Greg__Berger
Member
I've been a member of the forum for over a year now; doing a lot of reading, and sharing where I can. Although I haven't done a ton, I figured it was time to share what I've done thus far and provide a home for future plans. So let's catch up...
I had a 1997 TJ years ago and loved it. Thought I was out of a Jeep because of kids until they came out with Unlimited. So, needless to say, when the time came for a new vehicle. I made my case to the boss. Ordered on December 29th, 2013 and took delivery on January 28th, 2014.
Had been itching to get it muddy and talked my wife into heading out to a local off-road park. Well I got more than I bargained for and paid for the novice mistake of going out alone. We ended up high centered in a mud hole and no one was willing to come back into the trail and attempt a recovery. Fortunately, a guy that lived pretty close went back to his house and brought a chain hoist and we hand cranked it out. I've shared this before, but here is a video my wife took while I was hiking out to get help.
February 17th, 2013:
That incident made quick work of convincing the wife that I needed a winch. Not having much cash for mods, I bought a universal plate from Harbor Freight and modified it, and the stock bumper to fit. It's bolted straight to the frame and I just cut the bumper around it and the fairlead.
My oldest daughter loves to help and spent the whole day working on it with me.
Finally got out for a good wheeling trip.
Poser Shot
Reward for making a hard morning's climb.
While I marvel at the capability of this vehicle in it's stock form, I quickly realized that I was going to need to get a little higher off the ground to keep playing at this particular park. So, ever budget conscious, I sold my stock suspension and bought a basic 3" spring lift with nitro charged shocks from Zone Offroad.
Poser Shot
Ready for 35's! Just (still) waiting for these tires to wear out.
First time we got caught out in the rain and my oldest was prepared! She happened to have her swim bag
We didn't have a garage for the first year that I had the Jeep so we finally got the top and doors of for a weekend of camping and floating sans kids. Left everything at my parents house along with the kids. :yup:
I had a 1997 TJ years ago and loved it. Thought I was out of a Jeep because of kids until they came out with Unlimited. So, needless to say, when the time came for a new vehicle. I made my case to the boss. Ordered on December 29th, 2013 and took delivery on January 28th, 2014.
Had been itching to get it muddy and talked my wife into heading out to a local off-road park. Well I got more than I bargained for and paid for the novice mistake of going out alone. We ended up high centered in a mud hole and no one was willing to come back into the trail and attempt a recovery. Fortunately, a guy that lived pretty close went back to his house and brought a chain hoist and we hand cranked it out. I've shared this before, but here is a video my wife took while I was hiking out to get help.
February 17th, 2013:
That incident made quick work of convincing the wife that I needed a winch. Not having much cash for mods, I bought a universal plate from Harbor Freight and modified it, and the stock bumper to fit. It's bolted straight to the frame and I just cut the bumper around it and the fairlead.
My oldest daughter loves to help and spent the whole day working on it with me.
Finally got out for a good wheeling trip.
Poser Shot
Reward for making a hard morning's climb.
While I marvel at the capability of this vehicle in it's stock form, I quickly realized that I was going to need to get a little higher off the ground to keep playing at this particular park. So, ever budget conscious, I sold my stock suspension and bought a basic 3" spring lift with nitro charged shocks from Zone Offroad.
Poser Shot
Ready for 35's! Just (still) waiting for these tires to wear out.
First time we got caught out in the rain and my oldest was prepared! She happened to have her swim bag
We didn't have a garage for the first year that I had the Jeep so we finally got the top and doors of for a weekend of camping and floating sans kids. Left everything at my parents house along with the kids. :yup:
