What does it take to make a mean Jeep?
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 159
Likes: 1
From: Bisbee, AZ
What is Mean/Tuff/Bad-ass etc for one individual may not be the same for everyone. Like some others have touched on here, if you want to lift it to the sky, armor it like a tank and be able to run flat-out in the MINT-400, yes, it will cost you a pile of cash. On the other hand, a well thought out budget conscious build with careful consideration of parts/performance along with researching which vendors are having sales/specials etc will stretch your dollars and can still yield a highly capable Jeep.
The JK is already quite capable, so it might not take much to get it as mean as you need it. What type of off-roading will you do? Is this also your Daily Driver? What is your current skill behind the wheel off-road? If you have piles of cash and no skills, great. Build "Bigfoot" in Jeep guise and then wrap it around the first oak tree on the trail - what will you really have accomplished?
Take your time - you have a computer and/or internet access; use it. Google the questions you have and look up the answers/responses. Search the JK-Forum, read the stickies, look at other posts and threads along similar lines - the JK has been around a while - chances are high that someone else has asked the same and/or a similar question before.
Mild can be every bit as "fun/mean/bass-ass" as wild - it's all a matter of perspective. Find what works for YOU and go from there.
The JK is already quite capable, so it might not take much to get it as mean as you need it. What type of off-roading will you do? Is this also your Daily Driver? What is your current skill behind the wheel off-road? If you have piles of cash and no skills, great. Build "Bigfoot" in Jeep guise and then wrap it around the first oak tree on the trail - what will you really have accomplished?
Take your time - you have a computer and/or internet access; use it. Google the questions you have and look up the answers/responses. Search the JK-Forum, read the stickies, look at other posts and threads along similar lines - the JK has been around a while - chances are high that someone else has asked the same and/or a similar question before.
Mild can be every bit as "fun/mean/bass-ass" as wild - it's all a matter of perspective. Find what works for YOU and go from there.
Sponsoring Manufacturer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 9
I finally bought my personal JK in 2013 (about a year ago actually) but this is after being involved with them since the beginning.
In 2007 I did the Ultimate Adventure in a JKUR, with 5.38's on Dana 44's right then and there I knew that engine was a dog.
Over the years I kept my eyes peeled, and broke a lot of parts on JK's too. we upgraded the works Jeeps along the way.
So know we run Dynatrac 44's up front (trussed/welded rear 44's) on 37's and 35's.
On my personal JK I went 60's front and rear. I just want that extra piece of mind. I am on 37's but am always looking at bigger tires.
I also had the axles sitting in my garage for about 3 years too, trying to decide on a 2WD, or a high mileage 4WD to convert to V8.
But after driving the 3.6 I was happy with that motor.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
It takes a lot of money. Making a mean jeep is nothing short of tens of thousands of dollars. Although a jeep on 33's or 35's is more than capable for what most people will put it through which can be significantly cheaper. If you want to go heavily modded though open up that wallet and get prepared to piss your girlfriend/wife off.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 while crawling over mini trucks.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 while crawling over mini trucks.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 2
From: Calgary, AB
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO
does it exist? Pic? Or the dream shopping list. I think it's fair to say the dream shopping list is the ultimate mean jeep.
