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Rubicon Express 3.5" Super-Flex

20K views 80 replies 27 participants last post by  Xjman1  
#1 ·
I recently bought a 2004 Jeep Tj. The jeep is nice but has massive "death wobble" over 50mph. It scares the sh&t out of me. Anyways I have to go through every nook and crany to make sure nothing broken, everything tightened, etc change out bolts; all the things some of the more experienced guys/gals on here have suggested. So figured since I'm doing all that why not lift the jeep and and in the process replace some of the parts that could contribute to the death wobble (e.g., track bar). I've done as much research as my inexperienced Jeep mind can do and decided on the Rubicon Express 3.5 (more like a 4" from what i've read) Super-Flex. Found a deal at 4x4 group buy for the RE-7000-3 plus RE shocks, SYE and Tom wood's driveshaft for $1799.95. Seems like a good deal. Probably gonna replace the steering stabilzer too. Anything else I should replace?
 
#3 ·
Just a heads up: make sure you have thick skin. There's a lot of opinion out there about Rubicon Express you might not like. I was pretty shocked to read some of the commentary.

I have the same kit you're considering and haven't had a problem with it yet. Quite frankly, I'm enjoying it.
 
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#5 ·
The new bushings in the kit are holding up from what I read.. They been out for over aprox 1-1/2 years and carries a lifetime guarantee. This all changed when 4 Wheel parts bought the company. Prior to that there were huge problems with the previous or old style bushing types. $1799.00 plus freight ($120-150) is not bad, add a rear adj track bar for another $145.00. Groupbuy was the 2nd lowest cost I found.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
These are the bushings the 'new' RE arms come with now: RE Daystar poly bushings splitting - JeepForum.com

RE bushings were crap in the past before the moved to a harder, more brittle, less compliant bushing with less misalignment capability. I called it the moment I saw the 'new bushing' announcement and I was right..... if you'd like to disregard my recommendation of not going with RE, go right ahead. At least they use better components than Rustys.
 
#10 ·
I got the deal 10 months ago great deal get the adj lowers as well for another 150 or whatever the price was It rides great, I got 4.5 up front 3.5 rear to level it but rear still sat high so idk if its springs or my I6 and winch are just that much heavier
 
#25 · (Edited)
Don't waste money on RE. Research, research, and research then spend money on quality components. It's cheaper in the long run as you won't have replace stuff.
I would love to see an in-depth write-up on lift geometry if one doesn't already exist. The 1% of concrete information is pretty drowned out by the 99% of opinion, and it can be extremely frustrating for newbs to research.
 
#15 ·
I can't see the arms playing much roll in the DW. The track bar, steering TREs, ball joints, alignment, steering stabilizer and tire balance are where to focus your attention. But its possible that the suspension arms are worn out and allowing a front to rear movement in the axle, so buy a bad ass lift kit and the worst that happens is you still have to fix the DW on your jeep with a bad add lift!
 
#16 ·
I run RE control arms and track bar in the front. No real issues but it's not my daily driver. When I got the jeep a local shop re-did my front components with RE and I wish I had done some more research, but had major DW and tracking problems and was anxious to get out and ride. Thinking of swapping out to curry JJ's all around (I'm still stock in the rear components) for better adjustabilty (and hopefully ride), as I will be doing the rear end anyway and getting rid of transfer case drop and going to a SYE.
 
#18 ·
I had the death wobble. I replaced the steering stabilizer, tie rod bushings, and sway bar bushings and it wobble still but not as bad as before. I ended up replacing by rotors and the problem was fixed. The damn PO had never replaced the rotors and apparently never did any work on the brakes and the rotors were horribly warped.
 
#19 ·
Now you're getting into a whole different subject and aren't really giving accurate advice. First off, the steering stabilizer and sway bar bushings have absolutely nothing....nada, 0....to do with DW due to the fact that they serve no purpose in locating the axle housing. The TRE's are a secondary cause of wobbles but are not, under normal circumstances, a primary culprit. Secondly, brake rotors don't warp. That's a very common myth. The vibrations you felt when braking were due to uneven brake pad material transfer, the rotor was still straight as an arrow. That's hardly a cause of DW but was instead a trigger. The real problem is still present if you haven't addressed it already.
 
#20 ·
I bought the same set back in 2010 and at the time it was all i needed. When I started to wheel harder I noticed the rubber bushing ends were in bad shape. I replaced them in the middle of last year, but I must have bought the older style bushing as they didnt hold up. I have now replaced both sets of rears with Currie arms and about to buy the Currie front lowers next week. If what I hear is true about improved bushings, I will replace them in my arms and make someone a great deal.
I still run their springs and agree they seem closer to 4". I also never had any problem with the Flex end of their joints. I also dont think their kit comes with adjustable rear upper arms and that is what I had on mine.
 
#21 ·
this is your only warning... if you're going to post just to argue - don't bother. :firedevil: if you're posting valid information... to assist the OP in selecting a proper lift for his rig, then keep it up.... :thumb: remember we're posting here to help him. not argue about who's opinion is accurate.

if you disagree with someone, move on or politely present your side of the argument. no need to get irritated and incite a flame fest because someone disagrees with your perspective.

thanks,
-the management
 
#22 ·
Ok I’m in almost the same position as the OP apart from the DW. I have been researching hard for 3 months and I had almost decided to settle for the RE 3.5” Super Flex kit for the convenience of buying everything in one go, those who have it seem to like it and it seems good value for money. Then after reading this post I’m in doubt again. :banghead: I have a 2006 65th TJ 4.0 and I’m looking at running 33”s. It’s a daily driver and weekend warrior, so what are the collective thoughts on Currie Enterprises TJ Complete Set 8 Johnny Joint Arms with RE 3.5” springs (they seem to get very good reviews), Bilstein 5100 shocks, SYE and Tom Woods CV Driveshaft</SPAN> and Old Man Emu Steering Stablizer</SPAN>? :hide:

Have I missed anything?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
</SPAN>
 
#23 ·
I will only comment on parts I have actually used /owned. If I had done better research before buying (like you are) I would have bought the Currie arms to begin with. They are more costly, but I wouldnt be buying a second set like I am now. If they have finally solved their bushing problem, maybe they are better.

Like I said before, I am happy with the RE springs and havent had any problems with the superflex ends. I havent run the Bilstein shocks so i cant speak to them, but I had a set of Rancho 9000s and really liked them! Tom Woods DSs are top notch!!
 
#24 ·
I too also did some research & recently ordered the RE 3.5” Super Flex kit. Also essentially for the convenience (all in one-good value for money). Then after reading this post I’m having some 2nd thoughts as well. Same deal: Run 33”s, daily driver-weekend warrior. I called and found out I can update my arms from RE to JJ's for a small added on fee. I know the JJ's are top, just got pulled into a full kit. My only quesion is will vibration. Will I feel more, less, or the same amount when compared to the RE arms? :hide:
 
#26 ·
Jeffreybomb said:
I would love to see an in-depth write-up on lift geometry if one doesn't already exist. The 1% of concrete information is pretty drowned out by the 99% of opinion, and it can be extremely frustrating for newbs to research.
What do you mean by "lift geometry" ?
way too many variables :confused:
 
#27 ·
So talking with RE It seemed that they originally had rubber bushing arms, then went to a Daystar (replacement) bushings in the "same arms". Now, it seems they have newly created arms with dif 2 joints: "Super-Flex: featuring 8 new control arms, upper front and rear adjustable with our serviceable Super-Flex spherical ball joints, (similar to J-joints and the other end is a P-Meg Poly bushing. So, It sounds (seems) like a few people may have this newer/latest style, but it sounds like most may have the "old arms" and have tossed them, or put replacement Daystar bushings in, and or possibly the latest bushing in them (the old arms)? Does anyone have bad issues with the latest (re-designed) arms equipped with the P-Meg bushings? Curious...
 
#33 ·
Thanks everyone for the help. After much deliberation and reading of some very informative write-ups, I've canceled my order for the RE kit. I came super close to going with the MetalCloak kit but in the end after talking with both MetalCloak (awesome kit by the way) and Currie, I'm poning up the doe for the Currie kit. I'll let everyone know how the install goes as I'm installing it myself with the help of friends.
 
#35 ·
Honestly, the only reason is that I have two friends that run the Currie and they swear by it. I wasn't planning on spending this much in the beginning so Currie or Metalcloak were never in the running. After your post everything sort of changed. These guys did the install themselves so getting their help will be a plus too.
 
#39 ·
Rokmen just moved to a new shop, they still need to set up their CNC machines. So they need every dime they can make right now. Does metalcloak offer a complete set up to include trackbar, SYE, driveline and springs for under $2000..... I doubt it.

If you want to be with the in crowd, just get some ARB stickers.