Slow Build: 2013 JK

apalmer

Adventurer
Those are 35" on a 3+" (roughly) lift. 100% sure on the tire size, not on the lift though. Either way, it's too high for my needs, I'm more worried about handling the weight of the RTT, and rack...and all the camping gear.

I'm going 33, and as close to a 2" lift as I can for the spring. I have all winter to plan my suspension out.
 

apalmer

Adventurer
Oh, and I finally have my bike mount figured out:

rack.JPG

It's up out of the way, and I don't lose that much departure angle, compared to a hitch mount rack.
 

daryn1979

Observer
Jeep's looking nice! I traded in my '13 JK 2dr for a '12 JKUR earlier this month. If you ever want help working on your rig, let me know- it appears that we're neighbors!
 

Main Line Overland

Supporting Sponsor
That green JK is running an AEV 3.5" suspension kit, with 35x12.5x17 BFG KM2s. The Mopar winter wheels require a 1.5" wheel spacer to bring the tire out flush with the fender and prevent rubbing at full lock. We run the same setup and love it. We went with the 3.5" lift because we are running a Gobi rack, a 150 lbs Eezi-Awn RTT, plus Goal Zero Solar panels, and a Hi-Lift jack, and that weight will compress your suspension. Honestly I think that the AEV 2.5" suspension provides the perfect look with 35" tires, and they fill the wheel wells nicely. But for serious overland travel, and carrying the extra weight, the 3.5" is the way to go. Running too much weight on the roof with a stock or soft spring rate will cause serious nose dive, which in wet conditions can be very dangerous.

DSC_0179.jpg

On another note, glad you love the Gobi Rack, the wait time sucks because demand is so high. But it is a high quality rack that will outlast many other racks on the market.
 

brianjwilson

Some sort of lost...
Oh, and I finally have my bike mount figured out:

View attachment 198100

It's up out of the way, and I don't lose that much departure angle, compared to a hitch mount rack.

I like it. I have Yakima locking fork mounts that I plan to mount on the back of my Ursa Minor top to hang my 29er the same way.

The AEV 3.5" does not feel as tall as you might think. Mine handled better than stock with their progress springs, Bilsteins shocks, improved roll center and front control arm geometry. You'll appreciate it with a bunch of extra weight. Though the 2.5" option is a great starting point as well.
 

apalmer

Adventurer
Jeep's looking nice! I traded in my '13 JK 2dr for a '12 JKUR earlier this month. If you ever want help working on your rig, let me know- it appears that we're neighbors!

Thanks! I live over by the fairgrounds. Where are you at?

That green JK is running an AEV 3.5" suspension kit, with 35x12.5x17 BFG KM2s. The Mopar winter wheels require a 1.5" wheel spacer to bring the tire out flush with the fender and prevent rubbing at full lock. We run the same setup and love it. We went with the 3.5" lift because we are running a Gobi rack, a 150 lbs Eezi-Awn RTT, plus Goal Zero Solar panels, and a Hi-Lift jack, and that weight will compress your suspension. Honestly I think that the AEV 2.5" suspension provides the perfect look with 35" tires, and they fill the wheel wells nicely. But for serious overland travel, and carrying the extra weight, the 3.5" is the way to go. Running too much weight on the roof with a stock or soft spring rate will cause serious nose dive, which in wet conditions can be very dangerous.

On another note, glad you love the Gobi Rack, the wait time sucks because demand is so high. But it is a high quality rack that will outlast many other racks on the market.

Thanks for the experience-based info! The rack is great!

I like it. I have Yakima locking fork mounts that I plan to mount on the back of my Ursa Minor top to hang my 29er the same way.

The AEV 3.5" does not feel as tall as you might think. Mine handled better than stock with their progress springs, Bilsteins shocks, improved roll center and front control arm geometry. You'll appreciate it with a bunch of extra weight. Though the 2.5" option is a great starting point as well.

I was thinking about rigging fork mounts up there as well, I'll see what I can come up with over the winter.

I'm a bit torn on suspension...part of me just wants to get the AEV 2.5 and call it a day...BUT...I can get FOX shocks at wholesale, so a DIY ala-carte kit is looking good too.
 

apalmer

Adventurer
On another note, glad you love the Gobi Rack, the wait time sucks because demand is so high. But it is a high quality rack that will outlast many other racks on the market.

I should also point out that the wait was not that bad, because you did a great job managing my expectations very well from the get-go, and had good communication throughout the transaction. So props to maine-line!
 

Main Line Overland

Supporting Sponsor
I should also point out that the wait was not that bad, because you did a great job managing my expectations very well from the get-go, and had good communication throughout the transaction. So props to maine-line!

Thanks, and at least you won't ever have a post like I saw in this forum today "AEV Rack Disaster", not holes=no leaks :wings:

I love all of AEV's products but their roof rack. You have to drill holes in your hardtop, it sits too high and it is not full length.
 
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daryn1979

Observer
Thanks! I live over by the fairgrounds. Where are you at?

I live over by the carnage that once was the Ford Plant. We should get together sometime- I'd really like to check out your...um...rack? I've built a few jeeps over the years and I think this one is going to be an expo because I don't really rock crawl- I just want something to hit the forest roads with and do some camping. The Gobi seems like a really stout rack, but I've never had a chance to really look at one.
 

apalmer

Adventurer
I live over by the carnage that once was the Ford Plant. We should get together sometime- I'd really like to check out your...um...rack?

^AWKWARD






I'm sure that can be arranged. It's a great rack. Very well thought out, and super easy to install. It's pretty strong, although I have nothing to directly compare it to. No movement that I could feel when we were sleeping in roof-top tent on it. Have not had it loaded up off road yet, but I see no issue with that either.
 

apalmer

Adventurer
How does your Jeep handle with the RTT on the rack?

You can tell it's up there! I did about a 400 mile trip with it attached, and it makes the vehicle feel a bit...ponderous. Not dangerous or anything like that, but you can feel the jeep move around a bit more, and it kinda wallows around a little on larger bumps. Highway its fine...minus the MPG loss of course.

A JK has a payload of about 1100 pounds, and as I add it up in my head, I'm finding I'm going to need to upgrade the suspension.

2 Passengers: 325lbs
Gobi rack: 150lbs or so (based on a ship weight of 175 with a pallet, and cardboard)
RTT: 120
Rubicon Rails: 60+lbs

With just those things, I have used over 50% of the payload. I'm planning a rear bumper too, so...

I'm half tempted to try a set of air assist springs, and see where that gets me.
 

daryn1979

Observer
Air assist springs? Although it's WAY out of my price range, you could always check out OROs AiROCK suspension: http://www.offroadonly.com/catalog.130318/product_info.php?products_id=312

I've talked to the owner a few times and visited their shop when it was still in St. Paul. They relocated down to Eagan a couple years ago. Again- way too rich for my blood, but that kit includes an OBA, springs, shocks and everything else. It becomes cheaper if you already have OBA. It's good to have dreams...:drool:
 

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