Hello, Jeepers of the world! There’s a different voice behind the blog force today, so I suppose there’s a bit of an introduction in order. I’m Lindsey, All Things Jeep’s first summer intern (woo hoo!). I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a complete Jeep newbie, though being surrounded by Jeep digs and gurus full time is helping to rid me of that title – I hope!
Every Jeeper’s story starts somewhere, and mine starts with, well…not a Jeep. Instead it begins with a lovable, but somewhat unreliable 1997 teal-green GMC Sierra pickup truck. Granted, “The Green Monster” had faithfully plowed through countless snowstorms, been the daily driver of 3 teenagers, and taken its fair share of road trips before it finally hit its breaking point last summer, but not having your car start in the morning is still a drag. While the truck spent a few days at the shop getting reevaluated, a family friend was kind enough to let me borrow their Jeep Wrangler. (Note: Never borrow a Jeep Wrangler unless you are prepared to someday get one because you will get hooked.) Fast forward roughly 9 months and The Green Monster had been semi-retired. Taking its place? “The Green Machine”, a 2005 Jeep Wrangler X, of course!
The Green Machine is just a stock baby at the moment, but there are big plans ahead. Until then, its only job is acting as the vehicle of choice for a bunch of college girls home for the summer – which is really a pretty nice job if you think about it. The Jeep is also the preferred napping spot of my six-year-old chocolate Labrador, Bodie. He’s unbelievably talented at sneaking into the backseat and refusing to move until he’s gone for a ride, though I really can’t blame him. Bodie is yet to try off-roading, but I’d be willing to bet he’d look great in mud.
I’ve come to think of Jeeps as the rabbit hole. It starts innocently enough; you buy your Jeep, cruise around topless once or twice, and maybe think about getting some bigger tires to try off-roading. Then suddenly, you’re spiraling out of control! Tow hooks, lift kits, the really big tires, lockers, winches! Down is up, up is down, and all you want to do is hit the trails, climb everything in sight, and get covered in mud! Where does it end?! I’d say you could go ask Alice, but I’m pretty sure she’s still off wheelin’.
So... tell me, what do you think should be my first mods to the Wrangler? I'm ready for advise.