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Old 11-02-2019
acs85  acs85 is offline
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Default JK: weekend warrior build up

Hey all.

I've had my 2007 JKU for a week now and have started to get ideas on how I want to build it up, figured now would be a good time to start a thread. It'll mostly be used as a weekend warrior to go offroading and camping.

I picked up this JKU with just under 130,000 kms on it. Except for the usual interior scuffs and the black exterior plastics being faded, it's a really tidy vehicle and thought it was really well priced








I'm really keen to take it bush and do some camping and offroading, really see what the Wrangler's capable of in its stock form I'm compiling a list of things to mod but have to restrain myself a bit and focus on the priorities.

For a start, the JKU came with 4 of the same aftermarket polished wheels (wheel caps say Rebel Racing) but the spare is a factory, and there's three different tyres on the whole vehicle Does anyone recognise the polished wheels or know where I can source one locally? They're 16x8, I think. Otherwise, I'm keeping my eyes open for a decent full set of second hand wheel and tyres, if anyone's selling let me know.

The previous owners also gave me the soft top as well but it's missing some pieces and looks like it's had better days. If anyone knows anyone in Newcastle/Hunter Valley with a soft top for sale, let me know because I might be interested for the right price

Till next time....

Last edited by acs85; 13-10-2019 at 10:54 PM.
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Old 11-02-2019
acs85  acs85 is offline
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I'm pretty happy with the JK and its overall condition, but as with any second-hand vehicle, it has a few things that need attention:

DONE1. Wheels and tyres. Ideally, I want a full set of 5 same wheels with identical tyres. The front tyres are M/T, low on tread, and starting to crack in the sidewall. The rear passenger tyre has a slow leak in the valve and the rear driver tyre has a screw through it. On past 4WDs I've used 285/75R16 tyres so I'd probably do that again?

2. I think the factory suspension is sagging, and the JK is really floaty on the road which feels quite dangerous at 110km/h. If I go with 285/75R16 tyres, I'd also like to put in a ~2.5" lift at the same time.

DONE 3. One side step is damaged and doesn't support my weight. I've looked at a few web sites for sliders but haven't quite found what I want: a proper slider with a step that will stop rocks/road crap from chipping the paint along the bottom of the doors/body.

4. Rusted hinges on the doors and bonnet. Replacement hinges are reeeally expensive so I'll probably leave this a little while longer.

5. Handbrake sucks, really loose.

6. Needs a modern head unit! I hate radio and I don't own CDs anymore. What I don't understand is why does the factory head unit say it plays DVD Video? There's no screen anywhere to watch it?

IN PROGRESS 7. The service history is unknown after 60,000kms. I'd like to get a local mechanic to do a full and thorough service so I have a better understanding of the vehicle's health. I'm thinking filters, fluids (engine oil, diffs, trans, brakes, power steering), brakes, power steering, suspension, bushes, cooling system, timing belt, etc.


Once those 7 priorities are done, I can start with the fun mods


Till next time...

Last edited by acs85; 15-03-2019 at 09:46 AM.
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Old 12-02-2019
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If it's got the OEM 2" lift then it will feel pretty floaty. The Lovell springs aren't bad but the shocks are so soft you can compress them like an accordion with no effort.

I've got a set of the OEM side steps you can have for free. It's not what you are after but they will get you out of trouble until you buy something you want. I'm in Fassifern if you want them.
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Old 12-02-2019
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@Nanook, that's awesome, cheers
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Old 12-02-2019
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Actually, I forgot.

I also have a set of Mopar side steps you can have if you want these instead. They are aluminium but I painted them black to match my vehicle.

They are in good condition and again would get you out of trouble until you can buy what you want.

No cost, they are only sitting around at home taking up space.

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Old 14-02-2019
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Knocking a few things off the priority list.

Thanks to @Nanook's generosity, I picked up some black Mopar tubular side steps from him last night to replace the broken aluminium steps that came on the JK. He has a really nice rig! Thanks again for the steps

Found slight damage and rusting to the pinch seam once I took the aluminium steps off. No washers were used and the bolts weren't stainless - I really hate rust of any kind. Cleaned it up and sprayed with Penetrol to stop further rusting.



The JK looks a bit funny without any steps on. Look at that chassis rail!




And today I had the dodgy tyres replaced with Falken Wildpeak MT01s. I was using Wildpeak AT3Ws on my last 4WD and they were really good, but I was keen to try the muddies this time around since the Jeep is a weekend car.

I think there's only an inch in height increase coming from the old 245/75R16 to the new 285/75R16? Definitely feels better though. While there's no rubbing at the moment, the tyres are sitting wide enough to hit the flares once it gets some flex offroad.






And with the side steps and new tyres, the JK's starting to look a bit better.


Last edited by acs85; 13-10-2019 at 10:56 PM.
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Old 15-02-2019
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Those tyres look much better!

You may get some rubbing at full lock and flex but other than that you should be right.

No worries with the steps. I'm just glad someone got to use them otherwise they were heading for the tip and they were still too good for that.
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MY15 WK2 GC Limited 3.0L. Ironman lift, bullbar & winch. Uneek rack & sliders
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