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72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon

72afr

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Hello all! Long time Jeep fan/owner stepping into the "new" age.

A quick background, my parent's have owned Jeeps for the last 40+ years and had a pair of CJ's when they got married; a '74 CJ5 and a brand new '83 CJ7. The latter being my mom's baby hauler for the bulk of my childhood and being the source of my Jeep fandom. Here it is as of about 2 years ago at our property.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon IMG_20200712_174306_2


When I was finally in a spot to get my own, I picked up a '04 TJR that was 100% stock and started down my own path.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220129_193034641.PORTRAIT-01


Mrs. 72afr has been driving a '06 Denali for the last few years and the heart finally gave out 2 weeks ago. She'd long wanted a 4door Wrangler for transporting the kids, but we couldn't ever really justify it until now. After searching for any available JLU's in a 300 mile radius and comparing options/prices/etc, we settled on a 2019 JLU Rubicon at a nearish dealership. This one is bone stock at 25k miles with color matched hardtop and fenders, tan leather interior (w/ gray dash), LED package, towing package, Alpine stereo, stainless door sills, Mopar Hinge upgrade, upgraded wheels, Mopar floor mats and cargo tray, and blind spot package (whatever that option is called). The Jeep had steps on it at the dealer, but weren't in the best shape, so they removed them and left the pinch seam. That will be addressed later. While the mod list on this one will likely be much smaller than the one on my TJ, I'm still looking forward to making it ours. Still getting used to everything being electronic however. Without further ado:
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220511_190933064

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220511_191005173
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72afr

72afr

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The first day we had it, we went to pick up the kids from school with the freedom tops off. As we sat there in line roasting, we quickly came to the realization we needed a sun shade. I have one on my TJ and works awesome. I wanted one to cover the front and middle sections separately and also be a tan color. The only one I could find that I liked was the Spiderweb Shade, which is highly recommended all over the place. The one on my TJ is a Tuffshade brand, and the quality of the Spiderweb shade package, install, and parts blows that one out of the water. I had previously thought they would all be similar, but this one is definitely worth the extra dough. The color matches pretty well, too.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220517_232448307

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220517_232459470

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220517_233032698
 
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Chile1

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Love the TJR - she looks mint!!! And of course your bright white Rubi JL is awesome as well but it's missing some nice rock guards;)
 
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72afr

72afr

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Love the TJR - she looks mint!!! And of course your bright white Rubi JL is awesome as well but it's missing some nice rock guards:)
Haha! Thanks bud! Was going to put them on last night, but realized I didn't have the vertical bolts. Ran to Lowe's today to pick some up and I'm hoping to get them on tonight or tomorrow!
 
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72afr

72afr

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Met up with @Chile1 and picked up his OEM Rubicon rock rails from his sweet build on Tuesday and attempted to put them on before I realized I was missing the vertical bolts. Picked up a set yesterday from the hardware store and got the rails installed. Now we're back to square one and I can continue figuring out how I want to address steps/sliders without looking at the pinch seam.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220519_011141787
 

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Chile1

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Met up with @Chile1 and picked up his OEM Rubicon rock rails from his sweet build on Tuesday and attempted to put them on before I realized I was missing the vertical bolts. Picked up a set yesterday from the hardware store and got the rails installed. Now we're back to square one and I can continue figuring out how I want to address steps/sliders without looking at the pinch seam.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220519_011141787
for the pinch seam -
 
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72afr

72afr

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At the end of last week, we took off to Pigeon Forge to kick off summer vacation for the kids/Mrs. 9.5 hours one way from our house. Aside from some wicked crosswinds and needlessly aggressive TN drivers, the JL did excellent.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220521_140955063


While we were out there, unbeknownst to us until later, it happen to coincide with National Go Topless day and we were able to see a massive amount of Jeeps in the area and even stumbled upon Bestop's event down in Cades Cove. Lots of fun and neat builds out there!
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220521_193805646

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220521_193734263


I was quite impressed with the MPGs we were able to squeak out of this thing along the trip. Coming from the very thirsty 6.0L in the Denali and my 2500hd, it was nice to see something in the 20's. We averaged 22.5 for the entirety of the trip including traffic and driving along the crowded strip (it switched to 22.4 as we were idling in the driveway for me to snap this pic). I probably could've pushed it higher as my driving style seemed to provide better MPG's than using cruise control, but I'll take it!
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220524_204104032
 
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72afr

72afr

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Been a bit since I've updated this. Shortly after we got back from our trip, we stripped the Jeep down and got the other half of the sunshade installed. Still no complaints with the spiderweb shade, but it does complicate remove/reinstalling the top when you're on the inside. I think I need to figure out a step system for the Mrs to help remove the top. She's not quite tall enough.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220528_200032298

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220528_200043703


Not happy with the cheap seat covers for the back seat mess-monsters, I order the Bartact rear seat cover in Coyote. I have the same covers for my TJ and they've held up great over the last few years. As expected, the fit is excellent and the color is a great match to the factory heritage tan.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220909_113818293

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220909_113751983


Finally, ordered some CMM mirrors for when the doors are off. Just got those installed this weekend and took a ride out to our property for maintenance/play.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220911_203145202.PORTRAIT

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20220911_203245451.PORTRAIT


Still on the hunt for a local set of factory steel bumpers. I just can't seem to find a set of aftermarket ones that I care for yet. I'm looking for a mid/factory width that doesn't run up to the fenders or too over-the-top with looks. The Warn full-width is probably about the closest so far. If the factory steel stubby had D-ring mounts, I'd look no further. Until then...
 
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72afr

72afr

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Went for a family ride this weekend as it's likely the last weekend for tree color around here.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20221016_204356687.PORTRAIT

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon image000000

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon IMG_1897~2
 
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72afr

72afr

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The littlest one in the house (6) has been having difficulty getting into the Jeep and has taken a few tumbles. To help with this, I picked up the LOD Armor Lite rock sliders and skid plates. Finally got to installing them last night.

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20230406_224628082

Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20230407_004817902


Install took a minute, but the parts and hardware are well thought out. The only issue I have is getting the hardware for the skid plates to install correctly. It seems like the coating on the slider is too thick to allow the skid plate fastener to seat and hold it in place. I've reached out to LOD for guidance, but nothing yet.

Aside from that that, I'm quite happy with the sliders. Not a big fan of how it makes the Jeep sit lower, but hopefully that will be mitigated once we step up in tire size.
 
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jcruse64

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Looks good! I put on a set of the Armor Lites a short time ago, and really like them.
 
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72afr

72afr

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Looks good! I put on a set of the Armor Lites a short time ago, and really like them.
Right on! I've been eyeing up multiple options and would've gone with the ROAM, but they appear to be defunct (?). These were the next closest in my book. Did you do the sliders as well?
 

jcruse64

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Are you referring to the add-on plates to the Armor Lite sliders/steps? No, I did not get them, but may add on later.

I DID give them another chunk of $$$ last week and picked up their Signature Shorty front bumper, though. Shut up and take my $$$, indeed, lol.
 
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72afr

72afr

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Swapped in the Diode Dynamics clear markers and got it detailed. Final pic before the top came off for the summer.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon IMG_20230412_130639


Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20230521_170303692.PORTRAIT


Went for a Memorial Day cruise with the parents using my TJ while their CJ was getting new rear axles.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20230527_190838758


Lastly, I picked up a soft top from a 2022 back in December. Finally got it put on as our summer top. A little more involved than my TJ's, but I can tell they've definitely made improvements. The sunrider feature is super nice!
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20230604_161720864
 
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72afr

72afr

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Been a bit since I've updated this. Not too much going on. Just mainly driving it. Factory battery finally gave out last month. Pretty certain the aux battery has been out for a while and finally claimed the main. As I have the tow package, I'm already set up with the H7 battery, so just swapped in a new one. Disconnected the Aux and pulled the fuze to prevent it from killing this one too. Went with the Diehard Platinum. We'll see how long this one lasts.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20240113_204908973


Got a few gifts for Xmas that I just wrapped up putting on. Redline hood lifters:
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20240218_235203229


Mopar CHMSL relocation (which I don't have a specific picture of)

And finally... did a thing this weekend. I'm not a fan of black rims, and even though ours aren't technically black, it's still a lot for me. I've been on the hunt for a different set and finally settled on the Mopar Slotted Off-Road rims. I've been planning on ordering them from a dealer once it comes time for us to replace the tires, but found a guy about 3 hours away who just ordered a set, put on some factory size KO2's and took them off to trade in his Jeep.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20240217_180414125


The wheels are immaculate and the tires have about 10k on them. Got all 5 for $1500, which is roughly half of what I'd have paid for new rims and tires. Even threw in some universal TPMS sensors as well. I'll need to get the sensors put in before I mount them and I'm not in a rush, so these will probably be put on some time this summer. I'm pretty excited about it though, so it might be earlier.
Jeep Wrangler JL 72afr's 2019 JLU Rubicon PXL_20240218_144016775
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