JFanaselle's 3rd gen build and adventure page

I got my new Method 704 wheels installed today. I went with 16x8 with 0mm offset (4.5 inch backspacing), and kept my same 285/75R16 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires (they're still at 12/32's of tread depth, so I couldn't justify buying new tires, too). I think the Titanium color looks really good!









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Yes sir! Indeed!

 

Knocked out a few small mods added over past last couple of weeks. Factor 55 fairlead and flatlink, RCI cat protectors, and BAMF rear diff skid.

 

All I can say is WOW.

Been a minute...your rig is incredible. Very impressed @JFanaselle

Curious how you are liking the @RCI-Offroad skid package. Did you notice a reduction in MPGS before/after?

 

Great to hear from you John! It's been a minute, indeed. Thanks for the kind words on the build. I've been so happy with this platform. Your rig is also looking mighty fine these days, and I trust that you and the Mrs. (please tell her I said hello, too!) and the pups are still getting out there often and enjoying it.

I REALLY like these RCI skids. In my opinion, they're a perfect design to protect the essential components, without being overly large and heavy. I just wish they had been offering the "cat protectors" when I placed my order - my understanding is that the transmission skids are now pre-drilled for them, but I had to drill 8 holes myself when I installed the protectors after the fact. Catalytic converter theft has become a really big problem in my neck of the woods (good ol' California), and I made myself an even easier target once I installed the lift. Even though I park in the garage overnight, I wanted that extra level of protection. I recently heard about an F-250 that had it's cats stolen from my local grocery store parking lot in broad daylight, while the owner was inside doing some shopping (the thieves did their whole operation in less than 60 seconds).

I didn't notice a hit to my MPG, but that might be because I'm already in the poor MPG range and have done most of my driving on city streets for the past 2 years. The lift, tires, sliders, roof rack, bumper/winch, and Diamondback were all installed well before I picked up the skids, and I took a big hit from all of that. I suppose if I had almost no modifications when I installed the sliders, I may have noticed a slight reduction from the extra weight. I went with the steel ones, and I think the total weight (engine, transmission, transfer case) is about 115 lbs. I almost went with aluminum (about 50 lbs. lighter), but I figured the difference in weight wasn't really going to make a difference when my truck is already a pig.

 

I really appreciate the beta on the skids...I am seriously considering the RCI's as I like their style, small business profile, and frankly their affordability. I am going aluminum for sure, as the weight savings outweighs the "stick-ability" factor that I've read when really hitting the rocks.

Anywhoo, I'm seriously admiring your build and gonna add a few of your mods (Meso puddle lights...who knew!!) to my wish list. And those wheels...dayum, that Rogue Overland gift cert for the WIN my friend!!!

See you on the forums Joe...

 

Performed a few mods over the past month or so.

Installed a flush-mounted Baja Designs S2 Pro in the rear bumper, to act as a dust/chase light:








Performed a modest upgrade to the audio system. I installed Kilmat 80mil sound deadening material inside doors, Kicker CS series 3 way speakers, Kicker tweeters (the OEM Subaru ones), and a Sony XMS400D amplifier:








Installed the VLEDs footwell lighting kit. This is a really cool modification!






Installed the FBC "DIR" harness (disables the license plates while in reverse - to eliminate glare on the backup camera at night):