Rubicon Trip

[Emmanuelmv]

Hi everyone,

I’m interested in getting insight from everyone. I’m anxiously waiting for my Rubicon X with the Xtreme Recon package, 35’s, steel bumpers, winch and 4.88’s to arrive.
I’ve attended the Jeepers Jamboree with friends and family the last couple years. I’d like to participate this coming year in July with my Jeep and am wondering what would be a requirement or a good idea to upgrade. I plan on installing rock sliders before the trip and hitting a few So Cal trails before the Jamboree.

Thanks in advance.

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[Ratbert]

I'd be nervous to do it without 37s and full skids.

We'll probably do it with our club this summer. I'll make sure to add some protection on the lower control arms this time since those got beat to hell on the last run.

 

[AcesandEights]

Run what ya brung. You're already all set, so get after it.

 

[Shibadog]

Run what ya brung. You're already all set, so get after it.

This. Don’t fall for the “you got to mod it to go off road crap”. As it sits your Jeep is far more capable than most rigs. (Heck, a base Sport is ahead of most vehicles). Enjoy what you have.

 

[Ratbert]

This. Don’t fall for the “you got to mod it to go off road crap”. As it sits your Jeep is far more capable than most rigs. (Heck, a base Sport is ahead of most vehicles). Enjoy what you have.

Are you thinking a stock base Sport can do the Rubicon? I mean without being dragged, of course.

 

[Warped]

Hi everyone,

I’m interested in getting insight from everyone. I’m anxiously waiting for my Rubicon X with the Xtreme Recon package, 35’s, steel bumpers, winch and 4.88’s to arrive.
I’ve attended the Jeepers Jamboree with friends and family the last couple years. I’d like to participate this coming year in July with my Jeep and am wondering what would be a requirement or a good idea to upgrade. I plan on installing rock sliders before the trip and hitting a few So Cal trails before the Jamboree.

Thanks in advance.

I did my first Jeep Jamboree this past summer and bent the steering stabilizer with 37s. Now I have full underbody protection. My advice, based on what happened to me, is your Jeep will be amazing as-is from the factory. But, to go wheeling, it would be best to protect what is underneath. My damage was fixed on the trail in a matter of minutes, but that held everyone up and I do not like being "that guy/gal". You will already have the mopar lift and you can run 37s with the 4:88 gearing that you ordered.

Although I have a winch, I wonder if it is really necessary unless you go out alone. First aid kit with training is a great idea to have on the trail as well. Hatchet/axe, knives are nice to carry, if not a chainsaw. I often come across fallen trees (which the winch can come in handy). Make sure you have the appropriate winch gear for self recovery if you go that route. Tree saver, snatch block, D-rings, tow strap, etc.

 

[Emmanuelmv]

I did my first Jeep Jamboree this past summer and bent the steering stabilizer with 37s. Now I have full underbody protection. My advice, based on what happened to me, is your Jeep will be amazing as-is from the factory. But, to go wheeling, it would be best to protect what is underneath. My damage was fixed on the trail in a matter of minutes, but that held everyone up and I do not like being "that guy/gal". You will already have the mopar lift and you can run 37s with the 4:88 gearing that you ordered.

Although I have a winch, I wonder if it is really necessary unless you go out alone. First aid kit with training is a great idea to have on the trail as well. Hatchet/axe, knives are nice to carry, if not a chainsaw. I often come across fallen trees (which the winch can come in handy). Make sure you have the appropriate winch gear for self recovery if you go that route. Tree saver, snatch block, D-rings, tow strap, etc.

I was contemplating doing full skids prior to the trip for that reason, to lower the odds of breaking something on the trip and holding everyone up, I know s**t happens at some point.
I will have to inform myself with all the self recovery equipment, appreciate the info.

 

[dragoneggs]

I have been planning on running the Rubicon and as such, did add Artec belly armor for that and other trails. Have to say there is a piece of mind that comes with that. I’ve experienced a few scraping noises and can say I don’t winch like I did when stock.

My buddy advised that the Rubicon is becoming more of a challenge as years go by (erosion and such) and that you definitely will give your rock sliders a work out. So, that would be my other recommendation.

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

Underbody protection is essential…but improving your skill set is the best thing you can do, far more than adding 37s to an already capable rig. Slow and easy with a good spotter will get you through all but the very toughest stuff.

 

[Zandcwhite]

Are you thinking a stock base Sport can do the Rubicon? I mean without being dragged, of course.

With an experienced driver absolutely. The wife ran the whole trail in an 01 WJ on a set of JK Rubicon take offs(31's) and a basic 3" lift kit years ago. Only got hung up bad enough she needed a tug once.

 

[ROK HEMI]

If you do go on the jeepers jamboree, there is a lot of support available from staff and drivers. I would not take a stock Rubicon all the way through the Rubicon without the staff available on the jamboree. Yes, you may make it without much or any damage, but the chances are 50-50 to me. May be a two door JL on 35s is fine, but the four-door is almost certainly going to drag in places. Also, 37s will probably fit on your vehicle for road use, but I can almost guarantee you you will get serious, rubbing with stock wheels and no lift on the Rubicon Trail.

 

[BijanF]

I ran it last year with Jeep Jamboree and I think you’ll be ok stock. My Mopar performance sliders flexed enough to dent my rockers and my control arms took a beating. I’m running 37’s, a 2.5” lift and metal cloaks skid set. I think the factory skids will be more than enough though. Real sliders and you’ll be fine!

 

[C.Sco]

A stock Rubicon can do the Rubicon (hence the name), but realistically if you want your Jeep to come out the end of the trail in the same condition you started it in, you'll want some upgrades.

I ran it this summer (that's my jeep on the Rubicon in my avatar), with 37's and 3.5" lift, full metalcloak skids underneath, differential skids, and LoD Signature rock sliders, and came out mostly intact except a destroyed steering dampener (so I also highly recommend a steering dampener relocation kit).

My skids took an absolute beating, so I would shudder to think what my Jeep would look like if I didn't have them. I'm confident I would have finished the trail still, but it would've been ugly.

 

[C.Sco]

I'll also add that the trail tends to be substantially easier during the Jeep Jamboree and Jeepers Jamboree events. I wouldn't expect the same degree of ease if you go any other week, the trail gets manicured a bit during those events by rock stackers, and gets tore up pretty bad and is generally a lot more challenging between those events. Not to mention, the professional spotters on every hard obstacle have all gone home.

 

[gonzoflick]

I signed up for the July trip as well...never offloaded before. But have been preparing my 2024 4xe Rubi X with the following

Full skids and serious rails
3.5 MC GC lift
37 nittos

Taking my 75yo dad.. can't wait

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