Mary Jane

So, I got this kit when I did some work on the pitman arm of my previous Jeep and you would think a 35mm socket would be there but of course not, everything around it but no 35mm socket...

 

Threw in a ECGS bushing instead of waiting for the needle bearing to fail

 

The driver side with all the new shiny installed

 

Some comparisons of the shocks and UCA's that were replaced

 

Didn't take any photos when working on the rear end unfortunately but main things to note would be that I went against Icon's instructions and kept the stock overload spring and added some 3 degree shims to correct the pinion angle of the rear diff. It looks like I am one of the lucky ones with how some of these trucks can have rear end vibrations after lifting. Before install I went through all of this thread as part of my research (it's where I found the rear shim suggestion). After an alignment at a local shop, everything is just as smooth as before. Overall, super happy with the results. Rides a lot stiffer than stock with less body roll in corners and almost no nose dive when braking hard. Here are the before/after measurements from the floor to the bottom of the fender:

• Front
  • Driver Side
    • Before: 35"
    • After: 38 3/4"
  • Passenger Side
    • Before: 35 1/2"
    • After: 39 1/8"
• Rear
  • Driver Side
    • Before: 35 3/8"
    • After: 37 3/4"
  • Passenger Side
    • Before: 36"
    • After: 38 3/8"

 

Joined the OTT crowd and it's been a whole new truck. Did a lot of research on all the different tunes out there and OTT really won out with having proof in what it does with the dyno numbers. It's well known that this engine doesn't create super impressive power numbers and the main thing I was looking for is getting more torque available lower in the RPM range. This did exactly that and now the way it drives matches what I'm expecting from it.

I did do all of the tuning myself with purchasing VF Tuner because I may end up going down that rabbit hole of tuning and learning about all the complexities of modern engines.

Overland Tailor was easy to work with in getting the tune files (with some expected hoops to jump through). Only regret is not doing this one sooner!

 

What level of tune you got from OTT? I went to my OTT tuner in my location, and my tune is Spicey for my 2023 TRD OffRoad 6 spd manual Tuner first tried on Super Spicy, but too much sensitivety, so he drop it down one level.

 

Right now I have the medium level. Since I did the tune myself Overland Tailor did provide me with the different levels to flash.

I have been happy where it's at but I may try the spicy level when I throw an AGM battery in.

 

Got a nice little package from the neighbors up north



Front end is all prepped and ready

 

First stage of the chopping done



And the finished job, really liking this Greenlane Offroad bumper, going to put their sliders on my list and maybe even the roof rack

 

Almost caught up with where the truck is currently at.

Added some bronze Method 701 17/8.5 wrapped with 255/80/17 Wildpeak AT4's. I was gonna go with black wheels at first but I'm starting to embrace the colorfulness of this truck.

 

Finally got it out into some dirt in the Wasatch, life has been busy with a newborn

 

While having some fun with everything in the dirt, I heard some possible rubbing with the front end stuffed.

Back home I dropped a strut and stuffed the front. Houston, we have a problem...




I think it will clear the cab mount but time for some

 

Since I plan on keeping this truck forever (wife laughed at me...), decided to get a tint done for UV protection and some glare reduction. Any heat rejection that came along was a bonus.

 

Just found your build thread, that’s one awesome looking vehicle! Nice and practical but not overkill. Great work

 

And with this, should be mostly caught up with where the truck sits now.

Tackled the accumulator delete in a two stage process (because I'm impatient). Started with a prefab hard line while I waited on the delete disc to get delivered. Right now I have the disc installed and going to stick with that. Compared to the hard line, it had a different feel on the pedal at first but that was/is due to some air still in the system. See my initial comparison here.

The lovely accumulator 'feature'



The hard line mock up



The hard line install



I forgot to take a picture of the disc before install but it is a beautiful piece of machining and now it looks like nothing was done at all.

 

Thanks! I've been trying to keep this one light and nimble while still having adequate protection. Coming from a Jeep I just know that I'm going to high center this over a crest without even thinking once I get time to start wheeling again.

 

Added the Diamond Back cross bin 8 for all the recovery gear/tools. Been liking it so far. Part of me does wish I had gotten the cross bin 13 for more storage but once I install some onboard air a little room will free up.

 

while waiting on some c4 fender liners for the rubbing cure, softened the front end bumps with some Duro Bumps

 

I wasn't planning on doing this one until later but with the positive feel on the clutch now with the ADD, decided to put a B&M short throw in. Only had a few drives so far and I'm really liking it. No more floppyness in neutral and a nice firm positive feel when putting it into gear.