Rubi Recon

[ExpeditionBuilds]

As always, great pics! ??

I’m planning on going to Moab the last weekend in September Steven. If you’re out that way and don’t mind a couple Moab newbies to tag along with you.

Thanks Mike! Let's keep in touch on this, that is my favorite time to be in Moab and it would be great to get together.

Any and all are welcome as wheelin' buddies. We'd have a blast.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

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[mikem20]

Sounds good brother. ??

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

This from our 2nd trail run which was Backwards Bill, which features Wipe Out Hill and then covers part of 7 Mile Rim.

This pic is me climbing Wipe Out Hill, not really too bad for a 4dr, Rubi walked right up it with the help of two great spotters, one at the bottom and one at the very steep top lip.

You'll see some 2drs going over backwards if you don't get it right.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[JJsJL]

MetalCloak Front Track Bar Reinforcement Kit/Sector Shaft Brace

I just finished getting the MetalCloak parts installed to strengthen my steering. MC wasn't cutting any corners when the designed this bracket, super beefy.

Here's a few pics of the new parts going on Rubi. It's a pretty straight forward mod, however, there are 4 holes to drill and nutserts to install. That always takes some time. Also, my sector shaft/pitman arm nut was a beast to get broken loose. We had to put a torch on it and warm it up a bit.

Ready to mark and drill the new holes...

All finished up. Now, I've got to admit there was a surprise waiting for me with this install. My steering had always been good on my Jeep. I never expected to feel any difference in the way the steering felt after this install. I did this mod for strength reasons...the 37's are capable of applying a good amount of leverage against the frame side track bar mount and I want to beef that up.

Here's the surprise...the steering on my Jeep feels better now with the new brace/brackets in place. I didn't think I was going to feel anything from the steering wheel with this mod. I noticed on the first turn out of the garage that the steering feels more direct/responsive. So, this is telling me there must be a little flex to the frame side track bar mount running 37's, larger wheel offset. Who knew(I certainly didn't)? Next up, hoping to get the Apex Steering Boost on Rubi here soon. Stay tuned.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

Steven,
Wanted to follow up now that you have had some time and see how the MC steering upgrade is treating you. Still happy you did it?
Justin

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Steven,
Wanted to follow up now that you have had some time and see how the MC steering upgrade is treating you. Still happy you did it?
Justin

Hi Justin. I have had a good amount of time both on road and off to give you a good assessment of this MC track Bar Reinforcement Kit and Sector Shaft Brace. I really put it to the test last week at EJS. Our day 3 trail was 3D-Pickle, a very technical challenge rated at 7 and really punished the steering system. There were sections of that trail that required driving a front tire 3-4' up on a vertical rock wall, putting a tremendous load on the steering, track bar etc.. It's been rock solid.

During EJS week I was driving a couple of different vehicles (JL and JT) we were using on photo shoots. I'm used to my set up as it's my daily driver. Jumping into another lifted on 37's built JL and JT really emphasised the difference in the steering feel between stock and my mods.

My Jeep's steering is rock solid and very responsive. It's not that the other Jeeps I drove had bad steering, it's just that with the mods I'm running, I liked the solid, responsive feel of my set-up. Talking about this, keep in mind I run not only the MC reinforcements, but also the Apex Designs Boost Kit which I can whole heartedly recommend. I hope this helps.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[JJsJL]

Hi Justin. I have had a good amount of time both on road and off to give you a good assessment of this MC track Bar Reinforcement Kit and Sector Shaft Brace. I really put it to the test last week at EJS. Our day 3 trail was 3D-Pickle, a very technical challenge rated at 7 and really punished the steering system. There were sections of that trail that required driving a front tire 3-4' up on a vertical rock wall, putting a tremendous load on the steering, track bar etc.. It's been rock solid.

During EJS week I was driving a couple of different vehicles (JL and JT) we were using on photo shoots. I'm used to my set up as it's my daily driver. Jumping into another lifted on 37's built JL and JT really emphasised the difference in the steering feel between stock and my mods.

My Jeep's steering is rock solid and very responsive. It's not that the other Jeeps I drove had bad steering, it's just that with the mods I'm running, I liked the solid, responsive feel of my set-up. Talking about this, keep in mind I run not only the MC reinforcements, but also the Apex Designs Boost Kit which I can whole heartedly recommend. I hope this helps.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

I figured you may have gave everything a good workout at EJS! I appreciate the update on all steering upgrades!
Justin

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

I figured you may have gave everything a good workout at EJS! I appreciate the update on all steering upgrades!
Justin

My pleasure Justin.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

A couple of more pics from 'Backwards Bill'. In the first pic, you can just see a hint of @KAMIECON Jeep. It was super they were able to join us in Moab this year.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[KAMIECON]

Thanks Steven! We had an absolute blast and can’t wait to do more! Great meeting you both.

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Thanks Steven! We had an absolute blast and can’t wait to do more! Great meeting you both.

We had a great time hanging out with you guys and running trails together!

Look at that new avatar for complete braggin' rights??


-Steven

 

[KAMIECON]

We had a great time hanging out with you guys and running trails together!

Look at that new avatar for complete braggin' rights??


-Steven

That’s a reminder of my only failure …I will conquer it

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

That’s a reminder of my only failure …I will conquer it

You didn't fail...you learned a lot on that crazy obstacle. The spotter was just keeping you safe with the winch up. You did a great job all week my friend!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

In the land of Hoodoos...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Looking back through pics from our last trip. Here's another from the Salt Flats...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[jcruse64]

Sharp!! What roof rack is that? It looks good up there.

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