Rockymountainhigh5 LJ

[MountaineerTom]

Mostly finished with the rear storage platform. Not many off the shelf options for TJ's/LJ's, and what does exist is ridiculously expensive, heavy, and while it would fit my needs OK (the tuffy drawer), not exactly what I'm looking for. I wanted something to allow two layers of storage for ease of getting things in and out when loaded, lightweight, allow for some lockable storage underneath, and look half decent (or at least like it is meant to be there).

I started by making a template out of cardboard, and then transferred that to some 7/16" OSB that I had laying around to make sure the concept actually worked. View attachment 559757View attachment 559758

The OSB worked OK for the summer, but I had to be pretty careful about how much weight I put on it as there was a lot of sagging. I picked up some 1/2" maple plywood and cut it out with a jigsaw using the OSB as a template (made a few modifications for a better fit). After priming and painting I installed two L-channel strips with the aluminum L channel on top, and T-nuts in strips of plywood underneath, so the platform is effectively sandwiched between the L-channel and the additional plywood strips. That stiffened the platform up quite a bit, but still not rigid enough for heavier items.
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I found some rubber material on Amazon designed to finish plywood, so I wrapped all of the edges with it. Also put an adjustable leg used for holding up the middle of a bedframe underneath, so I shouldn't have any issue supporting the weight of whatever I put on top. Finished it with some Bedrug carpeting I had left over from another project.
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The black container on the rights holds a compressor, tools, recovery gear, and emergency supplies that live in the jeep all the time, which leaves plenty of space for other stuff. The green box is a full size milk carton with a few odds and ends.

The other issue I wanted to solve was that the backseat is so low that anything I stack on top of the platform has potential to tip over onto my dog when she's in the backseat, or become a projectile in an emergency stopping situation. I bought a barrier designed to contain dogs on Chewy, and attached it with threaded rod to some brackets that fit on the L-channel. I used some stainless steel jam nuts to tighten the side poles up against the roll cage, and then tied the rollcage end down with paracord, mostly because I HATE rattling sounds. And yes, I realize the wrangler is an odd vehicle choice for someone that hates listening to rattles, haha.
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I don't generally have the top off but this design does allow for a lot of locking storage by just closing and locking the tailgate. If I decide to run the top off, or get a soft top I would tie this down to the seatbelt brackets from underneath, and install a board along the back so it couldn't be accessed by lowering the rear seat. Overall super happy with the set up though!

That looks like a nice setup.

 

[Rockymountainhigh5]

That looks like a nice setup.

Appreciate it! Definitely easier to organize/access stuff. Always annoying when tools/recovery gear are inaccessible without unloading the whole vehicle.

 

[Rockymountainhigh5]

Moved the factory locker compressors to the engine bay in preparation for a tummy tuck. I was able to use the original bracket and mounting hardware with some strategic bending, cutting, and drilling.

 

[Rockymountainhigh5]

Got the new skid plate installed. I went with the UCF extra clearance in steel. As others have said on this forum it’s a bigger job than you’d think. All kinds of little stuff needed modified from exhaust hangers to tub clearance to t-case shift linkage, to spring perches, etc. somewhat frustrating at times (like when I accidentally cut the rear brake line while trimming the spring perch ). It’s in though and I’m super happy with the results.

I also decided to replace the front and rear driveshafts with Tom Woods. After dialing in the pinion angles I am now FINALLY completely vibration free up to about 76-77mph. I’m going to get the tires rotated and balanced this weekend to see if that’ll help with the last little bit, but I’m extremely happy to be able to cruise on the interstate at 75 and not feel like the whole jeep is buzzing. When I bought it there was a 1” t-case drop and it vibrated like crazy so to go up this high with the skid and have no vibes when I’ve been fighting them on and off for two years is very satisfying.

Also shout out to Gerald at Savvy. My front passenger lower control arm was frozen in place which I found out when adjusting the front pinion angle- I ended up having to cut it off, was able to save both Johnny joints, but needed an arm. Gerald called me back on a Sunday, shipped it out that day, and had it to my house by that Thursday.

 

[tworley]

View attachment 628963

Could be the angle of the photo but your pinion looks a smidge high in this photo.

 

[Rockymountainhigh5]

Could be the angle of the photo but your pinion looks a smidge high in this photo.

Good eye. My driveway is angled weird and I think the camera distorted the image a bit toward the edge. This is what the rear pinion angle actually looks like:

 

[Wildman]

Good eye. My driveway is angled weird and I think the camera distorted the image a bit toward the edge. This is what the rear pinion angle actually looks like:View attachment 629099

That looks better.

 

[bbaldwin237]

How are you liking the Kendas so far?

 

[Rockymountainhigh5]

How are you liking the Kendas so far?

I’m a fan. I previously had Toyo Open Country A/Ts on this Jeep. The Kendas are a bit louder, and mileage went down slightly, as to be expected with an R/T tire. I’m in the high desert so a lot of sharp rocks, some sand, and very hard packed clay, also spent a week in Moab last fall and no complaints. Regularly air down to 15 psi with no problems. I have about 4000 miles on them probably 75/25 on vs off-road and they seem to be holding up fine. Discount tire said 4/5 balanced great, the last one gave them some trouble. Given how few tires there are in a load c, 15 inch rim, that is also a rough terrain, I’m glad to have these as an option.

 

[bbaldwin237]

I’m a fan. I previously had Toyo Open Country A/Ts on this Jeep. The Kendas are a bit louder, and mileage went down slightly, as to be expected with an R/T tire. I’m in the high desert so a lot of sharp rocks, some sand, and very hard packed clay, also spent a week in Moab last fall and no complaints. Regularly air down to 15 psi with no problems. I have about 4000 miles on them probably 75/25 on vs off-road and they seem to be holding up fine. Discount tire said 4/5 balanced great, the last one gave them some trouble. Given how few tires there are in a load c, 15 inch rim, that is also a rough terrain, I’m glad to have these as an option.

Thanks for the feedback! It's so hard to find info/reviews on the Kenda RT and MT2. I'm considering both.