Intro/Gecko build thread

Been on Expo for quite a while now with my R50 Pathfinder. Just recently made the switch to a 2012 Sahara JKU.
When I picked it up it had a 2" skyjacker lift, 17" Black Rock soft 8's on 33'a. From factory 3.73 gears, 6 speed manual.
Since I've added:
Teraflex HG tire carrier
LED headlights,
CB radio,
Fire extinguisher,
Emergency tool on driver's seat
LED license plate light, interior lights
EVO 3 piece skid system

To come
Pavement ends bumpers
Winch
Teraflex Sleeves and gussets for D30
4.56 gears
35" STT PRO
15x10 Pro Comp steelies
Gobi Stealth rack

Here's the old
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And here's the new
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143 views and not one comment...?! Ok. Maybe this will change that.
Installed 35's, Dynomax exhaust and Rugged Ridge air filter in OEM intake. The combination of those 2 has actually increased my gas mileage, despite the 35's going! I think my Jeep lis lying to me.

I've also mounted up a full set of Evo Skids and got the second half of the Teraflex tire carrier. For one I just wasn't trusting the OEM, and 2, I hate the look of the long neck brake light on the OEM.

I'd like to find a mount that bolts onto the Teraflex carrier that can either hold a traditional NATO style Jerry can or Rotopax. Traditional would be preferred. Might just have to make something.

Roof rack and front bumper with winch are next on my list. I think I will make a custom bumper, the only bumpers on the market that I like (pronghorn) are out of my justifiable price range.

Also found a new use for my cargo net that I had in my Pathy. It doesn't quite fit the Jeep without adding some anchor points, so I decide to give overhead storage a whirl, for things like coats, air mattress, toddler stuff.











 

HRPINDC

Adventurer
Looks good! Welcome to the Jeep family. Any plans to go higher? I wouldn't be surprised if you got some rubbing at flex with those tires. Did you get a soft top too?
 
Right now with the bump stop inserts of the Teraflex lift, there isn't that much up-travel so I don't think rubbing will be too much of an issue right now. But I will take that out and either trim the fenders or get aftermarket ones. I'm not planning on lifting much more than this though (for now). This isn't going to be a rock crawler.
Yes I got a soft top too. I'm antsy to put it on. Just waiting a few more weeks for the weather to get a bit warmer and then it will go on.
 
Pro Comp shocks are in. I'm thinking I'll grab a set of smitty 'a stubby XRC fender flares for additional tire clearance.
I've also purchased a trail-dash 2 that I'm pretty curious to see in action.
Once I'm done with the vehicle basics, which also include Artec axle armour for the D30, and gears eventually, I will move towards phase 2. In ph 2 I will give it more storage and organization inside, and outside.
For my upcoming trip I might just use my utility trailer on 31's to solve the storage problem.

On to pic whoring as I don't like posting without pics.

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Septu

Explorer
I'd like to find a mount that bolts onto the Teraflex carrier that can either hold a traditional NATO style Jerry can or Rotopax. Traditional would be preferred. Might just have to make something.

If you're running the entire Teraflex setup (tailgate bracket and tire carrier upgrade), depending on how much gas you're talking about, you might want to look into the Titan Tank. Ordered one from Northridge (should finally be here in 2-3 weeks). It's 10g, but with the upgrades you did to support the spare, you should be okay to mount it as is. Although at $780 or so before shipping, its far from cheap. However when one factors in the cost of a rotopax and a mount, depending on the setup, I doubt it's that much more money - especially if one is trying to mount multiple rotopax.

Other than that it looks good. Side note... if you're going to take the time to blur out your plates, you might want to make sure you blur them all out.
 

Septu

Explorer
I'm thinking I'll grab a set of smitty 'a stubby XRC fender flares for additional tire clearance.

You're talking about their narrow flat metal ones, like in the picture below? Personally I wouldn't. I ran those for around 2 years. I spent more on a new alternator then I did for the fenders. They kick up a TON of mud - most of it lands right on the hood (thus needing a new alternator due to the stock one being full of dirt after 2 years). Also, even on the road, if it's wet, your jeep will be filthy. They look alright and give you that extra clearance, but after having used them, I'd suggest just trimming your stock fenders.

FYI compared to some trips, the jeep is actually clean in this picture :)
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Replacing these were pretty high on my to-do list - and when a buddy was selling his fenders, I couldn't pass it up. And while I hate the way the fenders stick out when looking at the jeep from the front - they do a much better job at keeping it cleanish - at least compared to the ones I took off.

PSC fronts, Aries rears.
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Thanks for that. That was actually exactly one of my concerns. I have a really wide stance as it is and water kicks up past the stock flares when it's wet. I might just have to trim the lower edge off the stockers for clearance. I'll sleep on this for a night. Thanks!
 
You're talking about their narrow flat metal ones, like in the picture below? Personally I wouldn't. I ran those for around 2 years. I spent more on a new alternator then I did for the fenders. They kick up a TON of mud - most of it lands right on the hood (thus needing a new alternator due to the stock one being full of dirt after 2 years). Also, even on the road, if it's wet, your jeep will be filthy. They look alright and give you that extra clearance, but after having used them, I'd suggest just trimming your stock fenders.

FYI compared to some trips, the jeep is actually clean in this picture :)
12208505_10153118927167595_5151577449709531985_n.jpg


Replacing these were pretty high on my to-do list - and when a buddy was selling his fenders, I couldn't pass it up. And while I hate the way the fenders stick out when looking at the jeep from the front - they do a much better job at keeping it cleanish - at least compared to the ones I took off.

PSC fronts, Aries rears.
12743752_10153306652037595_8359655059113396714_n.jpg

I was reading this post right after I picked up a set of flares. Immediately after I returned them. I hadn't even left the parking lot yet lol. I opened the box and saw how narrow they really are and with my 12.5 wide offset tires /wheels I really need more coverage. I don't really like how flat many of the option are. I like the slanted look of the OEM just not the lip. So I think it found the perfect option!
Rugged Ridge All Terrain flares.

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Comes as a set of 4, reutilizes stock side marker with a relocation bracket, OEM look and doesn't break the bank! I think these have my name all over them.
 

Septu

Explorer
I was reading this post right after I picked up a set of flares. Immediately after I returned them. I hadn't even left the parking lot yet lol. I opened the box and saw how narrow they really are and with my 12.5 wide offset tires /wheels I really need more coverage. I don't really like how flat many of the option are. I like the slanted look of the OEM just not the lip. So I think it found the perfect option!
Rugged Ridge All Terrain flares.

595ae5f9338deff43edc560fa9f13e82.jpg


Comes as a set of 4, reutilizes stock side marker with a relocation bracket, OEM look and doesn't break the bank! I think these have my name all over them.

Not sure what they cost (as I've never bothered to look at/for them), but are they better then just trimming the lip off the stock ones?
 
You could probably trim the stock ones into something very close to this. But if I ever for whatever reason want to go back to my stock ones, buying new painted ones, and gecko paint at that, would cost much more than shelling out $450 CAD for 4 new flares, which is what I'm paying after military discount. Well worth it IMO.
 

kojackJKU

Autism Family Travellers!
How did I miss this. Awesome GECKO. The colors that jeeps should be. Bright fun colors, not these bland boring colors they have been releasing the since 2013. Awesome pathy too. I miss mine.
 
The local club today took the initiative to do some spring clean up on the community trails today. Apparently we live in a community of filthy dirtbags because the **** we picked up was impressive.

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Thanks but that's the hi lift mount is it not? I was hoping for something like the ACE mount.

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I'll likely end up just making one. Would be easy enough.

Nice Gecko BTW! :)
 

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