Rubicon Trip

[ROK HEMI]

MetalClaok makes a bolt-on rear shock mount relocation kit, which lets you cut off the lower 1.5" or so of the OEM shock bracket. I've had the kit sitting in my garage for months and haven't gotten around to installing it yet, but the instructions make it sound like it should be pretty simple work, just some basic hand tools and a cutting wheel.
The front LCA's are more annoying, as someone else mentioned earlier in this thread most places only make weld-on versions, which is something I try to avoid since skid plates are, in my opinion, a sacrificial part that I'd like to be able to easily replace later without having to do a bunch of metalwork. I haven't really figured out what I'm doing with my front LCAs yet, if anything.

I have the metalcloak rear shock mount rear location mounts on my truck. Like you point out I was able to cut off an inch and a half or so of the shock racket, which was pretty nice.

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[dragoneggs]

It’s funny I’ve seen and heard and seen different sides. Some say the Rubicon has become more difficult and others say it used to be more of a challenge then it is today. I guess I’m just trying to prepare the best I can without breaking the bank in modifications. So far I am thinking the Artec Industries belly pan, Genright sliders, and fender chop.

I think both are right. The trail is harder and the Jeeps are more capable.

 

[roaniecowpony]

It’s funny I’ve seen and heard and seen different sides. Some say the Rubicon has become more difficult and others say it used to be more of a challenge then it is today. I guess I’m just trying to prepare the best I can without breaking the bank in modifications. So far I am thinking the Artec Industries belly pan, Genright sliders, and fender chop.

When I decided to run the Rubicon as a bucket list item, I read as much as I could find on the internet and took the Jeep Jamboree USA minimums as my guidelines. They were saying 37s minimum and skid protection. Yeah, it's probably more than absolutely necessary, but I knew they were trying to keep their caravan of jeeps moving and minimize the need for winching.

I took into account that I have a 4 door and went right to 37s and a 3.5" MC GC lift. I won't say it was easy to run the Rubicon with this setup, but it was uneventful. I never got hung up nor had to winch. It was really an enjoyable trek, rather than stressful. And to me, that was worth the cost of the mods.

I want to add that my JLUR has the following mods, all intended to help get me through the Rubicon:

• Mickey Thompson BB AT 37s
• Icon Rebound Pro beadlock wheels
• Metalcloak 3.5" lift
• Metalcloak draglink and tierod
• 4:88 gears
• Full Artec alum skids
• Reid Racing knuckles
• Chromoly axles F & R
• Warn Zeon 10s
• Genesis dual battery

I would also add that my front locker was inoperative on the Rubicon. I was aware of it and just couldn't get it fixed before going. I never had a problem. But the trail was dry on our trip in late summer.

 

[Ratbert]

For those that don't think that the Rubicon Trail has become more challenging over the decades just remember that there's a f'n Cadillac on the side of Cadillac Hill.

 

[72Blazer]

To those that have run the Rubicon, does “completing” it also entail the successfully clearing the soup bowl and getting out of Big Sluice without major damage?

I’m headed up the mid week after JJ which was relieving. I’d rather avoid that traffic mess.

Currently running textbook stuff like 3” lift, belly skids, winch, 37s, bumpers, a pillar lights etc. Once we decided to run the Rubicon, plans have been in the works and stockpiling parts in the garage to run 38-40s. Jeep should be set up well and I’m a fairly experienced wheeler. Looking forward to the trip. Planning to run it door/ top less.

 

[AcesandEights]

@Ratbert, I don't think that's a Cadillac.

@72Blazer the A-Pillar lights will definitely help.

 

[72Blazer]

@AcesandEights skip the RCVs and chromos sitting in boxes then?

 

[Ratbert]

Planning to run it door/ top less.

The bears will thank you for that!

 

[Eyeball]

The bears will thank you for that!

That is the best way to enjoy the scenic beauty if the Rubicon. I have not done it in my Jl and likely won't while I still own my TJ.

My son and I always get a good laugh from our topless TJ with half doors when we see the guys running windows up and AC blasting loaded down with every creature comfort offered by REI doing their best to insulate themselves from the beauty that surrounds them.

 

[roaniecowpony]

That is the best way to enjoy the scenic beauty if the Rubicon. I have not done it in my Jl and likely won't while I still own my TJ.

My son and I always get a good laugh from our topless TJ with half doors when we see the guys running windows up and AC blasting loaded down with every creature comfort offered by REI doing their best to insulate themselves from the beauty that surrounds them.

Used to have the same thoughts when a loud jeep, buggy, or dirtbike would sail by my horse and pack mule, leaving me in a cloud of dust. It's all about perspective. "Run whatcha brung"

 

[Zandcwhite]

To those that have run the Rubicon, does “completing” it also entail the successfully clearing the soup bowl and getting out of Big Sluice without major damage?

I’m headed up the mid week after JJ which was relieving. I’d rather avoid that traffic mess.

Currently running textbook stuff like 3” lift, belly skids, winch, 37s, bumpers, a pillar lights etc. Once we decided to run the Rubicon, plans have been in the works and stockpiling parts in the garage to run 38-40s. Jeep should be set up well and I’m a fairly experienced wheeler. Looking forward to the trip. Planning to run it door/ top less.

Soup bowl is optional so I'd argue no on that. Big sluice isn't bad, you have to run it to complete the trail, and unless your major damage prevents you from completing the trail I'd say you completed it. Little sluice, old sluice, etc are optional. If you drove from loon lake to Tahoma on the trail I'd say you ran the rubicon. Wether you needed to winch, stack rocks, or even broke things. The trail is just too crowded these days for me. Even though it's still one of my favorites I can't bring myself to do it more than once every 5 years or so. It used to be 1-3 times per year but trail traffic is not the reason I wheel.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Soup bowl is optional so I'd argue no on that. Big sluice isn't bad, you have to run it to complete the trail, and unless your major damage prevents you from completing the trail I'd say you completed it. Little sluice, old sluice, etc are optional. If you drove from loon lake to Tahoma on the trail I'd say you ran the rubicon. Wether you needed to winch, stack rocks, or even broke things. The trail is just too crowded these days for me. Even though it's still one of my favorites I can't bring myself to do it more than once every 5 years or so. It used to be 1-3 times per year but trail traffic is not the reason I wheel.

Ran it mid-week, end of last August. Traffic was very light. Had a large campground at Buck Island to ourselves.

 

[Ratbert]

Ran it mid-week, end of last August. Traffic was very light. Had a large campground at Buck Island to ourselves.

Ran it on the weekend about a week after you. Very little traffic. No other campers, but that was mostly due to camping either on private land or having the area reserved.

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