After seeing how Scot's rig handled the trail, I'm not so convinced a longer wheel based Jeep is all that appealing. Andrew's LJ, on the other hand, did quite well. Lockers might have had something to do with that though.
The only thing appealing to me about the JK series (as a dedicated crawler) is the 5th seat belt. Given the choice though of a JKR and LJR both around 15-18k though I would choose the LJ. The ability to have a cooler in the back with the seats down/a spot for the dog to sit is the main benefit in my mind. I would think on a good day to the right person I could get around 15k for my TJ leaving me in the range of an LJR. But then I would need to dump a ton of money into an LJ it just to get where I am now.After seeing how Scot's rig handled the trail, I'm not so convinced a longer wheel based Jeep is all that appealing. Andrew's LJ, on the other hand, did quite well. Lockers might have had something to do with that though.
I recommend every jeep enthusiast should buy a welder and take a welding course. This should be the first upgrade that should be performed. Once you can manipulate metal, you can upgrade with fewer compromises. Bolt-on can only get you so far.Perhaps in the future, if I buy a welder and learn to use it I would attempt it. For the fronts, I did 95% of the prep work then towed it a few hours to have the towers welded on/final fitment. (thanks again Jim) I wouldn't feel comfortable using that approach with the rear since it would require a chuck of the frame to be cut out.
All you need is a 2 inch BB and 32 for the rubicon nowadays.I wouldn't hesitate to buy a bone stock TJR, preferably in Impact Orange or white and dump vibrajeep.
I'll likely take you up on that one day. Charlie and Aspen may need a play date.I have a nice welder in the garage Alex your always welcome to come by and use. I am no expert but would be glad to teach you the basics and let you practice.
I'll likely take you up on that one day. Charlie and Aspen may need a play date.
That thing is badass. I hope you find time to reboot the project once life slows down.I also having a tubing bender we can do kink free bends in DOM tubing. That I use to use when making roll cages.
Here is a photo of a mid engined honda powered powered lotus 7 chassis I built. Life actually got very busy and I never finished it.
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A tubing bender opens up so many more upgrades! I need oneI also having a tubing bender we can do kink free bends in DOM tubing. That I use to use when making roll cages.
Here is a photo of a mid engined honda powered powered lotus 7 chassis I built. Life actually got very busy and I never finished it.
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I think there might be more people not fewer lolExactly. The margin of error is much lower on the rear. If I was to do it again I would likely just go with the MC 6pak F/R.
After this last run, an LJ build is looking pretty tempting. With the 4 of us and the dog in the jeep, the extra trunk space would have been nice. Maybe in the next few years, I'll find a decently priced LJ and start swapping over parts. Or just bring fewer people along
Good point. Looks like I'll need to start teaching Gia how to drive offroad. Once she is 16 she can haul the gear and dog.I think there might be more people not fewer lol
It's a dent. Approximately 1/16"-1/8" deepDid it just scratch the shock body or dent it?
It looks fairly minor.When I was messing around with relocating the lower shock mounts, this happened to my rears.
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I'm just glad the ranchos are cheap. I would be bummed if I need to replace expensive shocks.