Not really sure what to say, that hasn't already been said during 1,000 lift installs. So I'll just post pictures and feel free to ask any questions that you may have.

 

I kinda see-sawed my lift install up to ~4" or so, here is how.

3" leaf packs in the rear



3.5" Coils up front with 3" leaf packs in the rear



3.5" Coils up front, 3" leaf packs with Relo brackets and 1" lift boomerang shackles



3.5" Coils with .75" spacers and 3" springs with relo brackets and boomerang shackles for a total of around 4"-4.25" of lift

 

After I installed the rear springs I could tell right away, relocation brackets were necessary. I don't see how so many people are running without them. My stock shackle was pulled so far forward from the curve in the springs that there was no room for it to flex, rendering my rear suspension worthless. Not to mention the bone jarring ride in the rear. Luckily I had already removed the 3rd leaf from my packs in anticipation of this probability. The ride and flex improved dramatically. I went with LII brackets because of their short angled design, allowing the boomerang shackle design more compression than other designs. It pushed my lift higher than I would have liked, but we will see where it sits after bumpers and armor, I always have the extra leaf if things start to sag as well.











Adam's Driveshaft. I paid for shipping from Vegas to Hawaii, instead of going to the local 4wheelparts store, based on my phone conversations with them and their reputation. Great people and a great product.

 

I recently installed a ARB on-board air compressor (CKMA12). Just another piece of the self reliant agenda. Plus it will be used for future ARB air lockers front and rear, once I upgrade axles.

I chose to splice the switch power to the fog lights. This will allow me to turn on the lights and use the compressor without the keys being in the ignition and it will serve as an additional safety measure to prevent accidental engagement of compressor or air lockers.









I might relocate this in the future, once I start wiring my air lockers. Haven't decided on a switch layout yet.

 

I ran across this ARB roof rack at a 4wheelparts cookout/sale. I was not planning on buying a roof rack yet, plus I've been leaning towards the Front Runner rack instead of this one. But I got this $750 rack without "arm and a leg" shipping costs for $500, so I couldn't pass it up. The only reason is because the original buyer refused it because of scratches, lol. I guess he didn't plan on using it.






*Yes, I know it is zip tied to the factory roof rack. I'm waiting to order the $300 mounting kit!

 

So I was at the Truck & Jeep fest down in Honolulu and Currie made me an offer I couldn't refuse on this steering kit. I was still trying to decide between a true crossover steering, OTK steering or the Currie. Getting a $580 setup for $430 helped make up my mind though.

 

Oh yeah, new tires!

You don't know long I debated over a MT tire like M/TR or a AT tire. I wanted a decent offroad tire, but most of all durable. I love the looks of a MT tire, but logic and realistic needs won that battle. So I got the best tire to suit my needs. The Goodyear Wrangler Adventure w/ Kevlar in 31x10.5r15. This tire performs excellent on the road and decent offroad as well. Cause lets be honest, most of my time is spent on the road. Would I rather be chewing up $200 MT tires with no warranty? Or a extremely durable AT tire with a 60k mile warranty?

Well for now anyway. Once my fenders are cut & flared and I upgrade axles, gears and lockers, I will probably get some 32x11.5r15 MT tires. But that is way later. I am happy with 31s for now.









Now I'm just waiting on these to get here so I can stop rubbing my LCAs. Don't even try and tell me I could have gotten 4 steel wheels for the price of 1 of these, I don't wanna hear it! haha

 

Here some posing shots. I plan on getting some offroad shots once the wheels come in, cause right now I'm rubbing to much to flex.

 

Holy crap that's crazy. My name is Jonathan Medeiros. I ETS'd may 2012. But Good ole Phil and mike are still people I keep in touch with. You had to know Cochran, Toler, Grimm, Yost, Riley, Gehrig, stiles, etc...

 

Btw jeep is looking great, I'll send ya a link to my build when I get on my Mac

 

You know you're in Hawaii when flip flops, shorts, and torches are in involved

 

Oh yeah, I remember watching you play Fruit Ninja when you were on CQ and I was a fresh PVT, haha. Yep I know all those 1st PLT guys. I went to basic with Riley, I talked to Toler just the other day, he is still a smartass, lol.
They are all gone though, I'm the last one from old 66th still around, cause I extended for another year here. 66EN actually got deactivated late last year, we are now A Co./65th BEB.

Thanks bro, alright cool, didn’t even realize you were a Jeeper when you were there.

Oh yeah, you know it, haha.

 

I've owned a XJ for the past decade... I grew up in the south with offroading. And yeah I remember you.

Here's my build

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/docs-pos-206583/

 

Nice! That is a big project, it's coming along nicely though.

 

It's not that big of project