Rich's Command Green Budget Build

[rich67]

Rich's Commando Green Budget Build

I purchased my 2013 Commando Green JKU (my first Jeep) November of 2012. Being that I am living in the swampy lowlands of Florida, I wanted my build to be practical yet still retain daily driveability. I am starting off very slowly and focusing on cosmetic changes first. Here it was the first day I brought it home..


I quickly added a Trektop and a Spiderwebshade to help enjoy the Florida sun without getting fried every time I rolled the top back.


I also stripped off the hood decals and some of the fender decals to make way for a cleaner look...and some Wayalife decals...


Had to add the Rugged Ridge hood protector to protect my investment...


I was in the process of purchasing a house at the time, was divorced and filed bankruptcy a few years back. It's been a rough time, but the Jeep was my first gift to myself for having bounced back after that huge mess. As soon as my credit was rebuilt I ditched my Nissan Frontier and picked up the JKU. Wanted the Rubi, but couldn't swing it. Plenty of time for another Jeep in the future...so this is my way to show everyone that no matter how bleak things may seem, you can always crawl your way back up to the top with a little perserverance and not much money!

 

[H8ROADS]

Nice lookin ride! Does that spiderwebshade stay in place with and without the top on? My queen stays in the garage full time, so come next summer I'm exploring a good bikini top for full time use in the summer.

 

[rich67]

Nice lookin ride! Does that spiderwebshade stay in place with and without the top on? My queen stays in the garage full time, so come next summer I'm exploring a good bikini top for full time use in the summer.

Thank you, and yes it does. If I use the hard top, I just remove the two bungees from the footman's loops in the front and the two in the back when the freedom panels are in. It stays in place well. When the soft top is on, it is completely hooked up, and I detach the same two bungees when I roll the top closed.

 

[rich67]

Found the Barricade Trail Force bumper for a great price. I wanted a bumper where I could utilize the OEM foglights and was readily expandable. The light tabs and winch mounts were a bonus, so I could easily expand. Came with the D-rings also.

I added some locking hook latches as well. These RR brand ones really hold the hood down tight and prevent flutter.

I ordered my Wayalife windshield banner and a mesh grille insert as well to complete the front end.

My next step is to get the rear bumper replaced, swap out the side steps with some rock rails, get a winch, add some armor and upgrade my wheels and tires. Shooting for some Pro-comp 17's in flat back with some Mud Terrains to handle the Florida backroads. Also will be doing a 2.5" lift with shocks at the same time. Tires will most likely be 33's, since I am running 3.73 gears and don't want to get too crazy with mileag loss since I do a lot of traveling and driving on roads. I figure that would be a nice balance between practicality on and off-road.

 

[rich67]

In current form, getting some seat time!

 

[Tree Frog]

Good looking rig.
Be sure to check in over on the Commando Green show off thread if you have not already.

 

[rich67]

Added these today. More for style than practicality.


Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app

 

[rich67]

Picked up a Smitty XRC comp 9500 winch, going to be installing it this weekend. The price was well within my budget, and the synthetic line was recommended by the folks here on the forums. I'll be keeping everyone updated on how this winch works out in the field, and its overall dependability.

 

[James_P]

Build is coming along good!

 

[IBeHeWhoIsJoshua]

Lookin good! Check my build thread for pictures of the EVO leveling kit. Would go good with 33's and the balance of the front springs make the Jeep handle way better. You'll save on shocks, or find a good deal on rubicon take offs...I opted to spend a little on the shocks and have been real happy with the setup. Trimmed my fenders and now I clear 35's with just the leveling kit. I think my shocks and EVO leveling kit set me back $650. But like I said you can find members nice enough to just hand over their rubicon shocks and that's an upgrade from the sport ones. That'll save you a lot.

 

[Tanner505]

Looking good dude

 

[Napalm]

I second the opt for an Evo level. I just put one on mine, the ride is leaps and bounds better. Not to mention how it looks!

 

[rich67]

Couldn't wait until the weekend. Threw the winch on last night. Thanks for the info on the EVO level kit; I'll check into it. I already notice an issue with the added weight on the front end with the bumper and winch addition. I have a feeling that's my next mod. Appreciate the input!

 

[rich67]

Just an update on the XRC winch. Used it twice for recovery this weekend. One was an off-camber issue where one wheel was off the ground and the mud was pretty thick. Second was a partial high-center (no lift yet, dammit) on a steep hill, slick mud. Both times it pulled out effortlessly, and worked great. Rope still looks good. So far, so good!

 

[SnailTrail]

Nice looking rig. Sorry to hear about your situation. I went through the same thing. Now I just get raped in child support but my kids love wheeling so it makes it all worth it for me. Im glad the winch is working out for you. I just picked up the x20. Hoping it will work out like your. Look foward to seeing more.

 

[rich67]

Nice looking rig. Sorry to hear about your situation. I went through the same thing. Now I just get raped in child support but my kids love wheeling so it makes it all worth it for me. Im glad the winch is working out for you. I just picked up the x20. Hoping it will work out like your. Look foward to seeing more.

Thanks-same here, love taking my kids out on the trails...another 1.5 years of child support and I'm done. It's going to be odd to have that extra income again! LOL

 

[jkur77]

Nice JK I Love that color.

 

[Jkuhl1233]

been considering the same winch. looks good and has a price tag I can afford :thumb:

 

[rich67]

been considering the same winch. looks good and has a price tag I can afford :thumb:

I've used it a couple times, and it's money well spent. Wish I could have got the Warn, but maybe one day...

 

[rich67]

I ordered a set of Spidertrax 1.5 inch spacers. I like how the stance is a little more aggressive, and when I step up to 33's and a 2.5 lift on my OEM rims, It will be a nice and easy transition.

The rears are a bit more noticeable than the front. The ride also seems a bit different.