Jeep build specialist - Wrangler Willy’s ecodiesel

[Dan Grec]

Actually a Jeep Wrangler would not be my first choice as an overlanding type vehicle anyway

What would be, and why?

-Dan

 

[zgfiredude]

You are getting a lot of (in my opinion) good advice thus far. 2.5 to 3.5" of lift, 34 - 35" tires, and keep it light. I have Rock Hard Aluminum bumpers f/r, Rock Hard boat side sliders and a Gobi Rack.....I am re-doing the rear over the winter to better accommodate the fridge and house battery I added this summer. Don't go too light on the springs from the start, the weight of things will add up no matter how hard you try....ask me how I know. Buy once, cry once.....just buy quality parts the first time and you'll be happier.

 

[shays4me]

If a 4Runner on 265/70s took you everywhere you wanted to go, there's absolutely no reason a Wrangler on 285/70s won't (33s).

Way cheaper, less wear and tear on everything, quieter, better mileage, better on road manners, and still will go everywhere you want to go. That's an easy decision.

-Dan

I’m running 285/75r17 tires on my jku and I can’t imagine going taller. They work great on the freeway and they’re pretty great off road as well. The OP need to remember that taller tires require more money spent on brakes, suspension, etc and you’ll get accelerated wear. That’s great if you have a lot of money to blow but I’d rather put that cash in the gas tank.

 

[chbolling]

As far as tire size goes in my case, Mine was set up originally to crawl and trail ride as we have some world class stuff around here. While not a true overlander IMO, I have mixed elements of both just to make it more versatile. If I were starting from scratch with a new jeep, I would most likely leave it nearly stock as far as running gear goes (especially tires). To be honest it sucks to drive on the road.....great off of it! Actually a Jeep Wrangler would not be my first choice as an overlanding type vehicle anyway. Mine had a 4" lift and 35's (dealer installed) when I bought it, and I REALLY didn't know what I was doing. That said, it is too late to go back for me without a lot of expense.

I’m curious - what would your first choice be for an overlander?

 

[SoDakSooner]

Nothing wrong with a Jeep in the grand scheme of things and we really enjoy ours. Maybe mine is just overkill. As stated, If I were to do the Jeep thing again, I'd have a bone stock Rubicon(as far as running gear) or a Gladiator. That said, they get crappy mileage, have below average road manners, and truth be told are not that comfortable, even in Rubicon livery. I have been thinking I'd like a decent 4wd pickup. Honestly have been leaning toward the whole van thing. Granted they probably can't get you into some places, but for 99% of the traveling we would do it would be ok.

 

[Jc1986.carter]

Nothing wrong with a Jeep in the grand scheme of things and we really enjoy ours. Maybe mine is just overkill. As stated, If I were to do the Jeep thing again, I'd have a bone stock Rubicon(as far as running gear) or a Gladiator. That said, they get crappy mileage, have below average road manners, and truth be told are not that comfortable, even in Rubicon livery. I have been thinking I'd like a decent 4wd pickup. Honestly have been leaning toward the whole van thing. Granted they probably can't get you into some places, but for 99% of the traveling we would do it would be ok.

Like most things, it depends. At the end of the day you are just riding in a big box with solid axles. From the factory, the rubicon suspension left many thing to be desired. Good shocks and different springs changed how the Jeep handled long distant travel for me. Stock, my back would start to ache before I needed to top off with gas on road trips . After swapping some suspension components, I could then chew the miles up. Some better seats and the Jeep would be a different beast. My parents drove their stock jk unlimited sport with no suspension upgrades and a small camper around the states on a six week tour and my dad (they were late 60’s at the time) said it was the best long distance traveler he had ever had.

Gas mileage is also very user dependent.My buddy’s modded Tacoma on 33s gets like 15mpg (no armor other than stock skids and a hard shell) while I’m getting 18mpg with 35s stock gears, 6spd manual, a bumper W/ winch and a tonneau cover.

there is no perfect vehicle for every adventure. As long as there is gas in the tank and it will get you to the places you want to go and back (without breaking down past the level you are comfortable with), build what you want. If it doesn’t work out, you can always sell And build something else.