Silent Panda
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Jason
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2019
- Threads
- 22
- Messages
- 130
- Reaction score
- 229
- Location
- Salt Lake City
- Vehicle(s)
- 2018 JL Rubicon
- Thread starter
- #1
Hard to believe it but this is the 7th update to our Rubicon build journal. I've decided to start to posting the updates into the section of the forum that matches each new update.
Previous updates and the original build thread:
The build - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/silent-pandas-2-door-rubicon-build.25628/
Update 1 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...-build-update-metalcloak-inner-fenders.31381/
Update 2 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...n-build-update-2-metalcloak-bump-stops.34124/
Update 3 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...r-smarts-yeti-xd-drag-link-and-tie-rod.34837/
Update 4 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...lcloak-lower-shock-relocation-brackets.36973/
Update 5 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...bicon-update-5-z-automotive-tazer-mini.37354/
Update 7 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...on-update-6-1350-goodness-from-je-reel.40392/
In this update I will install RCV front and rear axle shafts...there was a bit of a surprise with the rear shafts!
I won't dive too deep into the installation since the install videos from RCV are damn good. I really can't improve on their efforts. The install is straight forward. i do have some insights to share to help your installation go more smoothly. Have an inner bearing race puller and a 3 jaw puller available.
Front axles - I have the FAD skid from Metalcloak installed. You do not have to remove it to remove the FAD module...just use a u-joint on your socket.
Stock vs RCV:
I'm not showing you anything that hasn't already been seen here. The RCV axles are made without the constraints of OEM budgets and bean counters. This allows them to create the art pictured below. There are many excellent aftermarket options for us Jeepers but these are the best. There is a price for excellence but a tremendous value in knowing I won't break them.
3 jaw to pull the unit bearing: My unit bearing had a bit of corrosion on the mating surface to the knuckle requiring a bit of persuasion from a 3 jaw puller.
Unit bearing corrosion: I cleaned up the corrosion with some scotchbright and a bit of high temp grease before reassembly.
Last bit of advice on the front axle...get the axle seals the RCV offers. I did not but will after this season of wheeling...this is a pic of the inside of the passenger side axle tube...gross.
Rear axles - I got them as a precaution...or so I thought.
As nice as the front axles are, the rear parts are pretty special. Hogged out of one big bar of 300M steel.
The twist...every good story has one right?! Below are a couple pics of my stock left side axle. I really can't bitch about their strength. I was running them with 37's and I like the right pedal.
Here is the new RCV and old twisted axle side by side for reference.
Bearing race puller for the inner races:
These parts installed with little issue. As I said, the install videos are very good. I'm looking forward to many years a use form them and am happy as hell I did the rear shafts before EJS this year. I am sure they would have failed.
With these RCV parts and the JE Reel driveshafts, I'll be able to send it with confidence!
Previous updates and the original build thread:
The build - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/silent-pandas-2-door-rubicon-build.25628/
Update 1 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...-build-update-metalcloak-inner-fenders.31381/
Update 2 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...n-build-update-2-metalcloak-bump-stops.34124/
Update 3 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...r-smarts-yeti-xd-drag-link-and-tie-rod.34837/
Update 4 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...lcloak-lower-shock-relocation-brackets.36973/
Update 5 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...bicon-update-5-z-automotive-tazer-mini.37354/
Update 7 - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...on-update-6-1350-goodness-from-je-reel.40392/
In this update I will install RCV front and rear axle shafts...there was a bit of a surprise with the rear shafts!
I won't dive too deep into the installation since the install videos from RCV are damn good. I really can't improve on their efforts. The install is straight forward. i do have some insights to share to help your installation go more smoothly. Have an inner bearing race puller and a 3 jaw puller available.
Front axles - I have the FAD skid from Metalcloak installed. You do not have to remove it to remove the FAD module...just use a u-joint on your socket.
Stock vs RCV:
I'm not showing you anything that hasn't already been seen here. The RCV axles are made without the constraints of OEM budgets and bean counters. This allows them to create the art pictured below. There are many excellent aftermarket options for us Jeepers but these are the best. There is a price for excellence but a tremendous value in knowing I won't break them.
3 jaw to pull the unit bearing: My unit bearing had a bit of corrosion on the mating surface to the knuckle requiring a bit of persuasion from a 3 jaw puller.
Unit bearing corrosion: I cleaned up the corrosion with some scotchbright and a bit of high temp grease before reassembly.
Last bit of advice on the front axle...get the axle seals the RCV offers. I did not but will after this season of wheeling...this is a pic of the inside of the passenger side axle tube...gross.
Rear axles - I got them as a precaution...or so I thought.
As nice as the front axles are, the rear parts are pretty special. Hogged out of one big bar of 300M steel.
The twist...every good story has one right?! Below are a couple pics of my stock left side axle. I really can't bitch about their strength. I was running them with 37's and I like the right pedal.
Here is the new RCV and old twisted axle side by side for reference.
Bearing race puller for the inner races:
These parts installed with little issue. As I said, the install videos are very good. I'm looking forward to many years a use form them and am happy as hell I did the rear shafts before EJS this year. I am sure they would have failed.
With these RCV parts and the JE Reel driveshafts, I'll be able to send it with confidence!
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