The build on this Jeep has taken me on an interesting journey. All my previous cars were lowered VWs. This is my first 4×4 and there has been steep learning curve. Fortunately, just like McKay, I am able to do my own work which has saved me money through all the different changes the vehicle has undergone, and will probably continue to undergo as I find a style I am truly happy with. I like the current state the vehicle is in now with the 255/80/17 BFG KM2s and the oem wheels, but I am still figuring out the rack setup. Oh well, like we said in our intro, it’s a journey for both man and machine.
First day I got my Jeep.
Week two. 17×9 steel wheels and 285/70/17 Toyo AT2 tires.
The eBay grille inserts fit nicely.
Installed the Rough Country spacer lift kit with oem shock extensions.
Comparison between the oem headlight and the LED headlight. Big difference, but the LED headlights can’t melt snow. Hmmm….
Added the Hella 1000 driving lights and VPD bumper endcaps.
Lights all wired up.
Kargo Master Congo Cage installed.
Sold the 17″ steel wheels and tires and went with 35″ Treadwright tires on Method Racing wheels. Looks awesome. Also added the Yakima Mega Warrior roof basket.
Took out the spacer lift in favor of Metalcloak springs. I had already swapped out the shocks a couple weeks previous to installing the new springs with Quadratec units. I also installed JKS sway bar disconnects. The Metalcloak springs ride awesome and don’t sag under load.
A little DIY flat fenders. Doesn’t look too bad.
My wife took care of me for Father’s Day and got me some Barricade steel bumpers. Not the best, but way better than stock!
Barricade rear bumper with tow hitch.
Testing out the new suspension at Rausch Creek. It worked great.
Sold the oem soft top and Yakima basket. I used the money and purchased a used hard top in good condition. It is much quieter inside and I don’t have to yell at my wife on the highway now.
McKay switched out two of his Rallye 4000s and let me have his old ones for a steal! Thanks McKay.
Vichus and I at AAOA. The suspension and Treadwright tires performed great. I am really impressed with the ability of this vehicle, even without lockers.
I added a set of pocket style flares to keep stuff from kicking up on the body of the vehicle.
I got rid of the tube steps I and installed these Barricade sliders. They look much better and bolt to the frame mounts instead of the pinch seam.
Kargo Master rack back on with a Smittybilt modular Defender rack. Now the basket sits flush on the rack and is full length and width. Four Hella 500s look cool too.
I decided to use a fuse block for the lights instead of running all the leads to the battery. Now there is only one lead to the battery, and I still have room for three extra accessories.
The switch install is clean. I can operate the different sets of lights on the rack independently.
This should handle any night time off road needs.
After taking a trip to the Overland Expo, which was an 800 mile drive from Baltimore, I learned a lot about the Jeep. The 35″ tires, as cool as they looked, were too much for my needs. I also talked to several people at the Expo about what they prefer for overlanding. There seemed to be a common thread about narrower and taller. I ended up selling the 35s and going with a 255/80/17 BFG KM2. I Plasti-dipped the oem wheels. The ride is better, it tracks better on the highway, and my gas mileage has increased. I also didn’t need the wide fenders anymore, so I went back to stock units with the oem fender liners.
Lost Bearings Overland Journal 