Dynatrac CODE1 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Build

Dynatrac

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The past couple of days have been very busy on the CODE1 build at Dynatrac. With the JL pretty well disassembled, we could start mocking up new parts.

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The back seat and back doors have been removed, and they won’t be coming back. We’re converting this into a long-wheelbase 2-door: an LJL if you will. And it will have an overlanding theme in addition to being a capable rock crawler. Here, Fred is measuring space for storage racks and our HANS PowerPack 300 portable power and solar generator units.

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We’re using an EVO Manufacturing front bumper and winch mount, and we slide a Warn ZEON 10-S winch into place.

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A key part of the build is the massive 42-inch tall Maxxis Trepedor tires. These are very tall and relatively skinny at 14.50 inches. We’re going to keep the JL as low as possible with these tires, but we think it will require a 4-inch lift.

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We will be adding MOPAR high-clearance fender flares, and we’re sure we’ll need to do some trimming.

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Here’s a view of the bumper, winch and Baja Design LP9 LED lights assembled and the grille back in place.

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There are two downward frame extensions that should be cut off for proper bumper fitment and to maximize the approach angle. These are most likely for crash-compatibility; to keep low cars from going under the front end in case of an accident.

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Once they were cut, Ely made plates and welded them in place for a clean finish, even though no one is likely to see them tucked up behind the front bumper.

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Next it was time to swing the ProRock XD60 front axle in place. This will be an extra-wide (72.5 inches) axle to give the extra-tall tires plenty of room for turning corners and suspension articulation.

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In the meantime, Nick our body guy was fabricating fill panels to go where the back doors used to be. He had to mimic the curve of the body and the body lines near the top. He also fabricated a separate railing that will hold the forward part of the custom Bestop softop that we’ll install later this week. Watching him massage the metal and trim it was amazing. A true craftsman!

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This shows the panel nearly finished for fitment, and starts to give you an idea of what the body will look like.

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The metal pieces were welded in several key locations and then the seam covered with body filler. The entire body will be covered in a vinyl wrap – Matte Military Green!

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Now the vehicle is really starting to take shape. We mounted the tires on Method Race Wheels MR105 beadlocks and started playing with suspension travel and ride height.

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Dynatrac

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UPDATE 01-19-18

Our updates on this thread are a day or two behind, but we are right now in the last planned day, and we’re hoping to go wheeling tomorrow. We’ll see if we make that deadline or if we have to push it back a day. Either way, we are definitely in the final stretch!

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With the EVO Manufacturing 4-inch Extreme Overlanding suspension system installed, we cycled the suspension and checked for clearance issues with the massive 42x14.50-17 Maxxis Trepedor tires.

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We’re using MOPAR High Top fenders which give us a couple of additional inches of clearance around the wheel openings but still retain a factory look. No, that’s not a masking tape drive flange on the ProRock XD60. At this point, we had not assembled the front axle, so we just taped over the empty hub to keep debris out. One of our guys thought it would be clever to put a Dynatrac decal on it.

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With the suspension sorted out, we could take the axles out and get them over to welding and assembly to finish them up. We’re using an Eaton ELocker in the XD60 front, along with 5.38 gears.

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With most of the mechanical work done, it was time to change the color. CODE1 is supposed to have an overlanding, rock crawler, military look to it when complete. So we are doing a Matte Military Green vinyl wrap on it.

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Now CODE1 is starting to look the part.

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Bestop customized a softop for us. This black canvas top has zip-out side panels that go the full length of the rear section – combining where the back door was and the factory rear-window section. We’ll be able to roll these up or remove them.

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Here’s the full side view so you can get a better idea of the overall look with the wheels, tires, MOPAR flares, long-wheelbase two-door and the canvas top.

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And the view from the front with the EVO bumper in place with the Warn ZEON Platinum winch and Baja Design LP9 LED off-road lights.
 

wayoflife

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I know a few of you have been wanting to see pics of this badass JL from the rear and as luck would have it, I was able to get a couple from my friend Henry. Check it out.

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Another shot from the front and outside.

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