Fishnerd’s Build Thread

[Fishnerd]

***Started as a OBA system thread but evolved so decided to make this a comprehensive build thread***

I know there are probably a lot of posts on OBA systems, but figured I'd share mine to offer up different ideas and help others who are contemplating doing their own.

First obstacle was debating where to mount the compressor. My initial thought was to mount in the Rambox but I wanted to utilize that space for recovery gear and other necessities. I ultimately settled on mounting in the engine compartment, it also was easier to wire up the solenoids for the air suspension.



There are 3 daisy chain solenoids (controlled via Switchpro in the cab). Two are for inflate (driver/passenger) and the third in the deflate (all 3 solenoids open up to exhaust the air through this one). The manifold also has two connections for front and rear air couplers.


For the front coupler I had to fabricate a bracket so I could mount in the area for the clutch access without interfering with the clutch itself



For the rear coupler i mounted in the area where the trailer tpms would have been


for air suspension I settled on the Airlift 5000 and Daystar cradles. Im not a fan of 90deg "sharp angles" anywhere near the tires (even though the likelyhood of it hitting is minimal), I considered it cheap insurance so I ended up modifying the mounts a bit.



passenger side with main airline routing


Cheers!!

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

Beautiful work. Did you fab that under hood bracket for the arb? Everything looks great. Well done.

 

[Fishnerd]

Beautiful work. Did you fab that under hood bracket for the arb? Everything looks great. Well done.

Appreciate the kind words, the compressor mount is actually by NHoverland. I had to modify it a bit to fit my needs and for easier install.

 

[el_barto]

Nice job! Very clean install! I have the ARB couplers in the same spots of my bumpers, but your front bracket looks a bit cleaner than mine...
Also I see you have the AEV rear bumper, which I have on order. Planning on relocating my rear air coupler to that same set of holes ... do you have a template for the bracket you installed there?

 

[el_barto]

Also we want to see more pictures of that AEV rear bumper

 

[elephantrider]

super tidy work.

 

[Fishnerd]

Also we want to see more pictures of that AEV rear bumper

 

[Fishnerd]

... do you have a template for the bracket you installed there?

I just took 2in aluminum bar stock and drilled holes to use the existing sensor screws and made a hole the coupling.

 

[el_barto]

great work on all aspects of the upgrades!!
I like how you clearanced the little plastic “mud flap” for the tube...I was thinking that piece would just have to be removed.

just a tip on that hitchlink...I suggest to clock it 90* so the shackle hole is vertical. it works better as a step, plus if you put a shackle in it to give someone a pull and your vehicles aren’t perfectly inline , the shackle pivots to be inline and the shackle won’t get sideloaded(bad)

 

[Fishnerd]

great work on all aspects of the upgrades!!
I like how you clearanced the little plastic “mud flap” for the tube...I was thinking that piece would just have to be removed.

Thank you! Yes it seemed like a waste to discard them, and they do still provide a bit of protection from rocks and gravel hitting the underside of the tubes. All in all im really happy with the bumper and the install was pretty straight forward. There are some tricky parts esp with the hoops and shackle points. If you have any questions when you get your bumper please feel free to message me.

just a tip on that hitchlink...I suggest to clock it 90* so the shackle hole is vertical. it works better as a step, plus if you put a shackle in it to give someone a pull and your vehicles aren’t perfectly inline , the shackle pivots to be inline and the shackle won’t get sideloaded(bad)

Awesome tip! I dont recall if it had hitch pin holes in that direction but will check. It also doubles as my pre bumper for those who cant parallel park

 

[Fishnerd]

How was the install on the bumper? I have one on order as well.

It was pretty straight forward, some tricky parts. I was able to do it solo in 100+ degree weather in about 4hrs. I can make another post on the install with pictures if that will be helpful to you.

 

[AnthonyD1978]

It was pretty straight forward, some tricky parts. I was able to do it solo in 100+ degree weather in about 4hrs. I can make another post on the install with pictures if that will be helpful to you.

Thanks. I saw you answered that question in your previous post. Sorry about that.

 

[AnthonyD1978]

I like how you clearanced the little plastic “mud flap” for the tube...I was thinking that piece would just have to be removed.

I already lost one to a rock shelf so I took the other one off too.

 

[Fishnerd]

I already lost one to a rock shelf so I took the other one off too.

It wasnt really needed as part of the install, whats weird is the instructions didnt even mention having to remove it. When i went to install the hoops the bolts wouldn't align untill I realized it was getting hung up by them. I removed them to install the hoops then cut and re-installed (multiple times to get the cut angle correct) after the hoop was in place.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

This is almost too much badassery for one thread

 

[whitexc]

I concur. Well documented badassery.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

 

[Brewbud]

Looks great! I love the ARB mount.

 

[Fishnerd]

Since this also evolved into an AEV bumper post here are a few pics of the install.

When you get the bumper it will come on a wooden pallet with 6 boxes (note be careful with a couple of the boxes they are fairly small and I almost lost them because the wrap was loose on the pallet). The pieces themselves are very manageable, as I mentioned before I was able to do the install by myself, and it wasnt very difficult (the only tricky part was aligning the hoops). The quality of the bumper is on point, I am familiar with AEV products as I previously had them on my Jeep JK and im really glad the quality has remained the same.

All together I spent about 4hrs total on the install, it would have been quicker but I chose to apply anti-seize on all the hardware and re-install the "mini mud flaps" mentioned above.

Removing the OEM bumper was the easiest part (there will be a few oem plates and bolts) you will no longer need


Main section installed, all other pieces will attach to this and the main frame, there is also provision for a rear winch for those who dont have a spare underneath. I wish i could have done it but Im running "35s" was able to still fit one in the spare location and didnt want to occupy space in the bed.



Hoop installed, gets a little tricky felt like i was doing yoga poses underneath the truck to get everything aligned to frame plate, recovery points sandwiched to the main section.


The last tricky parts were getting the backup sensors to sit flush with the plastic corners (sorry I didnt get pictures of this since I was already frustrated by that point)

Hope this helps, and good luck with your installs. Im sure you will be equally happy as I am with the bumper.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

That’s awesome.

 

[Fishnerd]

I mentioned it briefly above, but to continue the discussion on air install, I use a Switch Pros to actuate the solenoids to inflate and deflate the airbags

to inflate turn on the compressor (air) and hit the up arrow (opens up solenoid 1 and 2) , to deflate hit the down arrow (turns off air, and actuates solenoids 1,2 and 3). Air is exhausted through solenoid 3.



SDHQ switchpros mount, im pretty happy with the quality and the location is out of the way


Firewall pass through via balder gland, I love using these since I can easily add more wires for future needs and keeps it water tight

To make for easy connections to future accessories I made a custom harness with deutsch connector for easy plug and play



In case someone wants to copy the front coupler bracket.....


Cheers!