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I think the key themes in overlanding are the needs for greater self-sufficiency, range, navigation, and communication and a de-emphasis on suspension/powertrain strength, clearance, and articulation.

The real art is finding the best balance between the two.

In general, my present thinking is to stick with (and build) my Rubicon D44's, and essentially maintain the factory suspension geometry and forego coilovers and then load it up with a light and efficient compliment of overlanding gear.

Very interested in hearing what other overland-oriented people are thinking...

 

LeftyStrat
Expedition One also makes a tire carrier that attaches to the tailgate. Below is their proposed Jeri can mount.

Page 5 Post #42
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...quest.../page5

Also they have plans for a clamp on roof rack, and trail basket above spare tire.
Expidition One 4-door JK
Page 1 Post #2
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...ty-Show-Photos

Kdog

 

(keeping the 5K busgett in mind)
2.5" Teraflex/ coils and shock extenders OR OME HD kit.
Terra HD adust front trackbar
evap relocate/ get parts at Nappa for $30
C Gussetts
33's will get you better mpg's and tad longer range. Also will save you from buying flat fenders. Cost on the 33's is a bit cheaper also.
Spydertracks wheel spacers. This will save you on buying wheels
Viair on board comp.
GOBI Stealth/ rear ladder/ hi-lift mount
Expo one rear bumper w/ carrier w/ rotopax mount
That's about your 5K if you are doing the work yourself.

As mentioned/ offered already: find a local club and see if you can go for a ride with someone that has the mods you are looking at. I listed 33's vs 35's for a couple of reasons. "Easiest way up vs harder." 33's will get you most places that are NOT on hardcore trails. I have wheeled a stock Rubicon all over CO and Moab without issue....before I lifted it. For the harder stuff, I was glad I went to 35's and wish I had 37's in a couple spots in Moab.

for the type of off road travel that I do, I am driving anywhere from 2 to 16 hours to get there. Type of travel starts with Hwy to gravel roads, to Sand Dunes, to Slick Rock and Mountain Trails. So the drive has to be comfortable, reliable, and all the mods I will install/ learn to install. I also need to be able to repair if something breaks down. I set my budgett on my next build higher than the 5K I did on my last one. Most of us do this in stages, so don;t fell you have to do it all at once or nothing at all. Take your time planning. Enjoy the building of it at your pace. Rushing this stuff only turns into a nightmare. There are a ton of writeup threads here and on Project JK.

I learned from my last build and intend to build mine a little different this time around. Due to cost, I will build this in 4 stages splitting up the funds to allow me to build at my pace and test before Sept/ Oct trips.
I don;t want to hi-jack your thread, but here is my list/ Based on your intentions for your wheeling, you may find something you did or did not consider before.

My build I'm starting shortly:
2011 4 Door Rubicon
C gussets/ sleeves
lower shock skids
evap relocate
MBRP offroad exhaust
AEV 3.5 premium kit
JKS spring retainers
Teraflex upper coil guides
Custom front drive shaft
35 bfg AT's X 5
Spider Trax spacers
538 gears
(I will be pulling a trailer, so went higher (also going to 37's at some point)
Riddler Diff Covers
Lube lockers
Expo One front and rear bumpers
Expo One Swaybar Motor Flip kit
Gobi Stealth, Dual Ladders, Quick Disco, Fairing
Rigid LED lighting 50" front/ 2 6" rear
Benchmark Dual Battery Kit
Hot Head headliners
Katzkin Leather/ Heated/ Gel inserts
locking Fuel Door
River Raider skids

 

Thanks, I hadn't looked at Expedition One.

For the rack I want something that works with both soft top and hard top. Living in Seattle we get eight or nine months of rain/grey overcast. When the sun is shining the top must be down. For any cross country trips, I'd probably go soft top, since it would most likely be in the summer.

I've done one cross country in the winter, and even taking i-40, let's just say it was a little too interesting...

 

I must be pointed in the right direction, that list looks similar to my wish list. Strangely enough, it was a Eurovan I had that had a peltier cooler under one seat, and dual batteries. Knowing your usage of interior stuff is not going to affect your starting ability the next day is very nice.

I'm also thinking C gussets and axle sleeves might be my first mod, I'm close enough to Northridge to get them to do it. I don't trust my welding skills for gussets at this point.

On board air vs Powerplant is still an issue. I want on board welder, dual batteries, and onboard air. CO2 systems aren't very interesting, for one of the reasons propane for grilling doesn't interest me. I seemed to alway run out right in the middle of something. The other reason of course is taste.

Not sure what all I can fit under the hood. And the Warn seems to have better CFM than the other systems.

Relocating the evap canister and putting an air tank in its place is also something I am considering.

 

Sounds great....let's plan a time to meet up for a beer and talk Jeep PM sent.

I also have the Expo One rear that swings with the gate, so you can check that out too.

I'm interested to see what the 2011 interior looks like and any other new features.

 

Sent a PM. I'm taking a vacation the 25th through the next weekend, we're doing the Olympic loop, but only plan on four or five days (but we don't like planning, so who knows). Throw a tent and a cooler in the back, hit the highway, take every interesting side road. Got a GPS so I'm never lost.

But I am pretty sure later in the week I will have some time, I definitely want to go to Northridge4x4 one day, maybe hit Tahuya the same day. A gathering of Seattle Jeepers sounds cool.

I like the new interior, especially the heated leather seats, and finally, the tailgate doesn't constantly hit you in your recently warmed back end.

 

I'm starting with a 2011 Rubicon to get my wife and 2 kids places I used to take motorcycles (see ADVRider.com for examples). I too would like to see what other folks end up with.

My plan in some sort of order:

1. Adventure Trailer, Horizon model
2. Warn winch
3. LOD from and rear bumpers
4. Full skid plate (*******?)
5. 35"s
6. Gears

Dunno what C's are but its something else to learn about. The Rubicon is already more capable than the TJ or YJ I once had and since I will have my family to worry about my initial focus will be on reliability.

Someone mentioned fridges. My plan is the Engel MT45 with a slide mount in the trailer and the other (I forget what is called) mount for the Jeep so I can move it around when I don't tow the trailer.

The OME lift has my interest. I figure with fenders that should fit 35"s well. I've never ridden in one tho'

Good luck with your build and I hope to see it as it progresses.

-surly

 

With mine, I've tried to keep as much as possible stock... It makes repairs easier both off road and at the dealer.
That being said, skids were the first thing to be replaced/upgraded with River Raider's skids.
Next were a set of heavier springs to carry a heavier load without sagging...
I would recomend progressive springs to keep the ride nice.
Winch/winch bumper
then snorkle
The next thing is a roof rack of some sort... I haven't decided between the MBRP one or the Wilderness Rack... Right now MBRP's is winning I thing...

 

With regard to tyres, wider is not really the way to go with an expedition vehicle. I went with BFG KM2 33s in the config 255/85/16 (33x10.5). You'll get a better ride on the highways where you'll spend alot of your time and they'll handle mud and offroad as good as any.

With regard to the roof-rack, getting one custom made is not as big a hassle as you'd think. My local guy is excellent and is making me one almost identical to the Gobi but with a few tweaks that I wanted. It'll cost me about $800 all done, which gives me plenty of change for other stuff. One of the things we're doing is welding the rack pillars at the front directly to the Mopar windshield brackets so there's no need for an extra bracket there. We'll re-enforce if necessary but I'm guessing that bracket will be strong enough. The other great thing with a custom rack is you can get the maker to make it work with any tyre carrier you like. There's always a solution.

A winch is a good idea on overland builds. You'd be surprised at what you can use them for other than just vehicle recovery..

The list is endless and you can easily blow a hole in anyone's bank account but with some careful thought you should be able to get a reasonable rig sorted for about what you're talking.

Oh...and if your travels will involve any water crossings then get all your breathers raised and fit a snorkel.

Will enjoy watching your build take place and seeing what you choose but definitely don't be afraid of getting stuff fabricated via custom builders. You'll save some bucks and a name plate from a well known company will not necessarily mean a better end product.