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Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build

ChattVol

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alright, I'll ask here: @ChattVol and @Creeker : How do you guys like the DirtyLife wheels? Are the rings removable?

Just curious. I was looking at several other wheels when a buddy at work suggested these. He runs an off road company focused on Toyotas and overlanding and said he might be able to get me a discount on them.
Hey...I've not ran this wheel. What size tire with it? I believe @Sting_NC_USA is running them with 40s and could prob share some thoughts.
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Creeker

Creeker

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Yes, those are the 9303 DT-1's by Dirty Life

One advantage is that if you go with the traditional mounting with the plastic bead ring (i.e., not using the aluminum ring for bead locks) and you scuff a plastic ring, there are likely folks who have an extra set of plastic rings they will sell you cheap.
 
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Creeker

Creeker

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Next Venture Motorsports makes a great rear diff skid (RDS).
Recently, they started making their front diff skid (FDS).

The FDS arrived at my doorstep about a week ago, and like what was done with the RDS, the welds were ground smooth. Grinding the welds smooth is just a nutty thing to do and really is not needed. Then, the FDS was delivered to the powder coat folks.

Jeep Wrangler JL Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build FDS_Page_1


One thing for sure, this FDS is a beast. Its made from 1/4" and 3/8" metal.
I pitty the rock that get in my way. :D
Maybe the folks at Next Venture should rename their FDS to Rock Crusher.

Installation was straight forward.

Jeep Wrangler JL Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build FDS_Page_2 A


What is really great is the FDS protects the pinion and the front axle's U-Joint.

Jeep Wrangler JL Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build FDS_Page_2 B


Now I just need to go find some rocks to crush. :D

Jeep Wrangler JL Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build IMG_2460
 

Kreepin1

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How are the Artec skids holding up? From the looks of things, they've taken some pretty serious hits by now :rock:

Do you know what needed to be modified to fit a 2 door?
 

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Creeker

Creeker

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Kreepin1,

The Artec skids are holding up well. Luckily, they have seen minimal action (i.e., srapes) even though the obstacles on Potts Mnt have tested the rig.

In the Video below, Diezel at Stacked Off Road goes over what was need to convert the aluminum Artec 4-Door skids to fit a 2-Door JL.



One thing that is somewhat unique to the Artec skids is how much stronger their brackets are that hold the skids in place.

Also, the Artec Axle Skids and trusses really have been doing a great job.

One of the hardest working items on the JLR are the Next Venture Motorsports (NVM) Front and Rear Diff Skids. The NVM diff skids have taken a beating and have held up amazing well. What is really nice about the NVM diff skids is how well they also protect the pinions on the axles.
 
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Creeker

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Installed a UPR catch can to catch the oil coming from the crankcase.

Jeep Wrangler JL Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build CC Installed


The can is supposed to catch the oil coming from the crankcase. For a 3.6 motor, the oil coming into the intake is not a huge deal. as the fuel cleans the intake valves. For a direct injection motor, oil coming into an intake is a bigger issue since the intake valves never get cleaned by the fuel.

Where a catch can can really help is when the Jeep is at an incline and the oil runs to the back of the motor. So to test the catch can, went wheeling at Uwharrie and put the JLR on an incline.
Had a JLUR as a witness.

Jeep Wrangler JL Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build Posser Rock.JPG


After wheeling, drove another 300 miles, and this is what was in the catch can.

Jeep Wrangler JL Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build Can in OIl


The UPR catch can seems to being doing a good job of catching oil. :D
 

Roky

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Installed a UPR catch can to catch the oil coming from the crankcase.

Jeep Wrangler JL Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build Can in OIl


The can is supposed to catch the oil coming from the crankcase. For a 3.6 motor, the oil coming into the intake is not a huge deal. as the fuel cleans the intake valves. For a direct injection motor, oil coming into an intake is a bigger issue since the intake valves never get cleaned by the fuel.

Where a catch can can really help is when the Jeep is at an incline and the oil runs to the back of the motor. So to test the catch can, went wheeling at Uwharrie and put the JLR on an incline.
Had a JLUR as a witness.

Jeep Wrangler JL Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build Can in OIl


After wheeling, drove another 300 miles, and this is what was in the catch can.

Jeep Wrangler JL Manual 2 Door Rubicon Bikini Build Can in OIl


The UPR catch can seems to being doing a good job of catching oil. :D
Hi Jim,

Awesome build! Looks great!

I’m also in the RK camp. Long arms are probably in my future but right now I’m pretty happy with my setup. I just installed the catch can for the same reason, we put on a smoke show on one of our last outings, the catch can cured it for sure.

It seems we’re running in the same circle with a few other brands as well, lol.

I’ll be checking in from time to time, keep up the great work.
Roky
 

sourdough

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Thank you for posting the video showing the mods needed for fitting the JLU skid on a JL.
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