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View Full Version : Expedition Rig - 2003 WJ 4.7 HO



theksmith
02-29-2008, 12:49 AM
I have a 2003 WJ Limited 4.7 HO with 75,000 miles, bone stock right now (except de-badged). Here's a pic:
http://lh6.google.com/kristoffersmith/Rx4HdpSBZyI/AAAAAAAACXM/EIzfqsTr1o0/s800/IMG00029.jpg (http://picasaweb.google.com/kristoffersmith/20071020MogollonRimCamping/photo#5124541631873247010)

This is my daily driver and going to be more of an expedition rig than a rock crawler. I've got an XJ sitting at 4.5" right now that grew piece-by-piece and started as a budget boost... I wanted to do the WJ different and get good components right from day one.

I just ordered most everything for Phase 1 below. I'd like some feedback as to if I missed anything, and there are a couple questions at the end. Thanks!

------ Phase 1 ------
Clayton (http://www.claytonoffroad.com/index.aspx?sdr=/get.doc.aspx&qs=LD:Parts List&l=make!model!modelEx&p=Jeep!Grand Cherokee!WJ) front & rear long-arms (bare bones kit) (from kolak)

Teraflex (http://teraflex.biz/productImages/001491466 WJ 4inch suspension system.jpg)front & rear springs 4.5" springs (sit more like ~ 4.75" I'm told)(from kolak)
Teraflex (http://teraflex.biz/productImages/001491466 WJ 4inch suspension system.jpg)front & rear bump-stop extensions (from kolak)

4 Rubicon Express (http://www.rubiconexpress.com/Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-ZJ-Shocks.aspx)Monotube shocks (from kolak)

JKS front adjustable trackbar (http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=ADJTRACK)(from kolak)

JKS heavy duty tierod (http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=HDTIEROD) (from kolak)
(plus 2 new ends from dealer to replace worn ones and allow old ones to become spares)

JKS front swaybar quick disconnects (http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=QRDISC)(from kolak)

Rear extended length sway-bar links (http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=IR-WRSBL)(from IRO)

Tenneco Heavy Duty Steering Stabilizer (http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=TO-WHDSS)(from IRO)

JKS SuperNerfs (http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SUPERNERF)(from kolak)

Gas tank skid (came with 1/8th inch factory skid (http://www.wjjeeps.com/upcountry.htm#FUELSKID), good FOR NOW)

Have someone local custom make a transfercase skid / belly pan (probably http://www.hunteroffroad.com) I've got conficting reports as to whether the IRO works with clayton's kit without mod, and I'd rather have a nice full-belly skid similiar to what I have on my XJ... (http://www.dpgoffroad.com/rock_attack.htm)

Mopar front tow hook kit (http://www.wjjeeps.com/towhooks.htm), black #82207552 (from dealer)

Rear towpoint - jeep came with towing package and I have one of these... (http://www.warn.com/truck/accessories/shackle.shtml)

Exhaust (mainly from kolak, have someone local weld up everything):
Section of 3" mid pipe, Magnaflow high flow 3" converter, Flowmaster 50 Delta Flow muffler (3" center inlet/offset outlet), 3" turn-down tip

Wheels/Tires - to be decided this week. Will probably go with 33x11ish on 16's, or maybe keep the stock 17's and get spacers to save some money for right now.

Mine being and 03 has a double-cardan style front shaft already, so shouldn't need to change that right now.

1 - Do I need a drop pitman arm & what size drop? 1"?
2 - Does anyone make a over-the-knuckle kit like IRO's (http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=IR-WTRFK), BUT that uses TRE's? I feel like the heim's would increase the chance of death-wobble and/or loose steering feeling... am I right on that?
3 - Do I need longer brake lines?
4 - What am I forgetting?

------ Phase 2 (at least another year or more away) ------

Swap in a 242HD and new rear DS

New gearing & something with axles... if I can find an aussie for the rear I may keep it and just truss the axles and ox lock the front perhaps... or who knows... maybe new JK axles all around one day ;)

Custom rack and bumpers / tire carrier

35's?


Also wanted to say that Nick and Kolak Performance (kolak@aol.com) gave me some great deals and I definately recomend him.

And thanks to all the information on Mall Crawlin that I read throught before making most of these decisions... now if it doens't work out so well I'll edit this and curse all your names instead!






------------------------- CURRENT ----------------------------------
35's, 6", JK Rubicon Dana 44's with OEM electric lockers, 5:13 gears, RCV front/Superior Alloy rear axles

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TT5Nzo4ZxzI/AAAAAAAAHmk/1cZJ4LQiyrk/s800/DSCN5766.JPG

WJJEEPIN
02-29-2008, 01:12 AM
HOLY SHIT!!! Go big or go home... :D

Did you do that all at once or have you been compiling those parts?

As for the IRO flip I have it and havent lost any steering & i also dont have any Death Wobble & I'm on short arms. But if you dont want to do that you can order the inserts from IRO and flip the existing Tierod & Draglink. All it requires is for you to drill out the knuckles and weld in the insirts. Also need to get a RHD lower Draglink End.

You will obtain minor bumpsteer from flipping the bars as it seperates the Draglink & Trackbar. But as its minor and for me livable as it allows for protected steering. Take a look at my build thread for pix.

Oh and welcome to MC.

WJJEEPIN
02-29-2008, 01:14 AM
http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12701

Page 1. there are some close up shots of it.

theksmith
02-29-2008, 02:39 AM
HOLY SHIT!!! Go big or go home... :D
Did you do that all at once or have you been compiling those parts?


Thanks for the welcome! I've had the supernerfs sitting in the damn garage for a month, then decided to take the plunge and just ordered everything else except the dealer parts and wheels/tires. I'd rather pay intrest on the credit card and enjoy the parts than wait till I can piece all that together with cash.... complete oposite of how I did my XJ!

Nice dub, I dig this shot: http://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/btwnmak/?action=view&current=IMG00054.jpg

nierace
02-29-2008, 08:15 AM
I would get bump stops from IRO, they will make whatever length you want, since you're lifting 4.5" might as well get bump stops that are 4.5" longer.

The ones Kolak sells are way too short, unless he is selling different ones, not the tera's.

theksmith
02-29-2008, 05:46 PM
I would get bump stops from IRO, they will make whatever length you want, since you're lifting 4.5" might as well get bump stops that are 4.5" longer.

The ones Kolak sells are way too short, unless he is selling different ones, not the tera's.

I guess that I'll wait till I get everything on including the tires and actually measure exactly how long I need since IRO makes them custom...

BigDaveZJ
02-29-2008, 05:52 PM
I just read the sticky saying not to post newbie shit in this forum, so if someone wants to move this thread over to "Newbiew Tech"...

We just don't like seeing Newb Introductions in here that have no tech in them. You're talking about a build and what you're gonna do (which looks good BTW) so you're just fine. And Kolak's the man, you can't go wrong there.

sevenslats
02-29-2008, 09:51 PM
When you gonna start installing some of those shiny parts? I want more pics!

theksmith
03-02-2008, 02:42 AM
well hopefully everything comes in a week or so, though i hear that clayton makes his shit in batches and if he's out then i might have to wait a couple weeks :(

theksmith
03-04-2008, 07:51 PM
well crap, i'm being indecisive and i need some opinions..

i had planned to go with 33's, and i know even with that size and only 4.5" lift that I'm going to need some serious trimming and/or bumpstops... but now i'm thinking about going ahead and doing 35's and just be done with it.... am i crazy, or can i make em fit with a 4.5" lift and serious trimming?

Pitch
03-06-2008, 12:41 AM
I would certainly recommend sticking with 33's (or less) at that height. Even at 4.5" you will need to trim substantially to fit a 33" tire. Especially true if it is loaded down for an expedition as you indicate in the thread title.

Unless Tera has changed their spring recipe from a few years back, you will net much closer to 4" from those springs than the 4.5/4.75 you mentioned.

Also, brake lines (front and rear) should be fine at that height as long as you remove some of the body mounts.

No drop pitman arm needed... and strongly discouraged.

You can pull of your old knuckles, drill them out and use spacers like those from goferit offroad to flip your steering. There is a good writeup by JohnBoulderCo in the FAQ section.

Search and you will find...

theksmith
03-07-2008, 11:39 AM
well i still haven't gotten any of my parts in yet, but i did just order some more ;)

from a 2000 WJ - Front Dana 30 with ARB and 4.56 gears, and rear 44HD with Aussie and 4.56's, Powerslot rotors front and rear. He said he did master install kit when gears/lockers where done and that was only 10k miles ago: http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15207

AgitatedPancake
03-07-2008, 05:35 PM
Actually, I ran narrow 33's (285/75R16) on 4" of lift. Bumper needed ALOT of trimming, but with correct bump stops you could run 33's decently. As for the rear, with the sway bar connected I only had minor rubbing, not enough to chunk up the tires at all. I say if your willing to do some (atleast) minor fender trimming you can go for 33's at 4" of lift.

theksmith
03-08-2008, 07:56 PM
Just wanted to update the thread with what everyone's told me:

1 - Do I need a drop pitman arm & what size drop? 1"?
Answer: I now get that the steering isn't the inverted Y that is on most jeeps and therefore doesn't need a drop pitman arm - the draglink and track bar stay parallel after lifting unless you do a steering flip...

2 - Does anyone make a over-the-knuckle kit like IRO's (http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=IR-WTRFK), BUT that uses TRE's? I feel like the heim's would increase the chance of death-wobble and/or loose steering feeling... am I right on that?
Answer: I think the heims that IRO sells are probably the best quality available, but after reading alot of forums (including non-jeep, custom hot-rod type stuf), I don't think heims are a good choice for a daily driver. If this was primarily going to be an off-road jeep, I would go with the IRO flip kit in a heartbeat. I read the thread on here detailing how to flip steering with the goferit inserts and use stock TRE's, but this requires flipping the knuckle end of the drag link up as well, which could cause some bumpsteer. For now I'm just going to put the JKS tierod and Kevin's draglink to make everything much beefier, but leave them all in the stock locations. I am going to see about at least flipping the steering stabilizer to the top using some stuff from IRO.

3 - Do I need longer brake lines?
Answer: Everyone said NOPE

4 - What am I forgetting?
Answer: I'll let you know when it's half assembled on the garage floor ;)

I was told today by an install shop that I won't pass emissions here in AZ with the tailpip exiting under the middle of the vehicle, so at some point I will have to have a someplace fab up a better answer to the exhaust, or more likely I'll just stick a piece of flexible pipe onto the end and route it out only when it's time to do emissions!

SweepinJR
05-06-2008, 03:48 PM
So did you down to 1 catylitic or do you still have the two smaller pre-cats?

I'm trying to figure out how I want to tackle my exhaust on my 4.7, but I'm not wanting to risk any check engine light/emissions issues.

DerekL
05-07-2008, 12:37 AM
this is worthless without pics. and i don't need any damn picture to say so.

JordanA
05-07-2008, 12:53 AM
:worthles:

Get started building already!

froggo27
05-07-2008, 08:04 AM
:worthles:

Get started building already!
THis project sounds is going to to one bad ass WJ in the End. Keep us updated.
here is a picture for ya.:smt044

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/froggo27/WJbumper_024.jpg

theksmith
09-29-2008, 12:45 AM
Get started building already!

the build has been underway, but i decided to just keep my thread over on JF going instead of mainting this one (i know, i know).

so here's the build thread: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=526660

and here's some pics:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/kristoffersmith/SFwonqY_ZLI/AAAAAAAADCg/x2HmIY5jcHc/s800/CIMG0056.JPG


http://lh3.ggpht.com/kristoffersmith/SFwol7L_n6I/AAAAAAAADCI/BMv6XIiQTFo/s800/CIMG0050.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/kristoffersmith/SI42Y5owkrI/AAAAAAAADPM/5ExJivK3a00/s800/IMGP2887.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/kristoffersmith/SI42ZMPCUrI/AAAAAAAADPU/Mdk93sW-ZGg/s800/IMGP2893.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/kristoffersmith/SNdA-6YVRuI/AAAAAAAADxY/Vb_5vPB376s/s800/021.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/kristoffersmith/SNdA_B4OL9I/AAAAAAAADxg/HgQeviEZjw4/s800/024.jpg

nothing crazy yet till i get off my ass and put the rock rails on, and i still need to decide on a belly skid. i talked to clayton last week and he is going to have WJ production ones for sale this fall that are just like the ZJ ones... but i think i would rather have something custom done that really ties everything together better

FearTheDentist
09-29-2008, 01:05 AM
nothing crazy yet till i get off my ass and put the rock rails on, and i still need to decide on a belly skid.

The t-case skid from IRO is bulletproof and I haven't had any clearance issues with it.

wjguy
10-03-2008, 01:40 AM
Looks great man!
I hoped you would be puttin those axles to good use.

SirFuego
10-03-2008, 10:41 AM
i talked to clayton last week and he is going to have WJ production ones for sale this fall that are just like the ZJ ones... but i think i would rather have something custom done that really ties everything together better

I'm not familiar with the WJ Clayton's setup, but how would you tie everything together better? The ZJ skid comes with a weld-on crossmember for the rear. So if the WJ is supposed to be like that, I'd think it would come with one, too. Which should stiffen everything up.

Nice rig, by the way!

theksmith
10-05-2008, 01:46 AM
I'm not familiar with the WJ Clayton's setup, but how would you tie everything together better? The ZJ skid comes with a weld-on crossmember for the rear. So if the WJ is supposed to be like that, I'd think it would come with one, too. Which should stiffen everything up.

Nice rig, by the way!

thanks!

the wj is the same, you weld in a rear bar and then bolt a flat plate to that bar and to the trasmission mount crossmember...

i've seen some people on here make skids that are verry similiar to this one for an XJ: http://www.dpgoffroad.com/rock_attack.htm and i just prefer that design... i'm sure the clayton way is just as strong, just a preference

theksmith
07-22-2009, 10:44 AM
so haven't updated anything here in a long time, mostly keeping up the build thread over on JF... but i'm back on mallcrawlin to try and gather some information from the real-deal wheelers before i move from 4.5" to 6".

anway, just to update, these are probably the most recent few actual wheeling pics...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SX6DMfhAq6I/AAAAAAAAG3k/C0G1qwbjOhI/s800/P1010720.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SZDsSVqMnVI/AAAAAAAAHIk/8MmyQwsgxNo/s800/IMG_0470.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/Say0OX1MuLI/AAAAAAAAHUM/QLtnD64KgxU/s800/P1020012.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SdWus-VrHgI/AAAAAAAAHcI/-E3_BrNrAE8/s800/2003783150100085335vlXeSA_fs%5B1%5D.jpg

Rangerwj
07-22-2009, 10:24 PM
awesome ride. keep it up

downtowncb
07-23-2009, 01:03 AM
Good looking Jeep, I like the wheels.

theksmith
08-26-2009, 09:53 AM
so here are a couple of electrical mods that were done a long time ago but never got posted:


Night Light Button

Full Details are on my new full build over here: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=332&posted=1#post331

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SXjBFiqJFOI/AAAAAAAAG0I/8I-q5uHEGis/s800/P1010601.JPG


Dual Zone Climate Control to Single Zone

Full Details here: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=332&posted=1#post332

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SOv58eLtxsI/AAAAAAAAEf8/Unn9hsCtkvo/s800/CIMG0771.JPG


yeah, i do a lot of weird mods ;)

theksmith
09-07-2009, 06:50 PM
what's all this???

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SqWLNlPXVLI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/0obCAaDxbvw/s800/P1020862.JPG

well tomorrow i'm finally going to have a shop swap in those axles that i bought like 2 years ago and have never gotten around to installing... they are factory WJ axles just like i already have, except with 4.56 gears and an ARB front locker and an Aussie rear locker in them.

the "new" axles only have a couple thousand mile on the gears/bearings/lockers, but the rest of the components have well over 100k miles on them, so i'm having all the wearable parts swapped out at the same time... so the above picture includes:

- new clayton weld-in control arm mount spacers
- new moog upper & lower ball joints
- new upper control arm bushings
- new timken unit bearings (will keep old ones for trail spare)
- new axle shafts (since the other ones have so many miles on the CV joints, and will keep the old ones as spares)

also there:
- new motor mounts (current ones look dry rotted and are sagging a bit)
- new slightly longer rear bumpstops (5" instead of 4.5" to stop slight rear tire rub under extreme articulation)

and the 2 big boxes are clayton 6" springs.... that's for later in the year though. this winter i plan to go to 6" and at the same time swap in a np242hd and new rear driveshaft and rebuild the front shaft. there's also a new tranny mount in the picture that i'll swap in during that transfer case change.

theksmith
09-16-2009, 01:21 AM
so these pics don't look like much other than some freshly painted axles, but it's a big upgrade for me:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SrBw3KIzFVI/AAAAAAAAKAg/g-TM8Ep5QXs/s400/P1020905.JPG http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SrBw3SwemFI/AAAAAAAAKAk/kA36EckYu5I/s400/P1020906.JPG

Joe at Absolute Offroad (http://www.absoluteoffroadphx.com/) treated me right again as always. the swap cost a little less than expected, and could have cost a lot more if i had gone to place that tried to charge me the price of each service instead of just bulk labor (like ball joint change @ rate times 4 PLUS bushing change @ rate times 2 PLUS etc. PLUS etc.).

my observations so far:

- i can't tell the upgrade to 4.56 nearly as much as i expected... it's a little peppier off the line, but i thought i was going to actually be over-geared for 33's... instead it seems just fine, we'll see what the MPG turns out to be now...

- having all new ball joints, control arm bushings, unit bearings, CV's makes driving feel nice and tight, no wobbles or sloppiness (plus the TRE's and SS are only about a year old)

- damn that aussie locker is noisy, i knew it would make clicks, but it's a bit more than i expected. after reading other peoples experiences, i don't think anything is wrong, just more noise than i expected... i'm learning to take it easy on the throttle on tight turns

- gear whine is a bit annoying coming from the 44A. Joe told me that he didn't think that whoever setup the gears did anything wrong per-say, but that the 44A can just be a noisy axle and it's the only one he actually won't warranty himself against noise when doing gear installs.

i just ordered a bunch of parts for my on board air install, till then i have a completely useless ARB in the front ;) - nonetheless, i can't wait to wheel with even just the rear locker now and see how it's different.

theksmith
09-19-2009, 02:59 PM
so Tom Woods tells me he can make custom SYE for the 242HD if I send him the tailcone and main shaft... so apart it comes!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SrUhzdNtxmI/AAAAAAAAKCI/8FdGmmU3gWA/s800/P1020944.JPG

complete dissasembly pics are here: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=996

AgitatedPancake
09-19-2009, 03:46 PM
What kind of money does tom want for that custom SYE? I might be interested in doing it at some point...

theksmith
09-20-2009, 10:16 PM
What kind of money does tom want for that custom SYE? I might be interested in doing it at some point...

not sure yet, he's going to look at it and then give a firm price... he said he was also doing a prototype for someone else with a 242HD that wanted a custom tailcone that had a speedo pickup built in and cut the shaft for the pickup, he needs to have the guy test that one out before that option will be ready, but he said just a simple SYE for me without a speedo pickup should be easy.

theksmith
09-20-2009, 10:18 PM
so went for a little shake down run up at Saguaro Lake, just to make sure everything's ready before my week long trip to the Canyonlands, UT (Offroad Passport Community Forum - 09-29-2009 (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2009-9-29&c=1))

i finally really noticed the new gears, crawling down steep hills in 1st gear and 4lo was much slower and predictable compared to before, and running in 4hi in the sand didn't take nearly as much throttle as before either... kewl!

theksmith
10-11-2009, 05:31 PM
first time ever on a RTI ramp, only scored 790

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv166/OffroadPassport/Airpark%20Jeep%20Jam%2009/AirparkJeepJam4044-1.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv166/OffroadPassport/Airpark%20Jeep%20Jam%2009/AirparkJeepJam4045.jpg

theksmith
10-11-2009, 08:31 PM
got my SYE back from Tom Woods and installed it last night...

putting everything back together is basicly just the reverse of the disassembly... only one issue, getting the lock rings back on was a big pain, untill i decided to just take the Dremel with a cutting wheel and put a couple tiny grooves in the ring as shown below so the my snap ring pliers wouldn't keep slipping off:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/StJzOD0Ef4I/AAAAAAAAKNM/Gvk_81taPLc/s800/P1030588.JPG

this shows how the main shaft was necked down, re-slpined, and chamfered on the end:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/StJzOydf8tI/AAAAAAAAKNQ/ean2mcuvLcQ/s800/P1030590.JPG

here you can see how the center of the shaft was drilled and threaded:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/StJzP6RrcBI/AAAAAAAAKNU/tRNFP3z2SDQ/s800/P1030597.JPG

here is the custom machined piece that takes the place of the tailcone extension and provides the seal for the new rear flange:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/StJzQtJx8BI/AAAAAAAAKNY/-_QRqghgUEc/s800/P1030598.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/StJzRqFdgdI/AAAAAAAAKNc/9PytRsrXTSg/s800/P1030599.JPG

here is the new rear flange that the driveshaft will bolt too... i don't know if Woods used a flange instead of a yoke so that you can use a larger u-joint shaft if you want, or if this was all that he had that would work:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/StJzS5wfG7I/AAAAAAAAKNk/SO6XTEYmCmg/s800/P1030602.JPG

here's the final assembly:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/StJzTnzG27I/AAAAAAAAKNo/H-D0KIK_yWE/s800/P1030603.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/StJzUEopm1I/AAAAAAAAKNs/Ww9fpZ4qmMA/s800/P1030607.JPG


everything that came back from Tom Woods was quality stuff, came back clean and with perfect tolerances, no slop in how any of the parts fit, and the flange is very heavy duty.

this should be a great new option for those of you with 242HD's, call Tom for a current price (http://www.4xshaft.com)

downtowncb
10-12-2009, 12:31 AM
got my SYE back from Tom Woods and installed it last night...

putting everything back together is basicly just the reverse of the disassembly... only one issue, getting the lock rings back on was a big pain, untill i decided to just take the Dremel with a cutting wheel and put a couple tiny grooves in the ring as shown below so the my snap ring pliers wouldn't keep slipping off:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/StJzOD0Ef4I/AAAAAAAAKNM/Gvk_81taPLc/s800/P1030588.JPG


Haha, I hated those damn things! I did something similar except I put a notch in an old pair of pliers to hook the ring and hold them open.

theksmith
10-19-2009, 03:02 PM
SYE and new driveshaft installed

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/Sty0WbL7nOI/AAAAAAAAKP0/1KqwcFBjaZ4/s800/P1030623.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/Sty0Wr5TcwI/AAAAAAAAKP4/i5p9DgEVfn0/s800/P1030628.JPG

theksmith
10-19-2009, 03:04 PM
~4.5" teraflex coils
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/Sty0VOuKdiI/AAAAAAAAKRo/bSSDCC8NCB0/s800/P1020666.JPG

6" clayton coils
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/Sty0VxHLVzI/AAAAAAAAKRw/bELzgoWMK2U/s800/P1030620.JPG

theksmith
10-28-2009, 05:04 PM
had a local shop re-gear the rear-end and that completely got rid of the gear whine noise, not what i wanted to spend money on, but it was driving me crazy!

theksmith
10-29-2009, 12:00 AM
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SuiDUfDZW1I/AAAAAAAAKVk/8dJlLQRh61w/s800/FJ%20Camping%20and%20Trails%20013.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SuiDUjfqbNI/AAAAAAAAKVo/Z22uyw5trGw/s800/FJ%20Camping%20and%20Trails%20022.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SuiDUx8SG2I/AAAAAAAAKVs/HyK2snvIcXg/s800/FJ%20Camping%20and%20Trails%20031.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SuiDV4jIPVI/AAAAAAAAKV4/D8ZPW76872k/s800/FJ%20Camping%20and%20Trails%20171.jpg

oops, slid off my line onto the diff
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SuiDWLPRrAI/AAAAAAAAKV8/A3n3neJTd0E/s800/FJ%20Camping%20and%20Trails%20174.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SuiDWi5LqlI/AAAAAAAAKWE/Hb2AjdmD9Ak/s800/FJ%20Camping%20and%20Trails%20181.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SuiDW6sZeMI/AAAAAAAAKWI/BlDsH0GDKBM/s800/FJ%20Camping%20and%20Trails%20260.jpg

Pitch
10-29-2009, 01:18 AM
Woodpecker and Martinez Canyon from the looks of it... nice rig!

downtowncb
10-29-2009, 02:00 AM
[
oops, slid off my line onto the diff
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SuiDWLPRrAI/AAAAAAAAKV8/A3n3neJTd0E/s800/FJ%20Camping%20and%20Trails%20174.jpg


Lookin good. Did that get your tie rod?

theksmith
10-29-2009, 05:28 PM
Lookin good. Did that get your tie rod?

nah, just diff'd it good!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SuiDWW-8dyI/AAAAAAAAKWA/Ejpr97Qwrbo/s800/FJ%20Camping%20and%20Trails%20175.jpg

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
10-29-2009, 06:30 PM
A little late now, but consider picking up soe lock ring pliers. It's hard to use snap ring pliers on those clips.

theksmith
11-15-2009, 10:53 PM
got my old rola roof rack fabbed up semi-permanent this weekend:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/SwC6JCYRq7I/AAAAAAAAKmM/OKgVpIV-OMI/s800/IMG_0194.JPG

check here for full info and more photos: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1606&postcount=99

Rangerwj
02-12-2010, 09:30 PM
is that rola with the extention?

theksmith
02-13-2010, 03:25 AM
is that rola with the extention?

yes, that is a rola with the extension welded in and then feet and runners welded to it to mount in place of all factory roof rail crap.

also just finished up shovel/axe and hi-lift mounts for it: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2303&postcount=111

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S05nnj0lJfI/AAAAAAAALlQ/q-iEWypmzg4/s800/P1040745.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S05noBvr-BI/AAAAAAAALlY/qbAkgssnWZs/s800/P1040751.JPG

theksmith
02-13-2010, 03:27 AM
had 2 replace both rear D44A axles shafts this week. they were both bent, one side bad enough to cause a squeek-squeek-squeek all the time as it cause the rotor to rub in and out on the bake pads... cost me $300 for a set of shafts from a Tucson salvage yard... of course i could find tons' of shafts for quadra-drive right now, but not many for non-QD applications... damnit! but oh well, have spares now and that got rid of a vibration i was having.

theksmith
02-13-2010, 03:28 AM
on-board-air with dual compressors and the dual battery system is finally 99% done!

check it out here: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=427

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S3WpGm83gvI/AAAAAAAAMBw/MNHdeN1_lc8/s800/P1050141.JPG

dp96zj
02-13-2010, 02:17 PM
Very cool! I looked at the link above, looks like you spent a ton of time and effort on the new setup. Looks great!

Rangerwj
02-13-2010, 05:45 PM
Do you plan on running a dual cb antenna? looked like you had a mount on driver taillight and a mount with antenna on passenger. does a dual setup allow further range?

theksmith
02-15-2010, 09:46 PM
Do you plan on running a dual cb antenna? looked like you had a mount on driver taillight and a mount with antenna on passenger. does a dual setup allow further range?

that's a mount for HAM radio, but i haven't taken the time to get my license quite yet :rolleyes:

theksmith
03-22-2010, 03:43 PM
some pics playing in a creek on a easy trail in the Wickenburg Mountains (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=482)...

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S6fHSmc18bI/AAAAAAAAMqM/KKyuMWbEa6o/s800/DSCN1174.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S6fHSwpSKaI/AAAAAAAAMqQ/Ug-dDww-S3k/s800/DSCN1178.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S6fHTSWlB4I/AAAAAAAAMqU/mI1n4qi2Bw0/s800/DSCN1180.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S6fFa4xuWYI/AAAAAAAAMpM/3KdtI6f2Sfs/s800/P1050650.JPG

Rangerwj
03-22-2010, 04:38 PM
very cool. looks like in third pic your slider is bent up by the rock. maybe im just seein things.

theksmith
03-22-2010, 04:43 PM
very cool. looks like in third pic your slider is bent up by the rock. maybe im just seein things.

good eyes, the slider was bent along time ago on a trail called Predator, you just can't really see it well from the other pic angles

theksmith
04-05-2010, 11:56 AM
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S7oHre_R_GI/AAAAAAAAM0Y/X2fb8BWrmuQ/s800/DSC_3997.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S7kzK3-TzmI/AAAAAAAAMw8/a0XygPQGpX4/s800/P1050872.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S7k-UPRPOPI/AAAAAAAAMyk/KH4D_aNhW4I/s800/DSCN1507.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S7kzNR8PjcI/AAAAAAAAMxU/bnN2KLXtIQU/s800/P1050883.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S7kzRP9RBoI/AAAAAAAAMx8/n_rzPZuTChk/s800/P1050933.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S7kzO3eNVRI/AAAAAAAAMxo/Z-nAl7zSSe8/s800/P1050902.JPG

all the pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/kristoffersmith/20100403MesquiteWashFR160Sugarloaf#

BigDaveZJ
04-05-2010, 12:17 PM
Looks like your KM2's have seen some decent mileage, how are they holding up?

theksmith
04-05-2010, 12:49 PM
Looks like your KM2's have seen some decent mileage, how are they holding up?

some chunking from rock crawling, but no more than expected. still balance well, still handle and sound fine on the road. won't be long before the tread is gone though, i'd say i'm at 25% left.

Arsonist_Bob
04-06-2010, 12:18 AM
some chunking from rock crawling, but no more than expected. still balance well, still handle and sound fine on the road. won't be long before the tread is gone though, i'd say i'm at 25% left.


how many miles, and what load range?

theksmith
04-06-2010, 05:37 PM
how many miles, and what load range?

i think i have 27k on them and not sure what load range

theksmith
04-06-2010, 11:57 PM
ok, so it's not the real print magazine, but i'm in a couple pics from the online version of 4wd and Sport Utility from last year! check it out: http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/adventures/west/0905_4wd_the_mojave_road/index.html

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S7qv2aMZfTI/AAAAAAAAM2E/Q0rwuzk0Njo/s800/0905_4wd_45_z%2Bthe_mojave_road%2Bjeep_grand_chero kee_hood.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S7qv2xzXzeI/AAAAAAAAM2I/S9F4posXlio/s800/0905_4wd_09_z%2Bthe_mojave_road%2Bjeep_grand_chero kee_hydroplane.jpg

AgitatedPancake
04-07-2010, 01:13 AM
holy hell did you hit that puddle at mach 2? Bahaha

paulkeith
04-07-2010, 08:49 AM
Dude. There's clearly no way his jeep could go mach 2. newbs. :screwy:

Jeeptech01
04-07-2010, 08:04 PM
You must have missed it but he is running KM2's. Dont you know that is an BF goodrich in house acronym for (K)onstant (M)ach (2). Its the speed rating. Uhh in Germanish.

theksmith
04-07-2010, 09:05 PM
You must have missed it but he is running KM2's. Dont you know that is an BF goodrich in house acronym for (K)onstant (M)ach (2). Its the speed rating. Uhh in Germanish.

nice!

here's a better sploosh for you all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJCWTgILvsA

dp96zj
04-08-2010, 12:02 AM
nice!

here's a better sploosh for you all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJCWTgILvsA


hahaha that's schweeet!!!

paulkeith
04-08-2010, 09:05 AM
my internet training makes me wary of clicking on a video link preceded by the word "sploosh"

Pretty sweet vid nonetheless.

theksmith
04-15-2010, 01:17 AM
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S8TPbHlsOvI/AAAAAAAAM8M/VOcjzlWIDaQ/s800/P1060244.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S8TPNbYVYTI/AAAAAAAAM5g/FkUlntds_Jk/s800/P1060038.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S8TPROyVmlI/AAAAAAAAM6M/N5DnPCnl4sk/s800/P1060092.JPG

the trip: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=512

theksmith
05-01-2010, 10:07 AM
if anyone has tips and tricks or any info at all really regarding the fabrication specifics of putting JK axles into the WJ, please post up!

theksmith
05-03-2010, 02:04 AM
Log Corral Trail

some video of a river crossing with some really slick rocks on the bottom!

YouTube - OffroadPassport's Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/OffroadPassport#p/a/u/0/8H4ZAsxFv2c)

some pics...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S95cM_DmT9I/AAAAAAAANRs/tvEv-J6Q_y8/s800/DSC_4465.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S95cNCStFVI/AAAAAAAANRw/5uWTe0tDhmc/s800/DSC_4467.JPG

we had one turtle incident...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S95cNU7IDPI/AAAAAAAANR0/WQwuxKpRJuU/s800/DSC_4520.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S95cQVPv5cI/AAAAAAAANSU/OQOr46NKqPg/s800/P1060895.JPG

the lake was over-full, and suddenly the road disapeared...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S95cUx53IDI/AAAAAAAANTM/QvSXHtBQ6ww/s800/DSCN2206.JPG

after some contemplation...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S95cVRooQ5I/AAAAAAAANTQ/t_G8oz4Hb9M/s800/DSCN2208.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S95cWK6FQ5I/AAAAAAAANTY/45evJGN5arA/s800/DSC_4666.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S95cWVeLrfI/AAAAAAAANTc/VKTBZY3zGbM/s800/DSC_4668.JPG

and finally, a little monster...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/S95cWnvvKZI/AAAAAAAANTg/YpnelXgQbuM/s800/P1060922.JPG

theksmith
09-20-2010, 02:50 PM
pics with the new 35's:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TIbC4ZxwD2I/AAAAAAAAOwI/2dzp4Z9PLo8/s800/P1090576.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TIbC5BKBMZI/AAAAAAAAOwQ/uOi1cDa6EVM/s800/P1090579.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TIbC6qh1-SI/AAAAAAAAOwg/n0MnChvD8Ic/s800/P1090590.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TIhQIrLln0I/AAAAAAAAO08/iaeu27rySY8/s800/P1090678.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TIhQJPeOL_I/AAAAAAAAO1E/rr5qjM-ffEk/s800/P1090684.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TIhQKXXR0uI/AAAAAAAAO1k/ybPsAlCG75E/s800/P1090713.JPG

Jeeptech01
09-20-2010, 04:34 PM
So what are you putting in?

theksmith
09-20-2010, 04:45 PM
So what are you putting in?

dropped it off at the shop for the swap this morning:
- used JK Rubicons with some aftermarket stuff in em
- using IRO bracketry
- hopefully i have 95% of it planned out so they can just follow instructions, but they will have to do a few customizations to get it working with the Clayton lift since IRO's brackets were meant for their 3-link lift and their steering solutions.

Arsonist_Bob
09-20-2010, 09:26 PM
should be pretty sweet. stickin with the 35's?

Jeeptech01
09-21-2010, 08:11 AM
Damn I wish I knew you were lookin for those. I have a rear rubi 44 in my garage Im trying to get rid of. It is in the classifieds here.

theksmith
09-21-2010, 09:03 AM
Damn I wish I knew you were lookin for those. I have a rear rubi 44 in my garage Im trying to get rid of. It is in the classifieds here.

i got this set of 44s back in the spring, sleeved, gusseted, upgraded shafts, diff covers, etc - have been saving to get bracketry and to get them installed till now!

theksmith
09-21-2010, 09:05 AM
should be pretty sweet. stickin with the 35's?

yes, just got the 35's a week ago for use with these, i didn't think that 35's with a locked dana 30 was a good idea unless you are only doing mild wheeling. these new axles should be fine for 37's even though, if i ever want to.

Jeeptech01
09-21-2010, 09:29 AM
Cool. Cant wait to see the finished product. Im also kind of shocked that your rig looks as good as it does after all the wheelin it see's. Care to share your secret?

theksmith
09-21-2010, 09:36 AM
Cool. Cant wait to see the finished product. Im also kind of shocked that your rig looks as good as it does after all the wheelin it see's. Care to share your secret?

ha thanks!

dealer touch up spray paint, buff, clear coat touch up spray paint, more buffing, and the right lighting for the picture... seriously, if you saw it up close you'd laugh at how thrashed some places are, but in the right lighting it looks great still ;)

the first time i thrashed the outside on "the squeeze" in cali, i paid to have it repaired, after that i raked it on a boulder in the same spot nearly and just repaired somewhat myself, then i've raked misc panels here and there on minor rocks/stumps and done the touch up method. every so often get it buffed again and it blends everything better and removes desert pin-striping some... it's due again, but funds are low with all the axle stuff and new tires.

i do keep the interior immaculate, but that's just me being anal.

Jeeptech01
09-21-2010, 10:54 AM
Ok thats pretty much what I do too. Theres no reason for a wheeled rig not to look decent IMO.

theksmith
09-21-2010, 08:27 PM
ran into some issues with the front swap, going to delay it a month because issues = more time = more money.

biggoofy
09-21-2010, 08:54 PM
story of life my friend

it usually runs fine
09-21-2010, 09:54 PM
Thats a nice jeep man. Can anyone get paint matching spray cans from the dealer? I could use some touch up paint.

theksmith
09-21-2010, 09:59 PM
Thats a nice jeep man. Can anyone get paint matching spray cans from the dealer? I could use some touch up paint.

thanks - yeah, the sell them in overpriced 4 oz cans, if you have a common color you can just get autozone stuff but i couldn't find "Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Super Sex Or Whatever" there

cowboy63b
09-21-2010, 10:20 PM
what went wrong with the front swap?

theksmith
09-22-2010, 07:32 AM
what went wrong with the front swap?

it's just that the front stuff from IRO is designed for their 3 link system and is designed as all one big interlocking truss... i thought it was going to be 90% usable as-is with minor fab, but it turns out to be more like 20% usable with major cutting it up. so have to figure out whether to hack it to pieces or just hack off my WJ brackets, or re-use some of the JK stuff, or get a donor WJ 30, or buy some different brackets and cobble, or wait for Claytons front kit to be 100% - each option involves buying more parts or paying for more install/fab time than i planned, so just need to a wait a bit.

AgitatedPancake
09-22-2010, 10:23 AM
What, do the JK's have different spacing between the coils/UCA/LCA?

theksmith
09-22-2010, 11:51 AM
What, do the JK's have different spacing between the coils/UCA/LCA?

some people use the JK axle as-is in the WJ, but i have heard multiple times that this isn't quite perfect, that it causes some spring bow and springs to hit on full flex. also i wanted to move the lower control arm brackets up flush with axle, and i liked replacing everything with 1/4" steel bracketry too - for those reasons i was attempting to use the IRO bracketry or maybe now Claytons.

theksmith
10-08-2010, 09:49 AM
some pics of wheelin with the 35's in Kingman, AZ (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=744):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b53/UF92134/Kingman%202010-Sep/PICT0020.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b53/UF92134/Kingman%202010-Sep/PICT0046.jpg http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TKE0HMho5RI/AAAAAAAAGmE/5LfUKt11A2Q/s800/DSCN4296.JPG http://lh4.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TKE0OUTFo_I/AAAAAAAAGnI/_WQwIeAax-s/s800/DSCN4320.JPG

theksmith
10-08-2010, 09:54 AM
yesterday i finished up my attempt at the on-board-hot-shower mod, yet to be field tested. full writeup here: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=754

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TK6e55F3LCI/AAAAAAAAPFE/uqeZwisf3Lc/s800/P1100078.JPG

Jeeptech01
10-08-2010, 01:12 PM
yesterday i finished up my attempt at the on-board-golden-shower mod, yet to be field tested. full writeup here: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=754

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TK6e55F3LCI/AAAAAAAAPFE/uqeZwisf3Lc/s800/P1100078.JPG

Fixed it for ya.

theksmith
10-08-2010, 01:20 PM
Fixed it for ya.

no i was getting tired of that kind - left me salty feeling... thats' why i put this in ;)

biggoofy
10-08-2010, 04:22 PM
looks great and very functional

cowboy63b
10-08-2010, 04:30 PM
looks great and very functional

Says the marine who never showers. Go shower man I can smell you from Texas.

SirFuego
10-08-2010, 06:26 PM
Cool mod. Nice writeup on the other forum, too.

While an expedition rigs aren't popular here on the east coast (no real reason to need them), I can definitely see the appeal for the trails you have out west.

Jeeptech01
10-09-2010, 09:41 AM
no i was getting tired of that kind - left me salty feeling... thats' why i put this in ;)

Gotcha. :D

theksmith
10-10-2010, 05:30 PM
finished my rear shelf system. the point is to allow me access to the spare tire and the old spare compartment easily when the jeep is loaded with camping gear without having to unload everything.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLIrwt0JSuI/AAAAAAAAPGA/ai1l2zk-lKk/s800/P1100109.JPG

loaded up with average daily-driver/trail-rig junk:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLIrzUvctfI/AAAAAAAAPGQ/YFk3zDwfM8k/s800/P1100117.JPG

the spare slides out when needed, and i store the spare face down so that the empty inside easily holds a small hand-bag that i got from Big-Lots full of spare parts:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLIr2rDDJmI/AAAAAAAAPGs/OnEtag5HU9I/s800/P1100131.JPG

between the shelf/tire and back seats is more empty space that i plan to fill with spare axle shafts and spare fluids:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLIr1V7s3DI/AAAAAAAAPGg/hr38l_J1lic/s800/P1100127.JPG

then my favorite feature is a slide out table on lock-in/lock-out Accuride 18" ball bearing slides. it's oak veneer, finished with a stain to match the fake OEM wood in the jeep, with about 6 coats of polyeurothane, sanded in between in coats and steel wool on the last coat:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLIrxtZe4xI/AAAAAAAAPGI/15qt8smJj_4/s800/P1100111.JPG

matches pretty close:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLIr0JXfMfI/AAAAAAAAPGY/oGlSO5v4FjI/s800/P1100121.JPG

the enter thing is 3/4" birch plywood except for the shelf is 1/2" oak. there is aluminum angle on the front, middle, and back to help keep the top from bowing hopefully. there is also aluminum angle on the bottoms to use for mounting. i mounted it with a bunch of large self-drilling sheet metal screws.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLIsdiAYOII/AAAAAAAAPG8/IbIrLdcixHI/s800/P1090805.JPG

the Acurride slides are awesome, perfect motion and quiet, and they lock in and out with the little thumb levers on each side. the 3/4" plywood i think will be sufficiently rugged.

my only regrets thus far are that i used Rust-Oleum bedliner in a spray can, it's a decent finish, but not nearly as nice as something like Raptor-Liner from what i've seen pics of. i wish i'd gone with that and tooken the time to fill all the little screw holes and what not before lining it as i thought they would just fill in with the liner more but didn't.

other issue is the 1/2" shelf is warped a little, should have used 3/4" for that as well.

also, make sure you account for the compression of the carpet and padding when you screw everything down if you do something like this. i didn't and therefore my tire just barely, i mean barely fits! in the end that's good as now i don't have to wedge anything in there to keep it from bouncing inside the shelf, but it could have been a bad miscalculation if i were cutting my tolerances closer!

theksmith
10-10-2010, 11:49 PM
also this weekend, i added a rearview camera while i was working on my carputer. my screen has 3 video inputs besides the VGA input for the pc, so eventually i want to add a nose camera pointed down kinda like the rearview so that you can see what's on the other side of hills as you crest them, and then for the third input, not sure if i'll do a mid mounted under-body cam or what.

i used a little bullet camera, it's bigger than most rearview cams you see, but it's a 1/3 CCD instead of a 1/4" CMOS like most cheaper ones. the resolution is good, noise is very low, and the low-light performance is pretty good too. the auto-exposure and auto-white-balance work well. the colors are pretty washed out though.

can you find it?

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLIrvG697lI/AAAAAAAAPFw/haGrGcM6DI4/s800/P1100090.JPG

it's right above the license plate:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLIrvxtIRVI/AAAAAAAAPF4/kiAxvr3PBog/s800/P1100100.JPG

here's a shot from at-night, in a lit parking lot:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLKFs03A8sI/AAAAAAAAPHw/Dn34SZP5-TI/s800/P1100147.JPG

here's a shot in a dark parking lot, with only my reverse lamps lighting up the way:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLKFtglaZ6I/AAAAAAAAPH4/D42_NjQFGCc/s800/P1100149.JPG

currently this one is setup to come on automatically when i put the Jeep in reverse.

theksmith
10-10-2010, 11:50 PM
while i had the rear hatch apart, i added an LED camping light:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLIruPdt_cI/AAAAAAAAPFo/hS9n9Gklm-M/s800/P1100089.JPG

there's a 2 way switch that turns the light either off, white, or red (to preserve night vision):

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLKFqton4nI/AAAAAAAAPHY/LMGDCH8XkPQ/s800/P1100087.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLKFsF1tSMI/AAAAAAAAPHo/cfCyl2EPD4k/s800/P1100139.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TLKFrbhK9vI/AAAAAAAAPHg/CzkNwUbS0M4/s800/P1100138.JPG

unfortunately i'm very disappointed in the light itself. it was an expensive piece from Adventure Trailers, fully sealed electronics, and supposed to be 10 watts... which should be bright as hell for an LED. however, it's not that bright compared even to some 1.5 watt bulk LED's i have. i didn't actually check the amp draw to see if it's not really 10 watt, or if it's just not the newer super-high-output type LEDs.

anyway, i will most likely replace it with a set of red and a white bar lights from Oznium, which I know are very bright, unless i find ones i like better. there are many nice marine lights with red/white built into the same housing for navigation rooms, i'm considering some of those still.

UPDATE: brightness problem was a wiring issue: http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/showpost.php?p=303471&postcount=121

Poser 5.9
10-11-2010, 12:29 AM
Nice mods. I think that drawer in the back is a great alternative for someone who does not want an ext. mount spare tire. I like the idea of the back-up cam too, I think I want one of those. Yours looks pretty nice, but I've seen basic kits for well under a hundred bucks.

Jeeptech01
10-11-2010, 08:20 AM
The camera idea for the front and rear is very cool! I never really thought about it but it could be very helpful.

Arsonist_Bob
10-11-2010, 10:58 AM
i like the storage shelf, however do you think the wood will hold up with regular outdoor abuse? also diggin the cameras!

SirFuego
10-11-2010, 11:13 AM
Maybe I missed it, but what is the camera setup you are using? I've been contemplating getting a rear one for my tow rig to keep tabs on the trailer while I'm towing (and to help hook up the trailer when needed, too).

theksmith
10-11-2010, 11:57 AM
Maybe I missed it, but what is the camera setup you are using? I've been contemplating getting a rear one for my tow rig to keep tabs on the trailer while I'm towing (and to help hook up the trailer when needed, too).

i already had a nice screen from CarTFT.com for my carputer project, and it has 3 video inputs, so that's the only reason it really ever occured to me to start adding cameras. well that and i had previously seen these guys overpriced systems: http://www.totalvisionproducts.com/products/racing.html

the camera i decided to use is a 1/3 CCD, Sony lens, mini weatherproof bullet style camera, it was on ebay for ~$45 from a seller called chinadist... they raised their prices though to ~$80. i would just shop around on ebay or maybe check out http://www.securitycamera2000.com.

there are some nice flush mount ones, however i wanted to try this camera as it would work for a front and underbody location as well, so that's why i got it instead of a flush mount. a small flush mount one up on the left side of the third brake light would be perfect.

mainly you want to find a CCD instead of CMOS, and a 1/3" instead of 1/4", if you want the nicest image.

i have no idea what a decent screen costs for this, mine was alot as it's a computer touchscreen as well. as someone else mentioned, you can get an entire system for like $100 bucks, but you're going to get what you pay for, for the most part.

theksmith
10-30-2010, 05:45 PM
some rig pics from the October 2010 Canyonlands Maze Trip (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=772)...


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsOJKDfROI/AAAAAAAAPSM/KWAV2ANcMAc/s800/IMG_0163.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsOph1xMII/AAAAAAAAPVw/g2BFknrs8NM/s800/IMG_0239.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsOtEm8FAI/AAAAAAAAPWI/zwA9g731EQM/s800/IMG_0251.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsPCAsrJ6I/AAAAAAAAPZI/DcAfFdjCQPs/s800/IMG_0349.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsPYXm9J9I/AAAAAAAAPcA/ZcEU6VJLfOo/s800/IMG_0428.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsPboidkiI/AAAAAAAAPcY/Q-uT04T7TfA/s800/IMG_0432.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyPuhFe8oI/AAAAAAAAPiI/V5beUSWhTpM/s800/DSCN4715.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyP0BmfomI/AAAAAAAAPis/DT73Ls2bBX8/s800/DSCN4642.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyPy194rkI/AAAAAAAAPik/zfqCGm090g4/s800/DSCN4901.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyPvmeTk2I/AAAAAAAAPiQ/CNMft0H2WG8/s800/DSCN4749.JPG

Jeeptech01
10-31-2010, 11:36 AM
Man that water looks like it is moving pretty fast. Puckered at all?

LoneWJ
10-31-2010, 12:06 PM
some rig pics from the October 2010 Canyonlands Maze Trip (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=772)...


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsOJKDfROI/AAAAAAAAPSM/KWAV2ANcMAc/s800/IMG_0163.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsOph1xMII/AAAAAAAAPVw/g2BFknrs8NM/s800/IMG_0239.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsOtEm8FAI/AAAAAAAAPWI/zwA9g731EQM/s800/IMG_0251.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsPCAsrJ6I/AAAAAAAAPZI/DcAfFdjCQPs/s800/IMG_0349.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsPYXm9J9I/AAAAAAAAPcA/ZcEU6VJLfOo/s800/IMG_0428.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsPboidkiI/AAAAAAAAPcY/Q-uT04T7TfA/s800/IMG_0432.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyPuhFe8oI/AAAAAAAAPiI/V5beUSWhTpM/s800/DSCN4715.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyP0BmfomI/AAAAAAAAPis/DT73Ls2bBX8/s800/DSCN4642.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyPy194rkI/AAAAAAAAPik/zfqCGm090g4/s800/DSCN4901.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyPvmeTk2I/AAAAAAAAPiQ/CNMft0H2WG8/s800/DSCN4749.JPG

Damn, friend..!
I certainly like the bumper-delete.

I even like it best, than everyother custom bumper I've ever seen...

Your rig is a beast, dude. :smt118

Kauzi Zj
10-31-2010, 01:01 PM
some rig pics from the October 2010 Canyonlands Maze Trip (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=772)...


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsOJKDfROI/AAAAAAAAPSM/KWAV2ANcMAc/s800/IMG_0163.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsOph1xMII/AAAAAAAAPVw/g2BFknrs8NM/s800/IMG_0239.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsOtEm8FAI/AAAAAAAAPWI/zwA9g731EQM/s800/IMG_0251.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsPCAsrJ6I/AAAAAAAAPZI/DcAfFdjCQPs/s800/IMG_0349.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsPYXm9J9I/AAAAAAAAPcA/ZcEU6VJLfOo/s800/IMG_0428.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMsPboidkiI/AAAAAAAAPcY/Q-uT04T7TfA/s800/IMG_0432.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyPuhFe8oI/AAAAAAAAPiI/V5beUSWhTpM/s800/DSCN4715.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyP0BmfomI/AAAAAAAAPis/DT73Ls2bBX8/s800/DSCN4642.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyPy194rkI/AAAAAAAAPik/zfqCGm090g4/s800/DSCN4901.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TMyPvmeTk2I/AAAAAAAAPiQ/CNMft0H2WG8/s800/DSCN4749.JPG


^^^^This is EXACTLY what I envision when deciding where I want to go with my ZJ build...

theksmith
11-17-2010, 04:51 PM
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_2tom4DXGkvg/TOCnUriP8hI/AAAAAAAADPs/rW_O9BnQU98/s800/IMG_20101114_164524.jpg (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=805)

UTChavok
11-17-2010, 08:12 PM
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_2tom4DXGkvg/TOCnUriP8hI/AAAAAAAADPs/rW_O9BnQU98/s800/IMG_20101114_164524.jpg (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=805)

Ouch, what happened?

theksmith
11-17-2010, 08:53 PM
Ouch, what happened?

click the pic for full details, but short story is lost draincock, overheated really bad, wouldn't turn over, now seems to be running ok, but still need to get compression test and such done.

it usually runs fine
11-18-2010, 12:34 AM
close call man glad it worked out for you. I didn't know about the coolant bleed screw procedure, cool to know even though I do not have a WJ.

paulkeith
11-18-2010, 11:42 AM
I was going to quote the canyonland picture series and say "that right there is what jeeps are all about"....but then, I figured I could also quote the picture of it on a tow truck and say the same thing and still be totally accurate.

Good luck getting it back together.

Jeeptech01
11-18-2010, 01:07 PM
:rofl:

Rangerwj
11-18-2010, 02:54 PM
paulkeith nailed it

theksmith
11-19-2010, 05:55 PM
I was going to quote the canyonland picture series and say "that right there is what jeeps are all about"....but then, I figured I could also quote the picture of it on a tow truck and say the same thing and still be totally accurate.

Good luck getting it back together.

so true!

theksmith
11-19-2010, 06:17 PM
http://images4.cpcache.com/product/489262334v10_480x480_Front_Color-Natural.jpg

Arsonist_Bob
11-19-2010, 07:08 PM
nice, sweet shirt

biggoofy
11-19-2010, 07:15 PM
I still want one lol.

theksmith
11-22-2010, 02:09 AM
that was just a mockup of how a shirt might look, but a few people actually asked about getting one, so here: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6914&postcount=244

http://images4.cpcache.com/product/489262334v10_480x480_Front_Color-Natural.jpg

http://images5.cpcache.com/product/489262335v7_480x480_Front_Color-White.jpg

theksmith
11-30-2010, 01:14 AM
i like the storage shelf, however do you think the wood will hold up with regular outdoor abuse? also diggin the cameras!

hope so, it's got bedliner on the sides and bottom and about 6 coats of polyurethane on the top... and i do live mostly in dry ole AZ ;)

theksmith
11-30-2010, 01:15 AM
replaced leaking oil pressure sensor, woo

theksmith
11-30-2010, 01:15 AM
fixed my rear hatch light. i previously installed it and complained that it wasn't as bright as advertized. well it was because it wasn't getting a full 12v. i had probed around in the hatch to find a voltage source so i wouldn't need to run a new wire to the hatch, but was using a cheap multimeter and it actually rounded a 11.5 source up to 12 and so i thought i was good... once i checked it the other day with my good meter i saw the actual voltage.

anyway, i found a new source of good power, the pink wire going to the rear wiper motor. i checked the wiring diagram this time also to make sure it could supply plenty of current and was an always-on source.

here's the tap off the pink and black:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TPPzaYKVzeI/AAAAAAAAPs8/iToCxCnih5E/s800/P1100745.JPG

plugged back into the wiper motor and my taps zip-tied up:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TPPza6Y680I/AAAAAAAAPtE/hR5lt_QjGWM/s800/P1100747.JPG

the location of the switch and the light:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TPR_n08sgtI/AAAAAAAAPt4/8K5aPd5Bsu8/s800/P1100751.JPG

plenty bright at night now! even in my lit apartment parking lot, the camera still captured how bright it is:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TPR_oVanOlI/AAAAAAAAPuA/r60GBTh85VU/s800/P1100791.JPG

and in night-vision-preserving mode:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TPR_os-5VCI/AAAAAAAAPuI/fD0T0mG7lMI/s800/P1100790.JPG

paulkeith
11-30-2010, 01:39 PM
i'd redo those connections with solder and heatshrink....those t-taps are utter garbage....might have also contributed to the voltage drop you saw.

i like the mod though, the red version is pretty slick.

theksmith
12-05-2010, 02:42 PM
so far everything continues to be ok with my engine after the overheat issue...

my rigged draincock is holding. thought i finally got the $8 back-ordered draincock from Jeep. I'm keeping it and some extra water in the jeep for now.

Joe at Absolute Offroad said to watch for:
- oil in coolant (already knew)
- coolant in oil (already knew)
- rough start/idle on first start first thing in the morning (due to possible coolant system at pressure pushing coolant into cylinder thrugh a crack or warped sealing surface while it sits)

i have none of those issues, so his point was why even check compression? if we find something a slight bit off, then do i have over a grand to put in new HO heads right now - nope! and if there is something major wrong, then at least one of the above symptoms would show itself.

so for now it looks good, and hopefully i didn't take too many years off it's life!

i did change the oil and put in some Z-Max. i'm not usually one for additives or particular brands of oil, or for any mystery/magic stuff. but i thought perhaps something was in order due to the likelyhood that i had done 2 things when overheating: 1 - baked some sludge all over the engine's internal goodies, 2 - slightly scored cylinder walls or other surfaces from the fact that the oil at high temperatures breaks down and doesn't really lubricate correctly anymore.

theksmith
12-12-2010, 01:56 PM
scored 1050 on the RTI ramp this year!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TQULYcII-0I/AAAAAAAAP1c/9CD8lBD80F0/s800/P1100913.JPG

Rangerwj
12-13-2010, 04:43 PM
where did you pick up those gas and water cans? they look pretty nice. holding up well?

theksmith
12-13-2010, 08:49 PM
where did you pick up those gas and water cans? they look pretty nice. holding up well?

scepter water cans from dstactical.com
wedco gas cans from expeditionexchange.com

both hold up great, but the new wedco cans like these (since the CARB ban) have crappy spouts, the original cam-lock ones where so much better. i just got some gaskets for my old scepter gas cans and i may go back to those for gas.

theksmith
12-21-2010, 07:55 PM
got a new camera that does auto-bracketing and had to play with doing HDR of course:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TRE46BxhP_I/AAAAAAAAP3I/KWQh-oEKE9M/s800/hdr1.jpg


if that doesn't seem HDR, consider the primary exposure source:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TRE46OKFWyI/AAAAAAAAP3Q/Wmo_ZO3hy2w/s800/hdr1source.jpg


and if you're into the more artificial looking HDR:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TRE9dS2uKrI/AAAAAAAAP3w/o0d2tT4Z6AM/s800/hdr1extreme.jpg

dp96zj
12-21-2010, 08:04 PM
That's pretty badass. What model are you shooting with? And what editing software? I've been playing around with HDR'ing images (Photoshop CS4/Photomatix Pro), but it's tough to find a good balance.

theksmith
12-21-2010, 08:31 PM
That's pretty badass. What model are you shooting with? And what editing software? I've been playing around with HDR'ing images (Photoshop CS4/Photomatix Pro), but it's tough to find a good balance.

just picked up a used Panasonic G2 last night and I'm using the HDR Merge in CS5, just started playing with both!

from reading the ole 'net, my understanding is that the HDR tool in CS5 is alot closer to being as good as Photomatix Pro or HDR PhotoStudio whereas not many people were impressed with the CS4 tool.

those images above were made from shots taken with the autobracket set on "7 shot at 2/3 step" which should come out to a full +/-2 EV, but it only took 6 shots and didn't go that full range, i haven't read the manual yet to understand why, i think it's doing something like thinking that too much of the image would have been blown out at a full +2, so it only did -2 to +1.3.

zj6.5
12-21-2010, 11:07 PM
That is flippin awsome..... I love it.

theksmith
01-03-2011, 10:47 PM
from a 24 hour snow adventure (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=881)...

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TR0k4AwRdzI/AAAAAAAAQIc/VNS1a7iuHOU/s1024/P1020436-hdr.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TR0pWbCeYHI/AAAAAAAAQI4/XFkpLixDfBM/s1024/P1020478-hdr.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TR0kx-K0XuI/AAAAAAAAQIU/KgtIogjlsh4/s1024/P1020467-hdr.jpg

Brad S
01-04-2011, 10:21 AM
from a 24 hour snow adventure (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=881)...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TR0kx-K0XuI/AAAAAAAAQIU/KgtIogjlsh4/s1024/P1020467-hdr.jpg

^ Calendar shot vote +1

Arsonist_Bob
01-04-2011, 09:12 PM
not sure if i like your dub or the trips that you take it on more.
sounds like an exciting adventure you had

theksmith
01-21-2011, 02:37 PM
HAM rig installed: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=920

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TTnKMlR--8I/AAAAAAAAQUw/8WdFez9FzQI/s800/P1110123.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=920)

theksmith
01-21-2011, 04:47 PM
from trip to Coral Canyon OHV park and other areas near San Diego, CA:
http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=914


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dH7uiVdqRY
i'm on at 4:55 and 9:30


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wFEZGS0Kmw&feature=watch_response
i'm on at 4:17, then the part at 11:21 is where i got this:

http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae188/BorregoWrangler/Corral%20Canyon%20and%20Jacumba%20%20Jan%202011/IMG_0595.jpg


and a more tranquil scene from the weekend:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TTUptjNA4CI/AAAAAAAAQQM/m_z5sv-MMDM/s800/P1020551.JPG

TN_WJ
01-22-2011, 04:54 AM
Man those trails out there look fun as hell!

theksmith
01-23-2011, 04:19 PM
Man those trails out there look fun as hell!

yeah, the southwest is rockn.

other news - the jeep rolled over on 125,000 miles yesterday, didn't get a pic though.

theksmith
01-25-2011, 02:21 PM
so this is the most i'v ever articulated, i know because i contacted some metal inside the front fender well that i'd never bent up before! just need a little more trimming i guess inside there. also, at one point i was told i was only being pulled forward by lockers, due to having one rear and one front tire in the air at the same time! not sure why i still can't get the top of a tire to completely drooped below a rock rail (top of tire will come about even with the rock rail, thats as far as she goes, i think shock length is holding it back).

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TT5Nx14EkMI/AAAAAAAAHmY/qwQcqxc1lvQ/s800/DSCN5764.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TT5Ny-FuciI/AAAAAAAAHmg/6CHBjSOzju4/s800/DSCN5765.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TT5Nzo4ZxzI/AAAAAAAAHmk/1cZJ4LQiyrk/s800/DSCN5766.JPG

thanks dzjeepchic for the pics.

also really like this shot from diane's pics (different obstacle):

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TT5Oqt4T24I/AAAAAAAAHqk/z4F2KhUquf8/s720/DSCN5919.JPG

theksmith
02-07-2011, 10:08 PM
full story from our maze adventure a while back: http://online.jpfreek.com/2011/02/04/a-trip-to-the-maze/

theksmith
02-24-2011, 01:27 PM
from the Mojave Road trip (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=987)...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TWaN8hc02UI/AAAAAAAAQhs/_xH7Be9jVsc/s800/P1110214.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=987)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TWaOBFuOh8I/AAAAAAAAQjc/KgcATu5MHJI/s800/P1110275.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=987)

1ABrian
02-24-2011, 02:55 PM
Sweet pics man. Looks like an awsome trip. Did you see any funky animals out there?

theksmith
02-24-2011, 03:21 PM
Sweet pics man. Looks like an awsome trip. Did you see any funky animals out there?

almost hit a jackrabbit, but that's about it! i think it was tooooo cold.

and the ostrich and bison on that one ranch.

theksmith
02-27-2011, 06:52 PM
pics from lower and upper ajax trail run yesterday.... (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=996)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TWrT1jDiGbI/AAAAAAAAQoI/cHhEF_l-0pM/s800/ajaxmine026.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TWrT2K2jMGI/AAAAAAAAQoQ/AYX1_4aBy04/s800/DSCN6494.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TWrT29frqmI/AAAAAAAAQoY/k3g2g41mfDY/s800/DSCN6495.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TWrT3c_cqNI/AAAAAAAAQog/tu-xB3ND7Lk/s800/IMG_0103.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TWrT3nQ-9XI/AAAAAAAAQoo/jYSYZFYRcHI/s800/IMG_0119.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TWrT4IGUoII/AAAAAAAAQow/5t5X0DmB2DA/s800/ajaxmine091.jpg

FearTheDentist
02-27-2011, 07:35 PM
heh- pic#4 brings back memories- I got my 1st body damage in that exact spot back on 2005. It was the 3rd time I'd taken the WJ out, had a short arm lift and 31's (thunderchickens no less..). Didn't have a rear locker and I just couldn't get up that obstacle in front of you there- my driver's rear would get wet in that puddle by your driver's front wheel and good bye rear traction. I mis-judged backing off of it and scraaaape....

There's not much I miss about Az, but the wheeling is way high on the list...

chadjans
02-27-2011, 08:31 PM
pics from lower and upper ajax trail run yesterday.... (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=996)


Bryant and I were out running some trails in the area also yesterday. Wonder if we crossed paths.

Rangerwj
03-01-2011, 04:37 AM
dang what a great looking wj. any plans for a front and/or rear bumper?

theksmith
03-02-2011, 01:49 PM
dang what a great looking wj. any plans for a front and/or rear bumper?

thanks man!

axles first, then an LSRGreg or Iceland front bumper, then a custom rear and tire carrier... assuming jeep holds together long enough to get to all that expensive shit!

it usually runs fine
03-02-2011, 03:03 PM
LSR bumper. I was already thinking that.

theksmith
03-10-2011, 01:02 PM
some pics from a Raw Deal run a while back:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TXj__iIzXOI/AAAAAAAAQx0/vtjS8vVhzlw/s800/IMG_0604.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TXkAJO6DI4I/AAAAAAAAQx0/K1vyAwmM74I/s800/DSC03293.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TXkAJw-0YOI/AAAAAAAAQx0/95fxOTmkgek/s800/IMG_0691.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TXkALcw4N1I/AAAAAAAAQx0/bdcooPdeO8A/s800/DSC03302.jpg

TN_WJ
03-10-2011, 01:07 PM
What were you aired down to in that first pic?

theksmith
03-10-2011, 01:09 PM
What were you aired down to in that first pic?

15 PSI

Arsonist_Bob
03-10-2011, 08:30 PM
damn, those suckers flex really well

theksmith
04-08-2011, 08:10 PM
so nothing new on the jeep lately, but i have been messing with my other off-road toy, a 1/16 SCT... did a body for it this past week.

here's how it came:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TZ4bD9i6M_I/AAAAAAAAQ-U/lOcwvWcZOe4/s800/P1110786.JPG

and the custom body:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TZ4M15rBaaI/AAAAAAAAQ9w/yiEKrgZ922g/s800/2011-04-05_09-40-26_599.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TZ4MRG6iO9I/AAAAAAAAQ9M/88X5zwtzX1I/s800/P1020689.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/TZ4MRt82XlI/AAAAAAAAQ9U/aRi_-rVsmjo/s800/P1020696.JPG



and made a little video of it jumping off picnic tables and such this morning (stock body on for bashin):


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRloQbPPkbg&hd=1

Rangerwj
04-08-2011, 08:27 PM
COOL!!! :rolleyes:

theksmith
04-20-2011, 01:13 PM
added lights to the R/C:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_xkFrXZhchqE/Tar9EjDq51I/AAAAAAAARP8/ol49ZmDj7UI/s800/P1020757%20raw.jpg

ordered this for the real jeep:

http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/images/product//currie/CE-9102JK.jpg

and yup, that means the JK axles are going in finally - May 2nd

theksmith
05-25-2011, 02:56 AM
already posted this on JF and ORP, but going to post here to in case one of the smart kids can help ;)


the JK axle swap is done and brand new driveshafts are in, but it now has vibes that are completely unacceptable. before the swap, i had vibes starting at 70-75 mph and becoming really bad at 80-85 mph. now the vibes come on 10 mph sooner which means that i can't even do 75 on the freeway anymore and therefore the rig is useless for trips till fixed.

the fact that the vibes come on at lower speed is expected if they are the result of the same problem as before - since the swap ended up with lower gears, therefore now turning the engine/t-case/driveshafts faster RPM at any given speed. what's not expected is for there to still be a vibration problem at all!

the problem is in the front. if you remove the front DS, the problem disappears completely. this is the same way it was before the swap. before i had new 1310 double-cardan DS front and rear. i now have brand new 1350 double cardan DS front and rear. it's reasonable to assume that the problem can't be the front DS alone since it existed with both setups.

joe & chris have spent hours messing with pinion angle. at the textbook design for a double-cardan shaft of pointing the pinion directly at the t-case or 1 degree lower, the vibes are actually worse than if you point it down a bit more than you would expect to need to. they've tried pointing it all over the place and no luck. if pinion angle was truely the only problem, i would actually expect the vibes to have gotten better during the swap because i now have a hi-pinion axle and therefore less severe angles in general.

i've had it suggested to go to a double-double-cardan front driveshaft, but that seems to be addressing a symptom rather than the root cause. it was also suggested to just get a front manual hub conversion (allowing the front DS to not spin when on freeway in 2wd). that however is only made by a single company for the JK axles and costs ~$1,500, plus you have to get new wheels or adapters because it changes your bolt pattern, and then you need new rear axle shafts to match that pattern too. again, that is a nice upgrade but seems to not be fixing whatever my root problem is.

since the only thing that did not change was my t-case, i am leaning towards it being the problem. it is a used 242HD that i think had ~50k miles on it when i got it. the first thing i will check tomorrow is if there is any side-to-side play in the front output shaft (i.e. sloppy bearing), but i don't recall noticing that when i was swapping the yoke to a flange. so this leads me to asking what else could be wrong in the t-case that would only affect the front? what might i have screwed up when i had it apart for the rear SYE conversion when i first got it? could the front output shaft be bent?

what other theories do you guys have?

i am convinced there is a root problem common to both of my recent configurations. with a double-cardan DS, a hi-pinion axle and only 6" of lift, i'm not running anything that extreme or un-common.

theksmith
06-12-2011, 05:12 AM
updates since the last post...

got all the ABS wired up and so the abs/brake/check-engine lights are all off again and i've driven a while so i can go get emissions done this week. still need to hookup lockers, but have the harness/plugs now for that ready.

got the "brand new" driveshafts redone by a different shop, they said runout was way off and so they rewelded them and rebalanaced. this cured the rear vibration, but as soon as i put the front shaft back in that still causes major vibration.

i measured the on-vehicle front DS runout, the FSM says 0.025 max at center of shaft, just before the weld on the main tube, here's what i have still:

front t-case output, where the machined portion of the flange-yoke is right next to the t-case: 0.003
drive-shaft main large tube, just before weld in center: 0.039
drive-shaft machined portion of the slip (shiney part): 0.025
front pinion output, on the outer portion of the flange-yoke (not a good place, but best i could easily get to): 0.004

so i don't think either the pinion or t-case is bad, but the DS seems off some still.... however, doesn't sound like that's enough to be the sole cause of a really bad vibration at ~2000RPM and up and ~60MPH and up....


so tired of fighting, today i cleaned her really well and then had her buffed:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qs5O9k29br8/TfQA_KEA3gI/AAAAAAAARvY/5OCiHkt1pIw/s800/P1110902.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QHervOofR_k/TfQA_o4-DnI/AAAAAAAARvg/ODXx_QZsWwY/s800/P1110906.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qVRZUaJQl6s/TfQA_0Du3JI/AAAAAAAARvo/N-g7JqDkQaE/s800/P1110905.JPG

theksmith
07-06-2011, 07:41 AM
some pics a friend took while on the smiley rock trail.
axles held together ;)
blew out 1 shock, but it was several years old


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ppu2YWEgYhE/TguifUDN00I/AAAAAAAAR4Y/sQ2S1YlCrm0/s800/270772_1936120517901_1088970932_31684481_2208941_n .jpg


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YPD8bIdAWR0/TguigDSlIjI/AAAAAAAAR4c/89o11-kmsBk/s800/262198_1936123157967_1088970932_31684491_3053364_n .jpg


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qu7QKMgS2UQ/Tguigsl6uvI/AAAAAAAAR4g/pSIEDsSaurI/s800/270176_1936124037989_1088970932_31684495_1528064_n .jpg


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mkiRpKAtD4w/TgukV3L1vbI/AAAAAAAAR5E/g5y0-HWMo6c/s800/P1110955.JPG

theksmith
07-06-2011, 07:42 AM
Number 7 helped me a couple days this week. we messed with pinion angle, but were not able to make the vibes any better.


he also changed my balljoints, which was a PITA because of how the jeep ones sit at a different angle than the knuckle top. the correct adapters are available online, but no-one had them for rent or sale locally. made due with some shims and patience.


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wkSWt9nSk0g/Tgumprc_SmI/AAAAAAAAR6Q/mDEtvvCKx20/s800/P1110962.JPG




rcv shaft out:


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_vZldZj3iD8/TgukWlw7Q3I/AAAAAAAAR5Q/HQZuu3VcXYY/s800/P1110957.JPG






new greasable upper


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QNJLID_IuPU/TgukXRqWnAI/AAAAAAAAR5Y/9ZOgQ2pUk3Q/s800/P1110958.JPG




new lower, also greasable


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6ghFw18hp0w/TgukYAxLQCI/AAAAAAAAR5k/-FOIoTlVBuc/s800/P1110959.JPG




i went with the Poly Performance / Synergy Suspension ball joints after hearing from a couple places that the factory JK ones wear out pretty quick. if these don't last, then maybe i'll step up to the Dynatrac ones next time.

theksmith
07-06-2011, 07:43 AM
went over to a freind of a friend's shop saturday to widen my sliders. jeep looks naked with sliders off, but taller:


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y2-vpaN6QZE/ThMrH9wUMaI/AAAAAAAAR7c/vLpeAczEAmg/s800/2011-07-02_15-38-01_171.jpg




random shots:


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KpUIyMIWunU/ThMrIvyDz9I/AAAAAAAAR7k/5_x2kF0WSAg/s800/2011-07-02_15-38-18_492.jpg


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NrWq2pmn5Vc/ThMrJZ_xKjI/AAAAAAAAR7s/e-MY55cUsVM/s800/2011-07-02_15-39-45_704.jpg


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CJ0BHY4QQeA/ThMrJwquqWI/AAAAAAAAR70/cIFX5HKNPrU/s800/2011-07-02_15-41-43_969.jpg




we cut off the "hoops" from the existing JKS supernerfs and welded wider ones one. these come out even with the tires now. will be harder to get in and out without getting mud/dust on the leg, but should help keep the body out of the rocks better. we also took off 3/4" from the rear length and 1" from the front of the length for more tire clearance. will get pics of them on once done painting.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ItTkwT9CTng/ThO5VfHLuRI/AAAAAAAAR9E/ngJ3oQWy3P0/s800/P1030501.JPG




i realized i need to add another body mounting arm i think - they are now so wide that any hits to the far outside is putting way more leverage on the existing mounts and so probably needs another brace.

theksmith
07-06-2011, 07:44 AM
someone buy my old axles and you can bolt in gears/lockers to your WJ!


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-euITXC1R02g/TgukYklm7DI/AAAAAAAAR5s/1Bwm_oL7J4k/s800/P1110978.JPG (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f126/grand-cherokee-wj-axles-4-56-gears-arb-aussie-lockers-jks-spares-1233672/)


http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f126/grand-cherokee-wj-axles-4-56-gears-arb-aussie-lockers-jks-spares-1233672/

Arsonist_Bob
07-06-2011, 08:03 PM
so, whats the plan then?

cowboy63b
07-06-2011, 09:23 PM
DAMNITTTTTTTTTTTTT, even tho they are not bolt in, i would love those axles.


how long do you anticipate on keeping these axles?

tucsonwj77
07-13-2011, 11:03 PM
How much are you looking for, for the whole shot?

wjguy
07-15-2011, 11:07 PM
haha those damn things are getting around!

someone buy my old axles and you can bolt in gears/lockers to your WJ!


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-euITXC1R02g/TgukYklm7DI/AAAAAAAAR5s/1Bwm_oL7J4k/s800/P1110978.JPG (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f126/grand-cherokee-wj-axles-4-56-gears-arb-aussie-lockers-jks-spares-1233672/)


http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f126/grand-cherokee-wj-axles-4-56-gears-arb-aussie-lockers-jks-spares-1233672/

theksmith
09-12-2011, 01:55 PM
haha those damn things are getting around!
ha, yep! PhantomWJ just drove out last week from L.A. and picked them up finally!

theksmith
09-12-2011, 02:11 PM
no updates in a while, here ya go all at once!


trackbar relocation bracket, clayton jk trackbar custom length, poly performance draglink, new swaybar connect axle mounts

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mi7ncSMnLRg/TlbeVwxGleI/AAAAAAAASeM/h1Gy5BrnNeM/s800/P1030763.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pqasFrCp-ZM/TlbcukcNM4I/AAAAAAAASeA/CsFmUQ5zWeY/s800/P1030761.JPG


went to the cinders

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1DlnpEEeGVg/Tl0YBZdETEI/AAAAAAAASgU/__jWIqQdu2c/s800/DSCN0412.JPG


a start at rock lights

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-13cgmZfBrjE/TmrPDX812QI/AAAAAAAAShU/EcgtXcGq4OA/s800/P1120313.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jxYp9QcSReo/TmrQqLvz7KI/AAAAAAAAShs/cof3nsHCW1M/s800/P1030843.JPG


camped on 4 peaks this weekend

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KqOB0CZQYno/Tm4U-A3vCyI/AAAAAAAASj0/1ACt7jn3fqI/s800/P1030915_raw1.jpg



no more bump steer, but did find out alignment way off, fixing that next week and hopefully that is last of any handling problems. still have vibe problems, now that it's cooling down outside will look at it more. need to replace o2 sensor, doing them all and more stuff like that as preventative maint next week. cooling started acting wonky, think the hydraulic powered fan is going out.

WJJEEPIN
09-12-2011, 11:27 PM
So what axles did you go to?

EDIT: Sorry I am an idiot and didnt read the post above. "the JK axle swap is done" Lesson learned, dont drink and post. :)

theksmith
09-12-2011, 11:53 PM
So what axles did you go to?

used JK rubi's, 5.13, rcv, superior alloy, tubed/gusseted, RK tierod

theksmith
09-23-2011, 10:52 PM
got about half way to taking the engine out today: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1348

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RQBB9eUnf80/Tn0TQbnhGMI/AAAAAAAASlE/JZGSSlQNpnw/s800/P1120376.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1348)

1ABrian
09-28-2011, 01:36 PM
any updated pics of engine work goin on?

96RedZJ
09-29-2011, 02:35 AM
any updated pics of engine work goin on?

He posted 30 minutes ago on his site, motor comes in tomorrow.

Hurry up already. Christ.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

1ABrian
09-29-2011, 01:22 PM
Jeez this thing done yet? Man Ive been sitting at my computer since the 23rd for updates here.

theksmith
09-30-2011, 09:58 PM
i been sick for 2 weeks too, and yeah, took just over week and half for engine to come.

old one is out, new one has most of the basic stuff on it, goes in tomorrow: http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=12808#post12808

theksmith
10-02-2011, 07:48 PM
it's all good! did the 30 minute first run at 1500 RPM, got it all bled out, then did the 10 time accelerate-decelerate break in. temp and oil pressure holding nice and steady. steering pump starting to work out air and calm down already. whew!





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJIGnMS3kzw




https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uVRuE5ok8mw/Toj1Jki0q6I/AAAAAAAASmE/zmhp_pETztw/s800/P1120427.JPG




big thanks to my 2 buds that helped tremendously getting this knocked out!

theksmith
10-13-2011, 09:21 AM
i (and thew new engine) made it back from Hole in the Rock Trail (http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1369)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YWvXBE2cass/TpO7m6IPjKI/AAAAAAAAMXw/gp98vEtrD9M/s800/DSCN1026.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9GZmS036yyg/TpXYuH6b_bI/AAAAAAAASrU/5LN_cxxxt7g/s800/P1040256.JPG

1ABrian
10-13-2011, 12:58 PM
Glad to see shes up and goin again. Awsome pics out there!! So you gonna run reg oil for a few K and swap to synthetic?

theksmith
10-14-2011, 12:21 PM
Glad to see shes up and goin again. Awsome pics out there!! So you gonna run reg oil for a few K and swap to synthetic?

i just run conventional all the time because i try to stick to the 3,000 mile service interval. i prefer having new air & oil filters and making sure everything gets greased that often. can't afford to run synthetic and still do 3k interval.

paulkeith
10-14-2011, 10:41 PM
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9GZmS036yyg/TpXYuH6b_bI/AAAAAAAASrU/5LN_cxxxt7g/s800/P1040256.JPG

Ho. Ly. Shit.

That is just plain awesome.

theksmith
10-16-2011, 09:36 AM
thanks! here's a pano from that same spot:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NuDCy8ArBRQ/TpoTjeicZaI/AAAAAAAASt0/ozGDQZiLbXI/s1600/pano2.jpg

theksmith
11-06-2011, 11:47 PM
back from a week in the San Rafael Swell, UT - more pics coming, took nearly 1,000!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OV5tOMiQXnE/TrcyN0IjCfI/AAAAAAAASzU/SenfSgOCuMA/s800/P1040681.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ucZjulCXSs4/TrdC6SguIEI/AAAAAAAASzc/-1ukttetAmc/s800/P1040782.JPG

1ABrian
11-08-2011, 04:39 PM
ya know, I'm, really hating "road trips" now. I should pack up my heep and go on my own "off road" trip on a hunting excursion. I'm all jealous now

theksmith
12-22-2011, 02:05 AM
check out the cover, and pages 16-20 of the current JP Freek Gear Guide issue: http://currentissue.jpfreek.com/publication/?m=16482&l=1


http://online.jpfreek.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/galleries/jpfreek-logos/jpf-gearguide2012.jpg (http://currentissue.jpfreek.com/publication/?m=16482&l=1)

dyn0mitemat
12-22-2011, 08:59 AM
Thats sweet!

theksmith
03-13-2012, 10:01 AM
some of my faves that others took of my rig from the last trip (Calico):


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3X9NJEVcgK8/T0w3aHCa7fI/AAAAAAAANu4/dSI6rm-bP40/s903/DSCN8916.JPG


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fEVO5l1iyxU/T0w3S3IP_gI/AAAAAAAANso/FLj0j8hDDuY/s903/DSCN8898.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VuyGRDtojDg/T0w8On6bOHI/AAAAAAAAF_s/PTBL9zELqM4/s1462/IMG_5656.JPG


check out the trip thread here (trip report starts on post #14): http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1633

theksmith
03-24-2012, 11:16 PM
out in the Florence Junction area this week... (http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1678)


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xC1vwWgrTsg/T26LX0ehAiI/AAAAAAAAT28/znF3oFiGKyA/s800/2012-03-22%252012.04.56.jpg


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wq6QGA-crO0/T26LaP0SJ-I/AAAAAAAAT3s/fQw_x5NZ8rA/s800/2012-03-22%252012.46.10.jpg

theksmith
05-01-2012, 06:57 PM
so it's about time she had a name... get in on it here (before La Fawnduh sticks): http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1827

theksmith
05-16-2012, 09:33 AM
a couple shots of the rig from mother's day camping:


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0-XdfaSX5lo/T7D22tPgVYI/AAAAAAAAUKc/Wmz3rCT2LFs/s800/P1050511.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x8dELSeFAjk/T7D25OpegqI/AAAAAAAAUKg/O3icZmTWb18/s800/P1050544.JPG


no mods lately, just been working on the carputer some. i think i about have that thing stable.

1ABrian
05-16-2012, 01:14 PM
looks like you had good weather for camping. I'm hoping to get out soon....I need some quiet time

theksmith
05-23-2012, 09:11 AM
did a one nighter to Red Creek... (http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1878)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KgVOb9V_l_Q/T7l-mnueuNI/AAAAAAAAUNo/VqvwqSwM8PI/s800/P1050729.JPG (http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1878)

also did a quick wash run from needle rock to bartlett dam rd before meeting everyone

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C4dysqTk6WU/T7vB-mfk3hI/AAAAAAAAUPE/7qbFMjCfU0s/s800/P1050665-b.jpg

just1more19
05-24-2012, 01:39 AM
lookin good, I always liked the look of your rig.

theksmith
09-07-2012, 12:34 PM
lookin good, I always liked the look of your rig.

thanks!

nothing much new here, went to CO for a week, been doing some smaller trips too. did our annual Offroad Passport Cinders party last weekend:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-js1lbzQK2rM/UEU6_iV-sdI/AAAAAAAAQQk/4Am7dzSOxXA/s800/DSCN0036.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w4izpa5vFww/UEojT8_LZuI/AAAAAAAAVAw/uh7A1SoqFeQ/s1024/DSCN0741.JPG

Cnolen
10-08-2012, 08:11 PM
Any new pics or info to share?

theksmith
10-23-2012, 01:09 PM
a couple pics from last weekend - going out again next weekend

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X9ToDoT31dM/UIRiCiA3p5I/AAAAAAAAVDA/Yk_sbz8C0lk/s800/P1060840.JPG


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--yjtVeUvPOg/UIRiHh06lkI/AAAAAAAAVEs/T_gA0g1BE4M/s800/P1060898.JPG

nothing much new. my valve covers were leaking so i replaced the gaskets. they were hard as a rock (were the ones that came with the new engine) - perhaps just a crappy gaskets? put on some new felpro ones. driver's side is easy, passenger side is a PITA!

bshows73
10-24-2012, 01:25 AM
Is that the Cherry creek area? Love that area spent a lot of time there as a kid.

theksmith
10-24-2012, 12:33 PM
Is that the Cherry creek area? Love that area spent a lot of time there as a kid.

it is!

theksmith
12-06-2012, 04:06 PM
i'm selling the hydro-assist steering kit that i bought and never installed:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f130/hydro-assist-steering-box-ram-hoses-hardware-hydraulic-1446869/


just need the money for other projects right now, still may do hydro one day.

EDIT - SOLD!

theksmith
01-29-2013, 08:28 AM
ripped out the old car pc (http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/138507-2003-grand-cherokee-4x4-expedition-vehicle-worklog-dockable-hp-laptop.html), and just getting to work on a new tablet based system (http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/155150-motorola-xoom-2003-jeep-grand-cherokee-4x4.html).

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LmNfD5agrI4/UQe0McxyJtI/AAAAAAAAViU/x5kH9GOo2ug/s800/CIMG2796.JPG


no major expeditions lately, just been wheelin locally.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-44R4iEyRJi8/UPlcTtTWH5I/AAAAAAAAVeM/WCj3Hmx07F0/s800/DSCN2247.JPG

Jeep Whore
01-29-2013, 11:10 PM
whats the specs on the tablet? are you going to use it as a gps?

theksmith
02-02-2013, 12:58 PM
whats the specs on the tablet? are you going to use it as a gps?

it's a Motorola XOOM 4G 32GB. it supports up to a 64GB microSD card as well.

it will be used for topo maps/GPS/tacks/etc., on-road maps/navigation/traffic, an OBDII interface, music & movies, and a PDF reader for the factory service manual.

i may eventually try to integrate vehicle cameras with it, though a separate small LCD for those would be simpler.


the install is moving along fairly quickly, waiting on some electronics for the audio...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1M9GbGPbM4Y/UQx4XAhcwaI/AAAAAAAAVl0/dhnNq1_Ja9g/s800/CIMG2853.JPG

Jeep Whore
02-02-2013, 04:01 PM
nice, i jsut bought a samsung galaxy tab 2 10.1 that i'll be using as my GPS i'm planning on using backcountry navigator. which from the picture you jsut posted it looked like the APP you're using.

did you buy any of the additional topo map packages for it? or just the ones that are free?

what style of mount are you using for that?

theksmith
02-02-2013, 09:21 PM
yeah using BCN for now, i prefer Orux but BCN handles large map data sets better. have not bought the additional maps yet, plan to check them out though. i also use CoPilot Live for on-road maps & navigation.

the mount is based off a RAM-Mount cradle and a Motorola XOOM Speaker Dock, all the info is here: http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/155150-motorola-xoom-2003-jeep-grand-cherokee-4x4.html

Jeep Whore
02-03-2013, 02:03 AM
hmmm, now i'm questioning my choice of the galaxy tab 2.... mine was refurbished so its about the same price from what i see on amazon.

you defiantly are using it way more the what i would be using it for in the jeep. mine would be for school / wheeling.

are you going to use a otter box for it, or anything to protect it from typical wheeling. dirt / dust i guess.

we'll see how i end up mounting mine

theksmith
03-18-2013, 06:18 AM
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ByVnPJw-1bs/UT_wzLWpKWI/AAAAAAAAWCw/LnHXptlcC3Q/s288/ox2013-1.jpg (http://overlandexpo.com) http://offroadpassport.com/site/images/orp/logo_tagline_150.png (http://offroadpassport.com)


i'm happy to report that Offroad Passport will be at the 2013 Overland Expo (http://overlandexpo.com) in May. our exhibit will feature the WJ and all it's gadgets!


More info: http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2607




if anyone is attending and would like to camp more remotely (in the nearby woods) instead of at the Expo, feel free to join us at our base-camp! details are in the link above.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kqGqpFojm_U/UT_w0MBUKZI/AAAAAAAAWDA/nWP3mNaoozA/s400/ox2013-3.jpg (http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2607)

Kraqa
03-19-2013, 05:53 PM
Any interest in sharing the app you built to control the tab from the steering wheels?

theksmith
04-01-2013, 01:59 AM
Any interest in sharing the app you built to control the tab from the steering wheels?

yup, i made it open source: https://github.com/theksmith/Steering-Wheel-Interface

downtowncb
04-02-2013, 02:13 AM
Nice job on the tablet interface! Where did you find the information to interpret the PCI bus stream steering wheel commands? Or was it just trial and error, recording what was sent out when you pressed the respective buttons?

theksmith
04-11-2013, 10:15 AM
Nice job on the tablet interface! Where did you find the information to interpret the PCI bus stream steering wheel commands? Or was it just trial and error, recording what was sent out when you pressed the respective buttons?

thanks!

i recorded a few seconds of what msgs fly around when doing nothing - this was my "baseline". then i recorded 5 button presses for each button, spaced evenly apart - these were my "sample runs". then i put all the recorded data in excel. i had it remove all the baseline msgs from each sample run, thereby getting the distractions out of the samples. then i removed anything that was duplicated between each sample run, since i was looking for unique buttons in each run. then i looked for what was left that occured 5 times in each sample run... however that was a little tricky because there is some hardware bounce and so sometimes there were more than 5. however, looking at the actual list that was left, you could see when something was a bounce versus when it was spaced out. between that and knowing that each button should have a common destination ID in the msg i was able to identify a msg in each sample run that was sent to a common destination ID - 11, so likely the Radio was 11. that allowed me to just monitor for anything sent to ID 11 and confirm the button msgs. i did all this with the jeep off to reduce the amount of data flying around, since i knew the radio and the buttons worked with the jeep off. i also left the radio off, assuming the buttons still would send msgs to it, but then i wouldn't have to worry about acknowledgements coming back from the radio that would confuse the data even more.

i'm going to do a blog post on the process of identifying vehicle bus data, it will be part 2 of this article (how to use a usb/bluetooth scan-tool to start hacking on the rig): http://theksmith.com/technology/hack-vehicle-bus-cheap-easy-part-1/

theksmith
04-11-2013, 10:17 AM
did The Rug Road (http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2687) last weekend, on of my favorites in AZ

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PuzzxAiPASE/UWKx1iLV1jI/AAAAAAAAWOY/mRau4oOv_uU/s800/P1070880raw.jpg (http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2687)


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-78YYwpobGlE/UWKx2ZgCKhI/AAAAAAAAWPM/xFEAVf8eN3c/s800/P1070888raw.jpg (http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2687)

downtowncb
04-12-2013, 11:46 PM
thanks!

i recorded a few seconds of what msgs fly around when doing nothing - this was my "baseline". then i recorded 5 button presses for each button, spaced evenly apart - these were my "sample runs". then i put all the recorded data in excel. i had it remove all the baseline msgs from each sample run, thereby getting the distractions out of the samples. then i removed anything that was duplicated between each sample run, since i was looking for unique buttons in each run. then i looked for what was left that occured 5 times in each sample run... however that was a little tricky because there is some hardware bounce and so sometimes there were more than 5. however, looking at the actual list that was left, you could see when something was a bounce versus when it was spaced out. between that and knowing that each button should have a common destination ID in the msg i was able to identify a msg in each sample run that was sent to a common destination ID - 11, so likely the Radio was 11. that allowed me to just monitor for anything sent to ID 11 and confirm the button msgs. i did all this with the jeep off to reduce the amount of data flying around, since i knew the radio and the buttons worked with the jeep off. i also left the radio off, assuming the buttons still would send msgs to it, but then i wouldn't have to worry about acknowledgements coming back from the radio that would confuse the data even more.

i'm going to do a blog post on the process of identifying vehicle bus data, it will be part 2 of this article (how to use a usb/bluetooth scan-tool to start hacking on the rig): http://theksmith.com/technology/hack-vehicle-bus-cheap-easy-part-1/

Great info, nice deductive reasoning. I'll go read your post. If you have the right info on the PCI bus you can do so many cool things like this!

theksmith
05-28-2013, 12:31 AM
get your guesses in!


The "Guess what TheKSmith is up to" contest: http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2795


what is the next addition to Lafawnduh?

theksmith
09-18-2013, 08:54 AM
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A7ZdOrQimUk/Ui1gbufXzgI/AAAAAAAAXYo/nqh3aWHOjW8/s800/IMG_0883.JPG

theksmith
10-27-2013, 10:11 AM
some pics from Comb Ridge, UT trip... (http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3073&page=2)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VYEBjc7-pYg/UlTaqVeRfcI/AAAAAAAAXm0/fn6k8-8Ue9M/s800/IMG_1128.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eqnomnAB010/UlTavYsonwI/AAAAAAAAXn0/q7tPeUxugoQ/s800/IMG_1160.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3RPGvSCZF8Y/UlXI0_Ek7tI/AAAAAAAAXu8/Ej9SJShz77M/s800/DSCN3557.webp.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7tv0H1ehwZY/UlXI18Br4hI/AAAAAAAAXvI/g0L6HSoRhC0/s800/DSCN3518.JPG



and a local play hill:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cti9pyM-F-4/Um0d29mVeDI/AAAAAAAAX3k/aqileNzK_Kk/s800/image_zpse9dbbf72.jpg


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U0_vpncNNog/Um0d3VPOlHI/AAAAAAAAX3s/tpXC8nknrfQ/s800/image_zpsafbb3c03.jpg

BigDaveZJ
10-27-2013, 01:25 PM
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eqnomnAB010/UlTavYsonwI/AAAAAAAAXn0/q7tPeUxugoQ/s800/IMG_1160.JPG










Would you mind sending me a full-res version of that and any other good pics you might have for the calendar? bigdavezj at gmail

Thanks man!

theksmith
10-28-2013, 08:43 AM
Would you mind sending me a full-res version of that and any other good pics you might have for the calendar? bigdavezj at gmail

Thanks man!

sweet!

...and done, you've got mail!

theksmith
11-17-2013, 11:48 PM
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ncfoLQ-naMQ/UojybVyPUdI/AAAAAAAAV1w/fucBhjwSxoo/s800/DSCN4245.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qmDhpqGf9Yw/Uojy9ojT2BI/AAAAAAAAV5M/DnVLV4Y7tMg/s800/DSCN4284.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nsMtq5qo7q0/UojzJpS71pI/AAAAAAAAV6k/PD2VD7bXcG4/s800/DSCN4300.JPG


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yw9KiokWMEY/UojzS7JePDI/AAAAAAAAV7o/KzyItk9d3Nc/s800/DSCN4313.JPG


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BOMcS7L0otI/UoiDo_pR2OI/AAAAAAAAX9w/ed79MH6ww8I/s800/IMG_1588.JPG


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oiUOfhjFi24/UoiDu_hpbWI/AAAAAAAAX-c/84n0Bcj1FLA/s800/IMG_1618.JPG

theksmith
11-22-2014, 09:59 AM
wow i hadn't logged on here in over a year!

pretty much just keep my build thread on ORP updated: http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5

latest news was the axle tube on my JK Rubi front axle cracked and i had to have that re-tubed, also had it trussed while in there and they used 3/8" wall tube on it, so should be better than ever!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--Okv9OaZ-lE/VFQ5zf0cyII/AAAAAAAAFZg/VR5xVoWYN1g/s800/IMG_4671.JPG

did the Rubicon this summer, that was fun: http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3693&highlight=rubicon

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-afjWmwADIlA/U832PhZQHcI/AAAAAAAABzI/JRNH562KMXo/s800/IMG_4041.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zwzMqdoK0rk/U8_4P15iHgI/AAAAAAAAZJ0/miQrgs0Gfsg/s800/DSCN6090.JPG

always have some minor repair to do, and still do trips as often as possible