Some updates are in order.
1. I scored a set of used AEV Pintler wheels. These have more offset than the JL wheels I was running. Enough so that I was able to remove the spacers in the rear, but I still need spacers in the front. I have 1.5" spacers, but would like to drop down to 1". but for now, the 1.5" work fine and I don't rub too much even when full turn and/or compressed. I still rub a little bit in the rear, but not enough to slice up the tires, so I'm calling it good. I think in the future I might drop down to 32" (275/70/17) tires instead of these 33" (285/70/17's), but there are so many good deals on used 33's that its hard to go down in size.
2. I replaced the rear portion of the center console (all of the vents were broken by kids feet from previous owner) so the interior is looking nice. Also replaced all the interior door handles. The plastic "shell" of the handle assembly gets very brittle and replacement kits are plentiful and cheap.
3. I removed the stock exhaust one day just to hear what the 5.7L HEMI sounded like. Dear Lord what a sweet beautiful ruckus that made! I think a Magnaflow or similar cat-back exhaust is in my future.
Video (with great audio) here.
4. I started to experience a "transmission overtemp" fault, even when the entire system was stone cold. Would put the tranny into limp mode. Not great. Thanks to some else's sleuthy reading of the wiring diagrams, it seems there are multiple ways the ECU (or PCM - Powertrain Control Module) can obtain tranny temp readings, so cutting the wire for the temp sensor seems to nip that issue in the bud, so to speak. It's been about 6 weeks since I performed the transectomy and no errors or issues ever since.
5. The cargo space in the WK is pretty small. Much smaller than a WJ (Oh! My son bought another WJ, so now we have both in the driveway). Anyway, to combat the limited space and facilitate canine transportation, I build out a rear cargo shelf and modular rear-seat delete option. In truth, it would be a couple of hours to remove the front portion of the cargo tray to re-install the rear seat, but it can be done, so I guess that counts. Right now, the cargo floor is pretty simple. I plan to develop it further with piano hinges and latches to allow the front portion to flip up and access the space underneath. I am slowly saving up money for a decent stereo (or magnaflow - hmmm....), and intend to put the component amps and signal processors in this under lid storage area. One thing I did that I like a lot is made partitions coming off the center console so the area immediately behind is great for storing quick-grab stuff like my SLR camera, jackets, thermos's, etc...
6. I bent my rear diff cover on a rock, tried upgrading, but the QDII rear diff is an oddball, and replacement covers are few and far between. So I removed the existing one, bent it back, refinished it, and loaded up on Royal Purple diff oil. Turned out pretty nice, and no leaks!
7. Popular wisdom on various Jeep forums encourage the use of an oil catch can, so I installed one:
8. Almost from the moment I brought it home, its had a check engine light on. I had read that these engines are very picky about oil due to the MDS (cylinder deactivation) system. Well, I can confirm. The Previous owner said he used 5W-20, but 7 quarts of MobileOne full synthetic 5W-20 seems to be the right choice and the CEL finally cleared!
That's about it for now. I've mostly just been enjoying it. As an SRV, it's working perfectly:
