My Mall Crawler Build
- Thread starter JK_Dave
- Start date
JK_Dave
Caught the Bug
I've been researching some steering upgrades for MALCRWLR since it might be awhile before I can upgrade to hydro assist and honestly, the steering is my main concern now when wheeling. I'm turning heavy 37's and have upgraded my drag link to the RHD flip which helped and new ball joints, but that's about it.
I've heard of Ruffstuff Industries before, particularly their diff covers. I checked out their website and found that they offer a tie rod replacement that's made from 1.5" x .25" thick DOM Steel tube pre fit for the JK Axles. This kit will work on 17" wheels (non-factory) with a minimum 3.75 Backspacing (no problem for me with Slabs). This kit Includes a fully welded Tie rod with hex head tube adapters, and Offset GM 1 ton TRE's (1LH & 1 RH). Best part to me is it's price - $175!
I've also looked into reinforcing my steering box/pitman arm before. There seem to be two options out there - Synergy and JKS. Both have their pros and cons. I found a cool website, which I won't plagiarize here, but they did an install of both and gave some comparisons and a write up if anyone's interested. JKS sector shaft and trackbar brace Anyone have any opinions on either of these?
Edit:
I forgot Evo made a sector shaft brace as well. It just doesn't include any bracing for the trackbar bracket like the other two. Anyone running this?
I've heard of Ruffstuff Industries before, particularly their diff covers. I checked out their website and found that they offer a tie rod replacement that's made from 1.5" x .25" thick DOM Steel tube pre fit for the JK Axles. This kit will work on 17" wheels (non-factory) with a minimum 3.75 Backspacing (no problem for me with Slabs). This kit Includes a fully welded Tie rod with hex head tube adapters, and Offset GM 1 ton TRE's (1LH & 1 RH). Best part to me is it's price - $175!
I've also looked into reinforcing my steering box/pitman arm before. There seem to be two options out there - Synergy and JKS. Both have their pros and cons. I found a cool website, which I won't plagiarize here, but they did an install of both and gave some comparisons and a write up if anyone's interested. JKS sector shaft and trackbar brace Anyone have any opinions on either of these?
Edit:
I forgot Evo made a sector shaft brace as well. It just doesn't include any bracing for the trackbar bracket like the other two. Anyone running this?
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Ddays
Hooked
I have the Synergy version installed but I just removed the sector shaft brace because it was rubbing on my coil something fierce. I left the track bar brace installed since it does clear the coil and honestly didn't want to bother taking it off since that part clears just fine. Honestly I was surprised that there was a clearance issue. Not sure if there are similar issues with the JKS.
JK_Dave
Caught the Bug
Really? From this picture it seems like it's got decent room. Was it on full compression or all the time?
Ddays
Hooked
I was just on that site looking at that same photo. Mine was a RCH from the sector brace when at rest. but under any spring movement it rubbed. I have the RK adjustable arms and I even checked the measurements to make sure they were not pushing the axle forward too much but they were at the suggested lengths. I did have my frame replaced last Fall because of an accident so maybe there is some variance in the tolerances between the old & new frame.
JK_Dave
Caught the Bug
I found someone else who was having the same issue as you with the Synergy bracket. In his case, his trackbar was set too long and his axle wasn't centered. Might be worth checking on yours especially with the frame you've got.
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Ddays
Hooked
Bingo - that's what mine looked like! Thanks for the tip - I'm gonna measure mine when I get home...
JK_Dave
Caught the Bug
Haha, thanks and you're right about that. I get comments from strangers at least once a week. No one would bat an eye if I was in Arizona, Colorado or Cali. Feel free to wave me down or come say hi if you see me around.
devonn216
Member
Will do! I'm moving to Fort Rucker, AL at the end of June but hopefully I'll see you around before then.
JK_Dave
Caught the Bug
Just got some marine rated, Polk 6.5" to replace the rollbar speakers that are shot and for fun I'm replacing the sub with a new Rockford 8". I'm going to Dynamat the interior of the existing box and add some Polyfil and we'll see if the factory amp can handle it. If it still sounds weak, I'll look into an economical and petite amp upgrade for it. If I like the Polks, I may go ahead and replace the front dash speakers as well, but I want to see how this change sounds first before throwing money at it.
I have zero interest in running a separate amp for the speakers and rewiring the whole car. If anything, I may upgrade the head unit down the road to include nav and a get a slight bump in performance.
If anyone's curious, I got the Polk db651s for the soundbar and the Rockford Fosgate P2D2-S.
I have zero interest in running a separate amp for the speakers and rewiring the whole car. If anything, I may upgrade the head unit down the road to include nav and a get a slight bump in performance.
If anyone's curious, I got the Polk db651s for the soundbar and the Rockford Fosgate P2D2-S.
JK_Dave
Caught the Bug
Sub tear down begins. Here's the stock sub. I'll post a comparison against the new sub tomorrow.
Here's the wiring coming out for the dual voice coils:
Hard to tell but not very deep. Hope the new sub fits or I'll have to make a spacer.
Only a little insulation on the rear. We can do a lot better than this. More pics to come.
Here's the wiring coming out for the dual voice coils:
Hard to tell but not very deep. Hope the new sub fits or I'll have to make a spacer.
Only a little insulation on the rear. We can do a lot better than this. More pics to come.
