Hello everyone!

Last weekend I picked up a 2013 JKU Rubicon that has 107K miles and lived most of it's life out in the desert southwest. I think my favorite thing about the jeep is how clean and rust-free the body and frame are. I am looking forward to exploring some offroad trails to the south of us in PA and even further south. (NY doesn't do much for offroad trails, I don't think). I am not sure the tires are great for offroading (35" Hankook Dynapro AT-2's) but I'll run the treads off them then get something proper.

I managed to low-ball the dealer - he was desperate to sell (overlanding rigs don't sell well in suburban Detroit and he had had it since May) and so he threw in a 12mo service contract on the whole drivetrain. I have it at my mechanic currently, he is giving it the once-over with a fine-tooth comb. My mechanic said that the lifter-tic is such a big thing on these older JKs that his shop stocks a few spare sets of rockers for the engine! :-) So he will check it out and fix anything amiss.

I plan to replace the winch rope with a synthetic one, but am unsure if I need to replace the entire winch, or if I can just wind a new rope onto it and replace the fairlead and call it good.

Any advice for someone just starting out would be most welcome!

2013 JKU Rubicon

 

Welcome to the Forum. Good looking rig.. If the Wench is working changing out the cable for rope is one you can do .. look up some youtubes. There is Rausch Creek Offroad park in East Pa.. A company called Off Road Consulting that conducts guided drives .. They have website and if you have an off road park near check them for a company like that for your 1st Off Road adventure.. Well worth the guided drive and you will not be going out alone. Tires are classified as All Terrain; there are other brands that are more aggressive and still are All Terrain.. Check the DOT Date code on those.. Over 6 years gets into the replace recommendation by tire makers. Good Luck .. Ask questions .. Group here is friendly and knowledgeable.