Official JK-Forum SEMA Show Build Thread!
08-21-2014, 10:04 AM
#11
JK Jedi
Thread Starter
A whole lot of excitement yesterday!
Well at least there was for Bill (Desert Jeep) as his antics resulted in a California College Campus from being shut down and the SWAT team called!
If you are on Facebook go like the SEMA build page it has more of the details behind yesterdays excitement...note to Bill bring extra pants next time!
https://www.facebook.com/jkforumsema2014
If you are on Facebook go like the SEMA build page it has more of the details behind yesterdays excitement...note to Bill bring extra pants next time!
https://www.facebook.com/jkforumsema2014
08-22-2014, 07:00 AM
#12
JK Super Freak
New Build Partner: Factor 55
I survived my recent run-in with the law, so I'm back to announce another partner in our SEMA builds.
Factor 55 is providing JK Thang and El Pig with their incredibly strong (and gorgeous) ProLink and FlatLink shackle thimbles, as well as a pair of Factor 55 hawse fairleads.
Check out their great products here: Winch Safety Thimble | Factor 55 — Safer – Stronger – Smarter
Factor 55 is providing JK Thang and El Pig with their incredibly strong (and gorgeous) ProLink and FlatLink shackle thimbles, as well as a pair of Factor 55 hawse fairleads.
Check out their great products here: Winch Safety Thimble | Factor 55 — Safer – Stronger – Smarter
Last edited by DesertJeep; 08-22-2014 at 10:21 AM.
08-25-2014, 11:25 AM
#13
JK Jedi
Thread Starter
"Conflicted" goes Junk Yard Axles
Back in June/July I took on a project to build up junk yard 1 ton axles so this write up is more of a retrospective for that
part of this SEMA Show build. For my axle choice I went with a front axle from a 1978/79 Ford F350 (Snofighter and High GVW packages) and the rear axle is a 85 or older GM 14 bolt rear with 8 on 6 1/2" lug pattern). Some of the threads I used to help in the building of my axles are listed below. Check them out if you are interested in going this route because the details in those threads will be much greater than the details in this one.
Dr. Dirty
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...-60-jk-273250/
redx08
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-s...-build-183945/
wildace
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...d-swap-275195/
For many JK owners who want to run tires larger than 37" tires the choice is pretty clear. Take out a second mortgage and get Dynatrac PR60/80, Currie Rock Jocks or TeraFlex CDR60'S. However, for many JK Owners that approach just doesn't make sense. It's becoming more and more popular to follow the path taken by CALIJK (Dave) and build up a pair from a junk yard take off.
Dave's junk yard 1 ton axles.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-g...-build-210191/
As a matter of fact it's become so popular that the Offroad Magazines are doing articles on the process as well.
Jeep Wrangler JK Junkyard Dana 60 Axle Swap - Part 1
Another must read for those interested in building up Junk Yard D60's because not all D60's are created equally!
BillaVista.com-Dana 60 Front Axle Bible Tech Article by BillaVista
Goal: build axles that will take the abuse of heavy 40" Toyo Open Country MT tires. Build it solid and don't regret the choices made!
For many doing a junk yard build means that they find, build and install the axles in their garage or shop over the course of a few weekends. However, for some of us we can't be without the vehicle that long and/or we don't have the tools or skillset required to take on a project this big. No worries there are options for us too! Companies like Boyce Equipment in Utah find and build up junk yard axles building them (to some extent) to your specifications. So for me I began working with Bret at Boyce Equipment opting to go with a D60 up front and 14 bolt out back. My specs included going with 8 lug, full float, 5.38 gears and ARB Lockers. Let the fun begin! One thing that Boyce does is they tear down the axle and have it sent out to verify it's intact, straight, and isn't going to be somebody elses nightmare. In doing so they found a small crack in one of the knuckles so it delayed my build a bit while they sourced a replacement.
So we begin with the end which is the end product sort of speak. From this shot you can see all the custom steering components, everything from Track Bar, Draglink and Tie Rod was custom made with Heim joints (Heims - not recommended if you are going to be using your rig as a daily driver) the D60 up front is a High Pinion (HP) variety and this particular year/model is one of the tougher ones to find. Please read the "Dana 60 Front Axle Bible Tech Article by BillaVista" and you'll see why that's the case.
Okay as stated this is a retrospective build and now we get into the actual process. The 14 bolt (out of a 80's Corporate) gets torn down inspected and then rebuilt back up to the customer specification.
I wanted to have a working speedometer so I opted to go with front tone rings are from Dynatrac and the rear are VKS (not many options for 14 bolt)
Nice paint job too bad it's going to get strip down again for the Artec Industries Truss. I realize that there isn't a lot of "how to build a D60" in this but again there are better threads if you are looking for a step through process on how to build up a Junk Yard D60 this is more of an overview and shows that you can get a builder like Boyce Equipment, WFO Concepts and others whose names escape me at the moment.
Boyce Equipment does a great job of providing built axles and a good cost! Here's the axles waiting for the trip from Utah to Southern California.
================================================== =================================================
End: The turn around time from the Boyce Equipment build was stated to be 2 weeks but turned into something like 3 1/2 because of the damaged knuckle. Shipping cost was about $200 freight truck from Utah to Southern California.
================================================== =================================================
Lot's of goodies mostly from Artec Industries to help with the install. Keep an eye on spending this part of the project came in at around $3K!
Both front are rear are running 35 spline inner and 30 spline outer with ARB Air Lockers & 5.38 gears.
No more worrying about ball joints. Kingpin Bearings baby!
Fit checking the rear 14 bolt.
The guts of a free float 14 bolt spewed all over the bench!
Fit checking the '78-79 Ford HP D60 axle.
New upper control arm mounts and truss fit check.
Needed to do some trimming on the pumpkin gussets to clear the oil pan
For the front we decided to go with a Artec Industries High Steering set up to get things moved up and out of the way.
The 14 bolt is one big axle and making it play nicely with the everything wasn't nearly as bad as we had thought it might be. Still no rear swaybar but you can't really tell the difference.
One challenge is the suspension options available while I'm running the OEM fuel tank.
Tacking the Artec mounts and checking clearance issues.
Stuffing 40" tires flex checking the rear upper mounts.
Stretching out the new axle setup a couple days before our annual Rubicon Trail run.
Still not done getting the bugs worked out on the new 1 ton Junkyard Axle build but got her off the trail!
A couple of things we learned from the maiden voyage (on the Rubicon no less) was that the location of the upper control arm mount was putting a lot of lateral stress on the control arm and we broke the rear passenger mount off and finished the trail on a rear 3 link. Another lesson learned was that the OEM differential covers are paper thin and we peeled it back. So we made some modifications to the control arm mount and have other changes that need to be made and we went with this bullet proof Ruff Stuff rear Diff cover.
Blonda enjoying the new setup on Holcomb in Big Bear
Getting twisted on the Rubicon.
Summary:
We have a working speedometer but know that there is no ABS with this setup (wasn't but a dream back in the day).
No rear swaybar, but, it looks like we have options just haven't gone back and worked on it.
Upper control arms reworked to allow for the different dimensions of the axles.
Brakes took a bigger effort than normal to bleed the Eldorado/Tornado Calipers.
Rear caliper brackets didn't allow for the placement I wanted so a new set was purchased.
Banjo bolts!
part of this SEMA Show build. For my axle choice I went with a front axle from a 1978/79 Ford F350 (Snofighter and High GVW packages) and the rear axle is a 85 or older GM 14 bolt rear with 8 on 6 1/2" lug pattern). Some of the threads I used to help in the building of my axles are listed below. Check them out if you are interested in going this route because the details in those threads will be much greater than the details in this one.
Dr. Dirty
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...-60-jk-273250/
redx08
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-s...-build-183945/
wildace
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...d-swap-275195/
For many JK owners who want to run tires larger than 37" tires the choice is pretty clear. Take out a second mortgage and get Dynatrac PR60/80, Currie Rock Jocks or TeraFlex CDR60'S. However, for many JK Owners that approach just doesn't make sense. It's becoming more and more popular to follow the path taken by CALIJK (Dave) and build up a pair from a junk yard take off.
Dave's junk yard 1 ton axles.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-g...-build-210191/
As a matter of fact it's become so popular that the Offroad Magazines are doing articles on the process as well.
Jeep Wrangler JK Junkyard Dana 60 Axle Swap - Part 1
Another must read for those interested in building up Junk Yard D60's because not all D60's are created equally!
BillaVista.com-Dana 60 Front Axle Bible Tech Article by BillaVista
Goal: build axles that will take the abuse of heavy 40" Toyo Open Country MT tires. Build it solid and don't regret the choices made!
For many doing a junk yard build means that they find, build and install the axles in their garage or shop over the course of a few weekends. However, for some of us we can't be without the vehicle that long and/or we don't have the tools or skillset required to take on a project this big. No worries there are options for us too! Companies like Boyce Equipment in Utah find and build up junk yard axles building them (to some extent) to your specifications. So for me I began working with Bret at Boyce Equipment opting to go with a D60 up front and 14 bolt out back. My specs included going with 8 lug, full float, 5.38 gears and ARB Lockers. Let the fun begin! One thing that Boyce does is they tear down the axle and have it sent out to verify it's intact, straight, and isn't going to be somebody elses nightmare. In doing so they found a small crack in one of the knuckles so it delayed my build a bit while they sourced a replacement.
So we begin with the end which is the end product sort of speak. From this shot you can see all the custom steering components, everything from Track Bar, Draglink and Tie Rod was custom made with Heim joints (Heims - not recommended if you are going to be using your rig as a daily driver) the D60 up front is a High Pinion (HP) variety and this particular year/model is one of the tougher ones to find. Please read the "Dana 60 Front Axle Bible Tech Article by BillaVista" and you'll see why that's the case.
Okay as stated this is a retrospective build and now we get into the actual process. The 14 bolt (out of a 80's Corporate) gets torn down inspected and then rebuilt back up to the customer specification.
I wanted to have a working speedometer so I opted to go with front tone rings are from Dynatrac and the rear are VKS (not many options for 14 bolt)
Nice paint job too bad it's going to get strip down again for the Artec Industries Truss. I realize that there isn't a lot of "how to build a D60" in this but again there are better threads if you are looking for a step through process on how to build up a Junk Yard D60 this is more of an overview and shows that you can get a builder like Boyce Equipment, WFO Concepts and others whose names escape me at the moment.
Boyce Equipment does a great job of providing built axles and a good cost! Here's the axles waiting for the trip from Utah to Southern California.
================================================== =================================================
End: The turn around time from the Boyce Equipment build was stated to be 2 weeks but turned into something like 3 1/2 because of the damaged knuckle. Shipping cost was about $200 freight truck from Utah to Southern California.
================================================== =================================================
Lot's of goodies mostly from Artec Industries to help with the install. Keep an eye on spending this part of the project came in at around $3K!
Both front are rear are running 35 spline inner and 30 spline outer with ARB Air Lockers & 5.38 gears.
No more worrying about ball joints. Kingpin Bearings baby!
Fit checking the rear 14 bolt.
The guts of a free float 14 bolt spewed all over the bench!
Fit checking the '78-79 Ford HP D60 axle.
New upper control arm mounts and truss fit check.
Needed to do some trimming on the pumpkin gussets to clear the oil pan
For the front we decided to go with a Artec Industries High Steering set up to get things moved up and out of the way.
The 14 bolt is one big axle and making it play nicely with the everything wasn't nearly as bad as we had thought it might be. Still no rear swaybar but you can't really tell the difference.
One challenge is the suspension options available while I'm running the OEM fuel tank.
Tacking the Artec mounts and checking clearance issues.
Stuffing 40" tires flex checking the rear upper mounts.
Stretching out the new axle setup a couple days before our annual Rubicon Trail run.
Still not done getting the bugs worked out on the new 1 ton Junkyard Axle build but got her off the trail!
A couple of things we learned from the maiden voyage (on the Rubicon no less) was that the location of the upper control arm mount was putting a lot of lateral stress on the control arm and we broke the rear passenger mount off and finished the trail on a rear 3 link. Another lesson learned was that the OEM differential covers are paper thin and we peeled it back. So we made some modifications to the control arm mount and have other changes that need to be made and we went with this bullet proof Ruff Stuff rear Diff cover.
Blonda enjoying the new setup on Holcomb in Big Bear
Getting twisted on the Rubicon.
Summary:
We have a working speedometer but know that there is no ABS with this setup (wasn't but a dream back in the day).
No rear swaybar, but, it looks like we have options just haven't gone back and worked on it.
Upper control arms reworked to allow for the different dimensions of the axles.
Brakes took a bigger effort than normal to bleed the Eldorado/Tornado Calipers.
Rear caliper brackets didn't allow for the placement I wanted so a new set was purchased.
Banjo bolts!
08-28-2014, 07:23 AM
#14
JK Super Freak
New Build Partner: JCR Offroad
We're honored to have JCR Offroad as our bumper and armor partner!
El Pig will be wrapped up in a JCR Mauler stubby front bumper and bumper skid, a Crusader mid-width rear bumper, JCR's classic sliders, and a full complement of underbelly skid plates.
JK Thang will be outfitted with a Dagger front bumper, and a Crusader rear bumper matched with JCR's Adventure tire carrier (a swing-out tire carrier that can handle Thang's 40" spare!), Hi-Lift, and RotoPax mounts. JK Thang's underside will also be protected by JCR's engine, transfer case, and evap canister skids.
Thank you, JCR Offroad, for your incredibly generous support of JK-Forum and our SEMA build project!
JcrOffroad Inc. - Join the Crusade!
El Pig will be wrapped up in a JCR Mauler stubby front bumper and bumper skid, a Crusader mid-width rear bumper, JCR's classic sliders, and a full complement of underbelly skid plates.
JK Thang will be outfitted with a Dagger front bumper, and a Crusader rear bumper matched with JCR's Adventure tire carrier (a swing-out tire carrier that can handle Thang's 40" spare!), Hi-Lift, and RotoPax mounts. JK Thang's underside will also be protected by JCR's engine, transfer case, and evap canister skids.
Thank you, JCR Offroad, for your incredibly generous support of JK-Forum and our SEMA build project!
JcrOffroad Inc. - Join the Crusade!
09-01-2014, 09:12 AM
#16
JK Jedi
Thread Starter
Happy Labor Day!
For those celebrating Labor Day 
and for those working we thank you! Especially you Nathan and Nick for wrenching on my jeep! 
Don't worry hard effort and work is rewarded!!!
and for those working we thank you! Especially you Nathan and Nick for wrenching on my jeep! Don't worry hard effort and work is rewarded!!!
09-03-2014, 09:28 AM
#17
JK Super Freak
New Build Partner: Power Tank
We’re proud to announce that Power Tank, the original CO2 air system, will be featured on our hard-working trail JK’s at this year’s SEMA Show. We chose Power Tanks for their power, performance, and versatility.Mounted to roll bars using Power Tank's Super Brackets, they'll be outfitted with SuperFlow regulators, which have the highest flow rate and greatest dependability of any regulators on the market.
We'll also be fitting our wheels with Power Tank’s Monster Valve 2s, which can deflate a tire at 1PSI per second and air up a 35" tire from 5PSI to 24PSI in 18 seconds! There's no way you can do that with an on-board compressor or with any competitor's CO2 solution.
The folks at Power Tank really stand behind their products, and unlike the competition, it's all made here in the USA!
POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems
We'll also be fitting our wheels with Power Tank’s Monster Valve 2s, which can deflate a tire at 1PSI per second and air up a 35" tire from 5PSI to 24PSI in 18 seconds! There's no way you can do that with an on-board compressor or with any competitor's CO2 solution.
The folks at Power Tank really stand behind their products, and unlike the competition, it's all made here in the USA!
POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems
09-04-2014, 07:52 PM
#18
JK Jedi
Thread Starter
New Build Partner: Sprintex Superchargers!
Going to 40" tires on 1 ton axles definately has it's trail advantages but on the road the already sluggish 3.8L motor became, as we expected, even worse. So it's with great excitement that Sprintex USA has signed on as a sponsor for the SEMA build of "Conflicted" (JK Thang's alter-ego). Check back for some reviews and seat-of-the-pants impressions of the Sprintex Supercharger!
Some tech info on the Sprintex Supercharger:
The patented Sprintex twin screw supercharger is a mechanically driven rotary compressor with two helical lobed rotors, which rotate in opposite directions. One rotor takes the form of the left-hand helix, the other the right hand helix and the two mesh together to form chambers which carry the air. The rotors never touch, but are timed by a pair of gears operating in a lubricated chamber which is separated from the rotor chamber.
As well as manufacturing their patented twin screw supercharger, Sprintex also designs supercharger systems to suit specific vehicles. All conversions are bolt on in nature allowing for easy installation and complete compatibility with the vehicle’s engine. The advantages of installing a Sprintex supercharger system in your vehicle are considerable with increases in power (35%), improved torque from idle (35%), absence of lag and of course improved driving performance. The high efficiency low boost nature of the Sprintex supercharger results in lower discharge temperatures and greater volumetric efficiency therefore ensuring maximum performance output without sacrificing the life of your engine.
Keep an eye on this thread for install updates, pictures, and impressions was we progress with the build.
Sprintex - Superchargers and Supercharger Systems | Increase your power and torque with Sprintex Superchargers
More information here:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/spon...011-jk-309358/
This is for the 2007-2011 Jeep JK owners that already have the stage 1 supercharger system.
Here is the link to the system on our website:Jeep JK Sprintex Gen I Stage II Upgrade
*Requires a Diablo Intune Flash Tuner*
Last edited by sm_rubi; 09-06-2014 at 09:14 AM.
09-06-2014, 09:15 AM
#19
JK Jedi
Thread Starter
New Build Partner: Spiderweb Shade
A year ago at the Pomona Off Road Expo Bill (Desert Jeep) and I had the fortune of talking to Chris about a charity event JK-Forum was helping support for a local Jeep Club raising awareness for Melenoma Cancer. Spiderweb Shade donated door prizes and went out of their way to make the raffle a success even offering to help in subsequent years as well as become the title sponsor for the event. Chris mentioned that's what Spiderweb Shade is all about, helping to provide protection from the sun which in turns reduces exposure to things that cause Melenoma. Great customer service is one thing but it doesn't take you far if your products aren't quality made. Spiderweb Shades are made here in the USA at their shop in Florida so your dollars stay here and help support your fellow Americans stay employed. And the products are long lasting.
Maybe it's the fact these guys are wheelers and they know what we want but our shade has not only been on the jeep for the last four years, we never take it off, and the soft top fits over it so we're prepared anytime we want to go topless but still be protected from the sun. Over that time there has been any rips or tears and when it starts to look bad we throw it in the washing machine and it looks like new again. Very impressed. So as you make your buying decisions for tops to protect yourself give Spiderweb Shades a look!
Background from the Spiderweb Shade website
We started making tops in the summer of 2005, my wife and I on the floor in the garage hand pounding grommets into our jeep “mesh top concept.” By the summer of 2006, we realized “our concept” was something Jeep People wanted to buy, so we made them and sold them. By the spring of 2007, thanks to an epic thread on JeepForum, over a million views on YouTube, and first-class customer service we began producing and selling over 1,000 tops a month. We are now based out of 24,000 sq ft. testing/manufacturing facility in the heart of Downtown Orlando, FL.
SPIDERWEBSHADE has grown rapidly over the years and it remains most important for us to have personal relationships with our dealers and clients. We have countless testimonials and correspondence from our happy customers. Many of them have become our good friends that we consider part of our extended family. Nothing brings a smile to our face like waking up to photos Jeepers have sent us from around the world. We are thrilled that you found us.
Read more here
Wrangler Accessories, Jeep Top, Wrangler Top | SPIDERWEBSHADE
09-08-2014, 06:58 AM
#20
JK Jedi
Thread Starter
New Build Partner: J.W.Speaker
We are delighted to announce that J.W. Speaker has signed on as the lighting sponsor for our JK-Forum SEMA builds. As most of you know J.W. Speaker is the premeier maker of headlights and fog lights but what you might not know is that's just the tip of the ice berg. They make everything you could need for your vehicle and in addition they are becoming a player in the off road lighting side of things as well. Proof of that could be seen in the fact they were this years Lighting Sponsor for the Ultimate Adventure 2014. So if you look to build up your rig or replace the low quality OEM lights on your rig give J.W. Speaker a look.
Ultimate Adventure 2014 read more here
Ultimate Adventure 2014 Recap - Other - J.W. Speaker Corporation
A little background on J.W. Speaker from their website:
J.W. Speaker Corporation was founded in 1935 by John W. Speaker. Early products included tire repair equipment and kits, radiator fronts, car and truck mirrors, and automotive lighting. In the early 1940’s, J.W. Speaker Corporation developed the Heatab® miniature portable stove and the “P38” GI can opener – both of which were widely used during World War II and for several decades thereafter by the U.S. military.
In 1960, under the leadership of John’s son Jack, the corporation shifted its focus to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicular lighting – initially for lawn & garden and golf & turf tractors. Since then, J.W. Speaker has developed and specialized in manufacturing a wide variety of lighting products for other OEMs in agriculture, construction, on road commercial, material handling, mining, motorcycle, recreation, and aviation markets.
Today J.W. Speaker Corporation is lead by John’s grandsons. The company is focused on developing innovative lighting solutions for customers around the world. J.W. Speaker Corporation continues to not only embrace the latest in lighting technology, but also works closely with manufacturers to develop custom vehicular lighting solutions.
J.W. Speaker Corporation