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THE JEEP THREAD > All Things Jeep (3 Viewers)
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Insoxicated
Good info on Outer Bank Beach Driving rules HereI've got a good bit of experience driving in some fairly deep sand and it can be a good time.
Your jeep will do quite well.> Image from Arches National Park, Moab - "Deep Sand - Impassable in Summer" (taken June 2008 - We had no problems)
> Me Playing in a sand pit on Poison Spider Mesa Trail - Moab, UT
Driving in sand you will want to create as wide a tire footprint as you can. What size tires are you running? It's all about "flotation" in the sand. The best way to achieve that is by dropping the air pressure in your tires to increase your contact patch. The pressures you can drop to depend greatly on what size wheel/tire combination you're running. A good ballpark guide is this (off the top of my head):
(Assuming a stock-ish 9.5 to 10.5" wide tire on a standard 8" wide rim)
30" Tire - Air down to 14psi
31" Tire - Air down to 14psi
32" Tire - Air down to 12psi
33" Tire - Air down to 12 psi
35" Tire - Air down to 10psi
If you're running a 10" wide rim, I'd add 2psi to the numbers above as you're more likely to unseat a bead with that configuration (unless you're running a 12.5" wide tire)
WHAT TO BRING:
1) Tire Pressure Gauge (To check pressure when airing down)
2) 12V Powered Air Pump (to Air back up after on solid ground again)
3) Small Shovel (In case you get hung up)
4) A couple small planks of plywood (to put under tires if you manage to get stuck) (recommended but not required)
5) A 20' Long Recovery/Snatch Strap (20,000lb / 2" wide is sufficient - $20 on ebay) (recommended but not required)
DRIVING TECHNIQUES:
(Borrowed from offroaders.com):
When traveling on sand, you should endeavor to follow in the tire tracks of the vehicle in front as they have already compressed the sand to form a firmer surface than un-traversed ground. Never drive on vegetation as this will destroy it and lead to erosion and environmental damage.
You should avoid rapid changes in speed when accelerating or braking. Braking on sand will cause a mound to build up in front of all wheels and possibly prevent your vehicle from taking off. Rapid acceleration simply digs the wheels in and can actually lead to slower take-off speeds.
Take-off should be performed as smoothly as possible with gear changes done at fairly high revs. Sand driving requires plenty of engine power to get your vehicle "planing" on the sand. It is advisable to use low range as this multiplies the amount of engine torque available and will provide that extra gear if you encounter a particularly soft patch of sand. Check that your tires are pointing straight ahead when taking off to reduce the takeoff effort required.
When stopping on sand, depress the clutch and allow the vehicle to coast to a stop. This will minimize any sand build-up in front of the wheels. If the terrain permits, coast to a stop, rather than braking, with the vehicle pointing downhill as this will aid take-off. Avoid the soft sand at the base of most dunes and gullies when stopping.
When turning, make the turn as wide as possible to reduce the chance of bogging. Your front wheels act more like a rudder in sand and turning too sharp has a similar effect to applying the brakes.
Steep sand dunes can be traversed only straight up or down. If you drive even on a slight angle, the weight transfer is to the downhill side wheels. If the vehicle starts to slip, the downhill wheels tend to dig in and make the angle of the dune even worse, leading to a potential rollover.
If you are traveling straight down a steep dune and the back end starts to slip sideways, it is best to accelerate slightly to try and straighten the vehicle. Never use the brake, as this will cause weight transfer to the front wheels and can increase the back end movement.
If traveling up a dune and you do not get to the top, reverse down the dune in gear, NEVER coast down the dune and NEVER attempt a U turn.
When you return home after a beach trip, it is important to hose down your vehicle to remove all traces of sand and salt. Pay special attention to areas like the mudguards where sand is sprayed around and tends to get trapped. Thoroughly hose underneath your vehicle as well, as there are many nooks and crannies where sand con also get trapped.
RECOVERY TECHNIQUES:
As soon as you become bogged, avoid the temptation to simply floor the accelerator as this will just make vehicle recovery more difficult. Put the vehicle in reverse and gently try to back along your tracks as they provide a compacted path. When you have reversed a sufficient distance, try going forward again while being careful not dig yourself in. Hopefully you will travel further each time you repeat this technique and eventually be able to slowly pass through a particularly soft section.
If you cannot reverse out of trouble, get out of the vehicle and let your tires down further. A rule of thumb is to drop them by a further 12 psi. Before trying to reverse out, remove the build-up of sand from behind the tires. See if any part of the underside is touching. If it is, clear the sand away to allow the vehicle to reverse out. You may need to try this several times.
If necessary, continue to drop the tire pressures to 10 psi. Also, never underestimate the assistance of your passengers giving a push. As mentioned earlier, tires can be lowered to 6psi in extreme cases, but this should be avoided if other means of vehicle recovery are available.
If you are still stuck and your tires are down to the minimum pressure, you will have to resort to a snatch strap, winching or jacking to extricate yourself. The easiest method is usually by snatch strap, but this relies on another vehicle being present. If you are by yourself you will have to resort to winching (if you have one!) or jacking.
SUMMARY SAND DRIVING:
* lower tire pressures to greatly improve traction and reduce track erosion
* drive smoothly with gear changes at high revs
* ensure wheels are pointing straight ahead when taking off
* avoid the soft sand at the base of dunes and gullies
* make turns as wide as possible
* ONLY travel straight up or down dunes
* follow in others tire tracks to drive on compressed ground
* avoid braking by coasting to a stop
* do not floor the accelerator if you are bogging down
* when bogged, try to reverse on your own tracks
* thoroughly hose down your vehicle after a beach trip
Don't worry too much about it. Most beaches are fairly compact and are easily passable by a Jeep in 4WD. Have a good time!
Flying V
Footballguy
Thanks, Matt.
I'm running 33X12.5 tires. I have a rear bumper that doubles as an air tank. It will hold 200 PSI, but not a lot of volume. I'll have to experiment to see how low I can go on tire pressure and still be able to pump them back up enough to drive on the street. I have a back-up inflator that runs off the battery, but it's so low volume that it takes forever to get back up to 35 PSI.
How was your trip to Moab? Did your butt get sore from driving that far or did you tow your Jeep? I can't imagine that being a very comfortable ride for that long of a trip. No way my kids are going to tolerate a 7 hour trip in the back of my Jeep, right?
I'm running 33X12.5 tires. I have a rear bumper that doubles as an air tank. It will hold 200 PSI, but not a lot of volume. I'll have to experiment to see how low I can go on tire pressure and still be able to pump them back up enough to drive on the street. I have a back-up inflator that runs off the battery, but it's so low volume that it takes forever to get back up to 35 PSI.
How was your trip to Moab? Did your butt get sore from driving that far or did you tow your Jeep? I can't imagine that being a very comfortable ride for that long of a trip. No way my kids are going to tolerate a 7 hour trip in the back of my Jeep, right?
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Insoxicated
Back to the scotch MrSurly
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Insoxicated
I ran 33x12.5 for a while. 12psi was a non issue. start there. Airing up doesn't have to be fast... as long as you have the ability to. And why the HELL are you running 35psi? Don't do that. My street pressure for 33x12.50 was 26psi. No wonder your kids ##### about the ride. 35psi with that tire is going to wear the middle thin and leave crazy tread on the outer edge... not to mention the filling-jarring bouncy ride. Try a lower air pressure. Your passengers will thank you.
Moab was a drive-out drive back trip. two 16 hour days each way. Was suprisingly easy. The trick is the right tire pressure and good shocks. What are you running? Not sure of your budget or your wrenching abilities but if you have the skills to Change Your Shocks then I would look into:
1) ON A BUDGET: Skyjacker Hydros (NOT NITROS). For about 30 bucks a corner you can GREATLY improve your ride quality over most other shocks.
2) DOING IT RIGHT: Old Man Emo Shocks (yellow). For about 80 bucks a corner you can do it right. Fantastic ride on a wrangler.
Good shocks and a tire pressure in the mid 20s will make a wrangler ride MUCH better on the highway.
[icon]
Insoxicated
I'd suggest just giving it a try yourself. Honestly I much prefer the ride. Perhaps you'll find a happy balance.This is a good test to check tire wear: Chalk Test
Assuming you have a good set of shocks and your factory swaybar system are in good shape, then you should be plenty stable at tire pressure in the mid 20s. I run that range (usually 24) on the roads and drive my jeep very aggressively on road. It corners fantastically, with much less body roll than other SUVs through tight corners.... though part of that is due to the firm OME Coils and the ORO Swayloc system.
One question.. what type of lift are you running? If it's a 3" body lift then you'll be a good bit less stable than if it's a suspension lift.
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[icon]
Insoxicated
What a weekend.
I didn't make either trip but we had several groups out riding at various Off Road Parks in the region and there was a TON of carnage.
One group was at SMORR (Southern Missouri Off Road Ranch).
THIS GUY rolled 3 times down that hill. See the kid standing up at the top in the picture? That's where the roll started.
Another PIc
3rd Pic
Another Guy Flopped Over in a different spot
---
A Second Group was out at Superlift ORV Park (Hot Springs, AR) where there was more carnage. The main event made for some very entertaining pics
There is a rather tough section of trail on a Class 3 (moderate) trail named "Sardine Ravine". It typically will cause you to get a tire or two up in the air good and we've had several near-rolls there but never anything bad.
UNTIL THIS GUY rolled his new 4 Door Wrangler.
Another Pic
Another PIc
Front end once flipped back over
Back on the ground
After a careful recovery they stripped away the damaged body panels and it turns out the Jeep runs fine. The guy drove it back 3.5 hours to Memphis with no ill effects. The thing was still in alignment
Lots of other damage like Snapped driveshafts Two other Flops but the triple roll and the upright 4 Door JK were the big carnage for the weekend.
Good times
I didn't make either trip but we had several groups out riding at various Off Road Parks in the region and there was a TON of carnage.
One group was at SMORR (Southern Missouri Off Road Ranch).
THIS GUY rolled 3 times down that hill. See the kid standing up at the top in the picture? That's where the roll started.
Another PIc
3rd Pic
Another Guy Flopped Over in a different spot
---
A Second Group was out at Superlift ORV Park (Hot Springs, AR) where there was more carnage. The main event made for some very entertaining pics
There is a rather tough section of trail on a Class 3 (moderate) trail named "Sardine Ravine". It typically will cause you to get a tire or two up in the air good and we've had several near-rolls there but never anything bad.
UNTIL THIS GUY rolled his new 4 Door Wrangler.
Another Pic
Another PIc
Front end once flipped back over
Back on the ground
After a careful recovery they stripped away the damaged body panels and it turns out the Jeep runs fine. The guy drove it back 3.5 hours to Memphis with no ill effects. The thing was still in alignment
Lots of other damage like Snapped driveshafts Two other Flops but the triple roll and the upright 4 Door JK were the big carnage for the weekend.
Good times
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[icon]
Insoxicated
Heading off in a few days for a week of wheeling in Keystone, Colorado region with a good sized group. Renting a house for the week.
Some trails we'll be running:
• Holy Cross Trail (one of the hardest in Colorado),
• Mosquito Pass (the highest open mountain pass in the United States at ~13,200 feet),
• Wheeler Lake,
.... and tons more...
We'll be mixing in a little white water rafting (Browns canyon) and lots of good colorado MicroBrews.
Taking off Saturday, August 1st. Staying in Hays or Salinas, KS Saturday night and arriving in keystone early afternoon Sunday.
Departing Keystone early Saturday (8th) morning and arriving back in Memphis Sunday, August 9th.
There will be many pics/videos from this adventure...
Some trails we'll be running:
• Holy Cross Trail (one of the hardest in Colorado),
• Mosquito Pass (the highest open mountain pass in the United States at ~13,200 feet),
• Wheeler Lake,
.... and tons more...
We'll be mixing in a little white water rafting (Browns canyon) and lots of good colorado MicroBrews.
Taking off Saturday, August 1st. Staying in Hays or Salinas, KS Saturday night and arriving in keystone early afternoon Sunday.
Departing Keystone early Saturday (8th) morning and arriving back in Memphis Sunday, August 9th.
There will be many pics/videos from this adventure...
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tommyGunZ
Footballguy
As a guy who grew up riding dirt bikes in rural VA, this looks like crazy fun.
As a 35 yr old living in coastal CA, these photos make WoW and werewolf guys look like Don Juans.
I can't decide which is right. Either way, entertaining stuff icon. Mosquito Pass looks ridiculous.
As a 35 yr old living in coastal CA, these photos make WoW and werewolf guys look like Don Juans.
I can't decide which is right. Either way, entertaining stuff icon. Mosquito Pass looks ridiculous.
[icon]
Insoxicated
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tommyGunZ
Footballguy
Peeped out those photos from your last jeep trip. Didn't see many chicks in those photos. Just a bunch of dudes playing with toys in the woods.Like I said, I grew up running bikes through trails, so I have nothing but love. But come on, just admit you're nerding out. We all have our vice.
Not 100% sure what you're referring to here but this group will be all couples. 
sbonomo
Footballguy
I am just wonder how in the heck the guy ended up on his front end like that? The hill does not really look that challenging? I know it is hard to tell at time how steep it is but that seems impossible. Also, I have the old man emu shocks and I love them (Discovery II – with 3.5” old man emu lift)
[icon]
Insoxicated
Peeped out those photos from your last jeep trip. Didn't see many chicks in those photos. Just a bunch of dudes playing with toys in the woods.Like I said, I grew up running bikes through trails, so I have nothing but love. But come on, just admit you're nerding out. We all have our vice.
GF comes with me on every run. Loves it. Drives about 25% of the time. She damn near flipped my rig last time out. Good times. Dunno what to tell ya. If you want to bring up the point that off roading is a male dominated hobby... well duh. I'll counter with golf as it's equal (if not worse). You'll get no argument from me... but the core group I ride with (moab trip, colorado trip, etc) are all married or involved and have SO's who wheel with them most of the time.That said, it's also nice to have hobbies where your wife/so isn't up your ### and you can hang with the guys (I bring up golf again).
If that's "nerding out" then so be it.
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[icon]
Insoxicated
His dumb ### was a noob and was ####### with his CD player while going down a fairly steep descent. Ended up on one wall, over-corrected and voila. Doesn't take much. Spotter/Passenger's job is to #### with the radio... or wait till you're stopped at an obstacle.
Finless
Footballguy
r00kies.....What a weekend.
I didn't make either trip but we had several groups out riding at various Off Road Parks in the region and there was a TON of carnage.
One group was at SMORR (Southern Missouri Off Road Ranch).
THIS GUY rolled 3 times down that hill. See the kid standing up at the top in the picture? That's where the roll started.
Another PIc
3rd Pic
Another Guy Flopped Over in a different spot
---
A Second Group was out at Superlift ORV Park (Hot Springs, AR) where there was more carnage. The main event made for some very entertaining pics
There is a rather tough section of trail on a Class 3 (moderate) trail named "Sardine Ravine". It typically will cause you to get a tire or two up in the air good and we've had several near-rolls there but never anything bad.
UNTIL THIS GUY rolled his new 4 Door Wrangler.
Another Pic
Another PIc
Front end once flipped back over
Back on the ground
After a careful recovery they stripped away the damaged body panels and it turns out the Jeep runs fine. The guy drove it back 3.5 hours to Memphis with no ill effects. The thing was still in alignment
Lots of other damage like Snapped driveshafts Two other Flops but the triple roll and the upright 4 Door JK were the big carnage for the weekend.
Good times
[icon]
Insoxicated
While flop/roll does not automatically = rookies, In the case of those guys, pretty much, yeah. The guy who ended up against the tree was on his first trip out. He's since fixed his #### (insurance) and is now a more attentive wheeler. The guy in the blue jeep is a ####### who I was happy to see roll (and walk away from it). He's still of the trails and didn't quite have as good of insurance. Incidentally, Progressive covers an offroad roll 100% as "comprehensive" or "not really your fault".... so if I was to total out my jeep on the trail, it wouldn't really affect my rates nearly as much as rolling it on road. Always found that interesting.r00kies.....
[icon]
Insoxicated
Few more photos (not mine) from areas we'll be going (and around there)...
• Winching on Holy Cross
• Holy Cross City In the background (famous American ghost town)
• ####### flopping this month on Holy Cross
• Coming Down Wheeler Lake in the fog
• V Notch & Bypass on Wheeler Lake - Neither is very tough
• Holy Cross a week ago - Snow has receeded
• Random Trail Shot
• Some easy hill climbs
• Light Fording of streams
• Scenic stuff
• Gorgeous shot of Blue Lakes Basin
Anyone getting a chance to take their jeep to Summit County should do so. This area (Keystone/Breckenridge) as well as down near Ouray/Telluride are some of the best wheeling in the country.
• Winching on Holy Cross
• Holy Cross City In the background (famous American ghost town)
• ####### flopping this month on Holy Cross
• Coming Down Wheeler Lake in the fog
• V Notch & Bypass on Wheeler Lake - Neither is very tough
• Holy Cross a week ago - Snow has receeded
• Random Trail Shot
• Some easy hill climbs
• Light Fording of streams
• Scenic stuff
• Gorgeous shot of Blue Lakes Basin
Anyone getting a chance to take their jeep to Summit County should do so. This area (Keystone/Breckenridge) as well as down near Ouray/Telluride are some of the best wheeling in the country.
belljr
Footballguy
Limp Ditka
Footballguy
2 questions
1. Any info / site for getting a cheap soft top? I need all of the gear / framework too.
2. The Jeep wave. Why?
1. Any info / site for getting a cheap soft top? I need all of the gear / framework too.
2. The Jeep wave. Why?
[icon]
Insoxicated
I can put you in touch with a guy at 4 Wheel Parts that might be able to help ya out. You talking about for a TJ? What year? Jeep Wave... it's common among "Cult" vehicles. Corvettes wave to each other. Harley's wave to each other. Mostly just built wranglers wave to each other. Just a way of sayin "nice rig" or something. I dunno. I do it sometimes if folks wave first... but I rarely initiate unless it's a really sweet setup.
[icon]
Insoxicated
Back from Colorado... what an amazing trip. Ran Wheeler Lake, Mosquito Pass, Holy Cross (to the very top), Red Cone, Webster Pass, etc etc etc. White water rafting went well as well.... only class 3 but still a good time.
Few pics:
3 Wheel Motion on Wheeler Lake's first obstacle >
Descending the Notch at Wheeler Lake >
Going down the backside of Mosquito Pass (13,200+ feet). >
No margin for error. Sheer drops of ridiculous height..
HOLY CROSS > First attempt at Cleveland Rock - Impossible for Short Wheelbase on 35s
Winching up the sheer face on Cleveland Rock - Photos don't do this justice >
Climbing Upper French Creek on Holy Cross trail >
Descending Cleveland Rock on Holy Cross
The view from the end of Holy Cross Trail > Pictures don't do it justice...
The GF playing with some Mountain Goats at around 12,000ft. They would let you get very close (almost to touch). Not used to people up there.
A shot on the lower ledge from RedCone (around 12,000ft as well).
Few pics:
3 Wheel Motion on Wheeler Lake's first obstacle >
Descending the Notch at Wheeler Lake >
Going down the backside of Mosquito Pass (13,200+ feet). >
No margin for error. Sheer drops of ridiculous height..
HOLY CROSS > First attempt at Cleveland Rock - Impossible for Short Wheelbase on 35s
Winching up the sheer face on Cleveland Rock - Photos don't do this justice >
Climbing Upper French Creek on Holy Cross trail >
Descending Cleveland Rock on Holy Cross
The view from the end of Holy Cross Trail > Pictures don't do it justice...
The GF playing with some Mountain Goats at around 12,000ft. They would let you get very close (almost to touch). Not used to people up there.
A shot on the lower ledge from RedCone (around 12,000ft as well).
Texas Football
Footballguy
I need to replace my tires on 2005 Unlimited this week. It's all stock at the moment and is about 60/20 street/light offroad(beach, creeks, etc.).
I am looking at Goodyear - Wrangler Silent Armor Descrip: 31X10.5R15. Does anyone have any better suggestions?
I am looking at Goodyear - Wrangler Silent Armor Descrip: 31X10.5R15. Does anyone have any better suggestions?
[icon]
Insoxicated
Congrats! Rubi's are awesome. LOVE The new 4 Doors too... Congrats! What are you planning on doing to it?After 2.5 years away I'm back in the club. Purchased a 2010 Unlimited Rubicon last night. My 4th jeep1st Jeep - 89 YJ(installed a chevy 350, spring over, Scout D44's and 35's)2nd Jeep - 2k TJ 4 cyl, spacer lift, 32's and 4.88 gears3rd Jeep - 2004 Rubicon
BFG A/Ts are a fantastic great-wearing All Terrain tire that will outperform most A/Ts off road while exhibiting great on road manners. If I wasn't running Mud Terrains I'd be running those personally.
[icon]
Insoxicated
I might have a project coming up in the next week or two. I have an inside track on a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara that's already built up a bit (4" lift, 35" Tires, aftermarket wheels, Side Slider Armor, etc). The ONLY downside is the engine is hydrolocked. Well.. in doing some research it's actually QUITE easy to swap in a 350HP 5.7L V8 HEMI into the JK Wranglers. The swap typically costs $18k to 24K to have it done by a shop, but I can buy the motor, transmission, and full install kit (wiring, computer, hoses, exhaust, radiator, etc) for about $7-8k.
Considering I will be buying this Jeep for a mere $7800 (!) and dropping the motor in myself (with help) for $7-8k. I should be into this thing For about $16k total when it's all said and done and it will be a pretty much new 4dr Wrangler with an upgraded trim package (Sahara) already built up nicely and loaded with a BEAST under the hood that will smoke the tires at will. Most 09' Unlimiteds with the Hemi run about $30-35k so I'll be walking into ~$15k in equity on this thing.
Picture of the Jeep as it sits right now
Considering I will be buying this Jeep for a mere $7800 (!) and dropping the motor in myself (with help) for $7-8k. I should be into this thing For about $16k total when it's all said and done and it will be a pretty much new 4dr Wrangler with an upgraded trim package (Sahara) already built up nicely and loaded with a BEAST under the hood that will smoke the tires at will. Most 09' Unlimiteds with the Hemi run about $30-35k so I'll be walking into ~$15k in equity on this thing.
Picture of the Jeep as it sits right now
lumpy19
Footballguy
No plans for any mods. Current vehicle is my daily driver, I'll never hit any trails that I'll need anything more than a stock Rubicon.Congrats! Rubi's are awesome. LOVE The new 4 Doors too... Congrats! What are you planning on doing to it?After 2.5 years away I'm back in the club. Purchased a 2010 Unlimited Rubicon last night. My 4th jeep
1st Jeep - 89 YJ(installed a chevy 350, spring over, Scout D44's and 35's)
2nd Jeep - 2k TJ 4 cyl, spacer lift, 32's and 4.88 gears
3rd Jeep - 2004 RubiconBFG A/Ts are a fantastic great-wearing All Terrain tire that will outperform most A/Ts off road while exhibiting great on road manners. If I wasn't running Mud Terrains I'd be running those personally.
omally
Footballguy
Killer jeep. Would this be your primary ride or your fun ride? Are you going to sell the jeep you have now?
[icon]
Insoxicated
You're good to go then. The 4 Door Rubis are VERY capable right out of the box.No plans for any mods. Current vehicle is my daily driver, I'll never hit any trails that I'll need anything more than a stock Rubicon.Congrats! Rubi's are awesome. LOVE The new 4 Doors too... Congrats! What are you planning on doing to it?After 2.5 years away I'm back in the club. Purchased a 2010 Unlimited Rubicon last night. My 4th jeep
1st Jeep - 89 YJ(installed a chevy 350, spring over, Scout D44's and 35's)
2nd Jeep - 2k TJ 4 cyl, spacer lift, 32's and 4.88 gears
3rd Jeep - 2004 RubiconBFG A/Ts are a fantastic great-wearing All Terrain tire that will outperform most A/Ts off road while exhibiting great on road manners. If I wasn't running Mud Terrains I'd be running those personally.
[icon]
Insoxicated
Thanks. I've been debating on this one. I just made the mistake of going through this thread and looking at all the old pictures of my jeep growing up and confirmed the fact that I'll never sell it. Not a chance. So... this 4 door will likely be my "nice" rig. I'm going to put the Hemi in it, i have an inside track on a hard top (brand new : $700) and I'll likely put in Alloy axle shafts (to hold up to the torque), throw on a winch and custom front and rear bumpers (swing away rear) and call it done. It will be my bad weater, cold weather, long distance trip, carrying a group of people jeep.... and my beloved TJ will be my top down, doors off, trail rig jeep.
Frank Drebin
Footballguy
That's a bad ride. I have a 2008 Sahara (still stock) and the only thing I wish was different was the painted fenders. That'll be one of the first things I change on it. Seems like every kid/shopping cart/etc. finds those fenders to scuff the paint up. Gimme the flat black ones any day.I might have a project coming up in the next week or two. I have an inside track on a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara that's already built up a bit (4" lift, 35" Tires, aftermarket wheels, Side Slider Armor, etc). The ONLY downside is the engine is hydrolocked. Well.. in doing some research it's actually QUITE easy to swap in a 350HP 5.7L V8 HEMI into the JK Wranglers. The swap typically costs $18k to 24K to have it done by a shop, but I can buy the motor, transmission, and full install kit (wiring, computer, hoses, exhaust, radiator, etc) for about $7-8k.
Considering I will be buying this Jeep for a mere $7800 (!) and dropping the motor in myself (with help) for $7-8k. I should be into this thing For about $16k total when it's all said and done and it will be a pretty much new 4dr Wrangler with an upgraded trim package (Sahara) already built up nicely and loaded with a BEAST under the hood that will smoke the tires at will. Most 09' Unlimiteds with the Hemi run about $30-35k so I'll be walking into ~$15k in equity on this thing.
Picture of the Jeep as it sits right now
zander_s
Footballguy
That is gonna be one fine ride ICON!!I might have a project coming up in the next week or two. I have an inside track on a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara that's already built up a bit (4" lift, 35" Tires, aftermarket wheels, Side Slider Armor, etc). The ONLY downside is the engine is hydrolocked. Well.. in doing some research it's actually QUITE easy to swap in a 350HP 5.7L V8 HEMI into the JK Wranglers. The swap typically costs $18k to 24K to have it done by a shop, but I can buy the motor, transmission, and full install kit (wiring, computer, hoses, exhaust, radiator, etc) for about $7-8k.
Considering I will be buying this Jeep for a mere $7800 (!) and dropping the motor in myself (with help) for $7-8k. I should be into this thing For about $16k total when it's all said and done and it will be a pretty much new 4dr Wrangler with an upgraded trim package (Sahara) already built up nicely and loaded with a BEAST under the hood that will smoke the tires at will. Most 09' Unlimiteds with the Hemi run about $30-35k so I'll be walking into ~$15k in equity on this thing.
Picture of the Jeep as it sits right now
[icon]
Insoxicated
Thanks guys. The guy has been out of the country but my contacts have told me that i'm the first in line out of 2-3 people intersted in the vehicle. They know to inform him that I have a check ready to go the day he gets back for this ride.
The shop I'll be doing the work in is a buddy's shop who is a master fabricator who's used to build custom rigs for the mini-truck circuit and has had several trucks on magazine covers like this one featuring the Blazerado. Note that the Blazerado was wrecked badly
and he rebuilt it better than before.
He's also done the custom work for one of the baddest limo-busses I've ever seen:
Exterior
Interior 1
Interior 2
He's since gotten bored with the minitruckin scene and has gotten into jeeps. He's got a 4-door JK himself and is interested in doing the hemi-swap so my Jeep (assuming I get it) will be the guinea pig. I will get use of his shop and his help for free. In exchange he'll get to measure/copy all the bracketry from the $3500 kit that I'm buying to swap the motor in. Seems fair to me
I'm hoping with a crew of 3-4 working on it we'll get the hemi swapped in within a week of getting the crate/kit in (working after hours and on the weekend).
The shop I'll be doing the work in is a buddy's shop who is a master fabricator who's used to build custom rigs for the mini-truck circuit and has had several trucks on magazine covers like this one featuring the Blazerado. Note that the Blazerado was wrecked badly
and he rebuilt it better than before.
He's also done the custom work for one of the baddest limo-busses I've ever seen:
Exterior
Interior 1
Interior 2
He's since gotten bored with the minitruckin scene and has gotten into jeeps. He's got a 4-door JK himself and is interested in doing the hemi-swap so my Jeep (assuming I get it) will be the guinea pig. I will get use of his shop and his help for free. In exchange he'll get to measure/copy all the bracketry from the $3500 kit that I'm buying to swap the motor in. Seems fair to me
I'm hoping with a crew of 3-4 working on it we'll get the hemi swapped in within a week of getting the crate/kit in (working after hours and on the weekend).
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Texasmouth
Footballguy
Havent checked in this thread in a while since I sold my Jeep.
Crazy thing happened, I was combing craigslist looking at old CJ's and I found my old CJ for sale again. I sold it for $6500 and the guy was selling it for $4000 OBO. He crinkled one of the fenders but other than that it was actually better than when I sold it to him. I tried to figure out a way to buy it off of him but it just wasnt practical, it wont fit in a normal garage because of the lift. Had to watch him sell it to someone else.
Let this be the tragic tale to all of you jeepers out there...DO NOT SELL YOUR JEEP! lol. I still miss mine every day like an old girlfriend that "got away."
ICON- that new rig you are looking at looks like it will be awesome! I have a feeling once you drop a HEMI in that thing you are going to want it out on the trails. Maybe the GF can drive your jeep and you can drive the new one!
Looking forward to seeing the progress.
Crazy thing happened, I was combing craigslist looking at old CJ's and I found my old CJ for sale again. I sold it for $6500 and the guy was selling it for $4000 OBO. He crinkled one of the fenders but other than that it was actually better than when I sold it to him. I tried to figure out a way to buy it off of him but it just wasnt practical, it wont fit in a normal garage because of the lift. Had to watch him sell it to someone else.
Let this be the tragic tale to all of you jeepers out there...DO NOT SELL YOUR JEEP! lol. I still miss mine every day like an old girlfriend that "got away."
ICON- that new rig you are looking at looks like it will be awesome! I have a feeling once you drop a HEMI in that thing you are going to want it out on the trails. Maybe the GF can drive your jeep and you can drive the new one!
Looking forward to seeing the progress.
oneohh
Footballguy
Looking to get into a Jeep for the first time. I've been told there were drastic changes from '06 - '07. I've also been told to go ahead and spend the money on the Rubicon if I plan on spending any time on the trails and spending any money on upgrades.
What were the changes from '06 - '07? Are they enough that I should be looking for '07s and newer? I've seen some '05 and '06 Rubicons that I really like.
Any info or websites/books/mags I should be looking at would be a big help!!
What were the changes from '06 - '07? Are they enough that I should be looking for '07s and newer? I've seen some '05 and '06 Rubicons that I really like.
Any info or websites/books/mags I should be looking at would be a big help!!
oneohh
Footballguy
Non-driving jeep guy here....just wanted to say that the 4 DR jeeps look wierd. I don't know if it's because they are longer or what but they look weird. 2 DR jeeps looks cool. Carry on.
wired or weird? It could go either way.
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Insoxicated
hey! Sorry for the delay.Yes, the Wrangler was COMPLETELY redesigned between 06 and 07. The latter is wider, longer, available in a 4 door version as well as a 2 wheel drive version. The newer models have more creature comforts and a a bit more spacious. They also lost a little of that utilitiarian feel that the TJs had (which lost some from the CJs before them). Basically Wranglers have been progressively getting more and more "domesticated" That's not necessarily a bad thing, depending on your needs. If you're looking for a vehicle that will be a 2nd ride and will be seeing a good bit of trial time.... then a TJ (97-06) would be more than adequate. If you're looking for it to be a primary vehicle and you will be using the back seat a good bit and/or are concerned about comfort on highway travel or longer drives... then you might want to look at the JKs (07+). If you're going to be wheeling the thing, and can swing the Rubicon package then DO IT. With the rubicon package you get:• Upgraded Front and Rear Axles (much stronger, can handle 35" tires without issue... maybe even 37s)• Lockers Front and rear for increased traction• 4-1 Transfer case for signicantly slower crawl ratio (good offroad) and increased torque when in 4LO • Automatic Swaybar Disconnects (on JK models) • Top of the line trim, factory "rock rails" to protect the tub from boulders, 16" Alloy Wheels vs 15" on standard (TJ)What type of offroading will you be doing? Where will your on-road travel be? Long distance? Highway? Around Town? Will this be a primary or secondary vehicle?Do you have children? Do you carry a lot of stuff in your vehicle (golf clubs, stereo gear, laptop bag, etc)
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Insoxicated
Flyin Pigs
Footballguy
so.......Thanks guys. The guy has been out of the country but my contacts have told me that i'm the first in line out of 2-3 people intersted in the vehicle. They know to inform him that I have a check ready to go the day he gets back for this ride.
The shop I'll be doing the work in is a buddy's shop who is a master fabricator who's used to build custom rigs for the mini-truck circuit and has had several trucks on magazine covers like this one featuring the Blazerado. Note that the Blazerado was wrecked badly
and he rebuilt it better than before.
He's also done the custom work for one of the baddest limo-busses I've ever seen:
Exterior
Interior 1
Interior 2
He's since gotten bored with the minitruckin scene and has gotten into jeeps. He's got a 4-door JK himself and is interested in doing the hemi-swap so my Jeep (assuming I get it) will be the guinea pig. I will get use of his shop and his help for free. In exchange he'll get to measure/copy all the bracketry from the $3500 kit that I'm buying to swap the motor in. Seems fair to me
I'm hoping with a crew of 3-4 working on it we'll get the hemi swapped in within a week of getting the crate/kit in (working after hours and on the weekend).
[icon]
Insoxicated
Fell through. The liason was shady as #### and dragged his heels... then the guy who was holding it at the wrecking yard somehow worked some deal and got it out from under me. Pissed me off to no end :(so.......Thanks guys. The guy has been out of the country but my contacts have told me that i'm the first in line out of 2-3 people intersted in the vehicle. They know to inform him that I have a check ready to go the day he gets back for this ride.
The shop I'll be doing the work in is a buddy's shop who is a master fabricator who's used to build custom rigs for the mini-truck circuit and has had several trucks on magazine covers like this one featuring the Blazerado. Note that the Blazerado was wrecked badly
and he rebuilt it better than before.
He's also done the custom work for one of the baddest limo-busses I've ever seen:
Exterior
Interior 1
Interior 2
He's since gotten bored with the minitruckin scene and has gotten into jeeps. He's got a 4-door JK himself and is interested in doing the hemi-swap so my Jeep (assuming I get it) will be the guinea pig. I will get use of his shop and his help for free. In exchange he'll get to measure/copy all the bracketry from the $3500 kit that I'm buying to swap the motor in. Seems fair to me
I'm hoping with a crew of 3-4 working on it we'll get the hemi swapped in within a week of getting the crate/kit in (working after hours and on the weekend).
Flyin Pigs
Footballguy
I'd still be pissed! That would have been a great rig even without the HEMI. I had a 95 YJ that I loved and in a fit of stupidity I traded it in on a LR Disco I. I promptly threw a rod through the oil pan on that bad boy. Good times.Fell through. The liason was shady as #### and dragged his heels... then the guy who was holding it at the wrecking yard somehow worked some deal and got it out from under me. Pissed me off to no end :(so.......Thanks guys. The guy has been out of the country but my contacts have told me that i'm the first in line out of 2-3 people intersted in the vehicle. They know to inform him that I have a check ready to go the day he gets back for this ride.
The shop I'll be doing the work in is a buddy's shop who is a master fabricator who's used to build custom rigs for the mini-truck circuit and has had several trucks on magazine covers like this one featuring the Blazerado. Note that the Blazerado was wrecked badly
and he rebuilt it better than before.
He's also done the custom work for one of the baddest limo-busses I've ever seen:
Exterior
Interior 1
Interior 2
He's since gotten bored with the minitruckin scene and has gotten into jeeps. He's got a 4-door JK himself and is interested in doing the hemi-swap so my Jeep (assuming I get it) will be the guinea pig. I will get use of his shop and his help for free. In exchange he'll get to measure/copy all the bracketry from the $3500 kit that I'm buying to swap the motor in. Seems fair to me
I'm hoping with a crew of 3-4 working on it we'll get the hemi swapped in within a week of getting the crate/kit in (working after hours and on the weekend).
oneohh
Footballguy
Wow...Well, this will be my daily driver. I don't plan on doing any serious wheeling right out of the gate, but I would like to do some trailing and I go camping enough and would really like to go to Big Bend at some point (I live in south Texas). My commute is about 8 miles round trip, but I do drive a bit. I'll put less than 12k miles on a vehicle a year. In all honesty, I would expect to use the Jeep for real Jeep stuff 3 or 4 times a year. That is, unless I get into it as many do. Ultimately I would like to baby it until I pay it off and can afford to have it as a toy. And realistically speaking, I don't think I can afford a Rubi unless I find a steal. I'll be looking (I've decided to go with '07+) at $20K and below. Thoughts?
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Insoxicated
Alrighty. You didn't explain teh family situation but I'll say this:TJ (pre 07) will be a tight fit for anything more than 2 people on any road trips. When the GF and I take cross country trips to Colorado or Moab we remove the rear seat and fill the back tub completely with gear and that's not even really including camping gear (clothes, spare parts, tools, etc). It sounds like you've settled on a JK (07+) however. A two door will still have significantly more room than the older models and will be a good bit more comfortable on road trips. Unless you're going to be doing some heavy duty rock-crawling like some of us run... then you should be fine without a rubi. One word that stuck out to me was "babying". The JKs are pretty stout out of the factory and include a Electronic Traction Control that acts like a limited slip. It's not as good as a locker, but it will help with traction when you need it. Given you won't be rock crawling you likely won't NEED the 4:1 Transfer case. Assuming you're not a throttle junkie who likes to beat on your jeep, you should have no issues running up to 35" tires (will require a 3" lift or comparable reduction in fender clearance). You should be fine with most any 07 that is suited for your needs. They are more than capable enough out of the box to run anything that it sounds like you're going to run (at least initially). Plus you can always throw a lunchbox-style locker in the front axle ($300) and have much better traction when in 4LO on the cheap. Post up photos/listings of rigs youre considering and I'll be glad to help if you'd like.
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