JK Overland Project: Expeditions West 3.0

[orangeTJ]

First post says it's it's a Rubicon, which would be "4:10's"

I saw it at the Northwest Overland Rally over the weekend, and it's running AEV wheels and MFG A/T tires now.

 

[Bennyhana]

I too saw it at the NW rally. It had the Rubicon switch panel so I pretty sure it has the lockers.

 

[fxk142]

I fell in love with this rig and purchased my Rubicon because of it. I am in the process of building my own version of it with some changes. I just got my new wheels and tires on today, and I love the look.

 

[nwoods]

Sorta a Ying & Yang color scheme with the FJ

 

[fxk142]

Very true, that is my younger brothers FJC, black with black wheel and white top, and I am white with white wheels and black top. Pretty funny.

 

[JamesDowning]

The big question is - which vehicle is cooler on a sunny day?

 

[Dan Grec]

I fell in love with this rig and purchased my Rubicon because of it. I am in the process of building my own version of it with some changes. I just got my new wheels and tires on today, and I love the look.

Very nice. Please keep us up to date with future mods, I'd love to follow your progress.

-Dan

 

[expeditionerd]

[...] I just got my new wheels and tires on today, and I love the look.

Looks great!!!

That's MOPAR 17x7.5" Winter / Off-Road Steel Wheel, right?
Did you powder coat them in white? How did they turn out?
Which size of tires did you pick?

Sorry for all the questions. I think I'm pretty much on the same path that you are!

 

[fxk142]

Yep Mopar 17x7.5 wheels, I actually purchased matching paint from expresspaint.com and rattle canned them, 3 base coats and 2 clear coats and I only painted the faces, cameout great! Went with BFG Mud Terrains 35x12.5x17 and a 1.5" spacer which is needed for the wheels to fit with these tires.

 

[Scott Brady]

Looking good!

 

[Scott Brady]

I've seen the question asked twice with no response, so I'll ask again... Stock 4.10 gears??? Or??? If stock, are you guys satisfied with drive-ability?

Thanks for a reply!

4.88s for the 35's with the 3.8L V6

 

[Scott Brady]

Back in 2009, at the beginning of this project, Scott wrote
"The 35" tires with the Nth Degree Suspension precluded the need for lockers. Even at street pressure...The Overland JK stands out for its trail performance and the suspension..."

Is this still the opinion of the Overland Journal crew? No lockers needed for typical trail use? Being a Rubicon model, the Wrangler does have lockers, but it sounds like the AEV suspension and 35 inch tires work very well.

The Overland JK has 4.88 gearing and factory locking differentials. With the long-travel suspension and 35" tires I have found few situations where the lockers are needed. Drivers typically overuse lockers, particularly in the front application.

The Jeep is still going strong, even with tons of hard miles and trips to North Carolina and Washington. I am working on a comprehensive wrap-up article for an upcoming article in Overland Journal.

 

[fxk142]

Scott will you be bringing the Overland JK to the Vermont Overland Rally? I am planning on going and bringing my brother with his FJC as well.

Also side question: Did the 35's ever rub the Mopar Sliders or the rockers? Did you have to shorten them at all?

 

[Scott Brady]

Scott will you be bringing the Overland JK to the Vermont Overland Rally? I am planning on going and bringing my brother with his FJC as well.

Also side question: Did the 35's ever rub the Mopar Sliders or the rockers? Did you have to shorten them at all?

We are not sure on the OVJK for VT. I will be there for sure though Can't wait.

No rubbing at all. It is a funny thing, but 35" tires look just right on a JK. Any other vehicle and they look too big.

 

[406to417]

Its amazing how many of us were inspired by this vehicle.