TRANSFORMATION TIME! Jeep Wrangler Lift Kit & New Wheels and Tires Install

[@turbofc]

I wish my dad would do something like this with me. This is a cool father son experience

[@talezfromthedashcam3138]

Don't sell your ol man short....Someday he'll be gone...

[@turbofc]

@@talezfromthedashcam3138 that's why I wish he would do this with me.

[@manbearpig2164]

@@turbofc bring it up to him sometime, life can get pretty busy, people tend to forget to slow down and enjoy life, it's the little things that matter the most

[@irvgotti94]

Best feeling ever. My pops also helped me with my build

[@talezfromthedashcam3138]

@@turbofc Dont care..Appreciate what you got. Build or no build. I speak from experience.

[@MattsCollection]

I was watching this last night and my wife says, "How come his garage is so clean?" Thanks for adding to my honeydo list Brad! :D

[@FortuneRed55]

Hey, don’t mean to be critical here, so much as hopefully helpful. I’ve noticed on a couple videos that you guys tend to run larger drill bits too fast. Consider 0:16 in this video, where the drill is running full speed with the big bit in it. This generates a lot of heat, expanding the material you’re drilling into, so your hole ends up a bit tight after cooling. It also cooks the drill bit and softens the cutting edge, greatly shortening the life of the bit and just making for a worse result. When drilling with a big bit like this, drop the drill into its lower speed setting if it has one, or just try and avoid holding the trigger down all the way. Unless you’ve already ruined the bit, you should see it do a much better job of cleanly scooping up the material and ejecting it without quite so much heat. You should also drill a pilot hole roughly 1/4” in size before stepping up to this bigger bit. Anyway, happy trails!

[@sethgho]

Hey, thanks for this comment! I never knew this and just always assumed my large bits were of poor quality. Looks like it's me that's the problem! hah.

[@alisongraham6805]

Frm long ago in my trainee days the cutting speed for a high speed steel drill in mild steel is 100. To determine the right rpm it is 4 times the cutting speed over the diameter. So for a 1/4” drill 4*100/(1/4)=1600 rpm, for a 1/2” drill 800 rpm etc

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Hats off to you guys! TJ looks great Jordan! I know the pain of running into all of those unknowns lol, that's just part of it. Glad it your garage was tall enough after installing the lift! HA!

[@floatplanebox]

You already regretting selling the TJ😂

[@abouttime7316]

FYI every TJ forum I’ve read says to avoid dropped pitman arms.

[@Grenyas]

It does cause bump steer. I had one on my LJ installed by the previous owner who put in a 4 inch lift. I went back to a stock pitman arm and it has felt much better on the road.

[@OttoMatieque]

Smell of penetrating fluid? I thought Astroglide was odorless.

[@JohnnyVeritas]

RTR Recruit Training Regiment!!! Thanks again for your service Docs!!!!

[@marcushosmer1856]

“Two hours on a bolt was nuts.” - The puns make themselves.

[@trjnsd6874]

That’s quite a transformation guys! I really miss having a garage. Lotta bucks going into a good Jeep home. Can’t wait to see how this performs off road! Nicely done (both the wrenching and the video).

[@murphtahoe1]

Rims look great and 2 plus hours dealing with 1 super stubborn bolt is on par for most projects. I like your son’s sliding front windows on the half doors. Beats zipping the window down.

[@ATiredRyan]

@2:55 exactly what my Dad taught me. Feels good to have done it myself and saved some money. I love being able to work on and have knowledge on whats going on with my vehicle. There were some points where I wish I would have just taken it to a shop lol. But the feeling of completion after all the stress, cursing, and more than likely cuts on hands was great.

[@shropshireladoutdoors743]

I think the smile on your sons face says it all a nice bit of father and son time aswell

[@adjake1]

FYI 50/50 acetone/atf mix in an oil can is the ultimate penetrating oil. I use it for all kinds of things. It’s almost stupid how well it works.

[@crbourret]

Glad to see he even upgraded his spare. It bugs my OCD when someones spare doesn't match the tires on the Jeep!

[@TexanUSMC8089]

At least the same size. My spare is a 35 but not the same tire.

[@67wildwolf]

Nice job and I love the wheels......nice seeing wheels that are other than black

[@LiveByItHD]

Glad I’m not the only one who has days like this 😃😃

[@Winchparts]

Few quick things to note: Unless you are going to add a track bar that uses a drop bracket you need to go back to a stock pitman arm as you have induced bump steer by changing the relationship between the two. The front coils will be much easier to install if you had installed the new control arms first and left the bump stops and spacers loose inside the coil. You will also want to change out the front bump stop extension for one that installs on the axle side coil mount as putting them on the upper mount makes for coil "twang" at full droop. Since you have gone with adjustable arms I would ditch the cam bolts and get Johnny Joint Washers from Black Magic Brakes so you can use regular bolts instead. Make life much easier down the road. Since you are gong with a Double Cardan rear shaft you will want to get an angled rear track bar bracket like the ones from Rock Jock or JKS. Once you start raising the pinion up the track bar will bind and be pushed into the gas tank skid.

[@sardog2049]

Agree with all of the points. The only thing that I did differently than what you said was to use an adjustable track bar made for that length from Metalcloak to avoid having to use a bracket. However, that said, I had already removed the original bracket and had installed a newer, heavy duty bracket from Currie on the axle to replace the original which had cracked at the weld seam.

[@Hutch_Davenport]

@@sardog2049 pitman arm tip is good. People are catching on to it and it does make the ride better to leave the original pitman in for lifts under 6 inches.

[@patandjessicasjeepadventur3227]

Beautiful job wrenching on the Jeep with friends and family nothing better I was happy to see your sons choice of tires Love my BFGs KO2s Outstanding Brad and congratulations on a job well done

[@samangammanpila5849]

apply some antiseize to bolts to prevent unnesessary hazzle when removing them

[@playingbadgolfwell9732]

At first I was like... "No, don't change the wheels and tires -- they already look good." But then I saw the new wheels and tires.... Dayyyyammm!!! Those are nice. Great job!!

[@ajones0000]

It was refreshing watching this install. I thought it was only ME that ran into issues in the garage when things were suppose to be a simple 'bolt-on' install. I guess that's part of the fun afterwards. Not always fun during it though. Keep up the good work. Love your channel.

[@dalejenkins680]

Love the father son interaction. Can’t wait to see your son speaking to a younger audience of interested Overlanders with his own show in the future. Til then, love watching you two work together!

[@DrFearCo]

“We might need to cut it but let’s take some time to regroup”... instantly cuts to reciprocating saw. I don’t know why but I found that funny.

[@robpedrow9293]

Eric needs some safety glasses! Good to see it's not just midwest vehicles that need to have those control arm bolts cut off on each side of the bushing!

[@k5edd128]

My son and I did that about a year ago on his 2015 JK. Thought it would take about 4 or 5 hours and it took 8.5, he drove home at 5:30 am back to Branson about 40 miles from my house in AR. Told him to text me because we were both wore out when he left. Jeeps and Ham Radio rule... Big Smile! Today is his birthday 49 years young

[@scotteramsey]

Anti seize on the pitman arm. I did that on my CJ5 because I had similar problems as you. Ended up getting a new steering box and new arm.

[@kylemelissa28]

I always love your videos but this one is extra special. I put a 2.5” lift on my 2005 TJ about 6 months ago. We had the exact same problem with both front cam bolts. Ended up having to go buy a reciprocating saw to get the job done. Looks great, Jordan. Hope you like it.

[@Donnut123]

Looks great! Glad Jordan got the experience of lifting it himself. I have done my lifts myself for years, mostly because it's really expensive to have a shop do it! But it's a great way to learn about your Jeep.

[@stapleboss]

I had a beautiful dream once that I worked on a California car that was not all rusted to hell like every car in New England.

[@bates6713]

I feel your pain in Ontario 😆 I think for my next jeep I'll fly somewhere south and drive one back

[@calihuntfish7163]

Oh you mean like my JKU I bought a few years used but not a single speck of rust on it? 😂 Central California for you! 👌🏼

[@FatKidontwowheels]

Awesome Fathers Day gift, working in the garage with you son!

[@Markitdown37]

Great father and son project. Learning lessons and how to overcome. Great job. Thank you for sharing.

[@HumanBean520]

Awesome to see this with your son! Missed not having my dad here for Father’s Day.

[@philcarr7015]

I had the same problem with the leaf springs on my '65 Mustang that you had with your control arm. After I cut the leaf springs off, because I was replacing them, I applied some copper anti-seze to the bolt shaft when I put it back together. If I were you, I would do the same to your son's Jeep anywhere that you have a bolt going through a metal sleeve on the suspension. It's particularly important in a 4x4 if you plan on getting muddy. Fun video. Shows that nothing goes entirely right when working on vehicles. That's part of the fun of you have the right attitude!

[@dironaa]

2 Notes from a longtime TJ owner: 1: Ditch that drop pitman arm and go back to stock. The front trac bar and drag link need to be parallel to avoid bump steer...drop pitman arm disturbs this relationship. 2: Get rid of that rear trac bar relocation bracket and upgrade to an adjustable trac bar. If you wheel the jeep the extra leverage caused by the relocation bracket will eventually tear the mount off the axle. Great job, I've dealt with the same issues many times!

[@duck_rifle5879]

I love that he chose a TJ. Recently my folks picked up a 98 Sahara edition with only 22k miles on it. 4L and manual trans. It’s drives great and is so clean it’s unreal.

[@HughMungusBob]

Can't wait to see you on the trail again Brad. We have to get your sons jeep and mine together. We both have the red and bronze going on now. Looks so good. Hope to see you soon.

[@austinsadler7122]

Anyone else notice the KM3s on Brad's JK?

[@XtremeChiliPepper]

10/10 on tire/wheel combo! Glad nothing was thrown around the garage lol!

[@rucks13]

Nooo dropped pitman arms unless you also drop the front track bar mount!

[@BigWhiskeyWrangler]

Was looking to see if anyone else saw this. Going to have some bad bump steer now! You want the trackbar and drag link to be parallel!!!

[@3smoke]

Yep dropped pitman arms are a sure way to get bump steer. When I got my Jeep it had one and in my process of eliminating the bump steer I got rid of it and added a Currie correct link. Fixed it.

[@MaverickXeo]

A little trick with the springs - remove the lower control arms. They bind when drooping the axle, but removing them (one side at a time), will allow the springs to drop in (even longer ones).

[@thomagoo9219]

Too late now lol. But good advice for others. I removed the upper CAs on my grand and dropped the axle till they fell out. Then new lower CAs, springs in, then new uppers.

[@Tyeriver1]

Loved this video. Especially father and son working together on father's day. I would love to see you make a video with your jeep,your son's tj, your other son's xj and your wife's lj on a trip together.

[@TrailRecon]

Great idea!!

[@jenniferenriquez505]

I'm a new 03' TJ owner and I'm really loving the build that Jordan is going with his! I will be doing most of the upgrades to mine similar to his. ESPECIALLY the wheels and tires. Perfect combo! Can't wait for more videos on this build!

[@kylemcatee503]

It’s very obvious he is your son. Love this man!

[@nathan.brazil780]

11:55 Put some anti-seize on that before tightening it down. I'm hoping the roof rack will clear the garage door when you are done

[@mcoffroadinaz4075]

Pitman arm removal pro tip... Put a T-bolt clamp around the base of the pitman arm puller near the ears to prevent them from splaying out. Amazing how something so thin and flimsy can bolster such a beefy tool, but I've done it a bunch of times now.

[@hunterwhitworth1271]

Installed my 4” lift and arms last fall on my jku took me from 3pm to 3am, used factory scissor jack, couple ratchet straps and couple blocks of wood. Anything can be done

[@jeremy8715]

Maybe outboard the rear shocks. That would eliminate that issue. 3:36

[@boldrbangr9834]

....."according to you"......you're on the hook now dad 😜. Looks great & love the bronze wheels

[@lilbvisuals4627]

Love the vids I’m 13 and saved up for $150 2 door xj and am currently putting Dana 44s and a long arm kit under it

[@zachsteele6964]

The Jeep is 150?

[@lilbvisuals4627]

My mistake $1500

[@zachsteele6964]

@@lilbvisuals4627 oh okay glad to hear you've got a goal, you can do it.

[@lilbvisuals4627]

Thank you, I already bought it I’m just still working away

[@ridingwithlucas1745]

Fuckkk wish I could find a 2dr xj for that there like 5k here in Wisconsin stuck with a 4dr unfortunately

[@J.Bradley.]

Jordan, that looks great man, it really does. Significant transformation and the wheels were a great choice.

[@rubiann3342]

I noticed you have KM3s on the JKU. I've been considering them, too. I hope you do a video on the new tire choice!

[@jfalkner]

I have found that a propane torch doesn't always get stuck parts hot enough. Get a map gas torch (yellow bottle) and get it glowing a little and the hit it with the impact wrench, breaker bar or hammer as necessary.

[@fxrs1982]

I have an 04 TJ. Didn't know what a Rubicon was 12 years ago when I bought it. So I put G2 Dana 44's 4.56 gears ARB lockers 35 spline rear 30 front chrome moly shafts. It's about to get a long arm from Rustys installed. I run 35's Goodyear MTR'S. Hopefully an Atlas 4 speed next year. May other upgrades on board too. I love your Videos. Thank you for your service. I'm an Army Vet. Beautiful TJ. Love all your rigs. Very well made videos. You are very easy to listen to. Great job.

[@crabbypadty393]

It must be nice to have a dad who can do all of this work for you.

[@jerridgossett62]

Awesome build guys!!! I'm loving this series, maybe you could take the XJ out with you... you know she has alot of fans too!

[@ec6933]

Ok A. This is the best most comprehensive TJ lift video I've ever seen THANK YOU. B. I've spend 4 years and done nearly everything to try to make mine ride better (it rides.like a brick) I JUST decided to take apart my old aftermarket lower control arms yesterday since the grease points are broken and I haven't been able to grease them since I've owned and who knows when the previous owner did. long story short they were frozen solid in place I had to spin the bolts as fast as I could with the air impact to break them loose and get them to where they would come out while hitting them with the hammer I've been lube them up with grease and put them back in and it rides like a Jeep should now hallelujah

[@shooting9247]

I had to use a hose clamp wrapped around pitman arm puller to get mine off my truck when I saw them starting to separate. It kept the arms together and the puller straight as we used a wrench to turn the center bolt.

[@chrisblanchard4849]

Nice work guys! But, you don't need cam bolts with adjustable control arms.

[@adamgarcia4825]

Finally early excitied to see some tj content!

[@Ace-vn2ch]

TJ=Top Dog Jeep! Nice work Boys!

[@holycarmods66]

Pretty cool setup. I just got a 2006 Jeep tj about a year ago. I love it so far. I have dumped a lot of money into it so far. I would love to lift it, but I'm not ready to do it yet but im sure I will get there

[@quentincunningham7474]

Awesome combo with the Bronze and Red.

[@willb3018]

Agree. That bronze would go with most anything....it is a great color

[@bnsmedia8226]

If u wanted to save the pitman arm I’ve found that heating and applying wax as in standard buffing wax for paint. Helps a lot. The wax melts and sort of gets sucked into the cracks in between the shaft and the part and acts as a lubricant making it less difficult to remove.

[@jkito13offroadpr77]

So awesome Dad and Son project, the wheels and tires so nice 🤝🇵🇷🔥👍

[@verygood7155]

I really like your transparency doing this build.

[@usnchief1339]

My son complains and acts like I was punishing him. I don't get a lot of these younger kids these days. Great job spending quality time and educating your son and others.

[@ericgunnyporter8964]

Maan thats a nice Rubicon and your son is blessed to have you as a great dad that loves the trails, Keep up the Great work dad and Semper Fi from Gunny Porter 2019 JL wrangler 3.6 on 35 Coopers

[@cody7031]

Love these videos so much, such a genuine family! Thank you for your service as well!

[@dinkydotzero]

I have a few times used a cut off wheel and slowly cut off the pitman arm. sometimes in the rust belt its the only choice you have. And on a TJ you should get a cam bolt eliminator kit when you use adjustable arms

[@Mickale-Moranis]

Having adjustable length lower arms is what sets your caster...you won't need that adjuster cam for alignment. Think about this, XJ front D30R is a direct replacement for the TJ D30. 2 major reasons for swapping a D30 for a D30R is high pinion layout and that the XJ pinion is shim set, not like the TJ where its crush sleeve set. Everything will bolt across as well. Unit bearings, steering, brakes, front ds. Note though, caster for XJ is set off the frame mount, TJ is set on the lower CA mount. So using the adjustable lower arms, that is where caster is set. I've updated my 97 TJ with the 96 XJ D30R and 01 Explorer 8.8. Both geared and locked running on 35s. Best to double check that rear bump stop spacer by articulating the axle. Check the shock. For your spare tire setup, flip the 2 over 1 to be 1 over 2 or rotate on the 5on5 bolt pattern circle. Drill holes, spot weld the bolts on the back side. Suggest: reverse the rear lower CAs to have nut head on outside and nut on inside. Look to upgrade both upper upper CAs since they are thin stamp steel. Upgrade those upper CA bushings to polys. Remove the rear track bar riser bracket, toss in an adjustable articulating track bar. Same for the front track bar, replace with adjustable articulating track bar. Weld on skid brackets to the front lower CAs, to help strengthen the bracket. Fab a nut plate for the rear upper shock mounts (knock out the spot weld nuts). Add longer front brake lines (aftermarket or YJ).

[@marcusjones4060]

Love the jeep it's coming along great look great enjoy and be safe.

[@lorikey6713]

I know what you mean when you never know what you could run into working on your Jeep. My last two projects on my 2013 Jku told my wife should be done in an hour, yeah right. 3 to 4 hours later I'm done., but I get a certain satisfaction when I do it myself. Nice job guys.Ha. just so there isn't and confusion I'm using my wife's tablet.

[@johnbarrios1598]

Excellent video... Great to have a fantastic father & son relationship!!!!! And wonderful Friends!!!

[@jagg5474]

5:57 you should put a clamp on the pitman arm tool

[@jwgarage]

That is a super nice TJ. Another great garage project with family and friends. Can't wait to see what's next.

[@redjkjeep104]

Such a great transformation and fun video. I love wrenching on my Jeep but don’t have the space to do all I’d like to. I learn so much from your videos. Thanks once again!

[@TheFrankBarrett]

Great having you back bud! Happy (belated) Father's Day. Great project and bonding time with your son. Next time make the one that still has to do PT tests do all the "strengthening" work haha

[@chadliljestrand9928]

Great video but KZbin needs to stop with all the ads, when I watched this there were 9 interruptions for ads. Yes I understand that’s where the money comes from but let’s not be greedy. Great job and I love the Jeep!!!!

[@CKimbrow12]

What a great way to spend Father’s Day.

[@cj7andotherjeeps940]

Heat always works for me. My puller bent as well so I put a c clamp on it. Worked like a charm.

[@SergeantR]

I just inherited an 06 TJ and getting ready to lift it. It's going to be a nice trail rig when I'm finished with it.

[@OVRLNDX]

Awesome project man! Sorry I missed the fun!

[@TrailRecon]

Next time!

[@misterrc51]

TrailRecon, Brad you should used a stock pitman arm, you will put more stress on your gear box shaft bearing and wear it out, ask me how I know, get Currie correct steering link and you will have correct alignment and no steering bind.Well worth it, did this on 3 of my Jeeps. The stock tie rod is weak compared to Currie, you won’t have to worry about broken tie rod .

[@theflyfishingnomad9641]

When a bolt wants to be difficult I believe a long stream of four letter words helps. And if it doesn’t I find having told that bolt what I think of it makes me feel better.

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

What a cool weekend project! Plenty of head scratching and the final result is awesome. Excellent choice on all upgrades Jordan. Your TJ looks so awesome!

[@hlic7941]

Love that father son work together!

[@robertpc100]

yes i think after you get alot of pressure on the pitman arm hit it with a hammer on the end.just like stubborn ball joints .and use KROIL and let it set few hours.smack that darn thing.good stuff glad you got to experience this with your son.

[@sabafazeli693]

i broke 2 different pittman arm pullers trying to get the pittman arm off my 20 year old ford van (converted it to 4x4 :D)... what ended up working was the conical type + heat cycling with a torch. I can't stress this enough! heat cycling a few times to expand/contract the corroded mating surfaces really works wonders, especially if you PB blast (or use ATF + acetone) afterwards.

[@212caboose]

Y'all should also do a "tummy tuck" when you are able. It gives you a nice boost in ground clearance, without adding too much in height.

[@HateNolly92]

Been AWOL from your page for a little bit. Watching this gets me super excited to start building mine! Nice job, gentlemen!

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

Congratulations! Great job! Making great memories! Really like the wheels and tires! IMO Seriously hard to beat the BFG ALL TERRAINS! Been running them going on 21 years! Enjoy!

[@raybates3119]

I had the same issue with the pitman arm on my '02 TJ. However, since my steering box was leaking, which was the reason for removing the arm, I was able to use all the heat I needed from a oxy/acetylene torch without worrying about damaging the seals in the box since they were already trashed. They definitely can be buggers!

[@ryanmartinage]

Ahh memories. I remember using a ratchet strap attached to the passenger wheel and the other end to the hitch of my other Wrangler re-centering the axle for the new track bar.. Damn thing just wanted to stay where it was...

[@chapc]

The absolute best things about the TJ is you can put on a belly up skid plate! A simple 1 inch body lift and you can get that transmission shovel completely out of the way! It’s like giving yourself a 4 inch lift. Research it, trust me, they are amazing.

[@caboosez250]

Interesting video. My notes: Use 6 ton jack stands for the frame and 3 ton for the axle. This allows you extra clearance to fit the springs. No need for cam bolts with adjustable control arms.

[@azxp]

Someone probably mentioned this already, but I can't go through 497 comments, but since your arms are adjustable. You don't need a cam bolt anymore. You do need some special washers to make the holes straight, but they are much cheaper than new cam bolts that are not necessary.

[@dcstevens0074]

Great job on the build you guys. The wheels on the red remind me of Iorn Man. Love the combo.

[@robertyoung8289]

Don't like most aftermarket wheels but I definitely love those!!

[@marktwain5722]

Awesome father and son experience and congrats on an awesome looking TJ. Some day I’ll get my own...

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

a good oil applicator that will slowly apply oil will definitely help when drilling thick metal, no matter how big a diameter whole you need. It will lengthen the life of the drill bit for sure. If you have to drill upside down, just stopping about every 30 seconds to put some oil on the tip will help it stay cool.

[@onetruebob_tj]

Awesome work guys! Great transformation. Digging the color of the wheels.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks so much!