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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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#120 ·
I'm looking for opinions on lift kits. I am running 35s and factory fenders. I want something that will work well with this setup, and that will also be good for when I upgrade to 37s and the PSC Tube Fenders.

I have been looking at the 2.5 and 3.5 Rock Krawler Mid Arm Kits. But not sure which one to go with. Right now I'm leaning towards the 3.5 flex, since ill have to replace the front driveshaft either way. Any expensive drawbacks when it comes to the 3.5" system?

Please advise y'all!
 
#121 ·
Heard there have been multiple issues on this forum with rock krawler springs. Hearing great things about currie though but that seems to be in preponderance on this forum.
 
#122 ·
442Wrangler said:
Heard there have been multiple issues on this forum with rock krawler springs. Hearing great things about currie though but that seems to be in preponderance on this forum.
Wow, point me to the negative. I haven't heard anything bad and I've been looking for some time! Thanks!
 
#125 ·
Wasn't trying to be a negative nancy man. :p

I'm just pointing out maybe a little more research is needed. To me all 3 systems mentioned (Teraflex, Currie, and RK) are all a large chunk of change to do what you wanted and figured I'd just point out that RK has had spring issues. Look under our tech section here, I've seen two threads personally that would make me rather buy RC stuff. :teehee:
 
#123 ·
Just wrote Marcus at River City OffRoad, asking him for advice on a potential plan in reference to the 3.5 flex system.

"What I want is the 3.5" coils front and rear, front and rear control arms, and the front track bar. Which is basically the 3.5" Flex System, without the discos, brake lines, and rear track bar bracket. I would like to buy the teraflex or JKS disco and brake lines separately. And i already have a track bar relocation bracket from my 2.5" RC budget boost kit. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe all of the above mentioned parts would work together flawlessly.

Can you make something like this happen at an advantageous price?

All of that aside, I am aware that I will need a new front drive shaft. Do you know if I will need a rear also (Auto, 4door, 2010)? Also, is it possible and advised to install the new driveshafts prior to adding the suspension kit? Or is it fine to install the kit first, and hold off on wheeling until shafts are replaced? If you can help me in this journey, I'd be much appreciative!"

So if any others have thoughts on this, they are welcome. Thanks everyone! I promise to post up some more mods soon!
 
#126 ·
Also how is the light output from those KCs? A lot of hood glare and such?
 
#128 ·
I would do the lift first and make sure it's dialed in, rides good, correct caster, etc. Then install the drive shaft after a couple weeks go by. That way, if you have a vibration, you'll know it's the drive shaft and not the lift.

And there's no need for a rear drive shaft since you've got a 4-door. I've been running the stock rear drive shaft for nearly a year on my Rubicon w/3-1/2" of lift and haven't had any problems. Even if you do damage it, I've got a spare one from my last JK somewhere around the house that you can have if the need arises.

As for the disconnects, JKS was my favorite. I've ran a couple different brands and JKS was the easiest to take off and re-connect. Just be sure to keep a couple extra pins because over time, you will lose them. I never had the Teraflex brand, but I do like how you just have to disconnect one end.
 
#129 ·
Denny2565 said:
I would do the lift first and make sure it's dialed in, rides good, correct caster, etc. Then install the drive shaft after a couple weeks go by. That way, if you have a vibration, you'll know it's the drive shaft and not the lift.

And there's no need for a rear drive shaft since you've got a 4-door. I've been running the stock rear drive shaft for nearly a year on my Rubicon w/3-1/2" of lift and haven't had any problems. Even if you do damage it, I've got a spare one from my last JK somewhere around the house that you can have if the need arises.

As for the disconnects, JKS was my favorite. I've ran a couple different brands and JKS was the easiest to take off and re-connect. Just be sure to keep a couple extra pins because over time, you will lose them. I never had the Teraflex brand, but I do like how you just have to disconnect one end.
Thanks Dennis! What lift did you get? This RK kit most say measures ~4".
 
#134 ·
I've got the Synergy Stage III 3" kit. After putting my front bumper and winch on, I had exactly 3" of lift in the front. However, since I didn't have an aftermarket rear bumper and I also put wedges under the rear springs, I had close to 4" of lift in the back. I added some 3/4" spacers to the front and it really improved the stance.

When you install your lift, you may want to go ahead and do the wedges. Here's before and after wedge install shots. If you haven't extended your breather hose yet, that's one more thing to add to your list. I think I still have some rubber hose left you can have. You'll just need to pick up a coupling.





 
#135 ·
Denny2565 said:
I've got the Synergy Stage III 3" kit. After putting my front bumper and winch on, I had exactly 3" of lift in the front. However, since I didn't have an aftermarket rear bumper and I also put wedges under the rear springs, I had close to 4" of lift in the back. I added some 3/4" spacers to the front and it really improved the stance.

When you install your lift, you may want to go ahead and do the wedges. Here's before and after wedge install shots. If you haven't extended your breather hose yet, that's one more thing to add to your list. I think I still have some rubber hose left you can have. You'll just need to pick up a coupling.
I'm still mostly leaning towards the RK 3.5 X Factor kit, it includes the wedges! I have no idea on what the breather hose is yet, lol.

When are you wanting to get those fenders? I'm off today, just give me a call.
 
#136 ·
10/28/2012

Made a Locking Ammo Can. My buddy Notamechanic helped me with the bracket. Very please with how it turned out! :highfive:
 

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#138 ·
11/09/2012

Awesome! Thanks Gregg! Glad you like it, to be honest I wasn't sure if people would enjoy it, since it's not you ordinary build thread.

Installed the Phase 7 Truck Lites. Picked up a free boat in KY. Sorry about the crap cell phone pics.
 

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#140 ·
BigBlue7 said:
Just got back from Redneck Beach! couple pics to follow, I've got to get them from my buddy.
Here ya go!
 

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#142 ·
scottrx7tt said:
if you ever wanna get rid of those painted fender flares, let me know, i am looking for some
Where are you located? Your talking about these blue ones? Idk how much are they worth? I have considered getting tube fenders so ill hit you up once I order them.
 
#147 ·
I hear ya!

"Free Boat" Cost Breakdown:

Boat $0
Trailer $0
Straight Tongue Coupler $20
Tie Down Strap, since I left mine behind $30
New (Oversized) Tires $160
Gas for transit $200
Rebuilding motor :facepalm:

I'm greatful anyhow. :D
 
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