scbrooks87

Ok folks. I added a poll because I'm undecided on something. After lots of reading and researching, I'm torn between the DPG Super Ultimate OME Hybrid lift kit and the Metalcloak ARB Edition Duroflex lift kit. Worth mentioning that my out of pocket cost, shipped to my door, would be within $10.00 regardless which kit I buy.


Here's kinda what it has come down to:


DPG Kit - http://dpgoffroad.com/products/44-5-...mu-hybrid-kit/
-JKS Products, tried and tested, quality stuff
-Customer service is outstanding
-OME shocks front/rear, OME coils and spacers up front, OME leaf springs in back
-Does not come with Upper Control Arms
-JKS quicker disconnects seem to be regarded as some of the best available.


Metalcloak Kit - http://www.metalcloak.com/XJ-Cheroke...ion-p/7180.htm
-Duroflex joints all around, not as long in the industry, but lots of science to back up their claims.
-OME shocks front/rear, OME leafs in back, Metalcloack dual rate coils up front (no spacers)
-New adjustable upper control arms
-Customer service seems good, and they are responsive to forum discussions about their products.
-Sway bar disconnects have had some issues, though the company has mentioned they are designing a correction.


I'm sure I've forgotten some of the highlights that I've noted during my research, and will update this post if I remember things. What are your thoughts? Which way would you go? When you vote, please post why you chose the way you did

scbrooks87

Well, got some other little parts to install this weekend. We've got the transmission filter, thermostat, and transmission cooler. I'll pick up the fluids this weekend before starting the work. Planning on using Valvoline Max Life transmission fluid, not sure about the antifreeze though, probably just going to go with whatever name brand fluid looks good. Here's a pic of the parts!

scbrooks87

Oh! Almost forgot! I ordered something MUCH more exciting! Should be here in a few weeks and I'll post pictures, but not giving away my secrets just yet!


Edit: I keep forgetting! I'll get some pics soon, but I picked up a Chrysler 8.25 29 spline axle from another forum member here, t_long. It definitely needs to be cleaned, painted, and attended to, but it's gonna be good!


When "rebuilding" an axle assembly, I figure I'm basically looking at wire wheeling the whole thing, and using primer/paint to get a good finish on it. I'm also planning to pop the diff cover, drain, clean it out REALLY good with brake cleaner, and add fresh oil. Going to put new brake lines on it, but what else am I missing? What all should I plan to do to this before stuffing it back in under the heep?


Thanks!

scbrooks87

Just going to put this here for now...

scbrooks87

Finally time for some updates!!! Nothing too major, but updates none-the-less. Sorry about the red tinge, I had a red easy-up over my work zone to keep the sun off of me.

Getting started on the transmission fluid change, new transmission filter, install an inline transmission filter, and add in a transmission cooler. Had my work cut out for me!

To start off, it helps to remove the airbox, adds a lot of extra room to work in. Starting to disconnect the box:


Airbox removed:


Located the return line to the transmission from the radiator:


Got the grille removed:


In-line filter and transmission cooler laid out:


Getting the transmission pan bolts out for the new trans filter is a pain in the butt without removing the crossmember, but I figured it out, tool a knuckle joint on the wrench:


Decided to cut the fill tube, and just reconnected it with some rubber tubing and hose clamps.


While attempting to cut the tubing, the cutting wheel broke... Oh well, picked up some replacement wheels, and finished the job.


Scraping gasket material is never any fun.


New filter going in.


In line filter is in place. It fit nicely right next to the air box, to the driver's side.


Trans cooler in!


Sorry in advance that I didn't get more pics. Any questions about the process, feel free to ask. I'm kinda new to making build threads so I'm not great at remembering to grab the camera lol.

scbrooks87

This weekend I managed to get some fresh paint on the axle, and got the drive shaft more or less rebuilt. I need to install new u-joints still, but the centering yoke I bought was not the right one, so I will do that work next weekend.

I missed getting a picture of the axle after final painting, but I'll get those next weekend. I'll be starting the lift install next weekend so I'll try to be better about taking photos.

Here's what I got:

Axle set up on saw horses to grind and paint.


Grinding away, looking awesome in the respirator lol.


Fresh coat of primer. Not perfect, but it'll do for now.





The drive shaft needed a lot of work. It needed a new grease seal, but I couldn't get the splines to separate by hand. My dad and I got the vise out, set it up like this... It works beautifully!


Viola!


Getting it back together was even more of a pain. I set up a little jig to do it, and it worked like a charm! Used some ducting and hose clamps around the shaft to line things up, then some threaded rod on either side held in place with some steel, and just tighten down the nuts on either side. It got it together faster than I was able to get the parts from the hardware store.


Tada! New grease fitting installed.

JandDGreens

Love the photos! Nice work on the axle too.

scbrooks87

Thank you! I can't wait to get going on the lift this weekend!

scbrooks87

So the lift begins tomorrow. I really do think I've thought of most foreseeable issues at this point, and have contingencies in place, but in the event I have missed something, I'm gonna throw this question on there since this is my first time!

Does anyone have any suggestions, recommendations, tips, tricks, pointers, or anything else I should know that might be useful for starting this project?

Thanks!

docmedpros

I would do the rear disk brake upgrade on your C8.25. It's worth every penny. My 35s stop on a dime now

scbrooks87

Definitely in the plans for what I want to do, but I gotta save up a bit before I do it. Haven't decided if I'd prefer to do a tire carrier bumper or something like that first, I know I'll be annoyed by the larger 31" tire in the back lol.

docmedpros

I love the look of a tire carrier but I agree about obstructing the view. I'll be building my cage soon and running my full size spare like a baja truck on the cage

scbrooks87

I would totally do a cage... But I don't think the wife would care for it in a DD much. I do want to build one eventually, but being a 2 door with a requirement for access to the back seat regularly makes it somewhat of a tough design.

I've actually been watching your build thread, and it's absolutely amazing what you've managed to accomplish with that thing!

I was looking at the Smittybilt XRC bumper, but I've seen a few mixed reviews. I mostly like it for the looks, and the fact that it has a high lift mount and a gas can mount.

docmedpros

I'm nowhere near where I want to be, but thanks. and yeah the 2 door status does make it hard to fully mod out and still utilize the rear seats. If I stayed with the traditional look instead of chopping the back I would've went with a similar set up for a rear bumper. Smittybilt is nice, just has a hefty price tag attached to it

scbrooks87

They are spendy, but not as much as the front bumper I'd like.... I'd absolutely love an ARB bull bar!