AZVAJKU Build

AZVAJKU · Jan 18, 2018

To set the stage for my build thread I need to explain how I got to where I am now.

My current Jeep actually started out as a 2008 JK. After selling my CJ5 that I owned for 23 years, I bought what I thought was the logical replacement. In late 2007 I bought a 2008 model year 2-door, manual transmission Rubicon JK. While it did not have the get up and go of my V8 powered CJ, it did come with some great features. air conditioning, heat and defrost that actually worked, satellite radio, wipers that cleared the windshield and a top that was mostly water proof. Keep in mind that my CJ5 with bikini top was a daily driver for many years so this JK was the very lap of luxury. In addition my new stock JK would perform off road nearly as well my 401 powered, T-18 tranny, Detroit Locker equipped CJ5 would.

After about 2 weeks I had a few modifications added. A 3.5-inch Tera-Flex lift, 35-inch tires, and AEV wheels. Shortly after I installed a Shrockworks front bumper with Warn Power Plant winch, and Shrockworks rear bumper/tire carrier.

I had a lot of fun with the two door but now that I was old and soft I wanted to carry more gear and needed room for my dog. Less than a year later I ended up trading for a 2009 Rubicon JKU. It had all the great characteristics of the 2-door but with more room and a better ride.

The salesman was actually a Jeep driver so as part of my deal he had the bumpers and winch transferred to the 4-door. In addition the dealer installed AEV beadlocks with 37-inch KM2's and 5.13 gears. I later added a set of Shrockworks rock rails and installed a Dynatrac Pro-Rock 44 with Chromo shafts in the front.

I really enjoyed the Jeep but had always wanted to add some 'Confidence to Explore' to the rear axle. I thought about swapping for some chromo shafts or some other method to beef up the rear 44.

While surfing Wayalife I saw Eddie and Cindy's 2017 SEMA Show coverage. Most importantly I saw the thread on Dynatrac's new package deals. I called Dynatrac and was fortunate enough to speak with the owner. Jim patiently answered all my questions and helped me pick the package that would be right for what I wanted to do with my Jeep. (Thanks again Jim!)

The Dynatrac Elite Package was the start of this most recent build up and led to a whole list of upgrades.

More information to follow.

Jsouder53 · Jan 18, 2018

Welcome to Wayalife! Sounds like a great build! Can’t wait to see the rest!

Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app

boardsurfer · Jan 18, 2018

AZVAJKU said:
I called Dynatrac and was fortunate enough to speak with the owner. Jim patiently answered all my questions

Wait, what? That's pretty awesome that the owner takes sales calls. Not something you would expect. :thumb:

Awesome 2 door by the way. Half doors are always killer.

AZVAJKU · Jan 19, 2018

boardsurfer said:
Wait, what? That's pretty awesome that the owner takes sales calls. Not something you would expect. :thumb:

Awesome 2 door by the way. Half doors are always killer.

There are some stellar individuals in the Jeep world and Jim at Dynatrac is one of them.

.

AZVAJKU · Jan 20, 2018

So after I ordered my axles I needed to pick out some wheels. I learned some important lessons from my old wheels.

My previous wheels were AEV Pintler Beadlocks and my reason for choosing them was based primarily on weight and backspacing. I really wanted to keep the overall weight down and was concerned my stock at the time front axle would not survive with a heavy wheel and 37-inch tire. I looked at Walker Evans, Hutchinson, and AEV. I finally went with the AEVs.

The AEV's were a decent choice at the time. After a few trail runs I discovered some characteristics that would influence my future wheel purchase. I did not like the way the lock-ring bolts would get the corners rounded off on rocks and cause my socket to slip off when checking torque. In addition i found out the hard way that steel bolts threading into aluminum were going to cause galling issues, even in a dry environment. Each time I unthreaded or threaded the steel lock-ring bolts into the aluminum wheels it would slightly erode the bolt holes.

In addition the lock-ring bolts would easily corrode even if they looked pristine on the outside. I discovered that water would get trapped by the lock-ring and seep into the bolt holes. This not only includes water from stream crossings but also resulted from washing my Jeep.

Part of this was user error on my part as I did not apply an anti-seize paste to the bolts on assembly, nor did I conduct proper maintenance by pulling the bolts for inspection after each off-roading season.

All the above factors lead to my current wheel choice.

I looked at several brands of beadlocks. I really liked the Trail Ready wheels. The fact that they are made in America and can be ordered with custom backspacing made them a strong contender. However I ended up going with the KMC XD Machetes. I liked the look of the wheel. More importantly I liked the reputation for extreme strength, countersunk and hex headed lock-ring bolts, dual valve stems, steel bolt inserts, and the 'drain' holes on the rings. In VA this is pretty important.

In addition, Mel Wade at EVO seems to think highly of them and EVO has a buy four get one free deal! Sold. I hit Drew at EVO up and ordered 5.

In the next post I will demonstrate Beadlock Cross Fit and show how I mounted my 40's on the Machetes.

Emptybrass · Jan 20, 2018

Good to know as I’m trying to pick my off road set of wheels and tires.

Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app

AZVAJKU · Feb 7, 2018

Here are a few pictures of when my Dynatrac Elite axle package arrived.

The good folks at Dynatrac saved me some money by sending the crate to a Fed-Ex shipping hub. The money I saved over a home delivery paid for a big chunk of my new trailer. :rock:

The way the axles were boxed for shipping was impressive. Total weight of the XD60 and PR80 was almost 1200 lbs.

That is a lot of beef!

The guys at the local Fed-Ex hub used their forklift and loaded the shipping container on my trailer. To get the box off the trailer at my house I rented a pallet jack and wrestled it into my garage. Strangely enough all my buddies were no where to be found when I need help moving this heavy box.

After getting this heavy beast in my garage I poured a bourbon and sat back to admire the massiveness and all American craftsmanship of these beautiful axes.

TRLJNKY · Feb 7, 2018

Damn that is sexy

boardsurfer · Feb 7, 2018

That's a lot of beef!:shock:

AZVAJKU · Feb 7, 2018

Getting the axles out of the box and moved into position required an engine hoist.

I bought several furniture dollys and attached 3/4 inch plywood , this allowed me to easily maneuver the axle into position for mounting.

Prorock 80 ready to bolt in the Jeep

The front axle will go in next.

WJCO · Feb 7, 2018

Congrats! They're a beauty.

deantac · Feb 7, 2018

I picked my Elite package up from Dynatrac last week, yes they are heavy lol.

JKbrick · Feb 7, 2018

Can’t imagine how awesome those must be

Sent from my iPad using WAYALIFE mobile app

AZVAJKU · Feb 7, 2018

The PR 80 rear axle is bolted on.

Originally I was going to run my 37-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers until they needed replacement and then make the step up to 40's, however that huge axle is screaming for a bigger tire.

Jim at Dynatrac, you were correct Sir!!

So i ordered 5x Nitto 40's. (four shown because I am too worn out to stack the 5th on the top)

My dog is probably wondering if I can still afford to feed him after buying all that rubber.

New 40-inch Nitto compared to old 37-inch

Houndy95 · Feb 7, 2018

Looks great! Can't wait to see it all done. :thumb:

AZVAJKU · Feb 7, 2018

A few more details on the rear axle bolt in.

I also took this opportunity to swap out my battered TF control arms for some new EVO arms. I started with the length of the take off arms and will fine tune later.

That's not a goldfish in the bag, but a weak attempt to keep brake fluid from flooding my garage.

Using a jack to raise the axle up and down helps with aligning the control arm holes

The PR80 brakes are massive in comparison to the stock brakes.

After all this work I needed a little Redemption.

WJCO · Feb 7, 2018

Nice work so far. Looking good. If you have time before those bags break, you can get some cheap line locks for your brake hoses, lol.

AZVAJKU · Feb 7, 2018

WJCO said:
Nice work so far. Looking good. If you have time before those bags break, you can get some cheap line locks for your brake hoses, lol.

View attachment 292420

Great info, thanks!

The brake lines are back on, however I will soon be rerouting the rear lines for better clearance. I’ll pick up a set of line locks for that project and to have on the trail. This build has been a great education, on much of this I am learning as I go so I greatly appreciate your advice. .