If I had to start over... what I would buy again, what I would pass...

[Fcmalie]

I haven't done a whole lot with mine yet, but the only thing I'd really consider doing differently is the tonneau cover vs soft topper. I like my tonneau for security, but sometimes the limit on space is annoying.

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[Bonanza]

I'll say I bought my Max Tow, after trading in my 2017 JKU Rubicon. In the rubi, I used lockers allllll the time. In my 2013 base 2 door-- I didn't have them, and I never seemed to need them. Now for my current truck, I opted not to install lockers when I did my own re-gear. It would have been super easy, but just didn't. The BLD in these is fairly good-- not a locker substitute, but after all my rock crawling in the gladiator, I just have never left a trail wishing I had lockers.

I run all the same trails with all three of my Jeeps. On the JK it seemed like I always "needed" the lockers' traction, but oddly with the 2 door and this JT, I haven't. Odd how that works out.

 

[LaRock]

Cool thread idea.

Having prior experience building the 2007 JKU I knew I wanted to take this build slow. Started off with a great deal in 2020 (early pandemic pricing) Sport S in the color I wanted on the lot. Would have liked to have the 8.4 screen, aux switches, remote start, and front camera, but adding them aftermarket wasn’t bad. I knew I wanted to build for travel, so started a list with my dream build categorized by comfort/security, electronics/lights , suspension/wheels and tires. I’ve had few “take offs” biggest being the hard tonneau for RSI Smart cap/RTT for GFC Camper.

End result has been fantastic, very comfortable travel rig. Can I say it’s finished, I told my wife it is, but I’m sure there will be a lift, regear, and 35s in its future.

If faced with having to start again, I don’t think I’d do much different.

Kofa NWR last week, hasty campsite in route to Grand Canyon South Rim to hike the canyon.

 

[Kblanton]

I still have my 2021 Gladiator but I just purchased a 1998 Cherokee Sport. Couple had it for 21 years as a daily for the husband. This thing is straight and bone stock. I'm gonna fix it up and maybe replace the Galdi one day.

 

[ZoMojave]

Having mine only seven months and 4,000 miles, I don't have any second thoughts on my choices.

At the time of my order, Silver Zynith was not yet on the order guide being a new color for 2022. That would have been my only change.

 

[Hootbro]

I would build out a Max Tow Sport instead of having a Rubicon.

 

[Gvsukids]

-Grab handles, look fine but I never use them. In the garage now.

My wife loves her's, but I don't use mine. They'll be good for back seat passengers

I haven't figured out how to keep the sway bar disco'd over 30mph.

Tazer.

 

[Pescatoral Pursuit]

Tazer.

I have a tazer. That's how I lock my diffs in 2H and 4H and disco the sway bar in 2H but it still reconnects over 30 then disconnects automatically below 30.

 

[Orange01z28]

What I would buy again
Tazer
37" Milestar Patagonia XTs
Yukon 5.13s
JCR Half Height Bed Rack
NFAB RKR Sliders
Fab Fours Stubby
Smittybilt Winch (but i'd spend the money on the synthetic rope simply for weight reasons)
S-Tech Relay and Switch pod
Amazon Niiight Light Bar
KC C3 Spotlights and KC cowl mount
Amazon LED light bulbs in place of my stock halogen headlights and fog lights
Bulletpoint phone and radio mounts
KBD Body Kit fenders

What I've already replaced
Rubicon take-off suspension and Teraflex Leveling Kit
35" Toyo MTs
KC 6" Apollo spot lights

What I have recently purchased that needs to be installed
Metalcloak full control arm set
Metalcloak spring perch correctors

What I would buy different next time
Rubicon Express 3.5/2.5- it's a fine lift that looks and performs great, but i'd probably just go full Metalcloak out of the gate

17x9.5 Black Rhino Armory- This is purely aesthetic. My buddy warned me I would get tired of them. I'd get something more classic and basic and possibly polished. I love the offset and they look great for what i've put them through

Rubicon or Mojave instead of a Sport S- lockers and resale

 

[Caspien]

If I had to do it over again, I'd probably go with the soft top, and a hard tonneau, instead of the other way around.

I've piecemealed mine into the shape its in, now, primarily from buying parts from users on here, but I've also added just enough that I'm almost to the point of being content with it... still need to add a lift and some larger tires.

That said, I'd stick with my Warn EVO 12.. that thing, when purchased.. I thought I'd never use.

6 recovered vehicles, multiple trees, and countless landscaping projects for friends, later... it was definitely a good call.

The front stinger I'd still go with, too, since I've found it not only allows me to know where my bumper ends, but it gives me more room to mount additional lights (when needed).

The hard top is ok, but after adding the Sunrider to it, for the summer months, I probably would have enjoyed the soft top, more.

Ace Engineering rock rails have been an absolute amazing addition.. not only do they give me extra protection when crawling, but not a week goes by, that I don't get a laugh outta someone parking too close, swinging their doors wide open.. and then cursing the rails they've slammed into. Protection AND amusement.

Seat jacker is a must have, simply due to my height.

Pre-wired aux switches are a must have, and I'm pretty sure I'll never buy another vehicle without them in it, again

Cold weather package is a hit and a miss... heated steering wheel is nice, as is the remote start when I need it.. but the heated seats being in JUST the center of the seat is a bit 'meh', for me.


~ Casp

 

[Gvsukids]

but the heated seats being in JUST the center of the seat is a bit 'meh', for me.

Mine heats my bottom and lower back.

The front stinger I'd still go with, too, since I've found it not only allows me to know where my bumper ends, but it gives me more room to mount additional lights (when needed).

What size?

 

[Caspien]

Mine heats my bottom and lower back.

What size?

Regarding the seat, it's the lack of heating on the outer edges.. it means that while my back and rear are hot, my thighs and legs are often still cold. Conversely, my wife's GC TH heats the seat, and it winds up covering the entire width of the seat after a few mins.. likely just a wider heating element, and different materials that allow thermal movement across them.

Re: Stinger
Running the Warn 102346 Stinger on the Mopar steel bumper (with removable caps) Got a small light bar I can clamp underneath it , and plenty of room for individual pods along the sides of it too. Few steel mounting loops with rubber pressure fittings underneath have helped tremendously.

(That reminds me to upload the photo, below, and change my avatar.. lol)

I have the official Mopar loop, here, too.. haven't decided if I'm gonna sell it or hold onto it hoping the wife eventually flips to a wrangler.. lol That said, I can't fault her for loving her '20 GC TH, it literally has everything except the hemi engine, and it rides fantastic.




~ Casp

 

[LANGeek]

The JT replaced a Ram 3500 4 door diesel with a manual. We wanted to down size and the JT seemed to be the answer. A jeep, a convertible, and a pickup (with a little bed). Great for commuting. Great to get us to our remote destinations. Just a boat...no, Jeep, load of fun. I have really enjoyed it.

However, there are some times I miss the big beast. Before the Ram I had a F350 setup the same way. I owed them over 15 years.

We got the JT right before the pandemic. Then 6 months later amid the isolation and what have you we bought a camper. D'Oh! That beast would have been perfect to tow with. We sized the camper to not exceed the JT's abilities. The JT does fine, slowly, and is solid and does well.

So, what would I do different if the JT was totaled? Go back to a big diesel. No more manuals unless I go used. That's a bummer. But I would like to have a big oil burner again.

Then talk my wife into trading her Escape for a Wrangler ;-)

 

[Geoarch]

Can I ask why you wouldn't forgo the prichet canyon bumper from Barnes second time around?

I'd definitely buy one again. I kick myself in the ass for not getting the forward camera. Other than that, I'd do it again. Wish for a PHEV version.

 

[Lunentucker]

Everything exactly as it is now but with Selec-trac.

Mojave / Sting Gray / Automatic / 2"AEV / Rancho Brackets / Falcon Stabilizer / BFG 35 K02'S on stock rims / Gray Leather / Safety with ACC / Cold Weather /
LEDs / Bak Revolver/ N-Fab steps / Bestop Sunrider / Bushwhacker Hood Guard / Auto Dimming mirror and headlights / Alpine / Bluetooth Speaker / LED and AC in bed / Lockable Storage Under Rear Seat / Line-X / Redline Hood struts / Rock Jock Spacer / Paracord Grab Handles Purchased Here / CMM Off-road Mirrors and Mounts / Seat Jackers.
I'd even add the longer bolts and extra nylock nuts to the rear stabilizer links again.

I would go for the Hurricane if that gets to be a choice.

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