When i got here for instance, i re-took the running boards off. Sure, no problem, get under the jeep, losen a few bolts and bamb, job done. Right? No, in a cold garage in MI you first put down some moving pads to shield you from the cold. While you're under there, the snow is melting and dripping on your face, in your eyes and in your mouth. Yuk!
i have also been so busy that i have neglected my blogging, boooo! So to recap, we rented a lake home in MI. We moved out of our home in Apex, NC, which incidentally i handled without my wife. What a chore! The stuff we took to the summer home fit in a 6x12 dual axle covered Uhaul. i was so busy that i didn't write the mileage down when changing the oil prior to making the trip to MI. Yep, i pulled that bad boy with my jeep (fresh oil). It took it like a champ, getting 17mpg. I have the towing package with the 373 rear and it did a phenomenal job. I couldn't ask anything more from it.
I just changed the oil again at 27,706 miles. That was at about 3000 miles give or take, so the change before driving up here must have been around 24K something. The last post showed that i changed it at 22,250 so there was no long change in there.
So lets talk about tires! In Raleigh my stock tires were awesome. I mean, on the road they're responsive, tire wear is great, there's no road noise. Off road they were great! What's that you say? How can stock tires be great? Well, we primarily went to Uhwarrie where the terrain is rocky and sandy with very little mud. There you don't need great tread. When I trashed a tire i would go and get a new (used) one mounted for $58. In MI? Oh man do they rot! They suck bad in the snow for daily driving. They suck in the rain! They're expensive! MI wheeling involves copious amounts of mud and these are simply a road tire, a complete failure in the mud.
So i'm looking for tires. Guess what? 18" rims suck! The prices for the same tire in 16" are not only cheaper but you have a much wider range of choices. So the hunt for rims and tires begins. i think that now that i'm dealing with mud i'll also need at least a rear locker. First let's get some rims and tires, then lets deal with a locker.
This brings me to the real jeep knowledge: Build a rig for it's purpose. i see all these tricked out jeeps and ask myself, "do they really drive all over the country and experience vastly different terrain?" i highly doubt it. They just look cool right? i guess if investing 25+ grand makes you look cool and you have it laying around then go for it. But i have that attitude, don't be a poser. Build your jeep for the conditions you ride in. Don't know what the conditions are? Get out there and wheel. Find out what sucks and fix it. Don't buy a winch cause they're on sale or look cool. Get a winch when you've been stuck with no one to help! Be practical damnit and keep the jeep spirit alive. Get inventive!
