2021 JLUR Build - What else should I put on it?

[NewbieJon]

Hi all.

In 2021 I bought a new 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4 door (JLUR). The stock Rubicon comes with off road upgrades like 4:10 gears, 4:1 low range, stronger Dana 44 axles front and rear (M210 and 220) that are 1.5" wider, electrically disconnectable sway bars, a 3/4" factory lift, and 33" off road tires. I am happily amazed at how capable a stock JLUR is, in terms of the obstacles it can conquer. But the rock crawling bug bit me. Stock is not enough.

Right now my Rubicon is lifted and mostly armored. It's not done yet. It's a multi-year project. I am trying to get good quality components that perform the way I want. I really would like to get this build right the first time, as I won't have much money to do it over.

Here is what I bought and installed so far, and what I still want to do. I'll update this list as I add mods. I have provided feedback about some of my mods in this thread. More to come.

Please feel free to comment on any recommended brands, what to avoid, points to consider, or must have equipment I have not listed.

My notable factory options include:

3.6L with eTorque,
8 speed automatic.
Hella Yella with black hard top
Front Camera
8.4" display screen.
LED lighting
Safety group with back-up sensors
Trailer tow - HD Electrical
Hinge gate reinforcement
Base plastic bumpers

2021 upgrades:

• 285x75R17 Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires, load range "C", mounted on the stock Rubicon wheels. The manufacturer measurements are 33.86" x 11.26". I'll call them 34 x 11s. I added tire feedback in a comment below.
• Tazer Mini JL

2022 upgrades:

• Metalclaok Gamechanger complete 2.5" lift with RockSport shocks. I got around 4.25" lift at time of install. Metalcloak said it will settle 1/2" in 500-1000 miles. They also said it will be at 2.5" if I add 600 pounds of accessories. More feedback in a comment below.
• Adams 1310 front driveshaft. Metalcloak has their own, but my Jeep Specialist/installer recommended this.
• ARB diff cover in front, and a Metalcloak diff skid in the rear. I like the Metalcloak front diff skid solution, but it didn't fit the 2021. I didn't like the other front diff skids for various reasons, so I went with the ARB diff cover.
• Rock Hard bolt-on shock mount/control arm skid plates.
• Metalcloak steering stabilizer relocation bracket.
• Metalcloak Front Axle Disconnect replacement skid plate.
• Synergy 1.75" wheel spacers. Metalcloak said I would need them with my 34's on stock rims.
• Rock Slide Engineering motorized step sliders with the optional skid plate. I hate the cost but I love the steps. For me, definitely worth it.
• M.O.R.E. Oil and TRansmission pan skid plate.
• The lift and armor mods directly above were installed by Blackstone Jeep in Santa Clarita, CA. I am happy with their work, as are several people I know.

I am very happy with my current setup. The 34 x 11" Nitto tires were great with the stock suspension and wheels. They are barely big enough for the lift, not looking as shrinky-dink as 33"s. I just need to be a half inch more careful about where the diffs go.
The lift is great. The ride is stiffer than I wanted, but tolerable. It absorbs larger bumps decently, and it has already softened a little. The handling is good, only rolling a little in corners. I love the flex. It's been great the 3 times I have had it off road with the lift.
I didn't realize how much I needed the step sliders until I tried climbing in and out without them. My old knees need the help. I have not banged them on a rock yet, but they seem strong.

Planned Upgrades - in the approximate order.

2022

• Seat covers
• CB or Ham radio install. (I already have an old CB radio and antenna, but where do I mount the CB?) Currently I use a FRS/GMRS walkie talkie, but I also have a Baofeng 5R just in case.

2023

• Front bumper - considering buying a take off JLUR steel bumper, with the removable end caps. I would expect it to be a little quieter than aftermarket bumpers, as it looks more aerodynamic. I need something where the winch will sit low and not block my front camera.
• Winch - considering Warn.
• Rear bumper/tire carrier big and strong enough for 38" tires, beadlocks, gas can, high jack. Needs to accept the reverse safety sensors. I doubt I'll ever go to 38s, but never say never.
• 37" x 12.5" tires with correct offset for no spacers. (yes, I will probably run my 34" x 11" tires for another year or more.) Still considering running 35s, but my son has 37s on his JLUR, so ...
• 17" x 8.5" (or 9") Beadlock rims, preferably DOT street legal if I can get some.

Also considering

Muffler skid
Front skid, under bumper
Extra lights, preferably up top, if I can find something quiet.
4.88 or 5.13 gears if needed
Upgraded brakes if needed with 37s.
Stronger tie rod and drag link if I have problems or if I am hitting them too hard.

What else should I get? What essentials am I missing?

I will edit this original post to show you all where I am currently at in the build, without having to read pages of comments. For future reference, I made a copy of my original post (which was already slightly edited), and posted it as a comment. It is currently at the end of the first page of comments.

Thank you for your interest and help.

New at the dealer in 2021:

Flexed out on my 2.5" Gamechanger and 34's April 2022..

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[jhackathorne]

Let's start with 2022...

• Sliders it sounds like you are fairly set on. The ones you picked will be solid and I am sure will do what is needed.
• Personally I prefer diff skid versus HD covers. To me if I bang it up the slider is taking the hit and not my diff. HD cover still is exposed but can just take a hit more than the factory. If I am hitting my diff it is likely to be the bottom of it which is where it bolts into the axle. Only downside to slider is you lose a little clearance, but that has not been an issue for me ever.
• Shock, control skids and relo for steering are all good choices as well. Rancho makes most of the skids you'd want/need and are high quality.
• MC is a good lift choice for sure. Though I would not run 3.5" lift with 34's. 2.5" lift with 34's is pushing it IMO. Tires are going to look small possibly on even the 2.5" MC kit. The MC kits are designed to be ran with additional weight. So winch, full under body skids, etc. So if you are running additional gear you should stick to 2.5". 3.5" is going to give you the "I work my upper body only and never do leg day" look. Plus you can still run 37's in the future on the 2.5" kit and it looks great.
• For skids you can for sure go with MC. They are again great quality, just pricey. You really can get away with the skids mentioned prior and add something from MORE or ASFIR for oil/tranny skid and call it a day unless you are hitting rocks hard. I've hit my gas skid plenty of times fairly hard and not done any real damage outside dings and dents in it. I'd get MORE oil/tranny skid over the MC and use the extra cash to get a bumper/winch. If you are wheeling with well outfitted rigs you can get away with no winch if they have one. If it just you or just you and one other rig, you'll want a winch just in case.
• CB you can do... I would however only do CB if that is what the people you are running with have. Otherwise look at GMRS. Midland makes some great fairly inexpensive models.
• Muffler skid - skip it. Mufflers are cheap to replace and don't really harm anything if they do get damaged badly.
• Lights are mostly for looks unless you are going out at night. Or if you need them to find a good spot at the mall.
• Gearing you should be just fine with stock 4.10 gears. I am running heavy 35's on stock gearing in the mountains and am ecstatic with performance. My old JK was on lighter 34's and 4.56 gears and still struggled in the mountains at high elevation. The 8 speed trans makes a world of difference in performance. If you end up at heavy 37's or larger then maybe reconsider, but plenty of people are running 37's on stock gearing.

That is a lot of info! Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[NewbieJon]

Joe,

Thanks for the feedback. I will look up More and Asfir.

What are the mods on your ride?

I know what you are talking about on the lift height. My son lifted his JLUR, and ran the stock 33s for months before he got 37s. The 34s do add a little meat compared to the 33s. They are an inch taller than the stock 33s, and only 0.6" shorter than a 315/70 KO2. It won't be too bad.

The RSE steps add 150 lbs, and oil pan skid plus diff and shock skids will add another 50+. The full underbody skid set would add around 200 lbs total if I go that route. I want the extra inch for the breakover, whether with the 34's or the eventual 37's. It will be heavy when I am all done.

The only reason I would do the 2.5" lift is to have one inch lower climb into the cab. Which I am still considering, but my son says go 3.5".

But your opinion matters. Let's see what others have to say.

Let's start with 2022...

• MC is a good lift choice for sure. Though I would not run 3.5" lift with 34's. 2.5" lift with 34's is pushing it IMO. Tires are going to look small possibly on even the 2.5" MC kit. The MC kits are designed to be ran with additional weight. So winch, full under body skids, etc. So if you are running additional gear you should stick to 2.5". 3.5" is going to give you the "I work my upper body only and never do leg day" look. Plus you can still run 37's in the future on the 2.5" kit and it looks great.

Here is what my yellow JLUR looks like on the 34s. Next to my son's lifted white JLUR.

 

[NewbieJon]

Tire review. Stock Falken Wildpeak Mud Terrains, and Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

At just over 600 miles, I changed out my factory 33s to 34s. That was the end of July, 2021. My son needed new 33s, and I realized I can sell him my practically new tires and get larger tires. At this point, I knew going to 37s and wider wheels would be one of my last upgrades, based on my finances. I was able to convince my wife to let me spend the money, a net loss of about $1000. My son got a good deal, plus he only needed 4 tires, while I had to buy 5..

The stock tires I had were the factory mud terrain option, the Falken Wildpeak M/T01, size 285/70R17 in a load range C. The Falkens have 7 plies on the tread, and 3 plies on the sidewall, if I recall correctly.

That was a very good tire, except for the road noise. They were pretty loud, intruding into the cabin on the freeway more than I wanted. The Falkens had a nice buttoned down feel on the road, without riding harsh. On my one off road excursion on the Falkens, on fire roads with some easy to moderate rated obstacles, and some steep sections up to about 19º climb, the Falkens never slipped. They were significantly quieter than my son's Cooper STT Pros, but his are 37x12.5, which is probably a factor. However, they are significantly louder than good all terrains, and might get louder still as they wear.

Why did I choose the 285/75R17 size, a 34" x 11" tire? Mainly, I wanted to get the biggest tire I can fit on my stock rims, without any rubbing.

I read enough to figure out the 315/70s would rub at full flex. Not a lot, but I would still be annoyed by that. Also, 315/70s are too wide for the stock rims, per manufacturer recommendations. The rims are a full inch too narrow, and I did not want to be that much out of range.

I figured out 35" x 11.5" tires would not rub appreciably if at all, based on how 35 x 12.5 do rub. There were only 2 choices I could find. The Toyo Open Country III all terrain which was out of stock everywhere, and the Nitto Trail Grapplers, which were over $400 a tire, and were a mud terrain when I wanted to try an all terrain.

So I settled on the 285/75R17 size. They are about 1 size smaller than a 35" or 315/70 tire, about 0.6-0.8" shorter overall, and about 1" taller than a typical 285/70 or 33 x 11.5 tire. I gained 0.5" ground clearance and differential clearance over the stock tires.

I chose the Nitto Ridge Grappler because it is an all terrain, it comes in a load range C, and it has 3 ply sidewalls. The manufacturer stated size is 33.86" tall by 11.26" wide. It has an aggressive all terrain tread pattern, marketed as a hybrid between mud terrain and all terrain. They also look very good, particularly the tread pattern.

Most of the other tires in this size are load range E, and I really didn't want stiffer tires. The Toyo Open Country IIIs were load range C, but they had a less aggressive tread, and their side biters were too short to grab a rock edge.

The Ridge Grappler tires are significantly quieter than the Falken Mud Terrains. Enough so, that I am not annoyed by the noise at highway speeds. Being an inch taller, they are a little less stable. Only a slight difference, barely enough to notice. They bob around just a little bit more over bumps, when you hit one going around a curve. The ride quality is smooth, absorbing bumps about the same as the Falken MTs. They don't handle rain as well as my street tires on my Toyota Highlander, but this is not a big concern for me in southern California.

Off road, they have plenty of grip. I've run a few moderate to difficult trails, and I have only had the tires slip briefly a few times, never for more than a second before they hooked up and pulled me through. These tires have carried me through Rowher Flats, Miller Jeep Trail, and several Cleghorn offshoots, with no problem.

I only had 2 break-in tankfuls of gas before swapping the tires, so I don't have a conclusive gas mileage calculation. But I believe they only have a couple or few tenths less MPGs compared to the 33s. Being only 285 width, they don't have the extra drag of a wider tire that would really bring down the mileage. There is just a little less pep in the acceleration that is noticeable off the line. There is still plenty of acceleration.

I am already used to all of the differences. I no longer notice them. This tire works well on the JLUR, and looks good too.

I will likely be running these tires for at least another year, and maybe longer, before I upgrade to larger tires. We'll see how it goes.

Here are 2 pictures comparing the look of the stock 33s (first pic) to the 34s. They do fill up the wheel wells more. I think it will look acceptable running these tires and wheels for a year with a 3.5" lift.

º|||||||º

Yes, I flipped the image for comparison purposes, lol.

 

[jhackathorne]

I ran 285/75/17 on my JK and was happy with those. The JK setup was different than JL though. I had AEV 2.5" lift on it due to RTT and carrying other gear for better weight carrying ability.

Current JL I am running 2" Synergy Stage 1 lift with Fox shocks on 35" Falkens. Skids I need to install still, but running MORE oil/tranny skid and transfer case. Will be adding at least rear diff slider and likely rear control/shock skids as well. Stock steel bumper with winch. For comms I am running Midland MXT275 with their ghost antenna and seems to be working well.

Here is a pic for reference...

 

[NewbieJon]

My first round of mods begins. Looking for good quality and desired performance at a reasonable price is time consuming.

Just ordered:

• Metalcloak Gamechanger 2.5" lift with Rocksport shocks.
• Adams 1310 front driveshaft
• Metalcloak steering stabilizer relocation bracket.
• Metalcloak Front Axle Disconnect skid plate.
• Metalcloak Rear Differential Skid Plate
• Synergy 1.75" wheel spacers. (I'll be running the stock wheels for a while.)
• Rock Hard lower control arm skid plates.

Still need to order soon.

• Rock Slide Engineering Gen 3 step sliders, with optional skid plates and the door delete kits. Trying to find a great price.
• Front diff skid. --> What's good to get, that will fit the 2021? I am leaning towards waiting for Metalcloak to finish their 2021 front diff development. I like how they combine a diff cover and a diff skid.
• Oil pan\transmission skid. --> What is good that is confirmed to fit the 2021 motor mounts, and has a big enough opening for the oil drain plug? I'd also like properly recessed bolts on the bottom, and no drilling.

I have read enough to find out that Jeep made changes to the motor mounts and the front differential that has caused some 2018-20 mods to not fit properly. If you have suggestions for what is confirmed to fit the 2021 JLUR, I would appreciate it.

I think my list covers all of the most needed armor. Please respond if I missed something important.

I wanted to get the full underbody Metalcloak skid system, but my currently allocated funds are insufficient. Maybe next year, if I find I am beating up existing skids too much.

 

[NewbieJon]

I did not like the available front diff skids I looked at. I read several complaints about fit for the cheaper ones. My son talked me into a heavy duty front diff cover. I went with ARB.
I did order the Rock Slide Engineering step sliders.
Holding off on the oil pan skid as I have maxed out my 2021 budget.
Just received today the last of the parts I have ordered. Waiting for my installer to set an appointment.

 

[kubicon]

Nice build, when does the lift go on? The MC 2.5" will give you plenty of lift, that will be a great choice.

 

[NewbieJon]

Hopefully next week. Thanks.
I read of people getting 4" on the 2.5" Gamechanger, even on Rubicons.
Metalcloak confirms the extra height but not the specific 4". They said their suspensions are designed to get advertised height with 600 lbs of added equipment.
They did says the springs would settle down around 1/2" within 500-1000 miles.
I am adding RSE step sliders with the optional skid plate. This should be at least 100 lbs more than the rock rails, so hopefully I don't get more than 3.5" or so.

 

[bchen]

FWIW, I got the 2.5" Gamechangers and got about 4" of height. I haven't added sliders or under armor yet, which will weigh down the jeep more.

 

[NewbieJon]

Hi all.

I just had the Metalcloak Gamechanger 2.5" lift installed. This lift netted me about 4.25" lift. Slightly less in front, slightly more in back. The Metalcloak rep said I would come down around 1/2" after about 500-1,000 miles driving, and will come down more if I add more weight in mods. Hoping for this because I wanted around 3" or so net lift.

The ride is a little stiffer than I wanted, but not much more than stock. It feels like the stiffness is in the springs, and the shocks are sufficiently compliant. If the springs will be settling a half inch, they will probably also soften up some.

Installed the Rock Slide Engineering retractable step rock sliders. I did get the optional skid plates installed, so they can take a beating.. Glad I got them. I thought I wouldn't need them for myself but I do.

Also had installed the ARB front diff cover, Metalcloak rear diff skid plate, Metalcloak Front Axle Disconnect skid plate, Metalcloak steering stabilizer relocation bracket, Rock Hard front and rear control arm mount skid plates, and Synergy 1.75" wheel spacers.

I have all the armor I planned on getting, except for an oil pan skid plate. I know there are fit issues on most since the 2021 Wrangler moved the engine mounts. I have not yet spent the time to figure out which one fits and works best. A couple friends tell me I don't need an oil/tranny skid. Other friends say I do need one.

Have not done a full trail run yet. But I did take it to some nearby rocks to flex. I had to see.

I am happy with it. Not sure I maxed out, but I had around 14" of wheel travel in front, and around 12" in the back. I never measured stock flex, but it wasn't 14", that's for sure. I'll try to measure the flex some day, since I am curious now.

Here are pics.

Stock on my 34s.

After lift install. I will be running with these 34" tires until next year.

Flexed out.

I think the rear may drop more than this.

 

[T4STE]

Rig looks great! nice build so far. I too am running MC 2.5 lift. I had 37's put on before the lift and now I still have room for it flexed out. For skids, Ive been eyeing the rancho front diff skid, my main concern is the drain plug under the pumpkin so id like that to be protected the most. Ive read Jeep redesigned the front diffs to be without the drain plugs there anymore so you might be in luck. Also look into aluminum skids for underneath to save on the weight. I think I might go with the quadratec system for underneath as it is aluminum.

 

[NewbieJon]

Thank you. You have a nice build going yourself.

I checked. My 2021 Rubicon front differential has a drain at the bottom of the diff. I am reading that other 2021's or maybe 22's no longer have the bottom drain. My ARB front diff cover has it's own drain plug, so I am not worried there. For now, I won't have a front diff skid. I will reevaluate if I find I am hitting the diff a lot.

I don't know if I will get aluminum skids. They cost more. You only get significant weight savings if you do a full underbody skid. Not sure I will be able to afford a full steel system, let alone aluminum. The full aluminum system I looked at required removing the existing gas tank skid. More labor cost. Is it worth it to save 60 pounds of low to the ground weight on a 5,000 lb Jeep? Maybe.

For oil/tranny skid, my concern is ease of access for changing the fluids, as well as fit. Some skids look like the oil drain hole is too small for my fat hand. Research takes time, and I have not finished mine.

Let us know how the Quadratec skid system system works out.

Rig looks great! nice build so far. I too am running MC 2.5 lift. I had 37's put on before the lift and now I still have room for it flexed out. For skids, Ive been eyeing the rancho front diff skid, my main concern is the drain plug under the pumpkin so id like that to be protected the most. Ive read Jeep redesigned the front diffs to be without the drain plugs there anymore so you might be in luck. Also look into aluminum skids for underneath to save on the weight. I think I might go with the quadratec system for underneath as it is aluminum.

 

[Mx5red]

You look like you’re following a pretty normal, and well thought out path.
May I suggest just getting an engine skid?
I think you can skip the rest, they’re pretty well protected. Up to you Al vs steel, I haven’t had good experience with Quadratec. I never received my gladiator skid. Their transfer case skid hangs super low.. I think I might go back to the stock skid, I mean there isn’t that much more protected with an aftermarket skid unless you do a whole belly system like Metalcloak/rock hard/artec. If I would have seen mine first I wouldn’t have bought it.
The engine and coolant lines aren’t protected however so I think an engine skid is definitely worth it.

and for the love of god, get an oil drain like Fumoto, valvomax, etc. they are fully reliable and revolutionize oil changes. And you can fit a tiny hose onto them to fit through an engine skid.

love the yellow!

 

[NewbieJon]

This comment is a back up of my original post which was already slightly edited. I decided to edit the original post more so people can see where I am currently at in the build, without having to read page and pages.

Hi All.

In May of 2021 I bought a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4 door (JLUR). I am happily amazed at how capable a stock JLUR is, in terms of the obstacles it can conquer. Now that the rock crawling bug has bit me, I want to lift it and mod it to do more difficult trails, without beating my Jeep to pieces.

Please feel free to comment on any recommended brands, or must have equipment I have not listed. I really would like to get this build right the first time, as I won't have much money to do it over.

My notable factory options include:

3.6L with eTorque,
Automatic
Black hard top
Front Camera
LED lighting
Safety group
Trailer tow - HD Electrical
Hinge gate reinforcement
Base plastic bumpers

Existing upgrades:
Right now it is still stock, except I upgraded to 34" x 11" tires. My son needed new 33s on his lifted Tacoma, so he bought my stock tires, and I bought new ones.

• 285x75R17 Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires, load range "C", mounted on the stock Rubicon wheels. The manufacturer measurements are 33.86" x 11.26".
• Tazer Mini JL

Planned Upgrades - in the approximate order.

2022:

• Rock Slide Engineering motorized step sliders with the optional skid plate. These are a must so my vertically challenged wife can join me sometimes. I have not seen a viable alternative that can take a beating.
• Diff Sliders or HD diff covers. Which is better? I went with a ARB diff cover in front, and a Metalcloak diff skid in the rear. I like the Metalcloak front diff skid solution, but it doesn't fit the 2021. I didn't like the other inexpensive front diff skids for various reasons, so I went with the ARB diff cover for $180
• Shock mount/control arm skid plates. I bought the Rock Hard bolt on shock mount skids.
• Steering stabilizer relocation Metalcloak, including the Front Axle Disconnect skid.
• 2.5" to 3.5" lift kit. Considering Metalcloak Gamechanger with RockSport shocks. I want a quality kit that will give me a comfortable ride and decent handling. I like the stock suspension handling and ride quality. Just like stock or just slightly softer, not stiffer. I would like my lift to be a little more absorbing of washboard roads if possible. Also, I want low/no maintenance, and a lot of flex. My local Jeep specialist recommends Metalcloak gear. I went with the Metalclaok Gamechanger 2.5" lift.
• A full under body skid plate set like the metal cloak system, or at least a oil pan/tranny juice skid plate.
• CB radio install. (I already have an old radio and antenna, but where do I mount the CB?)

2023

• Rear bumper/tire carrier big and strong enough for 38" tires, beadlocks, gas can, high jack. Needs to accept the reverse safety sensors. I doubt I'll ever go to 38s, but never say never.
• 37" x 12.5" tires (yes, I will probably run my 34" x 11" tires for a year or more.) Still considering running 35s, but my other son has 37s on his JLUR, so ...
• Beadlock rims, preferably DOT street legal if they exist.
• Front bumper - considering buying a take off JLUR steel bumper, with the removable end caps. I would expect it to be a little quieter than aftermarket bumpers, as it looks more aerodynamic.
• Winch - considering Warn.

Also considering

Muffler skid
Front skid, under bumper
Extra lights, preferably up top, if I can find something quiet.
4.88 gears if needed
upgraded brakes if needed.

What else should I get? What essentials am I missing?

I'll update this list as I add mods. I hope to rate my mods in follow up comments.

Thank you for your interest and support.

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