2014 Granite Rubicon Unlimited JK350 Expedition Build

[west_ok]

Scott,

Thanks not much play time but road time and happy to say the MPG is improving!
I'm actually really impressed with the ride. I think it's as good if not even better than stock and it is night and day better than my nephews 4" also on 35"s I don't remember brand it was a cheapo. There are a lot of AEV haters out there, yeah there stuff is expensive but it is top notch in my opinion. Not to say if I was building a crawler it's what I would choose but road and overland type of travel I'm convinced it's one of the best.

Thanks,



B.J.

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[Comanche Scott]

Thanks B.J.,

It's great to get unbiased input from someone who has the product! :beer:
Glad to see the mileage is going up. That's always good news.
.
Will look forward to reading a "trip report", when the time comes. :smiley_drive:

Scott

 

[west_ok]

You're welcome Scott.

Question time, in my current Jeep I've been running a CO2 tank and love it, it's a 15lb so it takes up quite a bit of room but I've learned to live with it. I'm thinking about getting a 10lb to go in the new Jeep but have also been toying with the idea of getting a compressor. What do you run and why? And why not the other?

Thanks


B.J.

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[James Pierce]

I'm running one of these http://www.extremeoutback.com/product/14/ExtremeAire+Magnum+12+Volt+Compressor++Part#+007-222.html on a custom bracket above the crossmember. Even with my discount this is still one of the most expensive options available but as the old adage goes... You get what you pay for. This thing truly is a work of art. The quality is exactly what you'd expect for a compressor of this caliber and it has the performance to match.

You might check out http://expeditionportal.com/overland-journal-air-compressor-test/
Overland Journal is doing another shoot out in their 2015 gear guide. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

 

[Comanche Scott]

How about both?

You're welcome Scott.

Question time, in my current Jeep I've been running a CO2 tank and love it, it's a 15lb so it takes up quite a bit of room but I've learned to live with it. I'm thinking about getting a 10lb to go in the new Jeep but have also been toying with the idea of getting a compressor. What do you run and why? And why not the other?

Thanks


B.J.

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How about both? Keep the bottle, and get a portable electric compressor kit for redundancy/sharing?
The bottle is nice and dry. That is a great way to maximize tire longevity.

I did an OBA with tank/manifold/drier and really liked it. Then tossed in an MV50 style portable kit.
Will probably do something similar with the Jeep using a twin ARB, or two Viaair 480C.
I didn't do a tank, because I lack the time to fill, and the memory to keep track of it. Sure as heck, I'd be out in the middle of nowhere and it would be empty...

 

[zigsrig]

I have used my 10# power tank in my last 3 rigs. While it does take up some space (though I'm not sure what else i would use that space for on a daily basis) i have found that it is SO much faster than using my old compressors that I have not bothered to hook them up on the new Rig. The only real argument is that the tank will "leave you stranded". Perhaps I have a different take on things, or do things differently, but on a long trip (i.e. moab for a few days, or running the aline loop) i typically air down once, and leave it that way until its time to head home. Even on short stretches of highway, i just leave them (if i know i am going to be hitting dirt again shortly). doing this has caused me to use less air, and with 5-7 4 tire fill ups per bottle (35" from 12psi to 28psi) i feel like Im OK on each trip. I just need to get it filled once i get back to home base. Plus, there are so many places, even in the middle of no where, that can fill these tanks these days, I don't consider it a problem. Having it mounted where i have it, and using their 25' straight hose i keep in my hidden compartment under the storage area of the jeep, i can reach all 4 tires and fill them without moving the bottle.

Im sure you know this already, being that you have used a tank in the past. Im just throwing out my reasons for the tank over compressors.

 

[James Pierce]

Well guys... I had the privilege of driving the beast today. First impression while driving it in town was... ok. The engine has a nice low rumble so you know it's there. Right turn onto the I-40 on ramp and Holly Cow!!!!! Anything over about 1/2 throttle and it comes alive and starts screaming like a banshee! To say the throttle is as addictive as heroin would be a fair comparison. It is no surprise BJ is only averaging 12mpg. You really have a hard time keeping your foot out of it. There is a noticeable power increase while cruising on the interstate. Accelerating while traveling up hill is a breeze and does not require downshifting. Passing... Well... That just puts a big grin on your face

 

[Comanche Scott]

That's awesome! :beer:

VVT is a beautiful thing.

 

[west_ok]

Got the snorkel and hi-lift put on.


I think we might run down to the river this afternoon.


B.J.

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[Comanche Scott]

VVT Hemi, and a snorkel...
Be careful around the water, you may create a tornado!

Looking good B.J. :beer:

 

[west_ok]

Got to play around in a decent amount of snow this evening. Sorry about the terrible pic.

 

[Comanche Scott]

Sweet!
Glad to see you are getting a bit of time to play.

Looks like you got the snorkel on. That's cool!

 

[west_ok]

Got my top robbed off of the other Jeep and got it shined up today heading on a day trip tomorrow down to Mt. Scott.


B.J.

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[Comanche Scott]

That is one good looking top. I must not have paid attention to it on your other rig.

So, hoping to see some action shots from your trip.
I'm also very interested in your thoughts on the 3.5" lift with the correction brackets off road performance.
If I remember right, that is different from the AEV 3.5" lift on your other rig?
Thanks, as always, for the valued input B.J.. :beer:

 

[west_ok]

Thanks, didn't really get to do anything very technical not many good trails out here in western Oklahoma. Just 200 miles of relatively easy washboard roads and one creek crossing. But it handled it all quite nicely. Yes the old jeep has a different lift. It was built before AEV bought Nth out.
(Sorry no action shots )

B.J.

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