american-thunder
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About two years ago I was going to purchase my "dream car" a C8 Corvette but when it came down to pulling the trigger I just couldn't do it. Having owned Jeeps in the past I decided to get something I would actually use...I wanted an ADULT STOMPER (Those who grew up in the 70's-80's will know what I'm talking about) My 2020 JT Rubicon:
From day one I realized it didn't have the power to make me smile but it got me out and in the mountains again. So I started with the mods.. first was installing a Rock Krawler Lift and some 37's:
While adding the lift and tires made a huge difference in the off-road abilities but the power was still anemic. Even though 99.9% of my usage of this vehicle is off road I wanted to fill the void that I felt going to a from the trail. Superchargers looked tempting but as any red blooded American knows there is no replacement for displacement. After a bunch of research I decided to do a hemi swap and began to shop around. After talking with @JTPatriot on here in March I decided to talk to Bubba at Exodus 4x4 and was sold. After speaking with Bubba, and looking at several options I opted for the following build:
6.4 Hemi
Dana 60's
Adams Driveshafts F/R
KMC 8 Lug Wheels
40" Trail Grapplers
Synergy Steering
PSC Hydraulic Assist
4.5" Lift Springs
Which leads me to this weekend. I threw on the factory wheels and tires and headed East to TX. Stopped in Fort Stockton for the evening last night and met another Gladiator owner from Arkansas who had a very good choice in color.
And after 1.5 days of driving I've arrived
Build starts tomorrow and I probably won't sleep tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to update this build as it goes along with lots of photos so everyone see's just how much work is involved. Stay Tuned!
From day one I realized it didn't have the power to make me smile but it got me out and in the mountains again. So I started with the mods.. first was installing a Rock Krawler Lift and some 37's:
While adding the lift and tires made a huge difference in the off-road abilities but the power was still anemic. Even though 99.9% of my usage of this vehicle is off road I wanted to fill the void that I felt going to a from the trail. Superchargers looked tempting but as any red blooded American knows there is no replacement for displacement. After a bunch of research I decided to do a hemi swap and began to shop around. After talking with @JTPatriot on here in March I decided to talk to Bubba at Exodus 4x4 and was sold. After speaking with Bubba, and looking at several options I opted for the following build:
6.4 Hemi
Dana 60's
Adams Driveshafts F/R
KMC 8 Lug Wheels
40" Trail Grapplers
Synergy Steering
PSC Hydraulic Assist
4.5" Lift Springs
Which leads me to this weekend. I threw on the factory wheels and tires and headed East to TX. Stopped in Fort Stockton for the evening last night and met another Gladiator owner from Arkansas who had a very good choice in color.
And after 1.5 days of driving I've arrived
Build starts tomorrow and I probably won't sleep tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to update this build as it goes along with lots of photos so everyone see's just how much work is involved. Stay Tuned!
Sponsored
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Today I finally got to see the main event...That big beautiful 6.4 Hemi in all its glory.
