I've only ever seen people camp, not snow machines, do they have their own special tents, do they camp solo or with other snow machines, is drinking involved, group orgies with other consenting snow machines...?
Hi Mike. Looking forward to all the future content. The 4.0. The snowmobile too. It’s great just learning along side you. I agree with you on the 4.0 Mike. Keep it light. 2”/3” lift. 31” tires. Perhaps a lunchbox type locker in the rear axle to replace the open spider gears. The 4.0 will be much lower mpg than your diesel. So keeping it light will help. Also Mike. Replace all the main ground and positive cables with new and bigger gauge wires. The 4.0 is the opposite of your diesel. All those sensors are not happy if your voltage and engine grounds are not in good condition. Something else to look for Mike/beef up. The two spot welds on my front cross member. Where it attaches to the unibody frame rails cracked on my xj. Just in front of the steering gearbox. This happened with a gear box brace bracket and a full width steel front bumper that’s bolts right through into the steering gearbox. My gear box was flexing and giving vague steering feel. It took me sometime to figure out it was this. As it all looked fine. Once re welded. Night and day difference.
I like the sit down talks and some Q&A.. also if i may ;on ur down time if u can do an over view on some topics like camping set ups rustic vs technology, rig set up, solo and family travels, winter vs summer with montage edited vids of the past would add great stuff to ur already great content .. uv done some short montages durring ur regular trips and shop talk that worked very well.. any way well done with the channel and thank u as u have motivated me back to my 89 xj thats taken a back seat as iv been building a homestead farm and soon to be adding a work shop with a dedicated area for my xj for a full over haul and up grades hopfully coming soon.. cheers mate safe travels to u from "Rooster" !
Those are some good ideas for a q&a. I haven't done one for a while, so I appreciate the inspiration. I've got plenty of old footage to recall back on. Ah, nice, so you're building a home stead. That's pretty cool. A shop for your xj would be a nice addition. Thanks for watching!
@@WorkshoptoWilderness keep up the great work im catchin up with all the vids i came up on ur older vids with ur wife scouting out areas that was very inspiring , u guys have come a long way .. be well and safe travels to u from "Rooster" in central florida.. p.s. does ur diesl rig have a "name"..
Great job for giving a detailed response to the 110 question and not just saying "I don't have one because my name's Mike, not Rupert." I vote yes to show mobile content. I also ask what are the wheels you have and do you rate them? Mine are rusting and I like the look of them. Lifted XJ 2.5 TD owner with serious build envy.
Love the XJ, my brother had a couple of them, he seems to have had all the Cherokee models and still has a CJ-7, SJ and a ZJ. I love how much support there is for the Jeeps, here in eastern Canada the XJ jeeps are getting more rare in good condition. They are great platform that gives you great offroad capability with on road manners.
I have a heavy XJ… it’s about 2500kg. And I don’t have the RTT and slide out. When you start putting bumpers, aftermarket axles, frame stiffeners, armor plates, atlas transfer case, roll cage, bigger fuel cell, the weight builds quickly. I think owners with lighter XJs just haven’t experienced the component creep or just run them like tin cans intentionally. That’s fine: it’s an amazing wheeling machine but the durability becomes an issue. I drive mine around the western US and don’t trailer so it has to get home.
Getting back to the bit about tires: I gave 325/85r16 Michelin XMLs a go in my heavily modified Opel Frontera. My friend, what a treat they are! They didn't require any balancing (39"!!!), they handle on road like 1st gen BFG MTs, off road they are great but not Interco SS Boggers level. Give them a try if You would ever want to upsize from 35s. Cheers!
Hi Mike, luv the content on this channel. Very good variety and extremely informative. IMO the snowmobile content would be an excellent addition to the channel. I vote yes.
there's a bunch of different vehicles, cuz, there's a bunch of different people. Pick the one you love and love it. Personally, I've owned a Ford Bronco, a Jeep CJ6 (old school 1966), Cherokee, Grand Cherokee. I am looking at Jeep Gladiator. Doubt I'd ever get a Rover. But, never say never.
If you ever want to come hunting in the West im sure alot of us would offer some private areas but, it's very easy and is open for everyone to enjoy, lots of public area and tags are usually 50$ and over the counter. Also guns are pennies here so id borrow one or buy a second hand one and spend the money to stay longer. Thank you for the xj info over the years! I owe you one!
Sounds fantastic. I would love to vist the USA, travel around and meet people, try out some hunting, fishing etc. Its a dream I have had for years. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
“It’s a jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand” I have also been asked this question a few times being British and owning 2 xjs myself a vm and a 4.0 like yourself id never swap my jeeps for a defender. My answer is go out drive a defender and then try an xj its night and day difference xj is a much nicer place to be Defender might be more off road capable when running properly but definitely not as reliable!
I agree with the Land Rover comment, I actually like the look of defenders but I agree with your points. That’s why I have a discovery 1 I have no traction control but all the capabilities of a defender all the comfort of a disco
I get your point about the defender! My first car was a series 3 and after that i bought a 110. I really like those vehicles but the prices are mental 😅 we bought a disco 1 now for my wife and it works great for a quater of the price
I totally respect the origin of the defender and what it's capable of. It's just become too costly for what it really is now. The Disco is my favourite land rover. I would happily own one.
Ok I have another similar question for you. Have you ever considered a Toyota Land Cruiser?.. and why would you consider the Cherokee over the Land Cruiser and vice versa.. both are great vehicles And iconic in their own right.
@@curtisb9424yea I agree with that point aswell..I have both and wanted here his opinion on it..jus curious..there both awesome and do things that are better than Than each one. For me the Land Cruiser is big and spacious like you were saying. But the Cherokee XJ is a better wheeler. It can crawl over anything get out of anything. Where the Land Cruiser is pretty heavy and not as nimble. But they’re both beast. And beautiful. My favorite Land Cruiser is the 70 series. Boxy just like the XJ… and I think the Xj Is better looking than all of the Land Cruiser besides the 70 series….I have 100 series..which is still good looking but not better looking than Fully built XJ. My opinion.
As an American with an XJ, I always wondered why you didn’t choose a Defender for parts availability alone. After all of the work that you’ve done to yours, I don’t see why a defender couldn’t be built to be just as capable, maybe for even less. My guess is that weight and creature comforts are objective reasons to choose the XJ over the defender, and it’s up to the owner to decide if those outweigh parts availability. Also, given that GB doesn’t have the same off-road and culture as the US, despite parts costs being high for XJs in Europe, equivalent parts for a defender may just be completely unavailable. Disco seems like the in-between, but maybe less modifiable.
Hi Mike, thanks for the response on hunting. I use my 4Runner here in Colorado US to get out in the back country and do some 2-4 day hunting trips during the fall and winter months. I hope you eventually get the necessary legalities in place for you to enjoy the same there in Sweden.
Traction control just pop a sensor wire apart or an early one with diff lock engaged then turn it on and it’ll disable tc, hill descent is kinda good with abs thought
21:30 Mike do the snowmobile workshop and camping trip, Renix yes to frame stiffeners need on my ‘94 but turn off my hearing aids instead🤪, just replaced my H’balancer was cutting onto the alloy timing case cover, couldn’t work out what the noise was. Short answer just do it we want to learn👍🍻
Regarding your "Why not a Defender" answer, I can appreciate almost all of that answer. Even the "I don't like them" part. Personally I love them, but at the end of the day if everyone liked all the same things, life and the World would be a bit boring 😊 The only part I'd challenge was your initial part of the answer, where your argument appeared to be that there are two types of people who like 4x4s, and the ones who just want to buy one will get a stock Defender, and the ones who want to build them will be better off buying something like your Jeep. And, whilst I have almost zero knowledge on the adaptability of the Jeep (perhaps it's brilliant), I think it's also fair to say that the Land Rover Defender is one of the most adaptable vehicles ever made. And that can be evidenced in the variety of Defenders and their modifications that you can see on the road. Anyway, no issues with the answer itself: you prefer your Jeep - good for you, I prefer my Defender - good for me.
I think you may have misunderstood what I meant or more likely my explanation wasn't good enough. I mean If someone is looking at my Jeep and asking me why I don't drive a Defender then its possible that they have no idea how a 4wd system works, mechanics in general or even how their own 4wd system works in their Defender. So they are probabaly asking because they bought a Defender based on its reputation and not to work on it or build it up in any way. Someone who likes building up a 4wd doesn't tend to think that way, as they tend to look past brand names and focus more on mechanical aspects and mods, so perhaps they just buy something like an old 4Runner or XJ and can make it into what they need. This is what I'm trying to say. Perhaps some of those people who are asking me why I don't drive a Defender don't understand how their vehicle works and all they have to go by is marketing. Whether as someone who owned a Defender but worked on it and built up the diffs, T-case and other drive train related parts wouldn't ask that because its all quite similar when you get into it. The brand literally just doesn't mean anything to me apart from the shell.
Commenting mostly for the algorithm, but also to say I enjoy the content. I wish you luck with learning Swedish, that doesn't seem like an easy thing to do.
Nice video. I have an old disco 1 in Canada , nice fun vehicle , not a daily but a treat to drive. Would love to see some skidoo videos , or anow machine or whatever they are called over there. .
AS a defender owner I completely respect this answer! I really enjoy the videos and think your truck looks absolutely mint but in the same way as you think I prefer the look of the defender...... Jesus look at this a land rover and a jeep owner on the same wave length haha. Agree to disagree and full of respect for the others choice! 4x4 for life!
that harmonic balancer is really a good job to get out of the way, once those get too bad they can push into the radiator and cause bigger problems. love the qna style videos. it’s a shame you don’t share the access to parts for these little jeeps the same as over here in america.
be cool to see a snowmobile build/camp, look forward to seeing the 4.0 rebuild, be good to get some of the hunting stuff back again, I like the jeeps while i am a Landrover guy and have some Landrovers... a discovery 2 td5 been the main vehicle we own. but your jeep is a cracking vehicle its capable and you know it so well you have put so much work into it over the years so much blood sweat and tears i'm guessing it would pass a DNA test! a stock defender is going to need alot of work / welding etc to get to the same stage as you have your jeep. and i agree for distance a discovery 2 is a better vehicle. and yes you can turn off the TC or it just stops working when something falls off....
Why you chose a Jeep Cherio over a Defender? it's personal choice and that is perfectly fine! It'd be boring if we were all the same! Other than that the choise is mostly based on a few factors I'd say, but in no particular order; price, internal room, heating (if you're somewhere cold like you), mod-ability, aethetics that you like, perceived reliability. There are probably a few more, feel free to add some. I chose a Defender because they are actually one of the most awesome vehicles on the planet, I've driven a Jeep Cherio, and I vowed never to drive another one! Yes, it was that bad! there was nothing mechanically wrong with it, but it just tried to crash itself and the gears were wrong ratios, the kickdown just randomly happenedand needlessly revved the engine with no decernable effect, the seats were like slippery armchairs and it was too bouncy. Yes, a lot of that you can change components and work on it to solve, but it wasn't my vehicle. Now I bought a Discovery 1, it was smooth, refined and like most 90's vehicles, a little bit noisy but only a little, you never noticed the gears change, it changed down when you wanted it to, the seats were lush (I could drive that 500 miles and get out feeling better than I got in!) I did everything off road that everything else did straight out of the box, the only thing that let it down was diff height (lower tyres than the Defender equiv but the same drivetrain except T-box ratio). 5 years ago, my brother and Dad bought a 300tdi 110 as a surprise for me, it was a 97 300tdi 110, the same engine as the D1, the chassis was very near death as no one cleaned it. I've literally rebuilt it from rust to what I want, the gearbox is going to soon be swapped for an auto (a couple of reasons for that, but I like autos!) and every body nut, boly and all the bad bits have been replaced. (bit like what you've just given the info on on the other Jeep) All it needs now is really paint and finishing putting back together (no point until it's the colour I want). It's standard height and perfect for enything I'll throw it at and some of that will be hard tracks. It'll do way more than any standard Jeep Cherio! (probably more than 99% of modd'd Cherios too!) What you choose it up to you I'll never judgeas I chose what I want, but remember, the Defender community is awesome! reknowned as better than any othe marque. Don't say they can't go anywhere, there is a lot of proof that they can go further than most other 4x4's. Remember their heritage is an off road vehicle that can use the road, not as most, a road vehicle that can go off road. D2 ABS/TC No you can't officially but there are ways! it is a BTC, so it doesn't drop throttle and it shouldn't cut in unless you have a serious wheel speed differntial for a few seconds. It also works to 60mph (most are 15mph or less). I don't think you'd have a problem to be fair, but I can tell you what to do to disable it, If it has the air suspension or want to keep the ABS active, it needs to be done in a different way. Snow driving is one of 2 main scenarios and it depends on the snow and general terrain, thin tall tyres that cut into the snow, or very wide floatation tyres that ride on top. soft, deep snow is really the latter, hard shallow snow if the former. Never knew why Jeep didn't put CV's on things, Hardy - Spicer joints on a drive shaft is a bit old hat even in the 90's.
As someone who's owned Defenders, I don't need to ask you why you don't own a Defender... ;) (Edit: this is wrong; see comments) Re D2, yes, if you engage CDL whilst the engine is off and then start the vehicle, ABS and TC are completely disabled; presumably you'd have CDL engaged in the conditions where TC can work against you? Re snowmobile, absolute yes from me. Just crack on filming whatever you want to film, it's why we're here in the first place. If you leave it to the audience to choose, you'll end up doing only fans with Bigfoot.
Re ABS/TC, The ABS/SLABS ECU knows the transfer box is both in low gears and diff lock (if fitted) but it doesn't turn off the ABS/TC. The manual states the following: "Driving with the differential locked at speeds above 40 mph (60 km/h) may, under certain situations affect the brake performance under ABS conditions".
@@overlandready right you are. I had retrofitted my CDL and I was under the impression it disabled TC. It certainly seemed like it did, but apparently not. Cheers for clarifying.
Hey, long time watch her here. I know I’ve asked you this question before but I don’t remember what the answer was and I couldn’t find it in your videos. The question is, if money wasn’t an option which vehicle would you have? Thank you for all you’re videos and knowledge.
What is a vehicle that doesn’t exist in your area that you would add to your fleet if you could? For example, 110s are very rare where I live so that would be a fun one tbh!
Love your content, have been watching you for a few years now. I'm in Michigan (USA) and have a 1999 XJ with the 4.0, NP242, about 2 in lift with the flat flares. Question - If you had E-lockers in front and rear with a 31" tire do you think it would perform better in the deeper snow than 35s with no lockers? I'm excited for when you get your lockers so i can see the difference.
Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you enjoy the content! I personally don't think the footprint of a 31, locked or not, will outperform the footprint of a 35 on deeper snow. I used to run a 32 about four years ago, and when I eventually went up to a 35, the difference was very noticeable in floatation. It often depends on the type of snow though and what you consider deep or not. Most seem to want the biggest widest tire possible aired down very, very low, so they have a massive footprint. I'm interested to see how this locker will do when I install it. Hopefully, it helps a lot!
@@WorkshoptoWilderness thank you for the insight, it will come in handy as I start pushing my unit harder! A side note: I was hoping you could include a section of a future video showing the isofix system you have for the car seat hook up. I have a 3 yr old daughter and would like to start bringing her out in the xj for overland adventures.
Love the channel and videos. wish I had converted my 2wd XJ to 4x4 instead of selling it (I do own a wrangler TJ but want a 4dr) Couple questions- what are you running for a 2way radio? Regular 40 CH CB, GMRS, or HAM? Can you show how you have your antennae mounted to the front bumper along with the type and size it is. I would like to take mine off the tub and mount it up front a bit lower than it is now. I also like the look of them mounted up there. I would watch the videos of the snowmobile rebuild. I sub to a lot of mech and wrench turning channels- your XJ vids are what brought me to subbing and I watch them all now.
Hey Chris, thanks for the comment. My radio setup is archaic and needs replacing to be honest. its a 27mhz CB radio with a firestick antenna. We use to just to talk to each other on longer trips. I can show how the antenna is setup in the next Q&A if that would help? Thanks for watching and subscribing!
@@WorkshoptoWilderness Hi Mike, Yes please, if you would show the set up. I am very interested in relocating my antenna, a firestick as well, to front of the jeep. I currently run an old Uniden 40c CB but also have a handheld GMRS. Same use as you, only for off roading.
I was wondering have you considering builting the rear drum brakes to disc brakes from zj? I bought all the parts new this winter so when the weater getts better im going to convert mine to rear disc brakes, i think maintenance is going to be easier and maybe better brakes with bigger tires
Discovery 2 will turn off the traction control by its self with 3 amigos lmao, I have a d2a discovery and honestly I don't trust it off road every time you get it all fixed and ready to head out bush it breaks again, I ended up buying a 93 hilux cause of that
My old man bought a Land Rover because he got the Hilux he had stuck on grass! (no mother wasn't happy as it was the lawn!) So he bought a Series 2, never stuck again. Horses for courses, He now runs a FL2 and it's perfect for him but a lot of tax. He'll have a 110 auto next (it's beinng built at the moment).
@overlandready yeah I knew I was dropping some capability, but not having random issues that are trip stoppers more than makes up for it, plus what I lost was easily made up for with lockers. Also the hilux is so much nicer to work on
Man seeing this from America I feel bad for all European hunters. You need to know the anatomy of all birds in order to get a license?? Unreal. God bless the United States and our constitution
I love mine but I have found break break free to be my friend on any bold underneath, even given mine that is is near 100% rust free and pristine condition. The threaded inserts on the frame and weld nuts have stripped and spun on me a time or two. Nothing building a flag bolt or tapping wont fix but frustrating none the less. @@WorkshoptoWilderness
definitely up for a snowmobile camp vid - go for it!
I would LOVE to see a snow machine camp!
I've only ever seen people camp, not snow machines, do they have their own special tents, do they camp solo or with other snow machines, is drinking involved, group orgies with other consenting snow machines...?
Hi Mike. Looking forward to all the future content. The 4.0. The snowmobile too. It’s great just learning along side you.
I agree with you on the 4.0 Mike. Keep it light. 2”/3” lift. 31” tires. Perhaps a lunchbox type locker in the rear axle to replace the open spider gears. The 4.0 will be much lower mpg than your diesel. So keeping it light will help.
Also Mike. Replace all the main ground and positive cables with new and bigger gauge wires. The 4.0 is the opposite of your diesel. All those sensors are not happy if your voltage and engine grounds are not in good condition.
Something else to look for Mike/beef up. The two spot welds on my front cross member. Where it attaches to the unibody frame rails cracked on my xj. Just in front of the steering gearbox. This happened with a gear box brace bracket and a full width steel front bumper that’s bolts right through into the steering gearbox. My gear box was flexing and giving vague steering feel. It took me sometime to figure out it was this. As it all looked fine. Once re welded. Night and day difference.
I like the sit down talks and some Q&A.. also if i may ;on ur down time if u can do an over view on some topics like camping set ups rustic vs technology, rig set up, solo and family travels, winter vs summer with montage edited vids of the past would add great stuff to ur already great content .. uv done some short montages durring ur regular trips and shop talk that worked very well.. any way well done with the channel and thank u as u have motivated me back to my 89 xj thats taken a back seat as iv been building a homestead farm and soon to be adding a work shop with a dedicated area for my xj for a full over haul and up grades hopfully coming soon.. cheers mate safe travels to u from "Rooster" !
Those are some good ideas for a q&a. I haven't done one for a while, so I appreciate the inspiration. I've got plenty of old footage to recall back on. Ah, nice, so you're building a home stead. That's pretty cool. A shop for your xj would be a nice addition. Thanks for watching!
@@WorkshoptoWilderness keep up the great work im catchin up with all the vids i came up on ur older vids with ur wife scouting out areas that was very inspiring , u guys have come a long way .. be well and safe travels to u from "Rooster" in central florida.. p.s. does ur diesl rig have a "name"..
Great job for giving a detailed response to the 110 question and not just saying "I don't have one because my name's Mike, not Rupert." I vote yes to show mobile content. I also ask what are the wheels you have and do you rate them? Mine are rusting and I like the look of them.
Lifted XJ 2.5 TD owner with serious build envy.
I'm using Jack Wheeler Rocky Beed Locks. They are pretty good. They haven't rusted yet so that's something. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
Snow mobile content sounds great! Both restoring and camping with it!
Love the XJ, my brother had a couple of them, he seems to have had all the Cherokee models and still has a CJ-7, SJ and a ZJ. I love how much support there is for the Jeeps, here in eastern Canada the XJ jeeps are getting more rare in good condition. They are great platform that gives you great offroad capability with on road manners.
I have a heavy XJ… it’s about 2500kg. And I don’t have the RTT and slide out. When you start putting bumpers, aftermarket axles, frame stiffeners, armor plates, atlas transfer case, roll cage, bigger fuel cell, the weight builds quickly. I think owners with lighter XJs just haven’t experienced the component creep or just run them like tin cans intentionally. That’s fine: it’s an amazing wheeling machine but the durability becomes an issue. I drive mine around the western US and don’t trailer so it has to get home.
Hi from USA. Definitely one of my favorite channels. Looking forward to whatever project is next. Keep up the great work.
yes show the snowmobile work, I haven't a clue what makes them go.
yes Mike you can turn out traction control . I owned one with front and rear ashcroft lockers and with turn off switch for the traction control.
Getting back to the bit about tires: I gave 325/85r16 Michelin XMLs a go in my heavily modified Opel Frontera. My friend, what a treat they are! They didn't require any balancing (39"!!!), they handle on road like 1st gen BFG MTs, off road they are great but not Interco SS Boggers level. Give them a try if You would ever want to upsize from 35s. Cheers!
Искал Discovery 2, когда увидел Cherokee сразу купил и не пожалел, доволен всем.
Спасибо за видео 👍
One aspect "buyers" don't, or can't, understand is the fun of building a 4x4 to suit your purpose.
and yes on snowmobile content
This is one of the few XJ centric channels still up and kicking. Respect 💪💪. Other cool stuff with engines always works too though lol
in america that 4.0 inline six is one of the most desired engines for trail rigs truly a dime
Yesssss snowmobile. Never even been on one but they seem sooooo cool and I will do one day. Ringo
I'm all for the snow mobile coverage. Build a cool trailer for it
Hi Mike, luv the content on this channel. Very good variety and extremely informative. IMO the snowmobile content would be an excellent addition to the channel. I vote yes.
there's a bunch of different vehicles, cuz, there's a bunch of different people. Pick the one you love and love it.
Personally, I've owned a Ford Bronco, a Jeep CJ6 (old school 1966), Cherokee, Grand Cherokee. I am looking at Jeep Gladiator.
Doubt I'd ever get a Rover. But, never say never.
If you ever want to come hunting in the West im sure alot of us would offer some private areas but, it's very easy and is open for everyone to enjoy, lots of public area and tags are usually 50$ and over the counter. Also guns are pennies here so id borrow one or buy a second hand one and spend the money to stay longer. Thank you for the xj info over the years! I owe you one!
Sounds fantastic. I would love to vist the USA, travel around and meet people, try out some hunting, fishing etc. Its a dream I have had for years. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
“It’s a jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand” I have also been asked this question a few times being British and owning 2 xjs myself a vm and a 4.0 like yourself id never swap my jeeps for a defender. My answer is go out drive a defender and then try an xj its night and day difference xj is a much nicer place to be Defender might be more off road capable when running properly but definitely not as reliable!
Hi Mike. Snowmobile DIY sound good, and camping even better 👍
Definitely up for snowmobile vids, especially if you camp with it.
A snowmobile camp would be awesome, mix it up Mike
I agree with the Land Rover comment, I actually like the look of defenders but I agree with your points. That’s why I have a discovery 1 I have no traction control but all the capabilities of a defender all the comfort of a disco
Hey there, first of all thank you for these videos. Even for me, who are driving a ZJ, helps to keep the car running.
Thanks for watching! I'm just about to start on a ZJ build for a friend
@@WorkshoptoWilderness do you also do a vlog about it?
I will certainly try and film some of it. He wants it built up like my XJ so it's going to take a while.
Good to see you again, Mike!
I get your point about the defender! My first car was a series 3 and after that i bought a 110. I really like those vehicles but the prices are mental 😅 we bought a disco 1 now for my wife and it works great for a quater of the price
I totally respect the origin of the defender and what it's capable of. It's just become too costly for what it really is now. The Disco is my favourite land rover. I would happily own one.
Ok I have another similar question for you. Have you ever considered a Toyota Land Cruiser?.. and why would you consider the Cherokee over the Land Cruiser and vice versa.. both are great vehicles And iconic in their own right.
i was going to ask him about this too because it would probably suit him better with the added space and ability to bring more weight around
@@curtisb9424yea I agree with that point aswell..I have both and wanted here his opinion on it..jus curious..there both awesome and do things that are better than Than each one. For me the Land Cruiser is big and spacious like you were saying. But the Cherokee XJ is a better wheeler. It can crawl over anything get out of anything. Where the Land Cruiser is pretty heavy and not as nimble. But they’re both beast. And beautiful. My favorite Land Cruiser is the 70 series. Boxy just like the XJ… and I think the Xj Is better looking than all of the Land Cruiser besides the 70 series….I have 100 series..which is still good looking but not better looking than Fully built XJ. My opinion.
I will log this one for the Q&A! Thank you for the question and for watching.
I'd definitely enjoy watching some snowmobile repair/adventure episodes.
Defo up for arctic cat videos!!! It’s you we wanna watch, that’s always at the heart of the story.
As an American with an XJ, I always wondered why you didn’t choose a Defender for parts availability alone. After all of the work that you’ve done to yours, I don’t see why a defender couldn’t be built to be just as capable, maybe for even less. My guess is that weight and creature comforts are objective reasons to choose the XJ over the defender, and it’s up to the owner to decide if those outweigh parts availability. Also, given that GB doesn’t have the same off-road and culture as the US, despite parts costs being high for XJs in Europe, equivalent parts for a defender may just be completely unavailable. Disco seems like the in-between, but maybe less modifiable.
Yes to the snowmobile vids mate looking forward to it. Atb from sunny Sunderland.
Yep definitely see the arctic cat feature on some adventures
Hi Mike, thanks for the response on hunting. I use my 4Runner here in Colorado US to get out in the back country and do some 2-4 day hunting trips during the fall and winter months. I hope you eventually get the necessary legalities in place for you to enjoy the same there in Sweden.
I’m an old school sub so not arsed about how many different ways you can give a jeep a reach around and would love to see some snow mobile camping👍
Yes Mike, a few on the snowmobile would be great. Not much call for snowmobiles in Australia, but love to see the extremes of snow camping. Cheers!
Big yes for snowmobile content
Traction control just pop a sensor wire apart or an early one with diff lock engaged then turn it on and it’ll disable tc, hill descent is kinda good with abs thought
Thank you!
21:30 Mike do the snowmobile workshop and camping trip, Renix yes to frame stiffeners need on my ‘94 but turn off my hearing aids instead🤪, just replaced my H’balancer was cutting onto the alloy timing case cover, couldn’t work out what the noise was. Short answer just do it we want to learn👍🍻
Great video, I say you build what you want to, and I'll watch....
Regarding your "Why not a Defender" answer, I can appreciate almost all of that answer. Even the "I don't like them" part. Personally I love them, but at the end of the day if everyone liked all the same things, life and the World would be a bit boring 😊
The only part I'd challenge was your initial part of the answer, where your argument appeared to be that there are two types of people who like 4x4s, and the ones who just want to buy one will get a stock Defender, and the ones who want to build them will be better off buying something like your Jeep. And, whilst I have almost zero knowledge on the adaptability of the Jeep (perhaps it's brilliant), I think it's also fair to say that the Land Rover Defender is one of the most adaptable vehicles ever made. And that can be evidenced in the variety of Defenders and their modifications that you can see on the road.
Anyway, no issues with the answer itself: you prefer your Jeep - good for you, I prefer my Defender - good for me.
I think you may have misunderstood what I meant or more likely my explanation wasn't good enough. I mean If someone is looking at my Jeep and asking me why I don't drive a Defender then its possible that they have no idea how a 4wd system works, mechanics in general or even how their own 4wd system works in their Defender. So they are probabaly asking because they bought a Defender based on its reputation and not to work on it or build it up in any way.
Someone who likes building up a 4wd doesn't tend to think that way, as they tend to look past brand names and focus more on mechanical aspects and mods, so perhaps they just buy something like an old 4Runner or XJ and can make it into what they need.
This is what I'm trying to say. Perhaps some of those people who are asking me why I don't drive a Defender don't understand how their vehicle works and all they have to go by is marketing. Whether as someone who owned a Defender but worked on it and built up the diffs, T-case and other drive train related parts wouldn't ask that because its all quite similar when you get into it. The brand literally just doesn't mean anything to me apart from the shell.
Thanks for the response. Yes that makes perfect sense actually, cheers.
Commenting mostly for the algorithm, but also to say I enjoy the content. I wish you luck with learning Swedish, that doesn't seem like an easy thing to do.
Great video as allways man. Love to see abit more bushcraft snippets in the videos
Enjoyed the q&a format Mike and keen to see a camp in the snowmobile. Have fun with the projects and awesome the fam is getting into them too…👍
Nice video. I have an old disco 1 in Canada , nice fun vehicle , not a daily but a treat to drive.
Would love to see some skidoo videos , or anow machine or whatever they are called over there. .
Will definitely watch you work on snowmobile!
My goodness! Where I live in the states, I just have to pay the fee for a hunting license. No exam required!
AS a defender owner I completely respect this answer! I really enjoy the videos and think your truck looks absolutely mint but in the same way as you think I prefer the look of the defender...... Jesus look at this a land rover and a jeep owner on the same wave length haha. Agree to disagree and full of respect for the others choice! 4x4 for life!
Top shelf content, thanks Mike.
Snowmobile camping trips would be awesome.
that harmonic balancer is really a good job to get out of the way, once those get too bad they can push into the radiator and cause bigger problems. love the qna style videos. it’s a shame you don’t share the access to parts for these little jeeps the same as over here in america.
be cool to see a snowmobile build/camp, look forward to seeing the 4.0 rebuild, be good to get some of the hunting stuff back again,
I like the jeeps while i am a Landrover guy and have some Landrovers... a discovery 2 td5 been the main vehicle we own. but your jeep is a cracking vehicle its capable and you know it so well you have put so much work into it over the years so much blood sweat and tears i'm guessing it would pass a DNA test! a stock defender is going to need alot of work / welding etc to get to the same stage as you have your jeep. and i agree for distance a discovery 2 is a better vehicle. and yes you can turn off the TC or it just stops working when something falls off....
I'd love to see work on the arctic cat, went snowmobiling for the first time this winter while on vacation.
I would love to see a snowmobile repair and camp vid, and give big foot my love 👍🏻
Artic Cat.....yes.....I'll watch!
Film the snow mobile stuff and next winter chase bigfoot down with that!
Jeep fir the win style and build🍻
Snowmobile vids👍
Why you chose a Jeep Cherio over a Defender? it's personal choice and that is perfectly fine! It'd be boring if we were all the same!
Other than that the choise is mostly based on a few factors I'd say, but in no particular order; price, internal room, heating (if you're somewhere cold like you), mod-ability, aethetics that you like, perceived reliability. There are probably a few more, feel free to add some.
I chose a Defender because they are actually one of the most awesome vehicles on the planet, I've driven a Jeep Cherio, and I vowed never to drive another one! Yes, it was that bad! there was nothing mechanically wrong with it, but it just tried to crash itself and the gears were wrong ratios, the kickdown just randomly happenedand needlessly revved the engine with no decernable effect, the seats were like slippery armchairs and it was too bouncy. Yes, a lot of that you can change components and work on it to solve, but it wasn't my vehicle. Now I bought a Discovery 1, it was smooth, refined and like most 90's vehicles, a little bit noisy but only a little, you never noticed the gears change, it changed down when you wanted it to, the seats were lush (I could drive that 500 miles and get out feeling better than I got in!) I did everything off road that everything else did straight out of the box, the only thing that let it down was diff height (lower tyres than the Defender equiv but the same drivetrain except T-box ratio).
5 years ago, my brother and Dad bought a 300tdi 110 as a surprise for me, it was a 97 300tdi 110, the same engine as the D1, the chassis was very near death as no one cleaned it. I've literally rebuilt it from rust to what I want, the gearbox is going to soon be swapped for an auto (a couple of reasons for that, but I like autos!) and every body nut, boly and all the bad bits have been replaced. (bit like what you've just given the info on on the other Jeep) All it needs now is really paint and finishing putting back together (no point until it's the colour I want). It's standard height and perfect for enything I'll throw it at and some of that will be hard tracks. It'll do way more than any standard Jeep Cherio! (probably more than 99% of modd'd Cherios too!)
What you choose it up to you I'll never judgeas I chose what I want, but remember, the Defender community is awesome! reknowned as better than any othe marque. Don't say they can't go anywhere, there is a lot of proof that they can go further than most other 4x4's. Remember their heritage is an off road vehicle that can use the road, not as most, a road vehicle that can go off road.
D2 ABS/TC
No you can't officially but there are ways! it is a BTC, so it doesn't drop throttle and it shouldn't cut in unless you have a serious wheel speed differntial for a few seconds. It also works to 60mph (most are 15mph or less). I don't think you'd have a problem to be fair, but I can tell you what to do to disable it, If it has the air suspension or want to keep the ABS active, it needs to be done in a different way.
Snow driving is one of 2 main scenarios and it depends on the snow and general terrain, thin tall tyres that cut into the snow, or very wide floatation tyres that ride on top. soft, deep snow is really the latter, hard shallow snow if the former.
Never knew why Jeep didn't put CV's on things, Hardy - Spicer joints on a drive shaft is a bit old hat even in the 90's.
As someone who's owned Defenders, I don't need to ask you why you don't own a Defender... ;)
(Edit: this is wrong; see comments) Re D2, yes, if you engage CDL whilst the engine is off and then start the vehicle, ABS and TC are completely disabled; presumably you'd have CDL engaged in the conditions where TC can work against you?
Re snowmobile, absolute yes from me. Just crack on filming whatever you want to film, it's why we're here in the first place. If you leave it to the audience to choose, you'll end up doing only fans with Bigfoot.
Re ABS/TC, The ABS/SLABS ECU knows the transfer box is both in low gears and diff lock (if fitted) but it doesn't turn off the ABS/TC. The manual states the following:
"Driving with the differential locked at speeds above 40 mph (60 km/h) may, under certain situations affect the brake performance under ABS conditions".
@@overlandready right you are. I had retrofitted my CDL and I was under the impression it disabled TC. It certainly seemed like it did, but apparently not. Cheers for clarifying.
Great too you again only just found your new channel and would love to see some bush craft in Sweden!
Aye mate definitely up for some snowmobile content and definitely the hunting gave up hunting last year so would be up for that mate 👍🏻🏴
Would love to see some videos on the snowmobile Mike!
Hey, long time watch her here. I know I’ve asked you this question before but I don’t remember what the answer was and I couldn’t find it in your videos. The question is, if money wasn’t an option which vehicle would you have? Thank you for all you’re videos and knowledge.
That's a good one for the net Q&A! Thanks for watching and for the question.
Snowmobile content sounds fun.
Looking forward to some hunting videos, and please bring us along on the snowmobile trip..:)
Good idea to raptor line inside saves any messing about..
What is a vehicle that doesn’t exist in your area that you would add to your fleet if you could?
For example, 110s are very rare where I live so that would be a fun one tbh!
Thats a cool question, I will put that in the next Q&A
Yes to snowmobile!
Thumbs up for the artic cat
Tinkerers drive JEEPS! Love to work on my 97 Cherokee :o)
Have you considered building a system to change for snow tracks instead of tires for the winter?
I have looked into it, its just the cost that's the problem unfortunately.
Love your content, have been watching you for a few years now. I'm in Michigan (USA) and have a 1999 XJ with the 4.0, NP242, about 2 in lift with the flat flares. Question - If you had E-lockers in front and rear with a 31" tire do you think it would perform better in the deeper snow than 35s with no lockers? I'm excited for when you get your lockers so i can see the difference.
Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you enjoy the content! I personally don't think the footprint of a 31, locked or not, will outperform the footprint of a 35 on deeper snow. I used to run a 32 about four years ago, and when I eventually went up to a 35, the difference was very noticeable in floatation. It often depends on the type of snow though and what you consider deep or not.
Most seem to want the biggest widest tire possible aired down very, very low, so they have a massive footprint. I'm interested to see how this locker will do when I install it. Hopefully, it helps a lot!
@@WorkshoptoWilderness thank you for the insight, it will come in handy as I start pushing my unit harder!
A side note: I was hoping you could include a section of a future video showing the isofix system you have for the car seat hook up. I have a 3 yr old daughter and would like to start bringing her out in the xj for overland adventures.
Hey McQ, wasn’t the Defender just re-released? I’m seeing ads for it here in the US.
I think you might be right. I've seen someone has bought the right to make and sell them.
Hey Mike, I have a question. What platform do you use to navigate your overland endeavors and find trails in europe?
Very nice Rig!!!!
Snowmobile video would be cool, I have no experience with them.
Cor imagine snowmobile hunting with Mike
Love the channel and videos. wish I had converted my 2wd XJ to 4x4 instead of selling it (I do own a wrangler TJ but want a 4dr) Couple questions- what are you running for a 2way radio? Regular 40 CH CB, GMRS, or HAM? Can you show how you have your antennae mounted to the front bumper along with the type and size it is.
I would like to take mine off the tub and mount it up front a bit lower than it is now. I also like the look of them mounted up there.
I would watch the videos of the snowmobile rebuild. I sub to a lot of mech and wrench turning channels- your XJ vids are what brought me to subbing and I watch them all now.
Hey Chris, thanks for the comment. My radio setup is archaic and needs replacing to be honest. its a 27mhz CB radio with a firestick antenna. We use to just to talk to each other on longer trips. I can show how the antenna is setup in the next Q&A if that would help?
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
@@WorkshoptoWilderness Hi Mike,
Yes please, if you would show the set up. I am very interested in relocating my antenna, a firestick as well, to front of the jeep. I currently run an old Uniden 40c CB but also have a handheld GMRS. Same use as you, only for off roading.
I was wondering have you considering builting the rear drum brakes to disc brakes from zj? I bought all the parts new this winter so when the weater getts better im going to convert mine to rear disc brakes, i think maintenance is going to be easier and maybe better brakes with bigger tires
Is he still running drums, I thought he had already converted it to disc.
I'm on drums at the back. A conversion is on the cards.
Yeh man do some arctic cat videos. I watch a few other snowmobile camping vids and enjoy them. Tugggg
från skellefteå jag kör en MITSUBISHI PAJERO mk1 1990 love it
Awesome! They are great vehicles!
You need a snow plow for your off-roading in Sweden 😂
A snowmobile adventure would be pretty good. It may allow you to get deeper into Bigfoot................... territory.
Discovery 2 will turn off the traction control by its self with 3 amigos lmao,
I have a d2a discovery and honestly I don't trust it off road every time you get it all fixed and ready to head out bush it breaks again, I ended up buying a 93 hilux cause of that
My old man bought a Land Rover because he got the Hilux he had stuck on grass! (no mother wasn't happy as it was the lawn!) So he bought a Series 2, never stuck again. Horses for courses, He now runs a FL2 and it's perfect for him but a lot of tax. He'll have a 110 auto next (it's beinng built at the moment).
@overlandready yeah I knew I was dropping some capability, but not having random issues that are trip stoppers more than makes up for it, plus what I lost was easily made up for with lockers.
Also the hilux is so much nicer to work on
I have a question Mike, why do you choose the Black Mamba over all other Gigantic Dilly's out there on the market?
😂
Man seeing this from America I feel bad for all European hunters. You need to know the anatomy of all birds in order to get a license?? Unreal. God bless the United States and our constitution
How about the second Jeep 4.0l? Did you restore it or not yet ?
Its ongoing, some more videos will come of the work very soon!
What are your thoughts about the WJ Grand Cherokee?
They are awesome! Great platform to build from. They can be beasts
I love mine but I have found break break free to be my friend on any bold underneath, even given mine that is is near 100% rust free and pristine condition. The threaded inserts on the frame and weld nuts have stripped and spun on me a time or two. Nothing building a flag bolt or tapping wont fix but frustrating none the less. @@WorkshoptoWilderness
I'll watch any video you make, upload or produce but that's just me 😅
What psi are you running in snow with your set up?
I can go over the pressures on the next Q&A if you like.
Are jeeps available in Europe ? Did you have to have it shipped from the US?
Yeah, there are lots of jeeps here. Not as many as the USA, but there are a plenty of them
Well, if you want hunting and XJs, you are welcome here in the US
Snowmobile 👍
Snow mobile videos please and thanks!
Defenders have become collectable and very expensive
Snow machine!
👍
Offer you a coffee for the video
Thank you so much!