The Pumpkin "Build"

[Armydog]

Brown Santa brought toys for the good boys........




Got it on, not sure that I love it......but it keeps the puppy from jumping out




First impressions

Install was straightforward with no real issues
Directions were not great, but good enough after a few readings (and beers)
The fit concerns me, not sure that I've got it centered all the way around which bothers my OCD. There are tails from the buckle and strap setups....these bother me a little. I plan on taping them down, but some of the buckles need to be adjusted each time you open or close the back net section so these will not be taped.........might be an issue.
Quality of the netting is solid' while the buckles seem more everyday weight than heavy duty.

All things considered, I am pretty sure this net system will do what I need it to do. I am not convinced it's the best option out there, but it works.

 

[Armydog]

So I have been busy with this build.

and neglecting the Pumpkin build but I was able to get the front plate mounted to the new bumper....

One less violation at least

 

[Armydog]

Anyone have personal experience with Super Swamper Irok tires? I have a shot at five 36x15.5x15s mounted on steel wheels for $200 each. They are around 80% tread and no sidewall damage. I think they are bias ply and not radial. Opinions please

 

[David1tontj]

Anyone have personal experience with Super Swamper Irok tires? I have a shot at five 36x15.5x15s mounted on steel wheels for $200 each. They are around 80% tread and no sidewall damage. I think they are bias ply and not radial. Opinions please

I love mine. Mine are radials, which are about 100 bucks more ea. new

Overall off-road performance is awesome. They are great in mud, rocks, and snow.

They are the overwhelming favorite of rock crawlers in my area. Everyone has them.

As far as snow performance- I'm not sure there is a better tire for deep snow.

Ice- not too great.

My only complaint with them is that you can't get a ton of mileage out of them since they are such a soft compound. Ideally- you would save them as an off-road set of tires- and keep a less aggressive tire for road use- I did this for quite a while before selling my less aggressive tires.

That sounds like a good price. If you patrol Craigslist around my area- you can find a set of 36" for around 1k if you're patient.

 

[Armydog]

I love mine. Mine are radials, which are about 100 bucks more ea. new

Overall off-road performance is awesome. They are great in mud, rocks, and snow.

They are the overwhelming favorite of rock crawlers in my area. Everyone has them.

As far as snow performance- I'm not sure there is a better tire for deep snow.

Ice- not too great.

My only complaint with them is that you can't get a ton of mileage out of them since they are such a soft compound. Ideally- you would save them as an off-road set of tires- and keep a less aggressive tire for road use- I did this for quite a while before selling my less aggressive tires.

That sounds like a good price. If you patrol Craigslist around my area- you can find a set of 36" for around 1k if you're patient.

I've heard much the same from a local shop. Guess they wear quick but if they perform well I am ok with that. Are they loud on pavement?

 

[Armydog]

Went to pick up the tires and the jack hole sold them to someone else..... Should have pulled the trigger sooner. Back to creeping on Craig's list....

 

[cozdude]

Went to pick up the tires and the jack hole sold them to someone else..... Should have pulled the trigger sooner. Back to creeping on Craig's list....

What a dick. Sorry man :/

 

[Armydog]

Nah, more my fault than his. Cash talks and bullshit walks...... I got busy with work stuff and didn't get there in time. I'll find some sneakers or just keep saving milk money until I can afford five new Nitto tires.....

 

[Armydog]

So I'm hoping this next rant helps someone out sometime in the future. Or maybe I'm a moron. Either way, here goes. Last week I got a check engine light on the Pumkin. It came on and stayed on, did not flash or blink. I don't even know if a TJ idiot light does that - on the Audi or the Dodge that means bigger trouble than a steady light. So the light was constant on. After a few "driving cycles" it stayed on so I brought it to a local mechanic and had him read the code. P-0128. I think. That's what I remember, we looked it up and it referred to "temperature theory" fault......l

What the fuck is temperature theory, I asked. The Pumpkin was not overheating and both the heat and AC seemed to function as expected.

We printed out the full diagnostic tree for this code, some thirdy-odd pages or so. Great read, let me tell you. After being completely confused by the possible causes from tire size discrepancies, to reprogrammed ECM parameters I decided to start with the simple tasks that I could feel confident doing myself.

I changed the heater hoses with Samco silIcone hoses, not because I thought it would help but because I wanted an excuse to get the Orange hoses on the Pumpkin (theme approach). I pulled the thermostat - replacing this part was my actual goal. It came apart it two pieces. Completely shit the bead. Put everything back together and after a few diving cycles - five total and about 50 miles I think, no more trouble light!

I now know what temperature theory is, no I don't but the light is off.......

 

[Brent McCartney]

So I'm hoping this next rant helps someone out sometime in the future. Or maybe I'm a moron. Either way, here goes. Last week I got a check engine light on the Pumkin. It came on and stayed on, did not flash or blink. I don't even know if a TJ idiot light does that - on the Audi or the Dodge that means bigger trouble than a steady light. So the light was constant on. After a few "driving cycles" it stayed on so I brought it to a local mechanic and had him read the code. P-0128. I think. That's what I remember, we looked it up and it referred to "temperature theory" fault......l

What the fuck is temperature theory, I asked. The Pumpkin was not overheating and both the heat and AC seemed to function as expected.

We printed out the full diagnostic tree for this code, some thirdy-odd pages or so. Great read, let me tell you. After being completely confused by the possible causes from tire size discrepancies, to reprogrammed ECM parameters I decided to start with the simple tasks that I could feel confident doing myself.

I changed the heater hoses with Samco silIcone hoses, not because I thought it would help but because I wanted an excuse to get the Orange hoses on the Pumpkin (theme approach). I pulled the thermostat - replacing this part was my actual goal. It came apart it two pieces. Completely shit the bead. Put everything back together and after a few diving cycles - five total and about 50 miles I think, no more trouble light!

I now know what temperature theory is, no I don't but the light is off.......

How are the hoses? I have looked at them and they seem Badd Ass.

 

[Armydog]

How are the hoses? I have looked at them and they seem Badd Ass.

They look good. The color is bright and consistent. The hoses themselves seem well made typical of upgrade silicone radiator hose. I used my stock clamps and installation was easier than taking off the stocks.

 

[Armydog]

Went for a little Friday afternoon trail ride behind the old house. Found out The State DOT blocked off the exit onto a paved road on the far end. Had to backtrack to the way I got it... Twice is nice! Gotta check with the local barracks/ garage and get a key to the gate for next time.

 

[scull20]

I got a kick of the kong dog toy near the base of your CB antenna. Orange to keep the theme and looks better than a tennis ball. My pup loves those damn things.

 

[Armydog]

I got a kick of the kong dog toy near the base of your CB antenna. Orange to keep the theme and looks better than a tennis ball. My pup loves those damn things.

My boys love them too, trooper sit in the pumpkin and stares at that one....

 

[Armydog]

Just ordered new sneakers...........hope they are ACTUALLY in stock. Fingers crossed.....

 

[Armydog]

Hopefully theses bald Mickey T's will be on the way to the recycle pile in 7-10 days.....

 

[cozdude]

Nice!! Order some trail grapplers?

 

[Armydog]

Wait for it.......

 

[Armydog]

New sneakers waiting for me by the garage door, thank you Brown Santa!!!!

 

[cozdude]

View attachment 155718
new sneakers waiting for me by the garage door, thank you brown santa!!!!

wooooo!!!! Muuuuuddddddddddd grrrrraaaaaappppllllleeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrssssssss!