Anybody can do it - Replace Auxiliary Battery

[PepperE]

Well yesterday I replaced both batteries in my 2.0 L 2020 Rubicon JLU. My original batteries served me well - since 4/2020.

I’m 69, out of shape, been in treatment for Leukemia for two years and have limited hand tools and mechanical skills. Nonetheless, after the too many videos on how to do this, I figured it can’t be that difficult.

I decided to go the fender liner route because it seemed like this would be the path where I would have the least opportunity to screw something up.

Tire off, battery disconnected up top, small bit in the dremel tool and fender rivets were quick work, a few bolts at top of the liner - boom in a short time the auxiliary was out. One of those fancy battery powered ratchets would have been really nice, but still not much work by hand.

I did make sure both new batteries were fully charged before installation. Definitely the hardest part was getting the 35 x 12.5 tire back on. There must be a technique to this, but I obviously don’t know it.

Fender liner back on with Amazon rivets and a Harbor Freight rivet tool.

Point of this post is simply just about anyone can do this job.

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[Heimkehr]

RE: Battery-powered ratchet

I'm recurringly grateful for my QC Inspector approving my tool purchases...but only after a thorough examination.

Just don't get him started on what he thinks of Ryobi.

 

[rickinAZ]

Definitely the hardest part was getting the 35 x 12.5 tire back on. There must be a technique to this, but I obviously don’t know it.

As a fellow 69 year old with 35s, I think the only technique is to find a time machine - especially for the spare.

 

[21JLURDG]

Tire dolly well worth it for 60+ folks. Definitely worth it for those with back problems and handling 37" tires. Just have to find a place to store it or take it apart each time.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H1CH16C?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7

 

[Throatcuttter]

Why replace it? I bypassed it completely in like 5 minutes. You don't need the Aux battery.

 

[Mguy]

Definitely the hardest part was getting the 35 x 12.5 tire back on. There must be a technique to this, but I obviously don’t know it.

Girls do it. See this amazing video

 

[Radioman]

As an 79 year old, I use one of these to install the tire.
https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Wheel-Dolly-Positioning-Ratcheting/dp/B0CJHQBC2D/ref=sxin_13_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.c5787da2-212d-48eb-a894-9ea5a87adeb3:amzn1.sym.c5787da2-212d-48eb-a894-9ea5a87adeb3&cv_ct_cx=wheel+dolly&keywords=wheel+dolly&pd_rd_i=B0CJHQBC2D&pd_rd_r=86978c7e-f76e-4a0b-b538-567a97ff1d30&pd_rd_w=MWGwt&pd_rd_wg=hgxzE&pf_rd_p=c5787da2-212d-48eb-a894-9ea5a87adeb3&pf_rd_r=S23TY25SFS3Z8JGCYMJX&qid=1738876924&sbo=RZvfv//HxDF+O5021pAnSA==&sr=1-4-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

I will admit the spare tire is a chore.

Edit:

I store the lift under the Jeep so it takes up no additional garage space.

 

[Radioman]

Well yesterday I replaced both batteries in my 2.0 L 2020 Rubicon JLU. My original batteries served me well - since 4/2020.

I’m 69, out of shape, been in treatment for Leukemia for two years and have limited hand tools and mechanical skills. Nonetheless, after the too many videos on how to do this, I figured it can’t be that difficult.

I decided to go the fender liner route because it seemed like this would be the path where I would have the least opportunity to screw something up.

Tire off, battery disconnected up top, small bit in the dremel tool and fender rivets were quick work, a few bolts at top of the liner - boom in a short time the auxiliary was out. One of those fancy battery powered ratchets would have been really nice, but still not much work by hand.

I did make sure both new batteries were fully charged before installation. Definitely the hardest part was getting the 35 x 12.5 tire back on. There must be a technique to this, but I obviously don’t know it.

Fender liner back on with Amazon rivets and a Harbor Freight rivet tool.

Point of this post is simply just about anyone can do this job.

Nice job and good pictures.

 

[sherpaJL]

repurpose this hoist

https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Solutions-VS-VLV001-Game-Processing/dp/B00KTNTS60

https://videos.etrailer.com/static/...e-vator-portable-lifting-tool-310-vlv001.webm

https://www.etrailer.com/Hunting-and-Fishing/Viking-Solutions/310-VLV001.html?feed=npn

 

[Terrymo]

As an 79 year old, I use one of these to install the tire.
https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Wheel-Dolly-Positioning-Ratcheting/dp/B0CJHQBC2D/ref=sxin_13_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.c5787da2-212d-48eb-a894-9ea5a87adeb3:amzn1.sym.c5787da2-212d-48eb-a894-9ea5a87adeb3&cv_ct_cx=wheel+dolly&keywords=wheel+dolly&pd_rd_i=B0CJHQBC2D&pd_rd_r=86978c7e-f76e-4a0b-b538-567a97ff1d30&pd_rd_w=MWGwt&pd_rd_wg=hgxzE&pf_rd_p=c5787da2-212d-48eb-a894-9ea5a87adeb3&pf_rd_r=S23TY25SFS3Z8JGCYMJX&qid=1738876924&sbo=RZvfv//HxDF+O5021pAnSA==&sr=1-4-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

I will admit the spare tire is a chore.

Edit:

I store the lift under the Jeep so it takes up no additional garage space.

I’m lazy so Iuse these for doing my own 5 tire rotation. The hydraulic table will raise and lower the spare, help you install bumpers, skid plates, and hold your beer. Win win.

 

[gato]

Just came here to congratulate you on using the combination jack/jack-stand unijack. I have two and it is safe and make quick work out of lifting the Jeep. I carry one in the Jeep instead of Hi-Lift.

 

[Occam'sRazor]

Well yesterday I replaced both batteries in my 2.0 L 2020 Rubicon JLU. My original batteries served me well - since 4/2020.

I’m 69, out of shape, been in treatment for Leukemia for two years and have limited hand tools and mechanical skills. Nonetheless, after the too many videos on how to do this, I figured it can’t be that difficult.

I decided to go the fender liner route because it seemed like this would be the path where I would have the least opportunity to screw something up.

Tire off, battery disconnected up top, small bit in the dremel tool and fender rivets were quick work, a few bolts at top of the liner - boom in a short time the auxiliary was out. One of those fancy battery powered ratchets would have been really nice, but still not much work by hand.

I did make sure both new batteries were fully charged before installation. Definitely the hardest part was getting the 35 x 12.5 tire back on. There must be a technique to this, but I obviously don’t know it.

Fender liner back on with Amazon rivets and a Harbor Freight rivet tool.

Point of this post is simply just about anyone can do this job.

I agree, fender liner is the way to go! Rivets and plugs are easy. Pull the wheel and the liner and access is great.
Congrats to you!

 

[THAW]

Jack the axle up just enough to fully unweight the tire (rather than lift it off the ground).

 

[Ridge2Far]

Definitely the hardest part was getting the 35 x 12.5 tire back on.

Here are a couple of tire dollies/jacks I've been considering:

TRAC Tire Jack Tool with Roller Plate​

The TRAC Jack is very portable and seems easy to use but is priced too high in my opinion.​

Harpy Eagle Tire Dolly​

The Harpy Eagle is easily portable and more reasonably priced.​

Both of these would work well on my shop's smooth floor but may be difficult to manage on rough pavement and even more so off-road. I am currently using one of my non-jackable car dollies but it's a bit clumsy to align the wheel to the studs.

5-tire rotations are another matter. My tire-wheel combined weigh is 112 lbs which makes it rather difficult for me to hang on the spare tire mount at my age. I use my 12" receiver extension (used to carry my mountain bike rack) to roll the tire up onto. From there I can make the lift by lifting the tire with my thighs as well as my arms to get the spare mounted. Understandably, the stinger prohibits any radical transitions.

This Custom Spare Tire Hoist looks like a great option but requires some fabrication.

 

[Heimkehr]

TRAC Tire Jack Tool with Roller Plate​

The TRAC Jack is very portable and seems easy to use but is priced too high in my opinion.​

Agreed. Even if a C-note was removed from the current list price, I'd still require a good think before clicking Buy Now. At $235.00, it's a non-starter.

I'm really liking the Harpy Eagle dolly that you also linked to. That one is on my Short List.

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