Oso Build Thread

Prime8 · Feb 2, 2013

Hey Dave, did you get the drag link flip kit from EVO? If so, the bracket interferes with the PSC bracket. When I asked Eddie and EVO how they make it work together, they both said "just weld on some tabs", which didn't come close to being a satisfying answer for me. I've torn the steering apart on my last jeep, and when stuff doesn't go right, it's a huge headache. So I want to make sure I know EXACTLY how to attach it BEFORE I start tearing things apart. Haha. So if you could snap some photos and do a little write up I would GREATLY appreciate it. Thanks brother!

Prime8 · Feb 2, 2013

Locking. Love you

dchew · Feb 2, 2013

Prime8 said:
Locking. Love you

Love you too Jesse!
:idontknow:
:cheesy::cheesy::cheesy::cheesy:

Prime8 · Feb 2, 2013

dchew said:
Love you to Jesse!
:idontknow:
:cheesy::cheesy::cheesy::cheesy:

Hahahahahaha, that was for my wife when I was locking my locker at the gym! Haha, I could edit it, but I kinda like it there... Haha.

dchew · Feb 2, 2013

Ha I agree! I did get the flip kit. I'm hoping we can steal the mounting points from the PSC mounting bracket. Might know more later today or tomorrow.

Prime8 · Feb 2, 2013

dchew said:
Ha I agree! I did get the flip kit. I'm hoping we can steal the mounting points from the PSC mounting bracket. Might know more later today or tomorrow.

Ok cool! The more pictures the better, please. Got a guy that is sourcing the individual parts for the PSC setup, and it will be $750 with a new pump and everything... Way cheaper than buying it as a kit from PSC, Northridge, etc...

dchew · Feb 3, 2013

Back to the front coilover (CO) mounts for a second. The instructions say to slide the bottom plate/ring through the bump stop, align it with the existing 1/2" hole, center it around the bump stop and mark the two 7/16" holes. Then drill those holes and install the CO mount by cutting the plastic above as necessary.

It is subtle, but I recommend the following sequence:

Temporarily mount the CO bracket using the 1/2" bolt (no nut)
Swing the CO bracket around and do the necessary plastic cutting above for clearance
Cut enough plastic ribs away to get the bracket swung into position and lined up with the two upper holes in the stock shock mount
Add the bottom plate around the bump stop
Add the nut to the existing 1/2" bolt above the bump stop and begin tightening
Add a 1/2" nut and bolt to the lower hole in the stock shock mount
Using these two bolts as your positioning guide, tighten them up. At the same time position the bottom ring centered around the bump stop
Now drill one of the two 7/16" holes. You can check your alignment using the butt end of two drill bits; one above in the CO mount and one from below in the bottom ring
Install the bolt for the new hole (this eliminates the possibility of accidentally twisting the bottom ring while drilling)
Drill the second hole and install the bolt

This sequence ensures the CO mount is in just the right position for all the bolts to line up. It's not the EVO brackets that vary... It's the Jeep!

Use these two bolts for positioning the bracket in #7 above. Then drill for the other bolts:

dchew · Feb 19, 2013

I am finally at the point of putting stuff on instead of cutting stuff off! :thumb:

I won't duplicate what is over in the PSC thread I started, but if you have questions about installing the PSC ram assist on a 2012+, then that thread may help:
PSC-Steering-Assist-2013-and-CAI-system

Here is what's been done:

PSC steering pump, reservoir and gearbox installed
F/R housings back from getting 4.88 gears installed
Front coilover upper mounts installed
Front high clearance control arm brackets in place waiting to be welded
Rear coilover upper mounts installed
Rear trackbar relocation complete (still needs to be welded)
Rear high clearance control arms tacked in place at the axle
Rear high clearance control arm bracket at frame end in place

Next steps:

Position and tack in place the rear lower shock mounts
Figure out the mounting points for the PSC ram
Install front lower shock mounts
Mount the front axle and connect all steering components
Install new axle shafts
Mount front and rear drive shafts
Check everything for fitment
Trim pinch seams
Install the rock skins
Tack in place the rock sliders
Get the welder over to finish everything up
Paint
Tighten everything up
Fenders
???

Here are some pictures.
Rear high clearance bracket. Note I just threw up the control arms; I eventually swapped them so the adjustable end is at the axle.

Threw up a wheel to check East / West position of the axle

View of our temporary setup

Bump stop extension and factory upper CA mount (what Eddie just broke

)

Still gotta drill the frame hole for the upper CA's

Lower CA mount ready to be tacked in place

Tacked in; should have cut that part of the old bracket off first. Looks like crap.

ProfessionalDriver · Feb 19, 2013

It's looking great! Can't wait to see it sitting on the ground! :yup:

TrailReady · Feb 19, 2013

Nice build! Love the wheels, they are going to look great with the Billet Silver!

FoxC · Feb 19, 2013

lookin good brother! :rock:

BlackKnight · Feb 19, 2013

Beware on the TF Spare tire mount. there was a thread about them breaking at the out welds with big heavy tires...

dchew · Feb 19, 2013

BlackKnight said:
Beware on the TF Spare tire mount. there was a thread about them breaking at the out welds with big heavy tires...

Yeah thank you. I've got a backup plan :fingerscrossed:

BlackKnight · Feb 19, 2013

dchew said:
Yeah thank you. I've got a backup plan :fingerscrossed:

Good.. BTW, Totally Envyous.. I still am looking for my Jeep. Stuck with my Scion xB and wife's Grand Cherokee Limited for now..

dchew · Feb 19, 2013

TrailReady said:
Nice build! Love the wheels, they are going to look great with the Billet Silver!

Thank you! I'm excited to see how the wheels look along with the EVO sliders and skins. Should be a good mix of grays. :yup:

Dave

Prime8 · Feb 19, 2013

dchew said:
Thank you! I'm excited to see how the wheels look along with the EVO sliders and skins. Should be a good mix of grays. :yup:

Dave

Getting the sliders and skins painted gray too?

dchew · Feb 19, 2013

No they will stay black. Bumpers, sliders, skins, fenders, top and tires black. Wheels and body silver.

dchew · Feb 23, 2013

Finally making some progress.

The suspension and gussets are all ready to be welded. Everything is tacked in place for tomorrow morning at 9am when Dale Jr. shows up to do the welding.

Cut outs for rear bump stops. This was a bit unnerving. Very deep cuts in the frame!

Rear lower control arm and shock mounts tacked in place:

Rear bump stop tacked in place:

Front bump stops installed:

dchew · Feb 24, 2013

Welding done! Oh that feels good. Now clean up some splatter, paint and put back together!

Actually it is not quite done. Rock sliders have to be done yet and we also have to figure out flipping the exhaust loop. But all the suspension is done!

Two photos of the axle gussets: