Factory Options (Where I started) | Future Changes (not too many left) | Chronology of Changes

4X4 ICON 2000 - 2008 The DVD!

Why did you mess with your Jeep?

Read my comments in "How I Became a Jeeper" to get some history first.  We modify our vehicles for a number of reasons.  With Jeeps, the main premise is that we want to improve off-road performance.  Under this guise, a whole industry has emerged to answer the call for parts not sold by the original manufacturer.  The options run the full spectrum of things that are practical, technical, outrageous, extreme and ridiculous.

I did not buy my Jeep to build anything even approaching a monster truck.  I wanted to have a "go anywhere" type of vehicle that would work in a wide variety of situations encountered and still be well behaved when driving to and from work.  I wanted a package that enabled me to enjoy outdoor, off-road recreation while being prepared for the worst that could be encountered.  So with this goal, there were things that needed to be done to prepare the vehicle and myself to answer these needs.

This activity started immediately when I got the Jeep.  Some things were already part of what I normally carry in any vehicle and many more were things unique to the needs of off-road driving.  The changes were done over the course of several months, spanning almost three years.  I attempted to make these improvements as time and money allowed, proceeding in order of importance with some eye to interdependencies.

I was very careful to evaluate several options before buying products.  Where possible, I looked at products installed on Jeeps that were used the way I use mine.  I talked to the owners and got their opinion about the quality, performance and value of these products before deciding whether or not this product would suit my needs.  And above all, I defined a plan before I started.

My plan for vehicle improvements included enhancements, additions and changes to address the following areas:

• Protection - Improvements to prevent vehicle damage
• Information - Reference material to assist with First Aid, Survival, and Vehicle Repair
• Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS to aid in destination and position location
• Communication - A method to communicate with members of the group
• Extrication - Tools to enable vehicle recovery when needed
• Safety

These areas are addressed in the following ways:

Skid Plates

My first priority was to beef up the protection of the chassis and low-hanging items underneath.  I did some research to find products that offered the best protection, the most straightforward installation, and the best functionality and reputation with people who use them.  This led me to the skid plate, steering and rocker protection products that I installed. Later I installed a rear bumper to add protection, tow points, and a hitch.

Skid Plates & Armor
Engine	Control Arm	Gas Tank	Steering Box
Rocker	Rear Bumper	Front Bumper	Lighting Guards
	Frame Tie-In

 

Storage

With family of four packed into the Jeep, there isn't much room left for anything else.  In order to provide transport for the equipment and supplies, it would be necessary to add a storage system that would accommodate a variety of items.  First there was the issue of where to put everything.  This was solved by the addition of a rack.  Next was the problem of all the loose items that needed to be stored on the rack.  A variety of storage containers and mounting systems solved this problem.  Then the spare tire was moved to allow access to the rear air chuck.  Jerry Can and bike racks round out the selection.

Storage
Rack	Tool Boxes	Containers	Antenna	Cooler	Spare	Gas Rack	Bike Rack	On-Door

Traction

Even though the factory tires are adequate for casual off-road use, it is a well known fact that they are barely so.  And there are other elements of the vehicle package that contribute in different ways and at different times to collectively produce good adhesion to whatever surface you happen to be traveling.    I wanted my Jeep to give me the best compromise between on- and off-road traction, safety and flexibility.  This led to modifications to the suspension, springs, upgraded tires, and other accessories that helped me manage traction. Later I wore out the rear differential (and axle housing...) and installed Superior axles, 4.56 gears, and Detroit Lockers...  So much for compromise!  Tire pressure affects traction so tire pressure management has also been addressed with an on-board air compressor, tank, various fittings, and automatic deflation.

Traction
Air			Tires	Repair	Temp Sensor	Sway bar Disconnects	Springs	Lockers, Axles & Gears	Dana 44 Axle, Disc Brakes	Shocks	Bar Pin Eliminators

Information

I have always carried a map case in my vehicle.  Gradually my requirements for maps evolved to a need for more detail.  With my involvement in off-road excursions, this led to topographic maps and compass.  In addition, personal safety, survival and vehicle maintenance information takes on greater importance.  I wanted to carry reference materials that covered these areas adequately so that I would be prepared with a source of information that would help me deal well with unexpected situations.  The Lev-O-Gage gives me information about the vehicles attitude and helps get it level for reconnecting sway bars.

Navigation

Maps and compasses are great tools for navigation.  And generally they are adequate for most trips.  Indeed, for many years I was able to do quite well just using maps.  But once I started pushing deep into the woods, I realized that I needed to be a lot better equipped.  And since I like to return to places that I found enjoyable, I wanted to have a precise way to record the route for future reference.  Enter the GPS and related software.

Navigation
Maps	Compass	GPSr	Data Storage	Mounting

Safety

It's easy to forget about being safe when we're having fun.  We almost never think anything bad is going to happen.  And most of the time we're right.  But when something goes wrong, it pays to be prepared.  I have injured myself far from home, had my vehicle break down or burn, and have several times found myself in a position of having to choose between staying in my car all night or trying to walk out.  All of these experiences have convinced me to be as prepared as I can be for a wide variety of encounters where the personal safety of me or my family is put at risk.  A good first aid kit, fire extinguisher and other items can make a big difference when the unexpected happens.

Communication

There are four levels of communication that I tried to address with the preparation of my Jeep:

• written (pen and paper, photos)
• phone (cell phone and D/C charger)
• radio (AM/FM for news, weather, entertainment)
• CB (for expedition and possible emergency communication)
• weather radio (for storm watches, tides, weather reports)

It is important when striking out into unknown territory to have the ability to communicate with your group and the outside world.  It is important to be able to get broadcast information from regular and weather radio so that travel plans can take current conditions into account.  And even basic written communication with pen and paper and a camera have great usefulness for note-taking and record-keeping.

Communication
Handheld CB	Hardmounted CB	CB Speaker	Hands-free Cell Phone	GMRS Radios	Camera

 

Original Equipment Upgrades
Optima Red Top	Mean Green Gear Reduction Starter	Mean Green 200 Amp Alternator	Trailer Wiring Harness	Dome Light Shut-off
Gas Filler Door	Head Unit	Speakers	Sub-Woofer	Rubicon Flares
Tuner Input Adapter	XM Satellite Radio	Lug Nuts	Steering Box	Axle Tube Seals

 

Top
Top Hoist	Softtop Disconnects	Sailcloth Top	Bestop Bikini Top	Tie Down Loops	Warrior Products Half Doors	Hinge Pin Change

 

Lighting
Headlight Trim Black	Driving Light Covers	KC Stone Shields	KC Daylighters	Driving Lights Warning System

 

Miscellaneous Readiness Items
First Aid Fire Extinguisher	Hood Bumpers	Accelerator Cable	Lev-O-Gage	tent
OBD II Code Reader	Shop Manual	Mirror Adapters	Remote Throttle	Number Plate Holder
Spare Tire Lug Nuts	Nylint Rock Crawler	Insect Repellers	Wisdom	West Virginia Tags & Inspection Sticker
Fire Extinguisher Holder	Winch Cover	Nostalgia	Powered by WILLYS

Recovery

It is a well known fact that if you take your Jeep off the road, you are going to get stuck (sooner or later).  How well prepared you are will determine your success in these situations.  

A pleasant outing can quickly turn into a nightmare if you are not equipped to get your 4000-pound vehicle back on the trail and moving under its own power.  The most important piece of recovery gear is a trail buddy with a vehicle.

After that, there are a number of items that will make the difference between a prolonged ordeal, and a simple tug.  While it is not recommended to travel into rough country alone, using this possibility as the measure of readiness goes a long way to assure that if a problem is encountered, you will be equipped to deal with it.  Not everyone you travel with will be adequately prepared, and you may encounter others in trouble that need some help.  Tow hooks, straps and a good jack are inexpensive and greatly enhance your trail readiness.  And finally, if you find yourself responsible for groups, or start to tackle tougher terrain, there is no substitute for a winch.

Recovery
Front Tow Hooks	Rear Tow Hooks	Tow Strap	Jack & Stuff	Saw	Winches	D-shackles

Summary

So with this rationale, my Jeep was progressively embellished with those items needed to address areas of importance to me.  I am not looking for an "extreme" experience with my Jeep, so the way it is outfitted differs greatly from those who do want to do things that push the envelope.

I am happy with the way my Jeep has turned out so far.  By executing the plan I had for "building" it, I have achieved what I set out to accomplish - to build a Jeep that would provide me with capabilities and reserve for the kinds of situations I am likely to encounter on a day-to-day basis.  Your results may vary, but the details of the individual components may be of interest.

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Vehicle Off-Road Preparation - Future

Wheels - Alcoa Mickey Thompson Classic 15 x 8 Wheels - Alcoa Mickey Thompson Challengers 15 x 8 Wheels - AEV 16 x 8 Wheels - American Racing  Salt Flat Painted 270-5765 15x7 5x4.5  Differential Skid Bars (http://www.fourxdoctor.com/) Rancho RS9700 Shocks and Remote Control Read how I installed this on my friends Jeep Mean Green Alternator (to replace stock unit when/if it fails) Done! Mean Green Starter (to replace stock unit when/if it fails) Done! Addco All Terrain Bar   Interior Shots

4X4 ICON 2000 - 2008 The DVD!