Hey everybody! I'm moving up to AK in May for at least 6 months, and I'll be bringing a JK Unlimited with me! I work on the Slope, and I plan to spend a lot of my off time traveling around and exploring. I would love to hear from anyone who wants to show me around or just get out there and explore some trails. I'll be based out of the Kenai and Wasilla, staying with some guys I work with, but I plan to spend a lot of time on the road seeing the sights. Hopefully we can get a few JK's together for some organized trail rides! See ya soon!

 

Welcome to Alaska and I replied to your other post. Wasilla is right up the road from me and a very nice area to live in. The slope is gonna be a little harsher I drove around today and I've seen quite a few JKs around that I need to get on board with us. May is gonna be an awesome time to come up here and we should have some good getogethers by then. Hell. there's so much to do up here it's a matter of finding enough time to do it.

Where you coming from and what brings you up here? Fisher? Hunter? Star gazer? etc etc

 

I'm originally from Northwest Michigan, but I've lived in Vail, Colorado for the past four years. I currently work on the North Slope, based in the Kuparuk oil field. I'm coming up to just check out AK and experience the whole thing. My main passion is skiing, and I'll be spending some time in May and June around Girdwood and the Kenai doing some hike in skiing. I'm also looking at doing a ski trip in the Brooks Range in June. Otherwise, hiking, cycling, and some hunting in the fall are on the agenda. I'm not sure I'll permanently relocate, but I'm looking forward to having some fun and getting away from the commute for a while. I'm selling my CJ7, it's trailer, and my '07 GMC Duramax and getting a JK to simplify my life.
I'm trying to decide now between 35's and 37's. I'm leaning toward 35's to start with while I really build the thing up, then step it up in a year or so. I'm not sure what kind of terrain to expect getting into up there, but I'm hesitant to commit to 37's with a 4,000 mile drive ahead of me. Any thoughts?

 

Hi Guy.....I live south of Kenai, but work in Kenai. I'm a carpenter but work for a guy that owns a machine shop that does a lot of power turbine work for the oilfield. If you want, PM me when you get here and maybe we can hook-up. A few guys that I work with also have jeeps and I imagine we'll be goin out. As for the tires and the Alcan, you may want to wait and just use the stock tires for the trip as long as long as they're good....you didn't say if you are buying a new JK or not. I'm sure they will be a lot more comfortable for the trip.
Ok, yack at ya later.....

 

I am looking for a used Rubicon Unlimited, but if I don't find what I want I will pick up a new one and build it up. I'll be pulling the trigger either way in the next few weeks. I've decided on 35's and a short arm 4" lift with adj. control arms.(Either TF or FT) With some trimming I'll be able to run 37's later on if I want. I'll be driving up during my time off in either May or June, and I'll definitely give you a shout!

 

Advice I would give is if you are looking at buying, check the deals down there first. I don't know about Kenai area (AKDave maybe you can chime in) but Anchorage is not giving any good deals. I do agree with AKDave to keep the stock tires for the drive and get some once you get up here. One thing to keep in mind once you live up here---shipping is ridiculous!!!

 

Thanks for the advice! I bought my JK today. New '08 Rescue Green Rubicon Unlimited with auto, hard top, power and towing groups, my gig/nav, remote start. I worked out the tire issue. I'm trading my stock wheels and tires for someone's used Mickey Thompson ATZ's and rims, and a little cash, and he'll help me install my lift. Great deal for both of us. I plan to get all the heavy stuff on before I head up to avoid the shipping charges.

 

FANTASTIC...Congrats for sure....!!!!

I went through/go through the shipping thing all the time. So instead of buying my tires and wheels from down south and paying a fortune to have them shipped....(I just wasn't going to do it), I found what I wanted in Anchorage and just drove up there and had them put on. Had to go up there anyway for another reason so it turned out great. You find some good deals once in awhile in Anchorage.
I know you said you may only be up here for 6 months, but if it may be longer, while you are doing the work, you might consider installing a block heater, or at least a lower radiator hose heater.....which work great btw.
Anyway, good luck and I'll keep checking back to see how your doing. Oh...and what lift are you going with?
CYA.....

 

What lift? That is the question of the day! Either the Full Traction or Teraflex 4" with all eight controll arms, unless David at Northridge throws me a curveball tomorrow when we go through the package he is putting together for me. I've come to the conclusion after a lot of research here and talking to a bunch of locals and shops that you can't go wrong with Full Traction, Teraflex, Currie, or Clayton. So, whatever David can get me the best deal on is going to win.
Thanks for reminding me about the block heater. I may put a transmission pan heater on too, we have them on our trucks at work, and they really help!

I see you have Dueler Revo's on your JK - I have a set on my GMC, and IMO they are the best winter tire I have driven on, short of studs!

 

Congrats on the purchase!

Might as well toss a battery blanket in while your at it