Prepping for my front locker and future accessories, I figured that while half the engine bay is apart and since I'll need to run new battery cables in the near future, it makes sense to start thinking about wiring. Truth be told, I have already started working on wiring, but ran into a few snags. Before I started my build thread, I picked up a Painless "Trail Rocker" off someone nearby selling it on Facebook Marketplace:
I like it because it seemed to look "factory" and took common Carling Contura Rocker style switches. It also supported up to 8 switched devices, not that I would likely ever need that many. It even has the option to switch-control a winch via some pre-wired controls (that are there but tucked away). Anyway, long before I even did the lift kit, I tried fitting the relay box where it was supposed to be mounted.
According to the instructions, and the Painless technician that I spoke with, this is supposedly exactly where it needs to go. Unfortunately, the mounting bracket isn't even close to fitting, and the rocker prevents the hood from properly closing. I spoke with the Painless tech many times and came to the conclusion that they were going to essentially be zero help with this issue. Knowing I was going to do the Hemi swap anyway, I figured it wasn't too much to get worked over and I would figure it out at a later time. Well, it's now "later"...
Unfortunately, with the Hemi, and due to the height of the relay box itself, there's no way this Trail Rocker is going to work for me. Thinking about it more and more, I realized that I would probably prefer a pillar-mounted switch setup anyway. In my TJ and LJ, having the locker and light switches down low were hard to reach (depending on shifter location) and even harder to see. So with that in mind, I'll be putting the Trail Rocker back on Marketplace and am working through my future setup.
I ordered Rugged Ridge PN# 17235.56, their pillar switch pod specifically for 07-10 Jeep JK's. It generally gets good reviews and seems to be mostly out of my way, while being completely in reach (I did do some test "presses" while being firmly cinched back in the seat in my daughter's Islander!). I really only need three circuits at the moment (front locker, off-road lights, rock/area lights), with a fourth being optional for future changes (I would still like to potentially run a UD60 rear if I can find one reasonably priced, so I would need one for the rear locker too). The pillar pod comes with the cutouts in place, so I can "install as I go" and not have an ugly open spot or dead switch in the meantime.
For relays, the Trail Rocker seems like super nice quality, but as I said, there is just no way it is going to fit under the hood without hitting something. So, in my attempt to find a good alternative, I remembered seeing some people use the MSD "solid state" relays for their hot rods. I did some digging and the MSD 4-Channel Relay Module #7566-4 is highly regarded for its ability and reliability in handling four 40A circuits. I don't need nearly that much, but if this thing can handle that much juice, it's likely well made and long lasting.
The only accessible place I will have to mount this is likely right over the ABS module. Barnes4x4 sells a mount designed for the ARB Dual Compressor setup. This seems like it would work, though worst cast I may need to clearance it a little around the J8 setup.:
A company called Rain Rock Offroad also sells something similar, which I found randomly posted on Facebook. They can make this out of aluminum, but the response time from that company is slow. Still, I do like the simple design and if they can't supply it, I may just end up making it myself:
I did a parts recon and it looks like I need to order a few DT connectors and 18AWG pins, but thankfully I mostly have everything I need for wiring, loom, clips, and more.
