JT build ideas.

[Jay61]

In the upcoming year I plan on starting a build based on the JT and an Alu-Cab Canopy Camper. Due to those who build vehicles like we do, weight is always an issue and no matter what we do, we tend to push the limits, more often than not exceeding the stated ones. Especially when we start adding extended range fuel tanks, bumpers, winches and all the other things we love, which I will be doing out the gate so to speak, so suspension related issues are always what I first plan out. Upgraded braking systems is always next, also due to all the weight. Since I have never really thought about all the added weight with these items and then a camper with all its "bells and whistles" I have always just relied upon the upgraded axles and gearing available with the Rubicon trim. However, I am wondering if continuous heavy loads and lots of rough travel will simply over time be too much for the Rubicon upgrades and should I plan for axle upgrades along the lines of a Dana 60 axle system with the available gearing and locking differentials available on the market and add the sway bar disconnects and vehicle protection. All this adds a substantial cost and it would require starting with a non-Rubicon trim to avoid spending money upfront on something that just will be replaced immediately. So, my question is basically, can the upgraded axles and gearing on the Rubicon trim handle this extra weight over time on its own? Or should I be thinking and planning with the idea of immediately upgrading and avoided the wasted added costs of a Rubicon trim?

 

[SlickRope]

The JTR has the 3rd gen dana 44s which are plenty strong, much stronger then the ones in the JKs. Make sure to get the tow package and if you are going with the v6 get the max tow. Remember, you don't need to get a Rubicon to get the strong axels anymore you can get them with a Sport S with max tow package. If you are carrying so much weight where you need dana 60s then you might just need to upgrade to a PW or PXL. Plenty people are running Alu-Cab's with 37's and having no issues. If anything get the breaks, chromyl shafts, gears. i think they are now making rear airbag systems for the JT for these setups as well. If you plan on going 40s and rock bouncing then yea you should get 60s.

 

[billiebob]

If you don't exceed the GVWR you should be fine with either the JT or JTR. But once you lift and go with bigger tires you are weakening the factory design. Almost every mod is a piece meal thing which does not increase capability. The factory has built an excellent unit, no way can you trust most of the after market to improve the engineering resources at Jeep. There are a few exceptions to that rule but they are not cheap.

Lifts and more rubber are mostly about ego and style. Keep it stock. Keep the loads legal. Or start with a higher GVWR ....... and keep it legal.

 

[smbisig]

I started with a Sport S Diesel as my platform. I have been in the overlanding/off-road industry for 20+ years so I already had an idea of what was going to be replaced and upgraded, so no need for a higher end packaged like the Rubicon. However, I was set on the diesel motor and if I was looking at the petrol motors, I would have gone with the Mojave (stronger rear axle and reinforced frame).

I special ordered my Gladiator with a minimal requirement list:

- Diesel
- Firecraker Red
- LED Light Packaged
- Cloth Seats (Dogs)
- Tow Package

I have been a Jeep guy my entire life but was still on the fence about which platform I wanted. It was between a Gladiator with Canopy Camper or Ram 2500 with a camper. I live in Washington State and ultimately decided on the Gladiator because I wanted to explore the tighter, more remote trails in our area.

Check out my build thread in the link below and let me know if you have any questions.

 

[AggieOE]

I would recommend that you build the vehicle then look at your suspension last. Get it weighed when you have got it built. Add your supplies for how you will be using it and then shop around for the springs and shocks for the weight the vehicle will be carrying this is to include the people.

If you do this the way most people build vehicles, is get the axles and the suspension, first then the other stuff, you will get it correct the second time you build the suspension.

@Dan Grec with The Road Chose Me would probably agree with this. It looked to be the way he's done his Australia campaign.

I'm curious about the bag set-up though. I ran the little AirLift ones on my 4Runner for a camping trip with much success but since then, they've started leaking. It could just be a fitting that's come loose but I'm curious what exists that's more permanent and robust.

 

[camodog]

I’ve got 40k miles on Mopar 2” and alucab canopy. No issues. Only upgrade needed imo is a heavier rear spring. We wheel all the time too.