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The desired results for my new project are similar to those of most other Jeep owners; improved looks, and better performance and durability executed in manner that would not adversely affect the manufacturer's warranty, without spending money like a Washington bureaucrat. A plan of action was laid out with these things in mind. The design staff at Performance OffRoad (POR) provided a very sound perspective regarding the "Cheap versus Cost -Effective" decisions that face every prospective aftermarket purchase.
As JeepGuru (JG) summed it up, "Cheap is never cost effective. Rushing out to buy the cheapest parts available seldom provide satisfactory levels of performance and durability. Cost-effective parts on the
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other hand, may cost slightly more during their initial purchase, but last longer and will perform better, thus, making them a better buy. There are very real differences in quality, construction and materials of components."
I know exactly what JG means. My previous projects suffered through some of my past learning experiences. I mentally kicked myself whenever the "cheap/quick" solutions backfired. The $75 tires made of super hard rubber with little or no traction and wimpy sidewalls that left me stuck or stranded, and the rock-bottom, ultra-cheap suspension that would not flex and felt like riding a concrete block, just to name a few. And what really hurts (in addition to confessing to making these mistakes) is that I always wound up spending more money to correct the problem than if I would have opted for better parts to begin with. Where were you then JeepGuru!?!? Anyway, I knew better this time and agreed with the POR crew.
Everyone agreed that the driveline is already plenty capable. JG and the crew tossed in a K&N air filter and called it good for now. Future mods will be considered later. We agreed that the suspension and tires and wheels were what demanded immediate attention since it banged and dragged over almost everything during our first few off road trips. I made my requests to JeepGuru, "Increased clearance with a more aggressive stance and better handling and traction………without creating any on road driving issues." "I think we can do those things and IMPROVE on road manners," was his reply. WOW...he sure had my attention. "Let's start with a SKYJACKER 4" double-flex kit. Excellent performance, overbuilt, and will look great on your rig."
The POR staff got busy installing while I got busy trying to choose tires and wheels.
So many choices. So many areas of compromise. So many variables. Once again a discussion with the 'Guru would prove to be helpful. JG and the staff at POR seem to have a knack for being able to inform and educate clients, allowing for less trial and error when outfitting vehicles. We talked about gear ratios, center of gravity-to-track width aspect ratios, wheel dimensions and the relationship between wheel and tire widths, along with other more obvious issues like costs, mileage expectancies, and the like. At the end of our Q&A session I decided on MT Classic Lock wheels in a 15X10 size, they would be mated to 35-12.50-15 MT Baja Claw Radials. OK….'Guru suggested the 33" size, and explained why, but I wanted to go bigger. I liked the idea of a little more clearance for the diff housings. Let's put 'em on and see what happens.
The biggest project phase is nearing completion. Lets just hope the Jeep drives as goods as it looks. I will provide some feedback soon.
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