Oscar's No Build Thread

sipafz

Caught the Bug
Just returned home from our 5 day camping trip to Hartman Creek State Park located near Waupaca, in central Wisconsin. We had a great time Jeeping, mountain biking, fishing, relaxing and living the Wayalife!

My navigator and I ready to start our adventure:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465565554.040113.jpg

After a five hour back roads drive and a few stops, we made it to the park and set up camp:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465565741.975081.jpg

A brief rain shower rolled through, so we took a drive around the surrounding area:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465565889.928921.jpg

We stumbled across a couple of old International Harvester Fire Trucks. One was from the Chicago Fire Department and "All Wheel Drive":
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465566174.797245.jpg

Day three had us heading Northeast two hours to Lakewood, Wisconsin for some off road fun. On the way we drove through the Menomonee Indian Reservation on Highway 55. This section of road has no posted speed limit for 20 miles of twist and turns. Unfortunately the Jeep doesn't handle like a sports car so 65 was our maximum speed. In the reservation we stopped at Spirit Rock. When I was a kid it was 2 feet tall. Now there is not much left:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465567676.447526.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465567748.752801.jpg

We intended on wheeling the "Pipeline" just East of Lakewood, and stopped at the Nicolet National Forest Office for a map. There we found out that many sections of the Pipeline were closed because of yahoos causing damage. The ranger was very helpful, marking our map with the closed areas. She also suggested many forest service roads that require 4 wheel drive to pass. We took her advice and had a blast exploring the National Forest:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465567891.510471.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465567919.369518.jpg

One trail we went down was really wet with many holes filled with knee deep water. We kept going until we came across this "pond" that was a good 100 feet long and couldn't tell how deep. Being by ourselves and without a winch, we decided to save that for a different day:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465568180.822286.jpg

Toward the end of our trip we found ourselves on the road again exploring the countryside:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465568370.176048.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1465568389.393585.jpg

What a great trip!
 
Last edited:

sipafz

Caught the Bug
Showed Oscar some love today; wash, second oil change at 8k and first tire rotation.

Looks like I will need some taller jack stands:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1466997890.801273.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1466997913.644458.jpg
I'm old school and like to mark the wheel weights:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1466998009.690957.jpg
Posing by the Milwaukee River:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1466998084.456255.jpg
Noir:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1466998168.145392.jpg
Chrome:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1466998208.050006.jpg
 

sipafz

Caught the Bug
While entering the Rock Hard Sport Cage Giveaway I realized that I never really told my story of how I ended up owning Jeep brand vehicles and active Wayalife member. Here it is:
My story starts back in the late 80's and 90's. It was all about fast cars and big trucks for me. I viewed the Jeeps of those days as toys and never really gave them a second thought. In fact, I had a neighbor with a modified Jeep at the time that I would razz and always got a good laugh out of that (what a dick I was). During 2002 my daughter was born and I needed to get rid of the 2 seat pick-up for something more sensible. Being a Chevy guy I wanted a Trail Blazer, but just couldn't afford it. Looked at, drove and purchased a much cheaper 2003 Liberty Limited. Turned out to be one of the most reliable and capable vehicles I've ever owned (and still have). Another Liberty (2007) for me and one for the wife (2011); while buying the 2011 a burgundy 2011 JKU caught my eye and it all I thought and talked about for the next five years. During 2014 I really started to seriously research buying a JKU and it was while watching reviews on YouTube that I stumbled across Eddie & Cindy's videos. Needless to say I was hooked, joined the forum shortly thereafter and got lots of advice on my up and coming purchase. February this year we adopted Oscar (2016 Freedom Edition) and couldn't be more thrilled! He is my DD so I won't be going crazy with mods, but that doesn't mean that there won't be any:

Bestops Under Seat Security - Done
Racor Hard Top Hoist - Done
OEM Soft Top - Done
Warn Winch & DIY Mounting Plate - Done
Rear Seat Recline (DIY) - Done
Wall Mounted Door Hangers (DIY) - Done
Motorcycle/Safari Mirrors (DIY) - Done
Front & Rear Grab Handles (DIY) - Done
Delrin Hinge Pin Liners (DIY) - Done
Side Marker Light/Blinker (DIY) - Done
2.5”Spacer Lift & Level (DIY) - Done
Front 2” Shock Ext. Brackets (DIY) - Done
Adjustable Front Sway Links (DIY) - Done
Viair 300P Air Compressor - Done
Backup Camera - Done
Slider/Side Steps (DIY) - In Progress
Mud Tires - Cooper STT Pro - Done
Stub Stock Front Bumper w/End Caps - Done
Evo or Rock Hard Skids
LX-Lights, Headlights and Fog Lights - Done
Rear Locker?
Rubicon Front Axel?


Wow, that's a big list. So much for the "No Build" more like Slow Build!
 
Last edited:

notnalc68

That dude from Mississippi
Nice story, and nice wish list. From experience, you'll love the EVO leveling kit, and you can't go wrong with either set of skids, but I just traded my 2 door on a 4 door, and what I miss most, now are the Trucklites.
 

sipafz

Caught the Bug
Nice story, and nice wish list. From experience, you'll love the EVO leveling kit, and you can't go wrong with either set of skids, but I just traded my 2 door on a 4 door, and what I miss most, now are the Trucklites.

Thanks man! I'm looking forward to watching your new build. It will probably progress a little quicker than mine!
 

DannyD

New member
Nice story man, cool build list as well there's no better feeling then checking something off after its on the jeep haha. I know it's a little late but I read your trip post above great pictures!!
 

Jim G

New member
It's always great to read about another Jeep lover and how they progress into the life. Congrats and would love to hear more about your adventures in the future.:thumb:
 

sipafz

Caught the Bug
Nice story man, cool build list as well there's no better feeling then checking something off after its on the jeep haha. I know it's a little late but I read your trip post above great pictures!!
Thanks Dan, it's gonna be a slow process since I'm looking to upgrade some of my backpacking gear now that it's the end of the season. Probably nothing big until next spring.

It's always great to read about another Jeep lover and how they progress into the life. Congrats and would love to hear more about your adventures in the future.:thumb:
Thank you, heading out this morning for a little fun. More to come on that. How is your JKUR coming along? I haven't seen any new pics lately. I was looking at the exact same model and color that you have. I just couldn't justify the extra expense at the time.
 

sipafz

Caught the Bug
This is our last night of a five day camping trip to central Wisconsin. My daughter and I have been going camping together, just the two of us, two separate weeks during the summer, since she turned six. This is our eighth summer, 16th trip and it was packed with activities: fishing, mountain biking, hiking, swimming and of course Jeeping. After spending time with the other activities, today was finally Jeep Day and we would be heading to Northern Wisconsin to run the "Pipeline" and assorted service roads in the Nicolet National Forest.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472181138.495982.jpg
We started with 85 mile trek North-East to Suring and the southern most part of the Pipeline Trail. The trail here is not that good as it's all sand and really whooped out from ATV/UTV traffic. It was also really wet from recent rains.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472181447.791979.jpg
My daughter had a good time playing in the sand!
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472182058.015176.jpg
We kept clear of the deep water and made our way north 10 miles where the pipeline temporary ends and National Forests begins.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472182109.475873.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472182137.053719.jpg
Most of the service roads were dry, but over grown so I'm sure I have some new custom pin stripes [emoji33]. Every once in a while we would run across a little mud.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472182342.917264.jpg
This one had my ass clenched pretty tight [emoji15].
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472182410.237474.jpg
A little shaky, but made it!
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472182493.477424.jpg
Note to self: Add chain saw to tool list! Had to turn back on this one.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472182565.587303.jpg
Toward the end of our 40 mile trip through the woods we came across this beautiful young birch forest.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472182756.444874.jpg
Such a beautiful place! Already excited for next year!
 
Last edited:

sipafz

Caught the Bug
Hiking at the local nature preserve. 7 miles with full packs as we practice and prepare for an upcoming 24 mile trip:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472436590.803807.jpg
Found two baby turtles on the trail:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472436641.356362.jpg
Wild flowers:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472436687.075521.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472436703.821015.jpg
Peaceful in the woods:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472436765.807624.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472436895.558134.jpg
Milwaukee River:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472436929.752752.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472436956.999066.jpg
Just keep walking:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472437006.301079.jpg
Another day living the Wayalife:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1472437067.328728.jpg
 

WJCO

Meme King
Hiking at the local nature preserve. 7 miles with full packs as we practice and prepare for an upcoming 24 mile trip:
View attachment 220242
Found two baby turtles on the trail:
View attachment 220243
Wild flowers:
View attachment 220244
View attachment 220245
Peaceful in the woods:
View attachment 220246
View attachment 220247
Milwaukee River:
View attachment 220248
View attachment 220249
Just keep walking:
View attachment 220250
Another day living the Wayalife:
View attachment 220254

Great pics! Love the turtle! Was that a baby snapper? Shell sure looks spikey.
 

sipafz

Caught the Bug
Great pics! Love the turtle! Was that a baby snapper? Shell sure looks spikey.

Yes, baby snappers. We have a lot of them around here, but these are the smallest that I've ever seen. They almost got stepped on, because we thought they were leaves at first.
 

sipafz

Caught the Bug
Out for a solo hike today. My wife was just wiped because our daughter started school last week, swim club starts tomorrow and my mother in-laws birthday was this weekend. I, on the other hand, was not going to waste the last symbolic day of summer, so I loaded up and headed north. I ended up at the Ice Age Trail and decided to head north on foot for four miles:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128040.628535.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128177.788200.jpg
Along the way, I passed one of the five shelters along this stretch which means water:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128154.486564.jpg
And facilities:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128222.289717.jpg
No need to bring TP:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128258.075426.jpg
The shelter isn't much, unless you need to get out of the rain:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128341.818134.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128356.615137.jpg
We would just pitch our tent off to the side:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128434.279304.jpg
Found some trail art:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128493.029817.jpg
And wild flowers:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128545.060657.jpg
While resting at the turn around bench, I heard a loud crack and this tree came crashing down about a 100 yards away. Made me think of that old philosophical thought experiment "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" Still can't answer that!
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473128921.149347.jpg
Fall colors are just starting to settle in:
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473129063.551347.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473129118.955501.jpg
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473129143.763478.jpg
It was a good day for a walk in the woods!
 
Last edited:

sipafz

Caught the Bug
Continued my hike of the Ice Age Trail through the Kettle Moraine this afternoon. I started close to where I ended last weekend, overlapping 1/2 mile, continuing on for another 2 1/2 miles and then back again. Here are some of the views:
View to the Southwest. The bump in the middle is a ski hill - yup, no mountains in Wisconsin!
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473649556.793460.jpg
View to the West.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473649691.207761.jpg
Steep drop.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473649733.568023.jpg
The golden rod and milk weed are in full bloom.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473649768.944753.jpg
Trail continues North to Greenbay.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473649846.828484.jpg
Trail South.
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473649984.562894.jpg
Found this guy protecting my Jeep!
ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473650052.292156.jpg
Beat it! ImageUploadedByWAYALIFE1473650082.644752.jpg
 

Napalm

New member
Continued my hike of the Ice Age Trail through the Kettle Moraine this afternoon. I started close to where I ended last weekend, overlapping 1/2 mile, continuing on for another 2 1/2 miles and then back again. Here are some of the views:
View to the Southwest. The bump in the middle is a ski hill - yup, no mountains in Wisconsin!
View attachment 222371
View to the West.
View attachment 222372
Steep drop.
View attachment 222373
The golden rod and milk weed are in full bloom.
View attachment 222374
Trail continues North to Greenbay.
View attachment 222375
Trail South.
View attachment 222376
Found this guy protecting my Jeep!
View attachment 222377
Beat it! View attachment 222378

Looks like a great hike with gorgeous scenery!!
 

sipafz

Caught the Bug
Looks like a great hike with gorgeous scenery!!

I'm fortunate to have this recreation area just 30 minutes from my house. It's not much for Jeeping, but really great for hiking, mountain biking, camping, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing.
 
Top Bottom