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2015 Rubicon "Tank" Build

6K views 11 replies 5 participants last post by  Leadnut 
#1 ·
Just starting a thread for the build of "Tank", my 2015 Rubicon. Here are a couple pictures of Tank when I brought him home...








He already has a few minor items taken care of, grab bars, rubber mats, fuel door replacement and a snatch strap just in case. Have a few things on order to take care of the horrible speakers Jeep felt necessary to stuff in this thing. Build plans are pretty mild, not looking to set the world on fire, just have a comfortable rig to take guests out on some of the scenic trails in Moab when they visit. Going to try and get the bumpers sorted before it goes to its new home in Moab. The lift kit can wait for a bit...also gives me time to sort through all the options once I decide on tire size and what I want to do with the fenders.


I think my first choice for the front bumper is this:


https://www.extremeterrain.com/redrock-4x4-crawler-stubby-front-bumper-w-winch-mount-0718-jk.html


I am kind of digging this for the rear...


https://www.morris4x4center.com/dv8...l?find=jeep-wrangler-jk-unlimited-2015-128968


Anyone with any input? I am all ears at this point...
 
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#3 ·
Progress is slow but steady...front bumper is installed...Hawes Fairlead installed...MOPAR side steps removed...Rubicon Rock Rails in their place. Secured a complete set of wheel spacers of the local CList for $40. Picked up the missing Freedom Top storage bag off there too. I fixed my cowl dent permanently with a little bit of armor. Kicker speakers installed all around. The factory speakers for the base radio are truly horrid. Just ordered the DV8-FS9 rear bumper from Quadratec today...Should be able to install that on Friday. And after last weeks trip to Iowa I broke down and bought the JL conversion hood latches for this thing. Hood flutter is a sight to behold.


So my mild build is down to the last 3 major upgrades/additions, 35's, AEV 2.5 Lift Kit and a winch. I think they can wait for now and I am going to spend a little bit of time enjoying 'Tank' in the red rock out in Moab.
 

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#4 ·
:welcome: to the Forum..:wavey:

Congrats on owning a Wrangler! Nice looking Ride..
 
#5 ·
Quadratec delivered Tank's new rear bumper today. I knew the rear bumper was plastic...but wow...that thing is absolutely worthless against anything more massive than a folding lawn chair. It's a DV8 rear...I think it looks fabulous! Tank is officially ready to head out to Moab to his new home in another 3 weeks. The rest of the mods will get done out there.
 

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#6 ·
Well, Tank is now at his permanent location in the mecca of four wheelin', Moab. I have a few parts piled up and ready to go on, a soft top, JW Speaker Headlights and Fogs, a WARN Evo winch, but it is the lift kit that has me frustrated. Hopefully one of you experienced folks can give me a little advice.

I am not trying to build a monster rig. I am fine with running the '5' and lower rated trails in the area. When guests come out and we do a little wheelin' I want them to say, "That was awesome!" and the end of the day and not scare the living daylights out of them.

Right now I am torn between the Teraflex 2.5 in. Sport S/T2 Suspension Lift Kit w/ Falcon 2.1 Shocks and the Mopar Stage I 2" Lift Kit with Fox Shocks. Max wheel size will be 35's. I see the biggest differences being the replacement driveshaft vs exhaust system spacers and new lower flex arms and a new trackbar. I want Tank to continue to be a reliable and comfortable chariot around town also.

I know there are folks with experience here...I am open to your thoughts...
 
#7 ·
This thread has been quiet for awhile. The build on Tank has continued. I am down to waiting for the last 2 items and they will probably not be available until winter sets in. I am still waiting on my wheel and tire package from Quadratec. Blank Rhino Abrams in Olive Green with 35x12.5x17 KO2's for rubber. Tires seem to be taking awhile to arrive. I have also ordered a set of 4.56 gears for the front and rear. Dixie4x4 in Moab will be handling that installation in January. But in the mean time I was able to get a set of Quadratec rock rails installed, a Smittybilt 9500lb winch has been nestled into its perch up front. Teraflex supplied the ST/2.5 lift kit with the Falcon 2.1 shocks and an upgraded track bar. The original radiator called it quits at 15K miles so I installed a new unit this May. I Smittybilt compressors sits in the back at the ready. I am looking forward to busy off-roading season next year as we are now retired and permanently residing in Moab. Hopefully I'll run into some of you at the Easter Jeep Safari! Here are a few pics of Tank...he needs his new shoes in the worst way...

4522085


4522086


Post lift-kit

4522087


4522088
 
#8 ·
It's been a long journey, but Tank finally got his new shoes and it's time for some trail time. The entire build has taken well over a couple of years...my wheel and tire package took 7 months and 4 days to arrive from the order date courtesy of the supply chain snafu we are currently living under. I am going to have a new set of gears installed this winter but in the mean time its time to start heading out for some fun here in Moab. Hope to see a bunch of you out here at the 2022 EJS!

Automotive parking light Tire Wheel Vehicle Automotive tire
 
#11 ·
Automotive parking light Wheel Tire Automotive side marker light Vehicle


So, I have taken this used Rubicon, which I purchased in 2019 with only 8,400 miles on it, and started reading and reviewing the threads on here for much of my direction as to my mods. This Jeep was delivered new with only 2 options beyond the base Rubicon, Automatic with Hill Descent Assist and the Tow Package. So far I have:

Rugged Ridge Stubby Front Bumper
DV8 Rear Bumper
Quadratec Rock Rails
Teraflex HD Spare Tire Carrier System
Teraflex ST/2.5 Complete Lift w/Falcon 2.1 Shocks
Teraflex HD Track Bar Front and Rear
MetalCloak Shock Relocators
Black Rhino Abrams Wheels with K02 Tires in 35x12.5x17
MOPAR Mud Mats through out. I threw the factory carpets away. Worthless here in Moab.
4.56 Motive Gears
Smittybilt Winch
Factor 55 Loop
Smittybilt Compressor
JW Speaker Headlights
JW Speaker Fog Lights
Kicker Speaker Replacements
JL Hood Latches
Roof Insulation and Noise Panels
Fire Extinguisher and Mount
Rugged Handheld Comm Radio
A 14" LED light is awaiting installation.
A fairly extension trail toolkit...just in case...

The question is...Does it ever stop or do I just keep updating, farkling, improving and fortifying in perpetuity??? Also, what other must have accessories/mods/farkles have I missed???

I await your replies...
 
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