05 Flame Red TJ Build

[jjvw]

I’m excited, and watching you, Mike, and Josh work on yours was some inspiration and “how-to” that gave me confidence I can get it done.

Every little project paves the way for the next new challenge!

 

[Apparition]

Every little project paves the way for the next new challenge!

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.”

 

[jjvw]

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.”

Runaway train never coming back

 

[JMT]

Every little project paves the way for the next new challenge!

So true.

Blaine says I can do either the outboard or midarm first. I was ready to do the outboard earlier this month but got delayed. Thinking it through, though the midarm is a bigger project, I think I will save some headache by doing the midarm first. That way I don’t have to relocate the rear TB mount at the frame. I can also get the rear shock 90* to the lower midarm link rather than the short arm, which should be slightly more upright and better overall. Looking forward to seeing and understanding better what’s happening.

 

[Apparition]

Runaway train never coming back

That sounds like what’s in my garage.

 

[jjvw]

So true.

Blaine says I can do either the outboard or midarm first. I was ready to do the outboard earlier this month but got delayed. Thinking it through, though the midarm is a bigger project, I think I will save some headache by doing the midarm first. That way I don’t have to relocate the rear TB mount at the frame. I can also get the rear shock 90* to the lower midarm link rather than the short arm, which should be slightly more upright and better overall. Looking forward to seeing and understanding better what’s happening.

We have done it both ways. There is no functional difference between which one happens first. Having the midarm already in place will keep the outboard work slightly more centered and aligned in the end. But one needs to know what to look for to maybe see it.

 

[psrivats]

Huh, details needed. Is this sold via savvy still as an updated version? Or is he selling it on his own web store now?

Why the chocolate fudge would this be sold via the trainwreck that is the new Savvy?

 

[lBasket]

Why the chocolate fudge would this be sold via the trainwreck that is the new Savvy?

¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

 

[mrblaine]

Huh, details needed. Is this sold via savvy still as an updated version? Or is he selling it on his own web store now?

It is a matter of convenience. Savvy production issues over the years have always left me short on kits I've needed for installs. I finally got to the point where I needed some, they didn't have any so I put them into production. Since I was doing that, I decided to incorporate the small changes it has needed since the first kits went into production and a couple just because I think they are a good idea.
I tightened up the front stiffener to fit the tube and coped the end at the spring perch side to make it easier to fill with weld to keep water out.
I laid the rear upper frame side brace down to allow brake and fuel lines to be routed easier to the fuel tank and rear axle.
There is an optional tab kit that doubles up the thickness of the lower mounts and has a nut capture plate on the inner sides.
Nut capture washers are included for the front uppers both frame and axle side.
Links are all 7075 T6
Jam nuts are all FK or equivalent. No more wobbly import jam nuts. I prefer the small pattern. I don't like the ones that are larger than the link diameter.
All quality hardware or as high of quality as I can find and source readily.
Tolerable packaging which will improve as we get more experience.
Very high levels of input to the fab shop to hold tolerances a bit better.

I've dealt with way too many instances of needing to beat the mounts open to get a joint in or them having a 1/8" gap. They are about 10-15 thou as they should be. Or at least all the ones we've checked have been and I don't know that I can check them all which is why the high input before they go into production.

 

[lBasket]

It is a matter of convenience. Savvy production issues over the years have always left me short on kits I've needed for installs. I finally got to the point where I needed some, they didn't have any so I put them into production. Since I was doing that, I decided to incorporate the small changes it has needed since the first kits went into production and a couple just because I think they are a good idea.
I tightened up the front stiffener to fit the tube and coped the end at the spring perch side to make it easier to fill with weld to keep water out.
I laid the rear upper frame side brace down to allow brake and fuel lines to be routed easier to the fuel tank and rear axle.
There is an optional tab kit that doubles up the thickness of the lower mounts and has a nut capture plate on the inner sides.
Nut capture washers are included for the front uppers both frame and axle side.
Links are all 7075 T6
Jam nuts are all FK or equivalent. No more wobbly import jam nuts. I prefer the small pattern. I don't like the ones that are larger than the link diameter.
All quality hardware or as high of quality as I can find and source readily.
Tolerable packaging which will improve as we get more experience.
Very high levels of input to the fab shop to hold tolerances a bit better.

I've deal with way too many instances of needing to beat the mounts open to get a joint in or them having a 1/8" gap. They are about 10-15 thou as they should be. Or at least all the ones we've checked have been and I don't know that I can check them all which is why the high input before they go into production.

Awesome. Thanks for this. Very exciting to hear it is going to end up in production as a new and improved midarm... I was worried it wouldn't exist by the time I had the money for it.

 

[mrblaine]

Awesome. Thanks for this. Very exciting to hear it is going to end up in production as a new and improved midarm... I was worried it wouldn't exist by the time I had the money for it.

I wouldn't ever refer to it as new and improved. It is just the mid arm with a few minor corrections to bring it to the basic standard it was designed to be. There is nothing earth shattering about what we've done with the small changes that the average person would never pick up on. I'm sure we'll still have to run a 9/16" bit through every bolt hole just to make sure we don't fight it after welding. Doesn't matter how many we check, one or more always seems to slip out of the laser with an undersize hole.

It will also most likely not be listed on the website. If you want one, we can talk.

 

[JMT]

My buddy Rane. I got my first ride today in this fair weather vehicle. Seriously BA! Imported in 2018. It’s fun to feel him throw gears left handed.

 

[JMT]

I’m about ready. I like to have a couple of days to think through what I might need to take or need to do.

Picking up a rented trailer on Wednesday to haul the Jeep on. Hoping everything works out well.

Looking forward to wheelin with old friends @NashvilleTJ , @Bob in Texas, @taylormade73 and several new friends I’ve never wheeled with. Looking forward to meeting you. Sorry @Wildman.

Half doors in their jackets Jeff, ready to go. Tools stowed away. Cooler. I’ll bring a spare on the trailer.

 

[MikeE024]

I’m about ready. I like to have a couple of days to think through what I might need to take or need to do.

Picking up a rented trailer on Wednesday to haul the Jeep on. Hoping everything works out well.

Looking forward to wheelin with old friends @NashvilleTJ , @Bob in Texas, @taylormade73 and several new friends I’ve never wheeled with. Looking forward to meeting you. Sorry @Wildman.

Half doors in their jackets Jeff, ready to go. Tools stowed away. Cooler. I’ll bring a spare on the trailer.

View attachment 612496

View attachment 612497

In case this helps, here is some stuff I'd pack:

• wrenches / socket set / breaker bar
• vehicle sensors
• ignition actuator
• ujoints
• driveshafts & axles (if you have spares)
• your spare pcm
• ATF+4 (in case local stores don't have it)
• coolant and distilled water
• air up/down tools
• wood and a jack

Things I'd check before leaving:

• battery hold down and connections
• engine oil level
• transmission fluid level
• brake fluid level
• power steering fluid level
• coolant level
• ensure differentials covers aren't leaking
• grease all zerk fittings (steering/driveshafts/suspension)
• Torque CA fasteners if not done in a while
• Torque wheel lugs
• Inspect the steering, suspension, driveshaft, and skid plate fasteners. (ensure nothing looks loose or is missing).

Have fun

 

[Wildman]

I’m about ready. I like to have a couple of days to think through what I might need to take or need to do.

Picking up a rented trailer on Wednesday to haul the Jeep on. Hoping everything works out well.

Looking forward to wheelin with old friends @NashvilleTJ , @Bob in Texas, @taylormade73 and several new friends I’ve never wheeled with. Looking forward to meeting you. Sorry @Wildman.

Half doors in their jackets Jeff, ready to go. Tools stowed away. Cooler. I’ll bring a spare on the trailer.

View attachment 612496

View attachment 612497

Why the trailer this year? Be safe and enjoy the trip.
Yep bummed about not having the Jeep. Still be nice to finally get to meet folks.

 

[JMT]

Why the trailer this year? Be safe and enjoy the trip.
Yep bummed about not having the Jeep. Still be nice to finally get to meet folks.

Wife coming so more comfortable traveling in the Cherokee. We’ll have two chicles there k, which is good! Thought it was a good time to try a trailer out and see how we like it. If we do then we can go forward with getting one of our own.

 

[lBasket]

I’m about ready. I like to have a couple of days to think through what I might need to take or need to do.

Picking up a rented trailer on Wednesday to haul the Jeep on. Hoping everything works out well.

Looking forward to wheelin with old friends @NashvilleTJ , @Bob in Texas, @taylormade73 and several new friends I’ve never wheeled with. Looking forward to meeting you. Sorry @Wildman.

Half doors in their jackets Jeff, ready to go. Tools stowed away. Cooler. I’ll bring a spare on the trailer.

View attachment 612496

View attachment 612497

Nice cooler

 

[JMT]

In case this helps, here is some stuff I'd pack:

• wrenches / socket set / breaker bar
• vehicle sensors
• ignition actuator
• ujoints
• driveshafts & axles (if you have spares)
• your spare pcm
• ATF+4 (in case local stores don't have it)
• coolant and distilled water
• air up/down tools
• wood and a jack

Things I'd check before leaving:

• battery hold down and connections
• engine oil level
• transmission fluid level
• brake fluid level
• power steering fluid level
• coolant level
• ensure differentials covers aren't leaking
• grease all zerk fittings (steering/driveshafts/suspension)
• Torque CA fasteners if not done in a while
• Torque wheel lugs
• Inspect the steering, suspension, driveshaft, and skid plate fasteners. (ensure nothing looks loose or is missing).

Have fun

It does help. Marked off what’s done. I keep a close eye on fluids, but I’ll go through them again. Got more to do!

 

[JMT]

@MikeE024. I have lots of other stuff too:

• Duct tape
• Wire
• Lug nuts
• Beadlocks bolts
• Lug studs
• Screwdrivers
• Sockets, ratchets, Extensions
• Impacts
• Crescent
• Crows feet
• Glue tread, safety seal flat fix
• Recovery gear
• Knipex snap ring pliers
• Valve stems
• TP
• Small garden shovel
• Jumper cables
• More, just can’t remember

 

[MikeE024]

@MikeE024. I have lots of other stuff too:

• Duct tape
• Wire
• Lug nuts
• Beadlocks bolts
• Lug studs
• Screwdrivers
• Sockets, ratchets, Extensions
• Impacts
• Crescent
• Crows feet
• Glue tread, safety seal flat fix
• Recovery gear
• Knipex snap ring pliers
• Valve stems
• TP
• Small garden shovel
• Jumper cables
• More, just can’t remember

I forgot to mention:

• torx bits
• multimeter
• wire repair items (strippers, crimpers, lighter, heat shrink, and different terminals)

The dash switch to my air compressor just stopped working three years after install. It might be worth bringing a spare rocker switch if you have one.