Is their anyone out there that plan to leave their Jeep stock?

Chris · Jul 6, 2019

TurboTJ said:
Funny you should mention that. That is exactly what I have and it has been perfect for me. I have heard the siren call for larger tires, higher lift, tummy tucks, etc. but for what I do these things would be of little value. Of course I did install a turbocharger which sort of puts the lie to what I just said, but it has been transformational and I do not regret it.

I'm not going to lie... given the chance to do a TJ over again, I would stay mild with the lift and tires, but one thing I would for sure do is add a supercharger, turbo, or some sort of swap. It just needs a bit more power IMHO to be really drivable on some of the steep mountain passes we do (especially with 4 people in it).

mde8965 · Jul 7, 2019

I like the look of STOCK Rubicons. Regular TJs I like them with 31s on the STOCK wheels (or anything but black wheels). For LJs they just look weird to me unless they are at least on 32s or 33s.

As has been said it depends on what you are using the Jeep for. If you like to wheel, the trails you want to be able to tackle dictates how many mods you make. If you drive almost exclusively on road or the most basic trails then your mods are strictly for looks.

Whenever I see a completely stock TJ even though I like the stock wheels, I assume that Jeep is owned by a non enthusiast.

My TJ is on 31s with a 1.5 inch budget boost. I determined early on in my ownership of my Jeep that I am not a huge fan of hardcore wheeling. No rocks and just mild trails/over landing. No mud either. So my mods suspension wheel and tire wise are mostly appearance. Plus it floods in Florida in summer and I want to be able to get through mildly flooded areas.

RaymondT · Jul 7, 2019

mde8965 said:
Whenever I see a completely stock TJ even though I like the stock wheels, I assume that Jeep is owned by a non enthusiast.

This gets to the essense of the different views many of us take. I see a lifted Jeep with larger wheels and I assume a hatchet job. A peek under the vehicle usually confirms this - frame rusting away, cheap components, etc. Most Jeepers don't have a 5-figure budget to go nuts on a total makeover.

If you were buying a TJ, what would you rather have - a low mileage, clean, stock Rubi or something that's heavily modded?

jjvw · Jul 7, 2019

RaymondT said:
...
If you were buying a TJ, what would you rather have - a low mileage, clean, stock Rubi or something that's heavily modded?

The answer is complex. It depends on the end goal, what existing mods are kept and how difficult it would be to undo the ones that won't be kept.

When I started this mess, I wanted stock because the learning process would be easier (I also never intended to do what I ended up doing). Years later, I have a better sense of the good and less good, so an already modded Jeep is much easier to assess.

I do know that I would not necessarily start with a Rubicon if I were to start over.

Rob5589 · Jul 7, 2019

RaymondT said:
If you were buying a TJ, what would you rather have - a low mileage, clean, stock Rubi or something that's heavily modded?

Stock, or close to it. But that is because I don't trust many peoples work nor do I believe everything anyone has to say. Also depends on what modifications have been done. That said, there are plenty of people out there doing stuff the correct way. You just need to find them.

JDS123 · Jul 7, 2019

The most stock TJ I would ever want to own would be one with: 2.5" lift, 1.25" BL, tummy tuck, bumpers, winch, rock sliders, lockers, supercharger, and gas tank skid. I'm planning on finding a low mile TJ rubicon or sport in a few years to build like this. Would be a nice daily driver and a reliable exploration vehicle.

As you can probably tell, I'm not a huge fan of completely stock Jeeps...

AndyG · Jul 7, 2019

jjvw said:
It was a specific goal for my not stock Jeep, as well. With some knowledge and understanding, one can have the best of both worlds.

My point is that no one needs to defend the decision to keep the Jeep stock(ish). But to rationalize and justify that decision by making inaccurate claims about unavoidable inherent qualities of a modified Jeep is deeply flawed and misleading.

This is true as well. Mine drives very close to stock...with a 4” lift on 33” tires. It’s doable , but it won’t happen by accident.

oldb · Jul 7, 2019

Keeping it stock was the plan, but inside I knew "good luck with that". The jeep is my daily driver, so close to stock is a sound idea. Just finished the winch install, that is all I get to do this year. I can't get bigger tires and the required 2.5" lift until the small tires that are on it wear out. At 5,000 miles a year that is going to take a while.

B

Brinta · Aug 8, 2019

No. Not me. Thats wasted potential by my book.

I do plan on modding my Jeep, But Not to the extent that you see some of those jeeps that have gone full bore to the point their vehicle actually resembles a matchbox car. Just because the Jeep is as fun to modify as a toy doesn't necessarily mean you have to end up making it look like a toy

As far as I see it, when you make too many mods to the vehicle exterior you end up marring the iconic aesthetic that drew people to the Jeep in the first place. The heritage and origin of the Jeep as a war vehicle is one of my favorite aspects of it. Making me kind of a purist I suppose?

The extent of my modification plans are a traditional light bar with 4 round lights, better headlights, a winch for utility (maybe a low key front bumper to accommodate it) and a shelf for the tailgate. I don't even care to lift it. Its already high enough for my preferences.

AndyG · Aug 8, 2019

Stock.?

That makes milk squirt out my nipples.

Tldelaney · Aug 8, 2019

I’ve thought about modding mine beyond liners and sound systems but can’t see justify the money for mods based on the driving I do on a day to day basis. I think I’m for the right Jeep to come along.

KimsJeep · Aug 8, 2019

I consider mine semi stock. The only thing besides my light guards and accessories like that, is the 31" tires. I like it the way it is as far as height and don't have any intentions on raising it. I don't plan on doing any major 4 wheeling so no need for added height. I just want to do forest roads and stuff like that, I think it will be fine for those type of roads.

Earl B · Aug 9, 2019

With knee and hip problems I will keep it stock. I am waiting for a hip replacement in eight days. I'm fifty eight and have been off road since the 1980. I've had four jeeps, four wheel drive trucks and two rail frame buggies ( vw motor and trans). My favorite was my 2004 Rubicon. The jeep I have now needs everything from seals, brakes. tie rod ends to bushings. 31 inch tires and a stereo with a cd player. I own 3000 cds. I've climbed hills and waded through mud and even rolled my rail frame down a hill. My friends are my age and does not buy in to it anymore. Many great days and nights trail riding with my friends and girl friends. When you can make a women throw up after a ride your doing something.

davidgoodman · Aug 9, 2019

Yeah I was...…..

rasband · Aug 9, 2019

Taking mine out stock I was impressed how capable it was, it definitely works for the weekender wanting to hit the dirt roads a bit. However once I was up some of the more aggressive passes it was easy to see why many want to make it be able to do more.

Baltimoreed · Aug 9, 2019

I plan to leave Ripley’s engine, suspension, 30 inch tires and height as it was when purchased. I have certainly modded the cab, bed, radio, seats, bumpers and other cosmetic features. I love my 3 Fury horns and red interior trim. I don’t have a DD as I’m retired so I alternate between my ‘13 Edge and ‘02 Tj. If my grandson ever gets out of my house I might buy a Polaris Slingshot now that my knee bends like it’s supposed to and doesn’t hurt all the time.

Tray Burge · Aug 9, 2019

With the exceptions of wheels, tires, fenders yes, totally stock. Mine never leaves the paved roads and never will probably.

Baltimoreed · Aug 9, 2019

I like your Thompson Tray. Is it yours or just a pix? Do you shoot it off the front porch? I’ve got a 1970’s West Hurley 1927a1 that I plan to sbr when my atf application goes through.

bromel · Aug 9, 2019

I'm still essentially stock. Even kept the milk jugs—not because I like then, but because they provide a little extra protection from parking on NYC streets.

TJ2 · Aug 9, 2019

Mine are still OEM (but the 31" KO2 tires).

Is their anyone out there that plan to leave their Jeep stock?

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