RFR JLR 2.0
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Rudy
- Joined
- Feb 29, 2020
- Threads
- 7
- Messages
- 231
- Reaction score
- 710
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Jeep JLU Rubicon 3.6L
- Build Thread
- Link
- Occupation
- Geologist
- Thread starter
- #1
This is my second JLUR. This was my first Walked away from a totaled Rubicon | 2018+ Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) - Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, Unlimited - JLwranglerforums.com . I knew I wanted the replacement to be the same color and was looking for similar options. However, I upgraded with some options that weren't on the original version, including steel bumpers, matching hard top and fenders, tow package/auxiliary switches, and the cold weather group. I went with these additional options mainly because that's what the dealer had on their lot at the time and I was impatient. I ended up being happy with all the additional options, specially the factory aux. switches. I don't get much use out of the cold weather group here in southern CA, but it's nice to have while out skiing or when the top and doors are off on a cool day.
This is what I started with:
JLUR 3.6L
LED lights
Steel bumpers
Tow package and auxiliary switches
Cold weather package
Matching hardtop and fenders
8.4" Uconnect
First mod was adding a Smittybilt XRC Gen 3 9500 winch and recovery gear.
Second mod was hitting a tree and denting the front bumper end cap. I didn't mind too much since they were coming off anyway, but I also bent the bumper slightly. I tried installing a Mopar winch guard but the bolt holes wouldn't line up with the bent bumper.
Next was the lift, tires and wheels, tire carrier, and Flashcal F5 Programmer. I went with the Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 2.5" lift with 2.5" reservoir shocks. A lot of my off roading is in desert areas so I wanted a shock that can handle the heat. I also went with Icon 17x8.5 Rebound wheels and KO2 35's. Before and after measurements showed that I actually gained about 4.5" of lift. I had a hard time deciding on AT or MT tires, but stuck with the KO2's since I have used them on most of my other trucks and they're snow rated. Plus I can always replace them with MT's once they wear down. Added a Smittybilt HD Pivot tire carrier to handle the heavier wheel.
I'm very happy with the Icon lift system and wheels. It handles great both on and off road. I've had a few "oh shit" moments going a little too fast in sand washes and hitting bumps and ruts, but this suspension just eats it up. Great on the rocks, too.
The winch and lift were installed at a local shop. Everything that follows I did myself.
This is what I started with:
JLUR 3.6L
LED lights
Steel bumpers
Tow package and auxiliary switches
Cold weather package
Matching hardtop and fenders
8.4" Uconnect
First mod was adding a Smittybilt XRC Gen 3 9500 winch and recovery gear.
Second mod was hitting a tree and denting the front bumper end cap. I didn't mind too much since they were coming off anyway, but I also bent the bumper slightly. I tried installing a Mopar winch guard but the bolt holes wouldn't line up with the bent bumper.
Next was the lift, tires and wheels, tire carrier, and Flashcal F5 Programmer. I went with the Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 2.5" lift with 2.5" reservoir shocks. A lot of my off roading is in desert areas so I wanted a shock that can handle the heat. I also went with Icon 17x8.5 Rebound wheels and KO2 35's. Before and after measurements showed that I actually gained about 4.5" of lift. I had a hard time deciding on AT or MT tires, but stuck with the KO2's since I have used them on most of my other trucks and they're snow rated. Plus I can always replace them with MT's once they wear down. Added a Smittybilt HD Pivot tire carrier to handle the heavier wheel.
I'm very happy with the Icon lift system and wheels. It handles great both on and off road. I've had a few "oh shit" moments going a little too fast in sand washes and hitting bumps and ruts, but this suspension just eats it up. Great on the rocks, too.
The winch and lift were installed at a local shop. Everything that follows I did myself.
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