Build of my 2018 JK Wrangler

thebeezknez

Caught the Bug
It's been a slow process so far, but helped give me time to research and take my time.
I picked up this Rubicon for a decent price with the idea of tearing it apart. The engine/trans are in good condition and interior is good minus carpet coming apart.

#1.JPG#4.JPG#9.JPG#8.JPG
#11.JPG
 
Last edited:
First step was tearing the inside apart and vacuuming up the several pounds off dog hair left from pervious owners. And to prep it for applying Lizard Skin to the tub

IMG_0656.JPGIMG_0655.JPGIMG_0649.JPG
 
It was a 2 step application. One for sounds deadening and one for thermal protection. Went on pretty easy. First coat dries grey and the second dries black. Looks like bed liner.

IMG_0685.JPGIMG_0686.JPGIMG_0693.JPGIMG_0718.JPGIMG_0725.JPGIMG_0700.JPG
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0684.JPG
    IMG_0684.JPG
    233.8 KB · Views: 6
It was a 2 step application. One for sounds deadening and one for thermal protection. Went on pretty easy. First coat dries grey and the second dries black. Looks like bed liner.

View attachment 365320View attachment 365321View attachment 365322View attachment 365324View attachment 365325View attachment 365326
How does that product feel once its cured? Is it similar to bedliner or is it more like a rubbery undercoat? Do you know if it UV fades to grey like other products?
 
Takes some balls to buy it and immediately hack the frame in half! Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
 
How does that product feel once its cured? Is it similar to bedliner or is it more like a rubbery undercoat? Do you know if it UV fades to grey like other products?
Once cured it is similar to bed liner texture. I notice that it was quite flexible when it dried on parts of the plastic I used to wrap the Jeep. I’m not sure of the UV protection.
Thermal barrier worked great in keeping the heat from entering the floor pan
 
Awesome build! What are your plans as far as axles, suspension and wheels/tires?
I’m going to run ProRock 60 front and back. I went with 37” on Trail Ready bead locks.
Coilover/bypass shock setup all around if I can fit in the front.

Still deciding on 3 or 4 link front, leaning towards 4 for stability and redundancy
 
Last week installed some high clearance rear inner fenders, to make way for coil overs/mounts to make it have a low center of gravity.
 

Attachments

  • ECEBA90A-2917-4290-8FE5-5E293BD5C013.jpeg
    ECEBA90A-2917-4290-8FE5-5E293BD5C013.jpeg
    146.9 KB · Views: 19
  • BCE5A43B-D702-434A-89AD-BC8D5EBDF205.jpeg
    BCE5A43B-D702-434A-89AD-BC8D5EBDF205.jpeg
    118.6 KB · Views: 20
  • 8B22F7EC-5BF4-47A2-B80A-94C24B7B7C9C.jpeg
    8B22F7EC-5BF4-47A2-B80A-94C24B7B7C9C.jpeg
    168.5 KB · Views: 20
  • 54214DE5-2685-4580-9B18-11C0EFFD0F44.jpeg
    54214DE5-2685-4580-9B18-11C0EFFD0F44.jpeg
    177.5 KB · Views: 20
Damn this is going to be a hell of a build. Why not run 40s?
I may end up getting 40’s when it’s all done. Just not thrilled with 3.6L power turning all that weight.
I see you’re run 40’s with the stock motor, any complaints or does it do all you need?

Does the 3 inch larger tires make up for any power loss?
 
Last edited:
I may end up getting 40’s when it’s all done. Just not thrilled with 3.8L power turning all that weight.
I see you’re run 40’s with the stock motor, any complaints or does it do all you need?

Does the 3 inch larger tires make up for any power loss?
You actually have the 3.6 L and honestly it’s fine turning 40s with 5:38 gears. At High elevation, it does dog down a bit, but it still turns the 40s. Would I love to upgrade to an LT or 6.2L, absolutely, but I will do it because it’s fun, not because it is needed.

I will say 40s on the trail is by far worth the power loss especially out where you are.
 
You actually have the 3.6 L and honestly it’s fine turning 40s with 5:38 gears. At High elevation, it does dog down a bit, but it still turns the 40s. Would I love to upgrade to an LT or 6.2L, absolutely, but I will do it because it’s fun, not because it is needed.

I will say 40s on the trail is by far worth the power loss especially out where you are.
Fixed to 3.6L. See I’m already trying to get more power
 
Top Bottom