JB3
Well-Known Member
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- #1
The JLUR is my first Jeep. It's not my first vehicle by a long shot but as I've learned a Jeep isn't just a vehicle..it's an addiction. I've been down the performance hole with german cars in the past but this is a new experience and the fall into world of upgrades is much deeper/longer fall.
After 4ish months of ownership there are so many things I've learned and so many things I will do differently on the next rig...which might be the diesel once available.
Above all, I've learned that this forum is a HUGE resource for information and help. Thank you all.
As I relates to my rig, let's start with the transmission. I have a 6-speed manual and while I wouldn't change the decision of manual vs automatic, I desperate need more umph. It's need more everything: more HP and more torque. I've added a 2" mopar lift and 35s which I recognized have contributed to that lagging feeling when on the paved roads. Maybe the diesel helps here but having a higher end engine option or even a supercharger would be very attractive. I need to learn more about the supercharger but they feels like an attractive albeit pricey option if I do another gas engine.
Gearing is a general disappointment on the road with the 4.10 ratio. It would be great if the factory offered a Dana 60 option, 37s or higher and running a 5.38. May be this would help the 12mpg I get but I expect is would allow me to actually get to use 6th gear. Right now 6th gear is reserver for downhill and downwind scenarios only.
The 2" Mopar lift feels good to me but I probably don't have enough experience to know how it performs vs others. I've a ton about different shock systems, quick disconnects for the front sway bar and hydraulic bump stops and so much more but right now I don't have the itch to solve those at this point.
Next wheels and tires. I instantly took off the stock wheels and tires for Mopar beadlocks and BFG 35s. I love the look of the wheels but I think the 35" tire was a mistake. Next time without question I will start with 37s. Just a little more clearance is a big deal. As a noob, it was a little hassle to sell the takeoff wheels and tires but I understand it's not viable for the dealership to keep the takeoffs as a credit. It would seems like the factory would offer more/different options.
The factory steels bumpers were another mistake. Mistake is too strong of a word but I will do something different next time. I've made the front bumper a stubby style and I would actually be ok with keeping that the same if I was trying to get something to more closely match the look of the rear. The rear steel bumper is a must change IMO. I like the Motobilt with spare carrier but I strongly believe the Jeep needs an easy area to mount rear lighting without requiring a Gobi or any roof rack.
On my front bumper I have a Warn winch, bull bar and 7" mopar LED lights. I would do all of these again although I am justing over the KC gravity pro6 light bar.
I has this native view that the rubicon skids were both beefy and provided enough coverage. Both of these are not true if you are playing offroad. I will be adding a belly pan to the next rig along with LCA skids.
I have been happy with the Mopar performance rock sliders vs the stock rubicon slider. It provides a mini step for the family and it feels like I have a little more protection from side damage with a simple slide.
I have the tow kit and I've towed a 14' trailer a good bit. I would absolutely do that again with maybe the addition of brake assist.
The antenna I've kept the factory one and hated it since day one. I just haven't swapped it for something else.
Custom inner wheel liners seem great for a more custom look but functionally it still doesn't feel like something I am missing out on.
Onboard air vs powertank is a debate I haven't settled on but not having a great spot for onboard on without using valuable cabin space seems like a lean towards the powertank.
Interior seems mostly good other than adding mirrors with topless and doorless. The Carolina Metal Masters seems like a good fit and I'd do that again.
A cargo area all weather mat would be one of my interior day 1 additions I would do next day. A molle first aid bag is handy too.
I haven't added a CB yet but I think it would make a lot of sense to have an "easy" option to use the AUX switches for power and maybe pre-wire to the rear tailgate similar to what's done with a tow kit option.
A built in AC plug would be a valuable option in the cargo area but it's an easy workaround with an inverter.
This is my journey so far and let me be very clear, I've loved learning each of these things and I am always looking forward to the next upgrade and/or rig.
What would you do differently?
After 4ish months of ownership there are so many things I've learned and so many things I will do differently on the next rig...which might be the diesel once available.
Above all, I've learned that this forum is a HUGE resource for information and help. Thank you all.
As I relates to my rig, let's start with the transmission. I have a 6-speed manual and while I wouldn't change the decision of manual vs automatic, I desperate need more umph. It's need more everything: more HP and more torque. I've added a 2" mopar lift and 35s which I recognized have contributed to that lagging feeling when on the paved roads. Maybe the diesel helps here but having a higher end engine option or even a supercharger would be very attractive. I need to learn more about the supercharger but they feels like an attractive albeit pricey option if I do another gas engine.
Gearing is a general disappointment on the road with the 4.10 ratio. It would be great if the factory offered a Dana 60 option, 37s or higher and running a 5.38. May be this would help the 12mpg I get but I expect is would allow me to actually get to use 6th gear. Right now 6th gear is reserver for downhill and downwind scenarios only.
The 2" Mopar lift feels good to me but I probably don't have enough experience to know how it performs vs others. I've a ton about different shock systems, quick disconnects for the front sway bar and hydraulic bump stops and so much more but right now I don't have the itch to solve those at this point.
Next wheels and tires. I instantly took off the stock wheels and tires for Mopar beadlocks and BFG 35s. I love the look of the wheels but I think the 35" tire was a mistake. Next time without question I will start with 37s. Just a little more clearance is a big deal. As a noob, it was a little hassle to sell the takeoff wheels and tires but I understand it's not viable for the dealership to keep the takeoffs as a credit. It would seems like the factory would offer more/different options.
The factory steels bumpers were another mistake. Mistake is too strong of a word but I will do something different next time. I've made the front bumper a stubby style and I would actually be ok with keeping that the same if I was trying to get something to more closely match the look of the rear. The rear steel bumper is a must change IMO. I like the Motobilt with spare carrier but I strongly believe the Jeep needs an easy area to mount rear lighting without requiring a Gobi or any roof rack.
On my front bumper I have a Warn winch, bull bar and 7" mopar LED lights. I would do all of these again although I am justing over the KC gravity pro6 light bar.
I has this native view that the rubicon skids were both beefy and provided enough coverage. Both of these are not true if you are playing offroad. I will be adding a belly pan to the next rig along with LCA skids.
I have been happy with the Mopar performance rock sliders vs the stock rubicon slider. It provides a mini step for the family and it feels like I have a little more protection from side damage with a simple slide.
I have the tow kit and I've towed a 14' trailer a good bit. I would absolutely do that again with maybe the addition of brake assist.
The antenna I've kept the factory one and hated it since day one. I just haven't swapped it for something else.
Custom inner wheel liners seem great for a more custom look but functionally it still doesn't feel like something I am missing out on.
Onboard air vs powertank is a debate I haven't settled on but not having a great spot for onboard on without using valuable cabin space seems like a lean towards the powertank.
Interior seems mostly good other than adding mirrors with topless and doorless. The Carolina Metal Masters seems like a good fit and I'd do that again.
A cargo area all weather mat would be one of my interior day 1 additions I would do next day. A molle first aid bag is handy too.
I haven't added a CB yet but I think it would make a lot of sense to have an "easy" option to use the AUX switches for power and maybe pre-wire to the rear tailgate similar to what's done with a tow kit option.
A built in AC plug would be a valuable option in the cargo area but it's an easy workaround with an inverter.
This is my journey so far and let me be very clear, I've loved learning each of these things and I am always looking forward to the next upgrade and/or rig.
What would you do differently?
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