James & The Sahara Build Thread
- Thread starter JamesAndTheSahara
- Start date
You won't be disappointed.Your photos are what pushed me over the line to getting his bumpers.
I know I won't, gotta give your previous thread a read through again to figure out the best way to paint them. Lots of different paint recommendations from different people.
If I did it again, I'd use the Rustoleum self-etching primer again, but use black semi-gloss or satin Rustoleum instead of the textured. Easier to get a consistent smooth look. The textured turned out fine, though.
I second this as well. I used the truckbed coating Rustoleum on version 2 or 3 of my front bumper project. texture is very uniform as long as you don't get too close while applying it. Since moved on to satin black for most accessories.
Changed my power steering fluid today, safe to say the previous owner never did it. Seriously guys get this done, the most neglected fluid in any car.
Didn’t get a change to get the winch installed today, probably gonna get that done Tuesday.
Also while driving today my voltage dropped down to 9 and my check gauges light came on. Jeeps been driven nearly 20 miles since then with 5 cold start cycles, so its still working for now. I cleaned my terminals really well and drove again, same issue. Took her to autozone and they said the voltage was all over the place and the regulator was bad - pretty sure thats in the alternator. Time for a bigger Durango alternator?
Didn’t get a change to get the winch installed today, probably gonna get that done Tuesday.
Also while driving today my voltage dropped down to 9 and my check gauges light came on. Jeeps been driven nearly 20 miles since then with 5 cold start cycles, so its still working for now. I cleaned my terminals really well and drove again, same issue. Took her to autozone and they said the voltage was all over the place and the regulator was bad - pretty sure thats in the alternator. Time for a bigger Durango alternator?
1 year old, Autozone checked it & it tested fine. Its got a 3 year warranty so I am stuck with it a little while.
Talk about taxing my system, at least she is installed now! Weird that the Warn multi-mount comes with cable and a hawse fairlead. It works as a recovery tool too with jumper cables till I can get proper wiring done! LOL
Update, god dangit. Alternator gave up and couldn’t be jump started and driven. All the driving killed my battery too (9 months old). Also do not trust Autozone’s diagnostic tool, my battery was trashed according to advanced:
Left the Jeep at Advanced overnight with the battery on the charger to see its condition at full charge in the morning. Starting a new thread to determine the alternator I need. Jez my luck goes sour a bit.
Left the Jeep at Advanced overnight with the battery on the charger to see its condition at full charge in the morning. Starting a new thread to determine the alternator I need. Jez my luck goes sour a bit.
Yeah a little nervous in making sure I get the right thing. The last thing I want is a downgrade from my previous alternator. Hopefully the dealership has a reman or Napa can get me what I need
.
Where’s your Currie AntiRock? I thought you had one? The bracket on your sway bar and the sway bar itself could use a quick sanding and paint job. I did mine one afternoon! Easy peasy!
Sure do, would love them!I already have the antirock planned with the next pay check. I should get it on in time for christmas. You’ll get quick disconnects right after if you still want ‘em.
Holy Cow, this was like reading a novel. I couldn't put it down. It is like 1:15AM my time and I have to be up in a few hours, but what a good read. I laughed; I cried, I was all over the place. I really love you patience and persistence. If I could be half as nice as you.
That is quite the project, and I am glad you took us with you.
A couple of opinions,
I haven't ever seen a e-locker, i will look into those but I had front and rear ARB's on my old YJ. They were fun because I wired them up independently. Meaning I could lock in the front or the rear or both. If i remember right stock you can't lock the front unless the rear was. It has been so long, but I do remember doing something different with the wiring. The Air compressor is pretty useless outside of locking the diffs. You could top off your ties, but it would take a 1/2 hour and get red hot. I mostly used them for just the lockers. The lockers are great because they lock all 4 or the are completely open. That is really nice for trail riding when you don't need them.
It was a bummer drilling the hole through the cap for the air line. It was kind of scary but I managed. Again I am going to check out the e-locker as I am not familiar, but I had my YJ for years and beat it up pretty good and never had any failures ever. You do have to be strategic on how you install the lines if you go that route. I am not trying to sell you on ARB's they are a bead to install and plumb but they work great. I definitely encourage you to research both as I am going to also. but I wanted to give you some first hand knowledge is all. I know you are going to research what is best for you just by reading your story.
Also FYI I too bought a rear Dirtworx bumper, and you already know the troubles I have had with my front Warn bumper so I will always encourage people to buy a bare metal bumper, so I am a huge advocate for the dirtworx so far. He does a great job. I did 3 coats of self etching primer and 4 coats of Rostoleum Hammered black on mine. This is the exact same combo I am doing with my new Warn stubby. In fact I just finished my 2 of my primer coats tonight. Until I got lost in your build story.
Sorry to see you are having issues with your alternator. Pretty soon you will run out of things to break and you will have an awesome machine.
Congrats so far. Thanks again for including us on your Journey. Truly inspirational.
Peace.
That is quite the project, and I am glad you took us with you.
A couple of opinions,
I haven't ever seen a e-locker, i will look into those but I had front and rear ARB's on my old YJ. They were fun because I wired them up independently. Meaning I could lock in the front or the rear or both. If i remember right stock you can't lock the front unless the rear was. It has been so long, but I do remember doing something different with the wiring. The Air compressor is pretty useless outside of locking the diffs. You could top off your ties, but it would take a 1/2 hour and get red hot. I mostly used them for just the lockers. The lockers are great because they lock all 4 or the are completely open. That is really nice for trail riding when you don't need them.
It was a bummer drilling the hole through the cap for the air line. It was kind of scary but I managed. Again I am going to check out the e-locker as I am not familiar, but I had my YJ for years and beat it up pretty good and never had any failures ever. You do have to be strategic on how you install the lines if you go that route. I am not trying to sell you on ARB's they are a bead to install and plumb but they work great. I definitely encourage you to research both as I am going to also. but I wanted to give you some first hand knowledge is all. I know you are going to research what is best for you just by reading your story.
Also FYI I too bought a rear Dirtworx bumper, and you already know the troubles I have had with my front Warn bumper so I will always encourage people to buy a bare metal bumper, so I am a huge advocate for the dirtworx so far. He does a great job. I did 3 coats of self etching primer and 4 coats of Rostoleum Hammered black on mine. This is the exact same combo I am doing with my new Warn stubby. In fact I just finished my 2 of my primer coats tonight. Until I got lost in your build story.
Sorry to see you are having issues with your alternator. Pretty soon you will run out of things to break and you will have an awesome machine.
Congrats so far. Thanks again for including us on your Journey. Truly inspirational.
Peace.
Started off today right!
Also a buddy at a local shop is giving me a great deal on a lifetime alternator and towed the Jeep over there. About to drop off the new battery and pick up the Jeep later.
Also a buddy at a local shop is giving me a great deal on a lifetime alternator and towed the Jeep over there. About to drop off the new battery and pick up the Jeep later.
Hey just to follow up with you on my winch. I didn't re-order the winch (in case you forgot, the price for the winch we 517 and I paid 575 and you suggested re-ordering.) I didn't re-order but I did fine another link on the site that showed it at 517, so I called them on it, and they are sending me a gift card for 58 bucks. Not too shabby. Now I need to gather all of the rebate info together, so I can save more money so I can give it right back to them.
Thanks for that.
Thanks for that.
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