[djflyy]

Looks like she's coming along nicely! Have you thought any more about a lift? And as you start unbolting things, if you run across stuck bolts, run to home depot and get PB Blaster. It's the greatest thing since WD-40 and will save your a$$ and avoid aggrivation and bolt stripping. $5-7 a can and will loosen almost any bolt or nut up.

[KevKaos]

Already gone through the first big can of PB Blaster. First read about it on this site and decided to try it out. IMHO, PB Blaster is way better than WD. When we wer trying to get the bolts on the drivers seat undone, we actually twisted the metal shaft of the Torx bolt (which was no wimpy thickness). We were able to put in the lockbox by just doing the front bolts. A week or so later when I got a new Torx, and wanted to do my seat risers, I zapped the bolts with PB about a half hour before and let it soak in. Those babies came right out with no problem.

[dukie564]

Originally Posted by KevKaos

Already gone through the first big can of PB Blaster. First read about it on this site and decided to try it out. IMHO, PB Blaster is way better than WD.

That's because WD-40 isn't primarily intended as a rust penetration agent, never was.

"WD" stands for "water displacement"- it's design is to prevent corrosion -a task which is done by displacing water.

Also makes a pretty damn good cleaner for sticky ****, like bumper sticker and emblem residue

[04_Sahara_Man]

WD-40 is great for bikes too!

[WranglerAngel05]

Originally Posted by KevKaos

Yeah, its kinda hard not to be tempted by things like $50 steering box guards, $30 radiator guards, and oil pan guards for under $100 when they are using 3/16th plate like the big boys and powder coating. We'll see what the experts think.

Is that your Wrangler in your Avatar?

I assume you were replying back to my comment - in which case, yes that is me. That was taken that same day we were both at trails (two Saturdays ago). That's why I was commenting that you would have made it

[KevKaos]

Yep, that was to you. Thats a really good shot.

Just realized that I haven't posted pics with the new back bumper on, and more importantly, pics of how muddy i got her last weekend at Trails Rd.

First the new bumper. Sorry about the mud. hehehe Then more shots of how muddy we got. Got a few strange looks on the road coming home.

[04_Sahara_Man]

Looks good!

[KevKaos]

Originally Posted by djflyy

Looks like she's coming along nicely! Have you thought any more about a lift?

I REALLY want to do a lift, but I think that is going to come later. For one thing, my Brother In Law keeps saying to just get the 4" lift, but others think lower center of gravity is the way to go. I like the idea of making her sit high, but I'm still much of a newb to know whats best.

I thinking that I may just keep researching, because I will probably need to get 33" wheels when I do lift her, so I will most likely do it all at once. In the mean time, I'm thinking of Quick Disconnects (only because I have to keep up with Angel)

And right now I am thinking armor first. Found what appears to be some decent prices for TJ armor on Ebay, or the companies direct site.

[Imped]

If you want better performance, skip the quick disconnect links. Look at the Currie Antirock. There are ways to increase your clearance by a lot vs. just lifting it. Lose the stock belly skid and replace it with a higher clearance unit and tuck up the gas tank. Notice I haven't even mentioned "lifting it." Stay low and look at quality components over just concentrating on height so much.

BTW, you won't be getting 33" wheels. You meant tires. As for tires, skip 33's and go 35's. You've got the axles and gearing.

As for armor, use aluminum as much as possible. Weight sucks. My tub is fully armored (full corners, tailgate, rocker guards) and all of that combined weighs less than most overkill steel bumpers.

[djflyy]

For armor, I'd say get some rear corner guards, either short or full length, and maybe a tummy tuck. That will help you a ton with clearence. As far as a lift, I went with 3" and am completely happy with it. I run 31s now, and can fit 33s in there without a problem. I'm considering the steps to jumping right to a LCG (low center of gravity) build on 35s when I get my new axles in. My girlfriend, who is just over 5' barefoot, gets in the 3" lift fine, even better now that I have the rockers on there as a step. Grab handles on the roll bar are also a great way to keep her happy. Keep in mind your state might have lift regulations... whether or not you choose to abide by them is a different story, but it's something to think about.

And the winch might be the best investment you make. Being able to recover YOURSELF is the best step you can make to being self reliant.

[djflyy]

Originally Posted by Imped

As for tires, skip 33's and go 35's. You've got the axles and gearing.

+1

[KevKaos]

Can someone give me the quick and dirty on tummy tucks. Does the stock belly skid hang way down? I've not really looked closely at it. Mainly because the lifts at my brother in laws shop have been tied up with the boss mans project car. Is there any particular tummy tuck skids that I should be looking at to get that clearance? Maybe that's the first place I need to sink the money because it ain't gonna be cheap.

[Imped]

Your stock plate hangs about 4.5" below the frame. Plus, it's far from smooth. I'm not sure how you haven't noticed it....it's absolutely the largest thing holding you back in stock form.

My skid--that's 19" @ the belly on 35" tires and 2.5" of suspension lift. That's 10" of clearance over stock.


When doing this, you're raising the transfer case, the exact same thing as "lifting" the jeep. You could get away with about a 2" raise with no side effects or other needed items if you stay at stock suspension height. I would recommend looking at Undercover Fab plates. Look at their 2" deep skid, along with the LoPro transmission mount, which allows the transfer case to sit closer to the skid, providing 1" less transfer case raise (a good thing). You could probably get away with the 1" deep skid (highest clearance UCF skid) but with the fat 241 transfer case, you may have some tub clearance issues. To provide the room to tuck, you'll want to do a 1 or 1.25" body lift. When you do that, do a 1" MML as well, which will help in multiple ways. All in all, it's well worth the costs. You're gaining a ton of clearance without raising the jeep. Also take a look at the Savvy or Rokmen gas tank skid to get that gas tank tucked up a bit.

[04_Sahara_Man]

^this any info you need Imped's the man

[KevKaos]

So if I go with the tummy tuck and body lift, my low points will be the duffs and my rock sliders. The rock sliders won't go any higher because of the way they bolt in. You see any problem there?