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Chronicles of an Altitude Mall Crawler

7K views 24 replies 7 participants last post by  SC_GCA14 
#1 ·
Well, I guess it's time I get one of these things goin'. My '14 Altitude (stock - summit white) will arrive on Wed and I've already got big plans for it (amazon shopping cart is bursting at the seams). Ideally, I am going for an overland-esque type rig, but also looking to maintain comfort as it will be my daily driver. I'm local in the SF Bay Area and looking to get out and explore some overland type trails and do some weekend camping adventures. I appreciate any and all feedback/advice/suggestions. Here goes nothin!

Mods so far:
- Window tint - unknown %, will know soon

Mods planned:
- Wheels and tires - I have seen lots discussed here and I still can't decide. I like the stock 20's, but I am not apposed to considering a smaller wheel/tire set up. I have my eye on the Nitto Terra Grappler G2. If I go with a smaller wheel, I really like the Method Race wheels Grid Titanium/Black Street Loc wheel. (feedback welcome here)
- RRO 2.5" lift/UCA kit
- Whispbar S25 roofrack bars - with Yakima K624 fit kit
- Curt 18115 cargo roof rack - (may go with the Rhino rack system/CVTent setup in the future)
- Matte black hood decal
- OEM Back up camera
- Skid Plate protection - open to recommendations here for a beginner.
- Blacked out honeycomb grill

I built up an '08 FJ in the past so this isn't my first mod rodeo, however, I still consider myself a rookie :)

More pics to come once she arrives!
 
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#3 ·
Few updates on the mods:

Installed:
- Whispbar 25 roof rails
- Curt roof cargo rack
- Opt7 LED Headlight (h11) and Opt7 LED Fogs
- Gorilla Black Lug nuts (w/lock lug) - MUST GET ACORN style if you have the stock glossy 20's

Soon to be purchased installed:
- 4 BFG AT Ko2 - 275/55/20 (on stock black glossy 20's)
- Bilstein 5100 (all around) Fronts set to 1.75"
- Wheel spacers (BORA) HELP NEEDED - to avoid rubbing, should I go with 1.25" or 1.5"?

Along with the question of the spacers, has anyone put in the Ko2 in the spare tire well?
 

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#7 ·
I think it will look like a clean set up!

So my reviews on the Opt7 are mixed. When I tried to plug and play the H11 headlights (low beam) the male connector on the opt7 is wider than the female side of the headlight plug. Took it to an auto tech/electrician friend, and he cut the Opt7 male plug off, and hard wired it to just behind the female plug so that if i ever wanted to go back to original, I could. Stuffed the light, and capacitor in the housing perfectly. Lights are very bright, even, and clean.

As for the fog lights, that's a true plug and play, relatively easy install, but it's not too too bright. Gets the job done though.
 
#8 ·
At 275/55-20, a spare KO2 won't fit in the wheel well. Your best bet is to get a 255/70/18 as a full size match - that is very close to the OD of the KO2's and is what I used to run as well with the cubbies removed.

Regarding the spacers I have seen people do both 1.25 & 1.5". I did 1.5" with the RRO lift and it looked great with no issues, although I recall reading plenty of users here running the 1.25".
 
#12 ·
Note to self - check the boxes the shocks come in (and caution ordering from amazon) as one of the boxes was missing the installation kit, so no tires and no shocks last week. But after a quick re-order and credit from AMZN I'm ready to go tomorrow.

Will be planning to measure before the install to check if 1.25" or 1.75" setting on the 5100s will be best.

Mods next up on the idea block
- Frontrunner Slimline II rack
- Frontrunner/CVT (roadtrip to OR)/Tepui camo rooftop tent
- Curt trailer hitch (aftermarket)
- Wilco Offroad Hitchgate Solo (standard)
- Fullsize spare w/ (275/55/20) Goodyear Duratracs
 
#13 ·
Well, the deed is done. After $660 (tire/5100 front only @ 1.75"/alignment) I couldn't be happier. The look, great. Stance, great. The ride, well, after a few short blocks of uneven streets in San Francisco, night and day difference for the better. Bilsteins for the win. As for the tires, fit perfectly. I went full lock on both sides and just enough space for a finger. Shouldn't rub, but I will report back with any potential rub issues as I drive more.

Next up: consider a rear suspension spacer. Very close to notice.
- Front ground to fender height - 35.25"
- Rear ground to fender height - 35.75"

I didn't get any install pics, but here are some post operation pics. Enjoy!
 

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#14 ·
Looking really good - would like to see a few pics showing the rake (or lack of) if you have any of just straight from the side!
 
#17 ·
Well it's been a while since the last mod but I finally did it. Started off with an aftermarket Curt hitch, easy to install and fit well. Got the Wilco Offroad Solo Hitchgate XL but when installed the XL was too wide and the hitchgate solo itself sat too low to the ground in my opinion. So I got the factory tow package, had a body shop install it (400 vs the stealer dealer at 700), and got the Hitchgate Solo swapped for the XL and voila! Perfecto. Here are a few pics of her, a little dirty, but it's done.

A few nuances however...
- for the standard 20" Altitude stock wheels, you will need a wheel spacer if you have any oversize tire, I have a temporary flange in place which only allows for 2 lugs to be installed. Ordering a 1/2" spacer.
- I recommend putting the hitchage in the closest pin setting in the receiver.

Also - Working with Wilco in this exchange/return was flawless. They are the definition of top notch customer service. Will definitely shop with them again. Use the discount code WilcoWK2PROJECT
 
#21 ·
Oh nice! Yeah I figured when you mentioned it was coming from Texas. I agree! They have a great selection on cars at TDA. They also operate Vroom from north Texas. I've bought two vehicles from TDA and sold two to them as well. Great experience all times.
 
#22 ·
Very nice setup, your rig looks great.
Ideally, I am going for an overland-esque type rig, but also looking to maintain comfort as it will be my daily driver. I'm local in the SF Bay Area and looking to get out and explore some overland type trails and do some weekend camping adventures. I appreciate any and all feedback/advice/suggestions.
You may want to check out a local club, Esprit de Four. They hold an annual Safety Clinic down at Hollister Hills, about 2 hrs south of The City. I have done it a couple of times and it is fun. My wife enjoys it too, especially in the comfortable JGC. Link here: Safety Clinic
 
#23 ·
Very nice setup, your rig looks great.You may want to check out a local club, Esprit de Four. They hold an annual Safety Clinic down at Hollister Hills, about 2 hrs south of The City. I have done it a couple of times and it is fun. My wife enjoys it too, especially in the comfortable JGC. Link here: Safety Clinic
Thanks for the recommendation! I've been out of pocket on all things Jeep for the last few months. But now i'm back!

I'll be returning the Jeep to TX (Dallas) as I'm moving there next month. So if anyone is out in the Dallas metro area or has any camp/trail rec's, I'm all ears.

Mods Update:
- Removed the Wilco Hitchgate solo, sold to a Land Cruiser Overlander. I was able to squeeze the stock Altitude wheel and Duratrac in the spare tire area. The cover just doesnt fit snug, but the liftgate closes with no issue.
- Removed the Curt Cargo rack on the top - didn't realize it, but it saves me ~2mpg.
- Update on Duratracs - the BEST tire I've ever had. Commute ~80 miles daily on CA highways and they are quiet and comfortable with amazing handling.
- After getting the tires, and 5100s, I did notice a slight rake in the front with the back a bit lower (even after I removed the hitchgate solo). Got the rear springs in the OME lift kit installed by 4WheelParts in San Jose and it did the job. Perfect adjustment to the stance. Definitely a more solid feel in the rear too.
- Got the front 2 tinted to match the stock tint in the back. 3M.

That's about it for now. Any other next mod recommendations? Send em my way :)
 
#25 ·
Hey Brad, sorry took me so long to get back to you. I only had the rear OME springs installed there. I had the 5100's and tires installed by Roberts Tire and Suspension in SoMa in SF. 4wheel couldn't get me in for 4-5 weeks out which was a drag. Roberts was a very clean and reputable small family owned business I had no problem supporting. Got me in within a matter of a few days. I didn't find the price over the top either.


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