highoctane
Caught the Bug
A few months ago I picked up my '20 Billet Silver Gladiator Rubicon. It has just over 1k miles on it now, and I love it. But after wheeling it stock it needs alot to be the Jeep I really want.
Since I plan to run 37" tires without lifting the Jeep sky high, the first stage of the build will include a Evo Mfg 2.5" Stage 4 Plus suspension kit. I haven't decided on shocks yet, but I'm leaning towards the Fox 2.0 shocks that are similar to the stock Rubicon JT shocks. As for wheels and tires, I just ordered the KMC XD232 Robby Gordon bead lock wheels in satin black. I'm still undecided on tires, they will be Nitto 37/12.50/17 for sure. Either the Ridge Grappler or Trail Grappler. Eventually I plan to install the Evo Mfg bolt on coilovers front and rear, and the Stage 4 Plus suspension kit is a good starting point to prepare for that, since it includes all 8 control arms as well as front and rear adjustable track bars. But, I'll drive it for a year or so on the spring and shock suspension until I'm ready to upgrade.
I'm planning on leaving the steering and axles stock for now until something fails and requires an upgrade. I live on the east coast now in southern PA where the wheeling generally sucks compared to out west, confined to running trails in privately owned offroad parks. So if I break an axle shaft or something else, all i really need to do is make it back to the parking lot.
I've got lots on order already, and the build will start once I get home to the USA in a week. I'll be doing everything myself on this one, since no cutting or welding is required on anything.
Here's the before pics.
For those of you unfamiliar, these are the KMC XD232 Robby Gordon bead lock wheels. It's a 17" x 9" wheel with 3.5" of back spacing. They look amazing, and I love that they aren't on what seems to be literally every Jeep out there, like the KMC Machete bead locks.
Not sure if I'll be home ij the USA for it, but I really want to take this thing out to EJS to experience it at least once. I lived in AZ for 6 years and never was able to find time to go. Hopefully it happens in 2020.
My first few posts will be off some small upgrades I've made since buying this Jeep back in September.
Looking forward to getting this Jeep built and out on the trails!
Since I plan to run 37" tires without lifting the Jeep sky high, the first stage of the build will include a Evo Mfg 2.5" Stage 4 Plus suspension kit. I haven't decided on shocks yet, but I'm leaning towards the Fox 2.0 shocks that are similar to the stock Rubicon JT shocks. As for wheels and tires, I just ordered the KMC XD232 Robby Gordon bead lock wheels in satin black. I'm still undecided on tires, they will be Nitto 37/12.50/17 for sure. Either the Ridge Grappler or Trail Grappler. Eventually I plan to install the Evo Mfg bolt on coilovers front and rear, and the Stage 4 Plus suspension kit is a good starting point to prepare for that, since it includes all 8 control arms as well as front and rear adjustable track bars. But, I'll drive it for a year or so on the spring and shock suspension until I'm ready to upgrade.
I'm planning on leaving the steering and axles stock for now until something fails and requires an upgrade. I live on the east coast now in southern PA where the wheeling generally sucks compared to out west, confined to running trails in privately owned offroad parks. So if I break an axle shaft or something else, all i really need to do is make it back to the parking lot.
I've got lots on order already, and the build will start once I get home to the USA in a week. I'll be doing everything myself on this one, since no cutting or welding is required on anything.
Here's the before pics.
For those of you unfamiliar, these are the KMC XD232 Robby Gordon bead lock wheels. It's a 17" x 9" wheel with 3.5" of back spacing. They look amazing, and I love that they aren't on what seems to be literally every Jeep out there, like the KMC Machete bead locks.
Not sure if I'll be home ij the USA for it, but I really want to take this thing out to EJS to experience it at least once. I lived in AZ for 6 years and never was able to find time to go. Hopefully it happens in 2020.
My first few posts will be off some small upgrades I've made since buying this Jeep back in September.
Looking forward to getting this Jeep built and out on the trails!
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