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Brutus - 2 door Rubicon

apb

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Let me preface this with saying that this is my first Jeep and this is a whole new world to me. That being said, I love this thing so much and wish I had found the Jeep world sooner. The possibilities, the community, the capability...the list goes on and on.

Here is 'Brutus' in stock form right after picking it up from the dealer. The name is due to the scarlet and gray color theme and because my wife is an Ohio State alum. I'm also a big OSU football fan despite having gone to the University of Cincinnati.

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The first "mod" was the Jurassic Rated badge, clearly the most important thing you can do to a Jeep.

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I also removed the Wrangler sticker under the Jeep badge after applying a little heat and just peeling it off by hand.

The next addition was a new stubby front bumper. I really liked the look and price of the RedRock Crawler Stubby, so went with that option.
https://www.extremeterrain.com/redrock-4x4-crawler-stubby-front-bumper-w-winch-mount-2018-jl.html

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While saving up for the big three (wheels, tires, lift), I added a few small items.

Center console organizer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NB499FP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
upload_2020-4-14_7-56-33.png


Center console organizer tray: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NBWG688/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
upload_2020-4-14_7-57-1.png



GPCA grab handles: https://www.gpca.us/shop/gp-grip-pro-jl/
upload_2020-4-14_7-58-3.png
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apb

apb

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With the wheels and tires on order, I realized I'm going to need to do something to support the 37 on the tailgate. I found an incredibly priced option in the Tyger Auto Tire Carrier.
https://www.tygerauto.com/i-50503-t...xtured-black-for-up-to-37inch-spare-tire.html

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Despite having issues removing a couple painted bolts from the tailgate, the installation was pretty smooth and the instructions were surprisingly detailed yet easy to follow.

This thing is very solid and has plenty of room to clear the 37's. Time will tell how well it holds up, but I am very impressed with this carrier.



Wheels and tires arrive and are mounted!
I like a simple, clean looking wheel so went with the Pro Comp 69 Series 17x9 in flat black.
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/pro-c...ttern-flat-black-7069-7973/_/R-BKBQ-7069-7973
upload_2020-4-14_8-8-16.png


Having read and heard so many good things about the Milestar Patagonias, I went with that option with no reservations.
Milestar Patagonia M/T 37x12.5R17LT https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/tires/22050500-milestar-patagonia-mt-37x12-50r17lt-124q-d8-rowl
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And the new tire on the tailgate with new carrier:
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apb

apb

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I drove around a bit with the new wheels and tires while the lift kit was on order. For easy, daily driving I didn't encounter much rubbing. The only rubbing I noticed was the back tires if there was a large curb or extreme angle at a higher rate of speed. Definitely not ideal but doable until getting a lift.

I kept going back and forth between Rock Krawler and Metalcloak, but ultimately went with the Rock Krawler 3.5" Max Travel No Limits.
http://rockkrawler.com/jl-3-5-inch-max-travel-no-limits-system-tt/
upload_2020-4-14_8-20-45.png


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Thank you for recommending Diezel at Stacked Offroad @Rock Krawler Suspension , great guy and great shop!


And as you may have noticed, there are different rock rails on there now as well.

I went with the ROAM JL frame mounted rock rails. https://www.roamoffroad.com/product/roam-jl-rock-rails-jeep-wrangler-jl-2-door-rock-sliders/
upload_2020-4-14_8-25-55.png


They're super sturdy and functional, very impressed and happy with that decision.
 

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Creeker

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Looks great!
The RK stuff is great.
And Diezel at Stacked Off Road really knows his stuff when it comes to Jeeps and lifts.
Is your JL manual or automatic?
 
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apb

apb

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Looks great!
The RK stuff is great.
And Diezel at Stacked Off Road really knows his stuff when it comes to Jeeps and lifts.
Is your JL manual or automatic?
Thanks! I was initially all about getting a manual but then I saw that the JL has an 8 speed ZF transmission, and it's just soooooo good I had to go that route.

Edit: I just realized your build is that 2 door manual bikini. Wow, incredible setup and it turned out amazing. Diezel showed me a video of your Jeep as a matter of fact.
 
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Amaruq

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Care to share why you chose the RK over the Metalcloak? I had MC on my jku and loved it on and off road.
 
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apb

apb

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Care to share why you chose the RK over the Metalcloak? I had MC on my jku and loved it on and off road.
It really was a flip of the coin between MC and RK for me. I was probably influenced more by other Rock Krawler owners than anything. I didn't have any first hand experience with either so the reviews and feedback of others weighed heavily in my decision.

I don't have any regrets going with RK, but I believe I would be saying the same thing if I had gone the MC route as well.
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