Big Daddy Chia
Adventurer
My question is what crap hole country are you in so I know to avoid it. Man cant modify a vehicle. That just sucks
New Guy question ... please don't beat me! LOL!
- Thread starter MitsosOSougias
- Start date
Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Big Daddy Chia said:
The EU controls vehicle regulations for the Continent and their regulations are very stringent. Any modification that effects the safety of the vehicle is not allowed. This includes the safety of the vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
It's not that out of line in the case of bumpers. When you replace them with solid steel aftermarket units you are removing the impact absorption of the originals, or installing bull bars has been shown to increase the injury to pedestrians in vehicle / pedestrian collisions.
When we export trailers they have to conform to a whole range of regulations from minimum radius of exposed edges to side protection to stop pedestrians being pulled under the wheels in collisions.
grahamfitter
Expedition Leader
Martyn said:
The only reason this hasn't happened in the USA is congress - on behalf of the fast food restaurants, soda companies, auto manufacturers and oil corporations - actively discourages being a pedestrian in the first place. Accordingly there isn't much for the lawyers to get their teeth into.
Sorry, couldn't resist that. Normal conversation will resume now...
Cheers,
Graham
With gas already being discussed as being expensive, I'm not sure about the Roof Top Tent idea or the cargo rack. On an identical trip to Moab on 2 separate years with the same setup, I saw a 1.5 mpg increase in economy when I ditched the roof rack and rails and started carrying stuff inside of my XJ.
I would focus on interior storage solutions, navigation/communications, underside armor and rock rails as well as traction such as tires and lockers.
It's already a Jeep so the really hard work has already been done.
I would focus on interior storage solutions, navigation/communications, underside armor and rock rails as well as traction such as tires and lockers.
It's already a Jeep so the really hard work has already been done.
Tanto
Adventurer
Without a lift do the following:
245/70r16 MTs
Belly skid
Differential Guards front and rear.
Stock Chrysler WJ series Overland rock rails, will bolt right up anything 2002 and newer. Otherwise I found them easy to install.
Front swaybar disconnects
If you don't have quadra drive get a set of lockers front and rear.
Receiver hitch in the rear
A receiver hitch can be mounted in front under the front bumper cover. You can use the attachment points for the tow hooks, then you can use the receiver mounted winch front or rear. (I didn't do this because I put a bull bar on capable of holding a winch)
These Jeeps do fine without a lift, I've only had my WJ lifted for a couple of years. Just don't skimp on protecting the underside.
What mine looked like before the lift:
245/70r16 MTs
Belly skid
Differential Guards front and rear.
Stock Chrysler WJ series Overland rock rails, will bolt right up anything 2002 and newer. Otherwise I found them easy to install.
Front swaybar disconnects
If you don't have quadra drive get a set of lockers front and rear.
Receiver hitch in the rear
A receiver hitch can be mounted in front under the front bumper cover. You can use the attachment points for the tow hooks, then you can use the receiver mounted winch front or rear. (I didn't do this because I put a bull bar on capable of holding a winch)
These Jeeps do fine without a lift, I've only had my WJ lifted for a couple of years. Just don't skimp on protecting the underside.
What mine looked like before the lift:
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Tanto
Adventurer
Here is what they are capable of stock:
Stock WJ vid
Stock WJ vid
Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
MitsosOSougias said:
An other thought is to contact Steve at http://www.moving-parts.com/ he airfreights parts from the US to the UK on a weekly basis. We could send the front hitch to his warehouse in Los Angeles and he could take care of shipping and clearance. Otherwise we can airfreight DHL or UPS.
tjbliley
Observer
I have a 99 WJ. I can tell you that the important items have been discussed. If you start adding the weight you are talking about adding then you will need some lift. I have 2.5 inches of lift which I got from www.Kevinsoffroad.com . They have sources for the rails and the skids you wil need. The front skid will help protect the radiator as has bee discussed as a potential problem area. The t-case skid is good. The engine is still exposed even with those skids. An add-on skid that bolts just onto the engine t protect the oilpan is a good option. The spring lift you can get from Kevin will give you back the height you will lose when you pack. Shocks are huge in this equation.
The problem with the rooftop storage is that the rack can be weak. If you have too much weight up there you can tear the rack out of the roof. Ask me how I know. I had a basket up there and my spare which is now back where it needs to be. Gas tank skid is very important. Tires and rims will be important as well. Steel wheels can be gotten in the 5 on 5 pattern you will need with whatever backspacing you need and they will allow you to repair the rims in the field if needed. Alloy rims are lighter but once they are damaged they are done(unelss you have lots fo $$$). If possible strip out as much of the plastic in the rear as you can and build a storage system of your own in the rear. There is a great deal of space back there but alot of it is dead space. When you go to do the front hitch you will need to make sure you have new fasteners for the front bumper fascia. You will have to pull the entire thing to install the front hitch. Wire for power(ie:inverter or solar), Add water storage, skids.
More info on your Jeep would help. What drivetain, What package level, and how many people will be travelling in the vehicle when you go, as well as day-to-day. These things will help us help you.
The problem with the rooftop storage is that the rack can be weak. If you have too much weight up there you can tear the rack out of the roof. Ask me how I know. I had a basket up there and my spare which is now back where it needs to be. Gas tank skid is very important. Tires and rims will be important as well. Steel wheels can be gotten in the 5 on 5 pattern you will need with whatever backspacing you need and they will allow you to repair the rims in the field if needed. Alloy rims are lighter but once they are damaged they are done(unelss you have lots fo $$$). If possible strip out as much of the plastic in the rear as you can and build a storage system of your own in the rear. There is a great deal of space back there but alot of it is dead space. When you go to do the front hitch you will need to make sure you have new fasteners for the front bumper fascia. You will have to pull the entire thing to install the front hitch. Wire for power(ie:inverter or solar), Add water storage, skids.
More info on your Jeep would help. What drivetain, What package level, and how many people will be travelling in the vehicle when you go, as well as day-to-day. These things will help us help you.
MitsosOSougias
New member
Long reply ...
The vehicle: I got a 2000 Grand Cherokee Limited 4.0L always 4WD . Which is in a different country than i am at right now ... I am going back on Friday though! It is as stock as one can be!
The Project: Enhance its off-road capabilities without compromising its on road behaviour. Two people with gear.
Restrictions: Because of local rules, most modification radical modifications will need a license to be carried out, a very long and costly procedure. Thins like changing the suspension is allowed but installing a bulbar is not. If the vehicle is lowered because of permanent loading then a lift can be performed that will bring it back to its original height.
Things I think (I am as clueless as they get, my idea of going places up to now was a quality backpack and an excellent set of boots!) I need :
Front and back Hitch mounts. The front by Warn the back by Mopar (any alternatives here?). Does anyone have a photo of a WJ with a front hitch mount installed?
Portable winch to be used on the Hitch mounts, by Warn
Tow straps (locally)
Skids: Front and engine ???
Differential guards, any recommendations?
Rock rails: I need the lowest profile ones I can get, recommendations?
Locking differentials, I would guess air-locked any recommendations?
Do I need a second batery?
Thanks for the input guys keep them coming!
Martyn: I am making inquiries as I write this will get back to you!
The vehicle: I got a 2000 Grand Cherokee Limited 4.0L always 4WD . Which is in a different country than i am at right now ... I am going back on Friday though! It is as stock as one can be!
The Project: Enhance its off-road capabilities without compromising its on road behaviour. Two people with gear.
Restrictions: Because of local rules, most modification radical modifications will need a license to be carried out, a very long and costly procedure. Thins like changing the suspension is allowed but installing a bulbar is not. If the vehicle is lowered because of permanent loading then a lift can be performed that will bring it back to its original height.
Things I think (I am as clueless as they get, my idea of going places up to now was a quality backpack and an excellent set of boots!) I need :
Front and back Hitch mounts. The front by Warn the back by Mopar (any alternatives here?). Does anyone have a photo of a WJ with a front hitch mount installed?
Portable winch to be used on the Hitch mounts, by Warn
Tow straps (locally)
Skids: Front and engine ???
Differential guards, any recommendations?
Rock rails: I need the lowest profile ones I can get, recommendations?
Locking differentials, I would guess air-locked any recommendations?
Do I need a second batery?
Thanks for the input guys keep them coming!
Martyn: I am making inquiries as I write this will get back to you!
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MitsosOSougias
New member
Well not exactly, I want to prioritise in terms of functionallity and I will find the money (somehow ...).