[tkc330cic]

Well, work forced me to move from San Jose, CA to Dallas TX and I've discovered how unfriendly the roads are here to big rim, low profile, lowered cars. So when shopping for a daily, I wanted a Jeep again.

This time, I got a used 2005 WK 4x4 with the 5.7L and here she is:

I'm leaning towards going for a slightly lifted, off road look since I already have the lowered, low profile style car. However, the lowered SRT8 does look great.... I would really appreciate all the input and suggestions :thumbsup:

- First, I hate the way these wheels & tires look. I hate the chrome and the set up just looks way too small in there with too much wheel gap. The important thing is I want to keep it comfortable since it's a daily driver that has to look professional enough to take people around once in a while.

- This Jeep is massive and feels like it doesn't want to stop. I'm looking into some big brake kits, but haven't had any luck finding one from stoptech, baer, etc.

- The Jeep also feels incredibly wobbly so I want to keep the ride as comfortable as possible, but I need to improve the handling on her big time. I started looking at everything like SRT springs with Bilstiens, air ride kits, and coilovers. Haven't really found much that's made specifically for my application, so I don't know which way I'm going with this yet and need to keep looking around.

- When I turn on the HVAC, the inside starts to smell like exhaust fumes, so I need to figure out what's causing that issue.

- I seem to have the hemi tick that I've seen mentioned a lot on here, so I need to look into that.

- The 6 disc in dash doesn't work, the nav joystick is broken, and the nav disc is missing, so I'm just looking for a double-din to replace the whole thing.

- The last 2 days, the wipers would cycle once when I start the engine and once when I shut down. I read a lot about possibly faulty switch, faulty sensor, etc. so I need to look into this. However, it didn't do it this morning, so maybe it's not a big deal.

- The ebrake handle pulls so far up I'm almost into the back seat! I read there's no adjusting it and that if this is the issue, the parking brake just needs to be replaced, so I'll be working on that.

- The Jeep has really dark tint and at night, backing out of parking spaces and stuff, I might as well be blindfolded. I'm not sure if the auto-tint rear view is the issue, but when I turn it off, it doesn't seem to make a difference. Also, is there a way to set it so it defaults to OFF rather than auto?

- Passenger window is really slow, so I probably need to replace the regulator.

- The dash constantly reads that the spare tire is low, but I think it's just the TPMS since the air is fine. I don't really care, but I just wish I could get the dash to stay on what I leave it on, like the direction screen or the miles left til empty.

Anyway, I really just wanted to make my to do list, but I appreciate anyone's feedback and input! Have a great weekend everyone.

 

[EtherealPonx]

Hello, not an expert but did tonnes of research, currently doing the following to my ride:

Bilstein shocks
2" RC lift kit
Stillen cross drilled rotors and pads
17x9 pro-comp wheels with 265/65/17 A/T tires

I believe this setup will improve handling and stopping power, and replace the chrome look (personal opinion , hate chrome).

Other mods in progress the truck is in the workshop for two weeks.

 

[tkc330cic]

Hello, not an expert but did tonnes of research, currently doing the following to my ride:

Bilstein shocks
2" RC lift kit
Stillen cross drilled rotors and pads
17x9 pro-comp wheels with 265/65/17 A/T tires

I believe this setup will improve handling and stopping power, and replace the chrome look (personal opinion , hate chrome).

Other mods in progress the truck is in the workshop for two weeks.

Awesome, thanks for the advice!

- I ordered the 2" RC lift today, along with some 1.5" spacers.
- Installed a black grill to replace the chrome (I hate the chrome too)
- Picked up a set of LED lights (AWESOME vendor, by the way. Included his card in the pic)
- Installed an intake
- Picked up a set of headlight covers but still need to paint them.
- Picked up a set of Rubicon wheels, but because of the A-arm bolt sitting millimeters from the tire, I have to wait until the lift & spacers get here before I can put them back on.

Here are some pics:

Black Grill and Intake installed:

L.E.D. Lights, awesome vendor!!

Set the headlight covers in place, just to see what they will look like. I know it's not fully fitted on, I just set them there for now to see how it will look.

Put one of the wheels on, but found out I can't run until I put spacers on.

Here's how close the tire is to the A-arm bolt.

 

[tkc330cic]

Oh, and an update to my list:

- When I turn on the HVAC, the inside starts to smell like exhaust fumes, so I need to figure out what's causing that issue.

Discovered that there is no cabin filter installed in this Jeep. Placed an order for one.

- I seem to have the hemi tick that I've seen mentioned a lot on here, so I need to look into that.

I did the Seafoam cleaning, followed by an oil and filter change to Mobile 1 full synthetic. The tick was still there for a few days but now it's gone.

- The 6 disc in dash doesn't work, the nav joystick is broken, and the nav disc is missing, so I'm just looking for a double-din to replace the whole thing.

Haven't figured this out yet.

- The last 2 days, the wipers would cycle once when I start the engine and once when I shut down. I read a lot about possibly faulty switch, faulty sensor, etc. so I need to look into this. However, it didn't do it this morning, so maybe it's not a big deal.

After a rainy day last week, the wipers started acting up again. It's been almost a week now and they still cycle every time I start/stop the Jeep. VERY annoying.

- The ebrake handle pulls so far up I'm almost into the back seat! I read there's no adjusting it and that if this is the issue, the parking brake just needs to be replaced, so I'll be working on that.

- Passenger window is really slow, so I probably need to replace the regulator.

- The dash constantly reads that the spare tire is low, but I think it's just the TPMS since the air is fine. I don't really care, but I just wish I could get the dash to stay on what I leave it on, like the direction screen or the miles left til empty.

Haven't had a chance to tackle these yet.

 

[jjt250]

If you don't mind a little MPG hit, I'd take off the front airdam. IMO, it looks much better with it off on the 05-07 WKs. Also, hard to tell how far away the tire and bolt are in that picture, but if it's not touching at ride height, it should theoretically never touch since it all since moves together. Or you could just wait for your spacers for peace of mind.

 

[tkc330cic]

If you don't mind a little MPG hit, I'd take off the front airdam. IMO, it looks much better with it off on the 05-07 WKs. Also, hard to tell how far away the tire and bolt are in that picture, but if it's not touching at ride height, it should theoretically never touch since it all since moves together. Or you could just wait for your spacers for peace of mind.

Thanks! Yes, I definitely want to remove the front airdam and get the front 4XGuard. I was just waiting for the lift and wheels to do it all at once.

And you're totally right, I didn't even think about the fact that the bolt and wheel moves together. Oh well, since I already ordered the spacers, I'll just wait. It's very very close, so I think if I hit a bump or something that would cause the tire to flatten out but expand, there would most likely be impact.

Any thoughts on the wiper issue? Thanks for the advice!

 

[EtherealPonx]

- This Jeep is massive and feels like it doesn't want to stop. I'm looking into some big brake kits, but haven't had any luck finding one from stoptech, baer, etc.

I went with Stillen cross drilled rotors with their metal matrix pads, made a huge difference in stopping; our traffic jams usually result in having to bring the truck down to a halt from 120kph (in 45 degrees heat!). My friend who runs the garage went a step further and upgraded the brake fluid to DOT5!

- The Jeep also feels incredibly wobbly so I want to keep the ride as comfortable as possible, but I need to improve the handling on her big time. I started looking at everything like SRT springs with Bilstiens, air ride kits, and coilovers. Haven't really found much that's made specifically for my application, so I don't know which way I'm going with this yet and need to keep looking around.

I think the Bilstein's being a bit firmer than stock shocks will make a huge difference.

- The Jeep has really dark tint and at night, backing out of parking spaces and stuff, I might as well be blindfolded. I'm not sure if the auto-tint rear view is the issue, but when I turn it off, it doesn't seem to make a difference. Also, is there a way to set it so it defaults to OFF rather than auto?

It might be worth upgrading the backup lights to either high end v-leds or HIDs. this may help light things up better to see through the tint. I have 40% window tint all round (except windshield). Is the tint after market film or factory glass tint? If it is aftermarket, consider upgrading this to a better quality tint from Sunguard (Window Film, Window Tint, Car Tint - SUN-GARD Solar Window Film by Madico). They are optically superior to most low quality tint, whereby you can see very clearly at night from the inside looking out (but not visa versa). Nearest branch to you would be :

SUN-GARD Mid-America
1252 Security Drive
Dallas, TX 75247
Tel. 214-631-4220
Toll Free. 888-887-2022
Fax. 214-631-4252
E-Mail. [email protected]

- The dash constantly reads that the spare tire is low, but I think it's just the TPMS since the air is fine. I don't really care, but I just wish I could get the dash to stay on what I leave it on, like the direction screen or the miles left til empty.

I have an export model, dont think it comes with this feature as one of my after market wheels had no sensor, TPMS couldn't care less . But I did purchase a whole new set of sensors for my aftermarket wheels from Dorman off Amazon. They directly replaced OEMs and cost a fraction (about $25 each). Just make sure you order the right ones as I think yours would be a 315FM frequency (part number 974-001) - not sure as its different on the '09 model that I have (higher frequency).

Will be taking picks of the anti-chrome project once I get it back from the workshop, everything external that was chrome is now painted matt black, and everything interior that was wood is now carbon fibre wrap

 

[tkc330cic]

I went with Stillen cross drilled rotors with their metal matrix pads, made a huge difference in stopping; our traffic jams usually result in having to bring the truck down to a halt from 120kph (in 45 degrees heat!). My friend who runs the garage went a step further and upgraded the brake fluid to DOT5!
http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag116/EtherealPonx/2013-05-21131848_zpsd7f70bfa.jpg


I think the Bilstein's being a bit firmer than stock shocks will make a huge difference.


It might be worth upgrading the backup lights to either high end v-leds or HIDs. this may help light things up better to see through the tint. I have 40% window tint all round (except windshield). Is the tint after market film or factory glass tint? If it is aftermarket, consider upgrading this to a better quality tint from Sunguard (Window Film, Window Tint, Car Tint - SUN-GARD Solar Window Film by Madico). They are optically superior to most low quality tint, whereby you can see very clearly at night from the inside looking out (but not visa versa). Nearest branch to you would be :

SUN-GARD Mid-America
1252 Security Drive
Dallas, TX 75247
Tel. 214-631-4220
Toll Free. 888-887-2022
Fax. 214-631-4252
E-Mail. [email protected]



I have an export model, dont think it comes with this feature as one of my after market wheels had no sensor, TPMS couldn't care less . But I did purchase a whole new set of sensors for my aftermarket wheels from Dorman off Amazon. They directly replaced OEMs and cost a fraction (about $25 each). Just make sure you order the right ones as I think yours would be a 315FM frequency (part number 974-001) - not sure as its different on the '09 model that I have (higher frequency).

Will be taking picks of the anti-chrome project once I get it back from the workshop, everything external that was chrome is now painted matt black, and everything interior that was wood is now carbon fibre wrap

Wow, THANK YOU for the great reply!! :thumbsup:

The rotors look great! There's a guy here who rolled his SRT8 and is willing to sell me the brakes including the rotors, calipers, lines, and whatever else I need, for the same price I would have paid for 4 new drilled rotors & pads. The only down side is that it's 40 minutes away, sitting on bricks, and I would have to bring my own tools and do all the work myself. If I had this jeep for longer and knew what to expect, I would do it, but I haven't worked on the brakes for this vehicle yet, so I'm not sure if this is a good idea. If I decide against it, I'll go for the Stillens you got. Thanks!

As for the tint, it's definitely aftermarket, but I don't know what brand it is. The previous owner did it. I got those L.E.D. Lights I pictured in my last post to help solve this issue with backing up at night. I just need to decide where to mount them. I was contemplating mounting them inside the jeep on the plastic panel on the ceiling so they will point out the rear window when I go in reverse. I'll have to play with it this weekend and see how it looks.

Thanks for the suggestion on the TMPS. The wheels and tires I bought don't have them and I don't want to deal with the hassle of dismounting my tires and the new ones just to put the TPMS in them. I read somewhere that the Superchips can override the warning, so I think I'll look into that.

Much appreciated! :thumbsup:

 

[zeprider25]

I would go get the Brembo's off that SRT8. If I remember correctly they are like $2,000-2500

As for the Radio replacement, I would get a 430n or a RER model off an 08-2010 WK if you want the Nav,Sirius Satt, and Radio

 

[tkc330cic]

Spent a whole day wrenching was exhausted! Not having airtools and just working in my apartment garage sucks.

Anyway, I got the 2" lift installed in the front, spacers all around, wheels installed, front air dam removed, and LaminX on the fogs. Too tired to finish the lift install on the rear. Still wanted to take it out and see how she drove/looked. Liking it so far. Colored in the area where the headlight covers will go to see how it would look.

Installed the 4xGuard and headlight covers as well.

Looking into upgrading the brakes next!

 

[dmsfun]

I would do all required maintenance first before spending money on wheels, tires and visual mods. Brakes, then shocks, then sway bar endlinks and frame mount bushings which will be shot if they were not replaced, and is the main reason it is wallowing around. You can either upgrade to SRT sways, or use the stockers and get new OEM 2006 and newer front sway bar brackets and bushings with the groove in the center. If you have over 75k I would also put on new coil springs and isolators. New OEM coils on mine at 87k made a big difference. It will also brake much better with the suspension parts renewed. I used high quality solid rotors and ceramic pads from Tirerack, and brakes work great with the all new suspension. SRT brembo's also do not just bolt on to a WK. Custom brackets are needed.

 

[tkc330cic]

I would do all required maintenance first before spending money on wheels, tires and visual mods. Brakes, then shocks, then sway bar endlinks and frame mount bushings which will be shot if they were not replaced, and is the main reason it is wallowing around. You can either upgrade to SRT sways, or use the stockers and get new OEM 2006 and newer front sway bar brackets and bushings with the groove in the center. If you have over 75k I would also put on new coil springs and isolators. New OEM coils on mine at 87k made a big difference. It will also brake much better with the suspension parts renewed. I used high quality solid rotors and ceramic pads from Tirerack, and brakes work great with the all new suspension. SRT brembo's also do not just bolt on to a WK. Custom brackets are needed.

Well I already did the wheels, tires, and visual stuff, but thanks for the input on the rest.
To save time, I'd like to just buy all that at once and have it all done and installed at once. Any suggestions on best place to buy it from? Prices seem to vary quite a bit between the sites i found from just doing google searches.
Thanks again.

 

[tkc330cic]

also, I'm averaging 9.8 mpg, seems a bit extreme, no?
I put in a new CAI, new fuel filter, fluids, and spark plugs.
Thanks.

 

[greenwayer]

If I drive like normal thats about what I average with seafoam and mobil 1 5w-20. Seems low to me too since its rated at 14. If I drive it like its got a v6 i average about 11.

 

[zeprider25]

also, I'm averaging 9.8 mpg, seems a bit extreme, no?
I put in a new CAI, new fuel filter, fluids, and spark plugs.
Thanks.

are you basing that off what the information center in your jeep or actually calculating?

 

[Blackout]

WHat did you do for the yellow fogs? Looking to do that for my next mod. Thx

 

[tkc330cic]

are you basing that off what the information center in your jeep or actually calculating?

The info center.... I see where you're going with this and yeah, I should try calculating actual mileage. I'll give it a shot and see what I come up with. I think something isn't right though, because on a fairly often basis, I smell fuel/exhaust coming out of the HVAC.

WHat did you do for the yellow fogs? Looking to do that for my next mod. Thx

Laminx

 

[tkc330cic]

Ugh, took the Jeep to a local shop today because A/C was leaking and needed recharged, only to find out the exhaust smell was because at least one of the exhaust manifold bolts is broken so I have a nice exhaust leak.
Guess it's time for headers....

 

[zeprider25]

Ugh, took the Jeep to a local shop today because A/C was leaking and needed recharged, only to find out the exhaust smell was because at least one of the exhaust manifold bolts is broken so I have a nice exhaust leak.
Guess it's time for headers....

just an excuse to get some nice headers

 

[tkc330cic]

just an excuse to get some nice headers

That's what I was thinking too, but after searching around, it seems like there isn't really anyone that makes them for the 2005 WK 5.7L
I saw the threads where people have gotten the SRT8 headers to work, but that just looks like way too much trouble and money compared to just trying to get in there and replace a bolt, so I think I'll just try to do that lol.