I have revieved this thread in the new forum.
My thought in starting this thread is to try to pool some information learned thru my build process. It is my intent to let others learn from my experience, research and application. I wrote this not to suggest one manufacture or brand over another but just present some of the information I have learned and gathered thru my process. We all have opinions, I will do my best to present facts and information not brand hype. I will say you can buy cheap and replace it again and again or spend a little more and buy it once.
Background: I bought my first Jeep in 1976 a 1954 CJ5 4 cylinder 3 speed rig. It needed work a lot of work and by the time it was "done" the little CJ had a Commando drive train installed and huge 31 inch tires. That silly thing went everywhere. Built on a budget with limited resources and no real specialty equipment it was a great way to get out into the woods and have fun. This was preceded by many a Jeep, Bronco, Scout, and F series truck over the years. My current Jeep is the first Jeep I bought new.
Question most often heard is what should I do (Modify) to my Jeep first? My answer is Drive it! Wheel it ! Find out what works for you and what doesn't. After a few trips then decied where you want to go with modifications. Yes that goals will evolve over time, try to keep that in mind. Build it for you not to keep up with "the Jones". A daily driver is much different from a dedicated trail rig so are the capabilities to each.
My first ride was at AOAA in a cold February day. I had the good fortune to run with another JKUR that was completely stock. While it was frowned on to "build a road" to climb obstacles the rig was spotted and driven thru some challenge areas without damage. Fast forward a year and in comes this little black JK. Stock street tires, no suspension. We wheeled for a whole day thru lots of cool stuff and much to my surprise the bone stock Jeep hung in there and made each challenge with careful driving a some spotting. The lesson learned was Drive you Jeep. Find out what works for you and what doesn't. Learn a bit about your rig and what you would like to do with it. Set a goal and a budget for attaining that goal. Remember it is your Goal and there will always be some one with a more capable rig and more money to build that capability.
cont.
My thought in starting this thread is to try to pool some information learned thru my build process. It is my intent to let others learn from my experience, research and application. I wrote this not to suggest one manufacture or brand over another but just present some of the information I have learned and gathered thru my process. We all have opinions, I will do my best to present facts and information not brand hype. I will say you can buy cheap and replace it again and again or spend a little more and buy it once.
Background: I bought my first Jeep in 1976 a 1954 CJ5 4 cylinder 3 speed rig. It needed work a lot of work and by the time it was "done" the little CJ had a Commando drive train installed and huge 31 inch tires. That silly thing went everywhere. Built on a budget with limited resources and no real specialty equipment it was a great way to get out into the woods and have fun. This was preceded by many a Jeep, Bronco, Scout, and F series truck over the years. My current Jeep is the first Jeep I bought new.
Question most often heard is what should I do (Modify) to my Jeep first? My answer is Drive it! Wheel it ! Find out what works for you and what doesn't. After a few trips then decied where you want to go with modifications. Yes that goals will evolve over time, try to keep that in mind. Build it for you not to keep up with "the Jones". A daily driver is much different from a dedicated trail rig so are the capabilities to each.
My first ride was at AOAA in a cold February day. I had the good fortune to run with another JKUR that was completely stock. While it was frowned on to "build a road" to climb obstacles the rig was spotted and driven thru some challenge areas without damage. Fast forward a year and in comes this little black JK. Stock street tires, no suspension. We wheeled for a whole day thru lots of cool stuff and much to my surprise the bone stock Jeep hung in there and made each challenge with careful driving a some spotting. The lesson learned was Drive you Jeep. Find out what works for you and what doesn't. Learn a bit about your rig and what you would like to do with it. Set a goal and a budget for attaining that goal. Remember it is your Goal and there will always be some one with a more capable rig and more money to build that capability.
cont.
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