Picking up where I left off
- Thread starter Chris
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That ram is no joke on the trail. I feel like I could move boulders with it. (but I know it would make my loud expensive noises if I tried)
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OP
Yep, that was the main reason for it. I could barely turn the tires in the rocks before.
OP
I was planning on installing the updated FRP tune this week for the automatic transmission. Upon connecting to the vehicle with my HPTuner software I kept getting error messages saying it was unable to read my ECM.
Since the ECM currently in it is one from WranglerFix, I messaged Mark and told him what was going on, thinking it might have to do with their ECM. Mark told me that his tech said that they use a JTECH ECM to build these with. It is a module that they made work for the TJ’s. His technician believes the scanner won’t communicate because it is looking for the OEM part.
Anyways, Mark being the good guy he is offered to swap mine out for a OEM unit which should be here tomorrow. I'll try connecting to it again to see if the HPTuner software can read this one.
I know it didn't have an issue reading the ECM that was in it when it had the manual transmission, but that was also an OEM ECM and not one that had been modified / updated by WranglerFix.
I hope to know more tomorrow when I get the new ECM.
Since the ECM currently in it is one from WranglerFix, I messaged Mark and told him what was going on, thinking it might have to do with their ECM. Mark told me that his tech said that they use a JTECH ECM to build these with. It is a module that they made work for the TJ’s. His technician believes the scanner won’t communicate because it is looking for the OEM part.
Anyways, Mark being the good guy he is offered to swap mine out for a OEM unit which should be here tomorrow. I'll try connecting to it again to see if the HPTuner software can read this one.
I know it didn't have an issue reading the ECM that was in it when it had the manual transmission, but that was also an OEM ECM and not one that had been modified / updated by WranglerFix.
I hope to know more tomorrow when I get the new ECM.
Chris,
I've been experimenting w mine. On a gravel road, with the Swayloc locked and I'm "slinging" the jeep back and forth, I find the ride to be still very firm.
However, when I unlock the Swayloc, and drive the same, this thing feels amazingly "loose", like it is so much more "conforming", if you will, to the terrain. Absolutely amazing difference. It feels absolutely like it's ready to "soak" up the terrain.
I have no words to share pre Swayloc, as did not have an Antirock first, but, I'm certain you'll like the difference from Antirock to Swayloc.
I would say this...If your contemplating the Antirock in your build, you better include the Swayloc in your thought process, it's that good!
Mike
B00mb00m,
If we ever get a chance to ride a trail together, I'd probably let you take my heap for a spin.
I went from completely stock to a pretty full build.
The thing rides incredible.
Mike
B00mb00m
The Church of Cutting Brakes of Atlas-Front Digs
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
That'd be awesome, i've always wanted to demo a Blaine build.
I'd love to meet the Washington faction of this forum.
Maybe some day we can all plan a run and get together.
I did sign up for the Naches jamboree.
Mike
I love watching those videos. Right after the "loud noise", you get the spectator "ohhs and ahwws"
B00mb00m
The Church of Cutting Brakes of Atlas-Front Digs
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
I have a knack for breaking shit.... Lucky so far no videos.
Got to take a ride in Chris’s Jeep today. If I closed my eyes while we were off road I don’t think I would have even knew we weren’t on a perfectly paved road. Pot holes just don’t exist anymore, it’s eerily good.
OP
Took the TJ out today for a few hours with my neighbor to give it a shakedown run on Elvis Trail which is minutes from my house.
The first thing I noticed upon hitting the washboard roads was how smooth it rode with the new shocks. I was flying down those roads and it was soaking them up like they weren't even there. That's impressive as hell since before this they could be quite jarring.
Once on the trails and getting into the obstacles, it was apparent how much better the TJ was at crawling over things. In fact, there is one waterfall that the TJs can never seem to make it up if you take this one line. The TJ Unlimited guys can usually walk right up it due to the longer wheelbase, but the regular TJs can never seem to make it. Mine of course walked right up it (which it couldn't do before). After speaking with Blaine, this is a result of the outboard shocks which provide more traction on obstacles like this.
Another thing that I didn't actually even think about until I was all done with the trail was how I was able to climb over all those rocks and not once did I ever have to fight with my steering. In fact, the steering was so damn good and natural feeling that it didn't even register in my brain until the very end. The PSC steering has proven to be a phenomenal upgrade. It feels so natural that unless you knew it was there, you'd think it was just a really damn good factory steering.
All-in-all, I've got some time on it and so far I have yet to find anything I'm disappointed with or that I would change other than perhaps the harnesses, which were my idea anyways.
The first thing I noticed upon hitting the washboard roads was how smooth it rode with the new shocks. I was flying down those roads and it was soaking them up like they weren't even there. That's impressive as hell since before this they could be quite jarring.
Once on the trails and getting into the obstacles, it was apparent how much better the TJ was at crawling over things. In fact, there is one waterfall that the TJs can never seem to make it up if you take this one line. The TJ Unlimited guys can usually walk right up it due to the longer wheelbase, but the regular TJs can never seem to make it. Mine of course walked right up it (which it couldn't do before). After speaking with Blaine, this is a result of the outboard shocks which provide more traction on obstacles like this.
Another thing that I didn't actually even think about until I was all done with the trail was how I was able to climb over all those rocks and not once did I ever have to fight with my steering. In fact, the steering was so damn good and natural feeling that it didn't even register in my brain until the very end. The PSC steering has proven to be a phenomenal upgrade. It feels so natural that unless you knew it was there, you'd think it was just a really damn good factory steering.
All-in-all, I've got some time on it and so far I have yet to find anything I'm disappointed with or that I would change other than perhaps the harnesses, which were my idea anyways.
I struggled on that same waterfall until I got my auto trans. Walked right up after the swap. So I wonder if the trans and torque converter helped you as well
OP
Hmmm, that's something to consider as well. That trail was so much more enjoyable to do with an auto.
The only place the manual was better was driving on-road where it was a bit more peppy. As far as off-roading goes, there's no question I prefer the auto ten fold.
@Chris, good for you, mid-arm/outboard is such an amazing improvement that anyone contemplating these mods should absolutely do it, zero downside...you will have fun with it in Moab...
OP
So far it’s really damn impressive. I can tell you that this thing handles and performs better than a bone stock TJ on 31s in every department other than power. It’s a real treat to drive and the only time I’ve ever really felt like I want to actually daily drive a TJ.
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