From Crawler to Overlander

[Bswiss]

This is my build thread, there are many like it but this one is mine.

To start, I’ve had many different JK platforms over a span of 10+ years this build is the latest. Early 2019 I purchased a 2010 Jeep Wrangler unlimited Rubicon with leather! (Oooh aaah)

All stock, not a scratch underneath, nice and unmolested.
Factory equipment:
Lockers front and rear
4:1 transfer case
Dana 44 front and rear
Electric sway bar discos
I have since added:
Full belly skids

2.5 inch Rock Krawler lift and front lower control arms

Wheel spacers
Very discounted and used 37 inch tires, balanced amazing though.
Currie enterprises tie rod and drag link with rock krawler track bar
PS diff covers with lube lockers
Quick sway bar disconnects because it would out flex the connection and flip the links.

Screamin daemon coil pack and wires
I won a raffle and got half off poison spider so here comes that, heads up.
PS front and rear fenders
PS front and rear bumpers
PS front fender liners
PS side armor


PS sport cage


Also very fun to drive with windshield down!
Off-road boar 12k synthetic winch

PS hood louvre yet to be cut into place...

That’s the build so far! And this is the point where I shift to more of an overland build.

Next up will be:
Upgraded driveshafts front and rear.
5:38’s to give the 3.8 a little pep with the 37’s
Sleeve and gusset the front axle for said 37’s
Big brake kit
Auxiliary transmission cooler
Auxiliary power steering cooler
Dual batteries
Rock lights
More lights in general
Spare tire mount on tailgate
Racks in the back and on the spare for storage
CB
Interior mounts for accessories, and off grid navigation equipment.

I’ll have to have someone do the gears sleeves and gussets but the rest will be in my hands like all the previous modifications.

I’m looking forward to seeing y’all at future meet ups and learning new things so I can make use of this build for overland. I’ll keep updating as I go and I’m more than willing to help if I can, if I can’t I know of some that are far more knowledgeable than I am. With that, take care and safe travels!

 

[Specter]

Nice build!

 

[Bswiss]

Nice build!

Thanks!

 

[Marman]

WOW, what a build so far and planned. Making sure to follow along as you continue.

 

[Knight Raider]

Very nice build and you don’t see a lot of JKs with the windshield down.

 

[Bswiss]

Talk about not a necessity but totally worth it, upgrading to LED headlights!

 

[Bswiss]

WOW, what a build so far and planned. Making sure to follow along as you continue.

Thanks! So much more to do still.

 

[Bswiss]

Very nice build and you don’t see a lot of JKs with the windshield down.

Thanks! Yeah it’s a pain in the butt is why but with the sport cage it’s easier to do later.

 

[Bswiss]

Ok I have an update! Fresh modifications!
I have 5:38 gears installed, still breaking them in as we speak.
Got Adams 1310 driveshafts front and rear installed.
Artec Truss kit installed.
Teraflex balljoints slapped in there while it was apart.
Have a Traildash2 to keep up with everything.
Aaaaand a Teraflex hinge carrier for my spare.

 

[Bswiss]

Finally got around to installing my Teraflex big brake kit, it’s definitely an improvement over stock

 

[RoarinRow]

Looks like a fun rig!

 

[Bswiss]

Looks like a fun rig!

Thanks! It keeps me pretty entertained.

 

[Bswiss]

Today was a good day! Got a lot done to either fix or upgrade my project. Installed a new radiator, mine was leaking. Installed new thermostat and thermostat housing, it was also leaking. New radiator hoses, my lower had been rubbing the belt tensioner for some reason... installed an aftermarket power steering and transmission cooler. Just Empty Every Pocket indeed.

 

[Bswiss]

Finally it is where I no longer have to worry about a failure on the road! Got tires and rims to replace my very worn out tires I had and get rid of wheel spacers with the correct backspacing. Now running 37x12.50x17 Patagonia M/T. So far I really like them, much more quite on the road then my other mud terrains and they have better road manners. We’ll have to see what it’s like off-road here soon.

 

[k9sar]

Finally it is where I no longer have to worry about a failure on the road! Got tires and rims to replace my very worn out tires I had and get rid of wheel spacers with the correct backspacing. Now running 37x12.50x17 Patagonia M/T. So far I really like them, much more quite on the road then my other mud terrains and they have better road manners. We’ll have to see what it’s like off-road here soon.
[/QUOT

Really nice looking rig!

 

[Bswiss]

Not too much has happened since I got new tires and rims, went on a few trips. Colorado, and a few parks in Texas since then. Here are some little things I've added and a couple pictures from Colorado.

Added some MOLLE to my sport cage, I need to adjust it when I have the top off and relocate things. #raffleitemwinnings

Added some Rock Lights #amazonspecials

Here is one from Colorado for good measure.

 

[Dgensheimer]

Not too much has happened since I got new tires and rims, went on a few trips. Colorado, and a few parks in Texas since then. Here are some little things I've added and a couple pictures from Colorado.
View attachment 176591
Added some MOLLE to my sport cage, I need to adjust it when I have the top off and relocate things. #raffleitemwinnings
View attachment 176592
Added some Rock Lights #amazonspecials

Here is one from Colorado for good measure.
View attachment 176593

I’ve been following your rig build, it is really coming together! Looks great! You and I are going along the same path!

 

[El-Dracho]

View attachment 176591
Added some MOLLE to my sport cage, I need to adjust it when I have the top off and relocate things. #raffleitemwinnings

I was looking for quite some time where to put my handheld radio in the rig securely and easy to reach at the same time. I like that idea with the Molle panel. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Bswiss]

It’s been a while since an update! Not to long after the last update I blew the engine then it sat for a couple years unfortunately. Last year I got the engine in and I’ve been chasing sitting issues since. I’ve also done a few upgrades too. New methods with the bead grip.
New deck system for the back to sleep on
Got some cold weather camping supplies
And beat on the Jeep a few times with some friends

 

[Wildcat-01]

I love a JK that's been built up in a way that's both practical and understated. Bummer about the engine issues, I hope that you'll get back on the road soon enough!