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BIG BLUE's "Kentucky Blue" JKU BUILD THREAD

129K views 1K replies 62 participants last post by  BigBlue7 
#1 ·
"This is my JK. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
My JK is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I master my life.
My JK, without me, is useless. Without my JK, I am useless."​
:salute:

I just celebrated my first year as a Jeep owner! At the time that I bought it, I have to admit, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Yeah yeah, we all have heard the J.E.E.P. saying; however, I am proud to say, I have found another hobby. I always wanted a Wrangler, and was intrigued by the 4 door. Being a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky, I fell in love with the color of the Deep Pearl Blue, "Kentucky Blue," JKU! At first sight I knew it was my soul-mate. Let's just say, quickly I learned beauty is much more than skin deep.

I would have started this build thread many months ago, but like I said, I had no idea how addicted I would become. So addicted, that I even keep a "Timeline" Word doc. on my desktop at work to track Big Blue's progress.

Previous owner had to be a chick, which was made obvious by all the eyeliner and hair ties buried under the driver side carpet, and the Kreayshawn CD left in the disc changer. :fear:

Here is how Big Blue sat when I bought him from CarMax, bone stock with 28,000 miles:
 
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#86 ·
08/14/2012

Installed New Tires and Wheels :cheers:
35x12.50R15C2 113Q Black - Goodyear Wrangler MT/R w/ Kevlar Sidewalls
15x8 5-127 - MB 72
Gorilla Locking Lug Nuts - Black
 

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#89 ·
It did all kinds of random patterns. It would go on and chime when I turned while driving in a forward direction at first. Then before I had it fixed, it stayed on constantly. It's probably your clockspring. Call that number, before you go to the dealership. Also, read up on it first so you can argue a case. Good luck.
 
#91 ·
MountainMan864 said:
Why didnt you go with a 17'' rim especially on a JK? Have any issues clearing the brakes?
MB72s clear. No issues whatsoever. I went with the 15s mainly because of the price, also you get a softer ride, and more sidewall to protect the wheels from rock rash. I like the 15" look.
 
#93 ·
nota944mechanic said:
How'd you get the black off the grill? I kind of like that bumper look... much better than the big plastic thing that normally resides there.
It was plasti-dip. It's removable. Same stuff I used on my Moabs.

It was just temporary, basically ran like that during the shipping period of the Brawler Lite. It's very thin. Still have it on the side of my house, along with black fenders and a ton of other stock parts.
 
#94 ·
09/10/2012

Bought a Bestop® All Weather Trail Cover in Charcoal - 81041-09, it is waterproof and it covers the doors, no issues or leaks - high quality and the inside is soft to avoid scratches.
 
#95 ·
09/25/2012

Couldn't run with that 35 on the stock carrier for too long! (My friend gave me her carrier bracket to use in the meantime) :2thumbsup:

And I added the PSC LP6 w/ extended wiring and electrical harness, it functions as a 3rd brake and license plate light! Simple and effective.

Got a custom made License Plate Frame! BIG BLUE NATION!
 

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#96 ·
Great build thread. I must say that is my favorite jeep color ever. I searched high and low for it but could not find it and had to settle for the steel blue color. As you might guess with my username, I am a huge UK fan. Heavily leaning going to UK for college. Your jeep is looking good man!
 
#97 ·
I_Bleed_Blue said:
Great build thread. I must say that is my favorite jeep color ever. I searched high and low for it but could not find it and had to settle for the steel blue color. As you might guess with my username, I am a huge UK fan. Heavily leaning going to UK for college. Your jeep is looking good man!
Thanks! I saw your user name not long ago on the JK thread. I got my Bachelors there, in Business Management. They have a great campus, and the land in LEX and Versailles is beautiful. Good luck!
 
#99 ·
MountainMan864 said:
what tire carrier is that and what do you do for a career?
Sorry I forgot to mention, it's the Genright in the aluminum version, with roll on bedliner.

I am a DoD Civilian working for the Army as a Contract Specialist. Currently supporting the UH-60 with new weapons technology, everything else is classified.
 
#101 ·
awinski said:
love that genright carrier, but it was way out of my price range so i went custom. really love it though good job so far!
Thanks, sir! Only reason I could afford it at that time, was because I sold my extended service plan back to CarMax. Figured I voided it anyhow.
 
#102 ·
I_Bleed_Blue said:
Great build thread. I must say that is my favorite jeep color ever. I searched high and low for it but could not find it and had to settle for the steel blue color. As you might guess with my username, I am a huge UK fan. Heavily leaning going to UK for college. Your jeep is looking good man!
What else would you be leaning towards, makes no sense to have an alternative.
 
#103 ·
One last question about the air bag light, where did you find that Federal mandate about less than 150,000 miles needing to have the air bag components repaired/replaced? I searched but couldn't find squat. :rolleyes:
 
#107 ·
442Wrangler said:
One last question about the air bag light, where did you find that Federal mandate about less than 150,000 miles needing to have the air bag components repaired/replaced? I searched but couldn't find squat. :rolleyes:
I think I found it on the NHSTA site. Did you file a case?
 
#110 ·
I did file a case with Chrysler but just like you they are giving me the run-around with maybe we'll fix it, maybe we won't. Great to know that the people who build my favorite car are honest upstanding folks. :thumbdown:
 
#108 ·
TrailDuty said:
I've been looking into the Genright Tire Carrier myself as my tailgate has begun to pull away from the body, how hard was it to install? Looks great on your Jeep :)
Thanks for the compliment. It was fairly easy, only time consuming if you do it right. I installed it per the directions, which tells you to test fit it before you paint it. It's super strong. Only down side is having to drill the tub for the latch plate. But now that its on, I couldn't be happier, no sagging, no rattling!
 
#109 ·
Beardacus said:
Your JKU looks mean with the new wheels/tires. Nice job.
The MTRKs are great on the trail too! I've aired them down to 18psi with no problems. The tread is aggressive, and has kevlar sidewalls. Also the road it's not bad at all, I'd actually prefer it to be slightly louder.
 
#111 ·
BigBlue7 said:
Thanks for the compliment. It was fairly easy, only time consuming if you do it right. I installed it per the directions, which tells you to test fit it before you paint it. It's super strong. Only down side is having to drill the tub for the latch plate. But now that its on, I couldn't be happier, no sagging, no rattling!
Thanks for getting back to me so fast! Good to hear it doesnt rattle, and ill be sure to be careful on the install, especially the drilling. Like I said, it looks bada$$ on your rig. Its definitely on my list, maybe Santa will bring one. You never know!
 
#112 ·
I_Bleed_Blue said:
I am also interested in Baylor and TCU. I want to major in business and will either go into the Global Scholars Program or the SEAM program. I don't know which one I want to do though. Any advice?
P.S. Sorry for hijacking the thread!
No worries. I can't really help much in deciding on a specific program. I kind of fell into going to KY. Growing up in a Marine Corps family, I lived all across the world. Graduated HS in VA, and was forced to move to KY after several of my buddies were almost killed in gang fights. Went to Lexington Community College, and got a scholarship at UK. Never looked back. After graduation I was ready to go to OCS, two weeks before signing I got an offer for my current position. I had to move from home to do it, but I still get to support the soldier and our country, I just do it without being shot at.

Best advice I can give you, is to stay open to relocating after college. Personally I recommend getting your Bachelors in B. MGT, because it is so general and you can land various positions working as a contractor or for the Government, then let them pay for your Masters. These days everyone gets so caught up in school, they have no real experience in the career they are applying for, and then they struggle to find a job.

We all have our own individual goals and desires. The hard part is finding or accepting a position that meets both. In other words, understand your goals, wether its money, respect, family, or Religion, and do what meets what is most important in your life.

For example, this time next year, I will be in Afghanistan on a 6 month tour. At the age of 26, I feel like reputation and respect is most important for my career.

PM me and let me know how your decide when the time comes. Either way, GO BBN!
 
#115 ·
No worries. I can't really help much in deciding on a specific program. I kind of fell into going to KY. Growing up in a Marine Corps family, I lived all across the world. Graduated HS in VA, and was forced to move to KY after several of my buddies were almost killed in gang fights. Went to Lexington Community College, and got a scholarship at UK. Never looked back. After graduation I was ready to go to OCS, two weeks before signing I got an offer for my current position. I had to move from home to do it, but I still get to support the soldier and our country, I just do it without being shot at.

Best advice I can give you, is to stay open to relocating after college. Personally I recommend getting your Bachelors in B. MGT, because it is so general and you can land various positions working as a contractor or for the Government, then let them pay for your Masters. These days everyone gets so caught up in school, they have no real experience in the career they are applying for, and then they struggle to find a job.

We all have our own individual goals and desires. The hard part is finding or accepting a position that meets both. In other words, understand your goals, wether its money, respect, family, or Religion, and do what meets what is most important in your life.

For example, this time next year, I will be in Afghanistan on a 6 month tour. At the age of 26, I feel like reputation and respect is most important for the family am starting and for my career.

PM me and let me know how your decide when the time comes. Either way, GO BBN!
Good info to know! Thanks so much for the advice! I will for sure. Look forward to following this build thread as well. :thumbsup:
 
#113 ·
TrailDuty said:
Thanks for getting back to me so fast! Good to hear it doesnt rattle, and ill be sure to be careful on the install, especially the drilling. Like I said, it looks bada$$ on your rig. Its definitely on my list, maybe Santa will bring one. You never know!
That's a damn good gift for a Christmas present! :) Make sure to install the slotted hinge on the top, the instructions fail to point that out. The slotted hinge allows you to adjust for weight of the tire. I lined my hinge plate up according to how I felt it looked best, then marked the holes to drill. In all other areas I followed TROCK's write-ups and directions Genright provided. When you get to installing, hit me up if you get stumped anywhere along the way!
 
#114 ·
BigBlue7 said:
That's a damn good gift for a Christmas present! :) Make sure to install the slotted hinge on the top, the instructions fail to point that out. The slotted hinge allows you to adjust for weight of the tire. I lined my hinge plate up according to how I felt it looked best, then marked the holes to drill. In all other areas I followed TROCK's write-ups and directions Genright provided. When you get to installing, hit me up if you get stumped anywhere along the way!
Thanks for the tips! Ill definitely check out that write up as well.
 
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