2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited "Squatch"

[toxicity_27]

Well I've been lurking for a while, posted a few times, but decided that I should finally create a build thread for my 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. A little bit about me first I suppose would be helpful. I grew up camping all the time with my family, as I've gotten older, moved from my parents and got different jobs, I haven't been able to get out camping as much. I'm young enough yet where I can start to get back into it again, which is exactly what I want to do. I've owned several Jeeps in my past; a 1990 XJ, a 1999 WJ, a 2007 XK, and a 1998 XJ. In between the WJ and XK I had a 2008 Ford F150. I had always wanted a Wrangler, but had never gotten one. I used to work for a dealership, and finally had the opportunity to buy a Wrangler.

I ordered my 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited on 6/5/12 after trying to decide on a color, and going from Orange Crush, to Dozer to Gecko Green, I ended up with Bright White. I ordered a Sport S, with 3.73s, Max Tow, Connectivity, Dual Tops, Limited Slip, and a manual transmission. Essentially, every option I could get, other than an auto, and the appearance packages. It finally showed up at the dealer 8/4/12. When I first decided that I was going to finally get a Wrangler, I wanted to go the expedition route so that I could get back into camping. Low and behold, by the time that I had ordered it, I was thinking rock crawler, so some of the choices I've made reflect that, but some will also be changed in the future. So without further ado, how about some pictures?

Hot off the truck.


Love the look with no doors, and just the soft top with no windows.


I had a 4" Rough Country lift, 20" Ballistic Jesters, and 325/60/R20 Nitto Terra Grapplers installed. This is where things kind of took more of an appearance route instead of functionality. The day I brought it home after all was installed.


I am not a fan of chrome, so I ordered a black Jeep logo and installed that.


Next to my buddy's LJ Rubicon at work one day.


Decided to go with an LoD Signature Series Shorty Front bumper. I liked the looks of this, it had locations for the stock foglights, and the winch is recessed.




Needed to add some lighting up front. Went with two Rigid D2 Duallys in a driving pattern.


Also, I don't have any pictures, but I installed an Engo EPF10000 winch. I also installed the Teraflex Tire Carrier with adjustable mount. Don't have any pictures of that install either, though I do have some after I installed a CB. I also installed the Hi-Lift Jack/Accessory mount.

Before installed the CB antenna, coax, and CB.


In the process.



I couldn't seem to find a good place to mount the CB that didn't bother me. I couldn't mount above the rearview mirror since it has auto dimming. Ended up deciding under the glovebox would work.



Where the CB antenna is mounted.



I also finally got the Cooltech CB mic mount and mounted my mic so it wasn't flopping around everywhere.


Finally got sick of the stock headlights, and was worried about the LEDs freezing up in the winter since I am in Minnesota. Found a set of Truck-Lites that are heated, ordered them and proceeded to install.
Stock vs. Truck-Lite.


Installed.



Also, hung my Lego Minifigure Yeti.


Sorry for the long winded post. I'll be posting up my build list as well, there are a few things missing, but if you can think of any changes feel free to let me know. I'll also include a list of what I've already got installed, or what is waiting to be installed.

 

[toxicity_27]

Now for my list of parts:

Currently installed or waiting to be installed;

LoD Signature Series Shorty Front Bumper
Teraflex Quick Disconnects
Crown Extended Brake Lines
4" Rough Country Lift
Rigid D2 Duallys Driving Pattern
Heated Truck-Lites
Teraflex Hinged Tire Carrier with Adjustable Mount
Teraflex Hi-Lift/Accessory Mount
Uniden PC68XL CB
Engo EPF10000 Winch
Hood Blackout Decal
Vacuum Pump Relocation Bracket
Lego Yeti Minifigure
Teraflex Adjustable Lower Control Arms (waiting to be installed)
Heated Truck-Lite Headlights with PMA Harness

Now for the list (updated 5/8/14);

EVO Protek Skid System
TeraFlex Jk Big Brake Kit w/Slotted Rotors
LoD Signature Series Armor Lite Generation 4 Fullwidth Rear Bumper With Tire Carrier, Black Powder Coat Finish, Rigid Cut Outs, 3rd Brake Light, Trail Rack, RotoPax 2/3 Gallon Mounts
Shrockworks Rock Sliders
Interco BirdDog 17x9 5x5 4.50” BS, Nitto Trail Grappler MT 35x12.50R17E, TPMS Sensor, Package Deal x5
AEV JK DualSport Suspension 3.5” 4 Door
Synergy MFG Jeep JK Chromoly Tie Rod
Artec Industries JK 07-13 Front Axle ARMOR KIT Dana 30
Coast JK 1310 Front Drive Shaft
Coast JK 1310 Rear 4 Door Drive Shaft
TeraFlex JK Front Upper FlexArms
TeraFlex JK Rear Lower FlexArms
TeraFlex JK Rear Upper FlexArms
GOBI JK 4 Door Stealth Roof Rack W/ 40” Light Bar Ready
GOBI JK Ladder Driver Side
GOBI JK Wind Deflector
GOBI JK Roof Rack Sun Roof Insert
Riddler 2 Differential Covers & LubeLocker Package
Northridge 4X4 JK Non Rubicon 30/44 Gear Package And Master Overhaul Kits 4.56 Nitro Gears
ARB Wrangler JK 2012-13, Air Compressor & EVO Mounting Bracket Package
ARB Air Locker Dana 30 27 Spline 3.73 & Up (RD100)
ARB Air Locker Dana 44 30 Spline 3.73 & Down (RD117)
SPod Jeep JK 2012-13, 6 Switch, Double Light Contura Rocker Switches & Source System - 600-12LT (All Red Switches)
Rugged Ridge JK 11-2013, A-Pillar Switch Pod, 4 Switch Capacity
Rigid Industries E2 40" - Combo - 14231
Rigid Industries SR2 10 Inch - Combo - 91131
Rigid Industries Dually LED Lights - Flush Mount - Diffused - Pair
Synergy Manufacturing Cam Bolt Eliminator Kit
EVO Manufacturing JK Evo Front Control Arm Skids - EVO1005
EVO Manufacturing JK Evo Rear Lower Control Arm Skids - EVO1039
RotopaX LOX Pack Mount (x4)
RotopaX 2 Gallon Gasoline Container (x4)
RotopaX 2 Gallon Water Container (x4)
Trailgater Bolt-on Tailgate Table for Jeep JK with Cutting Board
OFFROAD ELEMENTS M8 STEALTH LIMB RISER KIT
AEV JK 2012-14, 3.6L, Snorkel Kit With Ram Air & Gen II Pre-Filter
Poison Spyder JK Lower A-Pillar Light Mounts - Pair*
Genesis Offroad Dual Battery Kit with 200 Amp Isolator
DieHard Advanced Gold AGM Battery - Group Size 34 (x2)


You'll notice that I have a different suspension and wheels/tires in the list. The Rough Country suspension is just that, rough. I want something that's a little more compliant on the road as this is my DD. Also wanted wheels/tires that would be better suited for offroad use, and not as flashy. I will still do some rock crawling, which is why I've picked the BirdDogs.

If you've noticed anything I've forgotten (of which I know there is a lot), or anything I should change. Feel free to chime in and let me know. This is going to be a slow build, but I'm hoping to get it to where I want it.

 

[toxicity_27]

I'm planning on doing an oil and diff fluid change here in about 1000 miles or so. Any recommendations on oil and diff fluid I should use? I've got the 3.6L Pentastar and the lifetime warranty so I don't want to use an oil that they can say caused a problem since I've heard a few horror stories.

 

[daryn1979]

Congrats on the new jeep! I traded in my 2013 JK 2dr last fall for a 2012 JKUR, and it's nice to see a fellow Minnesotan doing an Expo build! If you ever need a hand, let me know!

 

[BBailey]

Ditch the Teraflex arms. If you actually use your JKU and flex out the suspension, you'll blow out the bushings in no time. Buy something with Johnny Joints (Currie, EVO, Rokmen, etc) and you won't have to worry about them again. And truthfully, with the level of lift you're looking at, lower fronts and upper rears is all you really need unless you just want the extra capacity changing uppers and lowers would give you (not much over stock really).

Unless you are simply wedded to the AEV lift, take a look at the EVO Enforcer 3" lift (or even EVO's budget boost which includes front springs and rear pucks, its not on their website so you'd need to give them a call). On road quality will be the equal of the AEV (I actually think its better but ride quality is admittedly subjective) and it will flex substantially better than the AEV lift (and you indicated you intend to actually use your JK so that does matter) plus you don't have to worry about destroying drop brackets if you take your JK offroad. If you don't want to spring for the King's with the EVO lift (which is what I'd recommend), I'd suggest looking at Fox before going with Bilsteins unless you like a stiffer ride, in which case, by all means, go for the Bilsteins. And if you don't want to spend the money the Kings or Fox shocks require, I'd look at the Rancho 9000's before looking at Bilsteins.

While I love Synergy, the Tie-Rod isn't really necessary given the level of your build. I'd go with the EVO Drag Link Flip Kit. It'll get your axle recentered, it'll fix the misalignment of your drag link and track bar, and it'll raise the mounting points of your steering stabilizer.

 

[toxicity_27]

Congrats on the new jeep! I traded in my 2013 JK 2dr last fall for a 2012 JKUR, and it's nice to see a fellow Minnesotan doing an Expo build! If you ever need a hand, let me know!

Thanks! I appreciate it. I'm on another forum, but it doesn't seem like any of the Minnesota guys are looking to do expedition style builds. Most are for crawling, which I plan on doing a bit of (and have done some up at the IROHV Park), but my main focus is expedition.

Ditch the Teraflex arms. If you actually use your JKU and flex out the suspension, you'll blow out the bushings in no time. Buy something with Johnny Joints (Currie, EVO, Rokmen, etc) and you won't have to worry about them again. And truthfully, with the level of lift you're looking at, lower fronts and upper rears is all you really need unless you just want the extra capacity changing uppers and lowers would give you (not much over stock really).

Unless you are simply wedded to the AEV lift, take a look at the EVO Enforcer 3" lift (or even EVO's budget boost which includes front springs and rear pucks, its not on their website so you'd need to give them a call). On road quality will be the equal of the AEV (I actually think its better but ride quality is admittedly subjective) and it will flex substantially better than the AEV lift (and you indicated you intend to actually use your JK so that does matter) plus you don't have to worry about destroying drop brackets if you take your JK offroad. If you don't want to spring for the King's with the EVO lift (which is what I'd recommend), I'd suggest looking at Fox before going with Bilsteins unless you like a stiffer ride, in which case, by all means, go for the Bilsteins. And if you don't want to spend the money the Kings or Fox shocks require, I'd look at the Rancho 9000's before looking at Bilsteins.

While I love Synergy, the Tie-Rod isn't really necessary given the level of your build. I'd go with the EVO Drag Link Flip Kit. It'll get your axle recentered, it'll fix the misalignment of your drag link and track bar, and it'll raise the mounting points of your steering stabilizer.

Thanks for the feedback! I'll definitely look into the Enforcer lift a bit more, especially since the price points are similar. I wasn't planning on using the relocation brackets with the AEV lift, and would actually sell those. A few of the guys I've spoken with that are running the TeraFlex arms love them and haven't had any bushing issues that I'm aware of. I have seen a few discussions on the MetalCloak arms with the Duroflex joint and those seem to be interesting. Have any opinion on those?

 

[daryn1979]

Thanks! I appreciate it. I'm on another forum, but it doesn't seem like any of the Minnesota guys are looking to do expedition style builds. Most are for crawling, which I plan on doing a bit of (and have done some up at the IROHV Park), but my main focus is expedition.

I can only assume you mean MN-Jeep? Great forum, but like you say- heavily into rock crawling. Like you, my jeep is my DD, and I don't have the time or space anymore to be constantly fixing my vehicle. It's hard to get out of that mindset when it comes to an expo build! I keep looking at lifts, skidplates, body armor, MT tires- most of which have little use in an expedition jeep in MN. I'm having some 285/75/17 Toyo AT2s mounted this weekend, adding a 2.5" lift and some bumpers, then I can just focus on the fun stuff like interior upgrades for camping/cooking/exploring. I think it'll serve me much better than a rig that I'll take to Gilbert 1-2x a year.

 

[BBailey]

Thanks! I appreciate it. I'm on another forum, but it doesn't seem like any of the Minnesota guys are looking to do expedition style builds. Most are for crawling, which I plan on doing a bit of (and have done some up at the IROHV Park), but my main focus is expedition.

This is one of the main problems I see with the whole Expedition vs Rock Crawling thing. Good suspension is good suspension. The difference is in spring rates and shock valving, that's really about it. No one has any reason to lift a JKU more than 2.5 to 3.5 inches, 4.5 inches on the high end if you're running a heavier rig (which means you end up with something closer to 3.5 inches anyway). With that, 40's will easily fit so the only reason to lift any higher is for "looks" and most here don't modify for looks, we modify for performance. And realistically, 40's aren't needed for either rock crawling or overlanding unless your time is spent in the sierra's, colorado, utah, etc. 35's or 37's, yeah, those can easily make sense. Especially if you're looking at building a capable rig that can go where you want it to go comfortably. I think you'll find that the higher end "rock crawling" kits are actually far better for overlanding than most realize. Take the higher end coilover kits on the market, these provide substantially better on-road ride when compared to nearly every shock/coilspring set-up on the market and when you hit the dirt the differences only magnify. Washboard roads, whoops in the desert, those cease being issues with a properly set up suspension.

Thanks for the feedback! I'll definitely look into the Enforcer lift a bit more, especially since the price points are similar. I wasn't planning on using the relocation brackets with the AEV lift, and would actually sell those. A few of the guys I've spoken with that are running the TeraFlex arms love them and haven't had any bushing issues that I'm aware of. I have seen a few discussions on the MetalCloak arms with the Duroflex joint and those seem to be interesting. Have any opinion on those?

Not a huge fan of Metalcloak though to their credit, they have a great marketing program as they've gotten their name out there for a young company very effectively. I'm a fan of Johnny Joints, every Jeep I've built up has used control arms with Johnny Joints and I have yet to see one fail on any other Jeep. So haven't seen any need to look at the "next best thing", especially with regards to a part where a failure can actually cause problems on the trail. If I'm going short arm, I personally like Rokmen, though I'll be the first to admit that there isn't much difference between the Rokmen arms and the Currie arms. If I was looking at a long-arm kit, I'd be looking at either EVO or having a custom set-up built for me. Truthfully, if you aren't going for a true long travel build and don't need that capability, a highend set of short-arms will serve you better than a lower end set of long-arms.

Personal opinion, I'd buy the 3" EVO Enforcer kit and separately I'd pick up a set of Rancho 9000 shocks. This would give you a great ride and in many cases, you could stop there as most are perfectly happy with that set-up. Then I'd upgrade control arms. Then I'd upgrade the front to a coilover set-up while at the same time swapping out the rear shocks for King smoothies. Along the way, I'd install front control arm skids and rear EVO Rockstars combined with relocating the rear upper shock mount a bit higher up (maintains travel and gives you a bit more rear ground clearance). The upgrade path really just depends on what kind of performance you're ultimately after with the modifications you're making to your Jeep.

 

[toxicity_27]

I can only assume you mean MN-Jeep? Great forum, but like you say- heavily into rock crawling. Like you, my jeep is my DD, and I don't have the time or space anymore to be constantly fixing my vehicle. It's hard to get out of that mindset when it comes to an expo build! I keep looking at lifts, skidplates, body armor, MT tires- most of which have little use in an expedition jeep in MN. I'm having some 285/75/17 Toyo AT2s mounted this weekend, adding a 2.5" lift and some bumpers, then I can just focus on the fun stuff like interior upgrades for camping/cooking/exploring. I think it'll serve me much better than a rig that I'll take to Gilbert 1-2x a year.

Actually I'm talking about JK-Forum. Great bunch of guys there and we've had a few meet and greets I've been able to attend but most are oriented towards rock like I mentioned. Hope the installs go well for you this weekend!

This is one of the main problems I see with the whole Expedition vs Rock Crawling thing. Good suspension is good suspension. The difference is in spring rates and shock valving, that's really about it. No one has any reason to lift a JKU more than 2.5 to 3.5 inches, 4.5 inches on the high end if you're running a heavier rig (which means you end up with something closer to 3.5 inches anyway). With that, 40's will easily fit so the only reason to lift any higher is for "looks" and most here don't modify for looks, we modify for performance. And realistically, 40's aren't needed for either rock crawling or overlanding unless your time is spent in the sierra's, colorado, utah, etc. 35's or 37's, yeah, those can easily make sense. Especially if you're looking at building a capable rig that can go where you want it to go comfortably. I think you'll find that the higher end "rock crawling" kits are actually far better for overlanding than most realize. Take the higher end coilover kits on the market, these provide substantially better on-road ride when compared to nearly every shock/coilspring set-up on the market and when you hit the dirt the differences only magnify. Washboard roads, whoops in the desert, those cease being issues with a properly set up suspension.



Not a huge fan of Metalcloak though to their credit, they have a great marketing program as they've gotten their name out there for a young company very effectively. I'm a fan of Johnny Joints, every Jeep I've built up has used control arms with Johnny Joints and I have yet to see one fail on any other Jeep. So haven't seen any need to look at the "next best thing", especially with regards to a part where a failure can actually cause problems on the trail. If I'm going short arm, I personally like Rokmen, though I'll be the first to admit that there isn't much difference between the Rokmen arms and the Currie arms. If I was looking at a long-arm kit, I'd be looking at either EVO or having a custom set-up built for me. Truthfully, if you aren't going for a true long travel build and don't need that capability, a highend set of short-arms will serve you better than a lower end set of long-arms.

Personal opinion, I'd buy the 3" EVO Enforcer kit and separately I'd pick up a set of Rancho 9000 shocks. This would give you a great ride and in many cases, you could stop there as most are perfectly happy with that set-up. Then I'd upgrade control arms. Then I'd upgrade the front to a coilover set-up while at the same time swapping out the rear shocks for King smoothies. Along the way, I'd install front control arm skids and rear EVO Rockstars combined with relocating the rear upper shock mount a bit higher up (maintains travel and gives you a bit more rear ground clearance). The upgrade path really just depends on what kind of performance you're ultimately after with the modifications you're making to your Jeep.

Thanks for the response! I've looked at the coil overs and just can't afford them. I'll look again at the Enforcer lift. As far as the drop brackets go I wasn't planning on using them hence the reason for the arms. I'll take a look at some other control arms and see what I come up with. Thanks for the reminder on the control arm skids and the rockstars I want to add those as well.

Love the feedback guys. Keep it coming!

 

[toxicity_27]

Relocated my evap skid plate today. Would have been easier if I could have found my step bit, but I got the job done. Will be ordering some differential oil, engine oil, oil filter, and air filter later today too. 30,000 miles is coming up soon, and I will be changing those fluids. Will be greasing up my sway bar disconnects at that time as well. I'm not sure when I'm going to get around to extending the breather lines but that should be around the same time or maybe a short while afterwards.

Here is the video I used to relocate my evap skid if anyone needs it.

http://youtu.be/jkfLGjzH7Z4

 

[hoboscratch]

Nice build thus far. I am in the same boat as you. I am planning to build an expedition machine, not a rock crawler (though I do want to go to parks a couple times a year). Grew up camping, got away from it in my 20s, now getting back into it. I have a couple of kids now, and want to make sure they had a similar experience that I did growing up. Anyway, I also have a '13 JKU Sport, though I haven't done near the mods you do. Just a leveling kit, Rubi rails, ACE rails to help the kids get in, Duratracs, and replaced the coils and shocks for those off a friend's Rubicon. Other than that, she's stock. I am not sure what will be next, but I have been subscribing to various expedition build threads over the last few months. I am looking forward to seeing this one as well.

 

[toxicity_27]

Nice build thus far. I am in the same boat as you. I am planning to build an expedition machine, not a rock crawler (though I do want to go to parks a couple times a year). Grew up camping, got away from it in my 20s, now getting back into it. I have a couple of kids now, and want to make sure they had a similar experience that I did growing up. Anyway, I also have a '13 JKU Sport, though I haven't done near the mods you do. Just a leveling kit, Rubi rails, ACE rails to help the kids get in, Duratracs, and replaced the coils and shocks for those off a friend's Rubicon. Other than that, she's stock. I am not sure what will be next, but I have been subscribing to various expedition build threads over the last few months. I am looking forward to seeing this one as well.

My build is going to be going quite slow. I've since changed jobs since a majority of mods were installed. I feel as though I'm doing more research on parts though, which I find to be a lot of fun as well. Also later this year I'm going to start planning a trip for next summer to the Badlands as long as everything works out. I've got so many plans, just wish I had the funds to go through with some of those plans.

 

[toxicity_27]

Switched tops today, so hopefully the weather will continue to stay nice and we won't get anymore snow. Also ordered a couple of decals yesterday to kind of go with the theme of my JKU. Going to be doing an oil change, air filter and diff fluid change next week. Hopefully I'll be able to dig out the control arms and get those installed sometime soon as well. Like I said, this is going to be a slow build.

 

[toxicity_27]

Changed the oil, air filter and diff fluid today. Also greased my sway bar disconnects. Got my decals yesterday, but am going to wait for warmer weather to put them on.

Comparing old and new filters.



Then decided to have a little fun in the garage.

 

[Blade Runner]

Was that a late 60's Cougar in the garage, with the Bullitt wheels?