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Midnight Rubi Build

15K views 75 replies 21 participants last post by  ssinga 
#1 ·
After spending close to 3 yrs around my 2012 JK my soon-to-be 16yr old son decided that he wanted a Jeep as his 1st vehicle. I spent months looking hitting dead ends and missed deals until I found this 2004 TJ Rubicon. It's bone stock with a few flaws but in great shape for an 11yr old Jeep. It's a cool vehicle for any kid but we wanted to make it a touch cooler.

LET THE UPGRADES BEGIN!!

Big reveal day


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#8 ·
The first purchase happened with an unbeatable online sale. View attachment 2599817 This caused a dilemma 285/75-16 + stock suspension = more $$ View attachment 2599825
Interested in the wheel clearance to the chassis after you get the lift installed with the 285/75R16's on your Moab rims with 5 in backspaing. I'm thinking of the exact set up.
1. Do the rears clear the rear spring and rear shock ?
2. Do the fronts clear the springs and shocks ?
3. Any tire rub on full lock turns with the Lower Control Arm (inside tire) or Sway bar (outside tire) or did you have to adjust the steering stops in the knuckle with XX number of 1/16 in thick washers ?

Please let us know. We know many who run the 265/75R16's (32 dia by 10.4 wide) on the Moab rims with minimal issues but are not familiar with running the wider 33 in dia x 11.2 wide tire you have.
 
#6 ·
Very nice!
 
#7 ·
Got a late start today and with daylight fading quickly I got all the body mount bolts loosened. Loosened the fan shroud and then noticed the serpentine belt looked a little worn. Pulled it, ran to pick up a replacement and got it installed. Body lift will have to wait for another day.

Pre lift body height



Tire Tape measure Automotive tire Material property Automotive wheel system
 
#17 ·
Here is the aftermath Metalworking hand tool Cutting tool Tool
Suspension part Auto part Suspension Motor vehicle Vehicle
Auto part Suspension part Tire Suspension Automotive tire
Tire Automotive tire Auto part Suspension part Suspension
Auto part Vehicle Suspension Suspension part Tire
I Got a new Rubicon Express steering stabilizer installed last night and The jeep is out getting tires installed an alignment performed as I type. Can't wait to see it and neither can my son.

The Bad news is I'm going to have to lift mine. It's starting to look a little small in the driveway.



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#20 ·
Nice looking Jeep. I know my lift made a world of difference between the drive and just the look. Have fun having two Jeeps in the family. I know my one is enough to keep my parents on edge. They're just glad my brother is independent. He got his Jeep two weeks after I got mine.

I gotta question for you, did you buy your son one of those little electric Jeeps when he was younger? I know that's what started it for me when I was four years old.
 
#21 ·
Nice looking Jeep. I know my lift made a world of difference between the drive and just the look. Have fun having two Jeeps in the family. I know my one is enough to keep my parents on edge. They're just glad my brother is independent. He got his Jeep two weeks after I got mine. I gotta question for you, did you buy your son one of those little electric Jeeps when he was younger? I know that's what started it for me when I was four years old.
Thanks.

Funny you should mention the toy jeep. We had a red one.
 
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