Rubi Recon

[Roky]

Just as I thought, thanks for confirming Roky. I'm assuming that Reid matches the stock steering geometry? Notice any difference(s)? Scrub radius, etc?

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


-Steven

No, not that I could tell, they do have a fixed turn stop, it’s maybe 1/4” longer if that. You can cut it drill and tap for an adjustable stop which I’ve done for others, I didn’t do anything to mine, I didn’t notice a big enough difference to warrant fixing.

The Mopar knuckles have the adjustable stops.

Just remember, the orange color adds 50 horsepower…….

Also , pro tip…..wear steel toe boots during assembly….. ?

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[ExpeditionBuilds]

Anything that adds horsepower I'm down for! Thanks for your help brother? Be well!

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


-Steven

 

[Roky]

Anything that adds horsepower I'm down for! Thanks for your help brother? Be well!

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


-Steven

Sure brother, anytime…….

 

[mikem20]

Steven, I just saw this vid last night that got me thinking about Reid’s too.

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Steven, I just saw this vid last night that got me thinking about Reid’s too.

Thanks Mike...man, that's pretty sobering right?

Reid Knuckles are on order! Appreciate this forum?

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


-Steven

 

[kalashnikovjl]

Getting your Jeep lifted really transforms it...easily one of my favorite parts of this journey...

3.5" MetaCloak Game Changer/37x12.50 Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

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


-Steven

wow wow wow ? absolutely gorgeous build brother! This is the exact build plan i have for my rig, 3.5 MC GC lift, 37 Nitto RG, and Fox 2.0RR.

Looks incredible man! Now i can’t wait to finish off my build!

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

wow wow wow ? absolutely gorgeous build brother! This is the exact build plan i have for my rig, 3.5 MC GC lift, 37 Nitto RG, and Fox 2.0RR.

Looks incredible man! Now i can’t wait to finish off my build!

Wow...that was a very nice compliment Nick, thanks!

You're going to love the MC Game Changer.

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


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

I just unboxed the new front end upgrades going on Rubi this week. The Reid Racing knuckles kinda blew my mind with the quality and weight of them...they look like they should be bulletproof.

Dynatrac HD Ball Joints

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


-Steven

 

[mikem20]

Nice ??

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Scratch that off my list of to do's.....Dynatrac HD Ball Joints/Reid Racing Knuckles.

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


-Steven

 

[mikem20]

Sweet upgrades, Stephen!
Is there any difference in how it drives/ handles?

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Sweet upgrades, Stephen!
Is there any difference in how it drives/ handles?

Thanks Mike! I will post more about this, busy week for me.

To answer your question, definitely tightened things up. I'll elaborate more soon.

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


-Steven

 

[mikem20]

Good looking out. I’m sure you’ll get a real good sense on your trip to Moab.
Lol. My bad. I keep putting in the PH instead of the V.

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Good looking out. I’m sure you’ll get a real good sense on your trip to Moab.
Lol. My bad. I keep putting in the PH instead of the V.

Yeah, EJS is right around the corner. Very much looking forward to being back in Moab?

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


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Ok, here's a quick overview/thoughts of the new ball joints and knuckles. As I mentioned in a previous post, the weight and build quality of the Reid Racing Knuckles is insane. Having these on Rubi gives a lot of confidence in the new set-up.

In looking to improve efficiency (mpg), I understand why Jeep engineered the aluminum OEM knuckles, they are incredible light weight. As is becoming evident, they are not up to taking a lot of abuse it seems. Jeep makes a case for the inherent weakness of the the aluminum knuckles when you look at Dana 44 axle under the JT Mojave is factory equipped with iron knuckles...hmm.

So, what did I notice after installing these upgrades? Well, before I get into that, I need to mention I was not having any issues like 'death wobble', wondering, etc.. I'm running Metalcloaks' full steering linkage and the steering has always been great on my JL. I did however begin to feel as if the steering was getting a touch vague and I was suspecting the stock ball joints were beginning to wear. Before we began the teardown and new parts install, we put a pry bar on the stock ball joints. We did not see any play in them. That's not to say they were beginning to wear however.

Here's a look at the the stock knuckle as they came off the Jeep. The ball joint contact areas looked pretty good, no visible signs of loosening. The stock ball joints were still very tightly seated in the aluminum knuckles.

So, back to the initial driving impressions. I immediately noticed a new firmness/directness in terms of feedback through the steering wheel. Rubi felt a little more planted rolling down the interstate. I suspect the new HD Dynatrac Ball Joints are giving the new improved steering feel.

The Reid Knuckles are really on Rubi for strength and longevity. Taking @Roky advice, we had it torn down and changing the knuckles was pretty easy at that point. Being able to grease the Dynatrac ball joints leads to believe they will perform well and take the abuse of off roading and running the 37's and larger offset of my wheels.

Finally, here's a look at the new front end.

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


-Steven

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