4×4 Jeep

 

So….. doing the Arizona Trail in the “out and back” way causes one major issue that in my thoughts needed to be overcome. Piecing together the day hikes in such a way that are connectible within manageable 10 to 20 miles sections was not easy. For the first couple years I was able to somewhat “cherry” pick intersections of the AZT that were either paved trailheads or easy dirt road to the trail. Up to now my 2007 Chevy Tahoe did great work for us… but it’s a 2×4. As I moved forward in the hike though I noticed a real need for a 4×4 vehicle…. and the solution was of course…..a Jeep…. Now…. to be honest with you I have always wanted a Jeep and this AZT hike made for a perfect excuse to go out and get one. I was lucky enough to find a 2008, one owner 52k mile Jeep JK 2 door Sahara at a reasonable price down in Casa Grande and I jumped on it. Being somewhat boring and for a lack of any other name, I just named him Jeep and the cool thing is him and I share the same birthdate. He was purchased on 08/24.

I want to use this section to show you how difficult or easy the driving approach tracks will be getting to some of the more remote sections of the AZT. I will also update the page with some modifications that I do to Jeep as I go. When purchased he was bone stock and had very little wear on him.  I am not too sure at this point if the mods are really for me wanting Jeep Coolness or they would have been required for the driving trails.

Update #1 – Jeep Jeep gets a lift, a winch and new shoes……. modification list

General Grabber AT2 305/70r16

16 inch procomp flat black wheels

Teraflex 2.5 inch lift.

Redrock catback dual exhaust and cold air intake

Barracade Trail Force Front Bumper with Steel Winch.

Tuffy rear security cargo shelf.

Teraflex trailgate table

Update: 05-13-2018. Jeep was a requirement getting up to Mills Ridge Trailhead on Hike #42.

Update 07-01-2018. Welcome new JEEPIE to the AZT Family. 2017 JKU. Just needed something a little more highway capable.