[2BJeepGuy]

Forum,

I have learned a tremendous amount of stuff from you folks. I've just come to the conclusion that I'm not buying a new Rubicon to crawl up rocks (though I will continue to watch those who do with great admiration). I'm buying it to ride mostly on paved road and on some weekends take it off-road. My idea of off-roading is traveling about 15 - 40 mph on a very rough Mountain roads, with either snow or loose dirt and rock - oh yeah and large potholes. Some inclines, but not this 45 degree type stuff. Just about any 4x4 could ride these roads. I've seen Subaru's pass large 4x4 trucks on these roads (like my wife's car). The fastest 4 wheels though are the JEEPS.

Beyond a stock TJ (Rubicon in my case), what modifications would you recommend for trail riding?

[Iceman97tj]

I'd go with 31"- 33" tires - A 2"-3" lift - rocker, oil pan and steering guards - tow hooks front & rear, a hi-jack, snatch strap, 2 gas cans, and a CB.

The lift can be done several ways:
for 31"s: a 2" spacer lift+1"bl -- cheapest
for 31"s or 32's: a 2" coil spring lift+ 1"bl -- good value
for 32"s: a 3" coil spring lift
for 33"s: a 3" coil spring lift + 1"bl -- great performance
for 33"s: a 4" coil spring lift -- the best (and most expensive)

[Ross]

Your Rubicon should be more than enough for the type of trails you seem to be talking about. If a subaru can make it a stock Rubicon will have no problems.

Why do you travel down these roads: If it is for sight seeing save your mod money and buy a nice camera, If you hunt save your money for a new gun, if you hike and camp save your money for camping/hunting gear.

Make sure you have recovery (maybe a winch if you travel alone) gear extra water and fuel (might need a rack) and maybe a gps.

Don't waste your money on mods you don't need, unless you just want it to look a certian way.

Ross

[2BJeepGuy]

Ross,
Good question: Why an expensive Jeep when a cheap one would do what I want or why not an inexpensive SUV?

For the option to do what I don't know I want.

In my line of work (web application programming) I try not to give people just what they want, but also what they never thought possible to have. The Jeep is like that - you can get so many different things from the same rig.

I wouldn't try climbing a steep hill in a Subaru - I will in my Rubicon. I may even like it and change my plans for the rig. I can change my plans with a Rubicon, but not a Subaru. Jeeps are fun to drive, Subaru's are just 'nice' to drive. You use a Subaru to enjoy long road trips. You use a Jeep to enjoy long journeys and adventures (or get to work). I'm paying for versatility, adventure, future options, and transportation. Not to mention, I have a Subaru (for my wife), but not a Jeep.

Back to another part of your question: Why these roads? I'm into backpacking in the Mountains and just driving around in the Mountain areas. I especially like Mt Rainier in Washington - it's my frequent play area. Lots of other trails in Eastern Washington too.

As to the other gear you referred to: I got all that stuff. I'm just missing the Jeep at this point.

I'm glad you mentioned recovery equipment. I will definitely get a wench with ARB Bull Bars. I often venture up the mountain alone. I will need a rack and plan to get the complete rear bumper by Wilderness with the options (storage rack, Gas and water can holder, lift holder, tire swing, trailer hitch).

[2BJeepGuy]

IceMan97tj,

What is a "snatch strap"?

About lifts, does the 4" Coil lift (like the RE Long Arm) give you as good of a on-road ride as no lift at all? I'm assuming it's the best lift for off-roading, but not for on-road handling. From what little I've investigated, it seems the OMU setup (2.5" lift) will give me as good or better on-road manners, along with better off-road characteristics. I should be able to use the standard 31" or move up to 32" tires with this lift. If I add to this setup some spacers and BL, I should be able to move up to 33" tires (max size unless I decide to climb rocks).

[Ross]

Snatch strap: strap for recovery, no hooks on it, just loops.

A 4" long arm will give you a good ride on the road (it will still ride like a jeep maybe a little stiffer than stock). The higher you lift the jeep the higher the center of gravity. A jeep sucks for handling so with a higher lift it will just suck a little more in a panic situation.

An OME 2.5 should be fine with 32s. You should be able to move up with 33's with a 1" body lift and still have a ride nicer than stock. You may rub a little if you disconnect you sway bars, not enough to worry about unless you do alot of rough trails, rougher than fire roads.

I would think a 4" long arm would be over kill for what you are talking about. But you aready talked about changing your plans. Keep it stock for a while wheel with some other jeepers, start counting your money and than see what you want to do. From the way you are talking you will probably be come hooked and end up on 35's with in the next year or two.

Ross

[jonsjeep]

From the way you described the trials that you are hitting, it sounds like the sport model would be just fine. Why pay all the money for the Rubicon if you are not sure if you are going to be doing some seriouse off roading? With the sport you can add on later if you really want to get into it. It's just my opinion. I don't mean to sound negative to your ideas, just playing devil's advocate.

Still get the other items that everyone mentioned (tow strap, ect.)

[2BJeepGuy]

JonsJeep,

That was my initial plan, to get a Sport and build it into whatever I want. Others told me, if you can afford it - start with the Rubicon. It will hold it's value should you decide to sell it and if you decide to build a real rock crawler - it will save you money. In other words, better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Or, pay some more now or a LOT more later - possibly.

Actually, when I calculated the cost of a Sport and adding everything I wanted (don't have the time for the list now), my Sport would cost $33K. My initial Rubicon configuration will cost $31K - and be more capable off-road. Either way would be an okay approach. If I had less money, no doubt the Sport or X is the way to go (without my options). Another minor point, with the Rubicon I'll be financing most of the cool options versus with the Sport I'd be out of pocket for the options.

[Deaver]

Not to divert the thread, But if you are buying a New Jeep take a look at JeepWarehouse.

Several others I know have had nothing but good luck with them

JeepWarehouse

[jonsjeep]

Sounds good to me. If I had the money, that's what I would do.

[2BJeepGuy]

Deaver,

Thanks Buddy. That's the best "Get a Quote" site I've seen. I paid Consumer Reports $20 for the same information, except this JeepWarehouse was better. Their numbers were right on with Consumers Report too. Don't know if I'll buy from them, but they helped set my expectations where they should be (about $1000 less than I thought).

[Deaver]

Originally posted by 2BJeepGuy
Deaver,

Thanks Buddy. That's the best "Get a Quote" site I've seen. I paid Consumer Reports $20 for the same information, except this JeepWarehouse was better. Their numbers were right on with Consumers Report too. Don't know if I'll buy from them, but they helped set my expectations where they should be (about $1000 less than I thought).

I have a couple of friends that have purchased through JeepWarehouse. Bill S. is a good guy. They were delivered locally. Several others, I know have used his quotes with local Dealers to negotiate a better deal even after the dealer said "That's my best" I did not know about JeepWarehouse when I bought mine. I am not against a Dealer making a fair profit and I try to be fair to all parties concerned.

Side note; People will always tell you how little they paid for their car and how much they paid for their house

Information is power