- Location
- Henderson, NV
Just wanted to give you props on your jeep and your build, spent the good part of an hour reading your build and I have to say, your rig is sweet, defiantly like the red and black. Makes me wish my Jeep was Red.
The Frog Blog
- Thread starter rocknxj
- Start date
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Thanks man. Ive gotten lazy over the past few months and have not posted many updates lately. I also failed to post the good pics from the October Moab trip here, but I did manage to add some pics to the Moab thread. I guess i should add a few things while I'm here...
First of all, we closed on the condo we bought in Rocklin. That second home makes me legal to post in the SC one again ha ha. We will be there in two weeks to do some upgrades to the place. When I get fired soon, I'll have a place to live. It's good to plan for these types of things.
I also got my inner axle tubes installed that i won at Moab. I swapped ball joints and did a ton of other work to the steering and front axle including a welded OTT tie rod flip. I also added a new cb antenna and mount to the front fender. I like that mount much better than the rear mount.
I began the the removal of my OE steering box today but stalled at the line removal. I'll need an 18mm crows foot to get those suckers off. I broke the original cheapie steering box on one of the last trails at Moab and am just now getting to it. I bought the Durango box and will complete the install this weekend. I plan to add a brace before SoCal Fest in May and Sierra Fest in August.
Other than that, I'm planning a sliding rear cargo box and should have that done soon. I run my spare tire in the cargo area and a sliding box will be nice to hold my compressor and small items. I think it was Josh that gave me the idea while at Moab.
Speaking of the best trip I've done, here's a shot or two that I never put on the blog.
Pics (below) courtesy of XJEEPER
And this one from JeepChick 616
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srmitchell
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Mckinleyville (Humboldt) CA
Looks amazing Kelly! I love the Mtr's. Might get some 285/75/16s in that tire next.
- Location
- San Juan Ridge, CA
Thanks for the pics Kelly. That was the best time I have had off road. Moab is magical.
blondejoncherokee
NAXJA Member
- Location
- sacramento
We all need to go back to MOAB. that was a trip of a lifetime.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
I plan to join up with some guys from my old Jeep club in Sac (Boonie Bouncers) in Moab June 9-15. We are staying at Canyonlands campground. There are a few trails I want to re-run and a few more that I'd like to hit. Anybody in the Sierra Chapter want to join us?
- Location
- San Juan Ridge, CA
I'm jealous Kelly, wish I could go. :bawl: You'll have a great time I'm sure. Take pics!
hoto:
blondejoncherokee
NAXJA Member
- Location
- sacramento
Id love to, but cant afford any more time off this year. Kelly I am happy you get to go though. MOAB is a wheeling paradise.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
I'll drive the motor home to Moab this time. Tents suck.
I ordered a steering box brace from M.O.R.E. and an RE track bar brace to stiffen up the Durango box I installed last month. The exterior JCR bumper brace helps keep the steering box tight but I figure a bit more help will be good to stiffen the box and track bar drop bracket. If the box loosens up after SoCal Fest in May I'll add the inner box spacer from JCR or C-Rok. I need to buy parts in small doses so the wife doesn't realize how much I actually spend on this POS...
Oh yeah, I'm designing a rack for the rear cargo area and found about a pound of red Moab sand from last October. It's like an old friend.
I ordered a steering box brace from M.O.R.E. and an RE track bar brace to stiffen up the Durango box I installed last month. The exterior JCR bumper brace helps keep the steering box tight but I figure a bit more help will be good to stiffen the box and track bar drop bracket. If the box loosens up after SoCal Fest in May I'll add the inner box spacer from JCR or C-Rok. I need to buy parts in small doses so the wife doesn't realize how much I actually spend on this POS...
Oh yeah, I'm designing a rack for the rear cargo area and found about a pound of red Moab sand from last October. It's like an old friend.
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- Location
- Columbus, In
- Location
- WA state
Unfortunately, will not make it to Moab this year. But, I will see you at SCF this year, Kelly.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Got site 64 at Canyonlands campground in Moab. June 7-14. Meeting up with a few guys from the Sacramento 4x4 club.
Installed an RE track bar brace and M.O.R.E. steering box brace last week. Might reseat the intake manifold before SoCal fest in May. Trying to fix a slight vacuum leak. Otherwise, the Jeep is ready to rock and roll.
Just realized my name went black. Need to renew my
subscription...
Update: Renewed for 2 years. Back in red.
Installed an RE track bar brace and M.O.R.E. steering box brace last week. Might reseat the intake manifold before SoCal fest in May. Trying to fix a slight vacuum leak. Otherwise, the Jeep is ready to rock and roll.
Just realized my name went black. Need to renew my
subscription...Update: Renewed for 2 years. Back in red.
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rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Attention "ae racer", here are the answers to your questions:
I used Omix-Ada ball joints that I purchased on Amazon ($93.74 after shipping and tax). Search for part number 18036.02.
I added an ACOS kit up front and have them adjusted to the minimum setting. They provided me with about 3/4-7/8" lift after installation at that min setting. Yes, I am still running the RE 5.5" SA lift. This kit came with drop brackets and performs well enough that I have not changed it. If anything breaks, I will go with a long arm kit and prep for 35" tires.
In the rear, I have full leafs with the RE 6200 kit and have added shackle relocation brackets from HD Offroad Engineering ($130 shipped). Those brackets gave me just over 1/2" above the RE kit using the furnished 6" drop shackles.
Measurements:
Front = floor to fender body line is 45 5/8". Wheel hub to same fender body line is 29 5/8. Because I have radically cut my front fenders and added flat Bushwhackers, I cannot reference the fenders. I used the prominent fender line just below the top of the hood. In the photo above, the body line I am referencing is just above the top of the Bushwhackers and directly inline with the center of the wheel hub.
Rear = floor to first body line under rear window is 51 1/4". Center hub to same body line is 35 1/4". Again, I cut my rear fenders and added Bushwhackers so I referenced the first body line beneath the window. Measurements and body lines relate to a post 96 body style.
I used Omix-Ada ball joints that I purchased on Amazon ($93.74 after shipping and tax). Search for part number 18036.02.
I added an ACOS kit up front and have them adjusted to the minimum setting. They provided me with about 3/4-7/8" lift after installation at that min setting. Yes, I am still running the RE 5.5" SA lift. This kit came with drop brackets and performs well enough that I have not changed it. If anything breaks, I will go with a long arm kit and prep for 35" tires.
In the rear, I have full leafs with the RE 6200 kit and have added shackle relocation brackets from HD Offroad Engineering ($130 shipped). Those brackets gave me just over 1/2" above the RE kit using the furnished 6" drop shackles.
Measurements:
Front = floor to fender body line is 45 5/8". Wheel hub to same fender body line is 29 5/8. Because I have radically cut my front fenders and added flat Bushwhackers, I cannot reference the fenders. I used the prominent fender line just below the top of the hood. In the photo above, the body line I am referencing is just above the top of the Bushwhackers and directly inline with the center of the wheel hub.
Rear = floor to first body line under rear window is 51 1/4". Center hub to same body line is 35 1/4". Again, I cut my rear fenders and added Bushwhackers so I referenced the first body line beneath the window. Measurements and body lines relate to a post 96 body style.
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rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Just got back from running John Bull and Holcomb Creek during the SoCal Fest. No carnage. Steering has an odd rough spot that might be a worn tre.
Interesting trails but they dont come close to Deer Valley and Slickrock. Looking forward to Sierra Fest.
SoCal Fest. No carnage. Steering has an odd rough spot that might be a worn tre. Interesting trails but they dont come close to Deer Valley and Slickrock. Looking forward to Sierra Fest.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
I just finished installing the G2 Axle and Gear rear disk brake conversion kit over the weekend and the brakes feel good. I wont miss those crappy drum brakes. I will need to install an adjustable proportioning valve and find some emergency brake cables that work on this kit before Sierra Fest. I purchased the kit on Amazon for $419, which is a steal as the price shot back up to nearly $500 after I purchased it.
I had to canx my trip to Moab in early June due to work commitments, but the money I saved on gas went into Jeep parts. I figure that was a good tradeoff for missing that epic trip. For what it's worth, one of the guys I was going to wheel with destroyed his rear D44 on Moab Rim trail. Pity the fool.
The XJ spends more time sitting in the garage than being used, and I just realized I still have a steering issue to resolve. I'll need to get on this after returning from my trip to Seattle over the next two weeks. Ah..steering and brakes. Both are optional, right?
I miss NorCal. I also missed my annual trip on the Rubicon on Father's day weekend...Our first stop on the way to Washington is Half Moon Bay before picking up the kid in Rocklin. I need to find a job so I can get back up there. Life is passing by too quickly.
I had to canx my trip to Moab in early June due to work commitments, but the money I saved on gas went into Jeep parts. I figure that was a good tradeoff for missing that epic trip. For what it's worth, one of the guys I was going to wheel with destroyed his rear D44 on Moab Rim trail. Pity the fool.
The XJ spends more time sitting in the garage than being used, and I just realized I still have a steering issue to resolve. I'll need to get on this after returning from my trip to Seattle over the next two weeks. Ah..steering and brakes. Both are optional, right?
I miss NorCal. I also missed my annual trip on the Rubicon on Father's day weekend...Our first stop on the way to Washington is Half Moon Bay before picking up the kid in Rocklin. I need to find a job so I can get back up there. Life is passing by too quickly.
- Location
- San Juan Ridge, CA
Hey Kelly, sorry you did not make it back to Moab this year. The Frog continues to be a class act on the trails. Keep it up as it gives me something to aspire to.
See you at Sierra Feast, no backing out.
See you at Sierra Feast, no backing out.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Hey Kelly, sorry you did not make it back to Moab this year. The Frog continues to be a class act on the trails. Keep it up as it gives me something to aspire to.
See you at Sierra Feast, no backing out.
I'm good for Sierra Fest and look forward to bashing the Jeep on the rocks. That is one of my favorite trails, despite the abundance of skeeters. I have an extra week in Rocklin after the Fest and hope to hit the Rubicon sometime during the week of the 11th of Aug. The new disk brakes should be dialed in by then, including new emer brake cables for the G2 kit as soon as I can find the right ones.
The kid is having trouble with 4-Lo (slipping) and hasn't quite gotten that figured out yet, but he still has a month or so to get it fixed so we can wheel on a real trail. Not sure if he can make it to SF, but we want do the Rubicon for sure.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Spent the last few weeks getting the Frog ready for Sierrafest. New rear disks ane ebrake cables ops check good. A surprising number of suspension bolts were rediculously loose thanks to mild abuse on John Bull during SoCal fest in May. It is also time to swap CA bushings for the third time.
I will flat tow 400 miles to norcal today then leave Thursday morning for Deer Valley, arriving by noon. If the towbar fails me, look for a free Jeep on I5 between Gorman and Sacto.
Always looking for the next upgrade...now looking for axle swaps and mid arms.
I will flat tow 400 miles to norcal today then leave Thursday morning for Deer Valley, arriving by noon. If the towbar fails me, look for a free Jeep on I5 between Gorman and Sacto.
Always looking for the next upgrade...now looking for axle swaps and mid arms.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Funny thing about wheeling your rig. Parts break and wallets shrink.
I trashed my D30 Spartan lunchbox locker AND C8.25 PowerTrax No-Slip during Sierra Fest. Actually, I think both were failing in advance of the trip but both gave in during Deer Valley and Slick Rock trails. I've spent much of August and September deciding what to do and weighing locker options and axle upgrades, I decided to keep my axles and add better lockers.
For the D30, I installed a Yukon Grizzly, new 4.56 ring and pinion, added Prothane 5" bumps, a new Rough Country steering damper, and sweet Synergy ball joints. Those joints replaced my Omix Ada joints that I added last year but were not completely happy with. Oh, and I changed out my Sac Drivelines HD front drive shaft u-joint to a new Spicer joint. Apparently, I lost a few pin bearings and the shaft wasn't spinning too swell. Since I run a welded OTK spacer, inner D30 sleeves, and the Warn hub kit with 4340 shafts, I decided to keep the Thirdy until is fails again. I was able to center the axle, check all bushings, and fix a few annoying issues I've had over the past few years.
For the rear, I just removed the Chrysler 8.25 from the Jeep and will be installing an ARB air locker. I have had problems removing the C clip from the failed PowerTrax but think I can get it out after a bit more effort. I drilled a hole in the clip and can probably pull it out once I find something thin enough to jam in the hole. I ordered the Viair heavy duty air compressor today, which will give me power to run the locker and fill tires. It comes with a 2.5 gallon air tank, so I might even add an air horn one day. That will good when I tailgate those pesky hybrids on the way to the trail.
Looks like I will also swap out my leaf bushings again as well. They don't last as long as they should but are easy enough to replace when the axle is out.
I can't wait to get the POS on the road again.
I trashed my D30 Spartan lunchbox locker AND C8.25 PowerTrax No-Slip during Sierra Fest. Actually, I think both were failing in advance of the trip but both gave in during Deer Valley and Slick Rock trails. I've spent much of August and September deciding what to do and weighing locker options and axle upgrades, I decided to keep my axles and add better lockers.
For the D30, I installed a Yukon Grizzly, new 4.56 ring and pinion, added Prothane 5" bumps, a new Rough Country steering damper, and sweet Synergy ball joints. Those joints replaced my Omix Ada joints that I added last year but were not completely happy with. Oh, and I changed out my Sac Drivelines HD front drive shaft u-joint to a new Spicer joint. Apparently, I lost a few pin bearings and the shaft wasn't spinning too swell. Since I run a welded OTK spacer, inner D30 sleeves, and the Warn hub kit with 4340 shafts, I decided to keep the Thirdy until is fails again. I was able to center the axle, check all bushings, and fix a few annoying issues I've had over the past few years.
For the rear, I just removed the Chrysler 8.25 from the Jeep and will be installing an ARB air locker. I have had problems removing the C clip from the failed PowerTrax but think I can get it out after a bit more effort. I drilled a hole in the clip and can probably pull it out once I find something thin enough to jam in the hole. I ordered the Viair heavy duty air compressor today, which will give me power to run the locker and fill tires. It comes with a 2.5 gallon air tank, so I might even add an air horn one day. That will good when I tailgate those pesky hybrids on the way to the trail.
Looks like I will also swap out my leaf bushings again as well. They don't last as long as they should but are easy enough to replace when the axle is out.
I can't wait to get the POS on the road again.
- Location
- WA state
Glad to hear things are moving forward for you, Kelly.
Are either of your lunchbox lockers under warranty at all? Even tho you are not going to use them, if they are couple probably make some cash to compensate your rebuild.
And another thought, markw from so cal talked about using a "paintball" Co2 tank for the air locker. Not sure exactly what that is all about. But he seems to know what he is doing so maybe hit him up if you are interested/have questions about that.
Are either of your lunchbox lockers under warranty at all? Even tho you are not going to use them, if they are couple probably make some cash to compensate your rebuild.
And another thought, markw from so cal talked about using a "paintball" Co2 tank for the air locker. Not sure exactly what that is all about. But he seems to know what he is doing so maybe hit him up if you are interested/have questions about that.
