Georgia Trail Riders Forum

MEMBERS DISCUSSION AREA => General Discussion => Topic started by: Krawler00 on June 13, 2017, 09:42:51 AM

Title: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Krawler00 on June 13, 2017, 09:42:51 AM
Knowing what you know now, what would you buy for an offroad rig and why as your starting point? We all have different tastes and budgets but it's always interesting to know after all the time and money we have spent on our current rigs what you would have done differently knowing all you know now.

For me it would be an LJ Rubicon. //SLAMIN//
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: tjsahara00 on June 13, 2017, 09:44:48 AM
Never would have freakin started!!!
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Big Dave on June 13, 2017, 09:47:24 AM
Go one tons off the bat instead of dumping $1000+ into stock axles.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Anvilsam on June 13, 2017, 09:58:36 AM
2 door jk left stock until paid for.

I would then build a tj buggy on a tube frame with a big v8.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: BigMike on June 13, 2017, 10:01:27 AM
I actually thought about it when my wife suggest a 4 door.  I'd build it once and build it right


New or slightly used JKU Sport
UD60s
1350 Driveshafts
RCV axles
RAM brake booster
Beadlocks with 40's
Atlas
Coilovers
Control arms, track bars (not sure of the brand)
Cage
Corner, side, and fender armor
BFH Bumpers
Skids
Trail Exhaust
Tuner
ARB dual compressor
Warn Zeon 12-S Platinum winch
sPOD
Bedline interior
Corbeau seats w/harness
Half doors
Plus another $2k in misc items like lights, d-rings etc.


SWAG - $45k in parts plus the Jeep
Title: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Jeepster1407 on June 13, 2017, 10:04:25 AM
I have been there and I'm happy with what Ive got now. Only wish it was a Rubi but for what I saved vs buying a Rubi I could get a new front axle and an atlas 4 speed.


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Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: jc79 on June 13, 2017, 11:33:40 AM
Always fun to see the responses for stuff like this...

I basically did this with the LJ.  I had the JKU for four years and in that time I realized what I really wanted in a rig.  I knew the parts I wanted (basically the list from @BigMike above) were ~$40k installed.  I was really wanting to start with a completely stock rig, because I knew that if I bought one with even a small build, I'd look back and wish I had the specific parts I wanted.

I took a hit putting the JK back together, but totally worth having the exact rig I wanted.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: patman on June 13, 2017, 11:42:58 AM
Not too many regrets (yet)

Would have chosen tons or built axles instead of starting with d44s.

Next up is a tube chassis, but not so sure I would want to start with one... I'm enjoying the natural progression of building, breaking, and upgrading.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: kent10sne1 on June 13, 2017, 11:48:38 AM
nothing really for me, maybe the order, i would have done somethings first, but im all in all im good , im glad i took a while 2012 to 2017... given me time to wheel with small steps helps me see exactly how the mod affected wheeling.   
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Raisinhead on June 13, 2017, 11:57:18 AM
Always fun to see the responses for stuff like this...

I basically did this with the LJ.  I had the JKU for four years and in that time I realized what I really wanted in a rig.  I knew the parts I wanted (basically the list from @BigMike above) were ~$40k installed.  I was really wanting to start with a completely stock rig, because I knew that if I bought one with even a small build, I'd look back and wish I had the specific parts I wanted.

I took a hit putting the JK back together, but totally worth having the exact rig I wanted.

With all due respect, no offense.

Now that you built the rig and still can't really take hard lines, do you regret it?
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Jango on June 13, 2017, 12:02:06 PM
nothing really for me, maybe the order, i would have done somethings first, but im all in all im good , im glad i took a while 2012 to 2017... given me time to wheel with small steps helps me see exactly how the mod affected wheeling.   

Im with you on the timing! I've really enjoyed that and found it valuable.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: tjsahara00 on June 13, 2017, 12:16:07 PM
(http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac182/tjsahara00/GATR%20POTM/jeep%20money-pit_zps4u7fmvuc.jpg) (http://s898.photobucket.com/user/tjsahara00/media/GATR%20POTM/jeep%20money-pit_zps4u7fmvuc.jpg.html)
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: jc79 on June 13, 2017, 12:35:08 PM
With all due respect, no offense.

Now that you built the rig and still can't really take hard lines, do you regret it?

None taken.  I do plan to add some light bars which should help.  Also considering adding sheet metal B pillars to increase overall capabilities.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: patman on June 13, 2017, 01:09:54 PM
With all due respect, no offense.

Now that you built the rig and still can't really take hard lines, do you regret it?

None taken.  I do plan to add some light bars which should help.  Also considering adding sheet metal B pillars to increase overall capabilities.

Nice jab, but @Cranvilstan removed his and it didn't help
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Anvilsam on June 13, 2017, 01:25:20 PM
With all due respect, no offense.

Now that you built the rig and still can't really take hard lines, do you regret it?

None taken.  I do plan to add some light bars which should help.  Also considering adding sheet metal B pillars to increase overall capabilities.

Nice jab, but @Cranvilstan removed his and it didn't help
I only removed half of mine. Helps at the mallz.


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Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Raisinhead on June 13, 2017, 01:27:33 PM
With all due respect, no offense.

Now that you built the rig and still can't really take hard lines, do you regret it?

None taken.  I do plan to add some light bars which should help.  Also considering adding sheet metal B pillars to increase overall capabilities.


Smart! Would you redo your cage to avoid saving the lives of your passengers again?
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: jc79 on June 13, 2017, 01:46:12 PM
With all due respect, no offense.

Now that you built the rig and still can't really take hard lines, do you regret it?

None taken.  I do plan to add some light bars which should help.  Also considering adding sheet metal B pillars to increase overall capabilities.


Smart! Would you redo your cage to avoid saving the lives of your passengers again?
We both know that was the smartest non-mod ever done.

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Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: DOUG on June 13, 2017, 01:53:38 PM
With all due respect, no offense.
Now that you built the rig and still can't really take hard lines, do you regret it?
None taken.  I do plan to add some light bars which should help.  Also considering adding sheet metal B pillars to increase overall capabilities.

The JK sure isn't sheet metal in the B Pillar.  I beat the snot out of mine for a few hours with a BFH and I've only gotten a little bit of movement.  I've gotten the rear half door on but it aint pretty.  More must be done by a qualified expert. 

To the OP, what kind of torturous question is that?

And which build should I reconsider?
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: jc79 on June 13, 2017, 02:02:21 PM
It's good that Jay chimed in.  I realize now there are some things I need to change.  I just need to decide whether to upgrade to the 3.8L V6 first, or to start with some quarter-ton brakes.

Either way, I'll be on the lookout for an early 2000's Grand Caravan to use as a donor vehicle.

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Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Krawler00 on June 13, 2017, 02:04:23 PM
It's good that Jay chimed in.  I realize now there are some things I need to change.  I just need to decide whether to upgrade to the 3.8L V6 first, or to start with some quarter-ton brakes.

Either way, I'll be on the lookout for an early 2000's Grand Caravan to use as a donor vehicle.

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GOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: kent10sne1 on June 13, 2017, 02:05:44 PM


To the OP, what kind of torturous question is that?

And which build should I reconsider?


If you have to ask that question, u have a much larger problem than what we on the form can handle.  Please seek professional advice.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: clark123456 on June 13, 2017, 02:10:20 PM
With all due respect, no offense.
Now that you built the rig and still can't really take hard lines, do you regret it?
None taken.  I do plan to add some light bars which should help.  Also considering adding sheet metal B pillars to increase overall capabilities.

The JK sure isn't sheet metal in the B Pillar.  I beat the snot out of mine for a few hours with a BFH and I've only gotten a little bit of movement.  I've gotten the rear half door on but it aint pretty.  More must be done by a qualified expert. 

To the OP, what kind of torturous question is that?

And which build should I reconsider?


I have a PortaPower if you want to have some real fun 'fixing' that issue.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: jd30005 on June 13, 2017, 02:14:27 PM
I would definitely go with a prebuilt chassis. Something like the WOD TJ tube chassis and drop a tub on it. Spend the  $$$ up front once and be done.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: DOUG on June 13, 2017, 02:48:10 PM
Spend the  $$$ up front once and be done.

Spend the  $$$ up front once and be done THE SECOND TIME, OR THIRD lol.

Nobody ever does it the first time. 

Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Raisinhead on June 13, 2017, 02:50:09 PM
Spend the  $$$ up front once and be done.

Spend the  $$$ up front once and be done THE SECOND TIME, OR THIRD lol.

Nobody ever does it the first time.

If anyone jumped into this hobby head first with that, it'd probably scare them off pretty quickly. 
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: jc79 on June 13, 2017, 02:55:31 PM
Almost any hobby has similar progressions.... you need to get into it and see if you like it.  Photography, woodworking, golf, home theater.... most folks try to get quality but basic gear to start and then upgrade as their interest grows and when they can start to really benefit from the better stuff.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: BigMike on June 13, 2017, 02:58:11 PM
http://www.bentfabrications.com/products/custom-4-seater-chassiss/
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: clark123456 on June 13, 2017, 03:05:44 PM
http://www.bentfabrications.com/products/custom-4-seater-chassiss/
Nitto tires...awesome

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Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Mortalis5509 on June 13, 2017, 04:11:10 PM
http://www.bentfabrications.com/products/custom-4-seater-chassiss/
There are few Jimmy 4x4 rig floating around right now in the asking of upper $30k. Those high dollar jk could be sold and have that easily. Almost always cheaper to buy a complete rig and change something If you wish unless you do the work your self or buy the parts wholesale. Even then it would be nice not to deal with building a rig...ask me how I know that one. 

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Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Mortalis5509 on June 13, 2017, 05:19:49 PM
http://www.bentfabrications.com/products/custom-4-seater-chassiss/
There are few Jimmy 4x4 rig floating around right now in the asking of upper $30k. Those high dollar jk could be sold and have that easily. Almost always cheaper to buy a complete rig and change something If you wish unless you do the work your self or buy the parts wholesale. Even then it would be nice not to deal with building a rig...ask me how I know that one. 

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If you never wanted to drive it on the street.
Says who? One in particular has arb at both ends.

How much you driving 42 sticky treps on the street?!?!

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Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: jc79 on June 13, 2017, 05:26:50 PM
That's a good point i hadn't thought about... can a buggy like that be tagged and insured?  Does it have a VIN that shows up in the insurance databases?
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: patman on June 13, 2017, 06:06:25 PM
That's a good point i hadn't thought about... can a buggy like that be tagged and insured?  Does it have a VIN that shows up in the insurance databases?

If the donor TJ had a title and you don't have inspections, why Not? I have a buddy with a WOD tube chassis with a tj body. Pretty sure he streets it occasionally
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Mortalis5509 on June 13, 2017, 06:41:53 PM
That's a good point i hadn't thought about... can a buggy like that be tagged and insured?  Does it have a VIN that shows up in the insurance databases?

If the donor TJ had a title and you don't have inspections, why Not? I have a buddy with a WOD tube chassis with a tj body. Pretty sure he streets it occasionally
Pretty much.

Mine has spools but not sure if I'll drive it on the street. I don't have much traffic where I live so that's not an issue. It will be a 97 tj before long. 

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Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: jc79 on June 13, 2017, 06:44:25 PM
Makes sense on a WOD chassis where you keep the TJ tub.  I thought the Jimmy's were tube chassis with sheet metal skins...
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Oscar_Mike 2013 on June 13, 2017, 06:47:43 PM
If I had to do it all over again, I would have started with this.....(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170613/01a5ba46f3f8332b475e095d47b4166c.png)


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Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Mortalis5509 on June 13, 2017, 08:31:56 PM
Makes sense on a WOD chassis where you keep the TJ tub.  I thought the Jimmy's were tube chassis with sheet metal skins...
Yes, but if it has a grill and hood like a jeep, it must be a jeep. Officer does it look like a neep. Why yes it does. Got hand singles down pat sir. 

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Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Bruce on June 14, 2017, 07:46:05 AM
do it all over again

#1, have time to use my TJ
since that isn't happening
#2, build a JKU to drive where ever

#2 isn't having very quickly because of the time factor, again

So If I were to do it over again, I would find more time to enjoy the jeep
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: 8lugLJ on June 14, 2017, 09:36:33 AM
the LJ is my 3rd what i call non-bolt-on build, a few before that that were all off the shelf stuff, but im still trying to figure out whats better capability vs. drive-ability (streetable). I built it to camp, dd, and wheel out of, but now all i wanna do is chop it up and go tons, completely making a liar out of my 2 yr ago self when i said "ill never go more than d44s" what an ass  //LMAO//

btt, the LJ fits my intended goals at the start of the build, but wont do the lines i wanna do with the 40+ crew, so fml. I see it all the time, but isnt the hard truth they are never truly "done" .. Even if you can satisfy what you want in a rig then you will just get bored with what you have //WTF// Moral of my rambling, everyone needs a couple rigs at least.
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: tjsahara00 on June 14, 2017, 10:08:15 AM
the LJ is my 3rd what i call non-bolt-on build, a few before that that were all off the shelf stuff, but im still trying to figure out whats better capability vs. drive-ability (streetable). I built it to camp, dd, and wheel out of, but now all i wanna do is chop it up and go tons, completely making a liar out of my 2 yr ago self when i said "ill never go more than d44s" what an ass  //LMAO//

btt, the LJ fits my intended goals at the start of the build, but wont do the lines i wanna do with the 40+ crew, so fml. I see it all the time, but isnt the hard truth they are never truly "done" .. Even if you can satisfy what you want in a rig then you will just get bored with what you have //WTF// Moral of my rambling, everyone needs a couple rigs at least.

Justin I felt the same way after looking through my
pictures and saw my 44 axle's with 37's from Moab.

(http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac182/tjsahara00/Moab%20-%20Colorado%202017/082_zpsk3skqnhm.jpg) (http://s898.photobucket.com/user/tjsahara00/media/Moab%20-%20Colorado%202017/082_zpsk3skqnhm.jpg.html)
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: Krawler00 on June 14, 2017, 10:55:33 AM
Well, it is a good point to bring up about being streetable. I know I would not want a dedicated trail rig to just sit in my yard while not using it. I still enjoy driving my jeep and using it to head to the mountains on a trip or just cruise around. I have a lot less than most in my Jeep but it still does everything I ask it to and more. It still surprises me where I can go on my little 35's. But having a "smaller" tire just makes it more fun IMO. Gives me a challenge and keeps me from doing dumb things. The older I get I can look at a trail and say nope, I got nuthin for that and I am ok with that. I have nothing to prove anymore  //;D//
Title: Re: If you could do it all over again...
Post by: lt99ls1 on June 14, 2017, 11:08:36 AM
I did the reboot with the LJ and love where it's at now. After having the TJ, I knew exactly where to draw the line at to keep the LJ a DD and not a trailer queen. I still need to buy some Racelines to meet that goal of being a sold DD. The weld on bead locks suck for dding. In November/December, I plan on moving on to next stage of the build and start buying parts for the 5.3/4l60/Atlas swap. It's never done.