Chorky
Observer
Freedom, on Eagles Wings – 2006 Golden Eagle 4.0L, 6 spd
A catalogue of my Jeep build for a life of adventure and exploration, and freedom.
I’ve always loved Jeeps. As a kid, I remember riding around in my dad’s old CJ7 – we went everywhere. It was slightly modified, but not much, or anything special. I remember days in the winter, we lived in a log cabin (no joke – we were POOR!, well I still am), and the Jeep he had was basically necessary to just get home on a daily basis. When the power went out, Dad would load up the Jeep with some gear, including a chain saw, and we would make the trek into town clearing roads along the way just to get some fresh food and have a warm place to sit for a while.
Years ago I had a series of life events that resulted in the need for a new/different vehicle. Wanting a vehicle that was, well, ‘me’, and something that would work to get me where I wanted to I made the decision to search for a Jeep. Though possibly not the most responsible decision, I was done with years of responsible decisions that always left me wanting. So searching, I found this Jeep 2.5 miles north of me at some no-name dealer, used. The owner of the place was awesome, and salesman non pressuring. Everyone working there was into community service. After a test drive, I spent a week doing research on that Jeep, with the VIN. It was clean, in great shape, low miles. A killer deal. Telling myself if it was still available in a couple weeks, it was meant to be. Well, it was. Likely the “gold” is what left it on the lot for a while. But that’s what made it unique, and considering myself in relation to friends and family, it seemed to fit (no, I’m not some weird purple haired dude with piercings all over). I ended making a 1:1 trade of my brand new car. A tough pill to swallow, and cash lost on my end, but it wasn’t about the money at that point. Life had recently taken a huge turn, and it was about getting back to who I truly am, which was lost somewhere… It’s a Jeep thing! Needless to say, this vehicle has a crap ton of sentimental value.
Over the years, build ideas and thoughts have changed. Some things have been installed, some also removed. I’ve gotten older, wiser (maybe), and realized hard core off road isn’t what I am into, but rather highly capable exploring. Thus, current paths have geared more toward desiring a mild off road rig with most of the goodies, but nothing extreme – except for one option: Brute style.
One thing is for certain – I can never get rid of this Jeep. I’ve loved it, and also been very hard on it, and some years totally neglected it, and it has been by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, never leaving me stranded, and taken me more places that I ever thought possible. And it is especially fitting as this TJ, more than 10 years ago, brought me 600+ miles just to visit a Army buddy for a week, and now, it has moved with me to the place I dreamed of living.
But, as life always changes and evolves situations, as I find out more, so shall you. So enjoy, and feel free to provide any input.
Original first post:
Well I figure it is a good day to at least start documenting my other vehicle. This was purchased and worked on well before my other build thread of a truck (https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/destination-unknown-a-1997-f350-build.172147/). Both vehicles are my 'babies' and have significant sentimental and real value aside from the 'fun' they bring. However, due to the nature of a current situation developments and realizations - instead of starting a build as one might normally, I would like to start with a question.
Being a 'Jeep' section of this site, what are opinions of the "Brute" option that has since been 'decommissioned' by AEV? While the truck build is on hold, and after watching yet again the seasons of Expedition Overland, and realizing some personal things, I am beginning a Brute build with a corresponding trailer might be a better way to go at the current moment to ensure continuation of outdoor recreation. I am mostly concerned with thoughts of different driving characteristics (especially in ice/mud as compared to a normal TJ), as well as hopes of longer wheelbase (with a couple of minor engine mods) being conducive to towing a 5,000 pound camping trailer (such as a larger teardrop).
For reference, I have originally started my Jeep build on a different site (https://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f22/majestic-eagle-1434780/), but didn't get far before beginning the truck, which is documented here via the above link.
A catalogue of my Jeep build for a life of adventure and exploration, and freedom.
I’ve always loved Jeeps. As a kid, I remember riding around in my dad’s old CJ7 – we went everywhere. It was slightly modified, but not much, or anything special. I remember days in the winter, we lived in a log cabin (no joke – we were POOR!, well I still am), and the Jeep he had was basically necessary to just get home on a daily basis. When the power went out, Dad would load up the Jeep with some gear, including a chain saw, and we would make the trek into town clearing roads along the way just to get some fresh food and have a warm place to sit for a while.
Years ago I had a series of life events that resulted in the need for a new/different vehicle. Wanting a vehicle that was, well, ‘me’, and something that would work to get me where I wanted to I made the decision to search for a Jeep. Though possibly not the most responsible decision, I was done with years of responsible decisions that always left me wanting. So searching, I found this Jeep 2.5 miles north of me at some no-name dealer, used. The owner of the place was awesome, and salesman non pressuring. Everyone working there was into community service. After a test drive, I spent a week doing research on that Jeep, with the VIN. It was clean, in great shape, low miles. A killer deal. Telling myself if it was still available in a couple weeks, it was meant to be. Well, it was. Likely the “gold” is what left it on the lot for a while. But that’s what made it unique, and considering myself in relation to friends and family, it seemed to fit (no, I’m not some weird purple haired dude with piercings all over). I ended making a 1:1 trade of my brand new car. A tough pill to swallow, and cash lost on my end, but it wasn’t about the money at that point. Life had recently taken a huge turn, and it was about getting back to who I truly am, which was lost somewhere… It’s a Jeep thing! Needless to say, this vehicle has a crap ton of sentimental value.
Over the years, build ideas and thoughts have changed. Some things have been installed, some also removed. I’ve gotten older, wiser (maybe), and realized hard core off road isn’t what I am into, but rather highly capable exploring. Thus, current paths have geared more toward desiring a mild off road rig with most of the goodies, but nothing extreme – except for one option: Brute style.
One thing is for certain – I can never get rid of this Jeep. I’ve loved it, and also been very hard on it, and some years totally neglected it, and it has been by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, never leaving me stranded, and taken me more places that I ever thought possible. And it is especially fitting as this TJ, more than 10 years ago, brought me 600+ miles just to visit a Army buddy for a week, and now, it has moved with me to the place I dreamed of living.
But, as life always changes and evolves situations, as I find out more, so shall you. So enjoy, and feel free to provide any input.
Original first post:
Well I figure it is a good day to at least start documenting my other vehicle. This was purchased and worked on well before my other build thread of a truck (https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/destination-unknown-a-1997-f350-build.172147/). Both vehicles are my 'babies' and have significant sentimental and real value aside from the 'fun' they bring. However, due to the nature of a current situation developments and realizations - instead of starting a build as one might normally, I would like to start with a question.
Being a 'Jeep' section of this site, what are opinions of the "Brute" option that has since been 'decommissioned' by AEV? While the truck build is on hold, and after watching yet again the seasons of Expedition Overland, and realizing some personal things, I am beginning a Brute build with a corresponding trailer might be a better way to go at the current moment to ensure continuation of outdoor recreation. I am mostly concerned with thoughts of different driving characteristics (especially in ice/mud as compared to a normal TJ), as well as hopes of longer wheelbase (with a couple of minor engine mods) being conducive to towing a 5,000 pound camping trailer (such as a larger teardrop).
For reference, I have originally started my Jeep build on a different site (https://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f22/majestic-eagle-1434780/), but didn't get far before beginning the truck, which is documented here via the above link.
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