Billet Sport S- Rubi Axle/T-Case Swap

[ChattVol]

Thanks...I decided to go with the spare tag mount bc I didn't like how the rear bumper mount sticks out approx. 4" past the body and could get caught on a tree. I'm running the Teraflex Alpha with Rough Country tag relocation that comes powder coated with a tag light that wires into the passenger rear brake light. I drilled 2 lower holes in the RC bracket to lower the plate up against the brake light. I also looked at Motobilt's tag relocation(triple the cost and is unpainted) which puts the tag a few inches lower, but couldnt justify the added cost and it doesn't work with the Teraflex rear brake light holder. I prefer the Teraflex brake light design over the smaller motobilt light...but prefer how the Motobilt positions the tag in the center of the spare.

With this RC setup, you get a tag light and use of standard size rear brake light for about $120 less than Motobilt + cost of powdercoat. I simply couldn't justify the added cost...if cost is no concern, the Motobilt looks a little better IMHO.

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[ChattVol]

Modded the Motobilt rear liners for better clearance and pulled a bumpstop from the front...2" front/rear now. Took it on a topless drive enjoyin the awesome weather..

 

[ChattVol]

After 2+ years, finally ordered hood decals from @pixeldecals to name the jeep. It's tough to think of a name that is unique and not too cheesy. Going with NOMAD in a solid red black lettering...I like to explore alot of different random wheelin spots and haven't seen this name on another jeep.

Also, planning to order gears this week based on staying on 37s with these rubi axles and 6 speed...drove on flat hwy yesterday at 75mph in 4th and 5th gear to get a feel for power and comfortable cruising rpm's.(6th gear isnt useable with 37s unless going downhill) On paper, 4.59 gearing with 37s is equivalent to 4.10 gearing with 33s...but that doesn't consider the extra rolling mass of 37s, approx 400lbs of added weight with steel bumpers/winch/skids and the additional drag created by lifting a jeep.

At 75mph, 4th gear with 4.10's was at 2800-2900rpm and is equivalent to being in 6th gear with 5.60 gearing. Had plenty of pep, but motor felt over revving and it would get tiring on the highway and mpg's would prob be around 10mpg.

At 75mph, 5th gear with 4.10's was at 2300rpm and is mathematically equivalent to being in 6th gear with 4.56 gearing. It held speed with cruise control and could also speed up slowly on flat ground, but motor felt weak and I had to downshift for inclines. I can see why people prefer 4.56 to run 35s.

4.88s @75mph, 6th would be running about 2450rpm.(150rpm higher than 4.56) According to a friend running JL 6 speed, 4.88s on 37s/beadlocks, it holds 75mph well on the HWY and the crawl ratio bumps up from 84:1(stock) to 100:1. He said it crawls noticeably better and will idle up steep obstacles.(He has done the Rubicon + 20+ other badge trails on 37s/4.88s) That would address the stalling issues that I've been having on steep obstacles.

5.13s @75mph, 6th would be running about 2600rpm. It obviously holds 75mph well on the HWY and the crawl ratio bumps up from 84:1(stock) to 105:1. You pickup 5% more low end power, but start taking an efficiency hit on the highway. The pinion teeth are also a little thinner/weaker than 4.88.

4.88 seems like a nice fit staying on 37s. It's a little stouter than stock to account for the added weight, crawls better, has a little thicker pinion teeth than 5.13 while not sacrificing HWY mileage. Thoughts/feedback are welcome..
@Krondor
@m3lover1

 

[Krondor]

After 2+ years, finally ordered hood decals from @pixeldecals to name the jeep. It's tough to think of a name that is unique and not too cheesy. Going with NOMAD in a solid red black lettering...I like to explore alot of different random wheelin spots and haven't seen this name on another jeep.

Also, planning to order gears this week based on staying on 37s with these rubi axles and 6 speed...drove on flat hwy yesterday at 75mph in 4th and 5th gear to get a feel for power and comfortable cruising rpm's.(6th gear isnt useable with 37s unless going downhill) On paper, 4.59 gearing with 37s is equivalent to 4.10 gearing with 33s...but that doesn't consider the extra rolling mass of 37s, approx 400lbs of added weight with steel bumpers/winch/skids and the additional drag created by lifting a jeep.

At 75mph, 4th gear with 4.10's was at 2800-2900rpm and is equivalent to being in 6th gear with 5.60 gearing. Had plenty of pep, but motor felt over revving and it would get tiring on the highway and mpg's would prob be around 10mpg.

At 75mph, 5th gear with 4.10's was at 2300rpm and is mathematically equivalent to being in 6th gear with 4.56 gearing. It held speed with cruise control and could also speed up slowly on flat ground, but motor felt weak and I had to downshift for inclines. I can see why people prefer 4.56 to run 35s.

4.88s @75mph, 6th would be running about 2450rpm.(150rpm higher than 4.56) According to a friend running JL 6 speed, 4.88s on 37s/beadlocks, it holds 75mph well on the HWY and the crawl ratio bumps up from 84:1(stock) to 100:1. He said it crawls noticeably better and will idle up steep obstacles.(He has done the Rubicon + 20+ other badge trails on 37s/4.88s) That would address the stalling issues that I've been having on steep obstacles.

5.13s @75mph, 6th would be running about 2600rpm. It obviously holds 75mph well on the HWY and the crawl ratio bumps up from 84:1(stock) to 105:1. You pickup 5% more low end power, but start taking an efficiency hit on the highway. The pinion teeth are also a little thinner/weaker than 4.88.

4.88 seems like a nice fit staying on 37s. It's a little stouter than stock to account for the added weight, crawls better, has a little thicker pinion teeth than 5.13 while not sacrificing HWY mileage. Thoughts/feedback are welcome..
@Krondor
@m3lover1

I like the name. Great choice.

I also decided 4.88's would be deep enough for me as I'm set to stick with 35's... but it's good to know that I "could" go to 37's with that choice.

 

[ChattVol]

I like the name. Great choice.

I also decided 4.88's would be deep enough for me as I'm set to stick with 35's... but it's good to know that I "could" go to 37's with that choice.

Thanks...4.88s and 35s at Colorado elevations is prob similiar to 37s and 4.88 in Tennessee.

 

[Krondor]

Thanks...4.88s and 35s at Colorado elevations is prob similiar to 37s and 4.88 in Tennessee.

Not going to lie, some of the passes have me in 3rd and 4th with 4k+ rpms to get up those inclines while keeping with traffic. Good thing this little V6 can rev.

 

[ChattVol]

Received hood decal...the color was alot glossier than the vent decal and it creased and bubbled alot more than the vent decal. Took it off and reordered it with the same material as the hood vent. I like the look overall.

 

[ATXRubican]

Modded the Motobilt rear liners for better clearance and pulled a bumpstop from the front...2" front/rear now. Took it on a topless drive enjoyin the awesome weather..

Looks good. I've got a similar set-up

 

[ChattVol]

Looks good. I've got a similar set-up

Looks great...what lift/tire size? Are you gonna run rear liners?

 

[ATXRubican]

Looks great...what lift/tire size? Are you gonna run rear liners?

thanks.
Rock Krawler 2.5” lift on 37’s.
Rear inner fenders is next on the list

 

[ChattVol]

Finally named her..

 

[Krondor]

Finally named her..

Now aren't you glad you kept this beautiful beast?

 

[Fuzzy Dave]

I think you'll be happy with the 4.88


My old ruby (06) TJU i ran 4.88 with 35s and 6in lift..my rig was heavy though will full side armor etc.....

with the usable rpm range of the 3.6 and 37s it will be perfect....5.13 are too low unless running 40s on a dd and the Pinon is tiny with the 5.13 gears...

Good looking rig

 

[ShadowRig]

Finally named her..

Going through your build was such a great read.

Beautiful Rig!

 

[ChattVol]

Going through your build was such a great read.

Beautiful Rig!

Thanks...I appreciate it.