Nashville TJ's Build - Continued

[NashvilleTJ]

A quick maintenance item today. While wheelin' with Victor at AOP a few weeks before Moab, I backed the tire carrier hard into a tree - once again bending the tailgate as I did during the Devil's Hot Tub Incident.

So I spent a few minutes pulling the tailgate and putting some force to it on the fab table: Took a bit of effort, and a few big-ass C-Clamps, but it flattened out.

Still a bit wavey, but a least it's straight in the jamb once again.

 

[srimes]

A quick maintenance item today. While wheelin' with Victor at AOP a few weeks before Moab, I backed the tire carrier hard into a tree - once again bending the tailgate as I did during the Devil's Hot Tub Incident.

View attachment 621329

So I spent a few minutes pulling the tailgate and putting some force to it on the fab table: Took a bit of effort, and a few big-ass C-Clamps, but it flattened out.

View attachment 621330

Still a bit wavey, but a least it's straight in the jamb once again.

View attachment 621331

Bet you would've seen that tree without a big ass tire hanging there. When was the last time you needed the spare? Bet it would do just fine on the trailer.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Bet you would've seen that tree without a big ass tire hanging there. When was the last time you needed the spare? Bet it would do just fine on the trailer.

Sliced a sidewall in Moab last year. And on that last set of Maxxis Razrs I think I sliced 3 prior that. Sliced open a BFG Krawler as well - so I've definitely needed the spare. Life in the sharp rocks.

That said I'm always thinking about losing that monster back there, and hopefully the sidewalls on the new Treps are tougher - and so far so good. I'd love to mount it in the bed, but it's just too big.

I do carry a sidewall patch kit, but patching a sidewall on those Treps would be a nightmare having to grind the sidewall flat to take a patch. Sure, I could dismount the beadlocks and patch from the inside, but that's a crazy amount of work compared to simply swapping the spare.

It does occasionally get in the way, and it is a big chunk of weight, but for now anyway I'll continue to carry the spare.

 

[srimes]

Sliced a sidewall in Moab last year. And on that last set of Maxxis Razrs I think I sliced 3 prior that. Sliced open a BFG Krawler as well - so I've definitely needed the spare. Life in the sharp rocks.

That said I'm always thinking about losing that monster back there, and hopefully the sidewalls on the new Treps are tougher - and so far so good. I'd love to mount it in the bed, but it's just too big.

I do carry a sidewall patch kit, but patching a sidewall on those Treps would be a nightmare having to grind the sidewall flat to take a patch. Sure, I could dismount the beadlocks and patch from the inside, but that's a crazy amount of work compared to simply swapping the spare.

It does occasionally get in the way, and it is a big chunk of weight, but for now anyway I'll continue to carry the spare.

https://www.amazon.com/Frostory-Reverse-Parking-Detection-Distance/dp/B074LZY71B/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[NashvilleTJ]

https://www.amazon.com/Frostory-Reverse-Parking-Detection-Distance/dp/B074LZY71B/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Well played, Dude...

 

[Rickyd]

Sliced a sidewall in Moab last year. And on that last set of Maxxis Razrs I think I sliced 3 prior that. Sliced open a BFG Krawler as well - so I've definitely needed the spare. Life in the sharp rocks.

That said I'm always thinking about losing that monster back there, and hopefully the sidewalls on the new Treps are tougher - and so far so good. I'd love to mount it in the bed, but it's just too big.

I do carry a sidewall patch kit, but patching a sidewall on those Treps would be a nightmare having to grind the sidewall flat to take a patch. Sure, I could dismount the beadlocks and patch from the inside, but that's a crazy amount of work compared to simply swapping the spare.

It does occasionally get in the way, and it is a big chunk of weight, but for now anyway I'll continue to carry the spare.

Do you have any experience with the swamper sx? They are supposed to have a thick tough carcass. That company doesn't seem to be popular with the rock crowd though and whether or not they have a sticky with that sidewall is another question

 

[Wildman]

Do you have any experience with the swamper sx? They are supposed to have a thick tough carcass. That company doesn't seem to be popular with the rock crowd though and whether or not they have a sticky with that sidewall is another question

I ran them... And I don't know why you think the TSL SX aren't popular with the rock crawling crowd. I guess they aren't as popular as they used to be with all the newer tries but they used to be run by a lot of guys. And the rock bouncers run them.

The TSL SXII has a softer compound that is supposed to be better than the original design. And YES they make SX stickies.

The thing is they only make the SX Stickies in 40's & 43's...

 

[NashvilleTJ]

I pulled a bunch of cable out in Moab, and although I can't remember who's rig it was where I saw this, they were running a Factor 55 Ultrahook. Factor 55 does not get a bunch of love around here, but I really liked how the hook laid flat, and tucked tightly up against the winch fairlead. The Ultrahook also had rubber pads to protect the fairlead as well. I was intrigued enough to try one out.

Now, that sucker retails for about 280 clams, but I found a new one on e-bay for $120 - and Yellow to boot!. So I ordered it, and here it is:

And now I'm sure a bunch of you are laughing at me (especially Ryan - pokes me at every opportunity...), because when this thing showed up I see that it is the Ultrahook XTV - which is made for side by sides and a bit smaller. Well, still a good deal...... and it's now for sale over on Facebook Marketplace (I'm sure @Zorba will see it over there ).

But having this version in hand, I decided I did not like the hook configuration, and I would have no need to use the D-Ring hole given that I now always use the winch with a soft shackle. These features made it bulkier then necessary for my needs.

So I picked up Factor 55's Flatlink Expert instead. It's designed to be used only with a soft shackle, and is therefore more compact than the Ultrahook. It still lies flat against the fairlead - which it what attracted me initially. And it's a good bit cheaper than the Ultrahook - about $145 on Amazon. Here it is:

The Flatlnk replaced the standard Warn hook I've literally used for decades, dangling like a floppy dog's tongue down to the D-ring:

30 seconds of install time, and no more doggy tongue:

Interesting side note: The documentation states that these are manufactured by Warn over in Clackamas OR. Interesting.

 

[hosejockey61]

I pulled a bunch of cable out in Moab, and although I can't remember who's rig it was where I saw this, they were running a Factor 55 Ultrahook. Factor 55 does not get a bunch of love around here, but I really liked how the hook laid flat, and tucked tightly up against the winch fairlead. The Ultrahook also had rubber pads to protect the fairlead as well. I was intrigued enough to try one out.

Now, that sucker retails for about 280 clams, but I found a new one on e-bay for $120 - and Yellow to boot!. So I ordered it, and here it is:

View attachment 623939

And now I'm sure a bunch of you are laughing at me (especially Ryan - pokes me at every opportunity...), because when this thing showed up I see that it is the Ultrahook XTV - which is made for side by sides and a bit smaller. Well, still a good deal...... and it's now for sale over on Facebook Marketplace (I'm sure @Zorba will see it over there ).

But having this version in hand, I decided I did not like the hook configuration, and I would have no need to use the D-Ring hole given that I now always use the winch with a soft shackle. These features made it bulkier then necessary for my needs.

So I picked up Factor 55's Flatlink Expert instead. It's designed to be used only with a soft shackle, and is therefore more compact than the Ultrahook. It still lies flat against the fairlead - which it what attracted me initially. And it's a good bit cheaper than the Ultrahook - about $145 on Amazon. Here it is:

View attachment 623941

The Flatlnk replaced the standard Warn hook I've literally used for decades, dangling like a floppy dog's tongue down to the D-ring:

View attachment 623942

30 seconds of install time, and no more doggy tongue:

View attachment 623943

Interesting side note: The documentation states that these are manufactured by Warn over in Clackamas OR. Interesting.

View attachment 623944

But it's not yellow.....

 

[NashvilleTJ]

But it's not yellow.....

When I bought the XVT, I wanted black so it would not stick out so much against the front bumper. When I found the yellow one for cheap, it was OK.

Since I bought the Flatlink new, I went with the black for the reason above.

 

[Apparition]

I pulled a bunch of cable out in Moab, and although I can't remember who's rig it was where I saw this, they were running a Factor 55 Ultrahook. Factor 55 does not get a bunch of love around here, but I really liked how the hook laid flat, and tucked tightly up against the winch fairlead. The Ultrahook also had rubber pads to protect the fairlead as well. I was intrigued enough to try one out.

Now, that sucker retails for about 280 clams, but I found a new one on e-bay for $120 - and Yellow to boot!. So I ordered it, and here it is:

View attachment 623939

And now I'm sure a bunch of you are laughing at me (especially Ryan - pokes me at every opportunity...), because when this thing showed up I see that it is the Ultrahook XTV - which is made for side by sides and a bit smaller. Well, still a good deal...... and it's now for sale over on Facebook Marketplace (I'm sure @Zorba will see it over there ).

But having this version in hand, I decided I did not like the hook configuration, and I would have no need to use the D-Ring hole given that I now always use the winch with a soft shackle. These features made it bulkier then necessary for my needs.

So I picked up Factor 55's Flatlink Expert instead. It's designed to be used only with a soft shackle, and is therefore more compact than the Ultrahook. It still lies flat against the fairlead - which it what attracted me initially. And it's a good bit cheaper than the Ultrahook - about $145 on Amazon. Here it is:

View attachment 623941

The Flatlnk replaced the standard Warn hook I've literally used for decades, dangling like a floppy dog's tongue down to the D-ring:

View attachment 623942

30 seconds of install time, and no more doggy tongue:

View attachment 623943

Interesting side note: The documentation states that these are manufactured by Warn over in Clackamas OR. Interesting.

View attachment 623944

Now you’re no longer in my factory warn hook club.

And Warn owns Factor 55 if you were unaware.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Now you’re no longer in my factory warn hook club.

And Warn owns Factor 55 if you were unaware.

I was not. Thanks.

 

[srimes]

Now you’re no longer in my factory warn hook club.

And Warn owns Factor 55 if you were unaware.

Then are they not made in a warn factory?

 

[Apparition]

Then are they not made in a warn factory?

Could be.

 

[sab]

Then are they not made in a warn factory?

It may be made in a Warn factory, but it's definitely not a hook. Hooks are open and pointy...

 

[ccthomcat]

I am new to wranglertjforum.com, but not new to Jeep's or forums in general. I've spent a good bit of time over on..., well..., let's just call it thatotherjeepforum.com. Lately though, it's become more and more quiet with not nearly the activity as when I joined many years ago. Come to find out, a lot of my old virtual buddys have come over here. I was introduced to this forum by a good virtual buddy, @TheBoogieman, and after spending a few weeks here, I've noticed quite a bit more activity, and I've seen many of my buds from back in the day.

It's hard leaving behind a build thread covering many years, over 2,500 posts, and about a quarter million views, but this seems to be the place to be. So after a little prodding from my buddy Rick (@Wildman) I'll start off this thread as a bit of an introduction, a quick summary of what I've done to the rig over the past fifteen years, and new mods going forward.

First, a bit of background. My current rig is a 2004 wrangler unlimited which I bought new back in 2005. This is my 4th Jeep. My first vehicle was a 1971 CJ5, with the 225 Buick Dauntless, Odd Fire V6. It would pull the front wheels off the ground going forward - and pull the side wheels off the ground going around a corner. It was a death trap - but you don't know that when you are 16.

And here it is - my sister always called me a Jeep Creep - so the name stuck. Since this rig, I've owned a 1982 CJ7 Laredo, and a couple of Cherokees. But I had been out of Jeeps for a while, before deciding to get back into it with my current rig.

View attachment 197270


On thing I should definitely have done over at that other forum was to create an index to more easily locate my projects. It got so big that I was having trouble locating things, so I will take that as a lesson learned and create and try to keep up an index here on this first post.

Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1

Summary of First Mods - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #4

Coilover Suspension Summary - - - - - - - - - Post #6

Moab Shots - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #15

Supercharged I6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #33

392 Hemi - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post # 36

Hemi Exhaust - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #40

Hood Louvers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #42

Cowl Intake - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post $45

Dyno Testing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #47

Swag Off Road Body Mounts- - - - - - - - - - - Post # 64

Custom Console Considerations - - - - - - - Post #95

Team Hunt's Overlander Ladder - - - - - - - Post #114

Trailer WIring Plug - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #127

My Grandson - LJ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #131

Smoked Pro Rock 60- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post 135

Pro Rock 60 R&P and ARB Repair - - - - - - - Post #140

Pinion Wrench Tool - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #167

Turkey Carving Tool - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #181

Jeep Toy Box- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #196

Final Pro Rock Gear Pattern - - - - - - - - - - - Post #247

Shaved 14 Bolt Rear Axle - — - - - - - - - - - - Post #254

Shaved 14 Bolt - Take 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #293

Straightening the 14 Bolt - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #337

14 Bolt Truss - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #350

14 Bolt Gear Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #403

14 Bolt / Pro Rock 60 Side by Side - - - - - - Post #447

Gas Tank Lift and Tuck - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #471

Shaved 14 Bolt Ready for Install - - - - - - - - Post #476

14 Bolt Brake Lines - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #480

Pro Rock 60 Front 8 Lug Hub Conversion - Post #495

Laser Alignment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #505

Cutting Parking Brake Cables - - - - - - - - - - Post #506

Tire Carrier Modification - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #511

14 Bolt First Drive - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #530

Midland MXT 275 Install - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #534

Cutting Parking Brake Project - - - - - - - - - Post #540

Tuffy Underseat Storage Box - - - - - - - - - - Post #560

Rampage Frameless Top - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #561

Tailgate Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #565

Moab 2021 - TJ Fest - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #611

Trailer Roadside Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #620

Trailer Suspension Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #634

Moab 2021 GoPro Video - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #658

Colorado Backcountry Trip - - - - - - - - - - - Post #758

Hydro Steering Mount Repair - - - - - - - - - Post #805

Northeast BDR ADV Motor Trip - - - - - - - - Post #816

Door Surround Removal Mod - - - - - - - - - Post #821

Cage Mod for Rampage Top - - - - - - - - - - Post #840

VanLifeDesign Picture - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #850

392 Hemi Tune - Take 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #851

AFR Gauge Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #852

Laptop Desk for Data Logging - - - - - - - - - Post #873

Hawk Pride Off Road - September '21 - - - Post #879

AOP - September '21 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #913

Driveshaft Carnage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #917

Top Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #930

Antenna Replacement - Chrome No-Mo - Post #935

Trailer Tires - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #940

Driveshaft - Beef Version for the Rear - - - Post #941

Higher Volume Radiator Fan Needed - - - - Post #961

Spal 500 Watt Brushless Fan Install - - - - - Post #971

Hidden USB Port - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #988

A/C Fan Override - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,028

Band Saw Upgrade - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,042

The "Look at Me!" Wall - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,063

Amplifier - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,087

LED Backup Lights from Claytone - - - - - - - - Post #1,213

Hawk Pride ORV Park 3-5-2022 - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,214

New 59 psi Fuel Pump for the Hemi - - - - - - Post #1,244

Trailer Tongue Weight - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,294

Moab - TJ Fest 2022 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,305

Tool Rolls - Comparison and Selection- - - - - Post #1,366

PSC Steering Gear Replacement - - - - - - - - - Post # 1,387

PSC Steering Gear Replacement - Round 2 - Post # 1,418

Trailer Tongue Lock - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post # 1,434

Toy boxes for the Grandkids - - - - - - - - - - - - Post # 1,545

Hawk Pride December 2022- - - - - - - - - - - - - Post # 1,549

Trailer Tongue Lock Enhancement - - - - - - - Post # 1,555

Wide Band O2 Test and Replacement - - - - - Post # 1,571

Swing Out Tire Carrier Frame Tie-In Repair - Post # 1,582

Maxxis Razr Tire Warranty Replacement - - - Post # 1,601

Truck Hitch Pin Security Solution - - - - - - - - - Post # 1,672

Moab 2023 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,706

Moab 2023 / Damage Report - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,734

Moab 2023 - Devil's Hot Tub Roll - - - - - - - - - Post #1,735

Moab 2023 - Roll Recovery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,742

Tail Gate Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,763

Grille and Front End Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,806

Cooling System Upgrade - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,880

Front Lower Control Arm Replacement - - - - Post #1,901

LJ in the LJ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,913

New Rampage Top (Again) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,918

A/C Accumulator Replacement - - - - - - - - - - Post #1,946

South African Witch Doctors Surgery - - - - - Post #1,982

Redline Goods Steering Wheel ReCover - - - Post #1,996

R/C Rock Crawler - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,035

Track Bar Rebuild - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,064

Front Coilover Spring Replacement - - - - - - - Post #2,087

Rain Cover Mod - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,090

Skid Plate Nutsert Replacement - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,106

Engine Skid Reinforcement - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,112

Hawk Pride with Victor- November 2023 - - - Post #2,124

Odyssey Battery Replacement - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,136

Atlas Shifter Cable Replacement - - — - - - - - - Post #2,157

Pool Filter Wrench Build - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,186

Winch Controller Plug for Grille - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,193

Atlas Shifter Cable Repair (Take 2) - - - - - - - Post #2,205

Front Spacers and Scrub Radius Issues - - - Post #2,217

Tie Rod End Replacement - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,219

Air Filter Replacement - Fail #1 - - - - - - - - - Post $2,230

Triple T-Case Shifter Arrives - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,267

Colby Emergency Valve Stemp Repair Kit - Post #2,272

Bottle Jack Accessory Build - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,276

Lose the High Lift!!!! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,278

Air FIlter Replacement - Success!!!! - - - - - - Post #2,288

Seat Riser Project for Boston Whaler - - - - Post #2,291

Broken J-Joint Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,308

Dynatrac HD Ball Joint Assessment - - - - - - Post #2,327

Triple Shifter Machining Mod - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,352

Center Console Design - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,365

American Iron Ball Joint Eliminators - - - - - Post #2,370

Ball Joint Eliminator Install - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,384

Bottle Jack Accessory Sleeve - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,405

Gigantic Wall Cabinet Build - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,407

Wiper Motor Assessment / Replacement - Post #2,409

New Tow Pig Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,411

Front Axle Tie Down Hooks - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,466

Tow Pig Backup Assist - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,512

GMRS Antenna Replacement - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,535

Moab 2024 Front Truss Repair - - - - - - - - - Post #2,537

Moab 2024 - Wheelin' Videos - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,551

Welding Hood Lense Replacement - - - - - Post #2,578

Gluetread Tire Sidewall Patch Test - - - - - - Post #2,586

Breakin' Bead - (with the High-Lift) - - - - - - Post #2,598

Shoulder Harness Quick Release Mod - - - Post #2,605

Moab Front Truss Repair - Take 2 - - - - - - - Post #2,624

GMRS Antenna Tuning - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,633

Detached Intake Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,634

Tow Pig Lift! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,639

Thomas' Dynatrac Axles and Hemi - - - - - Post #2,640

Bye, Bye Old Tow Pig - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,648

Steering Wheel from Poland! - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,667

Jeep. Tow Pig and Trailer Weights - - - - - - Post #2,675

GPS Tablet Selection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,703

Trailer Tongue Weight - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,704

GPS Tablet Install - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,722

Hawk Pride with Victor - November '24 - Post #2,764

Victor's Hawk Pride Poem - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,775

Hydro Assist Hose Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,786

Kenwood Stereo (After Cooler Incident) - Post #2,789

Dog Toy Boxes - 2024 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,801

LJ's Matching Tattoo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,811

Caleb & Riley's Toy Boxes - 2024 - - - - - - - Post #2,839

Drawer Unit Storage Bench - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,842

Sissy 14 Bolt Eats a Pinion Bearing - - - - - Post #2,844

Checking if the 14 Bolt is Straight - - - - - - Post #2,918

14 Bolt Gear Install - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,928

Weighing the 14 Bolt - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #2,995

Hammer Drawer Organization - - - - - - - - Post #3,010

Maxxis Trep Stickies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #3,043

Bead Buster - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #3,071

Mounting the Treps on Bead Locks - - - - - Post #3,081

Treps and Tire Shine! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #3,148

Hard Facing (Sort of) the 14 Bolt Diff Cover - Post #3,177
Hu
Hood Catch Guard from Cole - - - - - - - - - - Post #3,223

Rampage Top Rear Zipper Repair - - - - - - - Post #3,226

Off Road Jack Build - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #3,228

Trailer Box Organization for Jack - - - - - - - Post #3,239

AOP with Victor - March 2025 - - - - - - - - - Post #3,263

Jack Stand mounts for Trailer - - - - - - - - - - Post #3,275

Hitch Vise for Trailer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Post #3,285

Huge fan of the TJ upgrades, I am looking at fabbing up a tire carrier like you built, it meets all of my needs and its AWESOME, can you please post a couple of pictures of how you did the closure and where it mounts / locks/secures to the bumper?

 

[Wildman]

Huge fan of the TJ upgrades, I am looking at fabbing up a tire carrier like you built, it meets all of my needs and its AWESOME, can you please post a couple of pictures of how you did the closure and where it mounts / locks/secures to the bumper?

Here's his build thread on it.
https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/swing-away-swing-down-tire-carrier.1128388/

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Here's his build thread on it.
https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/swing-away-swing-down-tire-carrier.1128388/

Beat me to it, Brother. Thanks.

Huge fan of the TJ upgrades, I am looking at fabbing up a tire carrier like you built, it meets all of my needs and its AWESOME, can you please post a couple of pictures of how you did the closure and where it mounts / locks/secures to the bumper?

Take a look at the link Rick ( @Wildman ) posted over on Jeep Forum. Jeep forum long ago screwed up the photos by turning them into thumbnails, but you can still see how I built the carrier. Fun project.

Happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

[Wildman]

Beat me to it, Brother. Thanks.



Take a look at the link Rick ( @Wildman ) posted over on Jeep Forum. Jeep forum long ago screwed up the photos by turning them into thumbnails, but you can still see how I built the carrier. Fun project.

Happy to answer any questions you may have.

He'd asked in two different threads so I figured I'd cut to the chase..

Just think if you had them hosted on Photobucket too how much fun it'd be....

I've got to move all my pictures off PB...

 

[psrivats]

I pulled a bunch of cable out in Moab, and although I can't remember who's rig it was where I saw this, they were running a Factor 55 Ultrahook. Factor 55 does not get a bunch of love around here, but I really liked how the hook laid flat, and tucked tightly up against the winch fairlead. The Ultrahook also had rubber pads to protect the fairlead as well. I was intrigued enough to try one out.

Now, that sucker retails for about 280 clams, but I found a new one on e-bay for $120 - and Yellow to boot!. So I ordered it, and here it is:

View attachment 623939

And now I'm sure a bunch of you are laughing at me (especially Ryan - pokes me at every opportunity...), because when this thing showed up I see that it is the Ultrahook XTV - which is made for side by sides and a bit smaller. Well, still a good deal...... and it's now for sale over on Facebook Marketplace (I'm sure @Zorba will see it over there ).

But having this version in hand, I decided I did not like the hook configuration, and I would have no need to use the D-Ring hole given that I now always use the winch with a soft shackle. These features made it bulkier then necessary for my needs.

So I picked up Factor 55's Flatlink Expert instead. It's designed to be used only with a soft shackle, and is therefore more compact than the Ultrahook. It still lies flat against the fairlead - which it what attracted me initially. And it's a good bit cheaper than the Ultrahook - about $145 on Amazon. Here it is:

View attachment 623941

The Flatlnk replaced the standard Warn hook I've literally used for decades, dangling like a floppy dog's tongue down to the D-ring:

View attachment 623942

30 seconds of install time, and no more doggy tongue:

View attachment 623943

Interesting side note: The documentation states that these are manufactured by Warn over in Clackamas OR. Interesting.

View attachment 623944

Why not try Blaine's very nice ST fairlead and thimble? It's the nicest solution to this problem compared to anything from F55.