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[Aussicon]

Absolute first thing to do is drop the tire pressure when you pick it up. Around 32-34 psi is the sweet spot for the 4 door, probably a bit lower for the 2 door. Enjoy!

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[flyer92]

As others have stated, I would strongly advise against doing anything right away...or ever.

Like you, I spent almost 30 years in all manner of military vehicles, including M38 Jeeps, Mutts, CUCVs, HMMWVs, M113 APCs, HEMMTs, M35A2s, 5-tons, etc. In addition, I've driven 2-door Jeeps my whole adult life, from an early Willys MB, to CJ-3, Scrambler, CJ5, TJ, and now my 2-door JL Sport.

Given this experience, I can honestly say that the JL is by far the smoothest ride of them all (yes, even the Sport), and feels like a "Cadillac," in comparison. Given the solid axle, it will never feel like an actual Cadillac, but that's the tradeoff for having a robust off-road capability. I'd say the most positive aspect of the JL is how well it balances off-road performance with on-road comfort, and most investments in wheel/tire/suspension "upgrades" never really seem to be worth it IMHO. Others may disagree, but any trim level of the JL will do exceptionally well for your use case. I know this because I run my 2-door Sport on fire trails all the time.

Lastly, I'd be very skeptical of a shop that advises you to immediately invest $12K in "upgrades" for your use case, especially since you only expect to drive on fire trails when offroading. I do the same in my Sport, and realized over time that the only upgrade I "needed" was an Antirock swaybar ($900). Between that and airing down tires for really rough trails, I'm super happy with the (mostly) stock config. With your Rubicon, you don't even need to worry about the swaybar, because you can just disconnect it with the push of a button. Again...I'd recommend resisting the urge to upgrade anything right now, as the $12K in "upgrades" that your shop recommended may not feel like a $12K ride when it's all said and done; in fact, it could feel worse. Drive, drive, drive your rig in stock config, do a little research, talk to as many Jeepers as you can, and then make your decision. You'd be surprised at how many people with your use case do the same thing, only to keep their rigs as-is or just mildly upgraded.

To that end, you're already doing the right thing by reaching out to the forum, and please keep us posted. Thanks for your service and happy Jeepin'!

 

[Ratbert]

I run 35s on my stock suspension Rubicon 2.0 and have not noticed any negative performance issues.

The additional unsprung weight and change to overall gearing will definitely have negative performance implications, but, as you said, apparently not significant enough to notice.

 

[yokramer]

The additional unsprung weight and change to overall gearing will definitely have negative performance implications, but, as you said, apparently not significant enough to notice.

Yup, to me the advantages of the 35 outweigh the performance hit that my highly calibrated butt dyno doesnt even notice.

 

[COMBAT DOG]

That is the rear end gear ratio. when they talk about regearing they mean changing the ratio, a 4.10 would have 41 teeth on the ring and 10 on the pinion. You change that to 9 teeth on the pinion and the ratio changes to 4.56. the higher the number the more turns the drive shaft makes to turn the wheels. the more turns, less torque is needed to turn them making the vehicle feel "snappier' or quicker. Increasing tire size increase the torque to turn making the vehicle feel "sluggish" or slower.

How in the world did you learn this stuff??? To put it in perspective, in my world “assembly required” are the two worst words in the English language.

 

[DarthAWM]

How in the world did you learn this stuff??? To put it in perspective, in my world “assembly required” are the two worst words in the English language.

The Google machine + 47 years of being on this earth with car guys

 

[Ratbert]

Yup, to me the advantages of the 35 outweigh the performance hit that my highly calibrated butt dyno doesnt even notice.

Hold on. We'll need to see the requisite credentials to back up your "claim" that your butt is highly calibrated. You don't even include your certification in your account occupation? Who would possibly believe you???

Note that others here merely have "calibrated butt sensor" credentials. They're just plebeians that couldn't make the cut. Very few of us receive the coveted "Highly" badge.

Take heed: I worked at NASA for a while. You obviously need to take every word I say as Truth(tm) without question.

 

[Terrymo]

Gotta ask, what the hell do you mean by “duck”?

People may leave them on you Jeep as dog toys for your Malinois. They will dispose of them in short order.

 

[LKG]

I am in Boise as well, isnt Bucks the only place in town?

I would strongly recommend talking to Auto Spring Corp on Mossy Cup off of Cole for anything suspension related. They work on everything from farm equipment to cars/pickups, best of all they're honest and reasonably priced.

 

[yokramer]

Hold on. We'll need to see the requisite credentials to back up your "claim" that your butt is highly calibrated. You don't even include your certification in your account occupation? Who would possibly believe you???

Note that others here merely have "calibrated butt sensor" credentials. They're just plebeians that couldn't make the cut. Very few of us receive the coveted "Highly" badge.

Take heed: I worked at NASA for a while. You obviously need to take every word I say as Truth(tm) without question.

I dont have to prove anything to you.


this is all in good fun before someone that isnt Ratbert gets their panties in a twist.

 

[variableknife]

I just ordered a 2 door Rubicon X, my first Jeep. I live in Boise Idaho and went to a local (Bucks) 4x4 shop that specializes in Wranglers. They advised me to switch to 35” tires and change the suspension, amongst other things. Bucks told me it could ride on the street like a Cadillac. I’m old and spent much of my time in the Middle East, so I like comforts. I’m not going to rock crawl, but I intend to hit fire trails. I plan to remove the rear seat for my two Malinois. I took delivery of the attached today, nets will not work for Malinois. To the question, basically I want it to look cool, drive well and be dog friendly. Bucks told me it will take about $12k and I’m good with it, but I don’t want to take it in the shorts as well. Can the Wrangler ride like a Tahoe? Will 35’s make it more prone to roll? What are some specific upgrades I can have installed to achieve my goal. I don’t know how to turn a wrench, so please be kind! Many thanks!

https://www.travall.com/travallr-tailgate-jeep-wrangler-jl-2018.html

Keep it stock. In fact, even with highway tires, a wrangler will still outperform most others on fire trails. I would have nothing to do with bigger tires, as I don't think this shop is really understanding what you're asking. I have a Great Pyrenees myself, and have very long white fur all over his favorite spot. If that's an issue, weathertech cargo mats are ideal. Depending on the Mal's ages, maybe an air mattress? Next, as far as suspension is concerned, there are dedicated suspension forums on this site that can answer technical aspects of it but I would focus on tailoring shocks/struts, etc, to smooth ride on the highway rather than "Bad-Assing it" off road. Even dedicated rock crawlers and trail hounds still spend 90% of their miles on the highways. I am assuming that you would be similar. Beyond those aspects, perhaps explore after market seat covers that focus more on softer padding. I have heated seats, which in my climate, I love. Bottom line is, don't focus on off road capabilities when looking at suspension or tires. Even the most mall crawling Wranglers absolutely stock will outperform most anything else on the trails. So if preserving your aching back is a bigger priority, everything you put into it should center on your comfort specifically, and nothing else. Trust me, this makes a big difference.

 

[Zandcwhite]

In my opinion if you want 35s, be it for the look or for the clearance, do it early. I never understood running the crap stock ko2s until the wear out when they aren't what you want. Taken off straight away with no miles on them you could easily get $800 for the set of 5. Wait until they wear out and you're paying a disposal fee on top of the cost of the tires you actually want. My gladiator mojave made it 1100 miles on the stock tires including 1 desert wheeling trip. Way too low with that much length for my kind of wheeling. I found a screaming deal on 37s and got all 4 shipped to my house for $412. The low mileage 33s sold for $600 for the 4 take offs. Even after mounting and balancing I made $100 going to 37s. The stock shocks on the mojave are by far the best factory shock ever put on a Jeep so I added the AEV 2" spacer kit to retain them and the already great factory ride. Granted I did my own install, but I'm $450 into my "build" and it has 4" more clearance than stock and doors everything I need it to do. In my experience the 2 biggest issues with the stock Rubicon are the tires and the very short travel shocks. I'd throw on a set of fox 2.0s for 0-1.5" lift and the 35s of your choice straight out the gate. Selling the take off tires will pay for the new shocks that are much better than the stock ones on and off road. You don't need a lift for 35s.

 

[yokramer]

In my opinion if you want 35s, be it for the look or for the clearance, do it early. I never understood running the crap stock ko2s until the wear out when they aren't what you want. Taken off straight away with no miles on them you could easily get $800 for the set of 5. Wait until they wear out and you're paying a disposal fee on top of the cost of the tires you actually want. My gladiator mojave made it 1100 miles on the stock tires including 1 desert wheeling trip. Way too low with that much length for my kind of wheeling. I found a screaming deal on 37s and got all 4 shipped to my house for $412. The low mileage 33s sold for $600 for the 4 take offs. Even after mounting and balancing I made $100 going to 37s. The stock shocks on the mojave are by far the best factory shock ever put on a Jeep so I added the AEV 2" spacer kit to retain them and the already great factory ride. Granted I did my own install, but I'm $450 into my "build" and it has 4" more clearance than stock and doors everything I need it to do. In my experience the 2 biggest issues with the stock Rubicon are the tires and the very short travel shocks. I'd throw on a set of fox 2.0s for 0-1.5" lift and the 35s of your choice straight out the gate. Selling the take off tires will pay for the new shocks that are much better than the stock ones on and off road. You don't need a lift for 35s.

I will say its not as drastic on the 2 door Rubicon a bunch less belly to rub on things, putting on some LCA and Rear Shock sliders and run the 33s till you know what you are doing is really the way to go if youre new. Last thing he needs is a 3" lift and 37s and roll it thinking he can do anything.

 

[Zandcwhite]

I will say its not as drastic on the 2 door Rubicon a bunch less belly to rub on things, putting on some LCA and Rear Shock sliders and run the 33s till you know what you are doing is really the way to go if youre new. Last thing he needs is a 3" lift and 37s and roll it thinking he can do anything.

Well yes, but the stock shocks are still crap and so are ko2s. Which is why I suggested no lift, better shocks, and 35s.

 

[Troybuilt]

I just ordered a 2 door Rubicon X, my first Jeep. I live in Boise Idaho and went to a local (Bucks) 4x4 shop that specializes in Wranglers. They advised me to switch to 35” tires and change the suspension, amongst other things. Bucks told me it could ride on the street like a Cadillac. I’m old and spent much of my time in the Middle East, so I like comforts. I’m not going to rock crawl, but I intend to hit fire trails. I plan to remove the rear seat for my two Malinois. I took delivery of the attached today, nets will not work for Malinois. To the question, basically I want it to look cool, drive well and be dog friendly. Bucks told me it will take about $12k and I’m good with it, but I don’t want to take it in the shorts as well. Can the Wrangler ride like a Tahoe? Will 35’s make it more prone to roll? What are some specific upgrades I can have installed to achieve my goal. I don’t know how to turn a wrench, so please be kind! Many thanks!

https://www.travall.com/travallr-tailgate-jeep-wrangler-jl-2018.html

I have an X, it already has most everything you would need. The only upgrade I am doing is better shocks. the 35" tires, for me, are perfect.

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