weekender Wrangler Part 3 - bilstein Steering Stabilizer - Photo 40948830

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We were getting too much feedback through the wheel with the stock steering stabilizer, so we swapped over to Bilstein’s HD unit. A durable zinc finish resists corrosion and matches the previously installed 5160 shocks that are on the Jeep. Now our steering is rock solid, even at highway speeds.

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Our Sahara came with these steps from the factory. We preferred protection to ingress/egress, so we unbolted them to make room for rock rails.

After test-fitting the Mopar rock rails, we faced the same interference problem that occurs with the Rubicon rails and 37s. This no surprise because the foundation of the Mopar rail is the factory Rubicon rail.

The easy fix is to take at least 1-inch off of the back of the rail with a reciprocating saw; this is required with the Rubicon rail as well. You can take less off if you cut at an angle, but then the end cap won’t go back in flush.

Be sure to paint the uncoated metal after the cut and return the end cap to the rail before bolting it back in place.

While the trimmed rail still looks close to the tire in this photo, it doesn’t rub, even at full suspension compression, because the axle moves rearward as the suspension compresses.

Here you can see how unprotected the engine and transmission of our ’12 was stock.

After installing the 3⁄16-inch-thick EVO MFG ProTek system, we have greater confidence to hit difficult trails. The oil pan skid and transmission skid are bolted to the engine, while the crossmember skid is bolted to the frame.

The ProTek crossmember skid protects the exhaust trumpet and still gives enough clearance to run a large-diameter aftermarket front driveshaft.

After test-fitting the corner guards and determining the location on the body, we marked the holes with a Sharpie.

A metal punch and increasingly larger drill bits were used to make clean holes. We then painted the bare metal for protection.

Supplied Nutserts were then installed for the mounting bolts to thread into.

The key to a smooth corner guard install is to take your time, as the finished product is well worth the effort. When installed, you’ll appreciate the increased protection and tougher look of your Jeep. Mopar’s taillight guards and fuel filler door are not only compatible with the AEV corner guards, but a near perfect match on texture.

We used Expedition One’s optional antenna mounting bracket along with a Firestik antenna kit from Cool Tech. Mounting the bracket high on the tire carrier gives us increased line-of-sight for better reception and keeps our 4-foot fiberglass antenna from hitting the Jeep off-road.

To help with nighttime visibility, we added a pair of TJM 160 Series XRay Vision driving lights. Each light includes an internal ballast and easily hooked up to our sPOD auxiliary power distribution system with just two wires.

The Rock Hard 4x4 roller fairlead license plate bracket is a great way to keep your rig legal in states that require a front plate. It easily unclips when access to the winch is required and stays attached thanks to a cable.

We were getting too much feedback through the wheel with the stock steering stabilizer, so we swapped over to Bilstein’s HD unit. A durable zinc finish resists corrosion and matches the previously installed 5160 shocks that are on the Jeep. Now our steering is rock solid, even at highway speeds.

With auxiliary lighting and plenty of armor, we no longer have to worry about wheeling after the sun goes down.