My new Jeep Wrangler and future plans
I just bought a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK beginning of May 2018. It is a white 2-door Sport base model with 6 speed manual and the Freedom Hard Top. It has the 23S package which includes A/C. I have the 430 radio with Sirius (although I could have done with the base 130 model radio just fine, but that was the option package).
I had been dithering for a few months now, trying to decide on either a Jeep or Subaru Crosstrek or Forester. All three would suffice for my needs in off-roading at this time. I only planned to do light to moderate trails and do some off path camping. I joined a few Facebook groups for offroad Subarus and was pretty close to deciding on the Crosstrek. But then I read the news about the last of JK model rolling off the line in Toledo, and I really missed having a Wrangler so I stepped up early and got one. I was going to wait a bit longer closer to winter to save up some more cash in my savings, but I had enough to get me going.
I am very happy with my choice in the Wrangler. While it is pretty stock right now, it does bring back some great memories of my 88 YJ Wrangler. So for now, the first thing I need to do is to start making some regular monthly payments, which start in June, to see how my budget goes before I start getting into some real costly upgrades. Below is a list of things I am thinking about in no particular order except what comes to mind first.
Hitch– I could wait and get the hitch with the bumper, but I might just go ahead and get an add on hitch for now. Likely the first thing I will do too, as it is a very easy install and one of the least expensive items. I think I will want the shorter receiver, as it looks like that when I am accessing the rear of the Jeep I will likely keep wacking my shins on the hitch if I got the longer receiver.
Curt hitch class III
$111.21 on Curt website
$56.87 for shorter receiver on eTrailer website
$95.33 for longer receiver on eTrailer website
Wheels/Tires – I currently have the stock 16 inch silver wheels with the P225 / 75R16 BSW On / Off-Road Tires. An option for the Sport model was the black steel rims with Dueler Tire package which had the P245/75R16 OWL All Season Tires. I do like the Willys LT255 / 75R17C BSW Off-Road Tires. I think I would be happier with the optional tire for the Sport S which is the LT265 / 70R17C KO2 All-Terrain Tires.
BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 – 265/75 R16 at Discount Tire are $188 ea as of 5/19/18
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – 265/75 R16 at Discount Tire are $189 ea as of 5/19/18
BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 – 265/70 R17 at Discount Tire are $206 ea as of 5/19/18
Method Race Wheels MR302 Fat Five 17in (5-127 bolt) at Discount Tire are $176 ea as of 5/19/18
Bumpers – many good choices out there. One set I heard of is the Bestop. I was looking at another brand but don’t remember what it was. I think it was the Quadratec website. Will look later
Axles – Sport model has the 3.21 front/rear axles, with the Dana 30 in front and Dana 44 in rear. There is a 3.73 option. Not sure if can upgrade to the 4.10 axle.
Other exterior parts – I would like to have a sidestep that can also act as somewhat of a rock rail. I don’t really plan to do any rock crawling as it is not my thing, but on the occasion I should come across something I need to slide over it would be good to have some extra protection. I also saw the hinge step that bolds in at the door hinges which may be useful if I ever get a roof rack.
I am still researching my options. Probably would be best to join a local Jeep club to help me answer some of the questions. Another issue I am finding is the lack of information easily found on the Internet about offroading locations. When I had my 88, I was in Arizona and there were plenty of trails in the National Forests. I would assume the same for the National Forests in Ohio, I just have not gone out to look yet.