2022 Jeepers Jamboree Rubicon Trail

[blueweb]

Sure looks like they required 37s in the past trips.

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[Iggy]

Update 4/18/22

1. Have 2 tickets to the Jeepers Jamboree (7/27-7/30/22), not the Jeep Jamboree USA.
2. Installed a Synergy steering stabilizer inverter to move the steering stabilizer up above the tie rod.
3. Installed a ASFIR aluminum engine/transmission skid plate (1/4" aluminum and just 25 lbs)
4. Installed a set of Fishbone rock sliders (sandblasted the heavy textured finish off and had them powder coated matte black)
5. Mounted 5 Cooper Evolution M/T 35x12.5x17 tires on 5 Jeep OEM Sport steel wheels. These will be my 'trail-rated' tires for such off-road adventures.
6. Will install a Synergy track bar to combat the steadily increasing death wobble 'feature' the JLs are now famous for.
7. Have 4 quick deflate tire valve stems to install for airing down to 15-16 psi.
8. Considering an ARB single cylinder air pump.

Getting excited!

 

[sherpaJL]

Update 4/18/22

Getting excited!

don't forget your tent, sleeping bag, s'mores, and a flashlight

 

[Iggy]

Here’s the GP in Rubicon Trail trim. The steering stabilizer has been flipped, a Synergy track bar is going on this week, have a GMRS handheld for comm, a Hi-Lift Jack and two 2-gallon Rotopax fit on the Maximus-3 Rhino Rack. Have a Smittybilt XRC stubby front bumper holding a XRC 9.5k poly rope winch, and their 2781 compressor has a spot inside. Have a 30’ 3” tow strap, a 6’ tree strap, a 1st aid kit, a girlfriend, 5 gallons of water, and only 12.5 weeks to go.
More later!

 

[Sparty]

Here’s the GP in Rubicon Trail trim. The steering stabilizer has been flipped, a Synergy track bar is going on this week, have a GMRS handheld for comm, a Hi-Lift Jack and two 2-gallon Rotopax fit on the Maximus-3 Rhino Rack. Have a Smittybilt XRC stubby front bumper holding a XRC 9.5k poly rope winch, and their 2781 compressor has a spot inside. Have a 30’ 3” tow strap, a 6’ tree strap, a 1st aid kit, a girlfriend, 5 gallons of water, and only 12.5 weeks to go.
More later!

Hey - how'd those Fishbone sliders hold up? I'm trying to find something along these lines, and want to make sure they can take the abuse.

I'm a little sick to my stomach as we went out the other week and my MOPAR sliders got into my body. It's very minor, but it's obvious I need something a little more beefy

 

[Iggy]

Hey - how'd those Fishbone sliders hold up? I'm trying to find something along these lines, and want to make sure they can take the abuse.

I'm a little sick to my stomach as we went out the other week and my MOPAR sliders got into my body. It's very minor, but it's obvious I need something a little more beefy

Just came home from the 2022 JJ. It was tough! The Fishbone sliders have too mild steel in the tubing. They got trashed. They mostly protected the body but I still got some sill dents. My suspension is stock which was a problem. It bottomed on everything resembling a rock. The aluminum skid plate did its job, but a 2” lift would have made the trip much better. I had converted to Synergy tie rod, track bar and drag lift. They did their jobs and nothing came close to bending. The 35” Cooper EVO MTs were great mounted on OE steel wheels. Put them at 18 psi and there was never a whimper. Good grip! It’s a tough trail. Had lots of help, but still managed to thrash the undercarriage, sliders, and a couple of body dents. Oh, and this:

 

[Sparty]

Just came home from the 2022 JJ. It was tough! The Fishbone sliders have too mild steel in the tubing. They got trashed. They mostly protected the body but I still got some sill dents. My suspension is stock which was a problem. It bottomed on everything resembling a rock. The aluminum skid plate did its job, but a 2” lift would have made the trip much better. I had converted to Synergy tie rod, track bar and drag lift. They did their jobs and nothing came close to bending. The 35” Cooper EVO MTs were great mounted on OE steel wheels. Put them at 18 psi and there was never a whimper. Good grip! It’s a tough trail. Had lots of help, but still managed to thrash the undercarriage, sliders, and a couple of body dents. Oh, and this:

Oh shit!

Dude - you just saved my $450. Sorry that they failed on you, but you have a really good attitude. I dragged my ass through Killington JJ (going by the size recommendations per trail - ouch!)

This is the exact hands-on review I was looking for. I really appreciate it. Looks like I'm leaning towards the Rockhard sliders

If it makes you feel any better, I have a small dent from my MOPAR performance rails failing. That was money out the window when I included them on my factory order.

 

[GATORB8]

Just came home from the 2022 JJ. It was tough! The Fishbone sliders have too mild steel in the tubing. They got trashed. They mostly protected the body but I still got some sill dents. My suspension is stock which was a problem. It bottomed on everything resembling a rock. The aluminum skid plate did its job, but a 2” lift would have made the trip much better. I had converted to Synergy tie rod, track bar and drag lift. They did their jobs and nothing came close to bending. The 35” Cooper EVO MTs were great mounted on OE steel wheels. Put them at 18 psi and there was never a whimper. Good grip! It’s a tough trail. Had lots of help, but still managed to thrash the undercarriage, sliders, and a couple of body dents. Oh, and this:

If it’s just the tip, an exhaust expander should help you get it back open.

Damage is just an opportunity to upgrade, and now you know what’s next.

I hope you had a blast!

 

[Tool Guy]

It's a tought trail. Even with 37's and 3.5" lift it was a challenge. Great job OP!

 

[Zandcwhite]

Your experience is exactly what I try to tell people. Yes you can get a stock JL on 35’s or a 2” lifted JLU on 35’s through tough trails like the rubicon, but it will be hard on the undercarriage/sliders/exhaust/bumpers etc. Adding some more lift and/or a larger tire makes tough trails much more relaxing and is far easier on the vehicle. Our last rubicon trip on 3.5” of lift and 38’s in our JLUR was soooo much nicer than any trip before that. No new dents, a few minor scrapes to the skids, sliders, and bumper corners, and not a single need for a spotter. Walked every obstacle we pointed it at including little sluice and only used the front locker 3 times and both lockers once. I’ll take over built and driving every trail over barely adequate, stacking rocks, spotters, and winching every time.

 

[Oldstyle]

It's a nice Jeep, and the dents and scrapes are the TRUE badges of honor. They don't hurt anything! Use the Jeep! And thanks for the follow-up with pics. Looks like a great trip.

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