My JK's first offroad run

[Ge99ne]

Here's a few pics of the first steps off the asphalt. No moab run here just a jaunt down the powerline right of way. The hills in the photos are by far the widest part of the run. I was grabbing branches & placing them on the roof in an attempt to preserve the paint on a good bit of the run. The good & bad news on plastic bits. The plastic parts have a fine texture to them that seems to hide any scratches from pushing over 6' pine saplings. But the orange clay mud that was thrown on the bumpers and side steps is really tough to get out of the very fine textured plastic. Will have to give the pressure washer a go for those parts.

[wayoflife]

Sweet!! Man, I'm really liking that Graystone Pearl. Thanks for posting the pics :thumbs:

As far as the plastic parts go, I know of several companies that are already working on steel replacement parts for them :yup:

[Ge99ne]

Thanks. I like the color too. Worked out nicely. Forgot to mention the ESP did seem to keep the wheels from spinning. Of course there ain't a whole lot of extra horses to spare in the first place. But doing 2 runs up the hill in 2wd it spun moderaltey under full throttle with it off. Did not spin with it on, but it felt like the engine was working harder to get up the hill. Not struggling, but by the time it was really getting into the powerband, we where at the top of the hill. Not surprising, but I thought I might get away with 33's without a regear. Not so sure now.

[wayoflife]

Do know if you have 3.73's or 4.10 gears?

[Ge99ne]

I have 4.10's

[wayoflife]

Wow, and you still feel under powered? :eek: I ordered my JK with a 6-speed and hope it'll feel like it's got more power. I know that's the case with TJ's anyway.

[Ge99ne]

Well I wouldn't say underpowered, but you're not going to scare yourself with the skinny pedal. I may run it again in 4 lo see if it gets in overdrive:yup:

[Phishjeep]

Is your Jeep Auto or Six Speed? Thanks!

[Ge99ne]

It's automatic. I drove the six speed first & did not like feel of the tranny. The one I drove was tricky to get in first gear. It also had 3.73's. The auto felt pepier than the stick. I give credit to the gearing difference.

[ericdewayne]

Great pics man. And wayoflife's right that Graystone Pearl does look real good. Kinda makes me rethink my choice of black. I hate black cars, after every one i have i swear ill never get another cause they always look dirty. But then again... it is a Jeep! ;)

[wayoflife]

Great pics man. And wayoflife's right that Graystone Pearl does look real good. Kinda makes me rethink my choice of black. I hate black cars, after every one i have i swear ill never get another cause they always look dirty. But then again... it is a Jeep! ;)
Exactly! A black Jeep doesn't look dirty, it just looks like you've been out on the trail :yup:

[Ge99ne]

My old cj was black. Black looks great, but man that thing would get hot in the sun. No pading on the rollbar plus vinyl seats. Even the steering wheel was hard to touch the first mile or two in the summer.It didn't take long to get some light grey cloth seat covers. Of course in spite of all that I was still so happy to see the four door come out. It's the only way I was getting back in a wrangler in the next ten years.

[nam6869usmc]

Ge99ne, outstanding Off Road Pic's, you are definitely having fun. Just picked my Rescue Green loaded Auto "X" up yesterday, and put 300 Miles on it so far. Love it, it's almost embarrassing how many people stair at it(nice):D .
Have a question, did you order the side steps or did yours already have them installed when you purchased. I think they are necessary after hitting a puddle and the muddy water come right up the side. Also wondering how much are they $$ at Dealer or is there an after market out there yet.

[Ge99ne]

Mine were already installed. I saw another post warning you about them hanging up on obstacles. That is true I suppose if you take it through the big rocks. I will say these are mounted higher relative to the frame than the after market classic tubes that were installed by the dealer on the '05 rubi. While this rig will not be a pavement princess, I will guarantee you won't see my jeep rolling backwards down any hills in moab. (At least till it's payed for). One reason I wanted them was the holes are already there for the mounting. Looks much cleaner with than without IMHO. I think they cost about $300 on the invoice.