mntnresq

Been a couple weeks since I updated, as all I have been doing is working on this thing. I'm honestly pretty burned out, and just want it done so I can drive it!

I did get a few pics and such along the way, but not as much as I would like.

I did a bunch MORE wiring work, mostly trying to finish up my Code 3 stuff. I got a bunch of 3Watt RGB LED's to put into my markers and tail lights for hideaways. I still have to finish adding some voltage regulators and diodes for those, then they will be done. Then I put most of the lights back in and the grille and trim on.





Next, I got the front shocks mounted. Not good. Despite doing a bunch of research, and getting what was widely recommended for my rig with 5-6" of lift, they are too long. So, those will likely be up for sale soon (Brand new Bilstein 5100's), they may have 10mi on them by the time I do.

Next was to tackle the bumper and winch. The default winch setup had the solenoid pack in a box on top of the winch. I never liked how that looked, so I stripped it apart, and divorce mounted them behind the bumper.



Then, I had to finish some mods to the bumper, for some lights and siren mounting, and to tweak the mounting brackets to accommodate the stiffeners I added. (sorry no pics) I took it to work, and blew some holes in it with the plasma, and also cut off the mounts. Then I re-welded them outboard about 1/8" per side. I need to get some steel and cut out some extensions/overplates to tie it in to a few more mounting holes in the frame. Then I mixed up some bedliner and got it sprayed. Looks great, but good God is that a mess (my house, fence and a few other things are also now partially lined).



I threw it on, and then got the winch mounted. Hope to be able to replace this HF electric POS with a Mile Marker hydraulic at some point soon, but probably be next year.

mntnresq

I got the winch working, sorta, though I think I have a bad solenoid in the pack, only wants to go one direction. I threw a line I had laying around on, just so it didn't look naked. Will order a real winch line here in the next week or so.

With that, she is at least sort of driveable. I am going to take it to a buddy's shop tonight and get the alignment and adjustment done, and then look at my to do list, which is still long.

FreddyD'Apice

Damn dude, this thing is amazing. I would really paint the grill black though. That is literally the only thing I would change. Its so nice.

mntnresq

Yeah, ive thought about it, but that's something you cant easily go back on. Maybe I'll try to photo shop it black and see if I like it before I pull the trigger.

FreddyD'Apice

Plasti dip it. Black would look 10000000000x better

XJwonders

I think it kinda look better with chrome grille cause of all the LEDs

HS00XJ

Grill black please.

XJwonders

It sound like a poll is in order

mntnresq

QUOTE=XJwonders;2928030]It sound like a poll is in order[/QUOTE]


Challenge accepted. Sorry for the Playskool edit job, but gives you the idea.





I'll see what the world thinks, then try to do something representative

XJwonders

I liked chrome!

mntnresq

I think it's fine chrome, and that is one option in the poll. Will see. Honestly, if I change it, it will likely be a hybrid, probably black outer, with orange inner slats.

HS00XJ

I voted black but hybrid black and orange sounds better.

adamk

I think your combination of black and orange would look better.

mntnresq

Looks like black wins. Not sure how soon it will happen, but it probably will.

Otherwise, I'm just trying to get some checklist things done. Bunch of wiring touch up; need to order new shocks; control arms need to be extended; clean/paint rear axle; rebuild front DS; get the sway bar mounted and figured out, then burn brackets onto the axle, and build links; then play with the alignment to get it driving better - kind of all over the place right now. Have a camber issue on the Pass side, and can't do anything about it since I don't have adj ball joints. Hopefully tweaking the caster will help.

2000JeepCherokee

The black grill will look awesome! As does everything else on you're rig.
Did you fab the front bumper? If not who's the manufacturer?