Suburban to Jku

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KenRonni

KenRonni

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Hello All,

I wanted to share the process of outfitting our new 2018 6M Jku Wrangler we took delivery of last week.

Once the Wrangler can be trusted and partially outfitted we are hoping to semi retired our current overland vehicle a 2002 2500 suburban. I may start a rebuild/restore post for the suburban when re-work begins.

We will have some adjusting as far as cargo capacity but look forward to the smaller size of the Jku. Thankfully our first overland rig was a Trooper so it shouldn't be too painful.

So far we dropped most of the fluids for our first "to do" next will be a AEV tire carrier and fuel caddy that's sitting in the garage.

I will check in periodically with updates and included photos of our past, present and future rig. If anyone has any questions, comments, recommendations please feel free to reply.

Thanks for reading!
 

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KenRonni

KenRonni

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Reno, Nevada
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A update, mostly for fellow NSG370 manual transmission owners and a pile of parts slowly getting organized for the build. As many JK Wrangler owners know the NSG370 are known to come underfilled from the factory.

After making the drive from Idaho to Reno, NV I checked and changed all fluids at 650 miles. The transmission was .60 quarts low 1.4 qts drained 2qt capacity. Changed and filled the transmission with Penzoil Syncromesh. Shifting was still okay but not what I am used to.

I am used to smooth gear boxes such as my Fiesta ST. I called a Triboligist and after some digging she recommended Ravenol STF an approved MS9224 oil made by a large German oil company. Ravenol is recommended and Merc approved in the related 6M Mercedes gear box. The NSG370 now meets my expectations with the Ravenol STF installed. It cured my notchiness complaint.

Soon I will be installing whats sitting in my garage. An AEV tire carrier with fuel caddy and water tanks. I will share the process once I find the time between work and hitting the long trails in the Jku.
 

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KenRonni

KenRonni

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boss324

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Nice looks like you put the hood off a 2500 truck. Saweet. 35s on there on a 4" lift? Love it! What have you done to the steering?

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KenRonni

KenRonni

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Reno, Nevada
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boss324 said:
Nice looks like you put the hood off a 2500 truck. Saweet. 35s on there on a 4" lift? Love it! What have you done to the steering?

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Click to expand...

Thanks!

It does have the HD hood.

The lift is a superlift 6-7.5 bracket kit welded in place its at just under 6 inches with 35's, lots of up and down travel with this set up. It has limiting straps in place with no droop stops for extra articulation. It also has 2500 HD Z71 bump stops which were a great upgrade.

The steering-
Tie rod sleeves, Moog pitman and idler arm. Steering stabilizer, and with the super lift the steering also includes a center link/ stabilizing link which makes steering more responsive and extends pitman / idler arm life.

It's been a great set up for us and amazingly the suburban with the big block gets about the same gas mileage as our new Wrangler.
 
KenRonni

KenRonni

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A little update on current overland specific modifications My wife and I have finally installed the AEV tire carrier, fuel caddy and water tanks.

The tire carrier was a bit of work to install but it works perfectly. I did run into an issue using too thick of grease on the spindle. I was using belray grease, and no matter what the spindle would not fill or accept the desired amount through the zerk.

I had to take it apart clean all the old grease and then use thinner wheel bearing grease and it finally filled with lube.

Everything works as advertised and it's super convenient having an extra 10 gallons of fuel and extra water on tap.

Next I will be working on lighting, some suspension modifications and some interior storage.

IMG_20180523_113329_445-1.jpg IMG_00861_02-1.jpg IMG_20180602_165205_191-1.jpg IMG_20180602_142641_611-1.jpg
 
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KenRonni

KenRonni

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Reno, Nevada
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Chris Miller said:
What roof rack is that you have on the burban?


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Click to expand...
It is a Smitty Built / Defender Rack. I unfortunately cannot recommend it. The powder coating and welds among other problems have been more than frustrating in the three years it's been on the suburban.

If anyone really wanted to purchase one, have it stripped primed and properly coated or you will spending alot of time grinding away rust.

I am currently refurbing, welding the rack to get it ready for paint.
 

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Chris Miller

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KenRonni said:
It is a Smitty Built / Defender Rack. I unfortunately cannot recommend it. The powder coating and welds among other problems have been more than frustrating in the three years it's been on the suburban.

If anyone really wanted to purchase one, have it stripped primed and properly coated or you will spending alot of time grinding away rust.

I am currently refurbing, welding the rack to get it ready for paint.
Click to expand...
Thanks!


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