After much deliberation I've pretty much made the decision the keep my Jeep build simple and clean. I don't know if I'm just getting old or just tired of putting out butt loads of money for a few good of days wheeling. My last JK was a big burly go anywhere and do anything beast and man did I have a hard time walking away from it without staring backwards constantly. While it was a blast to drive, I had my share of mechanical issues due to beating on it. My first JK, now that's a another story. That one was more Jeep chic, it was simple and clean, however, it was not quite but just about as capable. That's pretty much the idea this time around except for one thing... I won't be wheeling it... as hard. I mean, maybe here and there but not the hard core rock crawling, deep ass mud hole, crushing cars, body ding/scratching kind of wheeling. I just like my Jeep to look sharp and wheeling hard just makes it that much more difficult to keep it that way. I'd like to keep this JK around for a long time and the more I put into usable components the more I'd want to use them. So am I getting soft for deciding to keep this one toned down? Because essentially that decision is based upon wimping out on the fun in lieu of a more economical aspect.

 

nothing wrong with simple and clean as long as it gets wheeled sometimesbut i didnt know there was any hardcore stuff in floridacould be wrong though...i would say build it how you like and for what you use it for....nothing wrong with that....

 

There are a couple spots here in FL which are old lime stone quarries and some special built set-ups and a couple other more mild areas and a whole bunch of deep sand and mud.

As for the build I've been looking into 33"s which is the smallest I would have gone. I've also been looking at a 3" lift to keep the modding to a minimum. I like the look with a 2 door but a haven't really seen (in person) a set-up like that so it's hard to judge how I might like it.

 

A 2.5" lift on a 2 door looks awesome. and you can fit 35a.

I know how you feel man. My last Jk was a beast of a jeep. I spent a lot of money on that. With my new 2012, the mods are coming in slower and the trails are getting done lesser. I think thats because I haven't really had the money to do these things lately though...

 

Mine is my Daily Driver/ Trail rig.
I decided on 33's for a few reasons.

I can run most trails at any off road park with them,lockers and good driving/spotting.

no real risk of stressing the axle shaft or housing due to tire weight.

I can run a spare on my tailgate.

 

I'm dealing with this a little bit myself. My last JK ('09) had a 4" Rubicon Express lift, 35's and a bunch of other stuff that I don't feel like looking up right now. Fast forward to last week when I picked up my JKUR. Wow, what an incredible, out of the box capable machine. It hugs the road, the steering is so tight, the build is quality.

I've decided not to lift this one...but that has been a very difficult decision. I stand in garage staring at the thing and thinking how nice it would look if it were just 3" higher with 35's and flat fenders. But, I love this one so much when I'm in it, unlike the '09 where I just learned-to-live with the squeaks, rattles, always having to tweak things that were out-of-wack and the fact that I couldn't take corners too fast without the computer going nuts. To be honest, I'll probably do more trails with my '12 because I'm not afraid I'm going to break one of my parts because the angles are too severe. I't just getting over my "Mine's bigger than yours" wo-macho (woman macho) that's been the hard part.

 

Money is a pretty big factor these days for sure!

Good point. But I can say with all honesty that I put a 35" on the tail gate of both JK's w/o any issue.

Yes, pretty much exactly how I feel! The out-of-wack factor is HUGE in regards to having to buy that one extra part every few weeks too. Not that I wouldn't consider that one of the more fun aspects of owning a Jeep though. PARTS!!!! Gotta love 'em!

 

What tires are you running? Like that look a lot!!

 

I'm running 3" lift with 33's. Very functional on and off road.

 

I'm starting to feel the same way !! 'When' we do get our JKUR, it will get raised enough to put on 37's, re-geared, new bumpers, a winch and some armor. Having done the Rubicon Trail, Moab 4 times, all the trails in Big Bear many times among others, I've had enough pucker moments (tons of fun) and just want to have a capable vehicle that 'can' go anywhere if need be. Time will tell............