After 20 years in sport cars(with the exception of a short experience with a GAZ-63), I bough my first SUV. 2012 JK Unlimited, because this was the only decent size wagon body in a manual.

The manual requirement comes from my wife, who has never driven an automatic. I had some distant expedition thoughts as well. I looked a 93 Land Rover, but the price was ridiculous. I considered importing a manual transmission for a G Wagen but they did not have manuals even in Europe.

Upgrades so far:
- Volant CAI
- Borla Exhaust
- 20' wheels. I think I got one of the lightest 20" rims at 32lbs, stock rims are 28lbs.
- 285/50R20 Wild Peak tires, another 4lbs heavier than tires
- Jeetops 2lbs lighter than stock
- Bushwacker door seal covers
- AEV 2.5" lift(soon to be installed)
- Wilwood big break kit(soon to be installed) should lighten up the unsprang mass.

Love how much the engine power opened up with the exhaust/CAI combo. Tires make the truck very stable, but slow it down a bit.

I still need to figure out a roof rack that will support a roof top tent and not be on top of my T-tops. I may build one out of stainless steel. My Jeep was produced in July 2012 so I hope i have the new headers and will not be stranded in some jungle...

Now the distant thoughts of expedition are becoming near and I am thinking of taking a 1-2 month trip:
- from New York to at least Panama since there is not even a trail to Colombia.
- Trans US - Baja - Mexico - Panama
- New York to Europe via Alaska. Not as exotic as the previous two, but like to complete the journey that these folks did not: Extrem Events - Matthias Jeschke - Paris-New York attempted. But no way I am dipping the Jeep into salt water.

Any suggestions on cheap parts that I need to replace to save myself hassle in foreign lands will be appreciated. Also trip planning resources awesome trails that are less traveled will be appreciated.

Lyd

 

Wow, man I'm 20 now but I hope to do something like this before I thirty. What a journey that would be! Anyways i drive a 07 so I'm not sure if your year model will have the same problem but there are little plastic clips that hold the cable which, when pulled, engages the 4x4. They tend to break fairly easily and are connect to the lever under the center console and on the front of the transfer case right above where the drive shaft meets . It would be smart to invest in some or buy something like them because the clips the stealership give you are a bit difficult to put on.











Excuse the hobo fixes, its all I had on the trail haha

 

Didn't you put lowering springs on your rig?

 

Better pic

 

Haha you caught this too

 

I did and now I am installing a 2.5 AEV kit. I see a negative correlation between lift and off-roading. I have probably done more off-roading in cars with no lifts than most Jeep drivers on this forum. Take a look at rally races...I do not see many on this forum discussing their entry in the Dakar race.

 

Thank you so much. I will take it apart to see if it is the same and buy a set.

 

That is because you are talking about a dirt road , we are talking about ruts and rocks that can swallow a car

I bet your rally car can't get over this

Or up this

 

ah I think I understand and yes, there is a negative correlation between lift (height of lift) and off-roading. you may want to research the long arm kits and coil-overs, this combinations maintains a low center of gravity while allowing you run a taller tire (ground clearance), take a look at EVO.

trimming the fenders to be flat and and just a mild 2 - 2.5" lift you can fit a 35" tire for good expedition travel that won't jar you to death like a lowered spring setup does.

As for roof racks that will hold a tent, look at Gobi Stealth, Autohome, ARB

 

Too static...