Noob from Idaho

[jaydub]

Im a noob from Idaho. chevycrew caught up with me on another forum and suggested I check this site out.

I ordered a 2004 Jeep TJ from the factory with exactly the specs I wanted. It is a bit laughable now because I have replaced or upgraded everything except the motor and Tranny.

I make an annual trip to Moab with several friends from Rubicon Owners Forum. Getting ready to do it again 4/28 - 5/4. Anyway, in the last year, I also went to Gilbert Minnesota for two separate runs with the Rochester Rough Riders, as well as a Run on the Rubicon trail (which I really felt like I had to do if I was going to keep the "Rubicon" sticker on the hood of the Jeep.

So - the Jeep It has been through a lot of changes from stock. The list of modifications is long, and I have done 90% of the work in my garage. Kind of fun and challenging since I admittedly could barely change oil or tranny fluid when I bought the Jepp. I am in the middle of another build so the current mod list is evolving but here is a start.

2004 TJ Rubicon (active build right now so the Avatar is not an accurate image)
6" Full Traction Long Arm suspension
JKS ACOS all four corners
Double Cardan Drive shaft from High Angle Drivelines
ORO U-Turn Steering
ALLOY USA chromolly axles front and rear (30/30 front)
Walker Evans Bead Locks (being built right now)
TNT Customs Tube fenders (Finish grinding in the garage several hours this week)
TNT Customs rear corner guards with 4.5" Flare (same status as fenders)
TNT Customs Rock SLiders
M.O.R.E. stubby bumper on order to replace the M.O.R.E high clearance that is currently on the Jeep.
Rock Hard Cage with floor mounts, frame tie ins, and all spreaders
LineX tub rather than carpet
RB1 Navigation system
Mastercraft Heated seats (being built to order)
Vanco 16" brake kit (on the UPS Truck right now)
Many assorted skid plates and other parts that I forgot...

My name is Jason...and I have a problem...

 

[Chevycrew]

Heated seats.....since I wheel in the snow with half doors and no top on the runner.....thats a good idea!!!


and WELCOME, lots of good info here...

 

[Bodine]

My name is Jason...and I have a problem...

Yes you do... a soon to be RME addiction

Welcome to RME

 

[jaydub]

I'm actually tyring to figure out a way to heat the steering wheel too. Then it is topless and doorless 24X7X365

 

[BlackDog]

Take the insulated wire from a rear window defogger, or stock tank, and run it under a steering wheel cover, got to be a way to run it so the contacts rub in circles against a charged plate at the base of the wheel.. got to be a way.

 

[jaydub]

The concept I was thinking of is along those lines.

Remember when the Freestyle bicycles were big? There was a neck on those bikes that had hand brake cables attached to two separate rings. It allowed a talented rider (i never was that good) to spin the handlebars as many times as desired in a single direction without tying up the brake cables..

Anyway, I have been diggin through snowmobile sites looking at the heated handlebars, pipe wrap, etc. I want it to look stock, fit under the leather wrap, and have a switch so I can shut it off.

My buddy always asks me why I modify the Jeep so much. My only answer..."Because I can"

 

[Chevycrew]

atv's have the same heated handgrips, only the bars/wheel doesnt rotate around and around. That would be the tricky part.

I might have to build something of the sort using a long flexy cord like the small version of whats on a cb mic. that way it can stretch when you turn the wheel.

But then again my gloves are so thick I doubt i would feel it.

 

[Slangy]

Heated seats, Why did I never think of that all those times I have drove with my face practically shoved against the heater vents freezin my ass off. Welcome to RME. When I bought my jeep I think the only thing I could do was change the oil and alternator. Since then I have spent countless hours learning how to do the work myself. I have to admit I had a good teacher right next to me helping me, my grandpa, but he passed away in November so this winter and spring I was all on my own. It is pretty surprising how much you learn by doing the work yourself. But I am lstill earning more and I must say there is a hell of a lot of good info from the members of RME.