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Jeep Creep Answers Off-Road Tech Questions

01.01.70

I’m really interested in purchasing a new Wrangler Unlimited before next summer. What’s a-must-have accessory list for an outdoorsman like me who like to fish & hunts big game?

Charles House

This email from Charles House was my first question last month. And answering Charles’ question started me thinking about a “Dream Machine” for 2012. In addition to the Rubicon model and the various modifications I suggested to Charles last month, he might want to consider the following, if budget is not a consideration.

I mentioned a lift kit last month. To be more specific, the 2012 Dream Machine needs a tall lift, such as a 7-inch lift kit by Skyjacker, which will allow 37-inch Goodyear MT/R tires (if a set of wheels with the correct offset is included), and 5.13:1 or 5.38:1 gears from Randy’s Ring & Pinion. Those gears should be surrounded by Dynatrac heavy-duty Dana 44 or Dana 60 front and rear differentials (depending on how rugged your trails are going to be). Changing the gear sets and tire sizes will require reprogramming the Jeep’s computer and I’d pick the AEV ProCal Module, especially if you decide to add a Rock Lizard Trail Shower (hot water for those overnighter trips you’re going to be enjoying in your new JK Rubi!). Speaking of AEV, you might consider an AEV 5.7L Hemi conversion kit for a bit more kick, such as you’ll find in the Quadratec prize Jeep—or a V10 conversion such as that in the Daystar prize Jeep (both companies are currently hosting contests with these Jeeps as their top prizes). You’ll also need a winch—I prefer electric to hydraulic—that’s rated at least 9,000 pounds (any of the well-known manufacturers make good winches) and a winch accessory kit. Now that you’ve jacked up the Jeep, don’t forget a HiLift Jack. For communications with other Jeepers you’re going to need a Cobra CB and a Yaesu amateur radio (I mounted my radios to a Tuffy Overhead Console, and a friend mounted his radios on an over the windshield tray by Misch 4X4). A set of bumpers and a swing-away tire carrier from Bestop completes the list for now. Source: Off-Road.com