Hello all. It’s been a while since I last posted. Actually it’s been a while since I did anything to my Jeep but the mood hit me so I installed Bushwacker flat fenders, a Rugged Ridge HD tire carrier, 35 x 12.50 Goodyear Duratracs and KMC XD Series wheels. Loving it.

Finally got around to replacing all of the beadlock bolts on my KTM Machete wheels. They came with 3/8-16x1 1/2” bolts which stuck almost 1/2” through the backs of the mounting holes. Cleaning the wheels was a nightmare because you’d have to clean around each of the 24 bolts on each wheel. I sourced some stainless 3/8-16x1 1/8” bolts. They grab plenty deep enough, but are only slightly visible from the back sides, so cleaning the wheels is an easy chore now. I did some measuring and the threaded inserts will have a full grab with a 1” bolt.

And, yes.... I have all of the original bolts, as I’m sure that trying to get a good start on the rings with less than the 1 1/2” length will be quite impossible. So next time I need to change tires it’ll be more work, but we’ll worth it for regular maintenance.

Just installed the Star Fabricating Smart Door stops.

Easy install and they really work great. I had a bit of confusion though, as the instructions said that there was a short strap extension which needed to be added to the existing strap, but none were in the box. I shot a message to Star Fabricating and they got back to me pretty quickly. (On a Saturday, no less.). They no longer include the strap extension, as it is unnecessary. Apparently I had an older set of instructions in my kit.

Bottom line is that this is a really great product. The door half of the system attaches to the door frame with a specialty T-50 nut. That’s the same size which holds the door hinges on. So if you want to remove your doors the same wrench unfastens everything. Good thinking on their part.