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another Rubicon...

Author Topic: another Rubicon...  (Read 29329 times)

Offline Wingman

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another Rubicon...
« on: April 11, 2011, 09:58:19 PM »
I suppose I should start one of these.  I\'ve been reluctant because I work slow and rarely take picutres.  While not the most interesting build on these pages, maybe you\'ll appreciate some small part.

Once upon a time...

After having many different kinds of 4x4s, I bought another Jeep.  As you can see, there have been many...



I wanted to keep a low COG.  Learning from my previous TJ, I scavanged most of the good parts from it including the Skyjacker 2.5\" lift, Warn winch, steering skid, and rear bumper/tire carrier.



Along the way, I added a 1\" body lift, a set of \"Lightning Links\" from Nth degree, and a set of lower control arms from Rusty\'s.



I also bought a lightly used gas tank skid from a club member.  My last tank was banged up pretty good.


Offline Wingman

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2011, 11:27:00 AM »
Some more progress over the last few weeks.  Keeping with the low COG theme, I opted for a Tummy Tucker from Nth Degree.  Impressive quality and design, excellent instructions, and no real surprises during install.

Compare:


Before:


After:


With the additional drivetrain height, I needed to upgrade to a CV shaft and rotate my rear pinion up.  Nth Degree deletes the UCAs and replaces it with this \"Stinger\".  It bolts to the diff slider and compliments the system nicely.  Also shown is my new Tom Woods drive shaft.


The axle rotation caused my track bar to bind against the gas tank skid.  So a call to Rusty\'s for their adjustable piece solved this issue.  I love Rusty\'s parts!  Stout and priced right.


During the install, I also found that my Advance Adapters t-case shifter bracket hit the tunnel.  I did a little research and found this set up by Novak.  As you can see comparing the old stuff above to the new system below, it simplified things dramatically!



Vic at OEM reworked my front shaft.  It had a frozen slip yoke, bad u-joints, and needed a new CV.  Nice work Vic!

Offline MrMindless

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2011, 03:08:57 PM »
I look forward to seeing the new rear suspension in person

It looks like an interesting change. Nice upgrades!
Michael Maskalans
#571 Last Minute Motorsports
High Miler: 07.5 Ram 6.7 6sp 4x2, ARB, 19.5s
2003 R'Audi Allroad 6sp
Road Block: 98 Dakota 203/205 triple stick, 42" SXs
Dumpbus: 97 Ram 24v P-pumped, RoadRanger 13sp
'87 AMC Eagle Wagon

Offline Wingman

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2011, 03:31:59 PM »
It\'s an option (although pricey) for those guys who tear off their UCA mounts.  A set of LCAs should complete the rear.  Ice Breaker will be good proving ground.  Not expecting much more articulation but the ground clearance will be appreciated!

Offline AWL4928

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2011, 07:21:31 AM »
I think when I called Tom Woods they said it\'s now included in their instructions, but if not, make sure to grease the ball socket on the cv joint. I learned the hard way-they fail after a year with no grease. It\'s really tough to see, and usually you have to drop the front of the shaft to get at it.

Offline Wingman

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2011, 12:03:42 PM »
Vic schooled me on that one.  It sure is a hidden grease zerk!

Offline jACeL86

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2011, 05:33:04 PM »
Indeed! Although New York Drivetrain saved me big time with a $60 complete rebuild.
'06 Rubicon, 5.5"RE tri-rear, 37" Trxus, Metal Cloak gear

Offline Wingman

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2011, 09:07:56 AM »
The rear stinger seemed to work great! The added clearance of the tummy tucker was a huge benefit, too.



My retreads were getting pretty torn up and worn, so I ordered a new set of BFG KM2s in the 35\" variety.  They worked GREAT!


Offline MrMindless

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2011, 10:05:12 AM »
That Nth degree system is really pretty spectacular.
Michael Maskalans
#571 Last Minute Motorsports
High Miler: 07.5 Ram 6.7 6sp 4x2, ARB, 19.5s
2003 R'Audi Allroad 6sp
Road Block: 98 Dakota 203/205 triple stick, 42" SXs
Dumpbus: 97 Ram 24v P-pumped, RoadRanger 13sp
'87 AMC Eagle Wagon

Offline Wingman

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #9 on: November 14, 2011, 04:10:18 PM »
After a season of hard wheeling, this thing needs some love.  Front LCA rubber bushings, front RCV shafts, wheel bearings, to name a few...

Anyone have a money tree that needs pruning?

Offline smichaelR22

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #10 on: November 14, 2011, 04:47:11 PM »
let me know when its getting dropped off :)
572 single seat race buggy
573 Brolite '97 Ranger, '96 backup ranger
1997 ZJ 35's
2014 Ram 4500 Cummins 6 speed 4x4
48' enclosed trailer

Offline MrMindless

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #11 on: November 15, 2011, 01:55:54 PM »
Drop a Rubi pick an Aveo?
Michael Maskalans
#571 Last Minute Motorsports
High Miler: 07.5 Ram 6.7 6sp 4x2, ARB, 19.5s
2003 R'Audi Allroad 6sp
Road Block: 98 Dakota 203/205 triple stick, 42" SXs
Dumpbus: 97 Ram 24v P-pumped, RoadRanger 13sp
'87 AMC Eagle Wagon

Offline Wingman

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #12 on: November 15, 2011, 02:13:41 PM »
The love mentioned above will be from me <3. smike will get his chance to love later in the winter season in the form of a windshield hoop and stringers.

Offline Wingman

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #13 on: November 30, 2011, 10:48:35 PM »
Over the past season, I've had a mystery thumping sound traversing bumps and pot holes.  I think I've located part of the issue...

Front LCAs and new bushings:



They've taken quite a beating!
« Last Edit: June 15, 2013, 04:36:34 PM by Wingman »

Offline Wingman

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Re: another Rubicon...
« Reply #14 on: November 30, 2011, 10:55:59 PM »
While on a Rausch Creek trip in November, I finally broke a stub shaft (driver).



The delivery guy dropped these at my door today.  It may be a little overkill, but they sure are sweet!



More later...
« Last Edit: June 15, 2013, 04:36:07 PM by Wingman »

 

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