derekmac Posted May 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2017 I bought a nice mesh top for a JK (Rugged Ridge 13579.11 Black Mesh Island Top) a few months ago for super cheap (thanks Amazon!), with plans on making it fit my TJ. I started on it today, and am just about done. This had quite a few straps that had to be cut off, and I had to take a few inches off of each side since the JK is so much wider than a TJ. It ended up being more time consuming than I thought it would be, but I think it'll look and work good once I'm done, and get it on. I just have to finish putting grommets in one side, and buy some ball bungees to strap it to the roll bars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted May 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 So I have my TJ very close to what I had pictured for it, but there are still a few things I'd like to get done. ZJ tie rod upgrade 1-1.5" body lift Motor mount lift (already have) Replace crackling speakers The reason for the MML and BL, a tummy tuck. I don't plan on doing the ZJ tie rod upgrade until mine needs replacing. The BL kind of scares me, as rust belt rigs tend to be known for the body mount bolts breaking off, though I haven't had any issues with bolts breaking yet (knocks on wood). The stock sub and speakers are all on their last legs, so I really wouldn't mind getting those replaced ASAP. I like my tunes, but can't crank it up since it sounds awful, lol. The tummy tuck will be later down the road. I'll need adjustable rear control arms, and a double cardan rear driveshaft. It's low on the priority list, but is definitely on the want list!! There are some things I need to get done now though. I have a rear caliper that's sticking, so I ordered two new ones ($46 off for a pair from Amazon). Both hubs on the front are starting to go, but they're not bad yet, just a little bit of play in them. I'll replace those when they start getting worse. A u-joint on the front driveshaft also has a tiny bit of play in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sar4x4 Posted May 24, 2017 Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 I had to cut my floor to get the body mount bolts out. But with no carpet, no big dig deal, just weld 'er back up! I didn't in put a lift, but the original rubber mounts had disintegrated! And the body would shift and squeak and groan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted May 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2017 I installed my modified JK mesh top today, and I'm really happy with how it turned out!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SQRLPWR Posted May 28, 2017 Report Share Posted May 28, 2017 Best of both worlds... get some sun, but not too much How flappy flappy is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted May 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2017 I only had the Jeep up to 70, and there was no flapping. It's pretty taut, so I think even on the highway it'll be OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 6, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2017 I pulled the front driveshaft to replace a u-joint (axle side), and now the Jeep is driving vibration free without the shaft in. I'm going to stop at Napa tomorrow and grab a new one. The one I'm replacing is the original one with over 170,000 on it, so I think it did its job. The other two joints seem good, and so does the centering ball. Fingers crossed there won't be any vibs when I put it back in!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2017 The bad u-joint in my front driveshaft has been replaced, and the shaft is back in the Jeep. The bad vibs are gone too, woohoo!! I also realized that I NEED a 1/4" air ratchet! I borrowed a Snap On one from work, and it made putting the 8 bolts holding the driveshaft back in sooo much easier! The entire tool fits in the palm of my hand, making it easy to get into tight spots. Now, I don't have $300 to get a Snap On one, but I'll be keeping my eyes open for a half decent cheaper one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2017 After many months of procrastinating, I finally mounted my full size (33x12.5x15) spare. I honestly didn't think it would fit, but it does. It's a tight squeeze on the bumper, but that just means that the bumper will be supporting the weight instead of all the weight being supported by the door. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2017 Oh yeah, I'm also really happy with how much sun my mesh top blocks! It makes a big difference, and it's much more comfortable driving with the top down now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sar4x4 Posted June 13, 2017 Report Share Posted June 13, 2017 That's a nice CHMSL lense! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 14, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 So, the brakes on the TJ were never amazing, and after putting the 33's on it, they are even less amazing, lol. They're just cheaper pads on it now, and I assume cheaper rotors too. With four of us in it, the braking performance is a little unnerving. My plan to fix this isn't exactly cheap, but it's considered the best brake upgrade you can do before going to a big brake upgrade. I'm going to install EBC Yellowstuff pads, and Centric rotors. The cheapest I can find the pads online is Amazon, and the rotors through RockAuto. It's going to cost me around $500, which is very hard to swallow!! I'll feel much safer knowing I'll be able to stop quickly if I need to though, and if my wife takes the Jeep, I'll definitely feel better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sar4x4 Posted June 14, 2017 Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 Engine size doesn't matter. Braking does. If you or your wife gets in an accident and you thought the brakes were compromised, you'll not forgive yourself. Fancy mesh top, fancy fenders, are all good, but brakes are paramount! Says the guy that just fixed his brake light....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 14, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 I've always been satisfied with stock or cheaper brake parts on every other vehicle I've owned, but not the TJ. I was going to go mid range parts, but said the hell with it. I'm no longer going to cheap out on parts that really do matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sar4x4 Posted June 15, 2017 Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 Research! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 16, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2017 Pads and rotors are ordered. I can't wait to get them to see just how much better the braking will be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sar4x4 Posted June 16, 2017 Report Share Posted June 16, 2017 I've never heard of anyone's experience upgrading like that, I look forward to it. I'll be doing the Scout brakes sometime 'soonish', they need a freshening-up. I don't think I'll upgrade but I will use good quality at the least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 16, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2017 From the reviews I've read, guys have been very happy! Some have also said that they almost grip too much, and you need to get used to them as it's easy to lock the tires up. I'll definitely post my thoughts during and after break in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2017 Tonight I picked up a Jeep Add-a-Trunk. I wanted to be able to secure stuff a little better with the soft top on. This bolts to the tub, and you can't open the top with the back door closed. I didn't clean it before I took these pics... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sar4x4 Posted June 21, 2017 Report Share Posted June 21, 2017 SAS - Secure-*** Storage! Lol. I assume the tailgate locks? I can't picture it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2017 Yep, the tailgate locks, and the lid for the trunk has two latches that you have to release before it'll open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2017 I didn't feel like working at work today, so I decided instead to make some speaker adapter plates so I can remove the blown 4x6's, and replace them with new 5.25" ones. I won't cut the centers out until I get the new speak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2017 I went to do the front brakes today, and got partially done. The front passenger caliper is sticking, and the piston has a crack in it. I ordered two new calipers for the front. I welded up the indents in the brackets where the pads sit too, and now they're nice and smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted June 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2017 The other side is done now too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jawritch Posted June 24, 2017 Report Share Posted June 24, 2017 Those brackets are really bad for that. I did mine a few months ago. Hopefully the brakes work as good as they look Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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