DutchVDub
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Milliken, CO
I finally caved in and decided I was tired of driving around high mileage vehicles. My S4 has 222,000+ and the XJ has 208,000+ on the clock. After drooling over the Rubicon since they first came out in 2003, really salivating over the LJ version, and then getting serious wood over the 4dr's I made sure the credit cards were paid off and then went on the prowl for a JKU Rubicon. I found this one on Craigslist and got the guy down to KBB BlueBook trade-in value on it. Its a 2008 Forest Green (I was really wanting Rescue Green but I got a good deal and really like this color too) Rubicon with an Automatic transmission. The basic plan is to rob the 35's and Trail Ready bead locks off of the XJ and build this into a nice family adventure/camping rig. Same concept as the XJ, but with a bit more room, comfort, and of course an actual frame. The soft top is actually my favorite part. I really missed it after getting rid of the YJ, and was one of the things I really missed about my Samurais. The 3.8 is a total dog, but as long as it lasts me long enough to gather up all my parts for a 5.3 swap then I'm ok with it. Overall I'm really happy with this thing.
Took the JK up to the mountains to try her out. Started out on Bunce School Road, took that to Middle Saint Vrain, and then onto Cone Flats. The JK did great over all and I was definitely impressed with not only how capable it was, but also how comfortable it was. I will say though, she likes to hit rocks with its under carriage. The factory sliders definitely earned their name, and I managed to put a slight dent in the factory fuel tank skid. None the less, I only had to turn the lockers on once despite the trail being very wet and muddy. The very worn KM1's did their part and I swear it felt like it had limited slips in the diffs. I wish BFG still made the KM1, I always liked them.
Mad flex with the stock suspension
One of many water crossings due to the trail being flooded out. So much for our drought conditions in CO, I've rarely seen MSV this wet.
View at the end. I know, I am absolutely terrible about taking pictures while on the trail.
OH NO!!!!! CARNAGE!!!!!
Back at home and starting to look like a real Jeep
Best part of the day was getting home and seeing my lift, wheel adapters, and spare tire relocation bracket all waiting for me. Guess what I'll be doing this weekend.
Took the JK up to the mountains to try her out. Started out on Bunce School Road, took that to Middle Saint Vrain, and then onto Cone Flats. The JK did great over all and I was definitely impressed with not only how capable it was, but also how comfortable it was. I will say though, she likes to hit rocks with its under carriage. The factory sliders definitely earned their name, and I managed to put a slight dent in the factory fuel tank skid. None the less, I only had to turn the lockers on once despite the trail being very wet and muddy. The very worn KM1's did their part and I swear it felt like it had limited slips in the diffs. I wish BFG still made the KM1, I always liked them.
Mad flex with the stock suspension
One of many water crossings due to the trail being flooded out. So much for our drought conditions in CO, I've rarely seen MSV this wet.
View at the end. I know, I am absolutely terrible about taking pictures while on the trail.
OH NO!!!!! CARNAGE!!!!!
Back at home and starting to look like a real Jeep
Best part of the day was getting home and seeing my lift, wheel adapters, and spare tire relocation bracket all waiting for me. Guess what I'll be doing this weekend.
