14 JKU M-380 "Kilroy"

[Mad Max]

So I'm really happy with my Iron Rock lift kit...but the bump stops left a bit to be desired, so I opted to go with DV8 hydraulic/nitro bump stops. Easy installation in the front, the rear needed more custom work, including a set of machined sleeves I frenched into the frame - so far looking and working great. Finishing shock mounts now. Oh and Go 'Merica!

pic of the extensions in the kit - they'd work...but I can do better -

DV8 nitrogen charged hydraulic bumps - should soften the impacts nicely -

...hidden inside the front coil -

My neighbor Ben machined the ends of the sleeves to accommodate the threaded inserts -

 

[rattle_snake]

Nice

 

[Mad Max]

ok - after 4 (I think) iterations I think I have the exhaust figured out...at least the Y-pipe. To recap, 2" primary pipes into a single 2.5" all the way out the back, using the OE Wrangler 2.5" muffler (same configuration as the 02 Dakota had with the 360). There were many factors in the overall calculus, and in the end retaining a flat belly (no exhaust plumbing peaking out) was paramount, while also avoiding heating things up as much as possible, and ultimately I am bringing the p-side exhaust straight down and under the bellhousing and up to join the d-side. Might send the y-pipe to JetHot to gain maximum heat retention and limit radiation. Here is the y-pipe - working on connecting the dots out the back next.

this pic is at max compression - there will be a bunch more room at regular ride height...

 

[Mad Max]

Exhaust is tacked in place - ordered fresh rubber isolators and it all seems to have just enough 'give' to handle the shaking and jarring while also keeping it located in place - should work good. Opted for a Cheery Bomb 'salute' straight-through perforated muffler for my resonator, and re-utilizing the OE Wrangler muffler. Taking a page from past builds I'm using the awesome Walker multi-layer band clamps to hold it all together. Now to weld the seams, send the y-pipe to Jet-Hot, fab the front heat shield, and bolt it all in for good.

 

[Mad Max]

...would like to avoid having excessive heat soaking into the trans bellhousing and surrounding linkage etc. so I fabbed up this simple heat shield - it'll have DEI Tunnel Shield II on the inside to reflect heat away - should work good.

 

[gt1guy]

That's really slick. You could also wrap the exhaust pipe in that area so the shield doesn't have to work as hard.

 

[Mad Max]

That's really slick. You could also wrap the exhaust pipe in that area so the shield doesn't have to work as hard.

...gonna send the y-pipe to Jet-Hot to have it thermal coated, which combined with the shield aught to be plenty good

 

[gt1guy]

Don't know if you've welded out the Y pipe yet. It looks pretty straight. If it's not welded yet, you could send it to Jet Hot and they can coat the inside of it leaving a 1/2" or so not coated on the ends. Then when it's all welded you can get the out side done.

I asked Jet hot about doing both sides of my exhaust. They can do it but, only what they can reach in a straight line.

 

[Mad Max]

they said they can coat the whole thing inside and out - that's all I know - will know for sure in a few weeks. Even if not I'll still send it intact. I'm doing the super shiny max temp stuff.