New member, new JK owner, new build
07-09-2012, 07:41 PM
#1
JK Newbie
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, United States
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New member, new JK owner, new build
Howdy, all. Been doing a lot of research here lately and wanted to share my latest build and hopefully be a part of the forum.
I live in Scottsdale, AZ, where Jeeping happens year-round (and, unfortunately, prices at the dealers reflect that). I built my first Jeep in 1999, a stock YJ that ultimately ended up as a trailer-only rockcrawler (cage, 60s, 40s, etc.). Since then, I've played around with a couple TJs, an XJ, a CJ5, even a lifted WJ.
Anyway, at the end of June, the itch struck again. I sold my Titan and purchased a '12 JK Unlimited Sport. I got a stripped-down model (stick, soft top) with the only options being 3.73 gears and the tow package. I didn't get quite as good a deal as I thought I should, but again this is Arizona and Wranglers hold their value here.
One test-drive sold me on the long wheelbase. Man, Jeep has really changed for the better since my last TJ. Here's what it looked like when I brought it home.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531770/http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531770/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/69288292@N03/, on Flickr
Did a bunch of research on here and decided to go with the Teraflex 2.5 coil lift kit. The Jeep had 114 miles on it when I put it on jackstands in my garage. Honestly, this is the easiest suspension lift I've ever done. These rigs are incredibly easy to work on. All told, I spend less than seven hours by myself getting this done. Hardest part was accessing the top shock bolt on the front passenger side. Ended up dremeling out a bit of plastic to access the nut.
I also picked up a Procal, which is super-handy.
For wheels and tires, I went with AEV Pintlers in argent and Goodyear Duratracs in 315/70r17. I was looking for a clean, mild build and think I accomplished that. The ride quality of the TF kit is incredible. I really can't tell much difference from stock. Drives straight and true at 75 on the freeway, no bumpsteer or death wobble. Even with 3.73s, the tires don't rob much power from the new motor, particularly with the manual tranny.
I am really quite pleased overall. Yes, I still need to get a spare. I'm fortunate enough to have a work vehicle, so this is just a weekend play vehicle for use in transporting my mountain bikes to the trail. Hope you enjoy the current photos.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537532018/http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537532018/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/69288292@N03/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537532108/http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537532108/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/69288292@N03/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531576/http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531576/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/69288292@N03/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531926/http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531926/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/69288292@N03/, on Flickr
I live in Scottsdale, AZ, where Jeeping happens year-round (and, unfortunately, prices at the dealers reflect that). I built my first Jeep in 1999, a stock YJ that ultimately ended up as a trailer-only rockcrawler (cage, 60s, 40s, etc.). Since then, I've played around with a couple TJs, an XJ, a CJ5, even a lifted WJ.
Anyway, at the end of June, the itch struck again. I sold my Titan and purchased a '12 JK Unlimited Sport. I got a stripped-down model (stick, soft top) with the only options being 3.73 gears and the tow package. I didn't get quite as good a deal as I thought I should, but again this is Arizona and Wranglers hold their value here.
One test-drive sold me on the long wheelbase. Man, Jeep has really changed for the better since my last TJ. Here's what it looked like when I brought it home.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531770/http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531770/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/69288292@N03/, on Flickr
Did a bunch of research on here and decided to go with the Teraflex 2.5 coil lift kit. The Jeep had 114 miles on it when I put it on jackstands in my garage. Honestly, this is the easiest suspension lift I've ever done. These rigs are incredibly easy to work on. All told, I spend less than seven hours by myself getting this done. Hardest part was accessing the top shock bolt on the front passenger side. Ended up dremeling out a bit of plastic to access the nut.
I also picked up a Procal, which is super-handy.
For wheels and tires, I went with AEV Pintlers in argent and Goodyear Duratracs in 315/70r17. I was looking for a clean, mild build and think I accomplished that. The ride quality of the TF kit is incredible. I really can't tell much difference from stock. Drives straight and true at 75 on the freeway, no bumpsteer or death wobble. Even with 3.73s, the tires don't rob much power from the new motor, particularly with the manual tranny.
I am really quite pleased overall. Yes, I still need to get a spare. I'm fortunate enough to have a work vehicle, so this is just a weekend play vehicle for use in transporting my mountain bikes to the trail. Hope you enjoy the current photos.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537532018/http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537532018/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/69288292@N03/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537532108/http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537532108/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/69288292@N03/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531576/http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531576/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/69288292@N03/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531926/http://www.flickr.com/photos/69288292@N03/7537531926/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/69288292@N03/, on Flickr
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07-10-2012, 11:54 AM
#10
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Goodyear, AZ
Posts: 429
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Welcome to the forum. Your Jeep looks great!!!
Here is a link to a local Phoenix thread: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/four...-piece-128325/
I guess they have a meet and greet every first Saturday of the month... somewhere around the valley. I met several this last Saturday... a great group of people.
Ironically, I sold my Titan Crew Cab as well before plunging for a JKUR.
Again, welcome to the forum!!!
Here is a link to a local Phoenix thread: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/four...-piece-128325/
I guess they have a meet and greet every first Saturday of the month... somewhere around the valley. I met several this last Saturday... a great group of people.
Ironically, I sold my Titan Crew Cab as well before plunging for a JKUR.
Again, welcome to the forum!!!