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New 2014 JK Rubicon

2K views 15 replies 10 participants last post by  tblack494 
#1 ·
I have a new, stock 2104 JK Rubicon that I'd like to get ready for some moderate rock crawling. I've got about $5K towards upgrades, what would be the highest priority?
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#6 ·
A lift doesn't elevate your running gear. It just allows taller tires that do get your running gear up a bit. It really depends what you plan to do. Your Rubicon is a pretty capable machine for a lot of off roading if you take careful lines. If you plan to do serious rock crawling then a lift may be called for but from the sound of things, no insult intended, you may want to take some lessons first. The instructor can then assist with needed mods.
 
#8 ·
The technical reasons for installing a lift kit are sometimes misunderstood because it is so common to install these kits for the sole purpose of installing larger tires.

A taller suspension can provide more travel. Articulation, particularly asymmetrical wheel travel is important when traversing trail with numerous obstacles such as patches of rocks. If one side of the Jeep is rolling over a rock or mound that side of the suspension will compress but the opposite needs to droop far enough to maintain traction on the other tires.

The lift kit will also provide more clearance for the body and those parts attached to it including the engine, transmission and gas tank which tend to be exposes when traversing over rocks. The axles are the point of minimum clearance but they are by definition in line with the tires so the they move up and down at the same pace.

A lift kit will also improve your approach clearance. A 2.5-3" lift kit is a good starting point for mods. However, I highly recommend learning to drive off road in your stock JK since it is a quite capable vehicle. Then add the lift and tires to improve your skills not to overcome the lack of them. In the long run you enjoy it more and do less damage to your Jeep in the process.
 
#12 ·
Very well put. A couple of additional thoughts are that lifts and larger tires alter your Rubicon's geometry. Unless the right permutations are followed lifts can lead to instability and serious wear on the drive train. There are lots of posts about this on this site. And of course there is the issue of gas mileage with larger tires. Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
#9 ·
The only thing that sucks with the unlimited is the wheel base. ..well, unless the mother in law wants to go and it's easy for her to get back there. There is plenty of body armor and you will use it even on the smaller stuff.

What it really needs is height to clear things better. That means lift and tires. Just remember when you lift it, do it right and don't skim on anything or you won't like the ride.
 
#13 · (Edited)
I have the same jeep with the same plans. Here is what I have done. And have plans to do

1) As stated above get more skid plates. You have some skids that came stock but I added. Oil Pan skid, Teraflex diff covers and control arm skids.

2). CB radio and antenna. So you can joke around on the trail (and use in case of emergency)

3). Recovery tools. (Straps, Tools, chain, Jack etc) You can use your Hi-Lift as a winch in the most extreme circumstance. Slow moving but can be done if you don't have a winch.

4) Slush mats - The carpet mats that come stock blow.

You will probably be wheeling with a group of friends so head out with just the above I did, and still do and have a blast without a lift yet.

4) Spiderweb shade (cause they are awesome to have with the top off on and off road)

5) Lift ( Don't go cheap !!! You said Moderate wheeling) Metalcloak, RK and Teraflex are all highly rated. I have chosen Metalcloak 3.5 (To be installed in mid-January)

6) Tires - I don't have the cash for rims and tires but I don't want a lift with small tires. So I have chosen 35' Duratracs on stock rims. They seem to be a good compromise between aggressive look and on road manners.

7) Barricade Rock Rail - You have your rubi rails for protection but with a lift you need a way to get in so the Barricade rails are what I will use. They work as a great step, fit tight and go on with your rubi rails. Others also recommend ACE for the same thing.

8) Teraflex HD Tire Carrier - Your 35" tires will be heavy and you don't want to jack up your tailgate. Smittybilt has a cheaper option for carrying a heavier tire.

9) Bumpers/winch - The reason I have chosen to put this last is because I don't wheel alone or in deep mud. So until I get my own winch I will rely on my friends for a tug. I also cut the "wings" off my front bumper and put bumper caps on.

On top of all this I like having a good GPS running to map my route. I got lost once by myself and my GPS saved my A$$.

Thats my list. Everyones is different for different reasons. Some prefer bumpers and winches first or lift first. This is what made sense for me and my needs.
 
#15 ·
There has been a few posts about rock sliders. Personally, I would beat on the stock Rubicon ones first and then get better aftermarket ones.

On my Rubi, the gas tank plate takes the most damage. Well, that one and the TC plate. The TC plate is easy to bang out and repaint, but for the gas tank plate you have to drop the entire gas tank. It doesn't seem that hard to do. I started dropping it when I realize that it comes down with the tank itself and you have to disco all of the lines, etc. Spring project it is.
 
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