Lifted 2 Door JL Rubicon Build on 40s, 38s, 37s, 40s, 38s, 37s and 33s

[utahdesignfoundry]

Hello forum! Have perused these forums for years gathering intel and inspiration for my build, so I wanted to contribute a little build journey of my own, especially since it's a little challenging to find 2-door specific stuff. It's been a blast modifying and changing this thing, and I have learned a ton along the way with the help of some great companies and friends. Without further ado, I give you my 2 Door JL Rubicon build that has been on way too many sets of tires in its short lifespan.

To start it off, I present the photo from the day I purchased it, and where it currently stands.

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[utahdesignfoundry]

About a month after purchasing, I couldn't resist modifying it. This was also during COVID, and my stimulus check went directly to supporting some local off-road shops. Added a teraflex 1.5" spacer lift, KM3 37s, and some Venomrex VR-501s. While this set up looked good, performance was seriously lacking and my tires had a ton of rub due to not having a full lift.

 

[utahdesignfoundry]

At some point I also added the @Maximus-3 rack which was absolutely awesome! Regrettably, I sold it a year or so later. I plan to get another one in the future. Also added an eBay knock-off mopar bumper which for the price wasn't bad. Fitment was on point but after about a year the poor quality of the finish started to show.

 

[utahdesignfoundry]

This is when the game started changing with the build. Prior to moving to the west coast, I decided to add the @Metalcloak game changer 2.5" lift. This immediately gave me an insane amount of articulation and improved the highway handling as well. Realistically, I could have stopped at this point and my Jeep would have been plenty capable for 99% of what I've thrown at it since. But, we all know how this rabbit hole goes.

I can't recommend this lift enough https://metalcloak.com/jl-wrangler-2-5-game-changer-suspension-system.html?acc=metalcloak445150

 

[utahdesignfoundry]

After installing the new lift I couldn't help but flex on every rock I saw. Always put a huge smile on my face. Height is important when lifting for preventing rub and giving you clearance but the articulation in the control arms is what really what lets you flex.

 

[utahdesignfoundry]

Couldn't believe the things this was capable of with such simple modifications. On my way to moving to San Diego I got to take it out in Moab and had a blast.

 

[utahdesignfoundry]

Had Some fun exploring the SoCal desert as well. These rotopax mounts from @TrailRax were rad

 

[utahdesignfoundry]

Now that I was in a location where I could use the build a bit more, I decided to take it to the next level with some 38" ridge grapplers and added some KMC beadlocks as well. The Ridge Grapplers performed well but honestly I couldn't get used to the looks. I also hated the way the powedercoat turned out on the wheels. The red looked very plasticky and overall just didn't look like what I had envisioned.

 

[utahdesignfoundry]

Once I added the 38s I experienced a little bit of rub since I only had a 2.5" lift sooooo I decided to get one of my favorite cosmetic additions to the build, the @Metalcloak overland fenders which I then had painted to match my body color. https://metalcloak.com/overland-tube-fenders-jl-wrangler-front.html?acc=metalcloak445150 I also added some Motobilt bumpers and had Shift Autowerx in Escondido regear to 5.13s and add @Artec trusses to the axles. If you are in Southern California I HIGHLY recommend them. They're all former Jeep master technicians so they not only know the aftermarket side of things, but they can resolve literally any issue with your Jeep including electrical, engine etc.

 

[utahdesignfoundry]

After a couple months on the 38s, I got an amazing deal on some Cooper 40s and couldn't help myself. I also went to taller 4.5" Metalcloak springs and added one of the most functional and impressive upgrades of all, the @Metalcloak 6-Pak Shocks. https://metalcloak.com/1561-15-6pak-shock-front-jl-wrangler.html?acc=metalcloak445150 If you're not familiar with these, they provide unparalleled flex off-road and can really only be beat in terms of travel by coilovers or struts. But these are way more cost effective and don't require any crazy modifications like coilovers.

During this time I added some LP6s from @Baja Designs which are amazing and honestly for 99% of off-roaders this is all you would need.

Somewhere in there I also added RPM Steering which looks amazing, a Fox Factory ATS Steering Stabilizer and probably a few other little things I'm forgetting.

 

[TheBirdie72]

But did you add any decals…? ?‍



Damn what a beast! ?

 

[Mr. Curti]

After a couple months on the 38s, I got an amazing deal on some Cooper 40s and couldn't help myself. I also went to taller 4.5" Metalcloak springs and added one of the most functional and impressive upgrades of all, the @Metalcloak 6-Pak Shocks. https://metalcloak.com/1561-15-6pak-shock-front-jl-wrangler.html?acc=metalcloak445150 If you're not familiar with these, they provide unparalleled flex off-road and can really only be beat in terms of travel by coilovers or struts. But these are way more cost effective and don't require any crazy modifications like coilovers.

During this time I added some LP6s from @Baja Designs which are amazing and honestly for 99% of off-roaders this is all you would need.

Somewhere in there I also added RPM Steering which looks amazing, a Fox Factory ATS Steering Stabilizer and probably a few other little things I'm forgetting.

pure awesomeness!

 

[roaniecowpony]

Had Some fun exploring the SoCal desert as well. These rotopax mounts from @TrailRax were rad

Looks like the Anza-Borrego desert

 

[roaniecowpony]

After a couple months on the 38s, I got an amazing deal on some Cooper 40s and couldn't help myself. I also went to taller 4.5" Metalcloak springs and added one of the most functional and impressive upgrades of all, the @Metalcloak 6-Pak Shocks. https://metalcloak.com/1561-15-6pak-shock-front-jl-wrangler.html?acc=metalcloak445150 If you're not familiar with these, they provide unparalleled flex off-road and can really only be beat in terms of travel by coilovers or struts. But these are way more cost effective and don't require any crazy modifications like coilovers.

During this time I added some LP6s from @Baja Designs which are amazing and honestly for 99% of off-roaders this is all you would need.

Somewhere in there I also added RPM Steering which looks amazing, a Fox Factory ATS Steering Stabilizer and probably a few other little things I'm forgetting.

Pointing dog?

 

[Philly_]

Any other axle upgrades beyond the trusses and gears?

I’m back and forth on whether or not I should truss when I bump to 37’s. Steering, knuckles, and ball joints are already on my short list with 35’s. When I make the jump, I was thinking axle shafts, gears, and maybe trusses.

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