dustdriver
New member
I don't spend much time on forums these days, but have been dropping by for a long time, and finally signed up to follow the "Pippi" project because I've been thinking about doing the same thing for awhile now and am trying to talk myself into it.
I learned how to wheel in a 1977 two-wheel drive Datsun pickup (hey, it's all about where you put the tires!), went through a couple 4x4 Nissan pickups (because in those days I slept in the back of the truck), exploring the western US wherever I could go. I got into my first Jeep about 20 years ago. That was a basic TJ with a 5-speed manual, and I went through the entire build process with that rig and I had 9 years of adventures and breaking stuff and learning what a Jeep could do (and not). The first four door Jeeps were a revolution that continues to this day, and at the time I needed the extra seating for passengers and space for more gear. Time passes... another JKUR... now driving a JLUR, loaded with bells and whistles, does absolutely everything I'd ever want to do and more without having to modify anything, all under warranty.
But more and more I've been entertaining the idea of going back to basics, and getting a bone stock Sport with a manual and roll-up windows, slapping on some BFG take-offs, and calling it good. So when I found the "what did we buy?" video I knew I wasn't alone in this thinking. Turns out, life is short and it's about quality, not quantity. A little comfort and convenience is nice, especially if you have others in your care, but it's very easy to create a layer of insulation between yourself and the outdoor world you are supposedly trying to experience. I kinda miss driving around with no doors and the top off (even in rainstorms!) and forcing myself to travel with just a couple drybags lashed to the back. Keeping it simple. On the other hand, I don't miss spinning around on ice in a short-wheelbase, and these heated seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start are pretty darn nice up here where we get real winters, and the ability to carry more people comes in handy now and then... BUT...
We'll see.
Anyway, have a great day, see you around!
I learned how to wheel in a 1977 two-wheel drive Datsun pickup (hey, it's all about where you put the tires!), went through a couple 4x4 Nissan pickups (because in those days I slept in the back of the truck), exploring the western US wherever I could go. I got into my first Jeep about 20 years ago. That was a basic TJ with a 5-speed manual, and I went through the entire build process with that rig and I had 9 years of adventures and breaking stuff and learning what a Jeep could do (and not). The first four door Jeeps were a revolution that continues to this day, and at the time I needed the extra seating for passengers and space for more gear. Time passes... another JKUR... now driving a JLUR, loaded with bells and whistles, does absolutely everything I'd ever want to do and more without having to modify anything, all under warranty.
But more and more I've been entertaining the idea of going back to basics, and getting a bone stock Sport with a manual and roll-up windows, slapping on some BFG take-offs, and calling it good. So when I found the "what did we buy?" video I knew I wasn't alone in this thinking. Turns out, life is short and it's about quality, not quantity. A little comfort and convenience is nice, especially if you have others in your care, but it's very easy to create a layer of insulation between yourself and the outdoor world you are supposedly trying to experience. I kinda miss driving around with no doors and the top off (even in rainstorms!) and forcing myself to travel with just a couple drybags lashed to the back. Keeping it simple. On the other hand, I don't miss spinning around on ice in a short-wheelbase, and these heated seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start are pretty darn nice up here where we get real winters, and the ability to carry more people comes in handy now and then... BUT...
We'll see.
Anyway, have a great day, see you around!
