Parts missing from 2026 JLU Rubicon?

[Yawnie'sPapa]

I have a feeling these spots were for the bit that prevents the wheels from rolling under and into the cabin - anyone else with a 2026 able to verify? When I saw the Jeep at the dealership, there were brackets here. They sent it to have our RSE steps moved from our 23 to the new 26 - and I'm finding a lot of issues. Looks to me like they took some pieces off and left them off. That should be up to the owner, not anyone else.

It's also obvious they were there when it was undercoated.

Right side -

Left side -

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[kah.mun.rah]

This has to be removed for the RSE sliders (which is common). If you want them back on, you will have to use something newer that has been designed to clear them.

Here is a pic of what they removed: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/bracket-or-brace-what-is-it.112681/

Or, as a 2026 it might have been these: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/2026-model-year-frame-bracket-change.159423/

 

[Yawnie'sPapa]

Thanks you- it's the bottom pic looking at another 26. Well, if that's the case, case close, problem solved. Now need to get them to redo the seals correctly and fix the interior panels. They mounted the rocker panel way too high - they sit above the step top with a gap below the seal and the top of the step.
Thanks again- mystery solved!!

 

[WillysMeow]

They did you a favor removing those hang down boat anchors, they were pita to remove on my 2025. Over the past 5-6 years I've been reminded way too many times why I used to do all my own work and am starting to do more again because of lazy azz 'mechanics' Hope you get the rest of the dealer issues resolved.

 

[WXman]

those safety brackets probably shave a good amount of weight when they're gone. Maybe 20 lbs.? Just don't get into a frontal offset crash and you're golden.

 

[gato]

The 2026 brackets plus the 14 giant bolts (7 per side) weigh almost 50 lbs combined. I had to remove mine to install the Artec full belly skids.

I have not made up my mind about re-installing them - it will require cutting of one or two of the welded on mounting spacers for them to fit over the Artec, and would be adding weight back in. But on the other hand, Jeep obviously spent a lot of effort to design in those massive structures, and for the first time in 2026 a JL did not flip over in an offset crash (just recently posted here) and earned good ratings. Makes you think.

 

[LSJKU]

The 2026 brackets plus the 14 giant bolts (7 per side) weigh almost 50 lbs combined. I had to remove mine to install the Artec full belly skids.

I have not made up my mind about re-installing them - it will require cutting of one or two of the welded on mounting spacers for them to fit over the Artec, and would be adding weight back in. But on the other hand, Jeep obviously spent a lot of effort to design in those massive structures, and for the first time in 2026 a JL did not flip over in an offset crash (just recently posted here) and earned good ratings. Makes you think.

I'm part of the "...Jeep obviously spent a lot of effort..." crowd. I would love to lose 50lbs up front, but not at the expense of safety. And they probably do deflect something in an offset crash that helps to keep the Jeep upright. On the other hand... ...I drive a lifted 2025 JL on 38s. I'm going to roll over in an offset crash anyway....

 

[heynavt1]

Just for reference, that additional metal was added as a frame strengthing. And the reason the 2026's do not flip in the Highway Safety Institute offset crash tests. First time Wranglers have not flipped in years on that test.

 

[gato]

I'm part of the "...Jeep obviously spent a lot of effort..." crowd. I would love to lose 50lbs up front, but not at the expense of safety. And they probably do deflect something in an offset crash that helps to keep the Jeep upright. On the other hand... ...I drive a lifted 2025 JL on 38s. I'm going to roll over in an offset crash anyway....

With 38s the key is launch over whatever you are crashing into and stick the landing

I’m tempted to do the cutting to put them back on. But I hate metal cutting, grinding work. I didn’t even own an angle grinder till this Monday.

I really miss the days when metal fabricators/welders were everywhere and always knew what to do. Now I can’t find a single one near me.

 

[LSJKU]

With 38s the key is launch over whatever you are crashing into and stick the landing

I’m tempted to do the cutting to put them back on. But I hate metal cutting, grinding work. I didn’t even own an angle grinder till this Monday.

I really miss the days when metal fabricators/welders were everywhere and always knew what to do. Now I can’t find a single one near me.

Ha ha, you are absolutely correct. Grab the steering wheel and brace for landing impact! Don't try evasive maneuvers.

Funny thing is I didn't have to cut a thing before I mounted the 38s. They are the new Toyo RT Pro 38x11.5x17s mounted on Method 903s with zero offset. I measured and measured and measured before finally pulling the trigger on the tires. The shop even mounted one on my rim so that we could check rub on each corner. Surprisingly, there was more clearance from rubbing than what I currently had mounted, a 35x12.5x17 KM3.

I've only had them for about 3 to 4 weeks with very little seat time, but I am enormously impressed with the Toyo tires so far. I used glass balancing beads instead of lead balancing weights at the recommendation of a poster here that was confirmed by my tire shop. They seem to be doing an excellent job of balancing the whole tire/wheel assembly thus far.

I plan to write.a review of the tires once I get enough seat time both onroad and offroad. I haven't had the chance to get offroad yet. But at this point I can say they are a very good alternative to the Nitto 38x11.5x17 available on the market.

Out of curiosity I crawled under my Jeep last night to find these braces. I did not find any on my 2025 JL. But maybe I was looking at them and just didn't recognize what I was looking at. So my deduction stands; in a really nasty offset crash, I will probably roll the Jeep. Not a comforting thought, but it is reality.

 

[Atomic5]

Out of curiosity I crawled under my Jeep last night to find these braces. I did not find any on my 2025 JL.

The deflectors were added for the 2026 model year.

 

[LSJKU]

The deflectors were added for the 2026 model year.

Thanks for the heads-up. Out of curiosity, I would have still been looking for them today w/o your input.

 

[Pismo61]

They(deflectors) are not on my 2026 JLRU X.October build.

 

[LSJKU]

They(deflectors) are not on my 2026 JLRU X.October build.

That is a curious thing. They were on the OP's 2026 Jeep but removed them due to interference with the RSE slider install. You didn't even get them stock. What's up with that, Stellantis?

 

[LSJKU]

I really miss the days when metal fabricators/welders were everywhere and always knew what to do. Now I can’t find a single one near me.

By the way, I empathize with your thoughts about welders. I used to use contract welders in my day-to-day business and when I needed something fabricated, those guys were Johnny on the spot. I don't mind grinding and can cut fairly well, but my welding skills are horrendous. I miss the availability of those guys. The are truly skillful individuals.

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