Michigan 2018 Sport Unlimited JL - Moderate Budget - Maximizing Wheeling

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2018 JLU Sport - Purchased with 45,000 miles. Lived its first 45k in Tennessee.
6 Speed Manual Transmission
3.6l 6 cylinder engine
It is not a Sport S, but did come with power windows and locks.

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Removed sport wheel well inserts and added used Rubicon Rock Sliders

 

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Added 33" Nitto Ridge Grapplers and aftermarket wheels... no lift yet...

 

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Dynatrack Endurosport 2" Lift with Fox Shocks
M220 RC Rear Diff Skid
M186 RC Front Diff Skid
RC Lower Control Arm Skid
Metal Cloak Front Sway Bar Disconnect
Metal Cloak Sumo Spring Bump Stops
Metal Cloak Steering Stabilizer Relocation Bracket
Fox Steering Stabilizer
3/4" Spacer Lift in front to compensate for winch weight
RockHard Winch Plate
Purchased used, Sailcloth Mopar Softtop

 

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Installed Heated Seats - Front and Rear
Installed USB Charger - Rear
Installed Seat Covers
Radio Mount

 

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First road trip / wheeling trip:
Florida Citrus Trails
Video: Florida Citrus (mostly getting stuck in ruts)

 

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Second Wheeling Trip - Stoney Lonesome
Video: Stoney Lonesome

 

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Added 315/70/17's
Cooper STT Pro's

Old Images were 285/70/17's - Nitto Ridge Grapplers

 

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Re-Adjusted Bumpstops to minimize rubbing.

 

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Tested build at Holly Oaks....

This is where the reality of my 35's on stock gearing really started to be obvious. First of all, I had zero pep in the jeep in 4 high. Just zero power. It wasn't fun to try to drive fast if that makes sense.

I also had a horrible experience on this log obstacle. The logs were difficult to get thru. 4 Low was way to fast to crawl thru. I ended up riding the clutch to slow things down. I burnt the clutch and at one point got a warning on the dash that I needed to let the clutch cool down. You can see in the video, smoke bursting from my clutch at one point.

Full Video
The Golden Crack

 

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Next project... Rubicon Transfer Case...

Looking at crawl ratios...

Transmission first gear: 5.13 to 1
Transfer case Low range 2.72 to 1
Differential: 3.45 to 1

5.13 x 2.72 x 3.45 = 48.14

This is my current Ratio: 48.14

If I just replace the T-Case the 2.72 turns into a 4.0:
5.13 *4.0 * 3.45 =70.7

Rubicon Transfer Case Part numbers:
Auto transfer case part number: 68240441AA
Manual transfer case part number: 68321888AA

The difference was amazing! 48 to 71 was really useful.

 

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Next up. Drummond Island.

Learned a few things.

4 Low is Great. I should spend most of my drive time in 2 hi or 4 low. 4-high is just weak. Check out the video. Great week. Jeep did amazing. With the manual, you have to pick your line and go. Letting off of the drivetrain by releasing the clutch is not the right move.

I do wish I had a lower crawl ratio.

Drummond Island Video

 

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Felt like the tailgate was stressed with the spare tire relocation bracket and the 35" tire. Added this Red Rock reinforcement. I think its been helping. The 35" tire / wheel is heavy for sure.

 

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Also, I wired in a clutch bypass switch. This works in 4low only. If I push this button, it will start the jeep in gear. The idea being in a location I want the jeep to move forward with out the clutch.

Clutch Bypass Video

 

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Wheeling at Windrock...

Windrock Video

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