Author Topic: 2008 Jeep Jk 4 Door (Read 217949 times)

stlaser · « **on:** March 25, 2016, 11:50:59 PM »

Ok, so I've done several mods since buying this approximately 10 months ago. I bought it bone stock with 56,000 miles on the odometer. I really like the jeep & I really dislike the turd mini van power plant. With several trips across country I've racked up close to 20K miles since acquiring it. I have been planning a major oil change as of late. But for now that's gunna stay under wraps, don't quite have all the details worked out. So in the mean time I'll be showcasing the few small upgrades I have completed.

Nate · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2016, 12:08:35 AM »

kyle! quit bullcraptin and get us one of these!

Dawg25385 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2016, 12:20:32 AM »

Hahaha you clown

Ok. No "bullshoot". I've probably spent 10 hrs trying to load new emoticon packs to this dang site with no luck. That was like 6 mo's ago, so maybe i'll give it another try here soon.

Ok, no more DOT'ing this fine gentlemen's thread. For cryin out loud, he's literally made 1 post in a new build thread! ;D

husker77c · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2016, 07:46:56 AM »

My girl has a 2015 wrangler four door. My only compliant about it is the same one. The engine is seriously lacking in power. I'll be watching this build.

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BobbyB · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2016, 11:19:59 AM »

Quote from: stlaser on March 25, 2016, 11:50:59 PM

I really dislike the turd mini van power plant.

I know you're jealous of XJ's 4.0

Nate · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2016, 11:39:24 AM »

Quote from: Dawg25385 on March 26, 2016, 12:20:32 AM

No "bullshoot"

that would be due to the parental controls that are in place......;D

stlaser · « **Reply #6 on:** March 26, 2016, 12:09:37 PM »

I do miss my cammed 4.0 in the rubi......

However, that isn't going to be a match for what's in store.

Quote from: BobbyB on March 26, 2016, 11:19:59 AM

Quote from: stlaser on March 25, 2016, 11:50:59 PM
I really dislike the turd mini van power plant.

I know you're jealous of XJ's 4.0

OldKooT · « **Reply #7 on:** March 26, 2016, 08:51:14 PM »

Nothing a Hemi can't fix LOL

stlaser · « **Reply #8 on:** March 26, 2016, 09:39:14 PM »

That's not a real option. Several reasons but if you actually follow epa emissions guidelines you can't "patch" the software. The Hemi conversions are patched in, in fact the aev conversions in Cali recently had their registrations pulled over it.

Here in Colorado we have emissions guidelines similar to Cali. I have actually been in contact with them as I have been looking at various options.

Wilbur · « **Reply #9 on:** March 26, 2016, 09:56:34 PM »

Quote from: OldKooT on March 26, 2016, 08:51:14 PM

Nothing a Hemi can't fix LOL

Haha! My first thought when I saw the complaint of underpower was I wonder if stlaser and koot should do a group buy on a couple of hemis. ;)

BobbyB · « **Reply #10 on:** March 26, 2016, 11:03:49 PM »

Quote from: Wilbur on March 26, 2016, 09:56:34 PM

Haha! My first thought when I saw the complaint of underpower was I wonder if stlaser and koot should do a group buy on a couple of hemis. ;)

Norm probably has a couple in his barn, brand new in box, that he forgot he had. ;D

OldKooT · « **Reply #11 on:** March 29, 2016, 08:00:50 AM »

Nah Bobby I don't own a new generation Hemi. Too many wires...blah.

I forgot you have emissions testing.. So a supercharger it is ;D

stlaser · « **Reply #12 on:** March 29, 2016, 09:25:35 AM »

Yes, emissions testing brings the suck. Main reason I'm still juggling options, well that and I do have a budget of sorts. What I really want is currently out of my budget I think, still speaking with vendors we'll see. No supercharger to begin with at least.

EL TATE · « **Reply #13 on:** March 29, 2016, 10:58:01 AM »

Gearing makes a world of difference and doesn't affect emissions, just saying, not sellin'. '08 the great bailout was in effect, and the motor/trans were set up for optimal one time, downhill, no interior, wind at their back MPG guesstimates hwy so they could meet their EPA requirements linked to their bailout. 2012 and later fixed some of those issues, but the earlier 07-11 were severely underpowered because of this. To put in in perspective, a NON rubicon running 35" rubber and an auto trans REQUIRES 5.13 just to get out of its own way, whereas a 2012 auto w/ 35" 4.56 is almost too much and more of a performance setup. I'll post some JK ratio charts in powertrain for reference.

stlaser · « **Reply #14 on:** April 10, 2016, 04:26:42 PM »

Ok, so twisting and turning figuring which way this build is gunna go for drivetrain including axles. Here's part of what's going on. I have a set of axles & that custom t-case in the classified section. The axles will go perfect in this jk. However I sold the EB frame, body, motor, & transmission last week to a guy wanting to restore its glory. ??? That's what he told me anyhow, so who am I to judge? That EB may have been only EB to ever grace the pages of JP Mag so if anything it has a reputation of some sort. Anyhow made him a great deal on axles & t-case. He's trying to come up with funds to secure parts. I gave him until end of month when I'll be back in IN to come up with funds.

So in meantime I'll cover the upgrades it has currently & parts I just ordered. Pics will come in next day or two then will cover install of newly acquired parts as I install.

stlaser · « **Reply #15 on:** April 10, 2016, 04:32:52 PM »

Current upgrades include 9.5xp winch mounted to a rock hard mount using stock front bumper. Still trying to decide if I want to keep stock bumper & modify it with new end caps (2 different styles) or full new aftermarket bumper. I kinda like stocker look & not a fan of any particular front bumper so far. Here below is a link to the winch mount, nice product fit well. Easy install.

http://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-5010.htm

stlaser · « **Reply #16 on:** April 10, 2016, 04:37:28 PM »

Here are two version of front bumper end caps

http://www.quadratec.com/products/12106_0004_07.htm

http://www.quadratec.com/products/12106_0005_07.htm

Now if I did keep stocker & modify I would build my own winch/grill bull guard hoop rather than buy the rock hard version in this two links.

stlaser · « **Reply #17 on:** April 10, 2016, 04:44:21 PM »

Last fall I upgraded wheels to an ion alloys 171 matte black wheel in 16x8

http://rimzoneonline.com/16x8-ion-alloy-black-171-6865mb.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CImB0uz2hMwCFQUFaQodqZUBGg

Per all the forums they claimed this wheel & a 32.8 tire size would fit. Well after installing the wheels & a set of duratracs (km2 at that time had 6 week back order) I find out that apparently my on road driving habits are more extreme than the average reader blogger. I've had the fronts rub several times so far & it's annoying. Granted the extra weight of front winch & mount probably add to the rubbing a bit.

KensAuto · « **Reply #18 on:** April 10, 2016, 04:52:34 PM »

Pics? or did you forget how to operate a camera since retirement. :P

stlaser · « **Reply #19 on:** April 10, 2016, 04:54:26 PM »

So to address the rubbing & knowing I intend to haul family / small trailer around with jeep I decided to order an OME 2" heavy lift kit for the JK. This comes with heavier springs that was engineered for a loaded down jk for overland type expeditions. From what I read you actually gain 3.25" with winch & steel bumpers. Kit will fit up to a 35" tire which is my next tire size purchase most likely. Possibly a 37" and if needed will look at body lift & or fender mods to keep center of gravity low. Below is the kit & where I purchased it. Yes I am getting the cool camping chairs too. Couple reasons I went this route was A) for the heavy springs & B) OME's reputation is best in business, always has been.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/16090_05XX_PG.htm

stlaser · « **Reply #20 on:** April 10, 2016, 04:55:45 PM »

Quote from: KensAuto on April 10, 2016, 04:52:34 PM

Pics? or did you forget how to operate a camera since retirement. :P

Read much lately? Stated I would post pics in next day or so, don't you have a Hillary convention to go work!?! :o

husker77c · « **Reply #21 on:** April 10, 2016, 07:00:56 PM »

I like the stubby end caps if you decide to keep the factory front. I like the look of very little in front of your front tires. Looks mean.

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stlaser · « **Reply #22 on:** April 10, 2016, 07:33:22 PM »

Copy, really like the front bumper. I'm frugal, if I hadn't spent the $175 on the winch mount it would be easier to scrap the front stock bumper. However that mount also has four 1/2" diameter holes either side of winch in that mount plate. So fabbing up a radiator / winch guard with tube will be pretty easy. As this is my "truck" now that guard will also have a 2" hitch receiver mounted vertical off of it. This way I can have a removable ladder rack for the jeep. Will use hitch in bumper on the rear & do same thing there only rear rack will have a 90 degree turn to slide into hitch. I can haul long pieces of steel, ladder or lumber this way.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 10, 2016, 09:53:47 PM »

Sadly...I am joining the ranks of Heep owners as well

Story coming soon on the

NSTGJ (Not So Tactical Girly Jeep)

Might have to rename it. Makes me like it even less...

stlaser · « **Reply #24 on:** April 10, 2016, 10:06:17 PM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on April 10, 2016, 09:53:47 PM

Sadly...I am joining the ranks of Heep owners as well

Story coming soon on the

NSTGJ (Not So Tactical Girly Jeep)

Might have to rename it. Makes me like it even less...

What's this all about? Can't leave us hanging.....

Flyin6 · « **Reply #25 on:** April 11, 2016, 09:10:56 AM »

Quote from: stlaser on April 10, 2016, 10:06:17 PM

Quote from: Flyin6 on April 10, 2016, 09:53:47 PM
Sadly...I am joining the ranks of Heep owners as well

Story coming soon on the

NSTGJ (Not So Tactical Girly Jeep)

Might have to rename it. Makes me like it even less...

What's this all about? Can't leave us hanging.....

OK, will start the "Pre-Thread" in the build section.

KensAuto · « **Reply #26 on:** April 11, 2016, 09:43:24 AM »

Quote from: stlaser link=topic=2033.msg36943#msg36943

Read much lately? Stated I would post pics in next day or so, don't you have a Hillary convention to go work!?! :o

Nah, I told you I couldn't meet you there because of work. ;)

I actually did read everything. ..just missed that part. Lol

...still wouldn't hurt to throw up a couple teasers ...

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stlaser · « **Reply #27 on:** April 12, 2016, 10:59:22 PM »

Nice come back Ken! OK, as promised I'll post some pics for our illiterate friends such as Ken.

Pretty much stock except for winch and tires/wheels

OldKooT · « **Reply #28 on:** April 12, 2016, 11:05:48 PM »

Nice Jeep man...

BTW don't use those folding plastic saw horses to hold up one end of a Dodge pickup box.

stlaser · « **Reply #29 on:** April 12, 2016, 11:07:36 PM »

& yes it has a broken windshield now, thank you CO and all the construction that is never ending because of people like myself migrating in......

Started by removing the old factory hitch & rear bumper and no I haven't yet decided on the front yet. I have a project that I will reuse the hitch on shortly.

Then a little wire wheel application and under coating

Then I called Ken and he was no help on this btw..... I pulled this from the rear bumper, I personally think it is an alien mind reading device placed on my vehicle by the NSA. Ken reassured me I had nothing in my mind worth reading & told me to throw it away and get back to work. He must really be a slave driver in his shop!

stlaser · « **Reply #30 on:** April 12, 2016, 11:13:13 PM »

So then I had to take a break, like a three hour break to let the under coat fast air dry while running my youngest to the dentist unexpectedly to get her last baby tooth pulled. Her jaw was pretty swollen and looked like no fun. Tooth came out and all was well. So back to throwing on my new to me used Hanson rear bumper.

stlaser · « **Reply #31 on:** April 12, 2016, 11:18:24 PM »

This evening I picked up a couple missing 12mm bolts to hold the bumper on rear center of the jeep. Currently it is only held on by 2 bolts either side of the outer frame. The oversized tire will no longer fit on the stock tire mount with this bumper. Have no fear I currently am waiting on a tire swing mount builders kit to arrive. Consists of an HD shaft, some bearings and a piece of DOM tube. We are also waiting on a vent cover so I can remove the stock spare tire mount and cover up the hideous stocker vent on the rear tail gate. I was going to make a nifty hilift jack mount this afternoon before being put on dental driver duty. So possibly tomorrow on that.

stlaser · « **Reply #32 on:** April 12, 2016, 11:23:14 PM »

Quote from: OldKooT on April 12, 2016, 11:05:48 PM

Nice Jeep man...

BTW don't use those folding plastic saw horses to hold up one end of a Dodge pickup box.

I hit modify on OldKoot's post rather than quote, second time I've done that recently oops! Anyhow

Thanks, btw I think OldKoot and I spoke for over an hour yesterday. It was a very pleasant like minded conversation I must say. Yeah those saw horses bring the suck. I had a set that I bought at Menards back in Indiana that were twice as nice and sturdy. Thinking of which I bet I could order them online. If not I better put it on the to do list when I'm back there and ship them to myself........

KensAuto · « **Reply #33 on:** April 13, 2016, 09:38:49 AM »

Looks good. I like those Hansons.

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stlaser · « **Reply #34 on:** April 13, 2016, 10:35:35 AM »

I agree, I think those & the fab4 are about the best built out there. Gunna try & get those crapola lights in the bumper wired up today & see how they work. Gotta be better than stock if not I'll upgrade them.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #35 on:** April 17, 2016, 07:57:40 AM »

Nice rear bumper on that GJ!

stlaser · « **Reply #36 on:** April 18, 2016, 05:00:26 PM »

Ok, so I've been acquiring parts and pieces. All things not related to the drivetrain but will be some nice upgrades. Still narrowing drivetrain descisions down & getting closer in that regards. Been adding a couple things but nothing is currently finished still waiting on some parts so as soon as those arrive will update with pics etc. Things will probably go slow for next several weeks, lots of time consuming events coming up but will do my best.

Dustoff35 · « **Reply #37 on:** April 18, 2016, 08:10:27 PM »

Nice JK, really like the bumper!

If you haven't installed one already, look at the Dead Pedal made by M.O.R.E. Mountain Off Road Enterprises. I installed one on my wife's JK after seeing it at SEMA a few years back. It really improves driver comfort and control on and off road.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #38 on:** April 18, 2016, 09:30:38 PM »

Figures... A black Hawk pilot wanting another dead pedal...Like the two he had in the Hawk weren't enough!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #39 on:** April 18, 2016, 09:31:50 PM »

Quote from: stlaser on April 18, 2016, 05:00:26 PM

Ok, so I've been acquiring parts and pieces. All things not related to the drivetrain but will be some nice upgrades. Still narrowing drivetrain descisions down & getting closer in that regards. Been adding a couple things but nothing is currently finished still waiting on some parts so as soon as those arrive will update with pics etc. Things will probably go slow for next several weeks, lots of time consuming events coming up but will do my best.

Shawn, which axles does yours have? Same as Duane's? Or the D44's in Kathy's?

stlaser · « **Reply #40 on:** April 18, 2016, 09:38:25 PM »

Quote from: Dustoff35 on April 18, 2016, 08:10:27 PM

Nice JK, really like the bumper!

If you haven't installed one already, look at the Dead Pedal made by M.O.R.E. Mountain Off Road Enterprises. I installed one on my wife's JK after seeing it at SEMA a few years back. It really improves driver comfort and control on and off road.

Thanks, have some big things coming in store for this. Glad you posted pics up of your wife's JK (turned out nice btw) as it reminded me of our conversation about the lca's. Installing lift tomorrow on mine & just ordered lca's this evening. ::) I saw that pedal & was wondering about it, think I'll pick one up on a future order.

stlaser · « **Reply #41 on:** April 18, 2016, 09:41:16 PM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on April 18, 2016, 09:31:50 PM

Quote from: stlaser on April 18, 2016, 05:00:26 PM
Ok, so I've been acquiring parts and pieces. All things not related to the drivetrain but will be some nice upgrades. Still narrowing drivetrain descisions down & getting closer in that regards. Been adding a couple things but nothing is currently finished still waiting on some parts so as soon as those arrive will update with pics etc. Things will probably go slow for next several weeks, lots of time consuming events coming up but will do my best.
Shawn, which axles does yours have? Same as Duane's? Or the D44's in Kathy's?

Same as Duanes, when I bought this I was thinking (& may still be) about putting axles from EB under this narrowed 60 front & 9" rear. I'll know what I'm doing in that regards by end of month. May have the EB axles sold then I'll buy an aftermarket 44 housing & call Tate for some more parts....

Flyin6 · « **Reply #42 on:** April 18, 2016, 10:03:34 PM »

Sounds good!

BTW, I like these things...

Down at the farm, watching Duane, the jeep is a zero impact truck. Barely leaves tire marks, fits in between trees, is quiet. It's great, and that is why we own one. A ruby because that's just a couple things I don't have to do

Will be lifting ours soon...

stlaser · « **Reply #43 on:** April 18, 2016, 10:12:12 PM »

I had D-44's in the tj, blew the limited slip / air locker ($2000 replacement carrier cost) on wet pavement & threw a Detroit ($500) from Randy's back in & never looked back. That Detroit in that short wheelbase jeep was a lot of fun in the snow. Never had to use reverse just the skinny pedal......

Dustoff35 · « **Reply #44 on:** April 19, 2016, 08:39:11 AM »

The base model that we have has a D44 in the rear and a D30 up front. Open differentials, front and rear. We did not re-gear with the tire change to 33's and it still has decent power. We have a different engine in ours than in the 2008 you have, the 3.6 Pentastar, 285hp/260tq. We are at a significantly lower altitude than you are (and probably Husker as well). If we were at a higher elevation, a re-gear would probably be in order.

stlaser · « **Reply #45 on:** April 19, 2016, 09:00:31 AM »

It definitely needs something...... ;)

OldKooT · « **Reply #46 on:** April 19, 2016, 09:12:25 AM »

I am having a tough Day...half the boards population has a closet Jeep. I feel left out LoL

Atkinsmatt · « **Reply #47 on:** April 19, 2016, 09:42:59 AM »

Don't you have one somewhere?

stlaser · « **Reply #48 on:** April 19, 2016, 09:44:21 AM »

He doesn't have one of anything

cudakidd53 · « **Reply #49 on:** April 19, 2016, 09:58:18 AM »

Quote from: OldKooT on April 19, 2016, 09:12:25 AM

I am having a tough Day...half the boards population has a closet Jeep. I feel left out LoL

Who needs a Jeep when you have "Patch" who's clearly Blizzard Tested with you and Mrs. K running supplies to stranded travelers?! Now, if Jeep would put a Diesel in one......