I feel ridiculous about posting this but: I frigging love the 200-series (ha, we all do). I bought 2015 used little over 2 years ago with plans to build it out. Goal: capable not crazy overland/moderate trail rig. The only regret not buying one sooner. The other lesser regret maybe not buying new 2018-2019 at the time. It really looks like 8-speed might be worth it (now that shifting issues are fixed) and probably the LED lights as well (at the time I did not know how good LEDs can be, ignorant me).
Anyway. To date a modest build: RockWarriors with ~33" KO2s, Budbuilt sliders, Budbuild skids (mix of Alu & SS), ARB dual compressor.
On parts shelf waiting for install: ARB Deluxe front bumper, Slee rear bumper, Kings 2.5s. Also at the same time: winch & dual battery setup. Later 24 gal aux tank will wrap up the build. No drawers, RTTs, and other stuff. I'd probably up the tires to 34", something I should have done from the get go. Lockers & regearing not really in the plan, but I may revisit that (especially the latter).
Now, we love the truck so much for regular road-tripping (with mild "off-roading" mixed in, read forest roads, etc). that I know the built one will not be as good at. It just can't be: the weight, lift and compromised aero will take the toll. So the obvious answer to the problem is: add another one to the stable. And likely new this time.
Before I go too far into mods on the 2015 I am considering change of course and building out the new one instead. Main reason: 8-speed for the crawl speed. Second reason: the look of 2016+ TJM bullbar (yeah, I am that vain) vs. the chunky ARB. Third reason: can get 5-seater HE that seems to fit the purpose better. Age/warranty would suggest 2015 is a better candidate for build still, but that gets irrelevant as both vehicles would be expected to be "forever" rigs.
This is ridiculous first world problem to have... and the right answer is probably "whatever makes you more happy, man"...
Short version of the question above probably is: is 8-speed really better choice for a built rig? Wise men on the forum say re-gearing should be done regardless of the tranny for a heavy rig, and maybe even more so on the 8-speed.
Anyway. To date a modest build: RockWarriors with ~33" KO2s, Budbuilt sliders, Budbuild skids (mix of Alu & SS), ARB dual compressor.
On parts shelf waiting for install: ARB Deluxe front bumper, Slee rear bumper, Kings 2.5s. Also at the same time: winch & dual battery setup. Later 24 gal aux tank will wrap up the build. No drawers, RTTs, and other stuff. I'd probably up the tires to 34", something I should have done from the get go. Lockers & regearing not really in the plan, but I may revisit that (especially the latter).
Now, we love the truck so much for regular road-tripping (with mild "off-roading" mixed in, read forest roads, etc). that I know the built one will not be as good at. It just can't be: the weight, lift and compromised aero will take the toll. So the obvious answer to the problem is: add another one to the stable. And likely new this time.
Before I go too far into mods on the 2015 I am considering change of course and building out the new one instead. Main reason: 8-speed for the crawl speed. Second reason: the look of 2016+ TJM bullbar (yeah, I am that vain) vs. the chunky ARB. Third reason: can get 5-seater HE that seems to fit the purpose better. Age/warranty would suggest 2015 is a better candidate for build still, but that gets irrelevant as both vehicles would be expected to be "forever" rigs.
This is ridiculous first world problem to have... and the right answer is probably "whatever makes you more happy, man"...
Short version of the question above probably is: is 8-speed really better choice for a built rig? Wise men on the forum say re-gearing should be done regardless of the tranny for a heavy rig, and maybe even more so on the 8-speed.
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