We were impressed with the 2011 JK’s interior updates. Once we tested the 2012 and experienced the powertrain upgrades, it was time to procure a ’12 and build it for street and trail use.
Synergy Suspension offers control arms that are adjustable on the vehicle, making adjustments as easy as loosening a pinch bolt and turning the adjuster. Because of this, we decided to use Synergy’s Stage 3 short arm suspension that includes everything needed to turn a JK into a competent trail vehicle.
Bent OE JK frontends and failed ball joints are common. Dynatrac’s ProRock 44 Unlimited housing is extremely strong. The 44 Unlimited has added steering caster engineered in to retain proper steering angles on JKs lifted 2.5 inches to 6 inches. The shock mounts are moved to provide better shock-to-frame clearance under full articulation. Dynatrac ball joints are infinitely better than OE and are rebuildable. This was for us. Randy’s Ring and Pinion sent their excellent Yukon 4.88 gears for the Wrangler.
We’ve used Expedition One bumpers before. Their Basic DX front bumper is lightweight and doesn’t look bulbous. Their tire carrier rear bumper opens with one easy motion using the tailgate latch. The tire doesn’t rattle, either.
Our friends at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive in St. George, Utah, made quick work of ’12, changing it from a mild-mannered Rubicon into a trail tamer that works well on the highway, too. If you remember our Sleeper JK two-door project from last year, you’ll find some of this familiar. Sleeper worked so well we duplicated some of it. Check out the photos for more.
Davis Auto Center in North...
Davis Auto Center in North Logan, Utah, supplied the 2012 JK Unlimited Rubicon.
The 3.6L VVT V-6 and, especially,...
The 3.6L VVT V-6 and, especially, the W5A580 five-speed automatic help ’12 to perform much better than earlier JKs.
The 2012 JKs have a vacuum...
The 2012 JKs have a vacuum pump located on the frame. Many aftermarket bumpers require this pump to be moved. Expedition One’s pump relocation kit moves it to the engine compartment and looks OE. It should be OE.
Dynatrac’s ProRock 44 Unlimited...
Dynatrac’s ProRock 44 Unlimited housing was designed specifically for lifted JKs. The Unlimited has added steering caster engineered in to retain proper steering angles on JKs lifted 2.5 to 6 inches. The shock mounts are moved to provide better shock-to-frame clearance under full articulation. For the JK Rubicon owner, this housing is a direct bolt-in and allows the retention of factory brakes, knuckles, axles, gears, and electric locker. Dynatrac ball joints are much better than the failure-prone OE ball joints and are rebuildable, too.
Currie Enterprises Currectlync...
Currie Enterprises Currectlync 1.25-inch forged tie-rod and drag link have threaded ends that use 7/8-inch tie rod ends that can be reversed to go over or under the knuckle and can be rebuilt. They come with three tie-rod clamps – one for a steering stabilizer, one for a steering ram, and one universal clamp. The wrench is for disassembling the ends.
Fox 2.0 Factory Performance...
Fox 2.0 Factory Performance Series reservoir shocks supply FOX performance in an affordable, bolt-on package. These shocks feature deflective disc technology and a high flow, Internal Floating Piston (IFP) that create perfect oil/air separation to provide fade-free damping performance. Remote reservoir shocks allow for more shock travel in a shorter overall package. The extra oil volume helps the shocks run cooler for consistent performance. The 6061 aluminum shock bodies offer cooler operating temperatures and a body that will never rust. They can be rebuilt and tuned, but we didn’t need to tune these shocks as they worked perfectly on the JK. Fox shocks are an available option with all Synergy Suspension systems.
Here’s Jeremy Thompson prepping...
Here’s Jeremy Thompson prepping the JK for the Synergy Stage 3 suspension system. We had originally planned to run 35-inch Goodyear DuraTrac tires, but later changed to 37-inch MT/Rs. It’s too bad the DuraTracs aren’t available in larger sizes. They are great tires.
Synergy control arms are adjustable...
Synergy control arms are adjustable while on the Jeep. This is a tremendous asset and time saver when dialing in the suspension and pinion angles front and rear. Synergy uses original Johnny Joints on one end and Clevite rubber bushings on the other end of their arms.
Milt Thompson is the gear...
Milt Thompson is the gear expert at Dixie 4Wheel Drive. He set up our 4.88 Yukon gears perfectly. Yukon sent complete installation kits with both front and rear gearsets.
When the 2012 JK is lifted...
When the 2012 JK is lifted with a suspension system, its crossover pipe can be crushed by the front driveshaft. There are a few fixes for this, but the best and most elegant solution is the aFe Y-pipe that crosses over between the transmission and transfer case. The pipe features 2- x 2-inch into 1- x 2-1/2-inch stainless steel mandrel-bent tubing with OE flanges and 100-percent hand-MIG welded construction that resists corrosion. To eliminate dead space that can cause turbulence and hindering flow that formed collectors are prone to produce, a true merged collector is used. The smooth curves and increased diameter helps remove restriction and keeps exhaust gas flowing smoothly for improved performance and durability on and off the trails. It took no more than 10 minutes to install. A loop delete pipe and complete 2012 JK cat-back exhaust system are also offered by aFe Power.
Synergy includes these wedges...
Synergy includes these wedges to rotate the rear coil springs forward.
Our rear coils still kissed...
Our rear coils still kissed the track bar, even using the wedges, so Jeremy carefully cut off the axle coil mounts and rotated them forward.
It’s not a good idea to use...
It’s not a good idea to use your shocks as suspension limiters, so we installed limit straps.
Jeremy twisted the JK with...
Jeremy twisted the JK with a forklift then proceeded to trim the areas that needed to be trimmed so the 37’s would work with only 3 inches of lift and OE fender flares.
The Goodyear MT/Rs now don’t...
The Goodyear MT/Rs now don’t rub anywhere, even when stuffed into the fenderwells.