adrenaline503
Explorer
Holy crap thats a lot of stuff. Talk about doing it right the first time.
From Stock To Stacked...The Story Of A JK
- Thread starter WFTW
- Start date
WFTW
Adventurer
adrenaline503 said:
Well, this is my 4th Jeep and 5th 4x4, so I've had a few practice runs.
While I'm sure not everyone will agree with the particular upgrades I've chosen, I have done a good bit of research and think that what I've obtained is best for my vehicle, driving style, and mission.
adrenaline503
Explorer
What do you do for the DoS? I have a friend over the in the Green Zone that does IT work, makes a ton of money, 4 times more than he did for the Coast Guard.
WFTW
Adventurer
$10K is what I've figured into the customization. Though, it will be WAY more than that when everything is said and done.
What you have to keep in mind is that I have sponsors who have either donated parts or have provided me with a discount on parts.
Though, I've paid for most of it myself ($3500 for the wheels, $650 for the Line-X, and $4000 for various other parts...that's just over $8K). Since there's still parts I have yet to obtain that are not included on the list I posted (all those items are ones I have already) I'll most likely go over budget.
If you are looking into doing a customization as crazy as mine, then you'd most likely save money by getting a Jeep Wrangler X and build it up from there. A lot of things that I paid for by getting the Rubicon will be taken off (wheels/tires for example) and replaced...so I'll loose money on those items.
The JK is great, so I'd definitely recommend it as a project vehicle if you're looking.
What you have to keep in mind is that I have sponsors who have either donated parts or have provided me with a discount on parts.
Though, I've paid for most of it myself ($3500 for the wheels, $650 for the Line-X, and $4000 for various other parts...that's just over $8K). Since there's still parts I have yet to obtain that are not included on the list I posted (all those items are ones I have already) I'll most likely go over budget.
If you are looking into doing a customization as crazy as mine, then you'd most likely save money by getting a Jeep Wrangler X and build it up from there. A lot of things that I paid for by getting the Rubicon will be taken off (wheels/tires for example) and replaced...so I'll loose money on those items.
The JK is great, so I'd definitely recommend it as a project vehicle if you're looking.
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TheRoadie
Explorer
This is usually said in jest, but not in the case of your vehicle, which looks like it's being done with great style: Looks like you painted it with Gorilla Glue and drove it through the 4WP catalog.
I'm surprised your Dad made it with only one trip in the pickup with all those parts!
With Scott's (JK) XV-JP build thread and now this, Jeep fans are going to have a great few weeks drooling. Congrats and stay safe!
I'm surprised your Dad made it with only one trip in the pickup with all those parts!
With Scott's (JK) XV-JP build thread and now this, Jeep fans are going to have a great few weeks drooling. Congrats and stay safe!
nwoods
Expedition Leader
WFTW said:
I would say, capable, not crazy. My proposed build list is fairly basic:
winch, bumpers, tire carrier, fuel carrier, skids, sliders, 4.5" long arm lift (max), 35" tires max, and gearing. I've thought a lot about the X verses the Ruby, and don't have a conclusion.
Seems like the suspensions are similar, and both would need upgrading. The Ruby has the Dana 44's already, and the lockers and the disconnectable swaybars (are those reliable?). I kinda like the 6psi air locker system verses the ARB 80psi (or whatever it is) system. I would imagine the low pressure system would be more reliable, but that's just a guess.
WFTW
Adventurer
TheRoadie said:
Hahahaha...actually, nothing is from 4WP...but I get your meaning.
My Dad didn't make it to the shop with all the parts...he's taking all the off-road lights and the fender flares when he drops the Jeep off on Tuesday. Those wouldn't fit in the truck when he went up there the first time. hahahaha
I'll have pictures for everyone to drool over very soon. Oh, and BTW, this phase is only the installation of the aftermarket parts so that I'll be able to take it off-road when I'm home for a vacation in mid-June. Wait until the it hits the fabrication phase in August...it will then get some real special attention. :drool:
WFTW
Adventurer
nwoods said:
The reason I suggested the X edition is because you could upgrade the front and rear axle to a Dana 60 with lockers. The only thing keeping me from doing that to my Jeep is I don't want to throw out brand spanking new Dana 44s. If you're not going to upgrade the front and rear axle (and you won't need to if you're only going up to 35" tires), then get the Rubicon and go from there. Also, smaller tires = smaller lift. So, you'll save money there as well.
The quick disconnect in the Rubicon is AWESOME and I haven't heard of anyone having issues with it. I mean, to be able to do that from the driver's seat is going to be quite nice. It's the little things like that...creature comforts...that don't make me miss the H2 I had prior to the JK. The H2 was SOOO comfortable and had a lot of little pluses like heated seats, leather, power seats, powered fold-in/out mirrors, etc, etc, etc.
My Jeep (along with an article about the program) is going to be in Salt Life magazine this Summer. I'll also be writing an article a month for Four Wheeler magazine throughout the program.
Oh, and a multi-media production company (Trailride TV) will be filming a documentary about the program with plans to release it on DVD and shown on a cable television network.
All those are reasons why I'm going through great lengths in making this JK as good as possible. Yet, I've focused on performance as opposed to *bling*bling* due to the amount of off-roading I'll be doing (27 events...one per weekend for 6 months, and some just-for-*****-and-giggles during the week). It has to be able to survive from start to finish. Looking forward to getting that first dent or scratch!
XXXpedition
Explorer
no we just need more pics!
i love the jk in black))
maybe you give me some ideas for my upgrades (although most parts are decided one already)
i love the jk in black
))maybe you give me some ideas for my upgrades (although most parts are decided one already
)
WFTW
Adventurer
XXXpedition said:no we just need more pics!
i love the jk in black
maybe you give me some ideas for my upgrades (although most parts are decided one already
Hahahaha...I know, I know...trust me, I'm dying for pix myself! The Jeep is at Overbuilt Customs (www.overbuiltcustoms.com) now. I spoke with Brad, he's doing the customization, tonight and I think he's just as excited as I am about this project. He promised to have pictures in the very near future.
There have been some recent developements to the build. While I was going to save it as a bit of a surprise, I'll go ahead and let the cat out of the bag. Below is the list of items to be installed...can you spot the changes?
TeraFlex 4" Suspension System w/Full FlexArm System
TeraFlex Rock Guard Front Bumper
TeraFlex Rock Guard Rear Bumper
TeraFlex Rock Guard Spare Tire Carrier
TeraFlex Rock Guard Rock Sliders
TeraFlex Front Drive Shaft
TeraFlex Rear Drive Shaft
True Flow XDI Air Intake
KC HiLiTES Fog Lights (2)
KC HiLiTES Driving Lights (2)
KC HiLiTES Long Range Lights (2)
KC HiLiTES Windshield Light Mounting Brackets (2)
KC HiLiTES Hood Mount Light Bar w/2 Lights
WARN 9.5Ti Winch
Roundeye LED Rock Light Kit
Bushwacker Pocket Style Front Fender Flares
Bushwacker Pocket Style Rear Fender Flares
38" BFG KM2 Tires
18" Centerline Wheels
EVAP Canister Relocated
Duel Battery Set-up
Power Converter
6 Military Style Switches
Daystar Lower Dash Switch Panel
Crown 4" Black Brake Lines
Daystar Upper Dash Panel
Poly Performance High Steer Kit
Poly Performance Chromoly Tie Rod
Magnaflow Exhaust
Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 Rear Diff Cover
Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 Front Diff Cover
Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 5.13 Rear Gears
Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 5.13 Front Gears
Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 Rear Axle w/ARB Air Locker
Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 Front Axle w/ARB Air Locker
ARB Compressor
Tom Woods Drive Shafts
Smittybilt G.E.A.R. Front and Rear Seat Covers
Front, Rear, Cargo Mats
Bushwacker Front Corner Guards
Bushwacker Rear Corner Guards
Bushwacker Hood Stone Guard
Bushwacker Rear Tailgate Piece
Tuffy Security Console Insert - Installed
Tuffy Security Glovebox - Installed
Tuffy Security Drawer w/Divider Kit - Installed
Tuffy Security Overhead Console
TeraFlex CB Antenna Mount
Hi-Lift Jack
X-Jack
Grab Handles
ARB E-Z Tire Deflator
Speedy Seal Tire Repair Kit
Roll Bar Fire Extinguisher Holder
Roll Bar Clothes Hanger
Roll Bar Mag Light Holder
Fender Well Drain Plugs
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