2012 JKU Build - Big MAK
12-23-2011, 05:30 PM
#33
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4 Wheel Alignment completed today, so took it out on the Interstate for the first time. Set the cruise at 82, it drives and handles better than stock. No 'push' going by semis and wheels are firmly planted (I'd get some hop/grab going over bad seams as stock).
Tires are louder than stock at that speed but not obnoxious; just a nice hum. I'm sure the mileage has dropped at high speeds since I didn't notice the "ECO" blinking on, ever (it would on downhills and level as stock even at 80+). I don't suspect I'll drive it that fast very often anymore but it sure handles it no problem. Pulled several decent hills and it wasn't even working at it. Only went about 20 miles at 82mph since I'm still breaking in the gears but I'm completely confident this rig can handle a cross country trip without breaking a sweat and do so in comfort.
Tires are louder than stock at that speed but not obnoxious; just a nice hum. I'm sure the mileage has dropped at high speeds since I didn't notice the "ECO" blinking on, ever (it would on downhills and level as stock even at 80+). I don't suspect I'll drive it that fast very often anymore but it sure handles it no problem. Pulled several decent hills and it wasn't even working at it. Only went about 20 miles at 82mph since I'm still breaking in the gears but I'm completely confident this rig can handle a cross country trip without breaking a sweat and do so in comfort.
Last edited by BigMAK1; 12-23-2011 at 05:36 PM.
12-23-2011, 06:56 PM
#36
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thats seriously funny lookin , makes you realize how big 37s are !
im afraid to ask but i have too, how much does one tire mounted on wheel weigh ??
i have 285 /70/16 grapplers and it weights in at 87lbs cant imagine a 37 grappler???????????????? cant help but notice the rear tire seems to be faced out a tad why does it appear that way ? jeep looks great ! i like the tray up high in rear !
im afraid to ask but i have too, how much does one tire mounted on wheel weigh ??
i have 285 /70/16 grapplers and it weights in at 87lbs cant imagine a 37 grappler???????????????? cant help but notice the rear tire seems to be faced out a tad why does it appear that way ? jeep looks great ! i like the tray up high in rear !
Hmm... it weighs a lot. I'm thinking about 120 lbs for tire+wheel. I suppose I should look it up. I do know that lifting that spare up there is a "hit the bolts the first try or take a break and try again" proposition.
As far as the tire facing out maybe camera angle? Although maybe you have a really good eye and I could have used you when we eye-balled the preliminary alignment. Just had it 4 wheel aligned today so I know it's straight now.
12-23-2011, 07:09 PM
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12-23-2011, 07:17 PM
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01-10-2012, 08:46 AM
#39
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update:
Was able to get some decently hard wheeling on this rig last weekend and it did absolutely great.
I had one issue (not specifically caused by me .. i.e. rolling back into a boulder and folding a shock is a 'chit happens' category) - my exhaust spacer bolts seem to be giving me issues. On one side a bolt sheered off and on the other side the bolts were so loose the retaining ring moved freely. As far as the one bolt sheering I'm sure that was an "over torqued" problem. Drilled out the clamp and replaced the bolt with a bolt/nut combo. I'll keep on eye on it.
For the other side I re-torqued the bolts (carefully to not over-torque) and the one I could access without dropping a control arm I replaced the bolt with grade-8 hardened (as I also did on the other side that sheered).
I suspect this setup is meant to have -some- flex at this joint so be careful not to over tighten when the exhaust spacers are installed or you may be chasing this issue too.
Was able to get some decently hard wheeling on this rig last weekend and it did absolutely great.
I had one issue (not specifically caused by me .. i.e. rolling back into a boulder and folding a shock is a 'chit happens' category) - my exhaust spacer bolts seem to be giving me issues. On one side a bolt sheered off and on the other side the bolts were so loose the retaining ring moved freely. As far as the one bolt sheering I'm sure that was an "over torqued" problem. Drilled out the clamp and replaced the bolt with a bolt/nut combo. I'll keep on eye on it.
For the other side I re-torqued the bolts (carefully to not over-torque) and the one I could access without dropping a control arm I replaced the bolt with grade-8 hardened (as I also did on the other side that sheered).
I suspect this setup is meant to have -some- flex at this joint so be careful not to over tighten when the exhaust spacers are installed or you may be chasing this issue too.
01-26-2012, 08:04 AM
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update:
Averaging 14.8 mpg. A lot of city driving stop and go plus Winter so I'm expecting around 16 overall throughout the year.
Drained the break in diff lube last night and installed ARB diff covers. Probably should have done it sooner but was stalling until I had the new covers. Holy crap there was a lot of battleship dark grey diff fluid. The settled fluid was nearly mud. No scaring at all, no shavings, can barely see the ring/pinion contact patch on the ring gear so I think it's perfect but damn replacing that break in fluid is important based on the crap I drained out.
The break in fluid was so bad I decided to spray out the diff with brake cleaner, wiped it all down, used air pressure (from about 10" away) to blow and dry it out since I'm sure that brake cleaner is no good for anything if left in there. Hopefully that wasn't a no-no but looking at all that grey residue I decided clean was a better option.
Averaging 14.8 mpg. A lot of city driving stop and go plus Winter so I'm expecting around 16 overall throughout the year.
Drained the break in diff lube last night and installed ARB diff covers. Probably should have done it sooner but was stalling until I had the new covers. Holy crap there was a lot of battleship dark grey diff fluid. The settled fluid was nearly mud. No scaring at all, no shavings, can barely see the ring/pinion contact patch on the ring gear so I think it's perfect but damn replacing that break in fluid is important based on the crap I drained out.
The break in fluid was so bad I decided to spray out the diff with brake cleaner, wiped it all down, used air pressure (from about 10" away) to blow and dry it out since I'm sure that brake cleaner is no good for anything if left in there. Hopefully that wasn't a no-no but looking at all that grey residue I decided clean was a better option.