Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Build Ups => Topic started by: FCAV on August 29, 2012, 07:59:17 PM

Title: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: FCAV on August 29, 2012, 07:59:17 PM
I finally jumped back into the Jeep pool after selling my '06 TJ a few years ago by picking up a 2012 JKU Rubicon!

Of course, blew the budget on the Jeep. Managed to go from the original plan of a Sport all the way through a Sahara to a beautiful black Rubicon! Wondering what are some unique, cost efficient modifications to take this thing from looking like a grocery getter to something a little more mean.

Down the road, a 4" lift with 35's is coming, as is new front and back bumpers, bushwacker fender flares and a hood-mount winch. Until then, what are some thoughts in making this Rubi a little more unique?
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: Vinman on August 29, 2012, 08:36:24 PM
a hood-mount winch.
Well, a hood mounted winch will definitely be unique.
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: JackstandJohnny on August 29, 2012, 09:46:45 PM
lower it a few inches. that'll be unique ;)

go get a 2" lift for cheap, and buy new rims tires. sell brand new take offs and recoup some of your cost.  won't cost you that much really.

but that won't make you unique... ;) 

 a hood mounted winch would though.......
Title: Re: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: binare on August 29, 2012, 10:07:31 PM
Unique and cost efficient aren't in the Jeep vocabulary. Although that hood mounted winch definately sounds cheap and unique! Throw up some pics when ya get that sorted.
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: hps4evr on August 29, 2012, 10:31:39 PM
Bushwacker flat flares, old man emu 2" springs and nitro shocks, front axle sleeves and c gussets, and 35's. Done, wheel it like its stolen.
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: w squared on August 30, 2012, 07:04:35 AM
Bushwacker flat flares, old man emu 2" springs and nitro shocks, front axle sleeves and c gussets, and 35's. Done, wheel it like its stolen.

That right there would work. Since you're wheeling it like it's stolen, you'll eventually break an axle shaft, and then you can rationalize RCV's too.

If you've already got plans for your Jeep, then my suggestion for mods right now is "don't".

Wheel it stock! It's a frakking Rubicon. You already have all the big-dollar mods that you need, and good 32" tires. Stick a $100 evap canister skid on it, and wheel it. Lots. You will be amazed what it will do. You'll learn that breakover angle is your single biggest issue, and you'll learn how to choose lines to deal with that. Wheeling your rig in stock form will do one very important thing that no bolt-on mod can do. It'll allow you to gain some wheeling experience....and no matter what your budget is, wheeling experience will trump bolt-on bling every time.
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: AV.NINE on August 30, 2012, 09:59:58 AM
Is the hood mounted winch a typo? It may be unique but wouldn't work worth a crap. Maybe I missed the joke...
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: Hi Lo Silver on August 30, 2012, 02:46:39 PM
.
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: Rubi03 jef on August 30, 2012, 03:31:18 PM
Is the hood mounted winch a typo? It may be unique but wouldn't work worth a crap. Maybe I missed the joke...

Must be an inside joke with all the Jk owners
Since there such jokers

Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: yukonflyer on August 30, 2012, 04:45:24 PM
In all seriousness. (jokes 'liked')

I'd suggest leaving it alone till the warranty is up, you'll get to know what the JKU's capabilities are and what you'd like to change/improve.

The other thing to consider is what effect your desired mods/upgrades will have on your warranty, Chrysler is pretty ruthless when it looks at weather it will cover things under warranty.

Happy Landings!
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: FCAV on August 30, 2012, 05:14:17 PM
Hood mounted winch was definitely a typo. Meant to go with hood mounted jack. I really like the look (from pictures I've seen) of a red jack on a black Jeep. For an idea, similar to this: http://www.jk-forum.com/modified-jk-tech-2/hi-lift-jack-mount-what-do-you-think-162989/

One thing I'm planning on adding right away would be windshield mounted lights. Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on that front?
Title: Re: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: binare on August 30, 2012, 05:37:13 PM
Hood mounted jack isn't unique, the jack will end up in your garage collecting dust as soon as you realize how pointless they are. If you really want one I got a 6 year old hilift that's brand new.
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: Bnine on August 31, 2012, 12:17:11 PM
Beadlocks, 33,s, air, winch, 1.25" body lift, requried skids. Wheel it.

Doesnt even mess with your warrenty.

You can be unique by spending money where it counts and not falling into the trap of throwing thousands of dollars away on useless crap like hood mounted lights and jack alls.

Jack alls suck, and lights on your hood just blind you.
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: 89cherokee on August 31, 2012, 04:48:45 PM
I lOve my hi lift!! Perfect for on the trail fixes and when you get back to camp! How else are you gonna get your rig up in the air so easily?
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: tubby on August 31, 2012, 06:52:43 PM
How else are you gonna get your rig up in the air so easily?

Exhaust air jack.
Ten times better
No broken jaw
Title: Re: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: binare on August 31, 2012, 08:35:22 PM
Why would ya need to get your rig four feet in the air to begin with? A piece of wood or a rock and the crap stock jack work just fine and is a hell of a lot safer and sturdier.
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: w squared on September 01, 2012, 01:58:35 PM
Exhaust air jack.
Ten times better
No broken jaw

+1.

Used farm jacks lot growing up. Bought an X-jack a couple years back, and I'll never go back to hi-lift for wheeling.
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: 89cherokee on September 04, 2012, 12:44:45 PM

No broken jaw
your doing it wrong hehe
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: Sean778 on September 18, 2012, 02:07:14 PM
What to do with a new JKU Rubicon?  Post some pictures of that baby, so that saps like me with an eyesore of a rusted-out Cherokee that is a blight on the entire neighbourhood can vicariously enjoy the beauty of a new Jeep! 8)
Title: Re: What to do with a new JKU Rubicon!
Post by: Mud on September 18, 2012, 05:20:29 PM
Some ideas. Exhaust jacks work good! Trying to post a pic...  If not, link may work.

(http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n524/cehudson/9dbb3700e3f830b6618fcc2b3bd491bb_zps457a1598.jpg)