Search For A New Jeep

Thanks for the info John

 

New tie rod installed, aligned and steering wheel is straight. Pic of both tie rods to compare coming soon.

 

Picture of both tie rods. New on the left old on the right. Bent pretty good! Almost look like opposites.

 

Impressive!

 

I decided to change the stock skid plate on my 04'. The original was pretty stout but hung down just a little. I went with the Under Cover Fabworks 3/16 steel. Unfortunately this was not a simple job. Since I have the Rubicon the locker pumps need to be relocated. Also the new skid "tucks up" quite a bit so after install the fan hit the shroud and I had a terrible vibration. I ended up lowering the fan shroud abut 1/4" and added a 3/16 space between the frame and skid plate. This spacer took care of the vibration and helped with the shroud issue. Overall it is a couple of inches higher and very beefy. Pic of the new skid plate and I will get some pics of the locker pump relocation later.

 

Clean! I really like that setup.

 

They have one for the trans and partial engine that tucks up too....still considering. Not sure how much more money I want to dump into this. It mostly sits and I have a hard time finding locals that want to go wheeling. Also my wife does not really want to go exploring too much any longer.

 

I sure wish we lived closer...that was a fun day in Moab.
Remember that downhill idiot that wouldn't yield to us going up Shafer Switchbacks? I backed up a little, got too close the ditch and my passenger tires sank in the shoulder. You quickly pulled me out after the idiot passed.

 

That was fun. I want to get back but that is a long haul. That guy was a complete idiot. Glad my son was there to spot me or that guy would have put me in the same predicament.

 

Because we only have one official Rubicon run each year?

 

I feel like there is a general gap in trail etiquette. I honestly have 0 knowledge. It would be good if you guys could start something in the trail rides or great outdoors section.

 

I was in a club but they either only wanted to go to Hollister Hills SVRA or thought my Jeep was not built enough to keep up with them on the hard trails. Most of them were on large tires. I keep inviting people to go wheeling with no luck. If I still have it in July I will really try to attend the Rubicon run.

 

I, too, have been thinking about this topic, so here it is!
Trail Etiquette For Leaders And Followers | ECJ5 (earlycj5.com)

 

Video of what is involved in relocating the locker pumps. I followed this video for mine. If anyone is considering this don't bother with trying to take the electrical connectors apart, just cut them off at the transfer case side with enough wire left to add the new wires. I'll get a pic of my set up. Pretty straightforward. If you buy the UFC skid don't waste any money on the locker relocation bracket.

 

When I was moving my pumps I found out the front pump runs almost continually, it will start and stop but never not run. Normal operation is runs and then shuts off. I checked the tube and there are no leaks. Now I either need to figure out how to rebuild it or find a new one.