Multi-Purpose LJ

[NOMADIC_LJ]

Hey guys, new to the site but not to overland travel and exploration. I've done many trips, from a month-long overland trip in the Gobi desert of Southern Mongolia to 5 day journeys in Baja and everything in between.

I have a 2006 LJ that pulls multiple duties. I tried to set it up for all my interest which include exploration, crawling, even as a daily driver. I do this with different sets of tires and wheels. For crawling I use 35" Mickey Thompson MTZs and for DD and exploration I have a set of 33" BFG AT.

I'm set up with on-board air, GPS, Aux lighting (under vehicle as well), winch/recover equipment, fully armored underneath. It sits on a 3.5" Rubicon Express super flex lift with a 1" body lift. Everything was installed by me.

I am currently working on a homemade rooftop tent I hope to complete by the end of the year.

Hope to see you on the trail! Here are some shots of my LJ

Exploring the back country in Northern Mexico
http://www.justruns.com/gallery2/d/6367-2/overlook.jpg

Wheelin in Truckhaven
http://skeletorlj.googlepages.com/PA070809.JPG/PA070809-full.jpg

Rock crawling in Copper Canyon
http://skeletorlj.googlepages.com/DSC00188.JPG/DSC00188-full.jpg

Exploration/offroad trip
http://www.tpiwwp.com/v2/out.php/i370_DSC03937.jpg

Snow Wheelin
http://skeletorlj.googlepages.com/DSC03242.JPG/DSC03242-full.jpg


http://skeletorlj.googlepages.com/DSC03217.JPG/DSC03217-full.jpg

[monele]

Great Color!!! (my LJ is black too and similarly out fitted so I had to give it a thumbs up!!)

Where's copper canyon?, that looks like a bunch of fun!

Also curious whose soft door those are and how you like em (I've looked at the best top full soft door, just not sure about a cross-country run in them)

Last ? did you build the overhead rack? if so what tube size/gauge? (i'm thinking of a similar set up but not sure I really want and RTT, may co the trailer route)

Nice Rig!!!

[CA-RJ]

Welcome from another LJ Rubicon owner. :beer:

[nwoods]

x2 on the rack and Copper Canyon info.

You get much rubbing on 35's with only 3.5" lift? (plus the body lift)

[Haggis]

Welcome to the Expo! Sweet LJ and some great pics.

Gentleman, I believe the rack is a Smittybilt. Nomadic could you post a picture or two of how you modded your rear Smittybilt bumper for the jerry can holders?

[rctr03]

welcome, great truck!

[NOMADIC_LJ]

Where's copper canyon?, that looks like a bunch of fun!

Also curious whose soft door those are and how you like em (I've looked at the best top full soft door, just not sure about a cross-country run in them)

Last ? did you build the overhead rack? if so what tube size/gauge? (i'm thinking of a similar set up but not sure I really want and RTT, may co the trailer route)

Nice Rig!!!

Thanks!
Copper Canyon is located in the Northern state of Chihuahua 27° 30′ 58″ N, 107° 45′ 57″ W. It is so large, the grand canyon would fit nicely inside it.
(pic from Wiki). An AMAZING place for overland travel.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5d/Copper_Canyon1.jpg

Soft doors are bestop. They fit about as good as a soft door can. My Jeep is very utilitarian and makes a lot of noise, the soft doors just add to the fun.

The rack is, like Haggis said, a Smittybilt SRC modular rack. An interesting story about this rack. It was given to me as a prototype from Smittybilt. I met one of the research and development guys at a party. He saw my rig outside and asked if I would be interested in testing their rack for the LJ. All I had to do was install, use it (off and on road) and give a full review of both. I was allowed to keep it for my trouble.

[RedRocker]

Great pix!

[NOMADIC_LJ]

x2 on the rack and Copper Canyon info.

You get much rubbing on 35's with only 3.5" lift? (plus the body lift)

I can stuff those 35's and get no rubbing. I have adjusted bumpstops plus the RE 3.5 is more like a 4" lift plus the 1"BL so in total I'm running about a 5" lift. The best part is it still keeps somewhat of a lower center of gravity which is my main goal.

http://skeletorlj.googlepages.com/DSC02997.jpg/DSC02997-full.jpg

[NOMADIC_LJ]

Welcome to the Expo! Sweet LJ and some great pics.

Gentleman, I believe the rack is a Smittybilt. Nomadic could you post a picture or two of how you modded your rear Smittybilt bumper for the jerry can holders?

Thanks Haggis

I welded on two support braces, a cross member and then made a perch for the holder. I don't have a clear shot but his pic may give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

http://skeletorlj.googlepages.com/DSC03260.JPG/DSC03260-full.jpg

[86cj]

Another thumbs up for a Black LJ.......You have a nice set up and a great place to enjoy it...Welcome........

The only down side to a LJ for expedition use is you can't haul your stuff inside and sleep there to, a roof top tent will make your LJ complete.

I have a 3" lift with a 1.25" BL and did not need to see how well those 35's look and fit. I always thought they would fit my Jeep, but tell myself the only reason for 35's would be the look, as the 33's work better than expected.

[jerdog53]

Snow Wheelin
http://skeletorlj.googlepages.com/DSC03242.JPG/DSC03242-full.jpg





Nice!!!

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Welcome, that is one good looking RUBY

Looks pretty kewl in the snow

:safari-rig: :safari-rig: JIMBO

[NOMADIC_LJ]

The only down side to a LJ for expedition use is you can't haul your stuff inside and sleep there to, a roof top tent will make your LJ complete.



Yes I hope the RTT I'm working on comes out good enough to actually use. Its pretty simple so it should be ok. I'll post up pics once I get it done but it won't be for a couple more months.

Thanks to EVERYONE for the nice comments about my rig!