theksmith 4,175 Posted January 15, 2021 (edited) @aimee pointed out that the 3rd brake light was still red too... since i had some VHT Nightshades, i went ahead and tinted it. FYI, as an alternative to paint, here is the nicest looking dark/tinted aftermarket one i could find (for 2017+ WK2)... i scuffed the factory light with #0000 steel wool, then also lightly sanded between coats with the steel wool. i finished with a coat of Dupli-color clear gloss top-coat. it came out a little darker than i meant to go, but i think it still puts out enough light. i couldn't find a write-up on how to remove the rear spoiler/brow for a 2017+ Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 (plenty for older WK2's and WK's) - so here's that info for anyone else: 1) i would recommend you first remove the lower piece of interior plastic trim from the liftgate. it's just held in with clips, use a sturdy plastic automotive trim tool to work it out. 2) then for the top half of the trim, you need to pull each side of it inward (toward the center of the glass). i broke 2 of the clips because i pulled the top half downward first (maily because i didn't remove the lower trim piece first) - oops! 3) once you have the upper half of the liftgate interior trim removed, you need to disconnect a single electrical connector just right of center (squeeze the tab, then pull apart). 4) and separate the washer fluid hose in the driver side corner. 5) there are (5) 10mm nuts that need to be removed. (1) at each corner as shown in the previous photo, and (3) recessed inside the lift-gate. be careful not to drop them inside the liftgate! 6) there are also 2 small white plastic clips in recesses like the nuts. squeeze the tabs on those clips with needle nose pliers and push them through the metal slightly. 7) close the hatch and the rear spoiler will just lift straight up off the Jeep... unless those 2 plastic clips are hanging it up - in which case you might need a helper to squeeze those tabs while gently pulling on the spoiler. to remove the 3rd brake light from the spoiler, you just need to disconnect a single electrical connector and remove 2 screws - it's all obvious once the spoiler is off. Edited January 15, 2021 by theksmith 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4x4tographer 2,943 Posted January 15, 2021 3 hours ago, theksmith said: @aimee pointed out that the 3rd brake light was still red too... since i had some VHT Nightshades, i went ahead and tinted it. FYI, as an alternative to paint, here is the nicest looking dark/tinted aftermarket one i could find (for 2017+ WK2)... i scuffed the factory light with #0000 steel wool, then also lightly sanded between coats with the steel wool. i finished with a coat of Dupli-color clear gloss top-coat. That turned out nice! Are you guys planning to "murder out" the tails as well? Looking forward to seeing it in person. @Bradywgn71's "Cupcake" looked awesome in person. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 4,175 Posted January 16, 2021 On 1/15/2021 at 6:59 AM, 4x4tographer said: That turned out nice! Are you guys planning to "murder out" the tails as well? Looking forward to seeing it in person. @Bradywgn71's "Cupcake" looked awesome in person. nah i like the stock tails, they look like they belong. the bumper reflectors were the only ones really bothering me. those just looked "tacked on", like a afterthought - darn newer safety regulations! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 4,175 Posted January 21, 2021 (edited) created this GIF animation right after we first got her, showing the different modes of the Trailhawk's factory air suspension (Park, NRH, OR1, OR2): there's supposed to be about 4.1" of change, resulting in a maximum ground clearance of 10.7" in the Off-Road 2 mode. Edited January 21, 2021 by theksmith 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 4,175 Posted March 21, 2021 really happy with the WK2 for road trips! this week it took all 3 of us and one of B's friends (and all our junk) up to Pinetop-Lakeside to stay at a cabin for spring break. we got several inches of snow one day and were confidant driving around in it and the next day's mud thanks to the WK2's various "modes". 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 4,175 Posted March 22, 2021 spent some time getting her clean today... the OEM felt wheel-well liners might be good for reducing road noise, but they really don't belong on the Trailhawk. they're mud sponges! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 4,175 Posted April 19, 2021 (edited) finally took the WK2 camping and got her a little dirty at least! Edited April 19, 2021 by theksmith 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 4,175 Posted May 7, 2021 (edited) Aimee let me drive it some since Gadget isn't feeling well, so of course i stop and take random photos Edited May 7, 2021 by theksmith 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacey and Scott 1,228 Posted May 7, 2021 2 hours ago, theksmith said: Aimee let me drive it some since Gadget isn't feeling well, so of course i stop and take random photos She's been out in the gravel, make sure you put on two coats of wax! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 4,175 Posted May 13, 2021 (edited) @aimee finally chose a name for this pavement princess: "Freya" Freya is the Norse goddess of love, war, beauty, and magic. she leads the Valkyries in to battle, and fittingly, rides a chariot pulled by two cats. Edited May 19, 2021 by theksmith 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
