wjtstudios
Hooked
Should have done this years ago, but now with another major phase underway it is time.
Quick back story:
The Jeep started out as a 2015 JLUR and when straight to AEV for their JK350 package.
Dropping it off at AEV
Right after I picked it up from AEV
They did a great job and the quality of the parts and build were outstanding, but very quickly learned that frame down it had a long way to go. Being a daily driver, I did my best to keep the build capable, but able to drive up to my clients homes and not have it raise too many questions. After bending my front axle tube and most of my wheels bombing down dirt roads, I upgraded the axles to Fusions 44/60 front hybrid and 60 SF rear with a set of Hutchinson's and a EVO LA kit. It's been a perfect setup for me for two years and as a DD, it was great being able to go in and out of 4wd almost daily with out having to get out and lock up the hubs. But now with the Ram, the Jeeps becoming less of a daily and needs to become more capable, I.E. 40s! So here's the Plan:
Phase 1:
40X13.5X17 Nitto Trail Grapplers
Hutchinson 8x6.5 Wheels (ordered 6-8 weeks out)
Fusion 60/14 Bolt Combo (ordered 4-6 weeks out)
Fusion Elite Kingpin 60 Front Axle Assembly
- 71.25" Width
- 5.38 Gear Ratio, Super 60 10.1' Ring Gear
- ARB Locker
- 8x6.5 Bolt Pattern
- JK ABS Kit
- Yukon Locking Hubs
- 1350 Yoke
- Complete rotor-to-rotor
- Fusion 2.5 Ton Tie Rod & Drag Link
Fusion Elite 14 Bolt Rear Axle
- 70.5" Width
- 13 Bolt Shave Kit
- 5.38 Gear Ratio
- ARB Locker
- 8x6.5 Bolt Pattern
- JK ABS Kit
- 1350 Yoke
- Complete rotor-to-rotor
Rear Axle 40 Spline Upgrade
JK8 Brake booster
Nemesis Notorious Front and Rear Flares
And a whole lot of trimming. I've always like the AEV bumpers and am going to keep it, but cut down to a stubby. Something like this but with the crush cans eliminated.
The back bumper is on the wait and see list. If I can clear it, I'll keep it as is for now. If not, I'll trim the two hoops and remove the water tank leaving the d-ring mounts and the center section. I'll have to remove the reserve fuel tank because of the 40" spare, but the rest should work as is.
I plan to run the 4.5" AEV springs with my 2.5" King resy shocks and start there.
Nothing like having two build going to drain every last penny!
Quick back story:
The Jeep started out as a 2015 JLUR and when straight to AEV for their JK350 package.
Dropping it off at AEV
![IMG_4453.jpg IMG_4453.jpg](https://www.wayalife.com/data/attachments/286/286411-71a45e8dc40df127e9f79934fdc70300.jpg)
Right after I picked it up from AEV
![IMG_4685.jpg IMG_4685.jpg](https://www.wayalife.com/data/attachments/295/295220-a76631ffdaf7277ad4d8af4015adc929.jpg)
They did a great job and the quality of the parts and build were outstanding, but very quickly learned that frame down it had a long way to go. Being a daily driver, I did my best to keep the build capable, but able to drive up to my clients homes and not have it raise too many questions. After bending my front axle tube and most of my wheels bombing down dirt roads, I upgraded the axles to Fusions 44/60 front hybrid and 60 SF rear with a set of Hutchinson's and a EVO LA kit. It's been a perfect setup for me for two years and as a DD, it was great being able to go in and out of 4wd almost daily with out having to get out and lock up the hubs. But now with the Ram, the Jeeps becoming less of a daily and needs to become more capable, I.E. 40s! So here's the Plan:
Phase 1:
40X13.5X17 Nitto Trail Grapplers
Hutchinson 8x6.5 Wheels (ordered 6-8 weeks out)
Fusion 60/14 Bolt Combo (ordered 4-6 weeks out)
Fusion Elite Kingpin 60 Front Axle Assembly
- 71.25" Width
- 5.38 Gear Ratio, Super 60 10.1' Ring Gear
- ARB Locker
- 8x6.5 Bolt Pattern
- JK ABS Kit
- Yukon Locking Hubs
- 1350 Yoke
- Complete rotor-to-rotor
- Fusion 2.5 Ton Tie Rod & Drag Link
Fusion Elite 14 Bolt Rear Axle
- 70.5" Width
- 13 Bolt Shave Kit
- 5.38 Gear Ratio
- ARB Locker
- 8x6.5 Bolt Pattern
- JK ABS Kit
- 1350 Yoke
- Complete rotor-to-rotor
Rear Axle 40 Spline Upgrade
JK8 Brake booster
Nemesis Notorious Front and Rear Flares
And a whole lot of trimming. I've always like the AEV bumpers and am going to keep it, but cut down to a stubby. Something like this but with the crush cans eliminated.
![Chopped AEV FRont.jpg Chopped AEV FRont.jpg](https://www.wayalife.com/data/attachments/295/295243-17c85a78e692a094ed0135726b9acc0e.jpg)
The back bumper is on the wait and see list. If I can clear it, I'll keep it as is for now. If not, I'll trim the two hoops and remove the water tank leaving the d-ring mounts and the center section. I'll have to remove the reserve fuel tank because of the 40" spare, but the rest should work as is.
I plan to run the 4.5" AEV springs with my 2.5" King resy shocks and start there.
Nothing like having two build going to drain every last penny!