16th Times the Charm? 2018 JLR Build

[en480c4]

Yes, that title's correct. I'm only in my 40's and this is Jeep # 16.

Last summer I took a new job, and didn't have the time or desire to continue working on or commuting in my '05 LJ. Despite only having 50k miles, it's life in New England meant pretty much doing anything to it was a battle. I'm also helping my father rebuild a Willys Pickup, so between that, a new job, two kids and everything else on my plate, I sold the LJ. As Fred Williams said on an episode of Dirt Every Day, "Everyone loves old trucks, until it's time to do old truck stuff." As much as I love the idea of older vehicles, I'm in a season of life where I just want to be able to drive my Jeep.

I didn't really want (another) JK, so without test-driving a JL, I bought my 2018 JLR with 8k miles from Vroom in late August, and it arrived in early September... Though my ability to register it didn't arrive for another 4 months. But that's a different story.

2018 JLR
3.6/6 speed
Stingray w/ black flares & premium soft top
Steel bumper group & Warn Zeon 10S
Cold weather group

From the ad:

So, coming up on a year of ownership, I'm starting to make some changes. Nothing drastic, but I do love the platform.

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[en480c4]

Last fall I just did a few things.

Swapped in a Factor55 FlatLink and a satin black Mopar grille.

But more importantly, I tracked down a hard top. Living in Maine, it's nice to have. I tried and missed on a few local-ish deals, and then found one with a smashed rear window for $200. Picked up another that was rough but had good glass for $100. In less than an hour, everything was combined and looking good. The $100 one also came with a JK hardtop shell which we'll keep for a potential project for my father's JK. Then I sold the freedom panels that came with the rough one for $150 and ended up with my $150 hard top.

I did need the DV8 brackets, but didn't bother adding the harness or plumbing, and probably never will. I didn't miss it at all last winter.

All loaded up in the trailer (and on the Touareg):

Assembled:

Installed:

 

[en480c4]

This spring I added a hitch for my bike rack. I'll add the harness at a later date, just to have the flexibility to tow.

This summer I finally tired of the red-body Rubicon shocks. I hate them! They're too soft, and I was looking to firm things up on a budget. Picked up a set of 392 Rubicon Fox shocks. Still need to adjust bumps, but got them installed and love them. They're such a significant improvement.

I also added a set of BORA 1.25" wheel spacers, but decided I didn't like the look with the otherwise-stock Jeep, so I pulled them a couple of weeks later.

A bit of out of order, but this past weekend I added the Fox steering stabilizer as well.

 

[en480c4]

Finally, my small cosmetic change. I added a custom vent decal from Pixel Decals. I wanted the 1901 Maine state flag, and it came together just as I imagined, with the red Rubicon border, matte black background and the star and tree in gloss black.

 

[en480c4]

Current plans are to put in the 3/4" rear coil spacers I picked up over the winter to level the Jeep out and eliminate the 2-door reverse rake. I'm also on the hunt for the right deal for a set of 35's.

Edit:


And just like that, shortest build thread ever.

Sold the Jeep yesterday. As much as I liked it, I never loved it. I have decided to take a step back. Looking for a less refined driving experience. Replacement may come as early as this week, fingers crossed. It will either be the best decision I’ve ever made out the worst… I’m not sure there’s a lot of middle ground with hood choice! And it will be the first time in over 10 years I won’t be driving a Jeep.

Forum was a great resource and a ton of help.

Edit 2:

What do you do when Chrysler/Stellantis products aren’t known for their reliability? Replace your Jeep with an even less reliable option.

Either the best decision I’ve ever made, or the worst. Not sure there’s a lot of room for middle ground on this one!

1991 Range Rover Classic
116,000 miles
From CO. No rust!
New OME HD coils and shocks
ARB front bumper
Mechanically in great shape.
Cosmetics leave a bit to be desired, inside and out. But I’ll slowly peck away at things. First order of business is tires.

Edit 3:

As it sits now with my KM3s.

And a parts Rover!

I’ve already started swapping the much nicer interior over from the parts rig. Next spring I’ll move over the straight sheet metal and it’ll get a re-spray.

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