Backstory:
We ordered our 2014 Rubicon on 01/23/14 , it arrived to us on 03/27/14. This was our 2nd Wrangler but the first we intended to make modifications to. We made all of the usual mistakes, for instance buying budget chinese parts from our local (national) chain store. Don't get me wrong, they did their job for a while but we learned our lesson about quality.
Our goal:
This build is probably not a "typical" Jeep build for overland. It's part dual purpose play toy, part trail runner. The style is inspired from a 1983 Jeep CJ Renegade.
Our main goal is to have an overbuilt rig that can go anywhere. When we travel it's usually me, my wife and our Australian Shepherd Jax. On occasion we'll have an adult child (6 of them) or grand baby with us. The Jeep will not house anything except for passengers and tools/recovery items. We'll invest in an off-road trailer and RTT soon.
Where we are now:
As I type this introduction our Jeep is on jack stands in the shop patiently waiting for me to finish this phase on the build and get some trail time in.
Parts we're installing
- 2005 Ford SD Dana 60
- 2001 Chevrolet 14 Bolt
- Artec axle truss, mounts & high steer arms
- RPM Steering aluminum tie rod/drag link
- Core 4x4 control arms and track bars
- Metalcloak coils
- Poison Spyder front aluminum fenders
- Genright rear 0" aluminum fenders
- VKS Fab weld on rock rails
- Cooper STT Pro in 40x13.5x17
- Vison D wheels, custom powder coat
- Dual piston brakes
- Powerstop brake kits
- New braided brake lines
Where we're going:
Once this phase is done we'll set our sites on an LT/10 speed swap. The gain in gears and horsepower will help in trailer towing duties and overall economy, as well as more reliable than the Jeep 3.6 Pentastar.
Additional long range fuel tank is in the plan, but we haven't decided which way to go.
Here's a few pics of the progress:
And a pic of said wife and dog (in her Jeep)
Attachments
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