Just a few things being added to the Jeep

**WFTW** · 05-29-2008, 06:49

There's been a lot of interest in the customization of my Jeep, and while I have a few "build" threads on other forums (the WFTW forum, a Hummer forum

, the Expo forum, and a JK-only forum), I thought I would post one here so that those of you who'd like to read about could do so without going to a different forum.

This may give you some ideas on what you'd like to do with your Jeep or which parts to buy. Unfortunately I'm in Iraq at the moment, so I won't be able to answer specific questions about how many MPG I'm getting with my set-up or other such things. However, I can tell you why I chose a specific make/model of part. I will be back in the States in 2 weeks and will be able to answer those types of questions as well as provide you with more pictures.

Thus far, here's a short list of what's being added to my black 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon...

TeraFlex 6" Suspension System w/Full FlexArm System
TeraFlex Rock Guard Front Bumper
TeraFlex Rock Guard Rear Bumper
TeraFlex Rock Guard Spare Tire Carrier
TeraFlex Rock Guard Rock Sliders
TeraFlex Front Drive Shaft
TeraFlex Rear Drive Shaft
TeraFlex CB Antenna Mount
True Flow XDI Air Intake
KC HiLiTES Fog Lights (2)
KC HiLiTES Driving Lights (2)
KC HiLiTES Long Range Lights (2)
KC HiLiTES Windshield Light Mounting Brackets (2)
KC HiLiTES Hood Mount Light Bar w/2 Lights
WARN 9.5Ti Winch
Roundeye LED Rock Light Kit
Xenon Flat Style Front Fender Flares
Xenon Flat Style Rear Fender Flares
40" BFGoodrich KM2 Tires
17" Centerline Wheels
EVAP Canister Relocated
Duel Battery Set-Up
ARB Compressor
6 Military Style Switches
Daystar Lower Dash Switch Panel
Crown 4" Black Brake Lines
Daystar Upper Dash Panel
Magnaflow Exhaust
Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 Rear Axle w/5.38 Gears & Diff Cover
Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 Front Axle w/5.38 Gears & Diff Cover
Mopar Door Sill Kit
Sylvania SilverStar Halogen Headlamp Upgrade
Airaid Throttle Body Spacer
HighRock 4x4 Fuel Door
Cobra 40 Mobile 75WXST CB Radio
Wild Boar Fastback T-Top Hard Top
Wild Boar Wraparound Taillight Grill Guards
Olympic Safari Mirrors
Rancho Control Arm Skid Plates
Rock Hard Gas Tank Skid Plate
Rock Hard Engine Skid Plate
Trail Duty Supreme Recovery Kit
Power Tank 20 LB On-Board Air System
Mastercraft Bucket Seats (4)
Line-X Interior
Smittybilt G.E.A.R. Seat Covers
Front, Rear, & Cargo Mats
Tuffy Security Console Insert
Tuffy Security Glovebox
Tuffy Security Drawer w/Divider Kit
Tuffy Security Overhead Console
Hi-Lift Jack
X-Jack
ARB E-Z Tire Deflator
Speedy Seal Tire Repair Kit
Roll Bar Grab Handles
Fender Well Drain Plugs
Locking Gas Cap
Exo-Skeleton Cage
COP4x4 Custom Painted AEV Heat Reduction Hood
5.7L V8 Hemi

I'm probably forgetting something, but you get the idea. There might be a slight change here and there, such as the rear drive shaft, but all of the items listed have already been obtained and therefore changes are not anticipated at this time.

Here are a few pictures of the vehicle when I first bought it while on a 2 week vacation back in Florida at the end of December/start of January.

**WFTW** · 05-29-2008, 06:56

The first thing to do was to strip the interior of the Jeep and have Line-X applied. This is important due to me removing the Jeep's doors throughout the Wheelers for the Wounded program, which will last half a year.

Here's the vehicle after it was gutted...

And here's a few pictures after the Line-X was applied. I'll get more when I go home in a few weeks.

Between the seat and door.

The tailgate.

**WFTW** · 05-29-2008, 07:01

My Dad, who was keeping the Jeep for me until it was time to turn it over to the customization shop doing most of the work, loves working on vehicles. With so many parts arriving at his house turning his garage into what my Mom described as a "chop shop", he decided to install a few parts himself.

So, here are some pictures of the Tuffy items I chose. These were important due to the doors being removed for the trip. A little extra security is always a good idea.

The glove box.

The center console. Tuffy has just come out with a full console for the JK, and I'm considering getting that.

The trunk. I also have the insert that goes into this, but it's not pictured.

**WFTW** · 05-29-2008, 07:08

Wheels were a concern. Obviously I wanted bead locked wheels, but they are somewhat of a pain to maintain. After much deliberation, I chose 17" I.C.E. wheels by Center Line.

Each wheel has 3 parts and an internal bead lock system that does not need to be fussed with after installation (in other words, no torque wrench needed to constantly check them). They are also run-flats, which I think is really cool. They're good for 20 miles off-road with 0 psi and 30 miles off-road with 0 psi.

I'm no fan of chrome and was going have them powder coated black, but the more I look at these, the more I like them the way they are.

**WFTW** · 05-29-2008, 07:14

The next piece of business was installing the 4" TeraFlex lift kit with 8 adjustable control arms. To clear 40" tires, TeraFlex is sending me 6" springs. Those springs are currently in production, but I'll have them sometime by the end of June. Until then, they are sending me 1 1/2" spaces to get me by.

You will see some rust in the pictures. This is a result of parking the vehicle at Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The salt in the air is horrible there.

It's no secret that the 3.8L engine in the JK isn't the best in the world. To help with this, I chose a Magnaflow exhaust.

**WFTW** · 05-29-2008, 07:18

With all the off-road lights I'll be running...not to mention a computer, refridgerator/freezer, winch, and other do-dads, I thought a dual battery set-up would be a good idea.

One Optima battery has been installed and another one will be installed when it arrives next week.

**notarubicon** · 05-29-2008, 07:23

That is awesome

**WFTW** · 05-29-2008, 07:30

Originally Posted by notarubicon

That is awesome

Which part?

I'm glad you like it.

It has taken 5 months to get everything needed for the build and there still a few things left to obtain. By my estimate, it should be completed by mid-October. I say that because I'm hoping to have it done in time for the SEMA show in Las Vegas, which is in early November.