Looking at where we last left off:
I have not trimmed the pinch seams or rails as of yet. I looked and looked at them and truly think I'll be okay with the amount of lift I have on my jeep. I'm going to Rausch Creek this Saturday and will be doing some "testing" and will base my decision on the results. No point in cutting if I don't need to cut right?

I ordered a few small goodies that arrived over the weekend. I got some appropriately size rear sway bar links, as my current ones are way too short. I also decided to get new grab handles because the ones I had were ripped and cheap. I found some valve stem caps that preset to a certain psi and decided to snag those to get free shipping! The last minor thing was pretty boring but I needed a brake spoon to adjust my emergency brakes! My last trip out to flag pole, I was on the brakes while my buddies found rocks to hold me in place on the hills.

After realizing I needed to do this work, I remembered how sketchy my last work was with lots of wood used to hold the jeep high enough to replace the springs. So I invested in a new set of jack stands and conveniently received an early Christmas gift from my family... TOOLS! I love getting tools I don't have. I don't know where the breaker bar I had ran off too, but it was nice that I had a brand new one to use for this.

I tested out the psi deflators on my spare and they worked really well... But then I need to air the spare back up! Enter my brand new Instant Air Supply 15lbs tank. I love this thing already. I took it to get it filled and I could use the shop to run my impact wrench, but then I don't get to play with my new toy! So I broke the lugs loose, and aired back up my spare. And I ended up putting about 37 psi in it at first because of how fast it fills the tire. It may have been a waste of co2 but it was fun.

I should be fixing the rear sway bar links and emergency brakes this week once the weather permits it. I don't have access to the usual garage right now so the driveway will have to do. I'll add pictures of everything once it's all done.


Reevaluating the build:
I'm still on the hunt for those rifle and bow mounts! I've seen a few options but really dislike them. I've contacted a few shops to regear to 4.56 but have yet to pick a place to get it done at. I am currently leaning towards CP Offraod in Virginia. Close to home, seem to do good work and hopefully I'll get a decent price. Also, for some strange reason, 35's are beginning to look small So I'm lining up some C gussets, and axle shafts for the front first after that and maybe some for the rear as well to prepare for the possibility of a trail break or jump to 37's when the 35's go bald. Let the Dana 30 hate begin!

When it breaks... Upgrade!

 

interested to see how it goes with the rails.

 

I'll be sure to let you know. There is also just no way I'll get it done before Saturday at this point. Work has me swamped and I know for a fact I didn't rub on the pinch seam before the rails, which is part of the reason I'm fairly confident I won't this weekend.

 

Hope you're putting those rails through their paces sir.

 

I haven't had a chance yet, unfortunately. We did get a bit of snow over thanksgiving and I played around in that for a bit while my Mom (and the rest of my family) was stuck in the 2wd F150/Tahoe club. After driving around the mountain for a while and laughing at them for being unable to get out of the driveway, she decided she finally needs something 4wd... Basically a jeep. So I'm letting her tag along on my trip up to Rausch Creek this Saturday in an attempt to 1: test my rails and prove the worthiness of a jeep and 2: that she needs one. I'll be sure to post some pictures afterwards.

 

Today was without a doubt the best day of the build so far. I always wanted the rubicon, but financially, it wasn't in the cards. Therefore, I decided I would build one. And I haven't really done much to fulfill that with my jeep... Until today. Earlier I said I wanted to go 37's and would see how long the D30 held up. I also said that I wanted to LSD/Lock both axles. I knew a new axle wasn't going to happen, no dana 60's or 14 bolts. BUT! I landed a very beautiful piece of my future rubiclone. Traded my hardtop and a few hundred bucks for a soft top and this... I'm pretty sure this comes close to a first born child. Maybe finding the fountain of youth. I'm not quite sure. But it's mine now

 

Congratulation on the new acquisition Sir.. Looking very nice.

The gussets and truss look like they have just been install, is it sleeved also?

Looking forward to the front end rebuild work postings.

 

Correct they were just installed. It is not sleeved, but I could easily do that now if i wanted to. Everything I've read has suggested it's added insurance but usually unnecessary. Because I spent all my pennies today, it's a ways off from going in. Need shafts and a regear to 4.88 (no longer 4.56 because I won't have a d30). Until then, I'm going to enjoy just having one

 

Yes installing both is double insurance, but a lot easier off the jeep than on. Enjoy the purchase sir.

 

That is a great looking axle.