I Love the smell of Napalm in the morning. No more gas pump comments. All Good
What did you do to your JK today?
- Thread starter Lxxtsy
- Start date
Never mount your steed till u have walked around it. SAFETY FIRST! 
After your post. I remember testing fuel pump nozzles, hoses, check valves and disconnects, when I worked at ( UL) Underwriters Laboratories ( Canada). Many, Many Moons ago. Not sure what the test fluid was, but we had that nasty ( Good Stuff) Halon from the Fire Lab with us. Good Times
There seems to be a lot of horses around here in the country now. $$$, What the? I have a JK to maintain.Never mount your steed till u have walked around it. SAFETY FIRST!
I tracked down an annoying low-RPM exhaust rattle. One of the clamps was coming loose. Cranked it down. I'll likely remove all the clamps and weld the exhaust eventually.
Rewired a headlight. The socket was bad and was causing the light to flicker. Happily, the headlights I ordered (Sunpie) came with an H4/H13 adapter. So I was able to clip the plug off that and use it to replace the faulty OEM plug.
Did all the prep checks and loaded everything we will need (except our luggage) for Moab. We leave tomorrow. We're only going to have two days to explore, but it'll still be fun. We're tentatively planning to run Willow Springs to Eye of the Whale and Tower Arch, Shafer Trail and Long Canyon, and Dome Plateau. If we have extra time, we may also run Fins & Things.
Rewired a headlight. The socket was bad and was causing the light to flicker. Happily, the headlights I ordered (Sunpie) came with an H4/H13 adapter. So I was able to clip the plug off that and use it to replace the faulty OEM plug.
Did all the prep checks and loaded everything we will need (except our luggage) for Moab. We leave tomorrow. We're only going to have two days to explore, but it'll still be fun. We're tentatively planning to run Willow Springs to Eye of the Whale and Tower Arch, Shafer Trail and Long Canyon, and Dome Plateau. If we have extra time, we may also run Fins & Things.
At one time, everybody owned horses and only the wealthy owned cars. Now, everybody owns cars and only the wealthy own horses.
Had the 2" body lift removed that one the previous owners had done. With an already 3.5" suspension lift it was taller than I had wanted (my old knees were starting to complain when climbing in). Plus, I didn't like how the rear looked with the gap between the body and bumper. Although, the previous owner gave me a bumper relocation kit he had bought intending to raise the rear bumper. I didn't want to do that.
Also, a big problem was the manual shifter was hitting the console when putting it into reverse. So much so that many times I'd grind the gears. Embarrassing. I tried using a Dremel tool to cut out some plastic but a fastener was in the way. Now it shifts SO much easier. No more grinding.
I think it rides better without the body lift. Not as much "sway". Or, it could be I'm just getting used to it having only owned it a few weeks.
Also had the driver's side exhaust manifold heat shield replaced. It had come loose on the end closest to the firewall. Already noticed a difference in the heat coming into the driver's compartment. Haven't got it up to highway speeds yet with the engine hot so I don't know if I'll still get the "blowtorch" on my foot. (I have a separate thread here about that deal).
Also, a big problem was the manual shifter was hitting the console when putting it into reverse. So much so that many times I'd grind the gears. Embarrassing. I tried using a Dremel tool to cut out some plastic but a fastener was in the way. Now it shifts SO much easier. No more grinding.
I think it rides better without the body lift. Not as much "sway". Or, it could be I'm just getting used to it having only owned it a few weeks.
Also had the driver's side exhaust manifold heat shield replaced. It had come loose on the end closest to the firewall. Already noticed a difference in the heat coming into the driver's compartment. Haven't got it up to highway speeds yet with the engine hot so I don't know if I'll still get the "blowtorch" on my foot. (I have a separate thread here about that deal).
Nic_dEntremont
JK Enthusiast
I actually went for a spin off-road. First time in a while.
This weekend installed the hoist, removed the broken hard top and installed my Bestop Hybrid TrekTop. I think I’ll really enjoy it, I think it turned out well. Now for a complain, guess I’m just an old stuck in the mud, but spend all that money and have to print out my the instruction, and it hurt to include a couple extra screws / nuts? Yes I lost one, fortunately I had a similar one around the garage.
I'm in the process of installing the Smittybilt Pivot HD Tire Carrier today. Watched several YT install videos. Dissapointed in Smittybilt somewhat. They put all the components in separate boxes with labels, however the parts list on the instructions call them something different. They put all the different bolts, etc in separate bags but didn't label them. Bit of a pain to try to match them with the parts list in order to make sure you got everything.
The photos in the instructions suck. But, it's not a big deal once you watch the videos.
I'm finding that working on the Jeep is remarkably easy and enjoyable. I stopped working on my vehicles a long time ago because it was such a pain in the ass.
Putting on the reinforced hinge mount was a little hard doing it by myself (and with my old, arthritic hands). It's heavy. Got some shim stock from the hardware store and that worked great to help hold up the tailgate once I removed the OEM hinges.
Edit: In the photo I've used the red OEM hinge bolts. I replaced them with black ones for a better look.
The photos in the instructions suck. But, it's not a big deal once you watch the videos.
I'm finding that working on the Jeep is remarkably easy and enjoyable. I stopped working on my vehicles a long time ago because it was such a pain in the ass.
Putting on the reinforced hinge mount was a little hard doing it by myself (and with my old, arthritic hands). It's heavy. Got some shim stock from the hardware store and that worked great to help hold up the tailgate once I removed the OEM hinges.
Edit: In the photo I've used the red OEM hinge bolts. I replaced them with black ones for a better look.
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We ran Willow Springs Road, the West Valley Jeep Trail, Eye of the Whale, and Tower Arch. The roughly 2 mile section from Salt Valley Road to the junction with West Valley Jeep Trail had a few mildly technical spots. Pick a good line and they're doable in a stock Wrangler. I spent maybe 5 minutes in 4-Lo all day and never spun a tire at all, let alone locked anything. A couple quick clips, uneditted.
Eye of the Whale.
Tower Arch
Random Moab rocks.
Eye of the Whale.
Tower Arch
Random Moab rocks.
Went around Dome Plateau today. Couple quick videos.
A few random pictures from yesterdays Dome Plateau trip.
Spectacular scenery, great trail. Mostly a moderate trail, with a couple short difficult sections. Running this is a full day event, especially if you go slow and stop to take pictures a lot (we do). The area is also home to myriad other trails, and it is very very easy to make a wrong turn. I had GaiaGPS on the Apple Carplay, with the Fun Treks waypoints downloaded, which helps. But even so, it's easy to stray, so use caution. On the other hand, taking the "wrong" trail just means you're going to see different amazing views, so that's not bad. Problems arise if the spur you took is more difficult and you're not ready for it. We took 3 spur trails (two intentionally...). One of the intentional side trips and the ooops trip were significantly more difficult than the main trail, but Thor handled it like the Thunder God he is. The trail is about 30 miles from Moab and we spent 8.5 hours running it.
One of the caves along the trail has a spring in it, and is used to provide water for cows grazing on the BLM land. The little bump I'm pointing to in one picture is dripping water from another spring (or the same spring leaking into a different cave?) and the bump will eventually become a stalactite.
There are a couple old shacks left over from the days when uranium mining was big business in Moab. When you look at the cliffs and see bands of yellow, that's the uranium-bearing rock. There is an old mine shaft near this one, but it's been closed off. I suspect some fool fell in.
It's a desert, but even here there are flowers.
The caves have clearly been used for shelter. You can find soot stains on the ceilings from fires. We found graffiti dated 1898 up through 2023, proving that vandalism isn't a new thing.
Spectacular scenery, great trail. Mostly a moderate trail, with a couple short difficult sections. Running this is a full day event, especially if you go slow and stop to take pictures a lot (we do). The area is also home to myriad other trails, and it is very very easy to make a wrong turn. I had GaiaGPS on the Apple Carplay, with the Fun Treks waypoints downloaded, which helps. But even so, it's easy to stray, so use caution. On the other hand, taking the "wrong" trail just means you're going to see different amazing views, so that's not bad. Problems arise if the spur you took is more difficult and you're not ready for it. We took 3 spur trails (two intentionally...). One of the intentional side trips and the ooops trip were significantly more difficult than the main trail, but Thor handled it like the Thunder God he is. The trail is about 30 miles from Moab and we spent 8.5 hours running it.
One of the caves along the trail has a spring in it, and is used to provide water for cows grazing on the BLM land. The little bump I'm pointing to in one picture is dripping water from another spring (or the same spring leaking into a different cave?) and the bump will eventually become a stalactite.
There are a couple old shacks left over from the days when uranium mining was big business in Moab. When you look at the cliffs and see bands of yellow, that's the uranium-bearing rock. There is an old mine shaft near this one, but it's been closed off. I suspect some fool fell in.
It's a desert, but even here there are flowers.
The caves have clearly been used for shelter. You can find soot stains on the ceilings from fires. We found graffiti dated 1898 up through 2023, proving that vandalism isn't a new thing.
Went to a local Jeep FB group’s meet and greet. Of course, I run into two of my old motorcycle buddies who are now hard into Jeeps that I haven’t seen for 5 years. Buddy walks around mine and quickly points out my front sway bar is inverted (ends pointing to the ground). Fortunately, we’re at the only local off road shop in the area. A quick stop at the counter and a new project of install extended quick disconnect sway bar links as soon as the rain stops.
I replaced the OEM open fuel filler with one that has a door. Didn't like it being open. Got this one on Amazon: Hooke Road Wrangler Fuel Filler Door Gas Cap Tank Cover for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler
Before and after:
The one issue I have with this new filler is it doesn't have a tab to keep it from spinning. The OEM one is on the left in the photo. Mine clips in tight enough to where it's not spinning. For now.
I highly recommend watching THIS VIDEO on how to install it, as the instructions are lousy. Plus, take note of a couple of the comments on the video for some good tips.
Before and after:
The one issue I have with this new filler is it doesn't have a tab to keep it from spinning. The OEM one is on the left in the photo. Mine clips in tight enough to where it's not spinning. For now.
I highly recommend watching THIS VIDEO on how to install it, as the instructions are lousy. Plus, take note of a couple of the comments on the video for some good tips.
Mine came with two pins, I snipped the wrong one off because of Stupid Tube. I just used some external high temp silicone left from my wood stove chimney. Does not really spin unless you force it prior the silicone.
I've got the same one (with different graphics) on both of ours. They clamp down tightly enough that spinning has not been an issue.
And they’re in, adjusted and greased. Took me longer to get the right wrenches.
macleanflood
JK Enthusiast
Well the Goopool oil cooler went from leaking worse than the original Mopar plastic one to absolutely hemorrhaging oil. Will be calling all the parts stores here in a bit trying to find the Dorman I thought I was ordering from Amazon but didn't.