2014 JKU just hit 150,000 miles

A few years ago, I was longing to get back into a Jeep after totaling my mildly built 2002 WJ back in early 2013. After putting up with my built up but archaic 1984 FJ60. I decided a JK was going to be the perfect fit.

IMG_2707.JPG First trip in the WJ in 7mile rim. Way back in 2010. Small lift and 285’s. It did pretty well. And then a couple years later...
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Low speed rollover on a frontage road after trying to avoid another car pulling out in front of me. No injuries except for the WJ.

So, with little money and no vehicle. I got the old FJ60 road worthy again and for nearly 3 years it was my daily driver. And only trail rig
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But after getting tired of a carburetor, no A/C and the harsh ride that a spring over conversion affords, it was time for a change.

I don’t have pictures of the day I brought our JK home. But this was taken a few short weeks after.
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While I did want a JKUR I knew I’d be changing most of what makes a Rubicon a Rubicon. So I found a great deal on a used 2014 sport with all the options.

So a small 2.5 inch lift and some 35 inch Nitto trail grapplers and I was ready to hit the trails
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First trip out. Middle of January meant snow and mud.
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I couldn’t wait until May for our yearly MOAB trip. A trip that had been put off since I killed my WJ because I didn’t want to make the trip in the land cruiser.

All loaded up and ready to go
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Finally. Made it!
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Met up with a few other WAYALIFE members Greenjeepmac and JJK
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It had been over 7 years since I last saw Moab in a Jeep. Long over due.

Many great memories that first summer we had it last year. Good trail runs. Some mistakes and lessons learned the hard way. But nothing like what happened last October
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Long story but what what started out as an overlanding trip turned into a good deed landing me in some nasty sticky mud.

Two days later this was the aftermath.
Was lucky I even got it out.
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But back to Moab for some more memories before the close of the year. This time with a proper bumper and winch
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Some Pony Express redemption
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And of course I had to hit a few spots on the way back. I remember seeing a familiar marker in one of Eddies trip reports so I had to make a stop.
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And finally, a trip I’ve been looking forward to since I first discovered WAYALIFE
The annual New Years run earlier this year in the Mojave
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And shortly after. Graduating to 37x13.50 cooper STT pros.
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To be continued
 
Yep. Some trimming would be needed being that I like to run a low CG.
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And the very next day... wishing I would have waited a few more days.
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First wheeling trip on the 37’s with the still stock gears and D30/44 axles. I knew I had to behave but I couldn’t help it
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How about another trip out on the Pony Express with some new friends
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Had to wait until February for some real snow here in Utah but it did finally come and I just had to go play.
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Shortly after, I was able to make a great deal work out on a new axle setup. While I was planning on being gentle until I could afford a set of PR44/PR60’s. This particular opportunity to run a newly built tera44 HD axle complete with shafts gears and locker for less than what I paid in wheels and tires. Also included was new gears for the rear and new rear 35 spline shafts and arb locker. So I jumped on and haven’t regretted. It.
It also allowed me to play hard and still save for the eventual XD60 package I want down the road.

So now I can have some proper fun
Back out to Moab to test the upgrades by running triple threat with me good friend and WAYALIFE member JJK
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And this is why
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Some more local fun
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I got a good deal on these sliders but, good deal or not. These Teraflex sliders are essentially just overbuilt steps. Upgrading these is next
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Being that I live in northern Utah. Moab is just too close to not spend time in.
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Waving to everyone from her favorite rock
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And this is what it’s all about.
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Without the Jeep and the WAYALIFE family, memories such as this wouldn’t quite be possible.

Last trip of the season
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And here it finally happened.
We’ve hit 150k on our 2014 JKU sport.
Lots of great memories and every mile has been worth it.
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A few more parting shots and random pics
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It’s always better with friends
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Even if they drive a Toyota
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Or they’re bigger and from Texas
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And finally, our first snow of the year fell today. Granted it came down up in our mountains but I couldn’t resist
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Over the last two years I’ve been extremely lucky to meet some great people in the off-road community. But it’s the folks here on WAYALIFE that truly make owning a Jeep... well... a WAYALIFE. I thank each and every one of you for letting me and my family be a part of the forum and the rides we have joined some of you on. I especially thank Eddie and Cindy for all they do. Without them, this wouldn’t exist and I’d likely still be fucking around with my old FJ60.
 

TrailHunter

Hooked
I remember the thread when you got stuck... and then getting to hang out on the New Years run was cool. You had just put new wheels on w/ 35’s. Looking forward to seeing the 37’s up close. [emoji1417]
 
I remember the thread when you got stuck... and then getting to hang out on the New Years run was cool. You had just put new wheels on w/ 35’s. Looking forward to seeing the 37’s up close. [emoji1417]

That was great meeting you there. I’m looking forward to the next one in a few months. You guys gonna try and make it again?
 

Lojo

New member
I’m learning stories such as this and the people are all part of owning a Jeep and getting out. I truly enjoy reading about others experiences and can’t wait to make some of my own!! Thanks for sharing!!
 

Jsouder53

Hooked
What a story [emoji106] you have one awesome looking Jeep! I really like the shiny wheels and black Jeep. It’s making me want your wheels lol and makes me think I can get away with 37s [emoji23]
 
What a story [emoji106] you have one awesome looking Jeep! I really like the shiny wheels and black Jeep. It’s making me want your wheels lol and makes me think I can get away with 37s [emoji23]

Haha that’s the issue I had. We had some 37’s ordered for a customer and they backed out. I got a hell of a deal on them and my 35’s we’re toast so I just said fuck it knowing I was getting ready to do an axle upgrade anyway.
 
Congrats on the 150k. Holy cow that’s a lot of miles, but then it isn’t. Lol But she’s running strong!


Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app

Thanks. Yeah she’s still going strong. Albeit she does make a little more noise than she used to and uses about a quart of oil every 3000 miles but otherwise still solid. A couple weeks ago I was tempted to sell it and start over with a JLUR but I just can’t let this one go. Too many memories.
 

benatc1

Hooked
Very cool story and thanks for showing your evolution! 150k is alot of good miles! I'm at 125 on my 14 so have some catching up to do!
 

-AINOKEA-

Hooked
Great story! Awesome that you have pics along the way. My kids call the rig the “memory mobile”.... and this is why. My oldest is already asking if he can have it when he’s old enough to drive. Lol. Keep jeepin through those miles and making more memories [emoji482]


Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
 

Ddays

Hooked
Great story and pics! 150K is a great start my '12 Durango just rolled over 247k on the same motor/tranny combo. Our story is similar, as I know a lot of others here as well. Jeeps are to me gateway vehicles to a lifestyle like very few vehicles are. We arrange things around getting out and getting away from everything. Seeing things you know few people can get out to see. It's pretty awesome! It's funny when people tell me they could never drive a vehicle like this because of the gas mileage, or it rides too rough, etc, etc. They just don't get it. Sad what they're missing out on....
 
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