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Mein Gott, what have I done (No option Wrangler)

EDH_JL

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My base 2 door has 4 options, so it's practically fully loaded :LOL:

IMO for first "off-road" mods, find a gently used set of Rubicon take-off wheels/tires (or even just tires). It will be a huge improvement in grip as well as looks. You may even score a deal on take-off suspension which bolts right up and gives ~2" lift.
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Oldbear

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You will love exploring in a Sport. My last TJ was a “loaded” Sahara.. it had crank windows, heat/air, auto (3 sp) AM/Fm, and hard top. It took me everywhere I wanted to go for a decade, never, ever left me stranded or got me into somethingg I couldn’t get out of. Been in deep mud, sand, steam crossings, etc. Take things with you that you’d want to have IF you had a problem and you’ll be fine.
 

hutchman

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Id just buy some good tires and call it a day!
Good advice! The stock Pmetric tires do not last long even on gravel roads.

My last JL was one equipped exactly like yours, except it did have a LSD. It was the 2nd best Jeep I've owned.
 

MtCamper

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As has been suggested, get a 12v compressor. Get a 100% duty cycle, Vair makes pretty good ones. HF will work for you until it doesn't. Lower air pressure will do more for you than the lockers. Also get the self rescue doodads and carry a mini survival kit. I run the desert around Yuma 2-3 times a week and only use my rear locker for a short distance once or twice a week. Until you get a lift and bigger tires, you probably won't need a locker at all. It will take you a year or so to quit scaring yourself to where you are ready to do mods.
 

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cosine

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So a few questions for y'all:

  • How sad will I be with no 'anti-slip'?
  • i dont have the anti slip either. there have been problems with them. however you do have brake anti slip. once you get your feet wet, you can look into lockers.
  • I'm not the most experienced off-roader in the world and don't anticipate having a specialist need for mud bogging or rock climbing - do you folks figure Mr. Bone Stock will be able to handle general trails without mods?
  • watch some you tube videos. you will be surprise how well a stocker can do on the trails. simple upgrade in tires will make a big difference.
  • Any recommended first mods to the Jeep with a high cost/benefit ratio?
  • swap out the halogen headlight bulbs for led bulbs. i have supernova v4 from headlight revolution. they are bright and will light up the road. this will set you back for $179. beam tech is another one. for around $50. either one is well worth the $$$. thats a simple plug n play swap. other mods will depends on you. a/t tires, winch would be something to look at since you want to explore the deep woods.
  • I know yeaaaars ago manuals were preferred for wheelin, but that has largely changed. No question there just a comment I guess.
  • its an ongoing battle auto vs manual. its personal preference. i prefer auto for better control while off roading.
  • Has, uh, anyone else bought one of these things unequipped? I suspect 5+ years from now, there's a niche market that will salivate for it as it is now. No power windows is delightfully nostalgic.
  • i, plus many here have bare bone jl. as for the value years down the road. wranglers do hold its value.
  • How many people pretend they're MacGyver whenever they turn the key?
  • macgyver is a great show both new and old version. the jl is easy to work on. plenty of you tube videos to use as a guidleline. also most of us here will be able to help you out if you stuck, confused.

Nice little community you've got here. Be a shame if an idiot who knows absolutely nothing joins and makes a mess of it.

this forum is full of great info. just remember to search for what ever you are looking for before you post. most likely the info you are looking for is already posted. also dont call the jeep a car. because its not a car. its a jeep.
first off congrat on your bare bone jl. i have a base bone jl with 4 options a/c, xm, hard top, and 8 speed auto. i love it and dont regret not getting all the bells and whistles. which i dont care for and dont need. this is my daily driver and road tripper. as for your questions, i answered them in bold print.
 

aldo98229

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Welcome to the forum, OP!

You will be amazed how capable a stock Jeep is. If anything, replacing the tires alone will make a big difference.

I have been a long time jeeper. I just picked up a 2020 2 Door Sport S and love it. So far, the BEST thing I have invested in is the "Smittybilt 2781 5.65 CFM Universal Air Compressor" https://amzn.to/2WEJzx1

It takes just a bit longer to let the air out than to pump up the "Stock" tires with this thing.

Regarding lifts, lockers, and such. I figure that the stock Jeep won't get me back home. I should not have gone there.
I agree: this is a great little compressor. I owned that very same model.
Jeep Wrangler JL Mein Gott, what have I done (No option Wrangler) 61TTenfIB7L._AC_SX679_


But the air hose is permanently attached to the compressor and can break from bending it to fit in the storage bag. Mine broke the day the 1-year warranty ran out. Smittybilt uses an odd-size fitting that is hard to find. When I contacted Smittybilt, I was told to take a hike and buy a new compressor.

So I did, but in a different brand. Fortunately, the same compressor is available under a variety of different brands: SuperFlow, Rough Country, etc., each with minor modifications.

I got the SuperFlow below. As you can see, it is the exact same compressor but the air hose comes with a quick release. I’ve now owned it for five years without issue.
Jeep Wrangler JL Mein Gott, what have I done (No option Wrangler) 1608769699384
 

The Last Cowboy

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What I suggest, and would do on a base Sport if I had one.
-The 245/75/17 tires are light duty, only good for driving around town, smooth dirt roads or a trip to the tire store. Replace the tires with some decent load range C AT tires, like BFG AT KO2s, Goodyear Duratracs or similar. No larger than 33” since your differential gears are high at 3.45. Sizes like 255/75/17 or 275/70/17. No bigger than 285/70/17. Buy FIVE Keep the steel wheels. They look good with bigger tires on them and they wont break.
-Find a brand new Rubicon suspension that someone removed for a lift. Shocks and springs. You should be able to get a set for $100-150.
-Something to protect the rocker panels. Some take off Rubicon rock rails or a similar aftermarket part.
-You may need a Tazer to reprogram the speedo with larger tires. This also keeps your fuel mileage calculator reading correctly and the transmission shifting properly.

That should get you started for around $1000 if you buy well and do some work yourself. Other things can come later as you develop your skill, or you may find yourself happy like that.
 

multicam

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“We wanted to add a third rather than replace (as so many couples do to keep things fresh),”

earned a “like” right there. Yeah, I am married and if only.

Anyway, get a few pieces of basic recovery gear and you’ll be good to go. I learned wheeling in a base 4-cylinder jeep with open diffs. Best way to learn.
 

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SuedeGopher

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Thanks everyone for the advice. Sounds like I'm not missing anything especially with my skill level off the bat. I can't wait to go play in the dirt. Especially appreciate the gear recommendations; it's a good reminder.

What I don't appreciate:

  • How many people pretend they're MacGyver whenever they turn the key? Umm...Who? Sorry. Millenial here (born in 1986)
I mean, they did a remake and everything! Learn your history!
 

Raylan Givens

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I had a completely stock 2009 base model when I lived in SE Arizona. It went everywhere except when I tried to take it through the mud hole made by 5 ton military trucks driving through, and only because the axle didn't clear the high spots between the two tire ruts that I couldn't see
 

Mikeoso

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I had a completely stock 2009 base model when I lived in SE Arizona. It went everywhere except when I tried to take it through the mud hole made by 5 ton military trucks driving through, and only because the axle didn't clear the high spots between the two tire ruts that I couldn't see
Hmmm...down by Fort Hucky-Chuck, were you?
 
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SuedeGopher

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Well a little update. I took delivery and straightaway got to do in the proper break in. Drove very conservatively for 500 some odd miles. Of course, the jeep had 70 miles when I picked it up.

i’ve taken it down a couple of trails and have been really impressed with how well it functions. Used four-wheel-drive low rather than trying a different angle of attack a couple of times but otherwise took everything that was thrown at it with no issues whatsoever.

A couple of small concerns. After a nasty washboard, sounds like I have a squeak? Only comes up on washboards at this point. There’s also a drive train whine At 80 miles an hour and above. I’m guessing these are normal-ish things?
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