It just happened!

[Irun]

Well crap, went to move the Jeep late yesterday and smelled something electrical burning, then saw smoke coming out of my console. Jumped out and quickly disconnected the battery. In place of the stock sub-woofer, mounted in the console, the PO had put a 8" Sound Ordinance (B-8PTD) powered sub-woofer. It had been working intermittently lately and fried itself.

Since I also have one in the TJ, mounted underneath the driver's seat, I was going to order another one from Crutchfield. Unfortunately, they're backordered. Instead of that, I'm taking a chance on an alternative from Amazon. The reviews aren't great but I'm not looking for high quality, just a little more bass. This one is about 1/2 the cost of the SO version. We'll see how this goes!

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_777B8PTD/Sound-Ordnance-B-8PTD.html?tp=114

 

[Redsquatch]

The Jeep has an Alpine iLX-W650 double DIN receiver. I already have a rear camera and just ordered a front camera to install. Does anyone have suggestions on where to place the front camera? The idea would be to keep an eye on front obstacles. Here's the camera I purchased, which can be mounted in one of two ways.

I mounted a camera underneath mine, on top of the skid plate just under the transmission pan.

 

[JMT]

The more I think about it the more I think I would never want to wheel with a camera. It's not at all what I want my experience to be or an experience I want to adjust too. It would mean less focusing on what the rig is doing and less focus on looking outside the rig at the surroundings and more looking at a screen.

 

[Apparition]

The more I think about it the more I think I would never want to wheel with a camera. It's not at all what I want my experience to be or an experience I want to adjust too. It would mean less focusing on what the rig is doing and less focus on looking outside the rig at the surroundings and more looking at a screen.

It's just another tool in the bag. You don't have to use it but you have the option.

I will say the one thing I liked about my cameras is that my front camera could see the winch so I had an idea if anyone had their hands in a potentially dangerous spot since I control the winch from the remote. Felt like it added some potential safety. But it was easier to remove everything and toss it than to leave one camera.

 

[Wildman]

My front camera is mounted behind the bumper where Motobilt has their logo cut into it. I forget about it most times. I'd say it's a good tool but you also don't want to get distracted by it...


View: https://youtu.be/iGHJkQaRqsI?si=4NRnGonqiY0E2oyF

 

[B.E. Coyote]

Any updates on the KOYO rad? Did you actually install the Denso and the KOYO? I'm having some issues keeping the jeep cool and plan to swap my new Denso for the KOYO.

Do you happen to run a digital coolant gauge?

 

[Irun]

Happy 250th birthday to a nation full of patriots! While not perfect, having traveled to every continent except one, it still the greatest nation on the planet, which is why so many leave their countries and travel here to live. Many have given some of themselves, and some have given everything. We wouldn't be who we are without your selfless efforts to protect our freedom!

 

[FarFire70]

having traveled to every continent except one,

Yeah - screw those Aussies! Kangaroo hungers!

So how was Antarctica? I head it's like Iceland vs Greenland, more green than frozen - depending on the season.

——-

Happy 4th Patriot!

 

[Irun]

Yeah - screw those Aussies! Kangaroo hungers!

So how was Antarctica? I head it's like Iceland vs Greenland, more green than frozen - depending on the season.

——-

Happy 4th Patriot!

I went to McMurdo Station, then onto Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Since 98% of Antarctica is frozen, all I remember is ice and cold. At one point, we saw minus 60 degrees and lower. You couldn't go outside with any skin exposed. I'm far too old for that now!

 

[FarFire70]

I went to McMurdo Station, then onto Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Since 98% of Antarctica is frozen, all I remember is ice and cold. At one point, we saw minus 60 degrees and lower. You couldn't go outside with any skin exposed. I'm far too old for that now!

View attachment 697942

That's freaking awesome! What an experience.



Was making a leap with my joke....

 

[Irun]

It's looking like I'll be without an LJ for the first time in 14+ years. I have a sale pending, with a planned pickup next week. Surprisingly, I'm good with it moving to a home where it will get wheeled and enjoyed.

On the plus side, my son has the LJ I bought him. My guess is that will find its way back to me at some point in the future. Until then, he and I will work on it together, keeping it close to stock and replacing maintenance related items. Also, the TJ will be staying with me. There are plans for that, which will be detailed later!

 

[Irun]

I'm closing the book on this chapter. The LJ went to a new home earlier in the week and the garage is now occupied by the TJ. Thank you all for your input, while it was in my care. Moving onto whatever is next!

 

[Woodrow]

So many here are moving to LJs but you choose the TJ. I have my own thoughts but I’m curious why you decided on this path?

 

[Irun]

So many here are moving to LJs but you choose the TJ. I have my own thoughts but I’m curious why you decided on this path?

Solid question. Here's my answer:

I’ve owned TJs and LJs at the same time for more than eight years, so this wasn’t a decision I made from a distance. I’ve driven and wheeled both enough to know what each platform does well, and in the end the choice came down to what fits me, my trails, and what I enjoy driving.

Wheeling — The LJ absolutely has real advantages. The longer wheelbase helps with stability, climbs, descents, ledges, and bridging obstacles. I understand why so many people gravitate toward them. For my use, 80% or more of my wheeling is in tight woods with moderate hill climbs, trees, tight turns, and constant maneuvering. In that environment, the TJ’s shorter wheelbase is a real advantage. It is easier to place, easier to turn around, and feels more natural on the trails I run.

Daily driving — I like driving an LJ, but it does not give me the same enjoyment the TJ does. The TJ feels more compact, direct, and connected. The shorter wheelbase gives it a firmer, sportier feel, especially in traffic or on the curvy back roads where I live. Since getting the TJ back, it has become my go-to vehicle again and makes me smile on every drive.

Utility — The LJ clearly wins here for many people. No argument from me. It has more room and makes more sense if you regularly carry passengers, tools, spare parts, or a lot of trail gear. In my case, the rear seat rarely gets used, and with it removed the TJ has more than enough room for what I carry. I drive it every day for errands and local use, and I have not once thought, “I wish I had the LJ for the extra space.”

Nostalgia and feel — My first Jeep was a Levi’s Edition CJ with a 304 V8. It had a look, feel, and personality that stuck with me. To me, the TJ carries more of that traditional short-wheelbase Jeep character forward. The LJ is a great Jeep, but it never gave me quite the same feeling.

At this point in life, I know what I like and what brings me joy. For me, that is the TJ. That does not mean I think negatively about the LJ. The LJ is a fantastic platform, and in many ways, it is the more versatile tool. It just is not the tool I need most in my own toolbelt.

Ideally, what I’d like best is a TJ in the 99–100-inch wheelbase range. We’ve had that conversation before, and for me that is more of a want than a need. The TJ I kept already fits my use very well, and I’ve spent a lot of time making it unique and very much mine.

So, no knock on the LJ at all. I may even end up with one again someday. The LJ I recently bought for my son may eventually find its way back here. If it does, I’ll deal with that when the time comes. For now, I’m going to keep driving, modifying, and enjoying the TJ.

Rich

 

[Woodrow]

Solid question. Here's my answer:

I’ve owned TJs and LJs at the same time for more than eight years, so this wasn’t a decision I made from a distance. I’ve driven and wheeled both enough to know what each platform does well, and in the end the choice came down to what fits me, my trails, and what I enjoy driving.

Wheeling — The LJ absolutely has real advantages. The longer wheelbase helps with stability, climbs, descents, ledges, and bridging obstacles. I understand why so many people gravitate toward them. For my use, 80% or more of my wheeling is in tight woods with moderate hill climbs, trees, tight turns, and constant maneuvering. In that environment, the TJ’s shorter wheelbase is a real advantage. It is easier to place, easier to turn around, and feels more natural on the trails I run.

Daily driving — I like driving an LJ, but it does not give me the same enjoyment the TJ does. The TJ feels more compact, direct, and connected. The shorter wheelbase gives it a firmer, sportier feel, especially in traffic or on the curvy back roads where I live. Since getting the TJ back, it has become my go-to vehicle again and makes me smile on every drive.

Utility — The LJ clearly wins here for many people. No argument from me. It has more room and makes more sense if you regularly carry passengers, tools, spare parts, or a lot of trail gear. In my case, the rear seat rarely gets used, and with it removed the TJ has more than enough room for what I carry. I drive it every day for errands and local use, and I have not once thought, “I wish I had the LJ for the extra space.”

Nostalgia and feel — My first Jeep was a Levi’s Edition CJ with a 304 V8. It had a look, feel, and personality that stuck with me. To me, the TJ carries more of that traditional short-wheelbase Jeep character forward. The LJ is a great Jeep, but it never gave me quite the same feeling.

At this point in life, I know what I like and what brings me joy. For me, that is the TJ. That does not mean I think negatively about the LJ. The LJ is a fantastic platform, and in many ways, it is the more versatile tool. It just is not the tool I need most in my own toolbelt.

Ideally, what I’d like best is a TJ in the 99–100-inch wheelbase range. We’ve had that conversation before, and for me that is more of a want than a need. The TJ I kept already fits my use very well, and I’ve spent a lot of time making it unique and very much mine.

So, no knock on the LJ at all. I may even end up with one again someday. The LJ I recently bought for my son may eventually find its way back here. If it does, I’ll deal with that when the time comes. For now, I’m going to keep driving, modifying, and enjoying the TJ.

Rich

All of that makes sense to me, Rich. I’m not done with mine (never done, right?) but I’m really getting the sense that a TJ around 100” is the sweet spot.

 

[Irun]

All of that makes sense to me, Rich. I’m not done with mine (never done, right?) but I’m really getting the sense that a TJ around 100” is the sweet spot.

I'm coming to the same conclusion, at least for my wheeling. A moderate bit of evidence for this is I recently had a chance to drive a friend's 2 door JL on the same trails. The JL 2 door has a 96.8-inch wheelbase and the difference over my TJ was noticeable.

As we've discussed though, all the work to get to 99 to 100 inches would likely not be worth it for me, given I know for sure a 35" tire isn't what I'm looking for. Even if I didn't go the route of a stretch, I'm also not convinced a mid-arm would be worth it, with a maximum of a 33" tire.

As it stands now, the short-arm setup works very well in combination with 10" travel shocks and 32" tires. That pairing has taught me to be a much better driver. As you said, we're never really done and I've got some thinking/prioritizing to do!