So I guess I will start my build thread on my 04 Rubi.
As for the back story: I started looking into a jeep after I got to college and joined/help create the off road club here, DWC Mud Runners. So after being riddled with "When you buyin a jeep" I began my search. After first and second semester when by I looked at and almost bought 2 jeeps but both fell out and I couldn't get them. During the summer I then found another very promising jeep with 4" lift and 33's and when I went down to bring my deposit someone else ended up getting it :brickwall
So then I somewhat gave up and was angered and what not, my brother took over the seach for me and found an 04 Rubi that was up near my school.
I sat down and talked with one of the sales guys and he told me the price on lot was 16,900. I told him that I saw it online for 15,900 and he said no problem. Then I talked about what was wrong with the jeep blah blah blah needed tires, a small rip in the soft top (which happily doesnt leak), and some minor rust spots. I offered him 13,500 which his eyes just about popped out of his head, but end of the month and they needed to move 22 cars in 3 days . I signed the paper work and told him I would be back the next day to drive her home. Ofcourse I could not wait, called back in about 15 min and told him to have it cleaned and ready to be picked up in about an hour which was fine.
So I finally had her home and the first thing I did was take off the top and doors and went for a nice ride and found the first puddle I could find on a dirt road near my house, because a dirty jeep is a happy one.
Then it was taking out the carpets and then the GF wanted to go for some ice cream and so I took the top down and doors off and somehow the weather guy f*cked up and it poured, go figure the weather guy got the forcast wrong so then I ran for the close underpass and put the top back up. Note the icecream on the dash
Then came time to start tinkering with the jeep and since for a stock Rubi you can only use the lockers in 4Lo I modified that very simply which can be found here: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=598853
After that I went out and played with some friends at night at a local wheelin place. Messed around a bit not knowing how amazing jeeps really are even stock.
After about a week or so I began the search for a lift, with the help of JF I laned on the Rubicon Express Superflex 4.5". I went with this lift because of the posibilities of it, looks good with 33's can fit 35's, and with tube fenders and a 1" BL, 37's. So I was told about Red Rock 4x4, which jason was an awesome help highly recommended! A+ on that place.
In a few weeks I had my lift waiting for my on my door step and could not wait to get to work. If anyone is planning on putting in a lift I recomend that you do it yourself you can save money and you learn that much more.
So here are the before and after shots:
So I figured I would give a note as to what my plans are for this jeep, the build will be over a period of 2 years hopefully.
Engine/Drivetrain:
3.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel
NV4500
Dynatrac Pro 60's
Wheels/Tires/Lift:
4.5" RE Lift (DONE)
1.25" BL
36 or 37's (Swampers?)
Armor:
Tube Fenders or AEV Highline
Road Amor Matrix Front Bumper (Or one I make that is similar)
Berserk Rear Bumper
Custom Rock Sliders (Based off raskulls)
Recovery:
Warn 9.5ti Winch
Possible Rear Winch
Electrical:
CB - Uniden 510xl (DONE)
Other Goodies:
Homemade Snorkel
Windshield Light Bar (Design Started, based off of Delta SkyBar)
Reverse Lights
Rock Lights
Front Lights (See the Road Armor Matrix Bumper)
So those are my idea's with more to come as always
I forgot to mention, between installing the lift and going wheeling I got my vanity plates GDTIME, it stands for Good Time, although my friends like to laugh and say God Time :rofl:
On Saturday the 6th, I was away and it was my college club's first trip of the year... My roomate/ the president did not have his jeep yet at school and I allowed him to use it for the day.. 6and this is what happened, broken axle drivers side and a u-joint cap came off the passenger side:
So he ordered a new shaft and u-joint. Then when it came we took it all apart and found that on the passenger side the outter shaft had been messed up aswell, so I bought that side because it could've been caused by me or him, so now thats on its way to me and should be here tomorrow.
I have pictures of the fix but not on my laptop so you'll have to wait till I get those.
UPS just came and I have my new axle shaft to install. So now after not wheeling since the 3rd, (broken on the 13th by my friend), I plan to go wheeling after I fix it. Hopefully someone will want to go and play in the mud. Heres a crappy cell picture, I'll take a couple while it gets installed with a better camera:
Sadly I wanted a black one, but I am glad I got the yellow, Love it.
And the jeep is back up and running. Installed the new axle w.o any problems, here are the couple pics, and thats not me thats my friend who is our unofficial mechanic for the club.
So I figured I would give an update, Currently in college so cash is short, but I did just buy into a company and hopefully either end of this month or end of next I will be making +-7k. So with that my first plan is to completely pay off the Jeep (with some mods along the way).
First up will be the Berserk bumper (which I have been dying to get my hands on)
Then Front bumper w. winch.
From there not quite sure, I have been talking with AtoZ about fabbing up some Rev111 imitation fenders with better tire coverage and stronger against the rocks. So I will keep you all up to date with anything I purchace/build for the rig.
It snowed a good amount out here (almost 2' i think)
Had my birthday (New KC Lights)
Jeep got washed!
And installed those lights and played in all that snow
Heres a quick picture I took, crappy cell but you can see the snow and the new KC's right after she got her bath!
I am still poor with school and all so just about every dime i get goes to my bills... but hopefully money will start flowing in soon! (anyone looking to get a new cell phone plan! I do all carriers and have sweet deals for phones! New blackberry storm for $189!)
Nice jeep.. Happy belated B-day.. mine was the 22nd.
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