FlatTop Build

[Flat Top]

Been a semi active lurker on the site for 3+ years, I figured it’s high time I started a build thread. I started out following Eddie’s videos when I bought my 2009 JKU X and have been a fan since. Not many changes to that rig (35s with 2” BB and front and rear bumpers). My son now drives that Jeep after returning it to stock.

12-07-2012 I ordered my 2013 Commando Green JKU Rubi December 7th of 12’ and took delivery on January 12th, 2013.


With my son driving the 2009 JKU X and my wife a 2011 Grand Cherokee we were now a 3 Jeep family.


My first mod was a swap of fenders, bumpers, wheels and tires between the 2009 and 2013. Stuffing 35’s at stock height was not that bad as long I did not bottom out at speed on the highway.


Next I swapped the trimmed fenders on the two Jeeps.


1-25-2013 My first order to Northridge included a ProCal module, Coast 1310 Front drive shaft and the Rock Krawler 3.5” Max Travel kit. Rock Krawler was in the middle of a location move at the time so it took over a month to get delivery.


I got close to 4” of lift after the install. This thing was screaming for 37’s.


March 2014 EVO Full Protek Skid System


February 2014 EVO Gussets


Bussman DIY Switch


August 2014 Dynatrac ProSteer Ball Joints


September 2014 ATX Slabs and 37” Nitto Trail Grapplers




March 2015
ARB Twin Compressor on M.O.R.E. bracket.


EVO Slider Skins


April 2015 Trucklites!
Before:




After:





Finish up rock lights.




Lot's of items still on the wish list.

 

[REKLESS-RED]

Good looking rig. What gearing are you running in the stock Dana 44s? How do they handle with 37s on them?

 

[Pyro1415]

Dude awesome build, I really think about trading to a new rubi and building it right too

 

[ERAUGrad04]

Great looking build Flat Top!

 

[Napalm]

Great looking build!!!

 

[Flat Top]

Running stock 4.10s. Houston area is flat so I really don't have problems. Much better than the old 3.8 with 3.73s and 35s.

 

[Pyro1415]

I beat, my jeep will be in Houston in a couple of weeks lol, first time in america since assembly

 

[Flat Top]

I beat, my jeep will be in Houston in a couple of weeks lol, first time in america since assembly

Shipping from Germany?! Wow, that's gotta hurt....:shock::shock:

 

[Pyro1415]

Let's just say there is a reason I'm no longer buying a pr44 this summer

 

[n3tfury]

Running stock 4.10s. Houston area is flat so I really don't have problems. Much better than the old 3.8 with 3.73s and 35s.

I also run 4.10's with the same tires, but your wheels are heavier. Great looking rig man.

 

[Flat Top]

A few updates since my last post. I finally pulled the trigger on a Trektop NX earlier this summer, great purchase! I ran most of the summer with doors off in the bikini configuration. With the soft-top I was worried about securing my stuff so one purchase leads to another (funny how that happens) and I sprung for a Tuffy security deck enclosure.



I'm heading up to Estes Park, Co. this weekend for a mule deer hunt (I missed the draw so I'm just the photographer this trip) and I'm driving. I've wanted a trail table for a while and this was the perfect excuse. After looking around I went with the EVO table, it seemed to have the best bang for the buck. The install was pretty easy with only one problem. The lower left nutsert spot was just above a brace point for the gate. The hole was pushed up while drilling by the bracket inside the gate. It misaligned the hole as well as opened caused the hole to oval out making it too large for the nutsert. The 5 other mount points are more than enough to secure the table for not but I will need to figure something out to clean up the oversized hole. Anyone have this problem?



I'm running 37's with 4.10's and 3.6 auto. I don't have a lot of problems in this setup in Houston but I'm wondering if a 2000+ mile round trip to Rockies will change my mind and move the re-gear up on my list....

 

[hinrichs]

I wish I would have started with 4.10s to give you a good comparison, but my jeep came with 3.73 which sucked. I went 5.13 and my only slight complaint is the gas mileage so far, but love the power. My previous jeep was manual with 4.10, 37s and the 3.6 which I never minded until on the rocks.

Great build so far :thumb:

 

[Flat Top]

I wish I would have started with 4.10s to give you a good comparison, but my jeep came with 3.73 which sucked. I went 5.13 and my only slight complaint is the gas mileage so far, but love the power. My previous jeep was manual with 4.10, 37s and the 3.6 which I never minded until on the rocks.

Great build so far :thumb:

Thanks! I guess I will find out about the gears on Saturday when I take a left at Denver.

 

[WJCO]

Thanks! I guess I will find out about the gears on Saturday when I take a left a Denver.

I'm thinking you'll notice it on the hills. Are you going up 70?

Edit: Just read the post between the pictures. From flat land up to Estes is about 30-40 minutes. I bet you'll feel it with the tire/gear combo, but it will be short-lived. Have fun up there and be safe. Hopefully the elk will be bugling and fighting. Fun to watch.

 

[Flat Top]

I'm thinking you'll notice it on the hills. Are you going up 70?

Edit: Just read the post between the pictures. From flat land up to Estes is about 30-40 minutes. I bet you'll feel it with the tire/gear combo, but it will be short-lived. Have fun up there and be safe. Hopefully the elk will be bugling and fighting. Fun to watch.

I'm driving but my buddy is navigating as he is has made the trip a couple of times. We will be coming up I-25 from Raton to Hwy 36 or possibly Hwy 66. Good to know the climbing should only be 30-40 minutes.

 

[Flat Top]

What did Purple Santa show up with?? I guess I will be busy this weekend. Need to review MTG's build again. :thumb::thumb:

 

[Tallhamer]

Your rig looks real good. Really digging it. love that color.

 

[AllAmericanInfidel]

Your rig is looking great! [emoji106]

 

[hinrichs]

how do you like the non flip up security deck? can't decide between the 2.

For the corners get a good heavy strap to hold them on and a few c-clamps to use in various places, it will help pull them in tight.

 

[Flat Top]

how do you like the non flip up security deck? can't decide between the 2.

For the corners get a good heavy strap to hold them on and a few c-clamps to use in various places, it will help pull them in tight.

I really have not been able to use it as of yet. I wanted to be able to attach tools hence the fold down. Just be careful of the lower left nutsert, there a bracket inside the moved my drill bit.