[bchjeep]

Starting prepping tonight for the OR-Fab tire carrier that should be arriving tomorrow. I removed my undersized spare, removed the tailgate tire mount (seems to be aftermarket if anyone needs one), and removed the rear seatbelt retractors. I also sprayed a few of the other bolts with PB blaster. Any idea where to get a nice set or torx bits? I have now bent two T40 between my tailgate and the windshield mounted lights. When breaking free the paint it seems to take a lot of torque.

Just waiting for a large box to show up tomorrow before I start pulling apart my tailgate.

[bchjeep]

"I don't wanta work... I wanta go for a ride!"

[Boonking]

Nice Rig. Just read the thread from the begining and love to see how it's progressed!

[austentatious]

love your build. the jeep looks great!

[bchjeep]

OR FAB tire carrier arrived... packaging was amazing (foam around everything) the finish was awesome. Got about half way on the install, the driver's side is complete. I have a few more bolts on the hinges that do not feel like moving. I will get them out tomorrow, and finish the install.



This carrier is heavy duty, putting the strain on the entire body (including the roll bar mounts).

[bchjeep]

Finally got the tire carrier fully mounted and secured after a long day of work by myself.



I did not change much from the instructions that came with the tire carrier. I have to say anyone installing this on their jeep may want to print up a copy of the older instructions because they were much easier to follow compared to the new one with sidebars for each year group.

I did find that when I took off my hinges there was no paint under them, so I quickly shot that with a little flat black rustolem before mounting the hinge bracket. I think this whole project would be done in under two hours if I didn't have so many torx bolts that were rusted into the body requiring hours of playing to get them to move.



With the new KC lights and the full size tire on the back I am almost there. I think my list is winding down... hopefully it will start costing less!

[drummerchukb1]

i like it man, that tire carrier looks pretty awsome

[bchjeep]

Agreed! I love it more and more every time I see it. It really helps that I can carry a full size spare. The hi-lift jack should be on there next week.

[bchjeep]

I guess now my to do list is getting shorter here is what I got:

Black Herculiner - full interior
8" KC Rally Driving Lights on the front bumper
Tint Windows - 20% including soft top (purchased window inserts)
Tummy Tuck (high clearance skid, Currie rear control arms, SYE and extended driveshaft, high clearance gas tank skid, 1.25" Body lift, 1" motor mount)
Rock Rails - 1.5" tube
Heavy Duty Axles
Vanco Front Brakes
Currie Heavy Duty Steering System
BPI Front and Rear Bumper
Superwich 8500
TNT Tube Fenders with 6" flare

[drummerchukb1]

Originally Posted by bchjeep

Heavy Duty Axles

what axles are you running now with the 35s?

[bchjeep]

Still as listed in my profile... stock D30 (front) and stock D44 (rear). I would like to upgrade to a Trussed LP30 in the front and change out the axle shafts to Superior Axle. And lock atleast the front axle with OX, probably both. But all this will not happen until this becomes a second car for wheeling and not a primary driver.

[dendrophobe]

Why bother trussing the LP30 when you can get a HP30 for dirt cheap? Keep what you have, then truss/build up the HP30, and swap it in when it's done. Cheaper, stronger, and you still have a rolling rig while you do it.

[sardog12]

Bchjeep, I really like how your Jeep turned out. I chose the MT/Rs as well but went with the 33s for now. I really like the tire carrier but it was a little much for my budget so I went with the Bestop which is similar as it doesn't mount on the bumper. Naturally, I like the color of your Jeep and it also gives me a chance to get an idea of what mine will look like when I go to 35s.

[bchjeep]

Just purchased the frame of a 33 Engineering Skid Plate to start my tummy tuck build. I think I am going to go with a 1" Body lift to try and keep it to a minimum.

[69rs]

Looks great! Your Jeep has had quite a transformation.