and run a bolt/nut through the frame...

 

[pc1p]

Had a busy few days... been trying to get the PSC hose routing, as well as the radiator hoses figured out.

Also came home with this on Friday. It's a 2022 Wagoneer Series 1. We went to look at the new Durango GT AWD Premium, which is currently on a killer 0% for 60-mo deal with Stellantis Financial, but it was still too small for our needs and this only had 5607 miles and a huge discount over new retail.

 

[Cimmerian]

Had a busy few days... been trying to get the PSC hose routing, as well as the radiator hoses figured out.

Also came home with this on Friday. It's a 2022 Wagoneer Series 1. We went to look at the new Durango GT AWD Premium, which is currently on a killer 0% for 60-mo deal with Stellantis Financial, but it was still too small for our needs and this only had 5607 miles and a huge discount over new retail.
View attachment 130803

Be careful. Stellantis build quality since covid (well before that) has been in the toilet and I've read a LOT of threads about Wagoneers in particular having so many issues.

 

[pc1p]

Be careful. Stellantis build quality since covid (well before that) has been in the toilet and I've read a LOT of threads about Wagoneers in particular having so many issues.

I’m not too worried about this one, though I did opt for the 72mo/72kmi warranty…

It seems that the majority of the issues listed in Consumer Reports (and similar) are on the fancier model tech (like the Series III and GW). This one has the stuff we wanted (5.7 + 8HP75), but no crazy extra touch screens, no auxiliary coolers, no Amazon/Alexa entertainment, etc. It’s basically a Ram 1500 with more seats, which for all intents and (my) purposes, is one of the more reliable 1500’s on the market.

And to be fair, when you look at comparable alternative 8-seat SUV’s in this size class, there simply aren’t many and they’re nearly as bad or worse in some cases. I was looking at a few Reddit boards as we were deciding and to see how many people complained about their Expedition and Yukons before coming to the W/GW was a surprise.