The Pumpkinator's Build Thread

[Bennettj13]

Firstly, I would like to thank Pat (Nevermonday) and Blaine (mrblaine) for all of their help with all of my questions, the phone calls, and everything else. Without those two, I'd be clueless. Also a big thanks to Rod, Jerry, Connor and Mike. For all of the help so far, and all the work that you'll help me with that you don't know about yet. Also, thank you to Idaho Jeep, thedirt, jason m, Jerry Bransford, and anyone else that I may have missed. There have been tons of people on here who have given me plenty of advice (not that I listened to all of it ) but I think I've got what I want figured out now with everyones help. So, cheers to you.

I started ordering parts today for my build, so I thought I'd go ahead and make a thread. There won't be any actual building until I get home from Kuwait, but until then, I figure someone may want to look in on what I'm up to. I'll be updating this thread regularly with updates on status changes, and later with pictures and write ups from my build. For now, you get me, with nothing better to do than talk about my Jeep while I should be asleep before my watch in the morning.

Let's get on to the goodies... My grand plans... My evil scheme...

For the people wondering, I'm a price matching fool. I have a list of like 10 sites I go through regularly, and see if I can find any differences in price so that I can adjust them for my build. If anyone knows of anywhere I can get anything cheaper let me know.

Here's the list of things to buy. I've put "- Done" next to the things that are bought, on their way, or delivered. The things that have not been bought yet do not show any discounts that I might get. I do this so that I over-budget for things.

******
*DONE*
******

Redrock4x4- Jason
---------------------------------------------------------
Swayloc (manual)- Done


4wdh- Brian (Phone) & Brinks (Local 4wp)
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Order 1
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Currie Enterprises CURRECTLYNC® - TJ/LJ/XJ/MJ HEAVY DUTY TIE ROD SYSTEM- Done (Sold Due To A Change In Build Plans)
Genright Windshield Guard, un-painted- Done
Riddler D44 cover- Done

Order 2
----------
Riddler D30 cover- Done (Sold Due To A Change In Build Plans)
ViAir Constant Duty Onboard Air System- Done
JKSmfg 1.25" B1 Body lift- Done
JKS Rear Adjustable Trackbar- Done (Returned to 4wp Due To A Change In Build Plans, Credit Towards Winch Plate)
Warn M8000 Winch- Done
Warn Winch Soft Cover- Done

Order 3
----------
Riddler D44 Cover- Done
Warn Winch Mounting Kit- Done


Dakota Digital- Eric
---------------------------------------------------------
Dakota Digital SGI-5- Done


Brown Dog- Online
---------------------------------------------------------
Brown Dog 1" MML W/ Engine Mount Upgrade (KU2883-1)- Done


Summit Racing- Online
---------------------------------------------------------
Flowmaster Delta Force Single Chamber Muffler- Done
Flowmaster Rolled Edge Tip- Done


4 Wheel Customs- Online
---------------------------------------------------------
Spare Tire Carrier Relocation Bracket Kit- (For oversized tires on the tailgate. No swingout required.)- Done


Rough Country- Jeffrey
---------------------------------------------------------
Order 1
----------
2.5" Suspension Lift with Performance 2.2 shocks- Done
4 X-Flex Adjustable Lower Control Arms- Done (Sold Due To A Change In Build Plans)


TNT- Bob/Rod
---------------------------------------------------------
Front Tube Fenders 4.5" Flare- Done
Rear Tube Fenders 4.5" Flare W/ Extended Wheel Well Opening Corners Cut for Flush LED Lights- Done
Rocker Guard W/Tube- Done
JK to TJ Front Axle Truss- Done
JK to TJ Rear Axle Truss- Done
TNT LA Upgrade- Done
Extended Stainless Steel Brakelines- Done
Outboard Rear Shock Kit- Done
Y-Link Limit Strap Kit- Done
Custom Draglink- Done
Custom Front Trackbar- Done


Delmarva Offroad
---------------------------------------------------------
JB Conversions SS SYE & CV Drive Shaft Package Deal (Premium XC CV Shaft/Long Travel Extended Life Spline and Spline Cap)-
2 Yoke Adapters (Driveshafts)- 160.00 (80.00 ea.)



Bought Direct From Individual-
---------------------------------------------------------
Shocker S4 Train Horns- (I got these from a guy selling them on Hornblasters.com)- Done

JK Rubicon HPD44 Front Crate Axle- Done

JK Rubicon D44 Rear Crate Axle- Done

New Top(s) (Duster/Safari or Bikini/Windjammer)- Done

5 JK Rubicon Wheels- Done


Ebay-
---------------------------------------------------------
Cobra External CB Speaker- (Ebay Store: Abetterwaytobuy)- Done

10 Carabiners- (Ebay Store: SovereignIT USA)- Done

Trucker Lanyard (Air Horn Pull Switch)- (Ebay Store: meades fab shop)- Done

4" 60 LED Tail Lights- (DOT Approved) (Ebay Store: closertowholesale)- Done

2.5" 10 LED Turn Signals (DOT Approved) (Ebay Store: closertowholesale)- Done

2.5" 13 LED Reverse Lights (NOT DOT Approved As Only Reverse Lights) (Ebay Store: closertowholesale)- Done

3/4" Amber Single Diode LED Marker Lights (DOT Approved) (Ebay Store: globalpartspro)- Done

Tuffy Winch Bolt Lock (Bought From Individual)- Done

TJ LED Flasher Relay (mlochridge Ebay Store: Ultra Car Care Products Inc)- Done


*************
*LEFT TO ORDER*
*************

PitBull-
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5 35"x12.50"xR17 Pitbull Rocker Radials-


Haven't Decided Yet-
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Hood Louvers
Snorkel
Headlights/Driving Lights
Backup Light
Hi-Lift
Sport Cage
Electric Fan

Update 3/28- I've decided to put pricing in on the things that I've bought so far, and to show pricing that I've found thus far on the other items that I'm planning on buying. I'm also showing where I priced everything from in the list below if it is anywhere different than where I purchased it.

Update 4/27- I found another few websites to price match against, dropping my future costs a bit more, and added in the info for the JK HP44.

Update 6/21- Changed my format around to keep things easier for me to track, removed pricing, as I ended up deciding there was no point in tracking it in more than one place, and added in the current update at the end of the thread to let people know what's changed here recently.

Update 8/6- I'm home! I haven't managed to do much due to spending time with the wife, the weather, spending time with the wife, coming home parties, spending time with the wife, and the fact that I can't do a whole lot (I can, but I've got plenty of time to get it done) until the TNT stuff gets here. I posted some pics of the parts I've already got in the garage, and updated this first post to reflect the current state of affairs. Also, I added an install updates section, so that you can click a link and see install pics from each install. I don't know how well that will work out, but we'll see.

Update 8/13- Added install updates for the MML and added some color to the first post to make it easier to read.

Update 8/13- Updated first post, got the Jeep back from the machine shop, and placed TNT order.


***************
*INSTALL UPDATES* (Linked Below)
***************

SwayLOC Install

Brown Dog 1" MML/Engine Bracket Install


That's all for now folks. Enjoy!

[Bennettj13]

Here's a brief backstory...

My Jeep is Impact Orange. It is not "rust" colored, or "faded red". Do not insult it so. My Jeep is better than that. My wife jokingly called the Jeep the Pumpkinator a few times, and after a while, it stuck. So, that's where the name comes from. I know at least ONE person clicked on this thread just to find out why the hell I'd name my Jeep the Pumpkinator. Now you know.


This was the Pumpkinator about an hour after driving it off the lot. I got a hell of a deal on it. This 05 sport with a D44 rear had less than 16000 miles on it when I bought it and was already sitting on brand new 31's.





THIS... was about 3 hours after that in a friends field.



And then in my parking lot at work inspecting our handiwork.



I close my eyes and I can still smell the fresh mud smell blowing through my vents as we tear through the field of decaying corn stalks. Ahh the memories...

I hate mud.

To this day, there are still bits of cornstalks wedged in random locations in the underside of my Jeep. It is a battle I fear I will never win.

There was a time when I said "I'll never wash my Jeep. It's SUPPOSED to be covered in mud." But then I learned the pain of mud. The agony of it's brown evil.

My first wheeling trip was with a club called Jeeps Gone Wild out of the Chicago area, and I had a blast. I knew then that I was hooked. JGW is a great group, and I've since been on several runs with them. All of them have been a blast.

After having the Jeep for a little bit, the bug bit me and I started buying little things. Fire extinguisher, those tough stuff vinyl protectant stickers (cool idea, but they don't stick for long), grab handles, light guards, grille inserts... you know, all the worthless stuff.

Here she is all cleaned up with nowhere to go.





I've since been less than kind to the Jeep, and have wheeled it when I could before being deployed. I've been in several "situations" due to an overzealous right foot, the will to keep up, and those damned land terrains.

I love my Jeep.

Even if it is a mud slut.



These two were from the Hurricane Ike run. A damned mess.





I mentioned I hate mud right? "Oh, you can lead this trail, in honor of your going away..." One wrong turn, and the entire group is at the bottom of a mud slide, with no way out but through several more mud chutes. There's really no better way to describe it other than that. I was perturbed to say the least. Of course no one ELSE had a hard time getting through anything. Frigging Land Terrains.

[Bennettj13]

I DO play outside the mud as well.



My nemesis "The Wall". I've left about 50% tread on that damned wall.







Alright, picture time is over. Now I've established a baseline so in 5 years I can look back and say "Man, I'm glad I'm not stock anymore"

On to the thread...

[nwiTJdave]

when do you get home?

[Bennettj13]

As of right now, I'm shooting for July.

[never monday]

Get home and get it built so we can go to Tellico!!!

[Bennettj13]

Originally Posted by never monday

Get home and get it built so we can go to Tellico!!!

Sounds like a plan. I'm actually debating not even wheeling at all when I get home until my build is done as motivation to get it over with. I can't wait.

[imped4now]

Can't wait to get started man. And yeah, those land terrains SUCK. BTW, Mike and I decided on HP D30's today....

Your friend who misses your beautiful face,
Connor

PS--I blame you for this addiction. Think about that one.

[2006sport]

thnks for servin tho man...cool lookin jeep..how do u like those 31's im thinkin of gettin some

[hotrod_hooligan]

Bah! I should be there with you, bored out of my mind ordering parts waiting to see my Jeep again. Instead I got left behind, and got my Jeep totaled.

Oh well, I guess it gives me an excuse to work on your Jeep with you when you get back, gives me leverage to guilt trip you into helping me get mine back in order when the time comes

[kale2s]

i like the color, good luck

[frontlinedude]

Nice Jeep, I like your commentary "frigging Land Terrains" "mud slut" lmao!

[mrblaine]

Originally Posted by Bennettj13

those tough stuff vinyl protectant stickers (cool idea, but they don't stick for long),

We need to talk about that. We guarantee those for as long as you want and they do stick well if you prep correctly under them. I have a set on my wife's rig that's been on since we first came out with them and have never loosened or come unstuck.

No matter, you have your choice of what ever it takes to resolve the situation to your satisfaction. If you want more fender protectors, send me an address to ship them to. If you want a refund, get in touch with your vendor and request one.

We don't tolerate failures very well and I wish you had let me know sooner they had an issue. I would have had a set sent out immediately.

[Bennettj13]

Originally Posted by 2006sport

thnks for servin tho man...cool lookin jeep..how do u like those 31's im thinkin of gettin some

THESE 31's are absolute trash for wheeling. Get something else. As for 31's in general. I liked them. They got me where I needed to go in most cases, and even more places that I had no business being.

Originally Posted by kale2s

i like the color, good luck

Thanks, I love Impact Orange. I think it's one of the coolest colors ever offered.

Originally Posted by frontlinedude

Nice Jeep, I like your commentary "frigging Land Terrains" "mud slut" lmao!

If you owned a set of these tires, you'd say worse than that.

Originally Posted by mrblaine

We need to talk about that. We guarantee those for as long as you want and they do stick well if you prep correctly under them. I have a set on my wife's rig that's been on since we first came out with them and have never loosened or come unstuck.

No matter, you have your choice of what ever it takes to resolve the situation to your satisfaction. If you want more fender protectors, send me an address to ship them to. If you want a refund, get in touch with your vendor and request one.

We don't tolerate failures very well and I wish you had let me know sooner they had an issue. I would have had a set sent out immediately.

Well bro, had I known that you were involved in them I'd have said something directly to you. I had put them on for what protection they would offer at first, and planned to install my armor and what not over them and use them as gaskets. But they just didn't last that long. As for prep... I cleaned the area with windex and then wiped the area down with acetone before installing them. I thought that would be enough. It's not the end of the world. I got them from Quadratec originally I think. That, or 4WDH. I can't remember. The rocker pieces came off this winter after being on there about 6 months. My wife told me the other day that they were peeling off. I told her to just pull them off if they were coming off so it wasn't all raggedy in the meantime. The windshield pieces started coming off after my road trip to Colorado. I am pretty sure it had something to do with all the wiper fluid I had to use to keep the windshield visible in mid summer combined with the constant 80-85 mph speed there and back. Once the lip of it started to go, bugs and **** got stuck under the lip, then the wiper fluid against the adhesive I'm sure didn't do any good. It was only a matter of time then. The lower, smaller pieces stayed on (as far as I remember, I only remember pulling the bigger part off). It was just the longer pieces that came off. The rear tailgate sill piece started to peel before I left. I don't know. I thought it was pretty clean under there when we put them on. If you think it would be worth putting them under my windshield guards and rockers then sure, I'll take another set. If not, then don't worry about it man. I appreciate the offer either way.

[Bennettj13]

Originally Posted by imped4now

Can't wait to get started man. And yeah, those land terrains SUCK. BTW, Mike and I decided on HP D30's today....

Your friend who misses your beautiful face,
Connor

PS--I blame you for this addiction. Think about that one.

Good job on the 30's.

I'll see your addiction and raise you some land terrains.

and to think... it all started because of some stainless steel door sill guards.

As for my beautiful face... Who couldn't love a face like this!?!?



For those who are concerned for my fashion sense and dental health. That is a mullet wig and fake teeth. My wife hates them... I love them. I wore them to our wedding rehearsal. Below is the real me. When I'm not burning villages and eating babies. (Sorry hippies)

Originally Posted by hotrod_hooligan

Bah! I should be there with you, bored out of my mind ordering parts waiting to see my Jeep again. Instead I got left behind, and got my Jeep totaled.

Oh well, I guess it gives me an excuse to work on your Jeep with you when you get back, gives me leverage to guilt trip you into helping me get mine back in order when the time comes

You would enjoy yourself here. Climbing around in tanks all day, poking around with buttons that you probably shouldn't be touching. As for the Jeep getting totalled... You shouldn't have been in that uninsured mescans way!

As for the other part. Yessir you'll get to help. But leverage? Guilt trip? Really? I'm twice a married man Rod. Leverage and Guilt stopped working on me a long time ago. But I'll help in return. How's that?