Time for the next level? Or time to swallow my pride

2Cross

2Cross

Caught the Bug
Opinions on what to do from here

Up to this point there have been very few trails to slow my rig down. I’ve ran the Rubicon, Pritchett Canyon (I won’t do the Rock Pile because the bypass is hard enough), Hells Revenge (including the Escalator and Hells Gate), Moab Rim, many Colorado trails and some crazy New Mexico trails where I live. My bellypan clearance has always concerned me, but I love my low Center of Gravity (COG). Finished running Metal Masher last weekend. Was unable to clear Rock Chucker and WidowMaker obstacles due to bellypan clearance. Guy I was with had a 3” lift and 40” tires and cleared Rock Chucker (broke rear axle shaft on Mirror Gulch doing nothing spectacular on a Dana 44). So in my head I was thinking if I just had 1 more inch I could do it. Video of my fails is at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aBbwK9pL4k

My main trail rig:
2011 JKU, Cruises 80-85 easily. My daily driver.
Trail Jeeps did the initial work on it four years ago.
Hemi 5.7 -- 4.88 axle gearing
Front Axle- RCV shafts, ProRock 44 housing with ½” tubes, ARB locker
Rear Axle- ProRock 60 with ARB locker
37 x 12.5 Goodyear MTRs (I hate these and it’s time to replace. I liked my KM2s better but might try Nitto/Toyos) on Hutchinson Beadlocks.
AEV 3.5” lift.



So I’ve been thinking about my options to remedy the issue:
1-Do nothing and accept defeat on Metal Masher.
Cost--Free but significant ego blow

2-Move to 40” tires. Will increase bellypan clearance 1.5”
If I don't regear then I am in a world of hurt.
3a- Modify existing AEV 3.5” lift kit. ORE control arms to lengthen wheelbase
about 1.25” front and rear to accommodate larger tires.
3b- EVO DTD Coilover. Would love this option

3-GenRight transfer case skid plate. Will increase bellypan clearance 1.5”
Cost-- Skid plate- $770, Gas Tank $1429, Catback exhaust $400.
Labor intensive and HAS ANYONE EVER TRIED THIS?

4- Swap to AEV 4.5” coils but will raise my COG
 
I guess you have to decide what is important to you and go from there. You had to get winched up an obstacle...big deal...it happens.

Maybe it's time to focus on what you do have: a jeep that gets you places most people will never see, a family and friends that enjoy sharing the outdoors with you, and the money and other resources to have some free time.

Keeping up with the Joneses will never bring you peace, stopping to look around and assess the situation probably will.
 
There will always be somebody that makes something you can't and no matter how your rig is built there will always be something somewhere that you can't conquer.
 
Sharkey said:
I guess you have to decide ...

Keeping up with the Joneses will never bring you peace, stopping to look around and assess the situation probably will.
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Sharkey
I appreciate your reply.
It's just easier said than done.

I should be happy I made it up safely
 
mudmobeeler said:
There will always be somebody that makes something you can't and no matter how your rig is built there will always be something somewhere that you can't conquer.
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Too true-
That's why I wonder if I should just swallow my pride.
I have wanted to do the GenRight belly up for 3 years now. Just haven't seen it done and don't want to waste my time and money.
 
Sounds like your rig is set up nice and has completed some amazing trails. So it's probably not the belly but driver error go back and try it again. Lol

I'm kidding, but I think you're going to find for most of us it's not about "that obstacle" at all. It's foreign to me that you're pride has anything to do with being winched. At least you didn't flop back with that child in the rig. And you were finally able to use that winch you paid so much for.
 
Sharkey said:
I guess you have to decide what is important to you and go from there. You had to get winched up an obstacle...big deal...it happens.

Maybe it's time to focus on what you do have: a jeep that gets you places most people will never see, a family and friends that enjoy sharing the outdoors with you, and the money and other resources to have some free time.

Keeping up with the Joneses will never bring you peace, stopping to look around and assess the situation probably will.
Click to expand...

2Cross said:
Sharkey
I appreciate your reply.
It's just easier said than done.

I should be happy I made it up safely
Click to expand...

I may be reading more into it, or not, but part of Sharkeys comment is that you should be happy you were there at all.

For it's worth, that would be my outlook. I'm lucky enough to wheel with a lot of cool folks on this forum. If I was constantly worried about comparing suspensions, I'd miss all the fun.

At the end of the day, who really cares. For a short time I thought I'd be running a stock Rubi forever. And I was ok with that too. I'm lucky for what I have. Family, friends, you can't buy those off a shelf (well, except that one Russian site was going to send a new wife). Anyways, that's where I focus my energy.

Everybody's means are different. Everybody sees things different. Just don't miss the forest through the trees.
 
Trail JK said:
Sounds like your rig is set up nice and has completed some amazing trails. So it's probably not the belly but driver error go back and try it again. Lol

I'm kidding, but I think you're going to find for most of us it's not about "that obstacle" at all. It's foreign to me that you're pride has anything to do with being winched. At least you didn't flop back with that child in the rig. And you were finally able to use that winch you paid so much for.
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Trail JK
You are correct on many levels.
For background. I enjoy being outdoors with my four sons and being in the moment. We go on mancations two or three times a year and it's a chance to be together away from technology and bond.

But I enjoy conquering things. Whether it's climbing a certain peak or riding my bike and winning a race. I enjoy hunting as well and look forward to the next hunt. Or conquering another obstacle in my jeep. It is a problem - I admit.

I'm very fortunate to not have flopped back.
 
JAGS said:
I may be reading more into it, or not, but part of Sharkeys comment is that you should be happy you were there at all.

For it's worth, that would be my outlook. I'm lucky enough to wheel with a lot of cool folks on this forum. If I was constantly worried about comparing suspensions, I'd miss all the fun.

At the end of the day, who really cares. For a short time I thought I'd be running a stock Rubi forever. And I was ok with that too. I'm lucky for what I have. Family, friends, you can't buy those off a shelf (well, except that one Russian site was going to send a new wife). Anyways, that's where I focus my energy.

Everybody's means are different. Everybody sees things different. Just don't miss the forest through the trees.
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JAGS,
I wouldn't say I am missing the forest for the trees. But I truly appreciate your sentiment and reply.

I am just seriously considering an upgrade. My tires are worn out with 40,000 miles and now is the time to consider a change. The only upgrade I've done in four years is changing my front bumper out and adding a few safety items like better brakes and headlights.

Would any of the upgrades help or would it just be a waste of money?
 
2Cross said:
Trail JK
You are correct on many levels.
For background. I enjoy being outdoors with my four sons and being in the moment. We go on mancations two or three times a year and it's a chance to be together away from technology and bond.

But I enjoy conquering things. Whether it's climbing a certain peak or riding my bike and winning a race. I enjoy hunting as well and look forward to the next hunt. Or conquering another obstacle in my jeep. It is a problem - I admit.

I'm very fortunate to not have flopped back.
Click to expand...

We all enjoy conquering things.

Hope you find whatever it is you're needing.

I could use a good mancation right now. 👍
 
I absolutely understand what you are saying and don't fault you for wanting to take your rig to the next level. If you have the means and want to do it, then do it and I'm certain you will enjoy the benefits. That said, just do it for the right reasons.
 
Running 40s will be expensive, usually up front costs, but if not it may catch up with you. I second trying to obstacle again. Other than that, only you can tell what's important. COG/travel/time with your boys/etc. Just my 2 cents.
 
And my apologies if I sent this thread in the wrong direction. As stated, moving up to 40's presents some other build challenges. If done correctly, your center of gravity shouldn't be that much different than it is now. While I've never seen the JKU belly lift, it seems unnecessary to me if you have the proper skid set up underneath.
 
Try it again and save money. It looks like you let off just a bit early on Widowmaker. That thing is almost straight up for 7 feet. The only way people make it up normally is with a bunch of momentum. I watched some company's Moab video with big sponsored rigs on Rock Chucker and only 1 out of 7-8 made it due the deep hole after the first rock so don't feel bad.
Winching goes hand in hand with wheeling hard trails and there is nothing wrong with it.
 
Since I seem to be full of .02 today, here is another thought. You are running trails that have a decent potential for a rollover, you have a third row of seats, and you bring some smaller folks wheeling (all of which I think is great)...have you ever thought of investing in some real passenger protection?

A real nice cage and some harnesses would be a fun and practical upgrade. :thumb:

If you do go the route of 40's, plan on probably having to get a D60 front to match the rear. :beer:
 
Same applies when I was drag racing my Camaro if you get beat the make it faster. Just as long as your doing it for the right reasons and not putting your rig before family and shit go for it if you have been thinking of bigger tires you want bigger tires. Just have fun doing it!
 
Dude, I wish I new all those part model names, let alone afford it. Hell, being on the Far East Coast (no not China), I live vicariously through your guys' posts. Pride comes before the fall. Also, he who dies with the most toys, still dies. I say fix your tires to be safe. The rest is vanity. Just my 2 cents.
 
I can't speak to the majority of the upgrades you referring to since I'm pretty stock and happy at this point. I didn't catch it until later in the thread about having a third row. I do too and recently added the Rock Hard 3rd Row bar. It is a great piece of mind for me thinking of the kiddos. If it helps any, that install starts on page 2 of my build thread. http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?26097-I-guess-it-s-the-quot-Super-Stocker-quot-build/page2

Good luck deciding and sorry I couldn't help on your original question.
 
USMC Wrangler said:
I can't speak to the majority of the upgrades you referring to since I'm pretty stock and happy at this point. I didn't catch it until later in the thread about having a third row. I do too and recently added the Rock Hard 3rd Row bar. It is a great piece of mind for me thinking of the kiddos. If it helps any, that install starts on page 2 of my build thread. http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?26097-I-guess-it-s-the-quot-Super-Stocker-quot-build/page2

Good luck deciding and sorry I couldn't help on your original question.
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Awesome. I'll have to get that.
Didn't know about that.
I always have the kids get out on hairy stuff. Except for the special needs one. I figure he is safer in the jeep.
 
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