JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

LOL NOT! .. Finally after 5 years the Black Pearl (or Jack) is where I like it, however, he 's got almost 140,000klm and needs a little TLC. The reason I am starting this post is although I will be purchasing the parts all at once, I am going to install, run for 2 weeks, and document the changes and characteristics piece by piece. In this way I can have fun ALL summer and more importantly provide research and information to others as to what differences these parts, by themselves, provide, good, bad, or indifferent.

Here is my List:

AEV front geometry correction Control arm brackets.
AEV Draglink flip and SS relocation kit.
TeraFlex Monster Track Bar
Rancho RS9000 shocks
Synergy HD Ball Joints
Possibly Tierod Ends

Are you interested Yet! :smokin:

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

First on the list will be the AEV correction Brackets. They look interesting and the theory looks acceptable so I will do these first so there are NO other new parts to affect this change over...
Its maker or breaker her baby, the whole truth and nothing but the truth..

This what they are suppose to do: JK Geometry Correction Front Control Arm Drop Brackets - Suspension - Shop By Category

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

Got my attention...subscribed.

Good luck with the build.

Good choice on the Synergy Ball Joints....just had mine done, solid product.

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

Cant wait to see it done..

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

FINALLY: got some time to sit down and order the parts from our friend Marcus in Austin TX. Parts should be here within the week. I am looking forward to some wrench'N... I will keep you all updated.

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

Interested to see how the geometry drop brackets will improve handling...

I will definitely keep you updated. I hope to instal the AEV brackets next weekend.

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

Ok parts are all here.
AEV Geometry correction brackets installed. Short Test drive proves they do make a difference and produce a smoother ride on bumpy roads and expansion joints on roads and bridges. Will add further comments as I drive it more.
Next up will be the TF Monster Trackbar and SS relocation. Both will be done at the same time because the SS relocation bracket also relocates the lower Trackbar mount and I don't have time to adjust the Trackbar twice.
Next after that will be the Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks.
Then Finally the Draglink flip.
Stay tuned!

Cool regarding the relocation brackets!
All I know is that when u do finish your drag link flip, that will be the biggest game player in how the jeep rides. It's like a night and day difference. Thanks for keeping us updated on your new build! Good to hear experiences about different products out there and how they perform!! b

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

I agree, the draglink will make a huge difference. My concern of late has be the amount of flex in my factory Trackbar.

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

The AEV Geometry correction brackets are definitely worth the $. Smoothed out the front end on bumpy roads and no nose dive on hard braking.
Downside - lower front control arms are about an inch lower.. I will add a photo later..

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

AEV Geometry brackets installed.

http://jtphoto.ca/webimages/1 jeep/AEVbracket.jpg

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

AEV SS and Trackbar relocation bracket installed with new TeraFlex Monster adjustable track bar.
http://jtphoto.ca/webimages/1 jeep/A...on bracket.jpg

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Rancho RS900xl adjustable shocks installed today. I set the shocks all to 5 to start. Not enough time to have them installed before yesterday's trail ride.

Went for a trail ride yesterday and the AEV drop brackets proved once again to be a worthwhile investment. The new Trackbar also held everything nice and tight. Didn't notice much difference with the new Steering stabilizer but then the old one was still in good shape.

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

Re adjusted the shocks to 2 upfront and 3 in the rear. Wow I am impressed. I think it rides smoother with the big tires then stock. No wonder everyone raves about these shocks.

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today I am running the Shocks set to MAX (9) front and rear. Lovin theses shocks..
Balljoints go in Thursday and flipped draglink Saturday...

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New set of Synergy balljoints are in.. And hardtop is back on for the winter..

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

The final stage is complete. I found a 7/8" drill bit, sharpened her up and proceeded to drill out the knuckle to put the flip draglink (Mopar factory righthand drive draglink) . End result, done correctly with a "sharp bit" and 1/2" drive drill, less then 1hour to change.
With a 3.5" lift, the Jeep actually steers easier with the flip. Tomorrow I will take it for a longer drive to make sure the steering wheel is still center.
Beware though, if you do a draglink flip you must also raise the lower Trackbar mount to keep the Trackbar and draglink parrallel.

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

sure is fun drilling that knuckle isn't it! lol. and yes, if that geometry is off that will definitely cause a bad event in your underwear!! a good dip in the road at 50 kms will give u a nasty shimmy situation(feels like death wobble--almost, but at slower speeds)

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

Actually it wasn't that bad to drill out. I used an industrial 1/2" chuck, low rpm drill.

Bumpsteer wasn't that bad either just a little twitch in the steering wheel on certain bumps and not too much dive, but that could be because I had installed the AEV Geo brackets previously.

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

One final entry to wrap this up.
Road Trip - 930klm
- Steering is as solid as a rock no worries there. handles as good or better then new.
- Ride quality is better then its ever been.

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

Great write up! Have been interested in the shocks and AEV geo brackets for awhile. Might be my winter purchase!

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Thought I was done but I decided to replace the front wheel unit bearings. Seems there is a little play in them. So while I have it apart I may as well do the Brake pads and rotors too.
Full set of Slotted performance rotors and ceramic pads on the way..

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

Sounds like the build is going well!

Any tips and tricks for front axle shaft removal and re-install to avoid axle seal damage? Seems there's always a chance of damage when doing this task, and just wondering if there's a way to help prevent the damage and of course the drip drip drip out one side or the other.

Thanks

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

No Tips for the axle/seal other then being very carefull. Fortunately I should be able to pull the front unit bearings without removing the axles. I will update this thread once the parts are changed.

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

Yes, I've seen the unit bearing removed without the need to remove the axle shaft. It makes sense that you can replace it this way. I know some that do BJs some remove the unit bearing, some don't, they pull the unit bearing AND the axle shaft out all as one unit. To me that will make life more difficult on the re-build....as you say you need to be careful when guiding the axle shaft back in as to not pinch the seal.

Cheers!

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

For the Balljoints you have to remove the axle to get the knuckle off anyway so actually leaving the unit bearing and axle attached makes sense and is the best/fastest way. A little faster to pull apart and keeps the bearing assembly out of the way and clean while you fight with the ball joints..
Leaving the unit bearing attached to the axle makes it easier to re-install the axle because it acts as a counter weight to help balance axle shaft as you guide it in. More so for the long side then the short..

Re: JTPhoto time to REBUILD?
 

Will keep that in mind next time I'm faced with this work (axle shaft removal) ....hopefully not for a while, I've been running the Synergy BJ now for about 19,000KM since lift and tires...great product. Just need to be careful on the axle inner seals...no need to 'make work'