WHERE A NOOB SHOULD START On A BUILD UP?.

[SyKoPaThIc K]

I was wondering what you guys think is the best route for a build up? I have tires that Id like to wait on before buying new ones since they are brand new and I cannot do anything to my engine or drive-train for a yr as so I do not void my warranty.What other things can I buy for the body/interior just to get me going in the right direction...I know I need to buy some Rock Sliders...and prob new bumpers.. thanks James

[REDxj5150]

The first question I think I'd ask myself is "How far should I go with this one?" Once you have an image of how you can see your jeep in the future then think of what will need to be done to get it there. So you want some bumpers, fender flares, sliders?? that's a start. Always good to have protection. After you decide on a tire size, then you have to start thinking about lift, gearing, lockers, alloy axles, slip yoke eliminator(+4 inches of lift). Now you mentioned that you have a warranty on your drive train. All that really needs to be done to these 4.0s is an exhaust manifold and a cold air intake maybe a new throttle body if you'd like a little more.

There's a small list of things to look into. It sounds like you'll have some time to really plan this out since you're on new tires. Take your time and just save your money, even set it aside for this very project. Start picking out products to see what kind of budget you're going to run.

[SyKoPaThIc K]

cool... yeah I have awhile to plan it out.... I know Ill dump some cash into this Jeep thats for sure...prob get the body protection and some bumpers to start for now....hopefully by the summer... Im going to atleast take it out to the beach,, not too sure If Ill ever be crawling rocks... not really my thing.. beach and light/med trails and Mud nothing super wild like in some of your guys pics...you guys hit some super wild trails...with BIG rocks.

[REDxj5150]

[quote="SyKoPaThIc K"]not too sure If Ill ever be crawling rocks... not really my thing.. beach and light/med trails and Mud nothing super wild like in some of your guys pics...you guys hit some super wild trails...with BIG rocks.[/quote]


Rocks are where the addiction really takes a hold; besides, you did say you wanted rock sliders...

[Beck*A*Poo]

yea if your not really in to rock crawling then I would suggest just a lift and tires ....

[Zak.Taylor]

The rocks are pretty fun....and that's where the carnage seems to happen

[Goatman]

Most start out not wanting to do the rocks, and then...........


Keep in mind that weight is important, as is clearance. 4x4's have a tendency to get built heavier and heavier as stuff keeps getting added. Also, some bumpers and rock sliders take up much more space than they need to, which hurts trail performance. If you think light weight and good clearance when you make choices on what to get you'll be better off in the long run.

[Desert Dog]

Get sliders first, as without lift and tires you will be on your rocker panels A LOT!!!!

Next is recovery points. Without lockers, tires, lift, and gears - you will get pulled frequently so recovery points are MANDATORY! Trust me, I have seen lots of folks disregard this advise and have axles and other things ripped off their vehicle because we had to hook to "something" to get them out. You don't need to spend a fortune here, in fact, less is better. Make sure you have a good recovery strap (no metal hooks), and a couple of clevis (D-rings). If you have a receiver hitch in the rear, one of the D-ring inserts works great as a rear recovery point.

Third, you will want to move/protect a couple of items. The steering box is very vulnerable on your TJ.

When you get these first three items done, its time to do some mild wheeling. But you need some trail gear first. Install a CB so you can communicate with others on the trail. You should always carry a flashlight, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a method for packing your own food and water. You will need basic tools and some spare parts for trail repairs, spare fluids, a good tire gauge, and a good Jack. And very importantly, you will need a GOOD portable compressor or CO2 system to air your tires back up at the end of the trip.

Next in importance is things that will make your Jeep perform better offroad. Mainly bigger tires and lockers. But as you are aware this will require lift, steering, and drivetrain upgrades. A beefy tire rod, gears, chromoly axles, sleeve/gusset the front axle, and at least a rear CV shaft with a slip-yoke eliminator.

Lastly is items of convenience that are nice to have, but won't make your Jeep perform better offroad. This includes things like winches and off-road lights. It cracks me up when I see people with $1,000 winches and $1000 lights but no gears or lockers.

If you need help with something, don't be afraid to ask. Also, check the runs board for "garage days", where members get together to work on our rigs, drink beer and talk shit.

[REDxj5150]

[quote="desert dog"]
Lastly is items of convenience that are nice to have, but won't make your Jeep perform better offroad. This includes things like winches and off-road lights. It cracks me up when I see people with $1,000 winches and $1000 lights but no gears or lockers.[/quote]

Vicki directly comes to mind...

[abendx]

[quote="REDxj5150"][quote="desert dog"]
Lastly is items of convenience that are nice to have, but won't make your Jeep perform better offroad. This includes things like winches and off-road lights. It cracks me up when I see people with $1,000 winches and $1000 lights but no gears or lockers.[/quote]

Vicki directly comes to mind... [/quote]

No wonder when I wheel I have the feeling something is missing...... Vicki's sweet ass! Where has she been?

[Desert Dog]

[quote="abendx"][quote="REDxj5150"][quote="desert dog"]
Lastly is items of convenience that are nice to have, but won't make your Jeep perform better offroad. This includes things like winches and off-road lights. It cracks me up when I see people with $1,000 winches and $1000 lights but no gears or lockers.[/quote]

Vicki directly comes to mind... [/quote]

No wonder when I wheel I have the feeling something is missing...... Vicki's sweet ass! Where has she been?[/quote]
Sold her JK and is now flirting with an XJ.

Its hard for him on his "stay-at-home dad" salary. Get yo azz to work and get another Jeep, you slacker!

[abendx]

[quote="desert dog"]No wonder when I wheel I have the feeling something is missing...... Vicki's sweet ass! Where has she been?
Sold her JK and is now flirting with an XJ.

Its hard for him on his "stay-at-home dad" salary. Get yo azz to work and get another Jeep, you slacker![/quote]

News to me!

Vicky.... if you want to get off the bench and put some time in with the big boys, come down to Oxnard.... if Chris can't pimp you out properly, I am sure we can handle it down south. Not sure what Chris pays you up there, but your ass down here is worth about five cents on the dollar.... and those are friend rates! So get your sweet ass on the Greyhound and tell me when you are coming.... I'll have a John meet you at the bus stop and start you earning immediately!

Forget that XJ..... you'll look nicer in a H2!!

[VICTORG93307]

Nah the only reason i got rid of my jk is we got baby boy number 2 coming soon and would rather spend the money on other things. But i shall be back on the trail soon.

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