Run2jeepn's JKU Build

run2jeepn

Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2020
Messages
38
Location
Ozark, Mo
I've had a few Jeeps in the past, but it's been over 10yrs since I sold my YJ. All my past Jeeps I have built from stock. This is my first Jeep I bought with a modest amount of work done already. I have to change a few things and add a few things of course. But I have a Solid Start. My last Jeep was a YJ which was a Daily Driver and trail rig. Got married and didn't get to use it like I wanted to. So I sold it (wish I didn't) and bought a Dodge Charger. Which I built and showed at the 2018 SEMA Show. I recently sold it and bought me another Jeep. A 2011 JKU. Now I knew a ton of crap about CJs and YJs, but the JK is truly a different beast. Still learning it.

The Basic's of the Jeep So Far
4.5in RE Super-Flex Kit
Poison Spyder Fenders
poison Spyder Bumpers
Warn Winch
4.88 Gears
Diff Covers
Smittybilt Spare Tire mount
Smittybilt Side Steps (wanting to change)
37in Pro-Comps
18x10 Fuel Wheels
Alumn. Radiator
Bully Dog GT
Fox Steering Stabilzer
Grabars
tons of little things. LEDs, Kenwood radio etc.....

What I've bought so far to add to it.
Front Axle truss
C-Gussets
LCA Skids
Drag link Flip Kit
Front Track bar mount
Wheel Wideners 1.5in

What I want to Add
Shafts front and rear
Lockers
Metal Cloak Springs
New Shocks
Rear Drive Shaft
HD Tierod
Skids for everything

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Here is the Charger I traded for it and my last Jeep

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YJ Build 4.3L Vortec, TH350, D44s, 4.88s, Detroit lockers, 2.5in Skyjacker SOA blah blah blah
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My Truss/Gusset and LCA Skids are here now. Added 1.5in Wheel Wideners.



What's Next

Ordering a Tie rod Flip kit and Track bar mount.



I have Front/Rear Chromoly Shafts and TORQ Lockers ready to order.



Hi-Lift Mount and hood vents

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Before and After Wheel Wideners

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Front and Rear Motobilt Diff Covers. Thinking of selling my Poison Sypder Fenders and Smittybilt Side steps and getting Motobilts narrow Fenders.

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Draglink was lost in the Mail. Thanks UPS....

On a better note. My Balljoint Delete kit came in. They look great so far. I didn't have a chance to open them up yet before work. I'll get some better pictures and hopefully installed soon. Would like to do my flip kit at the same time.

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At this point is when my Jeep was Stolen and taken for a Joy ride. I was in FL on a family vacation. I got them Jeep back and was able to file an insurance claim as Vandalism. Collected enough money from that to completely change my build thought process. Was able jump my build plans years earlier.. So in the end it all worked out.

New Build as follows
2015 Rubicon Axles
- Sleeved
- 5.38s
- C-Gussets
- LCA Skids
- American Iron Balljoint Delete System
- New Knuckles
- Flipped Drag link
- Ruff Stuff DIY 1-ton Tierod
- Yukon Diff Covers
Motobilt Rockers with Steps
New Radiator
Rugged Ridge 4 switch panel
 
Well since my Jeep is in the Shop being checked over, till I hear back from my insurance.

I was able to get a lot of work done on my trailer.

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Almost done with my Kayak Trailer.

It has 19in of Ground Clearance under the axle.

Eventually I'm going to make the tongue adjustable. So I can shorten it for Camping trips then lengthen it for my Kayak.

Still have under $100 invested in the whole thing.

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Some of the parts that came in

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A few of the parts that have came in. My gears finally came in, Gussets are welded on. Should be able to pick up my axles any day now.

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Getting more work done. Getting very close to getting these under the Jeep Now...Just 2 more coats of black on the axles and I'm ready to install my Knuckles, Bearings and Brakes over.

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Shafts installed. Had to make some adjustments to make everything clear. While I was working on my axles UPS dropped off my Motobilt Rockers.
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Got my Motobilt Rockers painted and ready to install.

Installed my New Radiator. No more leaks..

Tried to get my Tiered finished today. Welded the Bungs on and one warped on me. So I've got to cut it off and already ordered another.
 
Swapped Radiators. Got rid of the junky Mishimoto one for an OEM Replacement.

Pic of the Rockers painted.

Cut the Tierod Bung off and ordered a new one. Should be here Tuesday.

Spent a good hr cutting and grinding to get the extra plate of steel welded to my factory track bar mount off.

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Ratchet straps are your best friend. But not all is well. Went to grab the step to slide in place and it seems Motobilt sent me to driver side steps. Sucks...well crap just noticed I have 2 passenger side uppers aswell. Found out through Motobilt, that Northridge4x4 is pulling the wrong parts. I'm not the only one having this issue.

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Draglink was lost in the Mail. Thanks UPS....

On a better note. My Balljoint Delete kit came in. They look great so far. I didn't have a chance to open them up yet before work. I'll get some better pictures and hopefully installed soon. Would like to do my flip kit at the same time.

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Hey I'm guessing your ball joint delete is American iron? How have those been working out for you? Is your rig a daily driver, or just used for offroading?