ArtAldrich
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I had been looking for a Jeep for a few months in the spring of 2018. Almost bought a JK, but luckily the dealer was a cheat and I walked away from the deal.
Decided to go for a JL manual, except they were very rare at that time. Wasn't wiling to wait.
Found her at a dealer 5 hours away. Sport S, Manual, with Tow Package (Dana44 rear with LS). A unicorn in deed.
Roadtrip!
Keep her stock for the first year. Then I did my first Jeep Jamboree at Killington VT. She was the smallest jeep in the bunch, but her capabilities were impressive.
In January of 2020, I started to put some love into her.
I added a 3.5" Teradek Alpine short arm lift kit with Cooper Evolution MT 35x12.5 tires on Method 701 wheels. Falcon 2.1 shocks and JKS disconnects on the swaybar.
Since I share this Jeep with the wife, a set of Rockslide Engineering steps were a must have. I do have to admit it's one of the best things I did to the Jeep.
I decided on that tire/wheel combo based on looks and weight. I was concerned about overwhelming the D30 front axel. So farming, I have been happy with the performance and ride (at 30psi).
I also added a M.O.R.E full skid plate set in aluminum.
Then COVID hit.
I was not working, and had lots of time on my hands. Dangerous.
I decided to book a Jeep Jamboree in the Tennessee Mountains in the down time.
This was going to force a decision.
I was trying my hardest to wait for AEV to release their bumpers for the JL. I fell in love with the looks at SEMA 18. After waiting and waiting, I pulled the trigger on a LOD Destroyer front bumper and a Warn 10S winch.
This indeed would be her shake down run. She was great and I had new found confidence driving her.
Made a little video of the trip.
After the trip, I realized that the stock 3.45 gearing was not working well with the 35's.
I decided to regear with spicer 4.56 gears and while I was at it, I added Dana diff covers too.
I wanted an LOD rear bumper for this trip, but the COVID situation was making shipping times longer than anticipated. The The bumper arrived after the trip, and was recently installed.
I like the looks, and the ability to add attachments for the HiLift and my Powertank are much needed considering the limited space in a 2 door jeep.
So for now, she is done.
My return to Killington for a 2nd Jeep Jam has been delayed until September, but I will get some day trips out to PA parks like Rausch, AOAA, and Readings.
At some point I will replace the Dana30 and add lockers, but I am going to wait until I break something or win the lottery.
Decided to go for a JL manual, except they were very rare at that time. Wasn't wiling to wait.
Found her at a dealer 5 hours away. Sport S, Manual, with Tow Package (Dana44 rear with LS). A unicorn in deed.
Roadtrip!
Keep her stock for the first year. Then I did my first Jeep Jamboree at Killington VT. She was the smallest jeep in the bunch, but her capabilities were impressive.
In January of 2020, I started to put some love into her.
I added a 3.5" Teradek Alpine short arm lift kit with Cooper Evolution MT 35x12.5 tires on Method 701 wheels. Falcon 2.1 shocks and JKS disconnects on the swaybar.
Since I share this Jeep with the wife, a set of Rockslide Engineering steps were a must have. I do have to admit it's one of the best things I did to the Jeep.
I decided on that tire/wheel combo based on looks and weight. I was concerned about overwhelming the D30 front axel. So farming, I have been happy with the performance and ride (at 30psi).
I also added a M.O.R.E full skid plate set in aluminum.
Then COVID hit.
I was not working, and had lots of time on my hands. Dangerous.
I decided to book a Jeep Jamboree in the Tennessee Mountains in the down time.
This was going to force a decision.
I was trying my hardest to wait for AEV to release their bumpers for the JL. I fell in love with the looks at SEMA 18. After waiting and waiting, I pulled the trigger on a LOD Destroyer front bumper and a Warn 10S winch.
This indeed would be her shake down run. She was great and I had new found confidence driving her.
Made a little video of the trip.
After the trip, I realized that the stock 3.45 gearing was not working well with the 35's.
I decided to regear with spicer 4.56 gears and while I was at it, I added Dana diff covers too.
I wanted an LOD rear bumper for this trip, but the COVID situation was making shipping times longer than anticipated. The The bumper arrived after the trip, and was recently installed.
I like the looks, and the ability to add attachments for the HiLift and my Powertank are much needed considering the limited space in a 2 door jeep.
So for now, she is done.
My return to Killington for a 2nd Jeep Jam has been delayed until September, but I will get some day trips out to PA parks like Rausch, AOAA, and Readings.
At some point I will replace the Dana30 and add lockers, but I am going to wait until I break something or win the lottery.
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