New owner!

[derekdeadend]

Hey guys. I am a long timer on ADV rider and ine day got lost in this forun looking at these amazing builds so I got the hunger. I picked myself up an 02 Grand Cherokee Limited with a brand new motor. I hope itll last me years to come!

Anyhow, I am looking for folks in the Reno/Sparks/Tahoe area to meet up with, wrench, and just generally BS around with. I havent done anything to my Jeep yet. Im hoping to do a budget minded, moderate type of build. I am a total noob so any advice is appreciated greatly.

Any cheap/easy DIY mods? I've got some chrome on it I sure do want rid of!

 

[SDDiver5]

Welcome! Tons of upgrades you can do! They literally don't stop. That's a big difference between an ADV Bike and an overland rig, that I have noticed (some might not agree). I am also an ADV Rider member (same name as on here) I Currently have a DRZ400s and noticed that after doing the usual thumper upgrades, I kind of ran out of parts to buy. What's your current ride?

It's nice being able to take your adv bike further into the trails with an overland rig and then ADV ride from there.

What are you trying to do with your Jeep? That will help as far as suggestions.

 

[derekdeadend]

Welcome! Tons of upgrades you can do! They literally don't stop. That's a big difference between an ADV Bike and an overland rig, that I have noticed (some might not agree). I am also an ADV Rider member (same name as on here) I Currently have a DRZ400s and noticed that after doing the usual thumper upgrades, I kind of ran out of parts to buy. What's your current ride?

It's nice being able to take your adv bike further into the trails with an overland rig and then ADV ride from there.

What are you trying to do with your Jeep? That will help as far as suggestions.

Hi! Current bikes are Kawasaki KLR650 and a Honda XR650L, both subject to change at any moment with my bike ADD, lol. The Jeep I have would ideally haul a small bike on one of those hitch carriers, be able to tackle moderate terrain, nothing insane, and be able to accommodate me 4 to 5 days in the backcountry. Very very budget friendly is the goal. I know how pricey this can get!

 

[SDDiver5]

Hi! Current bikes are Kawasaki KLR650 and a Honda XR650L, both subject to change at any moment with my bike ADD, lol. The Jeep I have would ideally haul a small bike on one of those hitch carriers, be able to tackle moderate terrain, nothing insane, and be able to accommodate me 4 to 5 days in the backcountry. Very very budget friendly is the goal. I know how pricey this can get!

Nice! I'm thinking of selling my DRZ and buying a smaller red sticker 250 for single track and then a bigger 650 for long rides.... but we'll see as that will change for the same reason you mentioned above.

A Jeep is a perfect starting point. They have legendary off road capability as I'm sure you know. It honestly sounds like you'd be fine with some tires, shocks, and some type of sleeping platform in the back. Other nice things would be a fridge, awning and roof rack... I'd suggest to have the cooling system looked over but being a brand new engine I don't think you'll have those same problems as other high mileage jeeps. Maybe upgrade the lights as I remember the lights being very dim.

Rubicon Express and Rustys offroad are 2 of the main companies that sells suspensions kits if you want to go that way.

What engine does your jeep have? I drove my sisters WJ with the straight 6 engine and it had some pretty nice HP for a smaller engine....but the V8 is way more fun.

I'd also suggest not buying a brand new Joe Hauler. They are ridiculously expensive. I was super lucky and found one that was used once and picked it up for $150 so search CL everyday. Once you do get a Joe hauler, be absolutely sure to get this https://www.amazon.com/Rocking-Wobb...5&sr=8-4-fkmr1&keywords=Joe+Hauler+stabilizer

It stabilizes the joe hauler and prevents it from rocking....without it they are very wobbly and you will think your bike will fall off...like mine did!

 

[derekdeadend]

Nice! I'm thinking of selling my DRZ and buying a smaller red sticker 250 for single track and then a bigger 650 for long rides.... but we'll see as that will change for the same reason you mentioned above.

A Jeep is a perfect starting point. They have legendary off road capability as I'm sure you know. It honestly sounds like you'd be fine with some tires, shocks, and some type of sleeping platform in the back. Other nice things would be a fridge, awning and roof rack... I'd suggest to have the cooling system looked over but being a brand new engine I don't think you'll have those same problems as other high mileage jeeps. Maybe upgrade the lights as I remember the lights being very dim.

Rubicon Express and Rustys offroad are 2 of the main companies that sells suspensions kits if you want to go that way.

What engine does your jeep have? I drove my sisters WJ with the straight 6 engine and it had some pretty nice HP for a smaller engine....but the V8 is way more fun.

I'd also suggest not buying a brand new Joe Hauler. They are ridiculously expensive. I was super lucky and found one that was used once and picked it up for $150 so search CL everyday. Once you do get a Joe hauler, be absolutely sure to get this https://www.amazon.com/Rocking-Wobb...5&sr=8-4-fkmr1&keywords=Joe+Hauler+stabilizer

It stabilizes the joe hauler and prevents it from rocking....without it they are very wobbly and you will think your bike will fall off...like mine did!

Sweet! Thanks for te suggestions. The Jeep has 140k on the chassis and about 700 on te motor. It is indeed the v8...it runs like a dream and absolutely every single thing works aside from the heated seats, which I hear tell are a recall item that jeep will handle at no cost. Hoping thats true. The thing seems more luxurious than rugged, but I think that's fine as I intend to start very mild. This is going to be a slow process Id imagine. I definitely would like to lift it a tad and get it on knobbier tires sooner than later