Could also be titled: How I mentally justified mod'ing my JK over the past year

May 2007- My search began. I knew exactly what I wanted: X, Jeep Green, Hardtop, auto, tow package, with all the available options

July 31, 2007- My search finally ends (cha ching)

(straight off the lot)




I had never wheeled in my life, and had no intention of wheeling it. It was meant to be a grocery getter. After a couple months, that 4wd shifter just kept tempting me. Then I heard about TX4WD was having a 101 Day at Spring Creek. I figured that would be the perfect chance to try out 4WD- just once! LOL

That 101 Day was such a thrill. I couldn't believe how much fun it was. So I started hitting the creek every chance I could. With these trips to the creek, I came to realize what a PITA disconnecting was. I had been eyeing bumpers already, and decided that if I got a Shrockworks Mid Width, and JKS quick disco's, then disconnecting would be much easier. I also realized a CB is a good thing for communicating on the trails. So I justified (to myself) the purchase of a CB, a Shrockworks bumper, and JKS disco's (cha ching).

January '08- joined the TX4WD for a trip to Brazos Valley Off Road Ranch. This trip brought about 2 changes- #1- it made me realized I needed better tires. And #2 (and this was a biggie!) I met George & Jennie- this was the biggest hit to my wallet ever !! (cha ching) LOL

February '08- found a set of Rubi wheels/tires (cha ching). YAY! I now have better tires! The same day I put the tires on, we went to visit a friend of ours that had just moved from Florida to some undeveloped land north of Huntsville. He was living in a camper back on this land about 100 yards off the road. Calling it a "road" is an overstatement. Just to get there we had to travel for many miles down 3 different dirt roads, each dirt road was less traveled the the previous. So by the time we got to his road, it was little more than a path. We took him into Huntsville for dinner, and picked up supplies for him. While in Huntsville a massive storm hit- and I mean MASSIVE. The roads back to his land were mud pits, and it was still storming hard. Then (since we had his supplies and it was pouring) I had to drive the 100 yards across that field to his camper. We unloaded in the pouring rain- and then I put those mud terrains to use. I trenched his field pretty bad getting out of there. Whew! So glad I put those tires on that morning.

We left, and on the way out we suddenly found ourselves faced with a flooded out road ahead of us- and there was no other route out. So I proceeded thru cautiously, nervously gripping the wheel, slowly watching the water getting higher and higher- at the deepest point it was up to the bottom of the doors (yikes!!!). Safe and sound on the other side (whew). Shannon says "you need a lift". A few weeks later I bought a used BB from a JK Forum member (cha ching). And with my new found friends (George & Jennie), I got it installed.

March '08- Planning for the trip to Longs begins. Looking at pictures of Longs, and hearing stories from TX4WD members that had been there made me think I should put a winch and Rubi Rails on (cha ching).

The trip to Longs was so much fun, but there were a couple obstacles that George had cleared that I got hung up on, which made me want bigger tires. I also realized that I was unable to remove my Freedom Panels with the Rubi Rails on- I needed sidesteps in order be able to remove them.

May '08- planning for the trip to Shiloh Ridge begins. So I talk to George about building me some sidesteps onto the Rubi rails so that I can ditch my factory sidesteps for good )cha ching). And the thought of getting larger tires begins eating at me. It was time to move up (cha ching)

August '08- The trip to Shiloh Ridge, and subsequent trip out to the creek showed me that the 35's rub the fenders a lot when flex'd. So I had to do something about that. Add on 2" Body lift (cha ching)

All this money spent, all this "one issue after another" to take care of... all of this because I wanted to go test the 4wd "just one time" LOL





OK... if you've made it this far, you know the story thus far. So what will be the next hit to my wallet that I will justify "because I need it"? LOL I'm already planning on front and rear adjustable trackbars (so those don't count)... Beyond that- I already know what my "I need that" item will be... But lets see if any of you can guess it (George- your not allowed to guess because you already know what I want (cha ching)).

good story

Im going with " a second mortgage"for the "I need that".





But a winch is cheaper in the long run and probably more in line as far as "needs".
Lookin' really good man!

where you been crux? missed ya lately

Whatchoo talkin' 'bout Willis? :watchout:

Great story.

I'm guessing lockers.

ok I'm guessing a daily driver........so you can leave that baaddd momma at home!

The jeep looks sweeeeeeeeeeet!

great story. sounds some how familiar
i'm guessing either gears or locker.

i just took that plung myself. shld hv my jeep bk on friday or saturday. 4.88s and ARB up front. leaving the rear LS for now. pockets are once again veeeeerrrrry empty

Well, I have to agree with everyone that is one sweet looking jeep, you have built it up well!!! Nice story N2Rock!!

I am guessing a powerplant.

i say you regear next

Just
Empty
Every
Pocket