Jump to content
theksmith

Late to the Party: theksmith's 2016 JK Unlimited Rubicon (Gadget)

Recommended Posts

last week i finally got that bearing block and nut for the Synergy sector shaft brace to work with the PSC Big Bore steering gear. then Amazon brought me the 42mm socket i needed to install it yesterday. 185 ft-lbs later, it's in!

 

ADCreHeUrb-ZCzCVmHtzj_6epZm61fzqFZx-mjby

 

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

160k right as i got home, what are the chances?!

 

ADCreHdDiJMIDGorEXUxQSVIpCwJDpkrh3_lAz84

 

 

 

  • Like 1
  • Wow 1
  • Love 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i was up early doing some solo exploring before meeting everyone for the recent Mogollon Rim Overland trip. i ended up on a new-to-me section of the rim.

 

ADCreHdeP79imMf4Yo7wCDY41baNGtB_4mS6dl1n

 

here's a map link to where that was taken, at the end of a very bumpy and overgrown trail.

 

ADCreHfKGKuM4YSfeBvOJwHHeD98rLh2DDrqtfdi

 

 

 

also thanks @4x4tographer for these shots of Gadget and myself during the trip:

 

ADCreHc3XIRNi44zRZ1M3GCi591x3g1T3qL4UJHY

 

ADCreHeXaHVBi75e23zRPkxUW3gYqRev32zWhj6U

 

Edited by theksmith
  • Like 6

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

headed in for the oil cooler again. this time i was smart enough to take off the wheels and drop the Jeep to a more comfortable working height!

 

last time replaced it was around 100k miles. i'm at 161k now, so doing plugs again too while in there.

 

ADCreHf4nLVhMeoRTVRf--3V2W3yQXYfNZA_h6-L

 

 

 

  • Like 3
  • Wow 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
On 11/16/2023 at 3:35 PM, theksmith said:

headed in for the oil cooler again. this time i was smart enough to take off the wheels and drop the Jeep to a more comfortable working height!

 

last time replaced it was around 100k miles. i'm at 161k now, so doing plugs again too while in there.

 

ADCreHf4nLVhMeoRTVRf--3V2W3yQXYfNZA_h6-L

 

 

 

 

 

it appears the actual heat exchanger was separating, which is not a common failure from what i've read.

 

ADCreHeP3UlhL3Y5h2QGNhQkdhj74w0ZcRMB3CGK

 

ADCreHcqont28bS1GLb2moyvlapSjGndbP5KPFuB

 

it also seemed to be leaking either from one of the plastic plugs at the front, or that bottom seal. both of which are typical issues.

 

ADCreHejEAdqY5gpN-dmN9xBJ6mszLf6Hah2nHX2

  • Wow 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

some info for when i have to do this next time...

 

 

part numbers

 

  • felpro complete intake manifold gaskets: part # MS 97204
  • oil cooler/filter assembly (includes gaskets & a new filter): part # 68596317AB
  • note the oil cooler no longer comes with the 2 sensors...
    • coolant temp sensor: part # 5149077AB
    • oil pressure sensor: part # 5149062AB
  • spark plugs (sold individually): part # SP149125AF
  • 10 Year coolant: part # 68163848AB

 

i've been getting most of my OEM parts through azwholesalemopar.com lately, which is actually Larry Miller Dodge Peoria. just select free local pickup during checkout. the site seems to have as good or better prices than any other online Mopar place i've seen.

 

 

torque values

 

  • oil cooler heat exchanger: 35 in-lbs
  • oil cooler assembly: 106 in-lbs
  • lower intake manifold: 106 in-lbs
  • upper intake manifold: 71 or 89 in-lbs? (conflicting search results)
  • plugs: 13 ft-lbs (156 in-lbs)
  • coils: 71 or 105 in-lbs?
  • plug gap: 0.043"

 

 

bolt  tightening orders

 

  • oil cooler assembly:
    jk-oil-cooler-bolt-order.png

 

  • lower intake manifold:
    jk-lower-manifold-bolt-order2.png

 

  • upper intake manifold:
    jk-upper-manifold-bolt-order2.png
Edited by theksmith
  • Like 2
  • Thanks 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4th time's the charm, right?

 

the original radiator lasted like 5 years. then 2 Autozone radiators only lasted 6 months each - their lifetime warranty is only useful if your time has no value!

 

back to OEM this time. at least i've got it down to just over 2 hours now!

 

ADCreHdbGly8KgTvhvmP3_xqFsZjaSctzJys81UL

Edited by theksmith
  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sad Kris.  
It seems to be a trend with the chain stores in my recent experience.

 

Just out of curiosity, did you check on the range of products from Rock Auto?  
I’d be reluctant  have a radiator shipped but sometimes I use their range of prices as an indicator of chain store quality expectations.

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
On 12/1/2023 at 7:12 AM, jgaz said:

Sad Kris.  
It seems to be a trend with the chain stores in my recent experience.

 

Just out of curiosity, did you check on the range of products from Rock Auto?  
I’d be reluctant  have a radiator shipped but sometimes I use their range of prices as an indicator of chain store quality expectations.

 

i've used RockAuto in the past and it is nice that they offer several manufacturers for a lot of parts. i try to stick with OEM most of the time, or Napa as a second choice - unless it's a part that would benefit from an aftermarket upgrade.

 

i looked briefly at some "performance" full aluminum radiators. Mishimoto seemed to be the best rated, but even they had mixed reviews on fitment. i also saw Cold Case offers a heavy duty extruded core version. but since the original factory radiator lasted so long, and i know OEM will fit correctly, i decided to just go with Mopar.

 

do you think the chassis flex from wheeling more difficult trails, coupled with the fact that the body mounts have sagged some, would contribute to a radiator failing?

 

 

Edited by theksmith

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree 100% on OEM where ever possible on my own vehicles.

It is certainly possible that frame flex is contributing to your failures.  


To further support using OEM radiators.
 It’s my experience, that there is almost always accelerometer data collected on the radiator during a full vehicle data collection test.

This info is provided to the OEM vendor for their in house testing.

 

I seriously doubt that many  of the after market companies are using this type of data for their testing, if they are even doing any testing.

 

I agree with your online selection.  That is the vendor I use for my MOPAR parts.  Saving the shipping is a good deal

Edited by jgaz
  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...