2021 JLU Willy's - Aiming for a modest build

[Hostile17]

Back in high school, my best friend got me into Jeeps. I've had a few TJs but ended up doing the adult thing and traded them for something more practical. Recently, the Jeep bug bit me again and I got a super clean 2021 JLU Willy's 3.6 in hellayella (which I've ALWAYS wanted). I knew the Rubicon was out of reach budget wise but a Willy's seemed like a good compromise.

I've named him Bravo One.

Although I work from home most of the time, it is my daily driver and I do not have a second vehicle. With that in mind, I am hoping I can maintain a modest build and keep it suitable for on-road, yet, have a spot of fun off-road here and there. Plus, I want to be mindful of my budget.

So far, I've gotten a lot of little things to either improve aesthetics or functionality.

• Rear window handle
• Black keyhole covers
• Black latch covers
• Seatback covers (I have dogs)
• Dead pedal and brake/gas extensions (I'm very short)
• LED brake light ring behind spare tire (deleted 3rd brake light)
• Black w/flag air stem caps
• Door alignment pins
• Clear door hinge protectors
• Black gas tank fuel door
• Black 13in antenna
• Rust protection undercoating

Eventually, I'll begin adding the larger ticket items like body armor, a lift, and tires when I save up some money. Though, I don't want to go overboard and initiate too many chain reaction upgrades, like re-gearing because of a lift/tires. I had a bad habit with my last TJ of continuing mods and I think it got out of control. lol

As a compromise, I think I'll run 33s (at least for a while). I'm happy to accept some thoughts/opinions, but from my research, anything over 33's calls for re-gearing (I have 3:45s). I was thinking I could do JLUR coils to give me a bump and mount 285/75/R17s to my stock wheels (I like my wheels and would like to keep them). I saw another member's post of doing the same and they said it was perfect without rub. I believe they went with JLUR coils only (part #s 60/61 front & 90/91 rear). Would anyone suggest a 2in lift instead?

For tires, I want Toyo Open Country AT3s although I'm still debating load C or E, but leaning toward C since I won't be off-road often. Any input here would be appreciated.

Lastly, I always have enjoyed putting that personal stamp on my Jeeps, so I made a little design with his name to make custom rear window decals. Hoping to get those soon.

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[jpodell]

I had the load range C tire on my 2016 JKUR and loved them. They measured 34 inches inflated to 37 lbs installed on factory wheels. I'm very happy I didn't go with the E load rating.

 

[Hostile17]

I had the load range C tire on my 2016 JKUR and loved them. They measured 34 inches inflated to 37 lbs installed on factory wheels. I'm very happy I didn't go with the E load rating.

Thanks- that's great to know!

 

[Speed331]

Here's about what I spent on my '20 Sport S. She'll handle (so far) 5/6 rated trails without much hassle. I've not had the inclination to push anything harder then that.
Custom ordered with the rear LSD.

Not including asthetic upgrades:
Rubicon Recon take off suspension- $100
2.5" lift all around
Extended Mopar LCA's - $75
Midland gmrs radio - $200
Heavy duty solid steel track bar - $300
Apex autolynx quick disconnects - $400
Steel front bumper w/winch plate - $750
Apex Badland 12000lb winch - $550
Rock rails with nerf bars - $350
Micky T Baja Boss 285/75 r17 - $1500
AEV Bilstein stearing stablizer - $100
Recently upgraded the Rubicon shocks to Bilsein 1500's - $450

So, a couple of grand over four years, with the tires being the biggest single hit, felt fairly painless.

 

[Hostile17]

Here's about what I spent on my '20 Sport S. She'll handle (so far) 5/6 rated trails without much hassle. I've not had the inclination to push anything harder then that.
Custom ordered with the rear LSD.

Not including asthetic upgrades:
Rubicon Recon take off suspension- $100
2.5" lift all around
Extended Mopar LCA's - $75
Midland gmrs radio - $200
Heavy duty solid steel track bar - $300
Apex autolynx quick disconnects - $400
Steel front bumper w/winch plate - $750
Apex Badland 12000lb winch - $550
Rock rails with nerf bars - $350
Micky T Baja Boss 285/75 r17 - $1500
AEV Bilstein stearing stablizer - $100
Recently upgraded the Rubicon shocks to Bilsein 1500's - $450

So, a couple of grand over four years, with the tires being the biggest single hit, felt fairly painless.

Thank you for sharing this! She's beautiful!

This is a good perspective to keep in mind too. I often want the finished look/result RIGHT NOW but in some ways, doing it all at once not only is tough on the budget, but it sucks fun out of the build too.

Do you think on the Willy's I'd need extended LCAs and steering stabilizer with the Rubi springs?

 

[Speed331]

Do you think on the Willy's I'd need extended LCAs and steering stabilizer with the Rubi springs?

The longer LCA's are a must even with a moderate lift. The stability increase in steering is noticable over even a stock set up.
The stabilizer is optional - my stock one had started weeping - but a good one will tighten the steering feel.

 

[Hostile17]

I have made a few more upgrades so I'm here to update!

For a great price, I got some smoked Oracle flush mount tail lights::

And then changed out the lugs to black just for a seamless look and replaced the fender vent cover with some LED DRLs/sequential turn signals::

I also scrapped my original idea of doing Bravo One in the rear windows and instead ordered custom fender vent decals with a cut out. I haven't put them on yet but they should look like this ::

I also found some Rubicon springs (61/62 & 91/92) but can't pick them up until November as the guy is holding them for me until I travel to KC for work. However, soon I'll get my bump and get those tires on. I'd also like to replace the fenders with the high tops w/LEDs so I'm keeping my eye out for some takeoffs.

 

[Hostile17]

Man it's been awhile since I've been able to post any updates! I got pretty sidetracked with selling my home and a few other things but I finally put the springs and LCAs (really did improve the steering) on Bravo One and the Toyo tires I wanted! I'm really loving the way he's looking.

I'm much happier with the width of the new tires in comparison to the Destinations.

Between the coils and tires, I've gained 2 inches. I haven't gotten any steel bumpers yet but I know I'll lose some height from compression when I do so I'll be putting on Rubicon flares to gain back some wheel well clearance. I already found a set locally, so I'll have them ready to go. I think I'll do a half chop with the AAL slimline LEDs when the time comes.

Unfortunately though, as it turns out the OEM tire carrier sits too low for these to clear the rear bumper but after doing some research it seems like a Rubicon OEM tire carrier sits higher and would fix that problem, so I will be on the lookout for one. Otherwise, I'll have to do a relocation bracket but I don't particularly like how far out the tire sits with those.

 

[Hostile17]

The longer LCA's are a must even with a moderate lift. The stability increase in steering is noticable over even a stock set up.
The stabilizer is optional - my stock one had started weeping - but a good one will tighten the steering feel.

You were right. The LCAs really tightened up the steering and it's much more responsive now!

 

[Hostile17]

Found a Rubicon carrier for free on the marketplace. All is complete!

 

[Hostile17]

I have a little road trip coming up and realized I didn't have a sufficient safety/emergency kit as a just in case. Plus, I've just been tossing stuff in the back cargo area which tosses around and is so unorganized- and I hate it. So, I decided to focus on that vs external components atm.

Some of the items I bought:
Fire extinguisher & rollbar holder
Fire blanket (as backup since the extinguisher is pretty small)
Roll-up tool bag w/detachable compartments - https://a.co/d/iUTWUrN
Rollbar storage bag - https://a.co/d/igQgrmv
First aid kit & added some bleedstop & chest seals
RX pack with OTC medications
Solar power bank
Low profile glass breaker/seatbelt cutter - https://a.co/d/ehiDfYB

Combined with what I already had, I feel like I have a pretty good safety/emergency kit now. I also am digging the dedicated storage and keeping the rear organized.

Next, I'll have to focus on better tools to keep in the Jeep and useful items for quick fixes.

 

[Hostile17]

Well Happy New Year to me! I found a set of like new Mopar performance rails for only 75 bucks on the marketplace this morning. Picked them up and replaced the running boards I had. Quite sleek.

 

[WillysMeow]

You were right. The LCAs really tightened up the steering and it's much more responsive now!

Did you measure caster before and after everything?

 

[Hostile17]

Did you measure caster before and after everything?

You know, I didn't but I should have.

 

[Hostile17]

Continued to improve the rear storage with an adjustable cargo rack and tailgate table. Had to relocate the fire extinguisher, but it's actually more accessible now, so I like that. I also added some lighting for the cargo area via magnetic slim profile under cabinet lights with motion sense.

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