1. Don't go with the roof rack. Your right about it raising the center of gravity, but it also increases wind resistance and noise. By keeping as much as you can inside the vehicle, you also you lower your visual profile and increase security. Even with a soft top, out of sight is out of mind. If you want increased fuel storage you can replace the main tank with aftermarket. Buying a larger, beefed up tank won't take up much more space than simply adding armor to your existing tank. Which I recommend. The stock Jeep tank protection is weak. Ask how I know..... 2. If you want even more storage you can get a swing out bumper with a nato can mount. You'll want one for the spare tire mount anyway. Again, the stock spare tire mount was never actually designed to take the bouncing abuse that is inherent off road. 3. As for the internal storage, go with a single, large drawer. As much as I like to have all my gear partitioned out and perfectly organized, the internal organization ends up costing you a lot of real estate in a vehicle that has none to spare. With a drawer, you can always use various tool bags to provide the organization within. A lockable drawer will also offer additional security and provides a stable platform for you to secure addition items to. You can strap down fire wood or a cooler and not have crap rolling free inside the vehicle. I've only ever rolled one vehicle myself, but I've responded to dozens of motor vehicle collisions where occupants had been injured by loose debris inside the vehicle. Of course, this is all only based on my own experiences. I'm always open to discussion if your have differing thoughts. Great start to this build. And thanks for providing a great channel. Keep it up Mike.
5:10 SYE = Slip Yoke Eliminator so you don't get driveline vibrations with larger than around 3 inches of lift. It keeps you from having to do something like a motor mount lift to lessen the angle of the driveshaft.
4.88 Gears, lunchbox locker in front and trutrac in rear. You might want to go rack - you can mount some cheap traction boards up there. In the cargo area, you can get a removable shelf that attaches to the rear roll bars. BTW - it’s a slip yoke eliminator. Put that in the rear and get adjustable control arms to get the pinion angle right. Also - adjustable track bars in front and rear. Will drive like a dream if you make sure the track bar mounts are parallel to the pitman arm and control arm. Set front diff at about 5-6 degrees.
Man. I been waiting for another video about the jeep. Please keep them coming. I have a 95 yj that I am prepping for search and rescue . Excited to learn from you
I just got a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4 door with a hardtop. My wife bought it new. It's her 2nd Jeep, and now it's mine. It's like brand new. Factory 3 inch lift. I'm living out the dream.
I had an 87 wrangle. One of the best investments was rhino liner on the whole interior floor. Growing up in Florida muding. It was easy to spray out with a hose and I didn’t have to worry about rush.
I really dig these bug out vehicle builds. My wife and I have an 86’ Jeep CJ7 that has a conversion to a Chevy 350. Doing the same thing. Upgrading shocks. Upgrading to the bikini top, it suits us best with the dogs, etc. Front bumper, winch, etc. Thx for your content. Keeping it real! Ha.
To keep the build budget, I would suggest building a box in the back of the Jeep sized for several cheap 5 gallon totes that you can get at any big box store. Then cut a piece of foam sewn into a neoprene cover to use as a dog bed/ emergency seat.
What I did in the back of my cheap jk was an oversized metal toolbox in the back, bolts down where the seats were so it doesn't fly around in a wreck. Pretty cheap, used. Can always pull the drawer and chop the first level walls to conform to wheel wells, works really well, especially in a city with the soft top or in weather with the top off. Can lock it, and of course it's sturdy enough to take extra stuff stacked on top. Taking notes on those mt's, don't really like the ones the previous owner put on it.
I'm a jeep guy, DONT put anything higher than the dash on a tj. They're already top heavy for the track width and wheelbase. You can do a fuel bladder in the back or some sort of cargo system to replace the rear seat area. Alot of the rock crawler guys run a fuel cell right infront of the tailgate, usually because they stretched the wheelbase, but that's an option. There's a tire carrier out there that holds 10gal of fuel around the spare tire but I can't remember who makes it. My opinion on overlanding with a Wrangler is to do a trail trailer. Keep the jeep very capable and light, put all the overlanding weight on its own platform. You can carry alot more, safer, and easier. It doesn't really impact trail performance either, with a good driver and setup that is.
slip yoke eliminator* puts the u joint section of the driveshaft closer to the transfer case making the driveshaft a little longer and reducing the angle of rotation for the u-joints thus reducing or eliminating vibration.
Great video, I often find the simple approach ends up being the most useful. The what if gear often gets heavy, and takes up a lot of room, and really we don't need as much as we think. Simple for me equates, light, nimble, and durable. It looks like you got a handle on it. Thanks for sharing.
Check out titan fuel tank that goes on the backside of the spare tire carrier, between the wheel and rear gate. Titan tanks makes them, I believe. Also check out armadillo bags for fuel storage they only make a 5g for their largest size but they're ultra portable.
My 2000 Sahara Jeep wrangler is essentially your end goal but with certain things that I splurged on. It was also built over a 10 year period. Super reliable, have almost 142k miles due to daily driving it.
My Jeep JK 2 door Rubicon has pro comp rims 12 ply tires 35 inch. With 538 gears Which comes factory with Dana 44s With lockers Not fast but it will crawl everywhere love your stuff Mike. My Jeep is my daily driver. Which has My medical and some of my bugout as well
Great video! I picked up a 2000 blazer with a 4.3L (great engine) 4x4 for 1,100$. Has new tires and I replaced the distributor cap and breaks. Has 150,000 miles on it and runs great for me. Doesn’t burn a drop of oil. I’ll be adding a 6 inch lift for 1,300 bucks and I’m in the project for 2,509$ as of now.
I don't want to come off the wrong way, but the Blazer is not as "robust" as the Jeep is for taking off roading. I have had several Blazers and even a Bravada. The transmissions do not hold up well, neither does the transfer case if you plan on running bigger tires. Also the 4.3 liter is not a huge power house with low end power. I get we all run what we can afford, but the Cherokee has made a better suited vehicle if you are needing more space then a wrangler style Jeep. There is also more availability for aftermarket add ons for the Jeeps. This is all just my opinion and take it as you want. I just know putting a ton of money into a Blazer to make it something fun, you would be better starting with a Jeep right from the start. There is a reason why Jeep's cost more money than a Chevy or Ford, they have a job in mind and they do that job very well.
Mike G. It's OK as a long time owner of Jeeps, your going to be well. FYI my 05 LJ has that brand of suspension. It's needing updates from wear. I invested in a hardtop for mine. A couple of 5 gal. fuel cans. I went full tilt on Tuffy security drawer and console ect. When I got it new, rock hard rock rails quality bumpers. Now at 18 years and 255000 miles, going strong with normal maintenance.
Love the Jeep talk. Daily driver since 2000 has been a TJ, except for during deployment. Not new ant shiny anymore, but still love it. The “adventure bike” is 2008 TW200. Appreciate all you do!
I was going to go with best top on my tj but a friend recommended smittybilt. $250 top and it's definitely tight. Better than the stock one imo. The 12000 lb badland winch works great.
My 06 TJ is my daily as well as my wheeling rig which includes camping rig (I can't get myself to use the term "overlanding".) No backseat and with a hinged shelf in the back, so tools and some gear that's not routinely accessed is secured below the lid - keeps stuff from flying around. Other gear that's frequently accessed is strapped to the lid. As another commenter said, I don't like adding stuff to the roof because of balance and some trails we take are so narrow, I can barely squeeze thru as it is. Since the TJ is so small, a lot of my camping gear is actually backpacking gear.
KLR650 is a good choice for a bugout Moto, too. Very reasonably priced right now, been around a while, parts availability worldwide, good accessory market. The soft top looks nice, but allows people to knife thru, steal your stuff, and cost you a lot of money to replace. (And can be damaged easily.)
Apex 12000 from harbor freight. It’s amazing for the price. And no rack on the top. Makes the 2 doors kinda top heavy. Plus they bolt on crazy with a soft top. You can put the rotopax on the spare tire with the EZ tire mount they sell.
For the rear of the Jeep as a budget build you can get 2 roto packs, but if you want to you can contact Aev and get their spare tire mount that can carry 10 gallons of fuel.
A great budget vehicle would be a WK Grand Cherokee with QDII and the Mercedes turbo diesel. I have a 2005 WK with the Hemi, I paid about 10k for it and started building it since. I have taken it off road several times, done great.
Mike! I live in Tennessee and I bought a new Best -Top out of Florida for less than 300. I've got 33-1250 with a 2.5 in with new shocks on my CJ 2004. I took out the back seat and just put some bags in it with tool's and stuff l need.
Mike, I took the rear seat outa my 2006 Wrangler TJ as well. I added a cargo tray that Bestop offered that suspends from the roll bar and is useful for softer, lighter gear like duffels while leaving room below for my heavier gear like tools and recovery gear. I have to take the approach that beyond day trips, my TJ is limited to carrying gear that I would typically carry as a backpacker. Love yer show; please keep at this and let us know how that TJ progresses.....
Like your setup’s MG! Gave me some new ideas, thanks. I wouldn’t add any weight to your top as you are already lifted on a short wheelbase, and anything you add on top will restrict the movability of that “extra soft” soft top.
GenRight fuel tank. They make some bigger tanks that fit stock suspension setups for YJ, TJ, LJ, JK/U, JL/U, and JT. They're spendy, but super well designed. Then run rotopax. Even if someone takes your cans, you've still got some.
Love the set up my brother in law had it was a2016 power wagon 4 door and a big bed mounted rack, h with a pop up sefari 4-6 man tent and it was amazing! 10 to put up and about 20 min to pack away!
Get a full rack, dramatically increases your potential to carry more gear in the event you needed to. and a full rack with the soft top off is just sexy. Cheers!
Mike, great content as always … but I liked your last subtle point the most: recreation vs survival. How can we reframe prep and survival through a regenerative lens? All the homesteading and getting off the grid, being self-sufficient that you’re doing … it’s all really on that regenerative path. Just a thought, thanks again for sharing your journey with us.
Limited SLIP differential is the phrase I think you're looking for. One of the things I went on to learn after my time as a grunt was mechanics. I can see how guys like us can get slope stuck in our heads with having to call out terrain features. My suggestion for the extended range fuel cell would be the one up on the roof rack for two reasons: 1. Having it where the spare goes is dangerous if you get in an accident on the road. 2. Up high, gravity will feed the main tank, so there's no need for a pump, just a flow valve you can open and close.
Check into the Milwaukee pack out setup. They make bases that bolt to the floor and allow you to lock the boxes into place. There are a ton of options for boxes to Taylor to what you want.
Genright I think still makes larger tanks for the TJ to extend range. Rotopax are portable and much cheaper. Gives you some flexibility as well to use on other vehicles or generators either.
MikeG! 🇺🇸What’s up brother! Thanks for the content, always inspirational! I gotta let you know I’ve finally made the decision to go to AA meetings for the first time, I’m on my way! Thank you for your continued service! Bitchin jeep!
Good job taking those first steps. It's not easy and never will be. You may trip up a few times, but that doesn't mean you have to stay down. Get back up and do it again. Don't know if it would help you at all, but what helped me was a little mantra or saying that I used to use. Sometimes you can say it allowed and sometimes you can just say it inside. "I'm stronger today than I was yesterday. I'll be stronger tomorrow than I am today." I wish you strength on your road.
Ideas for fuel. Older Toyota land cruisers had fuel tanks basically where your seat is. Instead of having a full seat they just put a pad on top of the fuel cell. What if you did that in addition to the existing fuel tank. Or maybe you can swap it out for another fuel tank that holds a little extra. Or have one custom made that holds a little extra
The 2011 Wrangler came with either an 18.6 gallon or 22.5 gallon tank The 1994 came with either the 15 or 20 gallon tank. You might be able to do a straight swap to one of those used junk yard tanks to extend your range
If anyone is interested in getting a hardtop for the tj, jk or lj-look into bull dawg hardtop, specifically their highlander overland top. It's expensive but I couldn't be happier with the purchase
Love it all Brother!! Keep Up The Fire and Live-Life-Loud 🤘🏽🙏🏽. Always stoked to see a good and unique Enduro Bike Build🤙🏽. I had a Suzuki DRZ400. Loved it, Thumpers Rock!!
Built and owned many Jeeps. I wouldn’t do a huge rack on top of a TJ because while the 4.0 is great, it’s underpowered. I would just mount some Rotopax to the rear for external fuel.
Tailgate rack is better - there are a couple that have supports to the rear bumper so your tailgate doesn't warp. You could also run a secondary tank gravity feeding into the main fuel tank. I think someone offers a 20 gal replacement tank as well. Look up the Garvin 34098 Wilderness Expedition Rack which replaces the bumper with cargo and tire carrier taking all the weight off the tailgate. We love our tailgate rack for grocery runs to long trips.
stoked to see what the bike bugout build entails. my brother and I both run ducati scramblers for our off road bikes, been camping out in lone pine and all over norther arizona and central and southern ca.
How do you like the Scrambler? How far off road have you taken it? I have a 3 Ducs and 2 Aprilias so the thought of putting a Duc on gravel kinda make my heart hurt 😆
@@eriklambert3809 I have 3 ducs, a desert sled, the scrambler icon which is my wifes and a supersport. Ive taken my desert sled all over southwest arizona (quartzite, buckeye) and up in northern az like jerome, flag, prescott, and chino.l most of the stuff I ride on the DS i fire roads or some form of compacted dirt out in the desert and it has always handled it with ease.
@sethdelossantos9229 nice. I used to live in Phoenix. Now in the south. Lots of gravel, grass and mud. I was really afraid the lower hp would bore me, but that much on fire roads would be awesome.
Mike I have the same FJ100. Awesome vehicle. I also notice you got the Historic plates on the FJ40. Pretty nice. The jeep I say go with the rack. Yeah lose some center of gravity but you get options with that. My opinion
My experience with TJs is you want to keep your weight as low as possible. I know that sounds like common sense but other jeeps allow you to get racks higher with a lot less center of gravity affect. TJs are a different animal. My 2 cents
For balance why not put the spair tire up front of your Jeep put a rack at the rear for a gas can 50cal ammo can to carry goods spairs ropes chains tire chains for the snow mini tool box, pintle/ball hitch for towing, shovel, gear you really going to need when you least expected. Watch Trail Mator from TH-cam. He has a tow truck wrecker. Get some ideas from him what gear he used from Harbor freight. You'd be surprised. Just a thought
Overheating usually occurs on the vehicles after putting a tire over your front grill slots. You don't get as much air pushing through the engine bay system. You'll also find it possible that it can roll your truck forward hill climb or a decent. That's why they don't put tires on the front of trucks anymore.
I have an 03 TJ, basically a blank canvas, so I’m exited to see your ideas. My brain goes directly to stretching the wheelbase, and swapped axles, but we’ll see.
Hey Mike Love your videos... I too am a Jeeper( wrangler JL). Love your 2 door,. All your ideas are good with upgrades, , can't wait to see the finished product 🇺🇸
i love my rotopax. I carry 2 on my bike, 1 gallon each for fuel and water. but i think the ones that goes behind the spare tire are probably the best bet. some quick searching around and I found the "titan trail trekker II". $400 bucks and holds 12 gallons.
I was disappointed with the Rotopax container seal; it leaked when container was mounted horizontally. It also expanded like a balloon in the sun. Perhaps, it would've functioned properly if I had not left it full of fuel in the sun for 3 days. The mounting h/w and keylock also rusted when exposed to the environment for 6 months. If one uses Rotopax or any type of container, I recommend a vertical mount, a frequent seal check and lock check, if you have one, for functionality. Leaking fuel can cause fire and false sense of security. My lesson learned? NATO Standard, Genuine, Jerry can, mounted upright with environmental secure locking system and cage; professionals use this. I also recommend you see the youtube vids on the development of the Jerry Can; robust, stackable, functional and elegant design.
I like the progress and enjoy the video. I think the next phase should also be not only fitting the interior with regular storage but also weapon storage and a tent of some type!
Nice video Mike! Excited to see this build develop! I personally the rotopax off the spare tire carrier in the rear of my 2018 JKU, more convenient access imo. Think the goose gear is an awesome storage idea best way to max a jeeps storage. The badlands 12k wench is amazing even with the cable line, a tow recovery channel out of UT Matt’s off-road recovery use them all the time can’t go wrong with that! Good luck with the build dude! Hope to see u on the trails!
1. Don't go with the roof rack. Your right about it raising the center of gravity, but it also increases wind resistance and noise. By keeping as much as you can inside the vehicle, you also you lower your visual profile and increase security. Even with a soft top, out of sight is out of mind. If you want increased fuel storage you can replace the main tank with aftermarket. Buying a larger, beefed up tank won't take up much more space than simply adding armor to your existing tank. Which I recommend. The stock Jeep tank protection is weak. Ask how I know..... 2. If you want even more storage you can get a swing out bumper with a nato can mount. You'll want one for the spare tire mount anyway. Again, the stock spare tire mount was never actually designed to take the bouncing abuse that is inherent off road. 3. As for the internal storage, go with a single, large drawer. As much as I like to have all my gear partitioned out and perfectly organized, the internal organization ends up costing you a lot of real estate in a vehicle that has none to spare. With a drawer, you can always use various tool bags to provide the organization within. A lockable drawer will also offer additional security and provides a stable platform for you to secure addition items to. You can strap down fire wood or a cooler and not have crap rolling free inside the vehicle. I've only ever rolled one vehicle myself, but I've responded to dozens of motor vehicle collisions where occupants had been injured by loose debris inside the vehicle. Of course, this is all only based on my own experiences. I'm always open to discussion if your have differing thoughts. Great start to this build. And thanks for providing a great channel. Keep it up Mike.
5:10 SYE = Slip Yoke Eliminator so you don't get driveline vibrations with larger than around 3 inches of lift. It keeps you from having to do something like a motor mount lift to lessen the angle of the driveshaft.
Thank you. I didn't know what he meant.
no im pretty sure its limited sloke. i heard him say it twice
4.88 Gears, lunchbox locker in front and trutrac in rear. You might want to go rack - you can mount some cheap traction boards up there. In the cargo area, you can get a removable shelf that attaches to the rear roll bars. BTW - it’s a slip yoke eliminator. Put that in the rear and get adjustable control arms to get the pinion angle right. Also - adjustable track bars in front and rear. Will drive like a dream if you make sure the track bar mounts are parallel to the pitman arm and control arm. Set front diff at about 5-6 degrees.
Patriots stand with you🇺🇸
Man. I been waiting for another video about the jeep. Please keep them coming. I have a 95 yj that I am prepping for search and rescue . Excited to learn from you
I just got a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4 door with a hardtop. My wife bought it new. It's her 2nd Jeep, and now it's mine. It's like brand new. Factory 3 inch lift.
I'm living out the dream.
I had an 87 wrangle. One of the best investments was rhino liner on the whole interior floor. Growing up in Florida muding. It was easy to spray out with a hose and I didn’t have to worry about rush.
I really dig these bug out vehicle builds.
My wife and I have an 86’ Jeep CJ7 that has a conversion to a Chevy 350. Doing the same thing. Upgrading shocks. Upgrading to the bikini top, it suits us best with the dogs, etc. Front bumper, winch, etc. Thx for your content. Keeping it real! Ha.
To keep the build budget, I would suggest building a box in the back of the Jeep sized for several cheap 5 gallon totes that you can get at any big box store. Then cut a piece of foam sewn into a neoprene cover to use as a dog bed/ emergency seat.
What I did in the back of my cheap jk was an oversized metal toolbox in the back, bolts down where the seats were so it doesn't fly around in a wreck. Pretty cheap, used. Can always pull the drawer and chop the first level walls to conform to wheel wells, works really well, especially in a city with the soft top or in weather with the top off. Can lock it, and of course it's sturdy enough to take extra stuff stacked on top.
Taking notes on those mt's, don't really like the ones the previous owner put on it.
I'm a jeep guy, DONT put anything higher than the dash on a tj. They're already top heavy for the track width and wheelbase. You can do a fuel bladder in the back or some sort of cargo system to replace the rear seat area. Alot of the rock crawler guys run a fuel cell right infront of the tailgate, usually because they stretched the wheelbase, but that's an option. There's a tire carrier out there that holds 10gal of fuel around the spare tire but I can't remember who makes it.
My opinion on overlanding with a Wrangler is to do a trail trailer. Keep the jeep very capable and light, put all the overlanding weight on its own platform. You can carry alot more, safer, and easier. It doesn't really impact trail performance either, with a good driver and setup that is.
slip yoke eliminator* puts the u joint section of the driveshaft closer to the transfer case making the driveshaft a little longer and reducing the angle of rotation for the u-joints thus reducing or eliminating vibration.
Like the methodology employed. It's cool to see the steps.
Still jealous of the 70 series.
I hope ya have some snatch blocks in that recovery bag they make life nice when your dealing with some situations
I have an 06 LJ that is my everything vehicle. Best vehicle for everything ever made! Slip yolk eliminator btw
Great video, I often find the simple approach ends up being the most useful. The what if gear often gets heavy, and takes up a lot of room, and really we don't need as much as we think. Simple for me equates, light, nimble, and durable. It looks like you got a handle on it. Thanks for sharing.
I hate these scammers
Is that a 02-07 WRX in the background? Pretty sweet!
Check out titan fuel tank that goes on the backside of the spare tire carrier, between the wheel and rear gate. Titan tanks makes them, I believe. Also check out armadillo bags for fuel storage they only make a 5g for their largest size but they're ultra portable.
My 2000 Sahara Jeep wrangler is essentially your end goal but with certain things that I splurged on. It was also built over a 10 year period. Super reliable, have almost 142k miles due to daily driving it.
Hold The Line Mike!
Godspeed, Brother!✝️🇺🇸
My Jeep JK 2 door Rubicon has pro comp rims 12 ply tires 35 inch. With 538 gears Which comes factory with Dana 44s With lockers Not fast but it will crawl everywhere love your stuff Mike. My Jeep is my daily driver. Which has My medical and some of my bugout as well
saw you on Tucker tonight. great work Mike!
Great video!
I picked up a 2000 blazer with a 4.3L (great engine) 4x4 for 1,100$.
Has new tires and I replaced the distributor cap and breaks.
Has 150,000 miles on it and runs great for me. Doesn’t burn a drop of oil.
I’ll be adding a 6 inch lift for 1,300 bucks and I’m in the project for 2,509$ as of now.
I don't want to come off the wrong way, but the Blazer is not as "robust" as the Jeep is for taking off roading. I have had several Blazers and even a Bravada. The transmissions do not hold up well, neither does the transfer case if you plan on running bigger tires. Also the 4.3 liter is not a huge power house with low end power. I get we all run what we can afford, but the Cherokee has made a better suited vehicle if you are needing more space then a wrangler style Jeep. There is also more availability for aftermarket add ons for the Jeeps. This is all just my opinion and take it as you want. I just know putting a ton of money into a Blazer to make it something fun, you would be better starting with a Jeep right from the start. There is a reason why Jeep's cost more money than a Chevy or Ford, they have a job in mind and they do that job very well.
Always go with a K5 Blazer😁
That jeep with the heater is 🔥
Mike G. It's OK as a long time owner of Jeeps, your going to be well. FYI my 05 LJ has that brand of suspension. It's needing updates from wear. I invested in a hardtop for mine. A couple of 5 gal. fuel cans. I went full tilt on Tuffy security drawer and console ect. When I got it new, rock hard rock rails quality bumpers. Now at 18 years and 255000 miles, going strong with normal maintenance.
Don’t ever end this series!
The TJ era jeeps are absolute beasts. Can't go wrong w/ 2.5 or 4.0, both are just bullet proof.
Love the Jeep talk. Daily driver since 2000 has been a TJ, except for during deployment. Not new ant shiny anymore, but still love it. The “adventure bike” is 2008 TW200. Appreciate all you do!
Thanks for the mention, Mike. I think the words you were searching for are slip yoke eliminator aka SYE
I was going to go with best top on my tj but a friend recommended smittybilt. $250 top and it's definitely tight. Better than the stock one imo. The 12000 lb badland winch works great.
..Smittybilt makes great stuff. Got some of their products Front & Rear on a ‘15 JK Sahara Unlimited Jeep..
Just installed a smitty on my buddy’s tj. It’s very nice
4:32 that “that’s what she said” was god level
My 06 TJ is my daily as well as my wheeling rig which includes camping rig (I can't get myself to use the term "overlanding".) No backseat and with a hinged shelf in the back, so tools and some gear that's not routinely accessed is secured below the lid - keeps stuff from flying around. Other gear that's frequently accessed is strapped to the lid. As another commenter said, I don't like adding stuff to the roof because of balance and some trails we take are so narrow, I can barely squeeze thru as it is. Since the TJ is so small, a lot of my camping gear is actually backpacking gear.
KLR650 is a good choice for a bugout Moto, too. Very reasonably priced right now, been around a while, parts availability worldwide, good accessory market.
The soft top looks nice, but allows people to knife thru, steal your stuff, and cost you a lot of money to replace. (And can be damaged easily.)
Apex 12000 from harbor freight. It’s amazing for the price. And no rack on the top. Makes the 2 doors kinda top heavy. Plus they bolt on crazy with a soft top. You can put the rotopax on the spare tire with the EZ tire mount they sell.
Those pro comps are beast couldn’t get stuck rompin her through a field while raining, best mud tire I’ve had
For the rear of the Jeep as a budget build you can get 2 roto packs, but if you want to you can contact Aev and get their spare tire mount that can carry 10 gallons of fuel.
I just bought a TJ myself. Its got dana 44 w/ lockers, a winch & a lift. Couple other nice features too.
A great budget vehicle would be a WK Grand Cherokee with QDII and the Mercedes turbo diesel. I have a 2005 WK with the Hemi, I paid about 10k for it and started building it since. I have taken it off road several times, done great.
Good to see the jeep dug out of the snow bank, looks good with the new top.
Mike! I live in Tennessee and I bought a new Best -Top out of Florida for less than 300. I've got 33-1250 with a 2.5 in with new shocks on my CJ 2004. I took out the back seat and just put some bags in it with tool's and stuff l need.
The Blue Cloth Paper Towels... one of the best upgrades around for ANY vehicle!
just bought a jeep and you def helped. Great off the shelf capability for a budget build.
Mike, I took the rear seat outa my 2006 Wrangler TJ as well. I added a cargo tray that Bestop offered that suspends from the roll bar and is useful for softer, lighter gear like duffels while leaving room below for my heavier gear like tools and recovery gear. I have to take the approach that beyond day trips, my TJ is limited to carrying gear that I would typically carry as a backpacker. Love yer show; please keep at this and let us know how that TJ progresses.....
Nice Jeep! Can't wait to see the finished version!
Scammer
Like your setup’s MG! Gave me some new ideas, thanks. I wouldn’t add any weight to your top as you are already lifted on a short wheelbase, and anything you add on top will restrict the movability of that “extra soft” soft top.
Great video Mr. Glover!! Love these series on the TJ!!
Guess the recession's not bothering his pocket book too much
GenRight fuel tank. They make some bigger tanks that fit stock suspension setups for YJ, TJ, LJ, JK/U, JL/U, and JT. They're spendy, but super well designed. Then run rotopax. Even if someone takes your cans, you've still got some.
Interior for camping gear, sleeping bags, rifle rack. What about putting a full size rack on top. It wouldn't be so bad.
Slip yoke eliminator. It helps from getting that driveline vibration on the highway once you lift the jeep.
Good shit Mike! Im building up my 1st Gen tacoma for hunting/overlanding. Its a slow process when you are a baller on a budget.😂
They have a spare tire surround tank for fuel. Simple. Hides nice. Low center of gravity.
Love all the content you are putting out 🤙🏾
Love the set up my brother in law had it was a2016 power wagon 4 door and a big bed mounted rack, h with a pop up sefari 4-6 man tent and it was amazing! 10 to put up and about 20 min to pack away!
I can't unsee the yellow dot not in line with the valve stem... O.C.D.
Great content!😂
Glad I’m not the only one 😂
Get a full rack, dramatically increases your potential to carry more gear in the event you needed to. and a full rack with the soft top off is just sexy. Cheers!
I think you will like the MT2s. I've had mine for about 9 years on my offroad jeep. They chunk on sharp rocks, but absorb a good deal of damage.
Mike, great content as always … but I liked your last subtle point the most: recreation vs survival. How can we reframe prep and survival through a regenerative lens? All the homesteading and getting off the grid, being self-sufficient that you’re doing … it’s all really on that regenerative path. Just a thought, thanks again for sharing your journey with us.
NO-K
Limited SLIP differential is the phrase I think you're looking for. One of the things I went on to learn after my time as a grunt was mechanics. I can see how guys like us can get slope stuck in our heads with having to call out terrain features. My suggestion for the extended range fuel cell would be the one up on the roof rack for two reasons: 1. Having it where the spare goes is dangerous if you get in an accident on the road. 2. Up high, gravity will feed the main tank, so there's no need for a pump, just a flow valve you can open and close.
i think it was a mix of limited slip differential and slip yoke eliminator
@@Sjackson2369 I think he was trying to say slip yoke eliminator. Limited slip diff wouldnt be a bad thing to have either.
Check into the Milwaukee pack out setup. They make bases that bolt to the floor and allow you to lock the boxes into place. There are a ton of options for boxes to Taylor to what you want.
Genright I think still makes larger tanks for the TJ to extend range. Rotopax are portable and much cheaper. Gives you some flexibility as well to use on other vehicles or generators either.
The TJ years are awesome, I had a 1998 and a 2003 both with similar builds as this one.
MikeG! 🇺🇸What’s up brother! Thanks for the content, always inspirational! I gotta let you know I’ve finally made the decision to go to AA meetings for the first time, I’m on my way! Thank you for your continued service! Bitchin jeep!
Good job taking those first steps. It's not easy and never will be. You may trip up a few times, but that doesn't mean you have to stay down. Get back up and do it again. Don't know if it would help you at all, but what helped me was a little mantra or saying that I used to use. Sometimes you can say it allowed and sometimes you can just say it inside. "I'm stronger today than I was yesterday. I'll be stronger tomorrow than I am today." I wish you strength on your road.
💜Never Give Up🙏🏽❤️🇺🇸
@@psiinc heard! 🇺🇸🤙
You got this buddy! If you fall off, remember it isn't the end of the world, shit happens, just get back on the horse again.
@@channeldos Rgr that!
Ideas for fuel.
Older Toyota land cruisers had fuel tanks basically where your seat is. Instead of having a full seat they just put a pad on top of the fuel cell.
What if you did that in addition to the existing fuel tank.
Or maybe you can swap it out for another fuel tank that holds a little extra. Or have one custom made that holds a little extra
The 2011 Wrangler came with either an 18.6 gallon or 22.5 gallon tank
The 1994 came with either the 15 or 20 gallon tank.
You might be able to do a straight swap to one of those used junk yard tanks to extend your range
If anyone is interested in getting a hardtop for the tj, jk or lj-look into bull dawg hardtop, specifically their highlander overland top. It's expensive but I couldn't be happier with the purchase
So awesome both the jeep and motorcycles are the perfect bug out! Looking forward to more
Badlands makes a awesome winch I’ve owned several and they never let me down
i like these videos more than anything else man, keep these up
Love it all Brother!! Keep Up The Fire and Live-Life-Loud 🤘🏽🙏🏽. Always stoked to see a good and unique Enduro Bike Build🤙🏽. I had a Suzuki DRZ400. Loved it, Thumpers Rock!!
Awesome Jeep. I love these walk around videos and I can't wait for the ultimate bug out vehicle series. Thanks Mike.
I’ll second the Titan fuel solution. I have one on my FJ cruiser. 14 gallons, and solid solution.
Can’t wait to see the outcome on this jeep
Love it already don't ever get rid of it
Built and owned many Jeeps. I wouldn’t do a huge rack on top of a TJ because while the 4.0 is great, it’s underpowered. I would just mount some Rotopax to the rear for external fuel.
Like the video, I own a 98 TJ myself, if I had that FJ in my driveway I’d sell my TJ and dump all of what I would get out of it into the FJ
Love these quick and dirty videos!!
Tailgate rack is better - there are a couple that have supports to the rear bumper so your tailgate doesn't warp. You could also run a secondary tank gravity feeding into the main fuel tank. I think someone offers a 20 gal replacement tank as well.
Look up the Garvin 34098 Wilderness Expedition Rack which replaces the bumper with cargo and tire carrier taking all the weight off the tailgate. We love our tailgate rack for grocery runs to long trips.
I really like the quick info vehicles. Wanting to get my civic loaded up. Procrastinate. Best option. Thanks for the info!
Slip yoke eliminator is what your thinking.. so you rear driveshaft doesn’t come out of your transfer case at high articulation situations
stoked to see what the bike bugout build entails. my brother and I both run ducati scramblers for our off road bikes, been camping out in lone pine and all over norther arizona and central and southern ca.
How do you like the Scrambler? How far off road have you taken it? I have a 3 Ducs and 2 Aprilias so the thought of putting a Duc on gravel kinda make my heart hurt 😆
@@eriklambert3809 I have 3 ducs, a desert sled, the scrambler icon which is my wifes and a supersport. Ive taken my desert sled all over southwest arizona (quartzite, buckeye) and up in northern az like jerome, flag, prescott, and chino.l most of the stuff I ride on the DS i fire roads or some form of compacted dirt out in the desert and it has always handled it with ease.
@sethdelossantos9229 nice. I used to live in Phoenix. Now in the south. Lots of gravel, grass and mud. I was really afraid the lower hp would bore me, but that much on fire roads would be awesome.
Great beginning set up Mike. Thanks for your continued information! Be blessed!
Awesome video - watching from Canada 🇨🇦! Keep these vids coming sir
Mike I have the same FJ100. Awesome vehicle. I also notice you got the Historic plates on the FJ40. Pretty nice. The jeep I say go with the rack. Yeah lose some center of gravity but you get options with that. My opinion
My experience with TJs is you want to keep your weight as low as possible. I know that sounds like common sense but other jeeps allow you to get racks higher with a lot less center of gravity affect. TJs are a different animal. My 2 cents
For balance why not put the spair tire up front of your Jeep put a rack at the rear for a gas can 50cal ammo can to carry goods spairs ropes chains tire chains for the snow mini tool box, pintle/ball hitch for towing, shovel, gear you really going to need when you least expected. Watch Trail Mator from TH-cam. He has a tow truck wrecker. Get some ideas from him what gear he used from Harbor freight. You'd be surprised. Just a thought
Overheating usually occurs on the vehicles after putting a tire over your front grill slots. You don't get as much air pushing through the engine bay system. You'll also find it possible that it can roll your truck forward hill climb or a decent. That's why they don't put tires on the front of trucks anymore.
@@sliderstruth gotcha
I have an 03 TJ, basically a blank canvas, so I’m exited to see your ideas. My brain goes directly to stretching the wheelbase, and swapped axles, but we’ll see.
Classic "That's what she said."
Nice work on Tucker last night, no more silence.
Hey Mike
Love your videos... I too am a Jeeper( wrangler JL). Love your 2 door,. All your ideas are good with upgrades, , can't wait to see the finished product 🇺🇸
Great Video Mike, Love the Rigs and the views are awesome.
Currie steering on my LJ was the best upgrade I did. Aside maybe from regearing to 5.13 Yukons.
i love my rotopax. I carry 2 on my bike, 1 gallon each for fuel and water. but i think the ones that goes behind the spare tire are probably the best bet. some quick searching around and I found the "titan trail trekker II". $400 bucks and holds 12 gallons.
I was disappointed with the Rotopax container seal; it leaked when container was mounted horizontally. It also expanded like a balloon in the sun. Perhaps, it would've functioned properly if I had not left it full of fuel in the sun for 3 days. The mounting h/w and keylock also rusted when exposed to the environment for 6 months. If one uses Rotopax or any type of container, I recommend a vertical mount, a frequent seal check and lock check, if you have one, for functionality. Leaking fuel can cause fire and false sense of security. My lesson learned? NATO Standard, Genuine, Jerry can, mounted upright with environmental secure locking system and cage; professionals use this. I also recommend you see the youtube vids on the development of the Jerry Can; robust, stackable, functional and elegant design.
I like the progress and enjoy the video.
I think the next phase should also be not only fitting the interior with regular storage but also weapon storage and a tent of some type!
Fascinating stuff. Keep it coming.
Nice video Mike! Excited to see this build develop! I personally the rotopax off the spare tire carrier in the rear of my 2018 JKU, more convenient access imo. Think the goose gear is an awesome storage idea best way to max a jeeps storage. The badlands 12k wench is amazing even with the cable line, a tow recovery channel out of UT Matt’s off-road recovery use them all the time can’t go wrong with that! Good luck with the build dude! Hope to see u on the trails!
Great video, I had that same black sahara a model year newer, fun vehicles I've owned 2 TJs and miss having one!
I think it’s pretty cool that you’re into cars too, Mike
For the back you should check out JK Drawer System or ARB
Tanks off the back might get you hung up on rocks/dirt wall. Up top, you'll definitely notice it being top heavy.
Badlands Apex winch with synthetic line from harbor freight is no joke. Have one for my 4Runner.