Nice pic though, where is that? We don't have that kind of open space wheeling here, just tivht pinstripe trails. Natural bugout features though. For those that get into that thought process. I just like getting out where others can't\don't.
The Rubicon.... This is Eddie Oh's crew running out of S. California. I've been to Moab, but not to the Rubicon. I don't expect to get there anytime soon either. At least in Moab, if you fly in, you can rent a rig (typically a lifted JK running 35" rubber). It isn't inexpensive, but it beat driving across the country in the rig you're going to go playing in.
Most of the 4 door JKs seen are running 37" tires, needed to have the same break-over as a 2 door running 35s. Likewise, 35s to equal the 2 door on 33s. That's one of several penalties of the long wheel base. The advantages include the obvious increase in storage and better stability on steep climbs and descents.
My JK, running 33s (which is what I run 95% of the time), with a leveling kit gets up to 24 mpg on open roads, and about 16 around town. If I bolt on the 35s, mileage goes to hell. For two reasons, the biggest being that factory gears are not tall enough for the tires and you have to keep you boot in it a lot. I've found that the small advantage of 35" tires in terms of diff clearance aren't enough to offset the loss of relative power and poor fuel mileage. Besides, my 33" Coopers had no trouble with nearly 3 feet of snow last February. Plows were stuck, by the JK just chugged right on by. If I encounter an obstacle that requires more ground clearance, I find a way around it. I'm not into beating up my equipment just to climb over something ridiculous. 30 years ago with my much modded CJ5 or 20 years ago with my crazy YJ, maybe. Not anymore. Those Jeeps were hobby Jeeps, the JK is also my daily driver.
