The new Jaym Mild Build on a 2024 Willys

[Jaym]

Picked up a 2024 Willy’s. I live in Utah and frequent Moab. I’ve always bought rubicons, but with the new Willy’s coming with HD axles and a rear locker, I couldn’t resist.

Here she is stock. Since then I’ve added the Clayton 1.5” coils, Fox 2.0 shocks for 2-3” lift, Swayloc Swaybar, and I’m scheduled for an Eaton elocker next month for the front axle. Also, method 703 bead grips.

Photos post lift coming shortly. Excited to take this mild build off-road and test the swayloc. My last gladiator was on 37s and 3.5” clayton

Also, went with the 10.5” wide tall skinny Baja boss 35s (255 85 17) for a lighter build.

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[Jaym]

Front locker was installed a few weeks ago. Took it down to Moab and did the trifecta. 1.5” Clayton coils snd 35s is more than enough on poison spider and gold bar rim. Golden spike was a little tougher at one spot but totally doable. Digging the low cog build.

 

[Jaym]

 

[ASSFROW]

Very Nice!!

 

[Jaym]

This is the Waterfall on Gold Bar Rim

 

[littlejohn]

Very cool Willys and nice setup! My 2024 is still stock. Would you be able to share details on the change in on-road driving dynamics with your setup?

 

[Jaym]

Very cool Willys and nice setup! My 2024 is still stock. Would you be able to share details on the change in on-road driving dynamics with your setup?

Hi Littlejohn—

When building this one, keeping good driving characteristics was top of my list. I wanted the most capable light weight build possible. Without making it overbuilt. But able to run 7 or maybe even 8 rated trails in Moab.

The spoiler is it drives amazing. Here’s why:

First, I chose the skinny Baja bosses which are 35x10.5 instead of the 35x12.5. The narrow tires are significantly lighter and give me an edge on unsprung weight. I watched a video of a guy who did a chalk test on both the narrow and the wide—both had equal footprint until you got down to around 6 PSI—only when they lowered pressure that low did the wider tire have more of a contact patch. Nobody is going that low without beadlocks anyway—nevertheless, I was worried about off road performance but after its last Moab trip and some snow driving—I find the narrow version of the Baja bosses in the 35” size superior to the 12.5.
I feel that the tire choice is the primary reason why the jeep drives so well. The 2.0t doesn’t skip a beat in turning them. And, I know a lot of people say “it drives better than stock” after a lift—I’ll say the light tires make it so you can’t really even feel a difference. I’ve always noticed going up or 35s and 37s—I feel it, but the wild thing is I never really felt it going to these.
The 1.5” Clayton coils paired really well. I don’t get any rub with my method wheels that have a plenty of room. Only added 1” of bump stop and it’s fine.

The jeep feels nimble and ligit still.

edit: also the swayloc swaybar is just as firm as stock if not a little more. It drives and works awesome. There is a little clunk you get going in and out of driveways if you aren’t good at keeping it greased. But it’s totally worth it. I think I’d have one of these even if I got a rubicon.

 

[littlejohn]

Hi Littlejohn—

When building this one, keeping good driving characteristics was top of my list. I wanted the most capable light weight build possible. Without making it overbuilt. But able to run 7 or maybe even 8 rated trails in Moab.

The spoiler is it drives amazing. Here’s why:

First, I chose the skinny Baja bosses which are 35x10.5 instead of the 35x12.5. The narrow tires are significantly lighter and give me an edge on unsprung weight. I watched a video of a guy who did a chalk test on both the narrow and the wide—both had equal footprint until you got down to around 6 PSI—only when they lowered pressure that low did the wider tire have more of a contact patch. Nobody is going that low without beadlocks anyway—nevertheless, I was worried about off road performance but after its last Moab trip and some snow driving—I find the narrow version of the Baja bosses in the 35” size superior to the 12.5.
I feel that the tire choice is the primary reason why the jeep drives so well. The 2.0t doesn’t skip a beat in turning them. And, I know a lot of people say “it drives better than stock” after a lift—I’ll say the light tires make it so you can’t really even feel a difference. I’ve always noticed going up or 35s and 37s—I feel it, but the wild thing is I never really felt it going to these.
The 1.5” Clayton coils paired really well. I don’t get any rub with my method wheels that have a plenty of room. Only added 1” of bump stop and it’s fine.

The jeep feels nimble and ligit still.

edit: also the swayloc swaybar is just as firm as stock if not a little more. It drives and works awesome. There is a little clunk you get going in and out of driveways if you aren’t good at keeping it greased. But it’s totally worth it. I think I’d have one of these even if I got a rubicon.

Thanks for the detailed feedback, interesting you went for 10.5 instead of 12.5 and what you describe from that choice makes sense. May consider it as i share similar views to how i want the jeep to drive! I guess mine will require higher regearing to 4.53 or .88 as i am NA and i guess the 4.10 won’t cut it on 35s. Glad to see what others have done on the Willys before i start building it next year

 

[Jaym]

Thanks for the detailed feedback, interesting you went for 10.5 instead of 12.5 and what you describe from that choice makes sense. May consider it as i share similar views to how i want the jeep to drive! I guess mine will require higher regearing to 4.53 or .88 as i am NA and i guess the 4.10 won’t cut it on 35s. Glad to see what others have done on the Willys before i start building it next year

I am also on 4.10 and it’s great. I see no need to regear on the 2.0t. and I live about 5000’ above sea level and have a lot of mountain driving—hence the turbo.

 

[Jaym]

Here it is on golden crack. Goes to show you don’t need a giant lift and tires for more challenging trails. If I were to do 7 rates trails every day I’d want 37s.

 

[littlejohn]

I am also on 4.10 and it’s great. I see no need to regear on the 2.0t. and I live about 5000’ above sea level and have a lot of mountain driving—hence the turbo.

Yes i have the v6 though, it drives great on 33s and 4.10, but i hear that once you fit 35s it may be a bit sluggish

 

[ASSFROW]

Yes i have the v6 though, it drives great on 33s and 4.10, but i hear that once you fit 35s it may be a bit sluggish

I went 35/11.50 and I don't think it was sluggish at all.

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