2013 10th Anniversary JKUR Build

[Johnnyenglish]

After a couple years of working slowly but surely on my build, things have finally kicked into high gear! I'm not really a rock crawling type of guy - more overland trips in the southwest. Up to this point I've installed the following mods:

• DBox5 relay
• Hella Rallye A Pillar lights (removed after installing the BajaRack due to conflict)
• LED bumper flood spot/combo
• COBRA 75 CB
• Hood mounted Hi Lift
• Daystar lower dash switch panel
• Garvin Trail Rack with Rotopax Gas and water
• BajaRack Exp roof rack
• ARB Outback Solutions roller drawer

After 2 years I had gotten this far:

I was planning on waiting until I was out of warranty to pull the trigger on a suspension lift, however, after doing a bunch of research on this forum and the AEV forum I decided to go with a dealer installed (and dealer warrantied) AEV 2.5" Dual Sport lift with geometry correction/pro cal on BFG T/A KO 315/70 17 and matte black AEV Savegre wheels. I'm adding the AEV tire carrier as well. I decided on sticking with a 2.5" lift because this is my daily driver as well. My initial questions for the group are:

• Am I missing any mods that make sense to do at the same time?
• Will I be happy with the BFG T/A KO? What other choices are out there in 35" tires?
• I have 4.10 gearing - I've seen conflicting opinions on whether I should re-gear. What are the latest greatest thoughts on this topic?
• Is the AEV fuel caddy worth $350?
• Any recommendations on RTT? I'm in San Diego and most trips are in the southwest so extreme weather isn't a big issue.
• Any other overlanding specific mods I should be considering?

 

[AngryRedBird]

I feel that you have all your ducks in a row and you know what you're doing.. There's no wrong or right way to set up an Overland.. but from the way it looks.. you're on your way.. Slight lift.. defiantly.. Larger and more versatile tires.. Yes. This could mean a smaller wheel to allow for more rubber and flex if needed. But as I said.. Looks fine as is..

 

[SSF556]

You could probably get by with a more aggressive tire...especially given the proximity to desert terrain...maybe a BFG KM2?

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

How has the trail rack held up? Any issues with cracking the tailgate?

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

The KO2s will probably work better in the sand typical of SW deserts. The MT would be better on the rocks and a little more durable. But The KOs should be fine.

 

[Johnnyenglish]

How has the trail rack held up? Any issues with cracking the tailgate?

None so far. Adding the aev tire carrier and getting the weight of the spare off the tailgate should help tremendously. I don't really carry anything heavy back there. Usually just my wetsuit on a daily basis and filled trash bags and other dirty stuff when on a trip along with the weight of the gas and water. Another reason I am looking at the aev fuel caddy to take another bunch of weight off the tailgate.

 

[Johnnyenglish]

The KO2s will probably work better in the sand typical of SW deserts. The MT would be better on the rocks and a little more durable. But The KOs should be fine.

I've read that the KOs are quieter on road as well. I have KM2s right now and they are pretty loud.

 

[Johnnyenglish]

JK CB Audio Interupt

Forgot to mention the audio interrupt I installed. It was a really easy (10 minutes) plug and play install that mutes the factory stereo when transmitting and receiving on the CB. The audio plays through the factory speakers and is very clear. Link below. Well worth the money to be able to listen to music while on the trail and still be able to hear CB traffic.

http://audiointerrupt.com/Content/CBMJKINF.html

 

[Johnnyenglish]

I just got word that my new aev tire carrier doesn't work with my Garvin Trail Rack so off it goes. If anyone is interested in an anvil blue trail rack PM me.

 

[Johnnyenglish]

She's finished

Just got the call that my jeep is finished. I'm going to pick her up tomorrow. They did send a picture. Looks pretty good if I do say so. I won't be able to sleep tonight.

 

[RubiconGeoff]

You could probably get by with a more aggressive tire...especially given the proximity to desert terrain...maybe a BFG KM2?

The All-Terrain tires are perfect for his desert terrain - he'll rarely see the mud that benefits from a more aggressive Mud-Terrain tire and the on-road compromises associated therewith. It looks like he made his choice to go with the All-Terrain tires anyway. Looking forward to seeing pics once it's out on the trails!

 

[Johnnyenglish]

Picked up my Jeep today from the dealer and spent the day running errands. First, I'm very happy with the 315/70r17 bfg t/a. Very quiet (especially relative to the km2 I had on there before). The Jeep ride was noticeably improved - smoother with dramtically less roll and nose dive. i'm glad I listened to the advice and kept the 4.10 gears. I still has more than enough acceleration. One question I have though is the rear wheels are only about an inch and a half from the rock sliders. Is this enough room or will I need to trim it?

 

[zackcrum]

What lights are on your front bumper? I am looking at puting 4 inch round led lights on my Gobi and these seem like they fit my bill

 

[Johnnyenglish]

They are Chinese LEDs from Amazon for about $20 for two. Some guys I went on a trip with last year turned me on to them. I've had them installed for about a year now and they are still going strong. You have to switch out the hardware that they come with though for stainless - especially if you live near the ocean. Just search Shanren LED lights in Amazon and you'll find them. To my way of thinking, even if you replace them once a year they are still a good deal.

 

[Johnnyenglish]

Pictures

Some pictures of the Jeep post lift