Sneak peak at my new expo rig :)

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Finally got through all the Wisconsin trip madness and ordered my tires first thing today! Whoot whoot! Super excited. Talked to Pat at discount tire, who spoke with a Goodyear rep, who told us that duratrac's are no longer offered in 3 ply sidewall, this was confirmed by 4WP too :( you're not crazy Travis. What you said is correct except backwards, Goodyear got complaints because the "E" rated tire was too stiff, so they changed them to 2 ply. I'm calling shenanigans, I bet it was to lower cost. .

So I ordered my cooper ST Maxx's. should be in next week sometime. Paid for extra siping up front. Damn those tires are expensive!!! Got my steering box brace and super beefy tie rod in the mail too! Gotta get over this front axle build hump....

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Yes, and I LOVE them! Really set the rig off. It looks amazing!

There's a problem with my lift that is being remedied at the moment. Turns out they sent me the wrong rear springs. The springs I used to measure driveshaft length, shock placement, brake line length, and pinion angle... Yeah those springs are 2" too tall... I don't know if its possible to throw up while crying, but I almost found out. Waiting on the new springs to see how much I have to change.

That almost ruined my weekend, but then my LED rooftop bar and rear light showed up, and that made me feel a lot better.
 
Sorry to hear about getting the wrong springs...but DAMN!!! that Jeep looks awesome.

You're right, those tires really do set it off. I don't know what it is about tires (tread patterns, sizes, the smell) but I've always had an unnatural love for cool looking rubber. I worked at a bike shop in college and everyone else would be excited when the new bikes came in, I always loved the day the new tires came in.

Can't wait to see it out on in the dirt.
 
Thanks! Wait until you see it in person, pictures don't do it justice. It's all the antennas that makes it look so cool, haha. Looks like a storm chase vehicle. I still have a ton of stuff left to do. Roof rack needs to be built, the gas tank skid needs to be installed, radios installed, lights installed, and lots and lots of wiring....
 
Looks really good Luke ;)
and that is quite the light bar

Those tires don't look siped, did you change you mind on having them done?

I hope that is your CB antenna on the ARB (not a good ground plane). Regardless running a ground strap back to the chassis will help. You will be really susceptible to corrosion in that location as well. A few things to think about as you plan.
 
They are siped. So far you have to move the tread around to even see it even when close up. Over time, crud will start getting stuck in there and open them up.

I'll have to chat with you about the antenna. Rooftop mounting in any way shape or form is completely out for me. It's just too troublesome for the places I travel. I'd like to keep them both on the front bumper even if I lose a little on the transmit/ receive. Maybe I'll keep another mag mount around in case I get in trouble way out. Not sure.
 
:doh: I forgot :lol:

Let's talk through some options when you get a chance. I don't want to clog up your build thread with a bunch of HAM radio stuff.
 
Hey, Luke, that's a great looking rig. If I was going to build another rig from scratch, I would also build a Cherokee (gasp!). And for all the same reasons you mentioned. You will like the mondo wheel travel you are creating; it's like having another locker. When will it be going wheeling?
 
It'll be out in another month or so. Probably get out before then, but only for some shake down runs. There's a few details that will for sure have to be worked out, and I'll have to flex, cut, flex, cut... Until these tires fit :)

Flex is right. Pictures from the Iron Rock page, same radius arm 3 link, with bigger tires and more cutting though. Looks like something is broken ;)

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Luke, you went from a 2nd gen Runner and an FJ40 to an XJ???? :rolleyes:


i miss the old luke :flipoff2:

J/k man.. you guys ready for a winter camping trip yet? shoot me a call if you guys get out and go play! Excursion is 4wd now!
 
Isotel said:
Luke, you went from a 2nd gen Runner and an FJ40 to an XJ???? :rolleyes:
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It's OK Trevor, you can be jealous of my XJ ... Haha.

I love all things 4x4, I almost built another Suzuki. At least I'll have a little bit of street cred in a Jeep. Thought about an Isuzu rodeo too. I'm ready for some road trips! 4runner couldn't take the highway, and the 40 wasn't big enough for the family.

It's been a nonstop thrash fest here in the Gilginas garage, so no time for winter camping just yet. I'll hit you up if I get out though. If you need me this summer, I'll be in the San Juans with a black JK following me around :D
 
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