Seeing as my build is starting to get a few more views, I figure now would be a good time to update recent changes.
Bumper,
Previously I had a DV8 bumper, it wasn’t too great and I had it about 3 years. When mounting it initially, 3 mounting holes did not line up with the frame holes which was very frustrating. I massaged two of them to work but couldn’t do anything about the third leaving me missing a mounting bolt. When using the winch the bumper regularly made popping and cracking noises leaving me with an uneasy feeling, and it had began some “powdercoat” flaking and had some very bad rust spots in the end.
Since I’m using the Jeep as a Jeep more than I originally expected to, I decided to upgrade to an ARB Stubby bumper. The instructions for the install were very well done and made it quick and easy. I was nervous it may look slightly out of place with around a 3” lift and only 33” tires, but I’d say it came out looking good. The bumper is made extremely well and I’m very happy with it, the sense of safety, and added clearance that came with it.
Rack,
Being a big skier, I knew I needed a rack. I could use the rhino rack platform, or get the crossbars that work with the backbone kit, but either option there would run me a few hundred to get it set up. Instead I went to a small welding shop in Spokane that made me a simple cross bar set up. It’s made of aluminum so it’s very lightweight but strong, and allows me to wait until spring to have it painted when I don’t need it. It’s a simple cross bar to Yakima specs (since I had their ski racks) with a 90 degree angle bend at each end. Only ran me about $100 to have made and I’m very happy with the result.
Switch Panel,
In the past I had made my own fuse box to control all my lights. Once I installed the dual battery I didn’t have a way or a place to mount it. Rather than spending a lot to almost completely redo the box, I opted to purchase one by apollintech on amazon that I’m very happy with. After connecting all my lights and swapping out the custom switches I love the result. It’s dual lit so you can see the label when off, and the icon when on. It’s only operable with the Jeep on so that helps prevent people from messing with the lights when I have the doors off. The switches mount overhead like an spod, which forced me to relocate my cb radio bedside the t-case shifter which I have no issues with.
Mud Flaps,
This is one mod I didn’t really want to do. I love the look of the Jeep without them, but had reason to mount them. Living in Spokane there’s a lot of road salting, after the first day of this the Jeep was absolutely covered in shiny road salt. In an attempt to avoid rusting sooner than I’d like, I picked up some cheap front flaps from the auto parts store that were universal. The fronts use self drilling screws but can be easily removed. For the rear I went with a large removable option, this way I can remove them when I don’t want them, but throw them on when I do. I figured the tears will also be nice when towing a boat, or a camp trailer on gravel roads by preventing rocks from being thrown off the rear tires.
If anyone has any questions feel free to ask!
