2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Uberlanding Build

[MattScott]

Matt, how do you find the MAXTRAX retention system you have now?

Do you think it'll stand up to long term use/weather/etc? Are they held nice and snug with no movement?

I received a set for my birthday from my wonderful girlfriend, but as my Jeep is pretty well stock with no rack, I have no mounting points.

I really like the retention system. I don't worry about it all. I've used it on dozens of trucks without issue. I use a cable lock to secure them to my wheel so people don't steal them.


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[Russ16]

Mods for reliability

Hey Matt, great thread, I'm new to Jeeps but am currently modifying a 2013 JKU for a 15000km off tarmac trip through Australia. Reliability is my concern. Do you know of any weak points in the mechanicals that need attention. The only OEM components that I've changed out so far are the front bumper for a bull bar, a 2.5 inch AEV lift plus steering damper, and Cooper tyres on stock rims. Is there anything else I should look at? Enjoy the magazine greatly, though they seem to have a habit of migrating to neighbour's houses in the dead of night.
cheers
Russ

 

[MattScott]

Hey Russ, send me a PM and we can discuss. I'm currently in Australia exploring.


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[GetOutThere]

When you get back, perhaps you could update us in detail on the Jeep's progression? :sombrero:

 

[Septu]

FWIW, I would rate my TruckLite LEDs as one of the best mods I've done, and I've done a lot. I found the stock headlights terrible and these are a remarkable improvement, both in low and high beams. It's a brighter and cleaner light do you can actually now see at night. Just a recommendation from personal experience.

Agreed.

I do a lot of night driving, where I want my high beams to avoid moose, buffalo and other large animals that will write off your vehicle. I've tried Hella's, Cibies, custom projector HIDs, Hella's (again - broke the first set (and the Cibies) in cold water), before finally breaking down and spending $550 on the TL Leds. I drove my friends then drove mine (I had the Hella's in at the time). Placed the order that night for the TLs, and am very happy with them.

 

[MattScott]

Matt,
No hurry, but I'd love to chat with you sometime about wheeling in Lockhart basin. Looks fantastic. Have you got a whole photo album of this trip somewhere? Can you...???

Thanks, Ben

90% of Lockhart Basin is a 2WD affair. If it wasn't so rough, you could do those sections in a Subaru. With the projects you have listed on your profile, you'll have no issues. We took a Dodge 2500 XPCamper through the trail with minimal difficulty and it had 31" tires and no lift.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

It's interesting seeing how much differently your build is progressing than mine. I replaced my finished 100-Series Land Cruiser with the last 2014 Granite/Dark Saddle JKUR in the country for similar reasons to you. It's amazing how customizable these Jeeps are. But I keep reminding myself, "with great customizability, comes great responsibility." I look forward to seeing how yours progresses.

 

[swrider]

Not sure if it's been discussed as of yet, but what kind of MPG are you guys seeing on your jeeps???
I am sure that this is something that has been talked about in the past, and i've seen some posts somewhere else about it, but since most of you guys have jeeps close to what I am considering, i thought it be worth a shot to ask.
I am debating going between a JKU or a GC without QL and MPG is a small concern that has me leaning more towards the GC.
Thanks

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

Not sure if it's been discussed as of yet, but what kind of MPG are you guys seeing on your jeeps???
I am sure that this is something that has been talked about in the past, and i've seen some posts somewhere else about it, but since most of you guys have jeeps close to what I am considering, i thought it be worth a shot to ask.
I am debating going between a JKU or a GC without QL and MPG is a small concern that has me leaning more towards the GC.
Thanks

14.5 MPG commuting 8 miles through West LA traffic.
17.5 MPG on the highway so far. But that was brand new. I hear I should see around 20 once fully broken in.

 

[basecamper]

We get better mileage with our 2011 GC Overland with the Hemi 17 city 21.5 highway than we do with our 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 15.5 city 18.5 highway

 

[terleira]

Regarding the empty space in the trunk, this is how i did it (Check one of the post's)

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/120956-JK-Expedition-Wannabe?p=1627876#post1627876

I was thinking the same way about cutting and welding and... uf! But the final result came out pretty good. I now have two Optima Yellow top with a National Luna management kit.

I did have some reservations about the Battery due to some hits and bumps but, so far, no problems. And they are pretty resistent!

Also, with a gasoline engine i think its easier to place both batterys in the engine compartment, diesel engines have no room!

Next to the 2nd battery will be installed a power converter. I am struggling with size vs power and output; I am still looking for the perfect solution. :coffeedrink:

I also see you got new tires and fenders. Post some pics of it Look forward to see them!

 

[stolz]

Matt,

Just read through your build thread. Awesome build and very inspiring, and I am not to far from you! I'm from Santa Barbara, nice to see someone close :sombrero:

 

[GetOutThere]

Matt,

I am not to far from you! I'm from Santa Barbara, nice to see someone close :sombrero:

I wouldn't get too excited about that :coffeedrink:

 

[Terex]

Nice thread. I've got a JKR and planning to get a JGC Overland diesel to pull my new trailer. Looking forward to the JKU diesel in a couple of years. I get 20mpg on the '12 JKR with 4.10's (not towing).

 

[MattScott]

I wouldn't get too excited about that :coffeedrink:

Let's put it this way, you're closer to my Jeep than I am—and my Jeep is in Chicago.