Surf Blue Islander Build

jkris

jkris

New member
After many years of lurking on this forum I am finally getting around to my build thread. Reasons for lurking for so long (albeit lame ones) are deployments, training, crappy Internet when overseas, quietly learning before speaking, and finally life in general as I have two young kids and a grown adult child. I recently retired from the Army after 21 years and now have some time to start contributing a bit. I have already modded my jeep a bit and have much much more to do to get it where I want it.
The end goal is to be up on 37's while keeping it as light and low as possible and still be able to daily drive it. I have installed a 2.5 inch BB, CB, front bumper and winch, rear tire carrier, and flat fenders (at the wife's request). The most important mod to date was my kids car seats. The rest of the Jeep is stock as of right now.
First mods I would like to start on are locker(s) and re-gear and a proper lift. I have some research still to do on the re-gear and lift choice. I am eyeing 4.88 for gears and Evo 3 or 4 inch enforcer or the RK 2.5 or 3.5 flex to start with and build from there. All input and suggestions are welcome, valued, and much appreciated.
A few pics to share...ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1478539762.194645.jpgImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1478539780.775378.jpgImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1478539794.293744.jpgImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1478539808.141835.jpgImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1478539822.662994.jpgImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1478539833.407074.jpg
 
My Islander

here is mine
 

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First off, thank you for your service. And welcome! I really like that blue color.

As to the gearing, one thing I've been considering is, are you gonna drive it on the road or trail more? 4.88 and 37 is a happy medium from my research on auto or 6 speed. BUT, are you gonna spend that money for new gears, locker/carrier if you have 3.21 all to put in the factory front axle? If you intend to use it which I feel you will, you might want to look into the aftermarket housing options. It'll save you in the long run. Regardless, it looks like you are off to a good start! :2thumbsup:
 
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thereich said:
First off, thank you for your service. And welcome! I really like that blue color.

As to the gearing, one thing I've been considering is, are you gonna drive it on the road or trail more? 4.88 and 37 is a happy medium from my research on auto or 6 speed. BUT, are you gonna spend that money for new gears, locker/carrier if you have 3.21 all to put in the factory front axle? If you intend to use it which I feel you will, you might want to look into the aftermarket housing options. It'll save you in the long run. Regardless, it looks like you are off to a good start! :2thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Thanks! I appreciate the input. It's going to see some trail use but looks like it will be DD more for now. I thought about the front axle a whole lot since it is a D30 and would certainly be a weak link. But a D44 or better is probably down the road a bit which is why I am wrestling with the re gear so much. I would hate to dump money into the D30 to just wish I would have done an axle swap and bigger gears later. Decisions decisions!


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New JCR Mauler rear bumper arrived today with lights.
They really packed it well as you can see. I am also very impressed with their weld quality.
Next up is paint and install!


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So while sanding and cleaning my bumper prepping for paint, I got a nasty little surprise....IMG_0033.JPG


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Yup, that's a nice crack on a brand new bumper....
I have already fired off photos and a message so we will see how this plays out... I have heard good things but you never know anymore.
 
I sent the bumper back. It took all of 15 minutes for them to send me the shipping label, tell me what happened, and let me know they are sending a new one out immediately. They made no excuses and owned up to their mistake. Now just to wait for that bumper to arrive.


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Awsome! I've been to their shop a couple of times and they all seem like stand up guys who take pride in their product. It's nice to deal with companies that back their shit!
 
After returning the old bumper, I received my new bumper about a week ago. Installed the bumper after I spent 3 days painting and trimming the frame rails a tad. I have yet to hook up the lights. I am planning that project for this weekend.
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If someone has wired a similar setup up (reverse led lights) please feel free to share any helpful info and lessons learned!

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jkris said:
So while sanding and cleaning my bumper prepping for paint, I got a nasty little surprise....View attachment 234173


Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app

Yup, that's a nice crack on a brand new bumper....
I have already fired off photos and a message so we will see how this plays out... I have heard good things but you never know anymore.
Click to expand...

Holy hell! I'm glad they took care of you but I won't lie, that crack doesn't leave me with a lot of confidence in the quality of their bumpers.
 
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