12 JKU sport build

simonjk

simonjk

Caught the Bug
Since reintroducing myself earlier this week, I have been looking through some builds. I thought I would post up my build along with my eventual plan.

12 JKU sport
3.6
6 speed manual
Soft top

I purchased this Jeep with the intentions of it being my second vehicle and weekend warrior. I picked up the Jeep completely stock with some aftermarket rims with street tires.

IMG_3891.jpg

That evening I started ordering parts
Tactik front stubby bumper
Quadratec 9000lb winch
EVO rear D ring mounts
Smitybilt sliders(the one purchase I already regret, I should have ordered EVO weld on ones)
Stubby antenna
Lights and light brackets for the windshield
Hood latches
315/75/16 Mickey Thompson Deegan 38 mud terrains
HID headlights
Cowl covers for the door dimples

Next on the list is a lift kit, going to go 2.5 - 3, still looking on what lift to go with. I will be going with adj track bars, brakelines, quick discos, control arms. Hoping to have it narrowed down towards Christmas when I have a week off work.

I started working on it today.

EVO d rings installed, front bumper and winch
IMG_3902.jpg

If you see in the background, my fake Jeep is lurking and getting jealous of the real Jeep.





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My future plans for this other than a lift are to eventually go PR44 front and 37s with bead locks. Upgrade the rear axle. Corner guards with body mounted carrier.


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JKbrick said:
Did you mean to type 16” wheel size?


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Yes, I assume the previous owner replaced the stock 16” wheels with some aftermarket 16 ones to keep it the same. I wish it had 17s, but since I plan to eventually run beadlocks, I decided instead of replacing the rims now, I’ll just buy Beadlocks in the the future in 17s when I move up to 37s and a PR44.


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simonjk said:
Yes, I assume the previous owner replaced the stock 16” wheels with some aftermarket 16 ones to keep it the same. I wish it had 17s, but since I plan to eventually run beadlocks, I decided instead of replacing the rims now, I’ll just buy Beadlocks in the the future in 17s when I move up to 37s and a PR44.


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Stock would have been 17". Looks like previous owner just threw something on to get ride of it.
 
simonjk said:
Yes, I assume the previous owner replaced the stock 16” wheels with some aftermarket 16 ones to keep it the same. I wish it had 17s, but since I plan to eventually run beadlocks, I decided instead of replacing the rims now, I’ll just buy Beadlocks in the the future in 17s when I move up to 37s and a PR44.


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Sorry I thought you meant you were buying 16” wheels and I was going to recommend against it but I read it wrong


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JKbrick said:
Sorry I thought you meant you were buying 16” wheels and I was going to recommend against it but I read it wrong


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Ya I would never buy 16s for a JK. All my previous jk builds I had put 17s on them. Like I said I would upgrade to 17s on this one, but didn’t want to buy rims twice. I’ll ride the 16s until I get my axles set up and then jump to 17” beadlocks. But I still have a lot to do before then. Building it based off JKX standards.


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Took some time today to mount up my sliders.
IMG_3905.jpg
When my tires come in this week, I will be cutting the flares and pinch seam. For a lift option I’m looking at grabbing some 3” EVO plush coils. Anyone got some good recommendations on some good pairing shock that won’t break the bank too much?


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Finally feel like I’m driving a Jeep. Got a 3.5 lift installed with 35s.

IMG_3926.jpg

On to the next upgrade...driveshafts and tire carrier.
 
Did a few more things to the JKU. Windshield decal and cut fenders.

IMG_3932.jpg

I had a few vacation days left this year and burned them up after Christmas. Hoping to get it dirty a couple times when I’m off. Those that wheel manuals, any advice? I’ve always wheeled automatics so this will be a learning experience the first few times wheeling it.
 
Added some Evo mini fender liners over the long weekend. IMG_4018.jpg I plan to throw some clean coat over them in the coming days. I like the look of the aluminum.
 
simonjk said:
Finally feel like I’m driving a Jeep. Got a 3.5 lift installed with 35s.

View attachment 356394

On to the next upgrade...driveshafts and tire carrier.
Click to expand...
That lift and tires made a big difference. Your doing alot to it. Looking good.
Have you taken it out to play yet?
I have a manual and it was my first. Hasn't been a bad experience at all. An automatic is on my list for future changes tho.

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Elroy231 said:
That lift and tires made a big difference. Your doing alot to it. Looking good.
Have you taken it out to play yet?
I have a manual and it was my first. Hasn't been a bad experience at all. An automatic is on my list for future changes tho.

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Click to expand...

Thanks, getting back into a Jeep and offroad scene has been on my list for a while, I was able to have a significant amount ready to spend on upgrades when I got it.

I have plans to take it somewhere this upcoming week. I switched from autos to a manual for a more Jeep feel.
 
After the long weekend, I was finally able to drive my Jeep more than to and from work without any traffic. I have found that I have a slight death wobble hitting certain pot holes and a little bump steer. I found a few of my bolts were under torqued, and that fixed most of it. I also figured out my track bar (raised track bar bracket) and my drag link are not parallel. Stock drag link with stock pitman arm.

I have ordered a high steer kit to move my drag link to the top of the knuckle. Thanks to this great forum for the easy informational look up.

While I was at it, I ordered some stainless steel brake lines to compensate for my lift. Hoping this all comes in this week so I can go playing in it New Years weekend.
 
simonjk said:
After the long weekend, I was finally able to drive my Jeep more than to and from work without any traffic. I have found that I have a slight death wobble hitting certain pot holes and a little bump steer. I found a few of my bolts were under torqued, and that fixed most of it. I also figured out my track bar (raised track bar bracket) and my drag link are not parallel. Stock drag link with stock pitman arm.

I have ordered a high steer kit to move my drag link to the top of the knuckle. Thanks to this great forum for the easy informational look up.

While I was at it, I ordered some stainless steel brake lines to compensate for my lift. Hoping this all comes in this week so I can go playing in it New Years weekend.
Click to expand...

Oh boy, I drove mine once between raising the track bar and changing the drag link, was not good


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