The Yellowtail Build

[sjones26573]

Most Recent Pics (As of 6/1/15)





I'll start where I stand:
2004 Wrangler "TJ" X in Solar Yellow. It was completely stock when I got it in 2010, aside from 31" BFG AT's

Mods to date:
3" BDS Front Coils
2" BDS Rear Coils
Bilstein 5100's
17" MT Sidebiters
35x12.5x17 Goodyear MT/R Kevlars
Custom tranny crossmember
Waggy 44 4.88
TNT Waggy Truss/Bracket Kit
Lockright Locker
Warn Prem Hubs
Centric Rotors/Calipers
Barnett 44 Cover
3 Link w/ Duroflex Joints
Ruffstuff 7/8 Heim Steering
Ford 8.8 4.88
Artec 8.8 Truss/Bracket Kit
Superior Super 88
Solid 8.8 Cover
Metalcloak Sliders
Durango Steering Box
Poison Spyder Hood Louver
Rokmen Rear Upper CA's
RC/MC Hybrid Rear Lower CA's
JKS 1 1/4" Body Lift
RC 1" MML
Front Crown Performance Braided Brake Lines
Crown Performance Braided 8.8 Caliper Flex Hose Kit
Crown Performance ZJ E-brake Cables
JB Conversions Super Short SYE
Carolina Driveline 1310/1330 Shaft
Metalcloak Aluminum Stubby
Novak NP-231 Shifter Cable
Flat 1/4" skid
Rampage Rear Recovery Bumper (Carrier removed)
CJ Tailgate (Color Matched w/ Rampage JK Hood Latches for Latches)
Warn M8000
TRE 3/8" 85' Synthetic Line/Safety Thimble
40X 3 5050 LED Rock Light Pods
12voltguy Custom 8 Switch Panel
8 OTRATTW Custom Contura V Switches
SuperBrightLEDs 4" LED STT lights
Sho-Me LED Flasher
Global Parts 4" LED Backup Lights
Blue LED Dash/HVAC/Interior Lights
Kenwood KDC-BT558U Head Unit
Nalin Mfg Brackets
Polk DB5251 Dash Component Speakers
Kicker KS525 Pod Coax Speakers
2 JL Audio 10W3V3 Subwoofers
JL Audio XD600/1 Monoblock Amp
Iggee Seat Covers

Future Mods:
TEN Factory MG22174 Wagoneer 44 Axle Kit
Method Beadlocks
37x12.5x17 Falken Wildpeak MT's
Metalcloak 4" Fenders
Metalcloak Extended Stretch Armor
Triangulated 4-link/stretch (Metalcloak Duroflex joints)
Currie Anti-Rock
Fox Reservoir 12" travel shocks
T&T Outboard kit
Selectable locker rear
VIAIR Onboard Air
JW Speaker 8700 Evolution LED Headlights
LED aux lighting
GM V8

 

[sjones26573]

Today was a good day. Picked up the 8.8 in Cary. Then my Artec truss arrived!

 

[sjones26573]

Clutch finally decided to take a **** on me. Don't have the time to replace it myself. Found a shop in Iron Station that a person on Jeep Forum suggested that will do the install for $200! Also found the Luk kit on ebay for $100! And best news is I ordered it today at 2:30. It shipped at 6:30! All said and done, I will have paid less than half of what my mechanic wanted ($670).

 

[sjones26573]

Got the new clutch in for a total of $300 and it is purring. Apparently there was a mess of gunk in the starter kicked out of the clutch and it will need replacing very soon. Now that that was noticed, the starter has just started acting up. More money from the build fund.

My collection of parts has grown. Several orders have rolled in and several more are on the way. At the moment I have my 8.8 geared 4.10 which came with rotors and calipers, an Artec 8.8 truss and bracket kit, Novak NP231 shift cable, ECGS 8.8 e-brake shoes and ABS port freeze plug, Crown Performance ZJ e-brake cables, JKS 1 1/4" body lift and Rokmen HD rear upper control arms. I have a Currie 8.8 caliper flex hose kit on the way.

As soon as my next paycheck comes in and I see what I'm working with, a Savvy full under armor with crossmember and MML and also either a JB Conversions or Tera SS SYE with Tom Wood's shaft will be on order.

 

[sjones26573]

Not sure if anybody keeps up with this, but anyways, the company I ordered my Currie 8.8 Caliper flex hoses from had them on backorder. They called and emailed me to ask if I wanted to upgrade to Crown Performance Stainless lines at no extra cost. I said sure! They shipped next day.

In addition, I found a smoking deal on a Superior HP30 4.88 R&P ($130 shipped!) so it looks like I will be regearing when I get all this in.

Also ordered a JB Conversions Super Short SYE now that they are finally back in stock.

Waiting on Savvy to finally get their Modular Under Armor priced and posted. I was going to go with a full under armor but If I save some money I can get some other parts, so just skid and x-member for now.

EDIT: Oh, and I dropped $225 on a new Diehard Platinum as the stock battery finally took a dive.

 

[sjones26573]

Placed some orders today: ECGS & 4WS.com

 

[sjones26573]

Took it wheeling last weekend with Jankoid. Daniel is way more washed out than it was last time I was there. The open diffs struggled to get past the upper ledge. The lower ledge wasn't bad but the spot right above it between the ledges has gotten bad and was more of a challenge than either of the ledges.
The LJ got in a tight spot and was close to tipping. The tow strap was a necessity.

In other news, I finally got my install kits from ECGS after a payment issue. My SYE arrived and I had to sent the tone wheel back due to rust. Replaced for free. 4.88 gears still haven't arrived and I have had no notices from 4ws so a phone call is in order. I placed an order with Metalcloak for an Aluminum stubby during the bumper sale/free shipping and it has shipped already.

I finally found an HP30 local, grade A with 120,000 miles geared 3.56, but the yard wants $200. Fairly confident I can talk them down at least to $150. Picked up a 3.73+ loaded carrier from Jankoid for $40.

 

[sjones26573]

Metalcloak bumper arrived. I got some pictures sent from home:

That will get mounted when I get home for fall break. I already have a buyer for the Smittybilt when it comes off and between it and the winch plate I will be able to recover most of my cost.

The tone wheel for my SYE arrived rusty so I had to ship it back. JB Conversions shipped me a new one.

Hoping to get my 8.8 pinion set and truss and brackets burned in during fall break in two weeks. I should be picking up the HP30 then too.

 

[sjones26573]

Welp, looks like my build just took a curve. Some friends of mine convinced me to run a Waggy 44. There just happens to be one local for sale with new 4.88's and master install kit. Selling off the HP30 gears, carrier and master install kit.

 

[baby hulk]

Damn I love metal cloak

 

[sjones26573]

Damn I love metal cloak

Me too. Going in next weekend. And hey again.

 

[baby hulk]

I know u think I'm stalking u hahaha. I've just wonted to see the fender u have so bad cause that's what I'm going to run and I've never seen them in person

 

[sjones26573]

I know u think I'm stalking u hahaha. I've just wonted to see the fender u have so bad cause that's what I'm going to run and I've never seen them in person

I don't have the fenders. Just the bumper. Jake (red LJ) has the fenders.

 

[baby hulk]

10/4

 

[sjones26573]

Confirmed a deal on the Wagoneer 44 in Concord with new 4.88 gears, new install kit, new lockrite locker and used Warn hubs for $700! Pretty darn good. I'm edumacating myself on 3-linking the front and looking at some kits at RuffStuff. Going to the junkyard Saturday looking for a lp30 geared 4.10 so I can run my 8.8 until I have my Waggy 44 built and ready to regear the 8.8. My Superior 8.8 4.88 gears finally shipped after a month and a half. The 35 is coming out Thursday and the pinion on the 8.8 will be set and brackets and truss burned in.

 

[baby hulk]

I don't now how much your looking to spend but rock krawler is the way to go. I have the 3 link In the front triang 4 link in the rear. Get a TNT truss for that axel and your set.

 

[sjones26573]

I don't now how much your looking to spend but rock krawler is the way to go. I have the 3 link In the front triang 4 link in the rear. Get a TNT truss for that axel and your set.

I'll check them out. I'm not going to truss the 44. It's strong enough for 37's with chromos without the truss and I certainly don't need anywhere else to spend money.

 

[baby hulk]

I agree on the strength. I ment more for the install TNT makes it so u put the truss on burn it in and bolt it up, after u bye brackets and go threw all the trouble to get it right it's worth the money to me.

 

[sjones26573]

Took a 3 hour Amtrak ride, delayed 45 min, home to get my axle in time. Somebody fell off the train after one stop and EMS had to be called. But, $700 later, what a beauty she is!

Also finally got to see all my new purchases.

Got in the replacement tone ring from JB Conversions. Had a spot of rust on it but I'll let it slide. Way better than the last one. I was tickled when I saw that he paid my shipping by wrapping bills in the packaging.

 

[sjones26573]

Pulled the other axle out of waiting, with it's rust and butchered "removed" brackets.

Ground the remaining nubs of bracket and rust off (found I'm quite handy with a grinder).

Welded the axle tubes and filled in all the places where the last guy cut into the tubes with his grinder.

And gave it a thick coat of primer since it will sit outside covered until we can make it back.

 

[sjones26573]

Man I haven't been back on in a while. Too focused on school. Got the Metalcloak bumper installed after a good deal of fighting with it and got the front end all painted, including axle and steering. I sold the old SRC bumper for a healthy $175. MML will be next so I can get rid of that god awful tcase drop and I'll start building my flat skid.

Crawling the Food Lion lot .

 

[sjones26573]

I think I've got every major component I can think of on a list for what I want to do as this build progresses. A triangulated 4-link will make it on the list eventually as well but I have no interest in planning it out right now.
Superior Super 88 kit - http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/-p-4697.html?gclid=CJy65PvmwrMCFRRbnAodR3cAHg
Superior D44 Wagoneer Chromoly (LS) - http://www.superioraxlegear.com/8092-wagoneer-grand-wagoneer-chromemoly-front-axle-p-13803.html
Superior D44 Wagoneer Chromoly (RS) - http://www.superioraxlegear.com/8092-wagoneer-grand-wagoneer-chromemoly-right-p-13804.html
Brown Dog MML - http://browndogindustries.com/CU288...Cylinder-1-Inch-Motor-Mount-Lifts-Rubber.aspx
UCF LOPRO Mount - http://www.undercoverfab.com/brackets-and-tabs/59-ucf-lopro-transmission-mount-03-06.html
42”x24”x¼” Steel Sheet + Angle Iron + Hardware (Flat Skid)
Ruffstuff ¾” Heim Steering Kit (Coupon code PBB10) - http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/34STEER.html
2x Synergy Suspension High Clearance Lower Control Arm Frame Mount - http://synergysuspension.com/Synerg...-Control-Arm-Frame-Mount-Un-Welded-p-698.html
Barnes 4WD Adjustable Inner Frame Link Mount Bracket Pair (10 Degree, 9/16" Bolt Hole) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/Adjustable-Inner-Frame-Link-Mount-Bracket-Pair_p_65.html
Ruffstuff Panhard Kit (Axle Offset Panhard)( Frame Outside Panhard) - http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/merchant.mvc?
Ballistic Fab XJ - TJ Jeep combo bracket upgrade kit - http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/XJ--TJ-Jeep-combo-bracket-upgrade-kit_p_1542.html
Barnes 4WD Dana 44 Heavy Duty Axle Truss - http://www.barnes4wd.com/Dana-44-Heavy-Duty-Axle-Truss_p_55.html
Synergy Suspension Upper Control Arm Axle Bracket - Flat Mount - http://synergysuspension.com/Synergy-Suspension-Upper-Control-Arm-Axle-Bracket-Flat-Mount-p-700.html
2x Currie 2.5" Forged Johnny Joint LH 1.25" Thread - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=100&categoryId=2
2x Currie 2.5" Forged Johnny Joint RH 1.25" Thread - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=99&categoryId=2
Currie 2.5" Forged Johnny Joint LH 1" Thread - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=115&categoryId=2
Currie 2.5" Forged Johnny Joint RH 1" Thread - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=114&categoryId=2
6x 9/16" Greaseable Bolts for Currie Johnny Joint - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=120&categoryId=2
2x 3’ Barnes 4WD DOM Tubing 2" OD 1.5" ID (1/4" Wall) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/DOM-Tubing-2-OD-15-ID-14-Wall_p_199.html
3’ Barnes 4WD DOM Tubing 1.75" OD 1.5" ID (1/8" Wall) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/DOM-Tubing-175-OD-15-ID-18-Wall_p_201.html
2x Barnes 4WD Tube Insert (1-1/4-12) 1 1/2" ID 2" ODTube (LH) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/Tube-Insert-1-14-12-1-12-ID-2-ODTube_p_122.html
2x Barnes 4WD Tube Insert (1-1/4-12) 1 1/2" ID 2" ODTube (RH) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/Tube-Insert-1-14-12-1-12-ID-2-ODTube_p_122.html
Barnes 4WD Tube Insert (1-14) 1 1/2" ID 1 3/4" OD Tube (LH) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/Tube-Insert-1-14-1-12-ID-1-34-OD-Tube_p_194.html
Barnes 4WD Tube Insert (1-14) 1 1/2" ID 1 3/4" OD Tube (RH) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/Tube-Insert-1-14-1-12-ID-1-34-OD-Tube_p_194.html
2x Barnes 4WD 1-1/4" - 12 Jam Nut (LH) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/1-14--12-Jam-Nut_p_119.html
2x Barnes 4WD 1-1/4" - 12 Jam Nut (RH) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/1-14--12-Jam-Nut_p_119.html
Barnes 4WD 1-14" Jam Nut (LH) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/1-14-Jam-Nut-_p_258.html
Barnes 4WD 1-14" Jam Nut (RH) - http://www.barnes4wd.com/1-14-Jam-Nut-_p_258.html
Reid Racing CHEVY Heavy Duty Flat Top Dana 44 Knuckles - http://www.reidracing.biz/off-road-...es/chevy-heavy-duty-flat-top-dana-44-knuckles
Ballistic Fab D44 High steer arms with hardware (3/4”) - http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/D44-High-steer-arms-with-hardware_p_1248.html
2x Ballistic Fab Dana 44 High Steer Stud kit - http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/Dana-44-High-Steer-Stud-kit_p_1562.html
Ford Hubs/Rotors
Chevrolet Small Bearing Spindles
Metalcloak Arched Tube Fender, Pair, TJ/LJ - http://www.metalcloak.com/Jeep-Wrangler-TJ-LJ-Arched-Tube-Fender-p/2210.htm
Metalcloak 4" Arched Front Flare, Pair, TJ/LJ/YJ - http://www.metalcloak.com/Jeep-Wrangler-TJ-LJ-YJ-4-Arched-Front-Flare-p/2240.htm
Metalcloak Rocker Rail, Pair, TJ - http://www.metalcloak.com/Rocker-Rail-Pair-TJ-p/2312.htm
Savvy TJ Full Corner Armor - No Flares - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=11&categoryId=8
Metalcloak 4" Rear Flare, Pair, TJ/LJ/YJ/CJ7 - http://www.metalcloak.com/4-Rear-Fender-Flare-TJ-LJ-YJ-CJ7-p/2424.htm
Poison Spider TrailGate™ TJ-LJ - http://shop.poisonspyder.com/Poison-Spyder-TrailGate-trade-TJ-LJ-p/14-66-010.htm
5x Hutchinson Rock Monster Wheels- CJ (5x5.5) - http://www.expeditiononestore.com/Hutchinson-Rock-Monster-Wheels-WA.htm
5x Mickey Thompson MTZ’s 37X12.50R17LT
Savvy Fox Reservoir 12" Travel Shocks (Wayne Tune) - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=136&categoryId=22
TnT Outboard Rear Shock Kit - http://www.tntcustoms.com/outboardrearshockkit.aspx
Currie 97-06 TJ/LJ FRONT ANTIROCK® SWAY BAR KIT - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=31&categoryId=2
Currie CE-9900TJR Rear Bolt On Antirock for Jeep 97-2006 TJ/LJ - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=83&categoryId=2
Savvy/Currie Aluminum Adjustable Lower Control Arms TJ/LJ - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=125&categoryId=2
Aluminum Savvy Gas Tank Skid - http://shop.savvyoffroad.com/product.sc?productId=1&categoryId=1
ARB RD81 (Autoplicity is a vendor on JF) - http://autoplicity.com/products/558...tent=558689NOFITMENT&utm_campaign=GSNOFITMENT
Custom Cage – Mars Fab
TnT Rear Bumper - Jeep TJ/LJ/YJ (Crossmember) - http://www.tntcustoms.com/Jeep/Wrangler/YJ/TJ/Unlimited/LJ/rear/bumper.aspx
Genright Swing Out Rear Tire Carrier for TJ, Aluminum - http://www.genright.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=RTC3510
J.W. Speaker Model 8700 Evolution LED High/Low Beam 7" Round Headlight - http://ok4wd.com/j-w-speaker-model-8700-led-high-low-beam-7-round-headlight.html

 

[sjones26573]

I won some Nalin speaker brackets the other day. :woot: Now I have to order some Polk DB's to fill them.
Friday and Saturday were work on the rigs days.

Got most of the Artec kit tacked onto the 8.8. The last bit of gas finally gave out so I had to move to other projects.
Step-dad borrowing the main truss design:

Mocking it up:

Tacking it together:

Fill plug moved and old hole filled:

This was my first ever pass with a welder. My pass was much cleaner than my spots ironically.

My welds on the coil plate (gas ran out here):

Done for the time being:

I pulled all of this worthless junk out from under the rig.

The bracket had a bend where it didn't need it, so we torched it, straightened it and repainted it:

My awesome transmission mount with broken stud (was like that when I got it):

And de-stickered the rear window and cleaned off the goo. (pic is prior to getting the gunk off)

 

[shadetree 4x4]

do you still have the stock dana 35 out of the back

 

[sjones26573]

do you still have the stock dana 35 out of the back

At the moment until the 8.8 gets swapped in.