04’ JMT’s Twin Teenagers Build
- Thread starter JMT
- Start date
Glad to see the boys got some shoes!
(I know Jeep parts aren’t cheap
)
All kidding aside looks like you’re all having a blast.
(I know Jeep parts aren’t cheap
)All kidding aside looks like you’re all having a blast.
WOW the boys are doing some great work on their rig. Really making it look good too.
OP
Day 100: The build begins. It’s only 100*. 
Last edited:
OP
Day ?: With the frame prepped and self-etch primed, the plan was to top coat it with Krylon Semi-Flat Black Enamel Monday night, then get up Tuesday at 5am and get as much done as possible before it got HOT 
. One caveat was we wanted to pull the springs so we could prep and paint the upper and lower perches too. Initially they lifted it at the axles and removed the tires, but I said, “how are you going to remove the coils now?” Change of plan. They set up jack stands at all 4 Control Arms. Better idea 
! Frame turned out really nice. This is no @Irun build though. They’ve seen his build and were blown away.
. One caveat was we wanted to pull the springs so we could prep and paint the upper and lower perches too. Initially they lifted it at the axles and removed the tires, but I said, “how are you going to remove the coils now?” Change of plan. They set up jack stands at all 4 Control Arms. Better idea ! Frame turned out really nice. This is no @Irun build though. They’ve seen his build and were blown away.
Good lesson learned. I give them the seal of approval!Day ?: With the frame prepped and self-etch primed, the plan was to top coat it with Krylon Semi-Flat Black Enamel Monday night, then get up Tuesday at 5am and get as much done as possible before it got HOT
View attachment 262206
View attachment 262207
View attachment 262208
OP
Things did NOT go as planned. After pulling the coils, shocks and painting the frame and perches, one of them said. “Well how long would it take us to do the rear?” So we got into it. Mind you, this is 9:30pm. They released the rear sway bar, loosened both lower control arms (I made them read the procedure). We put the Rancho 5000X 55241 shocks in and cycled the suspension. The shocks were the limiter. We needed 1.5” bumpstop, so we cut down a 2” bumpstop from a RC kit and cut 1/4” off the longer bolt. We were ready to install the rear coils. They’re starting to understand how the suspension works.
At this point we had to decide how much, if any spacer to add in the rear. Everyone who knows OME HD 933/942 springs knows the unpredictable ride height. This rig is purposely kept super light. Everything is stock, minus the fact we cut the front bumper down and removed the milk jugs and replaced with Mopar stubby end caps, so it’s lighter than stock, a necessary addendum to a light teenage wallet, but admirable all the same. We decided to use the 10mm OME spacer that sits in the lower perch. Rear coils installed.
At this point we had to decide how much, if any spacer to add in the rear. Everyone who knows OME HD 933/942 springs knows the unpredictable ride height. This rig is purposely kept super light. Everything is stock, minus the fact we cut the front bumper down and removed the milk jugs and replaced with Mopar stubby end caps, so it’s lighter than stock, a necessary addendum to a light teenage wallet, but admirable all the same. We decided to use the 10mm OME spacer that sits in the lower perch. Rear coils installed.
OP
What do you think they said next? “How long would it take to do the front?” It was about 11:15pm.
Put the shocks in and cycled the suspension. Shocks were the limiter again. Needed 1 3/4” bumpstop. We just went with 2 hockey pucks. I drilled the perch with a 5/16” bit and we tapped it with a 3/8”. Along the way I should remark that all the bolts are coming out easy! They did put a bit of Kroil on them earlier tonight. It must be nice to have a person working as your Sous Mechanic. I know the sizes they need most of the time, and they get to stay on their backs while I hunt down sockets and wrenches.
Put the shocks in and cycled the suspension. Shocks were the limiter again. Needed 1 3/4” bumpstop. We just went with 2 hockey pucks. I drilled the perch with a 5/16” bit and we tapped it with a 3/8”. Along the way I should remark that all the bolts are coming out easy! They did put a bit of Kroil on them earlier tonight. It must be nice to have a person working as your Sous Mechanic. I know the sizes they need most of the time, and they get to stay on their backs while I hunt down sockets and wrenches.
Last edited:
Love this thread. You and them boys are creating memories that will last a lifetime.
OP
We had decided to use a 3/4” spacer up front. Our goal is 3” front and maintain some rake. This will sit over the 32’s that the PO added, which I knew would turn out to be a big bonus since building over 3” gets $$$$, and they will have to do that later on their own dime. This is a good build to grow to 33’s from, and several of you donated parts that are just waiting to be installed (aka Savvy 1.25” BL, Savvy TCase Cable Shifter, Front and Rear JKS adjustable TB’s (going on sooner than later), and adjustable CA’s (soon)). Wow! Sooo cooool! (@DrDmoney, @rasband)
We had to unbolt one of the front lower control arms to get enough droop to install the Patriot Blue OME Springs. They were inspired by @Irun purple springs. Dang! They really look good, and are subtle now that we have it all done. Wait, a Jeep is never done, or so my sons tell me!
We had to unbolt one of the front lower control arms to get enough droop to install the Patriot Blue OME Springs. They were inspired by @Irun purple springs. Dang! They really look good, and are subtle now that we have it all done. Wait, a Jeep is never done, or so my sons tell me!
Last edited:
OP
Torque specs were rolling off my lips as fast as they could work. Anti-seize was flying everywhere! They know the value and reduce torque to 75-80% due to the reduction in friction. They wanted to torque down the lower control arms, but I said we do that on the ground under the weight of the Heep! tires back on, Jeep on the ground, torqued the front TB, CA’s, checked everything over, cleaned the garage. Took it for a drive. Have vibes…Called it a night. More to come...it was 1:15am
tires back on, Jeep on the ground, torqued the front TB, CA’s, checked everything over, cleaned the garage. Took it for a drive. Have vibes…Called it a night. More to come...it was 1:15am
Last edited:
OP
Boys washed and waxed the rig to show Mom. They’re a bit proud.
Took measurements this AM. 2.5” front and 2.25” rear. Not quite as much as we wanted, but good! Rake is 0.3*. Front TB is off by 1/2”. Rear TB is off by 1”.
Took measurements this AM. 2.5” front and 2.25” rear. Not quite as much as we wanted, but good! Rake is 0.3*. Front TB is off by 1/2”. Rear TB is off by 1”.
I’ve been watching your heat wave. I’ve got family in Portland, so we are getting first hand reports from there. Nasty. Had it cooled off at all at 1am?Torque specs were rolling off my lips as fast as they could work. Anti-seize was flying everywhere! They know the value and reduce torque to 75-80% due to the reduction in friction. They wanted to torque down the lower control arms, but I said we do that on the ground under the weight of the Heep!
View attachment 262227
OP
Man, when we started at 8:52 it was still 100*. By 1am it had to have cooled off some because by 7am it was 83*, but my guess is it was still around 90-93*. I’m sure glad we did it then. The other alternative was get up at 5am and get to work. We had a small box fan going. It wasn’t much, but it was better than nothing. Today it’s supposed to hit 112*. Electric is being rationed, and some areas are without.
the marine layer is coming! its 15 degrees cooler today than it was yesterday on this side.