"WISH I had known..." What would you do differently?
#12
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Castro Valley, CA
Posts: 111
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Make sure that you research whether your end game build fits all together. I had to throw out my rock rails because they interfere with my brackets on my lift. Also, once you decide on something, stick with it. If you go into a store, sometimes they may not have what you want exactly and pitch you another product that is equal. Don't make a decision like that on the spot. I'd recommend walking away and doing research on that alternative. The eagerness to get it done, plus the pressure from a sales guy can make you choose something that you may regret.
#13
JK Junkie
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Tooele (two-willa), Utah
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Probably should have gotten a Rubicon, if only for the gearing. All the rest I've done to it can probably do as much, if not more, than a stock Rubicon.
They didn't have the color I wanted in a Rubicon, so I got the Rescue Green X.
They didn't have the color I wanted in a Rubicon, so I got the Rescue Green X.
#15
JK Freak
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Boulder County, CO
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When I bought my 2008 and started building it, after market parts were still being developed and had room for improvement. I didn't realize that I would be addicted the way I am. (4 jeeps, all built). I am a believer that jeeps are meant to be driven on the road and on trails. If I wanted extreme trails, then I would work a build plan that leads to it. No big rubber or high lifts until the rest of the rig cna be beefed up to take the stress.
We are building one now that captures the learning---- y-link long arms. Beefed up steering. Aluminum armor (yes armor does matter), Armored fenders, super charger, 4"lift, RCV's D-60, 44/60 front. Moved gas tank for more clearance. This rig will be able to drive down highways just fine and do extreme trails.
Just build one a couple months ago that has 35's, 2.5" lift, trail bumpers, Al armor. This one is good as a DD and most trails---just not the extreme.
What I reallhy don't like is stuff breaking. And re-do's.
We are building one now that captures the learning---- y-link long arms. Beefed up steering. Aluminum armor (yes armor does matter), Armored fenders, super charger, 4"lift, RCV's D-60, 44/60 front. Moved gas tank for more clearance. This rig will be able to drive down highways just fine and do extreme trails.
Just build one a couple months ago that has 35's, 2.5" lift, trail bumpers, Al armor. This one is good as a DD and most trails---just not the extreme.
What I reallhy don't like is stuff breaking. And re-do's.
#16
JK Jedi
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Nevada City California
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I do love my 2 dr, but If I could go back I'd get a 4 dr simply for the added space. I've found with Jeeps though, it's really never enough, there's always bigger better, that said I dig my JK.
#17
JK Super Freak
the only thing i really wish i had done from the get go is bought a jeep years ago . ive had old muscle cars, modern trucks , camaros ,'motorcycles atvs pretty much the whole motored spectrum , but nothing blows my skirt up like my jeep does . its not heavily modded but it suits me fine . but if i had got an earlier incarnation i would have traded multiple times because the jk to me jus looks so much more badass than previous models . i really cant see wanting another . but if i do it will be a four door
#18
JK Super Freak
the only thing i really wish i had done from the get go is bought a jeep years ago . ive had old muscle cars, modern trucks , camaros ,'motorcycles atvs pretty much the whole motored spectrum , but nothing blows my skirt up like my jeep does . its not heavily modded but it suits me fine . but if i had got an earlier incarnation i would have traded multiple times because the jk to me jus looks so much more badass than previous models . i really cant see wanting another . but if i do it will be a four door
...but nothing comes close to moseying in the Jeep with the top off. Especially on a trail that takes you to the top of the world.
Wish I would have known a lot earlier.
#20
I'd say do nothing now, and start driving offroad.
If you have a club in your area, join it, and learn from the experience of others. Another option is taking offroading classes. This will shorten your learning curve by much.
You don't know yet on which type of offroading or what level of difficulty you'll get hooked.
The modding of your Jeep should fit your wants & needs, which you can't be certain about at this stage. Therefore, even if you go for the best mods, they wont necessarily suit you later.
Your Jeep, as is, is quite capable, so, as you don't have much experience, I can assure you that your Jeep is more capable than you'd expect it to be.