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Wife friendly rubicon build

5K views 27 replies 15 participants last post by  2014RubiX 
#1 ·
This build started as an attempt to meet 2 different needs -
1. Build a vehicle that can long run replace a trailer only 4runner as the family wheeler, and
2. Be my wife's daily driver and something that both her and the kids enjoy every day.

To meet #2 we started with a 2015 rubicon with way too many extras (who knew you could get leather seats on a wrangler).
How we bought her -
 
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#2 ·
The general plan for the build called for:
1. 2.5" lift
2. 35" tires
3. new sliders with rub bars for both the step and the rock protection
4. front and rear bumpers

The first purchase was a 2.5" Rubicon express lift from 4wheel parts in Raleigh. So far we're happy with it, but next time we'll do more research and end up with KJeeper's recommended 2.5" teraflex version most likely.

How it looked with only that on the trails:
 
#3 ·
Next we had to get some unexpected basics out of the way.
1. Sunshade - screaming toddlers are unpleasant, so keeping the sun out of their eyes became a priority. Spiderweb shade installed and that problem was fixed.
2. Hi-lift - initially no place to put that, so we added a high lift mount.
3. Antenna - we took enough antenna whips on the trail that the stock was replaced with the AntennaX version. Since we listen only to Sirius or bluetooth, no difference in reception.
4. Grill insert - got this one just for aesthetics - JWM4x4.
5. storage for the tailgate. Easy enough to install, but still scary to drill holes into a 2 month old vehicle.




 
#9 ·
Next we had to get some unexpected basics out of the way.

5. storage for the tailgate. Easy enough to install, but still scary to drill holes into a 2 month old vehicle.


This was scary for me too! But after it was done it looks great. my neighbor got envious and I'm pretty sure he is ordering his soon. :happyyes:
 
#4 ·
Finished up the three next steps on the build last weekend. The bumpers got installed before the uwharrie trip, and the sliders came just after.
We went with the LOD mid after significant debate - we wanted more than a stubby, but wanted to avoid a full width which narrowed down the good choices quickly.


Similar issues on the rear - We wanted mostly full coverage, but wanted the tailgate swingaway to work easily while the vehicle was still new. So LOD stubby without the tire carrier it was. We're already second guessing this one - the stock 32" tire didn't fit with the bumper until the relocation bracket we got for the 35's was installed. I guess we will see once the 35 is mounted if it works.
 
#5 ·
The sliders proved to be the most exciting piece - We originally ordered them in mid february, but ran into legit out of stock issues from extreme terrain so had to change plans. After the initial barricade sliders fell through we switched to a more long term solution and went with RockHard 4x4 sliders. Even those proved exicting since their vendors claimed in stock but kept pushing delivery. Many thanks to Rock Hard for helping me out and helping me get them directly from them once that vendor fell through.

The sliders are excellent, but there were a lot of issues getting the body mounts to screw back in - one of them needs a new body mount needs to be replaced with slightly longer one for it to thread correctly (I hope).
 
#7 ·
So far so good. Almost forgot the most important mod -
Fixed (most of the) crappy sound in the jeep. Thanks to Pressurized and RubiconSS for the tips. This was the thread I used for most of the info:
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/speaker-upgrade-infinity-6032si-904409.html
For a 2015 the things I learned on the stereo upgrade -
1. The infinity speakers are a huge upgrade over the premium even in the 2015. it does leave the new 2.5" stock tweeters in the soundbar but still better
2. Even in the 2015, the subwoofer is really medicore. loud echoing bass, but not clean at all. The 2014 and below replacement doesn't fit, but putting polyfill in the enclosure helped with the echoing. So still worth removing for the 5 minutes it takes to put the polyfill in.

After these mods we're finally happy with how it sounds. The tweeter mod will get done, but that one makes me more nervous.
 
#14 ·
Great job!
 
#17 ·
Wife friendly jeep build ? First off my 2012 jku auto is mine ! I put DV8 bumpers front and rear, 9.5 xrc synthetic , 50" 40" two 5" and a 20" rigid liter .... Guy has to see. Has DV8 rock runner suspension with JKS QUICKER DISCOS , 4:88 gears and front and rear air lockers! Plus full belly skids and lod sliders . Just got my adventure trailer fully outfitted from the boys in Presscott ..nav cb satellite phone, 35 12.5 18 nitto trail grasp mt all around including trailer wit xd rock stars in the center.
Now what makes this a wife built jeep :) I bought her a new Porsche before I made all the mods so I would not have to listen to her lol
 
#21 ·
Wife friendly because this is her car. So we've had to keep it comfortable on the street.
Follow-up on a few of the parts -
1. the wheels and tires are holding up great. As everyone said, they are the bully pros from level 8. Talk to the DTD forum member and he can get you a great price for those and the tires.
2. Going without the tire carrier on the LOD bumper was a mistake. the gate didn't like carrying the 35 around, so we've had to get the teraflex tailgate hinge and adjustable tire carrier. More pics of these once the tire carrier is installed, but one finding is that with the LOD bumper you need to run one size up on tires because it is missing the tire bump out. So we run out 35" tire on the 37" tire setting.
 
#23 ·
Wow really did not mean to offend , was more a little humor!
Listen I guess it takes all kinds, I was blessed in life to be able to have a wife that both appreciates comfort and the finer things in life, but at the same time loves adventure and thrills.
She is just as much at home in our luxury cars as she is crawling around moab and trekking cross country off road for weeks at a time.
So if I offended you with my sense of humor I apologize ....kinda
Mike
 
#25 ·
Brass, although similar color from a distance. Each one is a small brass piece that is screwed in. We like the look, and like that you can replace the rock plate if it gets too damaged. But your local discount tire will hate you for the install. each one had to be screwed in with a hex wrench, so tire install took significantly longer than normal.
 
#26 ·
I love it !!!
Nobody has a sense of humor !!
Truth is I did buy her a new Porsche so I could go about building the ultimate wife friendly jeep!
The one that suits me !
See my wife does not whine about things !!!
Nor do I whine about things she does !
She loves "my" jeep because it's great looking and totally functional .
It's not a mall crawler ... As that is left to one of the other vehicles she relies on. .
So Mr. Whiner,I say this for all that lost there sense of humor when the wife put the ring on !
Get her what she wants and you get what you want !!!
And quit acting like ...oh why does my jeep look like this ??? Because my wife made me do it this way thats why. !!!
And lighten up !!!
 
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