My rubicon build thread slow

alex211 · 08-20-2011, 11:35 PM

I decided to start a thread about my modifications to my rubicon.

Started out stock with 145,000 miles and drove fine. So I tore it apart and installed a Zone 3" lift. I just got done bolting up the lift tonight.

stock

after

I haven't driven the jeep yet since the lift but by looking at the rear driveshaft I'm probably going to get some vibes. The lift came with a t-case drop but I really don't want to install it. If it does have some vibes will a 1" mml cure them? I don't have a slip yoke but the driveshaft is single cardan on both ends and the pinion is pointing up a little too much.

I am planning on ordering a 1.25 body lift, 1" mml, and 3/4 spacers for the front to level it out. Next friday I'm getting paid so I'll be ordering some 33" cooper STTs and a set of Cragar soft 8 wheels.

Future plans for the jeep are, UCF tummy tuck, double cardan rear driveshaft, custom rear bumper/tire carrier, and Rokmen rear upper arms.

**lope** · 08-21-2011, 08:26 AM

Good work there and it looks like you had a lot of it! It's hard to tell from the one "after" pic 'cause it's from an angle but it looks level to me already.

solarpower · 08-21-2011, 08:51 AM

Chances are that your either going to have to drop that t-case skid AND do a MML and you might get your angle ok enough for the stock shaft...or your going to need another rear drive shaft with a double joint at the case.

"typically" with a stock Rubicon you can get about 2 inches of lift and still run stock shaft without having to drop the t-case skid. A MMl only improves the angle slightly and is often used with a tummy tuck or to dial in a small lift.

Based on the amount of "up" you went from the pics I don't think a MML is going to help ya enough in itself.

**1222** · 08-21-2011, 09:14 AM

Nice start and write-up, great pics too.

Is that your garage, it sure is deep if so?

If it was me I would have had something backing up those jack stands, a couple of tires or some extra bottle jacks. Anyhow I’ll be watching your thread to see how you’re coming along.

P.S. I miss my TJ, it was an '04 Rubi, black.

alex211 · 08-21-2011, 09:51 AM

Thanks for the replies, it's my dad's garage but yes it's about 40ft deep.

I'm hoping a mml will cure any vibrations, I really want to stay away from a t-case drop.

**djfuzzy** · 08-21-2011, 10:21 AM

Lookin good

Sent from outer space

alex211 · 08-21-2011, 12:13 PM

Well I took it for a drive and there are no vibes at all, got up to 65 smoothly. I'm just going to order a 1.25 body lift and some spacers for the front and hold off on the mml. I didn't install the provided t-case drop either.

The steering wheel is a little off but I set the toe to 1/16. I'm not going to try to perfect the alinement until the spacers are in because they're going to throw everything off again anyhow.

alex211 · 08-21-2011, 07:33 PM

I'm going to get the mml too, it has some real slight vibes from 30-38 which the mml should take care of.

alex211 · 09-02-2011, 11:26 AM

Got the body lift and wheels/tires on.

wravyn · 09-02-2011, 11:36 AM

I know anecdotal evidence isn't too helpful but for what it's worth I am running a 3 in TeraFlex lift with 1 in spacers up front and no t case drop and I have no vibrations whatsoever... I am also still running the stock driveshafts on it (2006 Rubicon). I remember reading awhile back on rokmen's site that rubicons could run stock driveshafts w/o a t case drop with up to a 3 or 4 in lift, I'll try to find it.

alex211 · 09-02-2011, 11:38 AM

I have no vibes with the mml, it had very minor vibes with out the mml but they're all gone now.

wravyn · 09-02-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex211

I have no vibes with the mml, it had very minor vibes with out the mml but they're all gone now.

Ya you should be fine with a 3 in SL with stock driveshafts on a rubicon, especially if you plan on getting adjustable rear arms.

alex211 · 09-11-2011, 06:04 PM

Took it wheeling this weekend and everything was working great ...

Until I was coming out of a rutted raving on the throttle and I slid into a tree. It was kinda bouncy coming out of it and my foot landed on the throttle instead of the brake resulting in this.

It actually pushed the rad into the fan and bent the grille a little. I'm going to straighten the grill and hood and put some tube fenders on it. I'm also going to fab up a front bumper since the stocker has obviously seen better days.

I'm thinking about ordering the BTF diy tube fender kit, has anyone ever put one of them on their jeep? It seems like a nice kit for the money.

alex211 · 09-13-2011, 09:41 PM

Anyone know where I can get a new cooling fan? Mine got bent when it hit the rad. All I can find is a new fan clutch and mine works fine.

alex211 · 09-20-2011, 02:03 PM

I got the grille straight and a new rad in, I'm ordering two replacement fenders for it this week, I traded the original wheels, tires, and left fender for a set of tube fenders. I'm not going to use the tube fenders because they don't have enough tire coverage in PA. Anyone know where I can get a set of front rubicon flares for it or does anyone have any they want to get rid of?