Can I ask why you went with the Oliver's? I've seen them pop up on eBay every now and again but not heard anything on them. I think they're even on Amazon now. I'm nursing my front driveshaft along but I know it'll need replacement in the future. I moved a boot from an old driveshaft to buy some time (for going wheeling) and just packed it full of green Lucas grease but the splines are missing the Teflon so that's where mine is failing.

Jeep looks good though, I'm glad to see you're able (and willing) to use it.

 

Honestly it was a few reasons.

1 - I've used them before on an XJ build and was quite happy with the quality (that purchase was 100% based on cost since I had a limited budget and needed an SYE/DS combo at the time)
2 - Cost, I'm not about to "cheap out" but being a "family man" I pinch pennies where I can and I saved over $100 going with the Oliver's shaft vs the main competitors.
3 - Customer service is top-notch, and not just after the sale. Before, during, and after...solid company.
4 - They're a smaller shop with a good "word of mouth" reputation across the industry

Thanks :-)
Not a lot of folks around here (Tampa area) seem to do more than spend money on upgrades and hang out at the beach. My brother and I have found a local group that want to wheel more than they want to hang out but we've pretty much maxed out the challenge level locally so it's time to start planning some longer trips out of state to really see what my Jeep can handle (or more importantly, what I can handle behind the wheel).

 

Got my winch mounted, wired up, and spooled (need to work on my spooling skills)

 

I've found my inspiration on Jeep Forum *drool*

 

AEV front and rear bumpers, 35's, maybe 3ish inches of lift and the Mopar steel snow wheels painted to match. It does look sharp.

 

Yeah it's not a crazy amount of mods but it's the execution. Clean fenders lines and trim that matches, those mopar winter wheels color-matched really set it off

 

To clarify, it's not that this build is the epitome of fabrication or anything. I like the clean look that harkens back to the old Army Jeeps (including the color).

 

Finally took the time the time to install my multiplexer and tune my CB antenna. I had found this kit from Rugged Ridge that replaced your factory antenna, added a multiplexer, and allowed you to use a CB antenna in the factory antenna location (really clean look if you ask me, and super functional!) Sad thing was...they used some bad design choices for the antenna connection primarily in the right angle that leads into the fender (read the reviews if interested). The other thing was cost, I wasn't looking to spend $130+ for basically a mount+multiplexer given the lack of antenna in the kit, let alone the connection issues that hurt reliability

So I ordered a multiplexer off amazon and a standard fender mount solution for a firestick CB antenna. Got it all hooked up, tuned it tonight, boom almost a perfect 1:1 SWR ratio :-)

Rugged Ridge Kit - https://ruggedridge.com/cb-am-fm-ant...-17212-20.html
SWR Meter - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Multiplexer - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Finally got my side markers modified and installed


Went exploring the Croom National Forest near Brooksville FL last weekend


Brother and his LJ

 

Picked up a used factory soft top for $300 locally. It's in great shape, came with all the hardware, and installed with no issues.

Now I can sell my hard top and enjoy the sunrider feature :-)







My brother and I are headed to Stoney Lonesome later this month, whenever we go on a trip he buys new Jeep clothes, dude bought me a new hat :-)