Billy’s Build: Rubi Two

[BHo]

Finally traded in my first year 2003 TJ Rubicon after a well used service life and purchased a 2020 JLU Rubicon Recon.

My first order was to install an air compressor on the new rig.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/mounting-arb-air-compressor.10776/post-1116663

Trade in day; bittersweet

25 mile round trip to Burro Wash outside of Las Vegas with 560 miles on the odometer.
https://www.lasvegasjeeptrails.com/jeep-trails/Lake-Mohave-Area/Burro-Wash-Trail/

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[mikem20]

Nice recon and start to its life hitting the trails right away!!! Good future plans that mirror what I’m looking to do.

 

[BullMoose1776]

I gotta get me one of those black grills.

 

[Creeker]

Like your rig!

As a data point for air pressures, on my JLR, it has the 37" MS tires.
Started about about 29 cold after installing a 3.5"RK lift (long arm in the back, mid arm in the front).
Was not happy with the ride.
Increased to about 34 cold
Much better.
Just my $0.015 worth.

 

[BHo]

Like your rig!

As a data point for air pressures, on my JLR, it has the 37" MS tires.
Started about about 29 cold after installing a 3.5"RK lift (long arm in the back, mid arm in the front).
Was not happy with the ride.
Increased to about 34 cold
Much better.
Just my $0.015 worth.

Looks like the COVID put my RK lift on hold for 6 weeks.

 

[Biohazard]

Did 37’s (km3’s)on stock rubi wheels. Ideal pressure was 28 cold. Any more and the vehicle felt like I was riding on a rail.

 

[BHo]

Did 37’s (km3’s)on stock rubi wheels. Ideal pressure was 28 cold. Any more and the vehicle felt like I was riding on a rail.

Yes, I have a few folks telling me the BFG MTs are way better rubber, plus Made in the USA. So, I’ve added BFGs to the top of my list.

What 2.5” lift did you go with? Also, are you happy with it?

 

[BHo]

I hit 1,000 miles on Rubi yesterday. About 700 miles of paved and 300 miles of dirt roads/trails. My fuel average is low considering how many SLOW off-road miles are on it.

 

[Biohazard]

Icon stage 8 2.5”. Very happy. Tightened up the steering, rides and handles as good as or better than stock (taller, so a hair more top heavy, but much better geometry and spring rates, so better in every other way).

If you don’t want to drop the cash on the stage 8, the stage 5 does all the goodies except the cdc valve shocks, which saves about $2k.

 

[BHo]

Pulled the trigger on lift/tires/wheels/etc and installation will hopefully be done by June 1. I thought about how much rock crawling I do vs street and went with:

Mopar Lift PN: 77072430AD (emphasis on the “D” PN as it’s the latest revision front spring kit).
Caster alignment
Headlight alignment
Articulate/flex suspension to verify bump-stops clear fender and add additional bump-stop ad needed

DayStar front correction spring pads

5) MOPAR Wheel 77072466AB Specs:
- Size: 17"x8"
- Bolt Pattern: 5x5
- Offset: 12mm
- Backspacing: 4.4"
- Center Cap: Included
-Reuse OE TPMS
****went with Mopar to escape the additional 4.75 industry backspacing as it is too much IMO. Plus 8”W rims have been perfect for my other off-road applications in the past. Keep all leavers at a min to alleviate steering and axle issues down the road!

5) BFG MT KM3 37x12.50R17 D rated
Mount/Balance on OEM Wheels
Repurpose existing TPMS

Tazer JL Lite:
Adjust to new tire height (running 32psig) =35.8”OD
Seat Belt Chim delete
Lower TPMS tire pressure to 20psig (currently set at 37psig)
Swaybar disconnect adjust to all transfercase settings (2h, 4h, 4l) and increase to 25mph for engagement (currently set to 18mph in 4wd only)

Mopar Tailgate/spare tire relocation bracket PN: 82215355.
NOTE: the Recon already comes with HD tailgate reinforcement.
I will also measure breakover for those that are concerned.

 

[BHo]

I did a little thinking on the OEM Steel Bumper and plastic license plate trim. I started a post below to hopefully modify and fix the potential problem before it happens.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ate-holder-on-steel-jlu-rubicon-bumper.51749/

 

[BHo]

Cheap-o Shorten OEM Antenna:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/shorten-oem-antenna.52019/

 

[BHo]

Gradual Progress, picked up the Jeep from 4 Wheel Parts today

 

[Brian0128]

It’s looking good! Any issues with spring bow on the latest revision? Did you use RK spring correction pads?

 

[BHo]

It’s looking good! Any issues with spring bow on the latest revision? Did you use RK spring correction pads?

I bought the “AD” Mopar Lift (Latest Revision D), and used DayStar correction pads in the front. 300 miles and no front spring bowing.

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