Krondor
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Gary
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2018
- Messages
- 10,943
- Reaction score
- 64,979
- Location
- Golden, CO
- Vehicle(s)
- 2018 Punk'n Edition JLR
- Build Thread
- Link
- Thread starter
- #1
My first Jeep was a 2006 LJ with 4.5" lift and 35" mud terrains. I loved that Jeep. It got me anywhere I wanted to go and a few places I didn’t.
Being my first Jeep I had no idea what my goals were or what I needed to get there. So I followed a meandering build path that led me to much heavier tires on a Jeep that was too tall and no longer fun to drive on the streets. Acceleration, braking, cornering, talking to the wife at speed, all took a hit for the ability to crawl over rocks I wasn’t looking to conquer.
I bought the new 2018 JL to start over. The goal is to wander more and worry less.
I chose the 2 door manual because it’s more suited to my needs/wants: Fun and easy to maneuver. The 4 door auto may have been a better choice for an overlander, but I’m stubborn that way.
Update: After failing to stay stock, I did add several bits to make for more fun on the trail. I'm still grinning ear to ear every time I take her out.
I was never one for naming my vehicles, but this time "Wanderer" seemed right.
I like to hike, bike, explore, and sometimes just get lost.
Ordered on: Saturday 2/3/2018
Born on: Thursday 6/7/2018 at 8:00 PM (MDH: 060720 322AA)
Delivery on: Friday 6/22/2018
Pinch Seam Height
Trips
Updates
There were several and most are covered in the posts that follow. Some of my favorites are:
Planned
Ordered some 4.88 gears to help with the mountain drives over the pass and to help with crawling. They will also help tow my eventual camp trailer. I've also decided mud terrains are not acceptable on icy roads. Though they do great off road and in deep snow, I really do not like them on icy roads. Other than that I want some adjustable shocks to firm up the ride on road and soften it off road, some amber lighting for the trail, and a shade for summer.
Being my first Jeep I had no idea what my goals were or what I needed to get there. So I followed a meandering build path that led me to much heavier tires on a Jeep that was too tall and no longer fun to drive on the streets. Acceleration, braking, cornering, talking to the wife at speed, all took a hit for the ability to crawl over rocks I wasn’t looking to conquer.
I bought the new 2018 JL to start over. The goal is to wander more and worry less.
I chose the 2 door manual because it’s more suited to my needs/wants: Fun and easy to maneuver. The 4 door auto may have been a better choice for an overlander, but I’m stubborn that way.
Update: After failing to stay stock, I did add several bits to make for more fun on the trail. I'm still grinning ear to ear every time I take her out.
I was never one for naming my vehicles, but this time "Wanderer" seemed right.
I like to hike, bike, explore, and sometimes just get lost.
Ordered on: Saturday 2/3/2018
Born on: Thursday 6/7/2018 at 8:00 PM (MDH: 060720 322AA)
Delivery on: Friday 6/22/2018
Pinch Seam Height
- Stock 32.7" tires = 17.25"
- With 34.4" tires = 18.75"
- With 34.4" tires & MetalCloak 2.5" lift = 21"
- Stock averaged 21 mpg
- Bigger tires averaged 18.5 mpg
- Bigger tires and lift averaged 17.5 mpg
- Bigger tires, lift, and added lights averaged 16.5 mpg (Also winter 4wd use) (17.3 mpg on summer fuel)
Trips
- Mount Antero: First day out playing in the hills.
- Mt Lindsey: Great hike, if a bit more technical than anticipated.
- Tabeguache Peak: Fall colors are in full effect.
- Chicago Basin: A couple more pictures taken while we hiked Windom Peak.
- 2019 King of the Hammers
- Black Bear Pass
- Imogene Pass
- Engineer Pass
- Ophir Pass
- Mt Adams
- Capitol Peak
- Ouray 2020: Back for more exploring
- Moab 2020: More wandering
Updates
There were several and most are covered in the posts that follow. Some of my favorites are:
- Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop - Best addition to a hard top, and my Jeep. It's that good.
- New recovery bits, Warn winch, and Factor 55 goodies
- MetalCloak Game Changer 2.5" Lift (delivered, installation, completed, & flex)
- Mopar Off-Road Lights - I do enjoy seeing where I'm going.
- Carolina Metal Masters Side Mirrors - Best mirrors ever.
- MetalCloak SportGate Tire Carrier - High and tight.
- MetalCloak Step/Sliders (Installed) - Three in one, with two step options and a better slider than what came with the Jeep.
- Outback Adnvetures JL Trailgater with Brawlee Light Bar
- Bronze Method 703's and LT315/70R17/C 113/110S KO2's - (Gotta go back to bronze, and KO2's are better on these icy roads.)
- Revolution 4.88 Gears - Ordered December and scheduled for install.
Planned
Ordered some 4.88 gears to help with the mountain drives over the pass and to help with crawling. They will also help tow my eventual camp trailer. I've also decided mud terrains are not acceptable on icy roads. Though they do great off road and in deep snow, I really do not like them on icy roads. Other than that I want some adjustable shocks to firm up the ride on road and soften it off road, some amber lighting for the trail, and a shade for summer.
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