2 DOOR JL build/order discussions master thread

[Fred]

Been lurking for about eight months, and feeding a multi-year Wrangler obsession. Finally pulled the trigger and couldn't be happier. It's every bit as much fun as I had hoped.

I better check outside, that looks like mine!
Congratulations! Nice choice!

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[Fred]

So after almost 6 months, I have my Jeep! Loving it. I put 35” tires and a winch on it. Waiting for my lift kit.

These are pictures taken on the way back to Vancouver. Beautiful drive through the Rocky Mountains.

Looks great! Full 35" or 315's? Also what wheel and offset? Thanks.

 

[Toomevara]

I have been reading this site since before I ordered my two door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon at end of January. It arrived in early July and because I benefited so much from reading everyone else, here are my general comments on my Jeep so far after 3,000 miles.

Dealer Experience: Had great experience with dealer; I had a somewhat unusual transaction because of taxes, trade-in, etc. and I found the dealer to be very knowledgeable and forthcoming. I had written 21 dealers explaining what I was trying to do and six replied. They had much better data over the months on arrival dates, etc. (At time of purchase we were thinking it would arrive before Easter at end of March!). Jeepcares folks were always behind; I didn't appreciate their cut / paste responses with different fonts, etc. It spoke of unprofessionalism, etc. but what do I know about their backgrounds. For all I know my emails were translated into another language because the FCA employee was halfway around the world and their response was translated back into English. I guess I am old school and had a great set of teachers growing up on written and oral communication skills. It isn't Jeepcares fault that they didn't get same education but it would be the employees fault if they didn't pay attention in school!

Time of Purchase: The backup camera did not work; I disconnected ground wire, etc. and nothing happened. I was in a hurry and said if it came back on, I would tell them. After 36 hours, it came on and all good since. Tires were all over inflated and if not for this forum, I would not have known to look for that. Because I was going on vacation immediately, I would not have known about that issue and attributed it to steering tightness, etc. I drove before and after it was deflated and it was noticeable. The winter package had changed since I had ordered it since there was no engine heater. I live near Canadian border but Jeep will be in garage so I should be ok. Invoice was right.

Issues: I listen to AM radio because I like baseball and live in an area with no mail service and FM radio until I drive about 30 miles. The AM stations have loud ringing noise when you turn them on. I thought it must be due to electric build-up when you start ignition. Drove me nuts because I didn't want to add a noise suppressor like we always had to do when I was a kid. But I soon learned that if you flip to another station and then go back, the noise goes away. I have unconnected / reconnected antenna, checked ground wire, etc. but nothing has changed. It is annoying but I have found the solution. Immediately behind driver's seat on window, there is a lot of knocking. There is a cover up against the window that keeps loosening up right ahead of first Torx nut. I find that it keeps jarring loose causing the knocking. No idea how to fix it yet. Added a grab handle (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y265T7R/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) because I needed something to hang a jacket for church, etc. Worked out well.

What I like: Dash reminds me of first Ford truck we had on the farm as a kid (an old 1976 F-100). I like it a lot; LED lights are real deal as I drive a lot at night. Apple carplay works smoothly. We had a set of UTV's etc. but sold them all to buy this because virtually all the roads we would drive those on could be driven by this. Great decision. I have looked closely at all the welds, etc. and everything looks good. Granite color was ok; I basically chose the color I liked least. I was hoping for something in green (Tank, Moss green), tan (Mojave tan, Gobi) or blue (Anvil, patriot). No biggie; I like the granite.

What I don't like: Had to buy a receiver extender in back to two the boat down to water, etc. I only needed an extra inch but the spare tire is in the way with trailer lock. Not planning on doing long distance towing anyhow but you lose something adding an extender. I like to have a receiver on front for pushing trailers, etc. into garage. To add one to front requires removing the air dam which is not the best idea. Waiting on market to evolve for a solution. The amount of dirt kicking up from front tires surprised me even though there are a lots of posts on this. I will need splash guards or an adapter to rock rails and watching markets for this (existing one that attaches will not work for me). I worry about rocks full of ice in winter.

Waiting to see: Before purchase I did a lot of work trying to understand the hood vents. I wanted to know what would happen if you drive it during the day when it is snowing and ice melts on hood while it is stopped and whether those vents would ice up. But they appear to move moisture away from engine so I should be ok.

The women in family love it the best! Nieces, sisters, sister-in-law, etc. I have one younger sister who is visiting with dealer about buying one and trading in her car.

All good. I appreciated reading everyone's comments over the months as I waited.Thanks

 

[CatskillsAlex]

Here's a video of Stormie that I've been working on since the day I picked her up!
It's set to my favorite Jim Croce song!

Fantastic video. Stormie is quite the movie star!!!
Did you use a Karma drone with your GoPro?

PS: Your work makes me want to get a GoPro too... Although that’s only half the battle - the other half being to have as good an eye as yours!

 

[CatskillsAlex]

I have been reading this site since before I ordered my two door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon at end of January. It arrived in early July and because I benefited so much from reading everyone else, here are my general comments on my Jeep so far after 3,000 miles.

Dealer Experience: Had great experience with dealer; I had a somewhat unusual transaction because of taxes, trade-in, etc. and I found the dealer to be very knowledgeable and forthcoming. I had written 21 dealers explaining what I was trying to do and six replied. They had much better data over the months on arrival dates, etc. (At time of purchase we were thinking it would arrive before Easter at end of March!). Jeepcares folks were always behind; I didn't appreciate their cut / paste responses with different fonts, etc. It spoke of unprofessionalism, etc. but what do I know about their backgrounds. For all I know my emails were translated into another language because the FCA employee was halfway around the world and their response was translated back into English. I guess I am old school and had a great set of teachers growing up on written and oral communication skills. It isn't Jeepcares fault that they didn't get same education but it would be the employees fault if they didn't pay attention in school!

Time of Purchase: The backup camera did not work; I disconnected ground wire, etc. and nothing happened. I was in a hurry and said if it came back on, I would tell them. After 36 hours, it came on and all good since. Tires were all over inflated and if not for this forum, I would not have known to look for that. Because I was going on vacation immediately, I would not have known about that issue and attributed it to steering tightness, etc. I drove before and after it was deflated and it was noticeable. The winter package had changed since I had ordered it since there was no engine heater. I live near Canadian border but Jeep will be in garage so I should be ok. Invoice was right.

Issues: I listen to AM radio because I like baseball and live in an area with no mail service and FM radio until I drive about 30 miles. The AM stations have loud ringing noise when you turn them on. I thought it must be due to electric build-up when you start ignition. Drove me nuts because I didn't want to add a noise suppressor like we always had to do when I was a kid. But I soon learned that if you flip to another station and then go back, the noise goes away. I have unconnected / reconnected antenna, checked ground wire, etc. but nothing has changed. It is annoying but I have found the solution. Immediately behind driver's seat on window, there is a lot of knocking. There is a cover up against the window that keeps loosening up right ahead of first Torx nut. I find that it keeps jarring loose causing the knocking. No idea how to fix it yet. Added a grab handle (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y265T7R/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) because I needed something to hang a jacket for church, etc. Worked out well.

What I like: Dash reminds me of first Ford truck we had on the farm as a kid (an old 1976 F-100). I like it a lot; LED lights are real deal as I drive a lot at night. Apple carplay works smoothly. We had a set of UTV's etc. but sold them all to buy this because virtually all the roads we would drive those on could be driven by this. Great decision. I have looked closely at all the welds, etc. and everything looks good. Granite color was ok; I basically chose the color I liked least. I was hoping for something in green (Tank, Moss green), tan (Mojave tan, Gobi) or blue (Anvil, patriot). No biggie; I like the granite.

What I don't like: Had to buy a receiver extender in back to two the boat down to water, etc. I only needed an extra inch but the spare tire is in the way with trailer lock. Not planning on doing long distance towing anyhow but you lose something adding an extender. I like to have a receiver on front for pushing trailers, etc. into garage. To add one to front requires removing the air dam which is not the best idea. Waiting on market to evolve for a solution. The amount of dirt kicking up from front tires surprised me even though there are a lots of posts on this. I will need splash guards or an adapter to rock rails and watching markets for this (existing one that attaches will not work for me). I worry about rocks full of ice in winter.

Waiting to see: Before purchase I did a lot of work trying to understand the hood vents. I wanted to know what would happen if you drive it during the day when it is snowing and ice melts on hood while it is stopped and whether those vents would ice up. But they appear to move moisture away from engine so I should be ok.

The women in family love it the best! Nieces, sisters, sister-in-law, etc. I have one younger sister who is visiting with dealer about buying one and trading in her car.

All good. I appreciated reading everyone's comments over the months as I waited.Thanks

Thank you very much for taking the time to share this detailed review! Much appreciated.
Keep on enjoying your ride!

 

[CatskillsAlex]

So, anyway, long story sort of short, please don’t fall of chair laughing, remember my Jeep is 7 days old and so am I as a driver.
This afternoon we had about 6 inches of rain in less than an hour. Couldn’t see a thing, but put it in 4H and took off. HAD to try puddles. Not deep enough,so took side roads. Well, had to go through water 1/2 way up wheels, and was terrified I will stall in front of all those sedans! When I got by my street, water seemed so deep, again I hid and waited 10 minutes(also embarrassing). Then I finally drove to my house. Like driving through air! Now I know and I’ll look for deeper puddles next flash flood!

No need to be embarrassed at all: that’s how we learn!!
Glad you’re safe and sound.

 

[IMBlu]

So I dreamt I was doing mods all last night and am soo tired, lol
My wife and daughter are laughing at me, but hey! Its a Jeep thing, amirite?

My buddies with TJs and CJs are coming by today, I gotta brace my self for "fancy boy Jeep" talk soon, but once I get some Ko2s on I am good to go with big kids.

Its wierd after such along wait to not be checking online for new 2 door arrivals.

As I posted earlier, that compulsion to check will go away in about 2 more days!

 

[CatskillsAlex]

New Bartact front seat covers are on, they are working on the back seat cover now. Really excellent looking cover.

Looks excellent indeed! Funny, I tend to not be a fan of seat covers as they often look a little too “homemade” or fussy for my taste, but these look really well made. The zippered pockets in the back are a nice touch. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Mordin Solus]

Afternoon all! Good lord is it hot out here today! High 105 today and 108 tomorrow. I got all motivated to drive my Jeep this morning, now I am just gonna sit inside the house for the day.

Coating and hood wrap came out amazing! Will grab some pics this evening.

 

[Krondor]

Afternoon all! Good lord is it hot out here today! High 105 today and 108 tomorrow. I got all motivated to drive my Jeep this morning, now I am just gonna sit inside the house for the day.

Coating and hood wrap came out amazing! Will grab some pics this evening.

Looking forward to seeing it.

Mine has it's first chip.

 

[JeepVirgin]

So after almost 6 months, I have my Jeep! Loving it. I put 35” tires and a winch on it. Waiting for my lift kit.

These are pictures taken on the way back to Vancouver. Beautiful drive through the Rocky Mountains.

Gorgeous pictures! The mountains are my favourite place to go in this beautiful country of ours. I was actually born in Vancouver, but unfortunately, my parents moved to Wpg when I was 2. Been living on the not so beautiful bald-faced prairies ever since! lol

 

[PhotoGuy]

Fantastic video. Stormie is quite the movie star!!!
Did you use a Karma drone with your GoPro?

PS: Your work makes me want to get a GoPro too... Although that’s only half the battle - the other half being to have as good an eye as yours!

Thanks Alex! She is a ham but very photogenic! Lol!
Currently I have the Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K drone and hopefully soon I'll be getting their new, incredible Typhoon H Plus.
I had made a suggestion a while back on this thread for folks to pick up a GoPro. Even the latest-n-greatest one (Hero6 Black, which is what I have) isn't too expensive; and the things you can do with it (with a little imagination) is awesome! Plus the Hero5 Black & Hero6 Black is waterproof up to 30 feet right out of the box! No more having to add the waterproof container. I'd actually like to have 2! My Christmas wish list just keeps getting longer & longer! Lol!
Thanks for watching!

 

[Rhinebeck01]

snip:

Immediately behind driver's seat on window, there is a lot of knocking. There is a cover up against the window that keeps loosening up right ahead of first Torx nut. I find that it keeps jarring loose causing the knocking. No idea how to fix it yet.

@Toomevara

Known issue on the 2 dr.

Read here:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/weird-plastic-rattle.10570/

 

[Rhinebeck01]

snip:

I like to have a receiver on front for pushing trailers, etc. into garage. To add one to front requires removing the air dam which is not the best idea. Waiting on market to evolve for a solution.

Forum member @RussJeep1 added a front receiver to his JLU himself. Apparently not at all hard to do and not expensive to do. I'm sure Russ will chime in to this thread and give you an ear full.

By the way, you can easily keep the air dam if you chose. Minor cutting is needed. Reality is, losing the air dam is not that big a loss.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

snip:

Waiting to see: Before purchase I did a lot of work trying to understand the hood vents. I wanted to know what would happen if you drive it during the day when it is snowing and ice melts on hood while it is stopped and whether those vents would ice up. But they appear to move moisture away from engine so I should be ok.

@Toomevara

Have you read over this thread and seen the pics there. Very informative...
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...l-rubicon-functional-or-only-decorative.5754/

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