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More Upgrades Installed |
3-11-08 |
| Just a small update on some more of of upgrades I have made to the Jeep over the last few weeks. I have been buying up parts faster than I can install them. About a week ago I installed a Uniden Pro520XL CB under the center dash console. I used a 4 foot Firestik II antenna on a Teraflex tail light bracket. The bracket had an "optional" hole you drill just above the tail light, so that you can run another bolt through the tub of the Jeep. Even though you may not want to go drilling holes in your Jeep, I recommend you add that last bolt. It really helped make the bracket sturdy, and not flex in and out as the antenna swayed back and forth. Even though I have a spring base on it, it can still put alot of force on the bracket. I was able to get the antenna tuned to under 1.5 SWR on all channels. | |
| ~Photos Coming Soon~ | |
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I also installed JKS Quicker Disconnects for the front swaybar. I am quite pleased with them. They are built well, and have a nice solid feel once connected. You simply pull out a cotter pin on the bottom, and swing them up where they attached to a storage pin that you attach to your frame. This keeps them up and out of the way while you are offroading. Having the front swaybar disconnected greatly improves the offroad ride and handing. It just about doubled the front articulation, and even rides alot smoother. The swaybar seems to transmit shock and vibrations throughout the Jeep. I still have the rear swaybar connected, so it is actually not all that bad to drive on pavement disconnected also. There is a bit more body roll, but not near as much as I was expecting. Again, it is a much smoother ride, but there is a bit of wonder and slosh to it, just doesnt feel as tight and sporty. So most of the time, I reconnect them when I am not offroading. |
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I finally got my ARB Bull Bumper and Warn M8000 Winch, and got them both installed in one afternoon. I am very impressed with the ARB bumper so far. Very well made, great fit and finish, seems very tough, and just looks damn good. I had to remove the steering box skid plate, due to clearance issues, but other than that, no drilling or modifications were needed. It was all a very smooth install. |
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| You do have to install and attach things in a certain order though. I found it easiest to bolt on the fairlead to the bumper, then the winch. Then bolt the control box to the control bracket, then bolt the bracket to the bumper. Then simply lift the entire bumper and winch assembly up, and slide it on to the Jeeps frame rails. The entire assembly weighed about 160 lbs, which was actually a bit less than I thought it would. But, it is causing the front end to sag about an inch. I will be replacing the front springs with longer stiffer ones soon. | |
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