Wildman's TJ is getting a face lift

[Blake Stamper]

Did you know they offered this builder kit? I think this might work better for what you're trying to do on the ear of your Jeep.

https://metalcloak.com/generic-corner-guard-flare-adapter-kit-aluminum-tj-lj.html


This set is steel where the one above is aluminum

https://metalcloak.com/generic-corner-guard-flare-adapter-kit-tj-lj.html

I did not, that’s pretty good information.

 

[Wildman]

I did not, that’s pretty good information.

You really have to search to find them. But for what it sounds like you're wanting to do this might work better than the mounting plates.

 

[sierradmax]

Not sure yet. I want to build a lightweight rig (aluminum fenders & armor) on top of 35 front & 40 spline rear axles and still retain steering gearbox. Fuel cell will go in the back so most of the stretch will be in the rear. To obtain 102-103, I envision a partial comp-cut and use 1/2-3/4 fenders for the rear.

 

[Wildman]

Not sure yet. I want to build a lightweight rig (aluminum fenders & armor) on top of 35 front & 40 spline rear axles and still retain steering gearbox. Fuel cell will go in the back so most of the stretch will be in the rear. To obtain 102-103, I envision a partial comp-cut and use 1/2-3/4 fenders for the rear.

I don't think you can do more than about 3" front if you're keeping your steering box.

The flares that GenRight used to sell that wrapped around on the rear fender were nice but they stopped making them. I'm not a huge fan of a comp cut but you're not going to get above 100" WB on a TJ without cutting some. Blaine does a very nice job doing it but doesn't run any flares. That's what kills those of us who need a flare.

 

[Woodrow]

Found one

https://www.northerntool.com/produc...ve-size-1-2in-tool-only-model-2967-20-5801165

Ooooh. That would slot in nicely between my 3/8” which is occasionally a little small and 3/4” impact which is awesome when necessary, but a beast. I also like the mode limiting it to 50ft.lbs.

 

[sierradmax]

Here's an interesting approach to rear flares, albeit, still probably only a 6" rear stretch.. The idea could be used for greater rear stretch and a fuel cell. Build credit from David Kispaugh.

 

[Wildman]

Here's an interesting approach to rear flares, albeit, still probably only a 6" rear stretch.. The idea could be used for greater rear stretch and a fuel cell. Build credit from David Kispaugh.

View attachment 581962

Those are GenRight flares or a copy of their old flares they used to offer. I wanted flares that could be removed for those times I'm running tight trails. But I always liked that design and thought it looked better than most other styles.

 

[Wildman]

Here's Tony's Growler which is what started it all... I used to have the 24.5 gallon tank that had been installed in it too. I was looking for a larger than stock tank and happened to hear that Tony was selling his fuel tank so called and got it for a decent price.

It had a 100" WB from what I remember.

 

[Wildman]

Got the last of my new powered tool purchase today.

I'll get the batteries charged up and test them out when I start working on the Jeep after the 1st of the year.

I'm going over to Snohomish to spend New Years eve & New Years with my sister & BIL... Might even get a little drunk...

Should be back home Friday or Saturday and will start working on the Jeep. The ARB seal & air line won't be here until 6 Jan & I don't know yet when the RCV boot will arrive. After the 1st I'll contact American Iron and get the ball joint deletes ordered also. Then I can put the front axle back together and fix the brake line. Then I'll plan another shakedown run.

 

[Irun]

I might go that route, I’m considering mc for the fronts aswell, same thing I want the advantages of not having flares but need coverage since it’s my daily driver and I have known people to get ticketed for tire coverage where I live.

Originally I was going to do quick release mud flaps but I can’t think of a way to do it without it looking pretty ridiculous.

I ran MC, non-arched, 6" flares for nearly 10 years on a previous LJ. While some here don't like them, I had zero issues with them and they provided decent coverage and protection. There were multiple times I hit trees hard enough, on the flares, to rattle my teeth. The only damage ever received was scuffed paint. I did remove them a couple times, which was very easy, but preferred the extra protection they offered.

On the current LJ, I went Genright and am hoping this was a good decision. The rear flares are removable, while the fronts aren't. We'll see how it goes. In either case, the one thing I'm not a huge fan of is how much of the wheel well gets opened up when you switch from factory flares. It bugs me, but I'll take the protection, which is important in the tight woods I typically wheel in.

 

[sierradmax]

I ran MC, non-arched, 6" flares for nearly 10 years on a previous LJ. While some here don't like them, I had zero issues with them and they provided decent coverage and protection. There were multiple times I hit trees hard enough, on the flares, to rattle my teeth. The only damage ever received was scuffed paint. I did remove them a couple times, which was very easy, but preferred the extra protection they offered.

On the current LJ, I went Genright and am hoping this was a good decision. The rear flares are removable, while the fronts aren't. We'll see how it goes. In either case, the one thing I'm not a huge fan of is how much of the wheel well gets opened up when you switch from factory flares. It bugs me, but I'll take the protection, which is important in the tight woods I typically wheel in.

The hell with metalcloak haters.

 

[Wildman]

The hell with metalcloak haters.

Amen...

 

[Wildman]

Not much of an update...
Got all the new batteries charged so I can play with my new tools.

My sis & BIL know me...

My Christmas gifts....

New Years day I'm helping my BIL out... he's not fond of heights.

Plum tree needed pruning.

 

[sab]

New Years day I'm helping my BIL out... he's not fond of heights.

Plum tree needed pruning.

Wait - the two-legged feller made the one-legged feller get up in that tree? You are a great BIL for sure!

I have two legs that don't quite work like new, so I bought one of these so I don't hurt myself after that big ice storm wrecked a bunch of our trees on the homestead here in February 2021:

 

[IPerkWVU]

Wait - the two-legged feller made the one-legged feller get up in that tree? You are a great BIL for sure!

I have two legs that don't quite work like new, so I bought one of these so I don't hurt myself after that big ice storm wrecked a bunch of our trees on the homestead here in February 2021:
View attachment 584316

Milwaukee makes a nice version and usually comes with a nice big battery, used it last weekend

 

[Wildman]

Wait - the two-legged feller made the one-legged feller get up in that tree? You are a great BIL for sure!

I have two legs that don't quite work like new, so I bought one of these so I don't hurt myself after that big ice storm wrecked a bunch of our trees on the homestead here in February 2021:
View attachment 584316

He has one of them but battery powered and it worked great for doing some of it but the branches were so intertwined someone had to climb up there and cut the branches into smaller more manageable pieces.. And YEP him & my sis plus their kids dislike heights.... I was pretty good at climbing trees when I was spry young pup...
I was like a month after getting my first prosthetic and my nephew was away on a job site and the loft door had blown off their barn. I was visiting so guess who climbed up the ladder and then onto the roof of the back of the barn so I could nail & screw the loft door back on??? Yep... the cripple.... And then the peanut gallery had to fire up with all the comments...

Milwaukee makes a nice version and usually comes with a nice big battery, used it last weekend

I only have a manual version myself since I don't use it very often.

 

[sab]

Milwaukee makes a nice version and usually comes with a nice big battery, used it last weekend

That would be cumbersome for me. I had twenty burn piles, each the size of a car, after all the trimming I had to do. I think I filled the tank on my saw and my pole saw maybe three times for a whole weekend of work. I suspect I would have taxed my ample M18 battery supply (counting only the big ones - 6-12A-hr - I have eight or nine of them, and the same number of charger slots) doing the same with an electric saw. And I'd also have to either run the chargers on a generator in the field, or run back to the shop every time I needed to charge a battery. Not ideal.

I'm a die hard gas power lover - especially two-strokes!

 

[Wildman]

That would be cumbersome for me. I had twenty burn piles, each the size of a car, after all the trimming I had to do. I think I filled the tank on my saw and my pole saw maybe three times for a whole weekend of work. I suspect I would have taxed my ample M18 battery supply (counting only the big ones - 6-12A-hr - I have eight or nine of them, and the same number of charger slots) doing the same with an electric saw. And I'd also have to either run the chargers on a generator in the field, or run back to the shop every time I needed to charge a battery. Not ideal.

I'm a die hard gas power lover - especially two-strokes!

I'm having a hard time trying to switch over to this idea of powered tools as opposed to air tools... And like you most of my yard tools are gas powered.

I'm still debating on if I want to get a Stil chainsaw or a Milwaukee electric chainsaw for the Jeep. Since it's only going to get used for clearing trails I'm leaning towards the battery powered but I'm old and set in my ways so the ICE saw is more up my alley. I'd have to add a charger to the Jeep if I was to go that route.

 

[sab]

I'm having a hard time trying to switch over to this idea of powered tools as opposed to air tools... And like you most of my yard tools are gas powered.

I'm still debating on if I want to get a Stil chainsaw or a Milwaukee electric chainsaw for the Jeep. Since it's only going to get used for clearing trails I'm leaning towards the battery powered but I'm old and set in my ways so the ICE saw is more up my alley. I'd have to add a charger to the Jeep if I was to go that route.

I have gone all-in on battery powered hand tools for the shop. They are every bit as good as pneumatic (or better in many cases). However, energy requirements climb rapidly when you start talking about replacing IC engines with electric motors. The energy density and portability of gasoline is a huge advantage over electric. I may eventually get there, but it's a long way for me still.

And don't even get me started about an electric vehicle. I think I'll be dead before that makes sense to me in this world. If all you do is commute to work, and it's an easy, short commute, where you can charge at night every day, that makes sense. That's not me, though - never was, and never will be. The only way electric vehicles will make sense to me in my lifetime is if the convenience of charging (location and time required) matches gas station fill-ups, either by the free market encouraging new charging technology and many more locations, or by a tyrannical government, who, against my wishes, forces gas stations to shut down.

I used to think that last scenario was far-fetched, but the last four years have changed my mind on exactly how far the eco-nazis will go to get their way. Hell, I've been shopping for a replacement gas water heater to "put on the shelf" lately due to the recent edict crammed down our gullets. The only reason I didn't actually do it is that I'm confident Trump will reverse a bunch of that nonsense. I'm also hopeful that the Dems will realize that they swung too far, and correct back to center a bit. And I'm usually a pessimist!

But, I digress. I think an M18 saw in the rig is the perfect application. Those saws do cut well (I used a friend's to buck some deadfall in camp the summer before last), and the battery lasts long enough to clear several not-huge dead falls blocking a trail. They're just not convenient to dump energy into frequently for all-day use where a 120VAC outlet isn't available.

 

[Wildman]

I have gone all-in on battery powered hand tools for the shop. They are every bit as good as pneumatic (or better in many cases). However, energy requirements climb rapidly when you start talking about replacing IC engines with electric motors. The energy density and portability of gasoline is a huge advantage over electric. I may eventually get there, but it's a long way for me still.

I've been slow to embrace the battery powered tools as I've discussed before. But I'm now on my way...

And don't even get me started about an electric vehicle. I think I'll be dead before that makes sense to me in this world. If all you do is commute to work, and it's an easy, short commute, where you can charge at night every day, that makes sense. That's not me, though - never was, and never will be. The only way electric vehicles will make sense to me in my lifetime is if the convenience of charging (location and time required) matches gas station fill-ups, either by the free market encouraging new charging technology and many more locations, or by a tyrannical government, who, against my wishes, forces gas stations to shut down.

My soon to be ex-daughter-in-law has a EV car just for this and for what she does as far as the commute it made sense but I'm with you on never owning one either.

I used to think that last scenario was far-fetched, but the last four years have changed my mind on exactly how far the eco-nazis will go to get their way. Hell, I've been shopping for a replacement gas water heater to "put on the shelf" lately due to the recent edict crammed down our gullets. The only reason I didn't actually do it is that I'm confident Trump will reverse a bunch of that nonsense. I'm also hopeful that the Dems will realize that they swung too far, and correct back to center a bit. And I'm usually a pessimist!

We won't get into this here but I agree and don't enjoy things like this being FORCED upon me.

But, I digress. I think an M18 saw in the rig is the perfect application. Those saws do cut well (I used a friend's to buck some deadfall in camp the summer before last), and the battery lasts long enough to clear several not-huge dead falls blocking a trail. They're just not convenient to dump energy into frequently for all-day use where a 120VAC outlet isn't available.

Well since you mentioned it... I've got a 120V plug on my Jeep... The Premier Power welder has a plugin. I've used it to power hand tools while idling but don't know if I could use it while driving down the trail. Of course adding a inverter isn't out of the question.

My ultimate goal is to add come chargers in the motorhome that would keep the batteries topped off while driving or parked & using solar.