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RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build

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RubiSc0tt

RubiSc0tt

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Stickers. I have more on there now.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 440CAECE-8630-4B1B-9A9A-6462C56E35A7

Making sure the 4 way lug stays quiet. Used some foam and the rest of the pool noodle from the CB Bar.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5E63C6ED-258E-404B-97CB-9A44A66F71D7

Stickers- continuing the tradition of vacation/ trails and a band or two who have a pretty deep relevance to me at this point in life
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5E37FB3C-2440-4928-BE04-A2319936056C

Worth noting: if you’re using a Quadratec HD mount and a Wilson Trucker 2000 antenna with a hard top, the wiper gets stuck.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build C6093AD3-2505-445D-949C-79A5F083E894
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Update:
For those interested, check out my write up on the Overhead CB Bar mount here.

Did the Fluid Film/ Wool Wax for corrosion protection- we'll have to see how that holds up against the salt.

No wheeling because life/ work. We did have some snow though (See the new avatar). Again, plowed over a 3ft snowbank to park the Jeep after a long night shift. Winter is fun sometimes, I guess, but I'd still rather be cruising along the ocean with the top down or wheeling in the slickrock. /shrug

Thanks for reading, Happy Holidays!
 
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RubiSc0tt

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Long time, no update. Added some window stickers to the hard top.

E6A0687F-6D00-408D-96DB-72C580EABC06.jpeg

#ThisIsTheWay
907CA575-191E-47EB-A3B3-4C07D53A3D06.jpeg

#TitanMasterClass

also: Had to use 4wd to get into a buddy’s driveway. Technically one of the first times off road!
1016AC07-5E84-4D54-992D-9FF6DC23BEB2.jpeg
 
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Quick update: a couple people asked to see my ammo can set up in another thread. 2 Fat 50’s from Harbor Freight: one holding tools and the other holding a compressor. They’re secured with a ratchet strap to the seat frame/ seatbelt anchor mount. No rattling and they fit well. It’s clean and out of the way, and I have kids so the rear seat hardly ever folds down. When it does, I just have to slide the cans forward and they stay braced between the front and rear seats.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build B53AEC2A-58B3-424D-852B-208BB2637497


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build B0FF4418-1AE8-46ED-B265-5DEA6358068D


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 76A71513-DAAC-4502-AD4A-EF63663E6F29


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5B978D51-A942-4AEB-92F6-91670B54EF98


also: Sticker update for my tailgate table!
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 77D31501-5D0D-46C3-AC60-B90465844451


Pre-baby Quarantine is in full effect, so... I’ve got some projects coming up! Will hopefully get some pics
 
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Well, we are on full Pre-baby quarantine per the Doctor, so I figured now was as good a time as any to knock out some Jeep work.

10k mi update/ maintenance:
Day 1: Standard maintenance
-Oil& filter change
-Full 5 tire rotation
Pretty straight forward, no real issues here. Oil filler is in kind of an awkward location. I noticed some wear on the tires, I think I’m running my tire pressure too high (see: notes)

Day 2: Preventative/ Corrective maintenance
- Remove, Strip, POR-15, and paint front bumper
I might have mentioned it before, but I did a real poor job painting my Motobilt Bumper last year. I painted it In my driveway after work one morning (so I was half asleep and also pretty sure I got brain damage from the paint fumes). It was kinda cold, and damp and in the shadow of my west facing building. I used the Gloss black rattle can stuff which was ok, but I was in a rush to get it done so I could get it installed Before vacation. We took it to the ocean ~2 months later. When we got home I noticed little rust spots forming. Things being what they were, I wasn’t able to strip and paint again. After an entire winter, it looked gross. Surface rust, chipping and flaking paint, etc. of course, I shot the inside with Fluid film so that was mostly fine, but the outside was haggard.
It took me 3 full hours of swapping between my angle grinder with a Coarse wire wheel on it and My drill with a more fine wire wheel. Once it was cleaned up, I wiped it down with 91% IPA, and foam brushed a coat of gloss black POR-15, then let it sit in the sun to dry. It’s looking pretty good, I will probably do another coat of POR15, then scuff it up and rattle can it black, as my buddy who studied Autobody and has used this stuff before told me it can break down over time with UV exposure. It will also be easier to touch up as well.
threads.
Before: Gross, Rusty, scaly
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build BFD1D039-9B2D-4A48-8CED-F259DDB8C95B

After: This is what 3 hours of wire wheel will get you
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 03ABAF77-96BB-4118-8DFA-4517B394E409

shiny, stripped and ready for paint
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build F1459B68-B787-4241-BE6F-8348C3639746

First coat of POR-15 (took 6+ hours to dry)
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 213CAE1E-35E4-415B-9E60-0A889F66ACBD


Adding another POR-15 coat in the morning, then scuffing and painting when ready, before reinstalling. Will have pictures of the finished

Notes:
- I noticed some wear on the outer lugs of my KO2’s. I think my tire pressure is too high. I usually run it around 35psi according to the VIC, however after the rotation they were reading stupid high (39psi). I double checked with my manual gauge and that said 29psi, but I think that might be bad too (Wouldn’t hold pressure). I will have to do some research and double check with another tire gauge.
-Fluid film applied in November and everything seems to be holding up well, despite bi-weekly car washes since, including a monthly undercarriage wash.
-I would 100% pay for sandblasting next time I have to strip and paint something stupid rusty. Swapping between a wire wheel Grinder and drill sucks and is exhausting.
-Bettet yet, next time when I get something bare steel I think I’m going to go straight to POR-15 (Gloss black) for an undercoat and then hit it with rattle can black for the top coat for ease of touch up.
-Considering holding off doing the HD Motobilt Diff cover install until 2yr/20k mi, which will be the suggested gear oil change. I have been driving a lot but have not been wheeling at all.
-Thinking about getting some new synthetic winch cable. My cable has been active duty since 2014(ish), and while it’s looking OK, the huge hook that can’t be removed is a pain in the ass.
-I noticed my Seven Sparta winch cover seems to be fading from black to blue as it’s exposed to UV. It was ~$15 from Amazon, so it doesn’t bother me. I know it does some people though. Otherwise It works fantastic for Protecting my winch from the elements/ exposure.
-no issues thus far outside of CarPlay being a bit wonky as mentioned in other threads.
 
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Quick update:
Totally forgot to post a finished picture. It looks good from 50ft but I think I may have to hit it with more rattle can to even out the coat.

Jeep is going in for the Clutch recall inspection and the UConnect/ CarPlay issues on 6/11/20. I’ll have a Wrangler for a rental thanks to the JeepWave Program. Hopefully this gets sorted out quick. When I get it back, I want to swap the soft top on. Once that’s complete, I’m probably going to revisit my window storage solution.

95C7BB4B-626F-4A48-BBEC-A1E59B44DB2E.jpeg
 
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Quick update:
Jeep has been in for the W12 Manual transmission recall since 6/11. Frustrated but there isn't much I can really do right now.

Also: Re: Window Storage:
Found this, which is ~$50 cheaper than this. May take a chance, dimensions are the same.

Whenever I get my Jeep back I will probably doing a DIY tub mounted Hi-Lift mount in the rear cargo area. I've planned it out, just waiting to buy the components. Also considering the wireless Bluetooth mod in this thread.
 
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FINALLY got my Jeep back. See previous post to read up on that Saga. 3 Things:

1). My dealership was great through the entire thing. They did as much as they could despite getting nothing in the way of updates from corporate (And I verified this when I called corporate, too)
2). clutch definitely feels different, so, something was not right.
3). After driving the loaner vehicle with the 8 speed auto- I will say: I would consider an Auto trans at this point as long as it is the same auto trans. It felt very responsive and comfortable to drive. Time will tell if I'd actually buy a Jeep with that trans for myself long term; I think I'd need something a little sexier attached to it to move me, like a Diesel or Hemi, but I'd think more seriously about it if I was unable to find a Jeep that met my specs now. I guess it's a good thing that Punk'n Orange was discontinued shortly after the Diesel was released....
 
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Quick update:
Parts and supplies are in.
Swapped out the regular antenna for a 7” Stubby from Amazon.
before
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5C4993D0-BE35-4ABF-98FB-0C338E2D977A

After:
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build F19FA036-4B9B-4437-92C4-E63CF98F39F0


Also: got this finally. 5 minute set up. Tested it out on the ride to work, and it was flawless. Can’t wait to get this fully installed.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build E5A67B79-88A6-45C7-A5C7-B9A2BFC30329


need to Get to work. Rausch Creek at the end of the month.

List:
-Finish and install Jack rack
-Slap together/ fix DIY Window Storage
-Paint F/R Diff covers and locker guard
-Change gear oil
-Install F/R Diff covers and locker guard
-F/R Diff skids
-Wireless CarPlay Mod
possibly more. The race is on! Stoked to finally get out on the trail.

Also: some beauty shots at my usual spot

Also also: You need phone wall papers? Say no more.

Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build EF96A1C5-23B5-4CD3-A914-D46700095BBD


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 73AC3062-1BE8-43AC-ACEB-94AEB42E444F


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build DEF14112-E995-46B2-B8A2-47D5EC706CC9


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 3362B26A-EAB5-4346-A789-E25FD8A9EAC5


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 58686970-52DB-4105-BF1C-66C4467CC5FA


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build B16923F8-F9F7-450C-A26D-DF2A90EFA44C


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 675A506B-4D4E-4715-B89F-18CFBC28E3F0
 
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Alright, work is done... sorta.
CarPlay2Air arrived last Tuesday, roughly 2 weeks since ordering. Worth noting: their tracking website worked on my laptop, but not on my phone. I was following this write up, shoutout to @Jeepstrangler as this had me up and running in less than 30 mintues.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 3D447911-3B0F-4F95-BE5F-9E3DFD0D37FB
So far, so good. It took a little bit to connect- FWIW, I did have some confusion and connection issues- it kept wanting me to turn WiFi on and use UConnectB8 to connect bluetooth as well. Eventually I just let it do whatever it wanted, then once connected adjusted accordingly. I had to "Forget this device" a couple times and re-pair because it was taking forever to link up, but after that it seemed fine. I think I need to get used to it, or it periodically needs to clear the cache. Minor inconveniences to just be able to get into the Jeep and not mess with my phone, or Carplay randomly crashing, etc.


@Motobilt Diffs were wore brushed, wiped down, painted with 2 coats of POR-15, painted orange (because of course, duh), then installed. These things are BEEFY. 2x as thick as factory. Worth noting, the fill plugs are 3/8” hex head, not the standard OEM square 3/8” drive- and the plugs have a larger diameter than factory so you can’t just swap them. I had to get creative with painters tape and vice grips, then find a 3/8” bolt and stack hex nuts on it, and I’ll have to use a deep well socket because apparently none of the stores near me carry or will even acknowledge the existence of a 3/8”hex head Allen key. .
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build D30F2457-94EC-4A78-ABF3-785312C81CF7

Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 88904E7A-B087-467D-ABE9-0DBB21DFE92C
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 30461F3E-F935-4E53-9D86-6333E0A89DA0

i used painters tape and a box cutter to mask off the Motobilt logo. Looks like my brief time in art school didn't go completely to waste! HA! Anyway, It came out ok, but don’t look too closely. Depending on how this all holds up, I may pull them off next year and redo the entire thing. Refilled the diffs with Mobil 1 Full synthetic 75W140
Crappy paint job due to the fact that the paint I normally use dries in 2 hours, but whatever this kind is takes 9+ hours to dry- (notice the HIGHLY CUSTOM overspray from some touch up).

Diff skids and Locker Solenoid were not installed due to lack of time thanks to the delays I faced (mostly wife/kid related). I will try to get them done this coming week.

jack rack almost worked like a charm except there was almost 6” on either side of the mounting bolts that are supposed to hold the jack- meaning the Jack could not span the gap across the tub. I’ve got a few ideas how to fix this but it will require a trip to the hardware store. If it works out and I am satisfied, I’ll post pics and a write up.

Really stoked on all this stuff. My 3 year old was in the garage with me during the diff jobs, and didn't get paint/ gear oil all over the place- he seemed interested, climbing under the Jeep and pointing to everything, asking questions, and even remembered how a differential works (from a previous explanation) when I pulled the covers and point to the gears.
 
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Alright, finally back from wheeling and a week of staycation. Pics from the first ride! Hell of a way to test out the Rubi- Trip to Rausch Creek with Adirondack Jeeps / New England Jeepz. Earned 2 Badges of Honor (Trail 11 and Crawler Ridge). Didn’t get over to Crawl Daddy before I had to hit the road to get home.

Locker solenoid Guard and rear diff skid finally installed.

Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build F4789855-8CA6-40AC-BD20-D1D15C18BEC7


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 6E2BAB39-3755-49E9-A019-B15194C2E0BA

Pic of the front Diff skid clearance.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 3E17DE17-F972-4FC2-8F22-9F32421C015A

Skid clearances
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 52856B77-A749-4792-AC98-DFD19D193116

Re-homed and organized a bunch of stuff. FYI: 48" HiLift fits under the rear passenger seat. So, that's where it lives now, strapped down with my tools and jumper cables.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 04D59482-AA7D-4CBF-A2C6-B19878142A66


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build BD26FC90-0122-4124-A711-A6450C9A4236

Packed and ready for Adventure. Picked up a Ozark Trail 52 Qt Cooler for this trip. Barely fit in the back, but after some rearranging it worked fine.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build B7B693C1-6D7A-42C6-B75C-E87EA46339C1


Now, for the Trip:
Left my place before 5AM Saturday, was in line at Rausch by 10am.
7AM off I84 in Orange County NY, I believe. Hot Air Balloons?
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 67D96AD0-562E-4063-A517-7406578B292D

PA line
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build E95CF063-49FA-4884-8CA6-C83EC37EFE3D

Getting ready to get on the trail.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 35A08079-79BE-4AF0-B8D0-94C1A33E75C8


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 1FFA70DC-C9EA-4FF7-A04A-2E056CF02F80

Waiting in line. I think this is Crawler Ridge, but I have to look at the map.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 30E2C389-B123-4377-AF9A-B8C848E7AE21


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build D55DE88F-E95B-4007-8495-A95F600B2EB5


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build FDF060AD-ED82-4DE9-A688-7C0567292854

Stopping for lunch.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 25D4CD52-9FDE-47B1-822B-A24582E9D185

Using my @Springtail Solutions tailgate table. Had some questions, a lot of people liked this one.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 1598752257318


Steve from New England Jeepz in the Blue Rubi. 2.5" Rock Krawler XFactor kit, 37x12.5x17R (Coopers, I think, but they might have been Toyos).
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 029BFF03-B5D0-472F-8604-BF43BDE802A8

Paul from New England Jeepz in the Granite Crystal JLUR. on 3" , 38" Pats and Spyderlocks, if i recall correctly.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 70259A34-1070-4BA4-BE1C-2AAB54686E80

These guys (and Pete, in the gray JKR, seen in a few other pics) were my trail group for most of the weekend. Excellent spotters, drivers, and good guys to have on the trail. Talking tech with Paul and Steve and actually being able to go over their rigs with them was invaluable as I haven't really been able to do that with other JL owners who actually use their Jeeps outside this forum. Pictures are helpful but can only make up for so much. (More on that in analysis).


Been saving this. It was an extra I had bought when I went to Rausch in 2010 with my old Red TJ. Never made it there with the Blue Rubi. So, this one earned it.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 22F2C563-7C7A-4519-9C35-0CD2CDC0D1F2


Badges earned on day 1
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 8A61861B-BB97-41E0-BD40-4A7F1538EE56

Cooking Dinner:
Cheddar Jalapeno sausages and marinated Peppers (red/green), Onion (red), and Potatoes with Taco cheese. Marinade was Olive Oil, Garlic, Sea salt and black pepper. Cooked on my Coleman Camp stove. Thanks to my Overlanding pals at work for the tips and Chef Swain and his community for the recipies.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 44149161-3B14-4E2A-814E-170F96D53922

Day 2, the Purple Trail that runs along Rock Creek
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build B0ADCDD7-1416-4802-B800-239E1817ECC5

Rusty old Winch line found on the side of the trail.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build C53FB388-92EF-4491-B7F0-21DF05AEBD1D


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 0B06E7A4-EDD0-4442-8D7A-D09214480BE6

Heading out. I think this was 10A? 15 degree slant and 2 degree incline
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 62C946BD-C91D-400F-BE50-BE1624C8E257



Aftermath:
Crossmember got folded
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 3F5FD475-9CC9-49A5-8FD5-2749255B68E2

Aluminum skids took a beating, got bent upward a bit but otherwise held up. Everything else took some decent shots but held the line.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Analysis:
So, obviously, some tweaks need to happen:
-Overhead CB bar needs to go, or at least move. There is limited head room in the JLUR and with this thing, I could not sit up in my seat to look over the hood, without whacking my head. I'm not a tall guy by any means either (5'9") so this just needs to get moved. I've got a few ideas but nothing solid yet.
HiLift fitting under the seats was a nice surprise. I don't ever fold the seats down with the kids, so that's a good enough place for now.
-Camping/ even Traveling light required some thinking with how to arrange and secure cargo in the back. I ended up using my Jack rack (angle iron) bolted to the bed rails and a bungee cargo net to keep things planted.
-Coleman stove and table will become more permanent fixtures when wheeling as they take up very little room and for the value they add, it's a no brainer.
- I think I have a cheap/easy solution to reuse the OEM LED Fogs, however I did not have time to get it installed before leaving. Look for that in the future.
-I did the fender tubing mod, but ended up pulling it off. It lets sediment get trapped between the foam and the paint. that will wear it away over time, so I yanked it and tossed it. If you're worried, just wash your rig once a month, or something.
-After doing some research and talking with Steve and Paul, I think I'm going to end up going with the LOD Destroyer Rear Bumper with the swingout. I liked the Hinge based carriers but in the last week I've seen 3 different instances where someone caught their rear tire on a ledge (or something) and it bent the tailgate.
-I was equally surprised to see that Steve was running 37X12.5x17R on a Rock Krawler 2.5" XFactor, with their RRD shocks. It was the lift with Lower control arms and springs only. Still drives fantastic on the street, and performed great on the trail.
-Rookie mistake: Wait for the sway bar light to come on. That's how you know it's disconnected.
-If I plan on sleeping in the Jeep again, I should probably test fit everything. I ended up grabbing a hotel room due to my poor planning.
-Overall, I'm very impressed with the JLUR. It's nearly stock and managed to hang with some pretty advanced builds on some Black level trails at Rausch. That speaks volumes of the level of engineering Jeep has put into these vehicles and the amount of improvements added. The JL is a legit "best of both worlds" rig, especially in Rubicon trim.
-It was great to get out on the trail again with my friends (New and Old) in ADKJ, NEJZ, and the few others we picked up on this trip. I have a few more pics, but when your group consists of several people driving rigs you've always bench built in your mind, you know you're with the right people.
For those curious:
Bobby: 86 CJ7, 360 V8, D300. linked on 37's and tons.
Chris: 06 LJ Rubi on 35's. Manual Trans
Tim: 04 WJ V8 on 35's/ Long arms, w/ full armor and swing out tire carrier
Todd: 60? Jeepster Commando on 42" Pitbull Rockers and tons. Bright teal, full cage, can haul 4 in racing seats and harnesses. This thing was so awesome.
Toyota Steve: 80's(?) Toyota 4 Runner. Custom half doors, Bobbed and narrowed, caged, Linked, tons, 37's? I don't even know. This thing cold climb walls, and had 3 racing seats in the back for his 3 kids (all under 8). They seemed to just ride along and chill. He also hauls it in a converted school bus "camper" with a generator.

If was a really fun trip. I Love Rausch Creek and can't wait to go back, hopefully sooner than another decade. (I do wish they had showers though. It was hot and we were covered in the coal dust).
 
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Akbill

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Alright, finally back from wheeling and a week of staycation. Pics from the first ride! Hell of a way to test out the Rubi- Trip to Rausch Creek with Adirondack Jeeps / New England Jeepz. Earned 2 Badges of Honor (Trail 11 and Crawler Ridge). Didn’t get over to Crawl Daddy before I had to hit the road to get home.

Locker solenoid Guard and rear diff skid finally installed.

Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Pic of the front Diff skid clearance.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Skid clearances
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Re-homed and organized a bunch of stuff. FYI: 48" HiLift fits under the rear passenger seat. So, that's where it lives now, strapped down with my tools and jumper cables.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Packed and ready for Adventure. Picked up a Ozark Trail 52 Qt Cooler for this trip. Barely fit in the back, but after some rearranging it worked fine.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Now, for the Trip:
Left my place before 5AM Saturday, was in line at Rausch by 10am.
7AM off I84 in Orange County NY, I believe. Hot Air Balloons?
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

PA line
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Getting ready to get on the trail.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Waiting in line. I think this is Crawler Ridge, but I have to look at the map.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Stopping for lunch.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Using my @Springtail Solutions tailgate table. Had some questions, a lot of people liked this one.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Steve from New England Jeepz in the Blue Rubi. 2.5" Rock Krawler XFactor kit, 37x12.5x17R (Coopers, I think, but they might have been Toyos).
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Paul from New England Jeepz in the Granite Crystal JLUR. on 3" , 38" Pats and Spyderlocks, if i recall correctly.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

These guys (and Pete, in the gray JKR, seen in a few other pics) were my trail group for most of the weekend. Excellent spotters, drivers, and good guys to have on the trail. Talking tech with Paul and Steve and actually being able to go over their rigs with them was invaluable as I haven't really been able to do that with other JL owners who actually use their Jeeps outside this forum. Pictures are helpful but can only make up for so much. (More on that in analysis).


Been saving this. It was an extra I had bought when I went to Rausch in 2010 with my old Red TJ. Never made it there with the Blue Rubi. So, this one earned it.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Badges earned on day 1
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Cooking Dinner:
Cheddar Jalapeno sausages and marinated Peppers (red/green), Onion (red), and Potatoes with Taco cheese. Marinade was Olive Oil, Garlic, Sea salt and black pepper. Cooked on my Coleman Camp stove. Thanks to my Overlanding pals at work for the tips and Chef Swain and his community for the recipies.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Day 2, the Purple Trail that runs along Rock Creek
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Rusty old Winch line found on the side of the trail.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Heading out. I think this was 10A? 15 degree slant and 2 degree incline
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC



Aftermath:
Crossmember got folded
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC

Aluminum skids took a beating, got bent upward a bit but otherwise held up. Everything else took some decent shots but held the line.
Jeep Wrangler JL RubiSc0tt's Big Orange Jeep build 5CE3EAE2-17E7-490A-9CB4-FF21301C45EC


Analysis:
So, obviously, some tweaks need to happen:
-Overhead CB bar needs to go, or at least move. There is limited head room in the JLUR and with this thing, I could not sit up in my seat to look over the hood, without whacking my head. I'm not a tall guy by any means either (5'9") so this just needs to get moved. I've got a few ideas but nothing solid yet.
HiLift fitting under the seats was a nice surprise. I don't ever fold the seats down with the kids, so that's a good enough place for now.
-Camping/ even Traveling light required some thinking with how to arrange and secure cargo in the back. I ended up using my Jack rack (angle iron) bolted to the bed rails and a bungee cargo net to keep things planted.
-Coleman stove and table will become more permanent fixtures when wheeling as they take up very little room and for the value they add, it's a no brainer.
- I think I have a cheap/easy solution to reuse the OEM LED Fogs, however I did not have time to get it installed before leaving. Look for that in the future.
-I did the fender tubing mod, but ended up pulling it off. It lets sediment get trapped between the foam and the paint. that will wear it away over time, so I yanked it and tossed it. If you're worried, just wash your rig once a month, or something.
-After doing some research and talking with Steve and Paul, I think I'm going to end up going with the LOD Destroyer Rear Bumper with the swingout. I liked the Hinge based carriers but in the last week I've seen 3 different instances where someone caught their rear tire on a ledge (or something) and it bent the tailgate.
-I was equally surprised to see that Steve was running 37X12.5x17R on a Rock Krawler 2.5" XFactor, with their RRD shocks. It was the lift with Lower control arms and springs only. Still drives fantastic on the street, and performed great on the trail.
-Rookie mistake: Wait for the sway bar light to come on. That's how you know it's disconnected.
-If I plan on sleeping in the Jeep again, I should probably test fit everything. I ended up grabbing a hotel room due to my poor planning.
-Overall, I'm very impressed with the JLUR. It's nearly stock and managed to hang with some pretty advanced builds on some Black level trails at Rausch. That speaks volumes of the level of engineering Jeep has put into these vehicles and the amount of improvements added. The JL is a legit "best of both worlds" rig, especially in Rubicon trim.
-It was great to get out on the trail again with my friends (New and Old) in ADKJ, NEJZ, and the few others we picked up on this trip. I have a few more pics, but when your group consists of several people driving rigs you've always bench built in your mind, you know you're with the right people.
For those curious:
Bobby: 86 CJ7, 360 V8, D300. linked on 37's and tons.
Chris: 06 LJ Rubi on 35's. Manual Trans
Tim: 04 WJ V8 on 35's/ Long arms, w/ full armor and swing out tire carrier
Todd: 60? Jeepster Commando on 42" Pitbull Rockers and tons. Bright teal, full cage, can haul 4 in racing seats and harnesses. This thing was so awesome.
Toyota Steve: 80's(?) Toyota 4 Runner. Custom half doors, Bobbed and narrowed, caged, Linked, tons, 37's? I don't even know. This thing cold climb walls, and had 3 racing seats in the back for his 3 kids (all under 8). They seemed to just ride along and chill. He also hauls it in a converted school bus "camper" with a generator.

If was a really fun trip. I Love Rausch Creek and can't wait to go back, hopefully sooner than another decade. (I do wish they had showers though. It was hot and we were covered in the coal dust).
the overhead cb bar- did you find a solution to that head banging?
 
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RubiSc0tt

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the overhead cb bar- did you find a solution to that head banging?
Yep, I took it out for now. I removed the trim piece on the back of the windshield and found some bolts. I have some L Brackets from other projects. I THINK I can modify those, bolt them up to the bolts behind the trim piece, and bolt the CB mounting bracket to the other side. This will all be above the rear view mirror. I just haven't had the chance to make any of the modifications yet.
 

Akbill

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Yep, I took it out for now. I removed the trim piece on the back of the windshield and found some bolts. I have some L Brackets from other projects. I THINK I can modify those, bolt them up to the bolts behind the trim piece, and bolt the CB mounting bracket to the other side. This will all be above the rear view mirror. I just haven't had the chance to make any of the modifications yet.
take a look at [Banned Site]’s overhead cb bar kit he sells. Maybe it is further forward. my concern would be the risk of head injuries with any steel obstacles mounted directly in the occupants motion safety zone. A seatbelt would not stop you from hitting the overhead crossbar if you are tall or if the seat is up all the way, especially off road.
 

Akbill

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take a look at [Banned Site]’s overhead cb bar kit he sells. Maybe it is further forward. my concern would be the risk of head injuries with any steel obstacles mounted directly in the occupants motion safety zone. A seatbelt would not stop you from hitting the overhead crossbar if you are tall or if the seat is up all the way, especially off road.
banned site?
Sponsored

 
 



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