Im a farm boy from NH... so pretty used to driving in extreme winter conditions and back roads.
This is my 3rd Jeep (previous two were cherokee sports) and I have never been wheeling in this rig or anything more advanced then a logging road.
Really want to get into wheeling, as it\'s something other members of my family greatly enjoy. (Parents have a JK with some nice 33\'s, winch, and sweet bumper that they go out with).
I have high hopes for this TJ... and am currently saving all of my available funds for some new toys for it.
Hopefully I can take it to a meet that will be OK for a beginner, or join in on someone elses rig.
Look forward to meeting you all,
Nicholas
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on January 09, 2009, 08:59:17 AM
welcome. as far as learning tips and tricks of wheeling, we hold a \"4x4 101\" class in the spring that you could sign up for. what kind of plans do you have for your jeep?
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 09, 2009, 10:59:01 AM
I would really like a 2 or 3 inch lift and some nice aggressive 33\'s that can still be OK for road use.
My first upgrade will likely be fog lights and a CB though.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: gCracker on January 09, 2009, 11:01:05 AM
Quote
mavr1k wrote: I would really like a 2 or 3 inch lift and some nice aggressive 33\'s that can still be OK for road use.
My first upgrade will likely be fog lights and a CB though.
2.5\" lift for sale by a past member http://www.mudnuts.org/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=622&forum=12
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: MrMindless on January 09, 2009, 11:14:05 AM
What brings you over from NH?
Welcome!
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 09, 2009, 01:02:09 PM
Went to RIT for 5 years - graduated May 2008... now I work in Pittsford and live in Brighton
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: smichaelR22 on January 09, 2009, 01:05:10 PM
software engineers..... o no, not another one.
:)
welcome
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 09, 2009, 01:11:02 PM
@gCracker wish I had the money at the moment to buy goodies like that. I also don\'t have a garage and tools to do something like that yet.
Hoping to make some friends along the way to help with those things ;-)
@smichaelR22 there can\'t be too many SE\'s around these parts.....
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: MrMindless on January 09, 2009, 01:15:10 PM
at least you\'re not another Mike :)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 09, 2009, 01:40:11 PM
Any suggestions for a cheap portable CB or Walkie I should pickup for the trail at WP? Will probably head over to wallyworld and autozone tonight to get some goodies.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on January 09, 2009, 07:49:02 PM
we have like 7 mikes right now, thats why he said that.
welcome.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 10, 2009, 02:07:09 AM
You wouldn\'t believe how hard it is to find a CB in Rochester.
In NH you can find them everywhere... walmarts, radioshacks..grocery stores!
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on January 10, 2009, 07:59:19 AM
radio shack just recently stoped carrying them
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: smichaelR22 on January 10, 2009, 09:05:51 AM
they had them in the mall a few weeks ago. i wouldnt buy it there any way, expensive, and you can get a much nicer one on ebay for 22$, or a full kit for like 80$
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 10, 2009, 12:20:25 PM
Found a cheap one at walmart - going to mount it and find a place to get an antenna today..
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: smichaelR22 on January 10, 2009, 12:37:35 PM
radio shack actually did have nice antennas and cables for cheap.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on January 10, 2009, 04:33:20 PM
not any of the ones in greece....i checked
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on January 10, 2009, 04:33:33 PM
whats that place on Lyell?
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 10, 2009, 05:54:27 PM
picked up a nce antenna at Sparkys on lyel today. buddy and I are making a custom over head mount for the radio... unfortuantely it\'s snowing balls now, had to put the soft top back on
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: fedrusion on January 10, 2009, 11:40:43 PM
Welcome. Looks like you\'ll be set for some fun tomarrow.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: silverado432 on January 12, 2009, 05:49:28 PM
welcome to the site!
you will enjoy it here!
hope to see you at the next meeting!
Good luck with the parts saving, i have been doing that for awhile and i dont really have much to show for it besides a 2002 silverado haha.
But welcome!
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 12, 2009, 07:32:58 PM
Thanks! WP was awesome!
Was great meeting a bunch of you guys... looking forward to doing it again. (Although I will probably try and come as a passenger, and not bring my TJ again until its been upgraded)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on January 13, 2009, 08:55:42 AM
you should start with tires. dont worry about an expensive lift, you can get spacers on eBay for about $100.
check this out for tires.. www.treadwright.com
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 13, 2009, 10:47:58 AM
Yeah I don\'t know what to buy first... I have a pretty limited budget, and dont have the facilities (tools, garage) to do the mods myself.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Wingman on January 13, 2009, 12:47:33 PM
A good set of MT tires will get you through 80-90% of stuff. The TJ will fit 31s without a lift, and 33s if you don\'t mind a little rubbing. 31s won\'t require different rims, 33s will need wider rims with less backspacing.
I ran 33s for 3 years and one set of tires before adding lift. (90-95% road driving) For the other 5%, I left the sway bar connected and had some rubbing when flexed.
Have a plan for your mods and follow it. Be realistic with your driving habits. Don\'t just throw stuff at your ride...
Most of all, get out and have fun with it!
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on January 13, 2009, 05:31:30 PM
im running 31s on my XJ and i can follow the CJs with 35s with no problem. (unless they drive through a creek thats a bit too deep for my air intake haha)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 14, 2009, 01:09:36 PM
Just got an email from my credit card company saying ive earned enough rewards for a $250 check... sounds like a lift kit to me? :)
Whats the biggest I can go with wheels, without having to regear? I think at the moment I\'m aiming for 33\'s and some sort of suspension lift.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on January 14, 2009, 01:12:20 PM
you only need 2/5 for 33s....thats what wingman did and his jeep looks great.
get some black spray paint and paint your wheels black...youll be allset!
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Dragon on January 15, 2009, 12:25:57 PM
What is the stock gear ratio on a TJ? I\'m running 4.10s on my JK with the 33\" wheels and I lost a little power from it, but not enough for me to care about regearing right now.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: smichaelR22 on January 15, 2009, 12:31:07 PM
i got 4.10\'s and 42\"s and pleanty of power :)
i think cracker was running 4\" springs with 33\"s then went with a body lift to fit the 35\"s as it sits now
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Wingman on January 15, 2009, 02:48:52 PM
Rubicon TJs had 4.10s \"regular\" TJ regular had 3.07s or 3.73s depending on year and transmission.
I\'ve got 3.07s and wish I had 4.10s...
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on January 15, 2009, 03:04:35 PM
dragon are you sure your jeep doesnt have the 373s in it? not many of them have 410s...
mavr1k, i wouldnt worry about gears. just tires. you made it through alot sunday. better tires would have helped you alot ya know?
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Crusarius on January 15, 2009, 03:39:28 PM
general rule of thumb is 4 cylinder had 4.10\'s along with rubicons
non rubicon 4.0 usually had 3.07\'s unless you had the tow pkg or d44 rear then it was 3.73\'s
some of the newer tj\'s started coming with 3.73\'s as well.
there where some rare things like 4.56\'s in the 4 cylinders. but very rare.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 15, 2009, 06:30:00 PM
Yeah I guess I will save for some beefy 31\" ATs (I do a lot of highway driving as this is my DD). 31x10.5 seems to be the biggest I can go on a TJ
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on January 15, 2009, 06:57:29 PM
31x10.5 is a good size...how soon are you looking? ive had my set for about 4 or 5 months now, might be looking to sell them to go up a size. let me know before you buy
mine are 31x10.5
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Dragon on January 16, 2009, 12:22:05 PM
I\'m positive. 2007 was the only year you could get the 4.10s and the rear D44 when you get the trailer package for the X model. 2008 they were only available for the Rubicon and Sahara, and 2009 only the Rubicon could get them. Now, all you can get are the 373s as an option for the X. Glad I got my Jeep early. :)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 25, 2009, 01:31:41 PM
Just sold my \'95 2 door cherokee sport for $1700 to an old man looking for a good first vehicle for a grandson.
Now what to do with the money.... the responsible half of my brain says put it towards my next auto payment.... the other half really likes the RC 2.5\" lift and some new tires...
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: smichaelR22 on January 26, 2009, 12:02:47 PM
what is the 2.5\" garbage... go big or go home.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on January 26, 2009, 12:28:37 PM
From what I read... if I go bigger then3\" that requires alot more modifications.
And for someone who doesn\'t have a garage, and a minimal amount of tools and experience.. a 2.5\" lift seems pretty easy!
I\'d really like to go bigger... I really liked how Mike\'s (the treasurer?) Wrangler looks.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: meangreen on January 27, 2009, 12:06:03 PM
I like the \"growing into your vehicle\" approch to offroading, It allows the owner time to get use to the vehickle that way they know what they are doing and are not stuck some where they don\'t have any clue. Start with it stock. If you like it add some good tires and try again if you see stuff you want to try and can\'t make then go a little bigger, so on and so forth. My cj is on step four 1. being stock. 2. 31 in tires 3. 33 inch tires and 4 inches of lift 4, 36 inch tires 6 inches of lift dana 44 front and rear 302 ho engine 4 to 1 transfer case, etc.... It will be staying there becuse I am happy with it and don\'t need to go any bigger. (also have another project that will go bigger)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: MrMindless on February 02, 2009, 10:24:34 AM
I\'m also very much in favor of growing into it. Makes for a better driver :)
It\'s a lot easier on the pocket in the long run to do it all at once though. but a 2\" budget boost just costs you shocks tires and coil spacers and that\'s hard to beat.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on February 02, 2009, 10:31:34 AM
why would you need shocks? stock should be good up to 3\"
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Crusarius on February 02, 2009, 10:35:47 AM
kinda pointless to gain height and essentially lose travel cause of it.
you still have as much up travel, as before but effectively down travel has been lessened. and if you go to larger tires I am sure your tires will rub losing your uptravel anyhow.
besides stock shocks aren;t the greatest.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on February 02, 2009, 10:41:22 AM
true.
but all that travel isnt an issue for him with not having lockers yet. I say get the 2\" spacer lift and some nice tires from here www.treadwright.com and wheel it like that till someday you get a rear locker from here www.aussielocker.com
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Dragon on February 02, 2009, 10:48:12 AM
Wow....Aussielocker lumps the JK in with the TJ&YJ and is only for the Dana 30. Which means only my front end (assuming it will fit at all)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Crusarius on February 02, 2009, 10:52:37 AM
a d30 is a d30 TJ YJ and JK are all the same.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: gCracker on February 02, 2009, 11:00:14 AM
Quote
Crusarius wrote: a d30 is a d30 CJ TJ YJ and JK are all the same.
fixed it for ya.. the front locker in my TJ came from a set of CJ5 narrow track axles I originally bought for my 7.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on February 02, 2009, 11:03:57 AM
cracker, are you locked front and rear?
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: gCracker on February 02, 2009, 11:39:06 AM
Quote
GTJake wrote: cracker, are you locked front and rear?
Lock-Rite in the front and a factory Trac-lock limited slip in the rear.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: MrMindless on February 02, 2009, 01:45:01 PM
Quote
GTJake wrote:
all that travel isnt an issue for him with not having lockers yet.
without lockers travel is much MORE of an issue than with them. What happens when you pick up a tire Jake? It spins and spins. When I pick up a tire? Okay, so that almost never happens but how about when SMike picks one up in the 5? He keeps driving. You need flex more than he does to keep your tires on the ground and pulling.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on February 02, 2009, 02:39:28 PM
its not about being in the air though, its the resistance of the obsticle that im trying to climb over that causes the other wheel to spin...but i see your point
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on February 02, 2009, 03:43:04 PM
haha wow - that\'s a lot of new posts, and I am quite lost.
At the moment I\'m still looking at the RC 2.5\" lift for some 32\" tires. Would like to go 33\" BFG ATs instead, but I am reading all sorts of stuff about my gearing, axels not being able to handle it, additional parts needed (control arms? break lines?), and \"losing\" 6th gear.
:|
My goal really is for some additional clearance, and a more aggressive look. It did pretty well stock at WP, and I feel that if I had meatier tires and more clearance I wouldnt have gotten stuck where I did.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: MrMindless on February 02, 2009, 04:06:49 PM
anyone who says your stock axles can\'t handle a 33\" tire is on crack (my humble opinion)
33s vs 32s isn\'t much in terms of gearing or axle strength. Or clearance either for that matter but even .5\" helps there. You\'re talking a 3% difference in diameter: that\'s 60 RPM at 2000. So if on a 32\" tire you\'re turning 2060 RPM on a 33 you\'d be turning 2000 to make the same speed. Can you even feel a 60 RPM difference? I\'m not certain I can.
better tires is always the most bang for the buck, even without a lift.
I\'d go for a 2-2.5 budget boost and 33s myself. With the right backspacing 33s can even fit stock, but only on the street and they\'ll still rub some.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on February 02, 2009, 04:07:40 PM
do your 2/5\" lift and get a nice set of 31s or 32s from treadwright so you can save some money
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: MrMindless on February 02, 2009, 04:47:51 PM
if you\'re going 31s why lift it?
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on February 02, 2009, 04:53:49 PM
oh yeah i keep forgetting...wranglers have more room than an XJ
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on February 02, 2009, 06:14:42 PM
Mr.Mindless - sounds like some solid advice. Now I need to learn about wheels and backspacing..
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on February 02, 2009, 07:38:55 PM
...just ask
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: MrMindless on February 03, 2009, 01:13:11 AM
there\'s somebody here whose done it (no lift 33s on a TJ)..... and I always confuse him with Bill. the first one to run the treadwrite recaps. forgive my forgetfulness :)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on February 03, 2009, 08:34:04 AM
Mark- Wingman
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Wingman on February 03, 2009, 09:39:19 AM
Love my re-caps!
I ran 33s (15x8 rims, 4\" backspacing) with no lift for a couple of years but didn\'t do much wheelin\'. They hit the sway bar on full lock turns. When I did wheel it, they rubbed when it flexed but I didn\'t care much. My junk is old and my front fenders are shot anyway. I\'ve since added 2.5\" that keeps them off the fenders except at the most extreme.
IMHO - a budget boost and 33s on the right rims will hold you for a long time. Just keep the sway bar hooked up. Add a rear locker next and keep wheelin\' it. It doesn\'t have to get crazy to perform OK.
Develop a build plan and stick with it.
Did I mention that I love my re-caps...
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: MrMindless on February 03, 2009, 09:57:42 AM
Thanks wingman. Now if I can ever manage to keep you and Extreme separate in my head I\'ll be in good shape :)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Wingman on February 03, 2009, 09:59:04 AM
Don\'t sweat it. My low profile does keep people guessing ;-)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on February 12, 2009, 11:08:28 AM
When do I get my mudnuits sticker and member privs? I paid my money and filled out an application at last months meeting. :D
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: gCracker on February 12, 2009, 11:10:06 AM
I will give you member priv\'s right now.. you can get a sticker at the next meeting.. been so long without them it is hard to remember to give them out.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: smichaelR22 on February 13, 2009, 10:58:15 AM
updated your Rank also just now.
:)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on February 13, 2009, 10:25:13 PM
Ooooh thanks - I feel official now ;-)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on March 26, 2009, 10:43:55 AM
Hey guys-
I have just recently accepted a job offer with Northrop Grumman as an aerospace systems test engineer, and will be moving to the west coast (El Segundo/LA) in a few weeks.
I just want to say thanks for all the fun that I\'ve had with you guys - even though I have only been a member for a short time.
MudNuts is a great club - I\'ve made many new friends and learned an unmeasurable amount of things.
(On the bright side, as part of my job offer I got them to pay for shipping my jeep to LA)
So I unfortunately have to say goodbye. My last day in Rochester will be April 10th I think, as they want me to start working April 20th.
Hopefully I find another great bunch of folks like ya\'ll in CA to wheel with.
I should be at the next club meeting.
Thanks again!
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Ryan_25 on March 26, 2009, 02:34:23 PM
Thats great. I wish I was in CA right now.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on March 26, 2009, 03:19:05 PM
sounds like it must be a great job. congrats.
stay in touch. theres other members who live in other places now who stay on the site
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: MrMindless on March 27, 2009, 08:19:57 AM
Congratulations! Wish I was westbound too :)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Ryan_25 on March 27, 2009, 10:03:50 AM
Pack the Dakota and head out. :)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: CoraC143 on March 27, 2009, 10:30:47 AM
Congrats!
Much more wheeling out there, Enjoy.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: fedrusion on March 27, 2009, 10:33:43 PM
Congrats, hope to hear from you and your exploits out there.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on March 31, 2009, 01:57:00 PM
Thanks guys. I will definitely keep in touch. Ill say goodbye to everyone tonight at the club meeting.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on April 01, 2009, 09:52:59 AM
sorry i missed the meeting, have a good trip and stay in touch!
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on April 08, 2009, 12:18:40 PM
My jeep went on a flatbed truck this morning to begin its journey to LA: (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3424310612_87b01c81ac.jpg)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on April 08, 2009, 03:41:06 PM
it the lift in it? looks good!
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on April 08, 2009, 04:05:56 PM
Yea Ryan put it in a few weeks ago. Its great :D Unfortunately never got a chance to test it out at Whispering pines.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on April 14, 2009, 02:06:02 PM
My jeep just stopped in Gallup, New Mexico! Another 600ish miles and Ill have it back. The stories it could tell..
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: JerMan75 on April 14, 2009, 02:31:54 PM
think it will be covered with stickers from all the places its seen on the way?
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on April 14, 2009, 11:08:35 PM
I certainly hope not! The only sticker that goes on my jeep, is my mudnuts sticker ;-)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on April 15, 2009, 12:03:43 PM
cool.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on April 17, 2009, 04:38:52 PM
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: JerMan75 on April 17, 2009, 08:55:15 PM
did it cry and hug you for hours cause it missed you soo much?
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Dragon on April 17, 2009, 09:38:27 PM
Sure looks like it is smiling to me
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on April 20, 2009, 01:12:55 PM
i bet she loves to be topless in the hot weather :)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on April 25, 2009, 08:39:23 PM
I think it loves the garage more... I keep the top on during the work week, because it gets parked on an airforce base with lots of birds flying over...
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Dragon on April 25, 2009, 09:00:14 PM
Wow...the Airforce flushes as they fly now?
:lol:
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on May 01, 2009, 07:21:31 PM
It was a nice day today, so I painted my chrome headlight bezels black:
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: smichaelR22 on July 07, 2009, 06:17:13 PM
do you miss the snow in your avitar!
good to here from you. Hope all is well.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on August 16, 2009, 05:33:11 PM
Hey Guys! Another update... my jeep fund is growing faster than I could imagine with the new job..
Just installed a new Bikini Top, Duster, and Windjammer: (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3496/3827965190_cb22c6bbde.jpg)
(Click here for more pictures (http://www.flickr.com/photos/npike/sets/72157622057562134/))
Next weekend I will be installing a new Tuffy GloveBox (theifs are like kids here in LA, they steal ANYTHING :( )
Some 33\" superswampers are also on the way, and I maybe a slightly taller lift..
Still have not found a decent 4x4 group out here, and surprisingly most of the desert land is off limits to the public. It\'s either privately owned, or gov.
I\'ll be coming out to the east coast for a bit in Oct for a wedding... hoping it coincides with a group run that I can ride along on ;-)
hope all is well.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: GTJake on August 17, 2009, 05:21:57 AM
keep the pics coming.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on September 06, 2009, 06:25:35 PM
Finally got around to installing the Tuffy GloveBox.
It\'s a rather intense glove box - I don\'t really want to take any chances of folks digging through my stock glove box here in CA.. since I don\'t ever have my doors on.
Only problem I have with it, is the door handle is :censor:ing sharp as a knife, gonna have to wrap it in some tape.
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: JerMan75 on September 07, 2009, 02:22:03 AM
get some dip used to recoat tool handles
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on September 26, 2009, 09:54:21 PM
The Jeep\'s first chance to do some offroading in California! (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/3954528970_9290e726a9.jpg) Top of the world Ma!
Went to Jawbone Canyon for a weekend of fourwheeling, I showed them California guys a few things...
The rest of the pictures are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/npike/sets/72157622455105014/
Everyone always asks about that \"MudNuts\" sticker... :)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: MrMindless on September 28, 2009, 06:18:09 AM
Very cool!
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: CoraC143 on September 28, 2009, 08:40:36 AM
I\'m so jealous, why can\'t we have mountains out here???
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on December 04, 2009, 08:38:46 PM
Tires! 33x12.5 super swampers! (http://www.npike.net/uploads/jeeptires.jpg)
Title: Re: newbie
Post by: mavr1k on April 11, 2010, 02:52:28 PM
Finally have my favorite tires on, Mickey Thomson MTZs 33x12.5, did a little wheeling this week with my buddy and his new jeep.. (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4502050006_af690f9ebf_o.jpg)
