JGBOffRoad

I labeled this build "Beginning at the end" because I had to start with the end of my first build...

This Jeep was destined to attend SEMA 2015 with Hellwig Suspension Products:


Awesome manufacturers that helped this point included: Bestop, Mickey Thompson, ATX Wheels, Hellwig Suspension Products, Maxtrac Suspension, Superchips, Magna flow, LOD, Bulldog Winch, Krazy Beaver Tools, PIAA, Rightline Gear and more. It was a tough call to let them know we weren't going to make it....


**I failed to mention that this accident was caused by a wrong way driver on a divided highway, at high speeds**

But needless to say it never made it. So a new platform needed to be found and a new build needed to be completed and allows me to present you with this:



I will be adding to this post and highlighting what and why I did what I did. I hope you enjoy!

JGBOffRoad

One of the last things we did to the Black Jeep was our wheel install with the ATX Ravines. I really got attached to them in the short while that I had them and quite frankly felt robbed when they met their end so quickly after installation. With the Jeep getting hit on the driver side then flipping to the passenger side hard, there was not one of them that was worth saving... Except the spare. The spare was solid ;-).




Tire selection we went a different route from the Mickey Thompson ATZ P3's. With the amount of on road driving I found myself doing in between events I thought that the BFG KO2's would fit that bill... And very happy that I did, they have been fantastic so far in snow, sand, mud and rock!



You can follow our long term test and review here:
BFGoodrich Tires KO2 All Terrain - Extreme Overland Expedition

Chuck-The-Ripper

Only the spare was worth saving? Is that a joke? There's only 1 tire that's even off the bead, and I'd be willing to bet it's even fine... to each their own, though.

JGBOffRoad

Its hard to tell from my Jeep just how hard the impact was, and the rain did wonders to hide damage. I thought the same thing after looking at these shots, thinking what I could save. The tire wasn't just taken off the bead, it was the main impact point of the accident and was completely destroyed. The front driver tire was slashed as well. Both axles took hard impact and got flipped on its side hard. With visible damage to all wheels and tires, it wasn't worth saving and hassling with at the time for me.

Maybe a shot of the causing vehicle can show how hard it was a little better.....

JGBOffRoad

So with the new Jeep there needed to be light.... Not just because I work with KC, but because in the Pacific NW if you want to be out past 4:30 on the trail in the fall and winter, ITS MANDATORY. lol For lighting went with first generation headlights, Gravity Series Fog lights, Pro Sport Driving lights and Flex Series quads. Under the Jeep added the KC Cyclone Rock light set, also added a cyclone under the hood and also for a third brake light. To power all of these lights went with an S-Pod to make it all easier!

MooooabJK

Crazy accident! Its crazy out there. Glad youre okay. The build looks great keep it up.

JGBOffRoad

One of the things that I wanted to add to this Jeep was a rack. The ability to carry extra gear is just way too tempting for me with a family of 4 kids, granted right now only 3 can go at a time... But regardless I wanted something that I didnt have to drill in my top for and still wanted the ability to take the top off. I found a great system for me in the Kargo Master Safari Congo series. This rack also added a much needed structure around the windshield as well! The addition of the rack ultimately helped change direction to more of an adventure overlandy build......




The catwalk is a great feature as well, which we tested thoroughly