05 Flame Red TJ Build

bobthetj03 said:
Will this be happening all at once?
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That's the plan. If I get the body lift or TCase shifter for Christmas, and my annual bonus by Jan 1, which is sizeable, but most will go to savings, I think I can squirm a bit with the finances to pull off ordering the rest by Jan 1. I've got a hunting trip Jan 14-17 so probably do it all at once after the trip, but hopefully before, depending on shipping times. Anyway, that's the plan.

One thing on the install of the UCF system is you have to trim 1/4" off the rubber body bushings on passenger and driver side. I was thinking that would be good to do along with the body lift. So I had the thought that I should do the body lift and UCF at the same time when I get there with the body lift, and do the TCase shifter last. Hard to tell without being there whether that would work well or just make it more of a pain.
 
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My thought was it would be easier to install the cable shifter while the skid is off, so I was thinking, body lift, pull the skid, install the cable shifter, then new skid.
 
bobthetj03 said:
My thought was it would be easier to install the cable shifter while the skid is off, so I was thinking, body lift, pull the skid, install the cable shifter, then new skid.
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Actually, that sounds right. I can first unscrew the fan shroud, as I do the body lift I could pull the two (or four?) rubber bushings and trim 1/4" in prep for the UCF later, then drop the skid which will give plenty of room to change the shifter, and finally bolt up the UCF TCase and engine skids, which should be easy since I have the 1" MML which gives some extra space for the bolts to slip in that hold the engine skid. The other stuff should be cake. Sounds like fun! Then all I'll need are the 33's! Might look funny for awhile on 31's till I save up. :( But I have access to wholesale prices, so I may get out for $500 or so. We'll see! Thanks for ideas.
 
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These, where the frame attaches to the tub. This one is cracked so I was going to replace anyway.
3CE5D1B7-5304-4BA7-AC3D-687B6BA3A4B8.jpeg

Two or four of them (can't remember right now, I think two) have to be trimmed 1/4 inch because part of the skid attaches to this mount.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BA757Q4/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Actually, looking at it now, it may be the top disc in the photo that needs to be trimmed. I'll check with UCF before the install to make sure.
 
That's weird. So, will that affect your body lift. I'd like to exactly why you have to trim those bushings. Shaving 1/4" of rubber off doesn't sound like a fun job.
 
bobthetj03 said:
That's weird. So, will that affect your body lift. I'd like to exactly why you have to trim those bushings. Shaving 1/4" of rubber off doesn't sound like a fun job.
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Ha, right, no fun doing that. I was wondering how I was going to do it. In any case, I can't re-find that information so I'm talking to UCF now to make sure it's correct. I'll get back.
 
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Ok, I talked to my twin bows (who are my wheelin' buddies) about upcoming mods including Savvy body lift and shifter, UCF under armor and 33's. I wanted to bring them into the decision making process so they feel a part. They both said, "Do the body lift and shifter and tires first, Dad." So I'm going to go with that. I can do the UCF in May when tax return money comes in. I'm checking tire prices at two places today, one of which I was told will be close to wholesale and the other which might beat them. Here's what's in the mill

Mickey Thompson Baja MTZP3 33x12.5r15

4 or 5, depending on how much I can sell my 4 BFGoodrich Wrangler MT w/Kevlar's. I'm excited to get this upgrade. Hopefully 3.73's and 33's won't be too bad for a year! Will report back some prices, hopefully tomorrow!
 
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You'll be ok for a while on 3.73's. While not ideal, it's manageable. Just pretend you have a 4 speed.
 
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JMT said:
Ok, I talked to my twin bows (who are my wheelin' buddies) about upcoming mods including Savvy body lift and shifter, UCF under armor and 33's. I wanted to bring them into the decision making process so they feel a part. They both said, "Do the body lift and shifter and tires first, Dad." So I'm going to go with that. I can do the UCF in May when tax return money comes in. I'm checking tire prices at two places today, one of which I was told will be close to wholesale and the other which might beat them. Here's what's in the mill

Mickey Thompson Baja MTZP3 33x12.5r15

4 or 5, depending on how much I can sell my 4 BFGoodrich Wrangler MT w/Kevlar's. I'm excited to get this upgrade. Hopefully 3.73's and 33's won't be too bad for a year! Will report back some prices, hopefully tomorrow!
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I would have killed for 3.73s on 33s. I drove the tj like it was a 3 speed with 3.07s. Great idea incorporating your boys and I think you have a solid plan ahead of you. I seriously considered the MTZ's but they didn't come in a 33x10.5 flavor. Hoping to get the disconnects post marked to you a day or two after Christmas, still waiting on the AR. You already have the MML done so you really are setting yourself up for success with the TT. Looks like after this you will need the SYE/DC combo & then the actual skid. Keep us posted on all the great work you are getting done :D.
 
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@JamesAndTheSahara . In a way I wanted 33x10.5's, but I finally decided I'm gong to have to suffer the wider look for awhile. I just wheel on too many rocks and that extra sidewall protection is worth it to me over the better look.

Looking forward to the disco's!

Thanks for your kind words about the build. It has slowed down a bit due to some unforeseen financial setbacks. But for now, let's get these couple mods and tires rollin!

As far as the UCF skid plate system, I also thought I might put it off to think more about the TT. Up till now I've been thinking of a partial tuck, with the UCF Original Extra Clearance skid and the Lo-Pro Mount, which gives me 2" more clearance and a flat skid, of course. I've been reticent to do a SYE/DC, but if I did, of course, I could do a full tuck, and avoid the Lo-Pro Mount (with its vibes at idle). I'd be more inclined to do it if I was confident I could do the SYE/DC myself. Maybe a few more months of research will give me the confidence.
 
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JMT said:
@JamesAndTheSahara . In a way I wanted 33x10.5's, but I finally decided I'm gong to have to suffer the wider look for awhile. I just wheel on too many rocks and that extra sidewall protection is worth it to me over the better look.

Looking forward to the disco's!

Thanks for your kind words about the build. It has slowed down a bit due to some unforeseen financial setbacks. But for now, let's get these couple mods and tires rollin!

As far as the UCF skid plate system, I also thought I might put it off to think more about the TT. Up till now I've been thinking of a partial tuck, with the UCF Original Extra Clearance skid and the Lo-Pro Mount, which gives me 2" more clearance and a flat skid, of course. I've been reticent to do a SYE/DC, but if I did, of course, I could do a full tuck, and avoid the Lo-Pro Mount (with its vibes at idle). I'd be more inclined to do it if I was confident I could do the SYE/DC myself. Maybe a few more months of research will give me the confidence.
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I've done an SYE/DC with a peer on his TJ. It wasn't too bad, just make sure you pull the T-case and don't do it under the vehicle. There are quiet a few youtube videos with tons of information.
 
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JamesAndTheSahara said:
I've done an SYE/DC with a peer on his TJ. It wasn't too bad, just make sure you pull the T-case and don't do it under the vehicle. There are quiet a few youtube videos with tons of information.
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Do I have to have adjustable lowers or uppers on the rear to get the pinion angle correct? I should know this by now but have been putting it off!
 
JMT said:
Do I have to have adjustable lowers or uppers on the rear to get the pinion angle correct? I should know this by now but have been putting it off!
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You can get away only using UCA, LCA will help you re-center the axle once the pinion is adjusted. Ideally you want both so you only have to adjust them once and be done with it.
 
JMT said:
These, where the frame attaches to the tub. This one is cracked so I was going to replace anyway.
View attachment 26854
Two or four of them (can't remember right now, I think two) have to be trimmed 1/4 inch because part of the skid attaches to this mount.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BA757Q4/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Actually, looking at it now, it may be the top disc in the photo that needs to be trimmed. I'll check with UCF before the install to make sure.
Click to expand...

Holy cow! Those need replacing, that's for sure.
 
bobthetj03 said:
Adjustable uppers will get you by. Do yourself a favor and spend a little extra for double adjustable.
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See, that’s why I’m always torn on this mod. I really don’t have the $1000 for SYE/DC and adjustable uppers. I can do the $1000 for the UCF (which I really need for protection), but that will wipe me out till December. So the only way to keep the SYE/DC and UCA’s in the game is to do the flat UCF skid and do a TCase drop with the LoPro Mount. I would still gain 2” clearance at the skid and could do the other later if I decided to, and just remove the drop. Anyone see a problem with this plan? And I really want to regear and do the locker next December. Thoughts?
 
JMT said:
See, that’s why I’m always torn on this mod. I really don’t have the $1000 for SYE/DC and adjustable uppers. I can do the $1000 for the UCF (which I really need for protection), but that will wipe me out till December. So the only way to keep the SYE/DC and UCA’s in the game is to do the flat UCF skid and do a TCase drop with the LoPro Mount. I would still gain 2” clearance at the skid and could do the other later if I decided to, and just remove the drop. Anyone see a problem with this plan? And I really want to regear and do the locker next December. Thoughts?
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Nothing wrong with dropping the skid till no vibes.
 
bobthetj03 said:
Nothing wrong with dropping the skid till no vibes.
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Of course, I have no vibes now. Matt at UCF thought I could do the extra clearance skid with the LoPro and gain 2” clearance and still be vibe free. Does that sound right to you?
 
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