Honest I used search - 2011 Rubi, multiple questions

[silverfox]

I did I used search, but I didn't see what I was looking for.

I typed in "tell me everything I need but don't want to pay for"

Ok well maybe not, but I did a pretty thorough search for tire sizes, bumpers etc and really came up essentially blank for the Rubi.

So here I am posting my questions.

If you have a minute give me your thoughts on some, one or all of my queries.

• My understanding is that without a lift I have the biggest tires on (Stockers) that I can run with............is this the case? If not how big can I go?
• Esthetically I am not a big fan of shorties so I thought that this bumper would be great in that it gives full width protection but still provides for good approach and stock will take a Warn Winch..........any experience/concerns I am not looking at?
• On my 07 Rubi I had the Superwinch from CanadianTire (seems to me it was 8000lbs) but it appears they no longer carry it and only have a Motorcraft brand (Mommy I am scared  ) so I was thinking of going with the Warn M8000 it seems to be more than sufficient at 8,000 lbs of pulling, given that is damn near twice the standing weight of the Rubi what would be the need for anything bigger?
• Earlier I mentioned tires...............well I don't know doodly about them........so which do I want........I need something that is great on the trail but won't seriously compromise my normal driving............my Rubi is still going to be my DD too and from work and well I just like to drive it
• I have been thinking of a snorkel................the idea of turfing my motor just because I went into a puddle that was too deep makes my skin crawl.........but then the amount of water that I actually see on the trails (ok other than McLean right after thaw) isn't really significant............do many of you run snorkels or should I just keep my rear end dry and forget about it
• Lights lights and more lights.............I haven't a clue on this one.........do I need em or do I just want em, if so what and where (as in where should I mount them)
• Tire chains, this one intruiged me and seems to be a great idea..............way back when I used to put them on my '84 Ranger when we took it on the lake Ice Fishing and although it would dig down the SOB never got stuck.  Are they worth the investment for a few (say a half dozen) winter wheeling trips?......that and they would always be in the Rubi during the winter anyway
• What to carry...............I have always had a shovel, tow strap, gloves, in my Rubi but what are some of the essentials that are a good idea on the trail?
• I want to lift the Rubi, but I don't want to do more than is necessary and practical on my rig.  So in light of the fact it is brand new, how big do I need to go?  I was thinking a couple inches gets me into say some 34" tires and that would be more than sufficient for what I would typically run and it wouldn't require any additional modifications to my driveline.............is that correct?

Sorry for the blast of questions but I figure now is a good time to get some things ironed out and then by spring I should have most if not all things installed.

Let me know if there is anything that I should be thinking of in addition or in advance of any of the above.

Thanks gents

[Tinkerer]

I put replies as quotes in the list itself.


I did I used search, but I didn't see what I was looking for.

I typed in "tell me everything I need but don't want to pay for"

Ok well maybe not, but I did a pretty thorough search for tire sizes, bumpers etc and really came up essentially blank for the Rubi.

So here I am posting my questions.

If you have a minute give me your thoughts on some, one or all of my queries.

• On my 07 Rubi I had the Superwinch from CanadianTire (seems to me it was 8000lbs) but it appears they no longer carry it and only have a Motorcraft brand (Mommy I am scared  ) so I was thinking of going with the Warn M8000 it seems to be more than sufficient at 8,000 lbs of pulling, given that is damn near twice the standing weight of the Rubi what would be the need for anything bigger?
  

  The rated pull is on the first wrap with all the line out, a brand-new winch and full voltage and current available etc. (ideal conditions). You will find the winch pulls a *lot* less when only wound out a bit, through possibly non-ideal electrical connections with mud and rust on the winch, not to mention the Jeep mired in mud up to the doors, which creates a pull that now has a lot less to do with vehicle weight (which now includes a lot of attached mud) and more to do with the resistance of what is dragging in the mud (big tires, diffs, bodywork) and what it encounters in there (mounds of dirt, tree stumps, rocks).
• Lights lights and more lights.............I haven't a clue on this one.........do I need em or do I just want em, if so what and where (as in where should I mount them)
  

  Unless you wheel in the dark (more likely in winter), they don't do much  Upgrade the factory wiring for headlights and do a conversion, that makes a huge difference on a DD.
• What to carry...............I have always had a shovel, tow strap, gloves, in my Rubi but what are some of the essentials that are a good idea on the trail?
  

  From our less wonderful experiences over the years - survival gear for a day or two

Sorry for the blast of questions but I figure now is a good time to get some things ironed out and then by spring I should have most if not all things installed.

Let me know if there is anything that I should be thinking of in addition or in advance of any of the above.

Thanks gents

[cLAY]

For gear I like to carry some non-perishable food, hot chocolate packets and something to boil water in(and of course things to build a fire with). Also a spare pair of socks, dry feet can really improve your mood when things get hairy. In the winter I carry chains, spare clothes, toque/mitts, boots and winter sleeping bag. Small tarp(can be used to lay on during repairs or build a shelter from).  Some sort of buck saw, hnady for fire making, logs across trail, making a shelter. Pretend you are staying out over night, what is your absolute must have?

If kids are coming with you think about gear/food for them and prehaps some toys/games to occupy them if stopped for a long while doing a repair or stuck overnight.

I carry a full set of tools(probably more than I actually need). Some spare parts(again probably more than I need).  Are there any specific or odd sized tools to do repairs on your rig? Example, hub socket, caliper bolts, unit bearing bolts, driveshaft flange bolts are some pretty common places to find odd sized fasteners on Jeeps.

Personally I hate using chains, if I need to use chains to get down a trail I'll just turn around and go find another trail. Where chains are handy is if you break something and only have front or rear wheel drive, or to use them to get out if after wheeling all day and you're close to the end of a trail and and it suddenly gets nasty. I find most times its better to air down and try to stay on top of the snow pack, as soon as the chains go on you are now digging through the snow and its WAY harder on the vehicle. Chains are also good for icy hills but only if everyone has them, otherwise you'll probably be going back and looking for another trail anyway if its a really nasty hill.

[parabs]

• My understanding is that without a lift I have the biggest tires on (Stockers) that I can run with............is this the case? If not how big can I go?

As taken from Jeep Forum:

FAQ: Will it rub? By (NaeKid) http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f96/faq-will-rub-610856/

The JK with stock wheels, no spacer, no lift

32" tires: no rubbing
33" tires: some rubbing
35" tires: don't try

The JK with stock wheels, 1 1/4" wheel spacer, no lift

32" tires: no rubbing
33" tires: some rubbing
35" tires: don't try

The JK with stock wheels, 1 1/2" wheel spacer, no lift, Bushwhacker flat-top flares

32" tires: no rubbing
33" tires: no rubbing
35" tires: rubbing that can be cured with trimming pinch-seam
37" tires: don't try

The JK with stock wheels, 1 1/4" wheel spacer, 2" lift

33" tires: no rubbing
35" tires: some rubbing
37" tires: don't try

The JK with stock wheels, 1 1/4" wheel spacer, 4" lift

33" tires: no rubbing
35" tires: no rubbing
37" tires: some rubbing
38" tires: be careful
39" tires: don't try

Gearing chart for each size tire for both auto and manuals:

[/list]

[silverfox]

The tire information is awesome.  I am glad I went with a Manual shift this time around, seems I have a wider range of tires that the Rubi can handle.

When you talk about some rubbing, what do they mean, are they talking in the fender wells at maximum flex or do they rub under normal highway conditions, I would think that any rubbing at all would be unacceptable but maybe I am misunderstanding what is meant by that.

Looks as though a lift is in order prior to putting any bigger rubber on the beast, just seems to be the logical progression.

As for survival stuff that makes complete sense, I usually bring food and the like for the boys as well as something for them to play with.  I didn't think of all weather gear though............mind you I have never had them out in the winter either.

On a winch it seems that after reading a few more threads and the Winch test done at the Gates of Hell that a Warn is not worth twice the money over a Superwinch.  So now rather than more clear I am less clear.....LOL............so much to learn so little time (and money)

Thanks for the input guys, it is great to get different points of view as it gives me more to think about when looking at what and when to add.

[parabs]

...

When you talk about some rubbing, what do they mean, are they talking in the fender wells at maximum flex or do they rub under normal highway conditions, I would think that any rubbing at all would be unacceptable but maybe I am misunderstanding what is meant by that.

...

I am not sure, the OP to that thread (NaeKid) looks to be from Calgary and may be on these forums, but I am not sure how you can qualify what he says...I would assume that "some rubbing" means some rubbing off road, hard to say though.

[w squared]

Dude, you do NOT eff around when you post questions, do ya?

• My understanding is that without a lift I have the biggest tires on (Stockers) that I can run with............is this the case? If not how big can I go?

If you're gonna run disconnected, stick with the 32's that you have right now. They'll do what they need to. I ran mine for a year and a half. Lots of guys UPGRADE to get to 32's. Flat fenders, a fender trim, or a lift kit will let you run 33's or 35's without issues.

• Esthetically I am not a big fan of shorties so I thought that this bumper would be great in that it gives full width protection but still provides for good approach and stock will take a Warn Winch..........any experience/concerns I am not looking at?

Not sure what bumper you're looking for, but there is a JK front bumper thread somewhere around here...http://forum.calgaryjeep.com/index.php?topic=20661.0 I'll sum it up...do yourself a favour and get someone local to custom build for you.

• On my 07 Rubi I had the Superwinch from CanadianTire (seems to me it was 8000lbs) but it appears they no longer carry it and only have a Motorcraft brand (Mommy I am scared  ) so I was thinking of going with the Warn M8000 it seems to be more than sufficient at 8,000 lbs of pulling, given that is damn near twice the standing weight of the Rubi what would be the need for anything bigger?

Tubby tells me that I'm a brand whore, so I vote Warn. There's lotsa yapping about winch brands on other threads.

• Earlier I mentioned tires...............well I don't know doodly about them........so which do I want........I need something that is great on the trail but won't seriously compromise my normal driving............my Rubi is still going to be my DD too and from work and well I just like to drive it

Spendy = Toyo Open Country MT's  for summer use, Studded Goodyear Duratracs for winter use.
Less Spendy, but not cheap = Toyo Open Country MT's, then get them siped at Kal Tire Chinook when they're still new and run 'em year 'round.
Not Spendy = Buy somethingcheap  from JohnnyC. He changes tires even more often than he changes ZJ's!

• I have been thinking of a snorkel................the idea of turfing my motor just because I went into a puddle that was too deep makes my skin crawl.........but then the amount of water that I actually see on the trails (ok other than McLean right after thaw) isn't really significant............do many of you run snorkels or should I just keep my rear end dry and forget about it

You don't need one. Smart driving will keep your engine intact for the time being. While I will probably throw a snorkel on my JK eventually, it's VERY low on the priority list.

• Lights lights and more lights.............I haven't a clue on this one.........do I need em or do I just want em, if so what and where (as in where should I mount them)

What you actually need is a headlight upgrade. The stock JK headlights are truly craptacular. Susquehanna motorsports makes a top-notch Hella H4 upgrade complete with relay and wiring harness. It's a total plug and play, and makes a HUGE difference.

• Tire chains, this one intruiged me and seems to be a great idea..............way back when I used to put them on my '84 Ranger when we took it on the lake Ice Fishing and although it would dig down the SOB never got stuck.  Are they worth the investment for a few (say a half dozen) winter wheeling trips?......that and they would always be in the Rubi during the winter anyway

If you can get a good price, fill yer boots. I wouldn't spend a pile on 'em for 32's if you're planning to upgrade in the near future.

• What to carry...............I have always had a shovel, tow strap, gloves, in my Rubi but what are some of the essentials that are a good idea on the trail?
• I want to lift the Rubi, but I don't want to do more than is necessary and practical on my rig.  So in light of the fact it is brand new, how big do I need to go?  I was thinking a couple inches gets me into say some 34" tires and that would be more than sufficient for what I would typically run and it wouldn't require any additional modifications to my driveline.............is that correct?

I think that Clay covered the packing list quite well.

As far as a lift goes, that's a big discussion. Before you spend ANY money on a lift, spend some time coming on runs, talking to guys with lifted JK's, and make sure that you really know what you want to do with your rig. I'm leading a run on January 1st to Waiparous - check out the thread in the open runs section. I'll be glad to share what I know if you're able to join us.

[silverfox]

Absolutely awesome advise guys.............Thank you.

For now I think I going to keep her mostly stock looks like a Bumper and a Winch are primary, and a CB Radio.

I like the Headlight upgrade idea as I find the factory ones are the pits.

I never lifted my '07 Rubicon and while I probably only got it on the trail maybe 5 or 6 times before I sold it the stock 32's and no lift did my just fine.  I hadn't planned on lifting it at all until at least late spring but maybe I will wait a little longer and get a better idea of what I want.  I will admit there are just about a million different lift kits from Cheapo's to the ridiculous and I need to have a better idea of what I need/want.

Looking forward to getting a few of you long timers to bend my ear on a few rides, also hoping to make it out to the January meeting, and hell hope to see a few of you tomorrow as my intent is to still get down to Bowness for the toy run.

Thanks again gents, I know you probably hear the same questions over and over but I appreciate your input.

[silverfox]

Dude, you do NOT eff around when you post questions, do ya?

What you actually need is a headlight upgrade. The stock JK headlights are truly craptacular. Susquehanna motorsports makes a top-notch Hella H4 upgrade complete with relay and wiring harness. It's a total plug and play, and makes a HUGE difference.

After my second 3 hr night run to Medicine hat I ordered these up.................funny I don't remember the lights on my 07 sucking that hard, but then I don't think I did any out of town night driving with it.

[w squared]

After my second 3 hr night run to Medicine hat I ordered these up.................funny I don't remember the lights on my 07 sucking that hard, but then I don't think I did any out of town night driving with it.

I think that you'll be super happy with the Susquehanna kit.

On the website, the kit says "not fur use with daytime running lights", but I spoke with the guy that builds the wiring harnesses for them. He says that's there because they're not 100% sure that the low voltage sent to the high beam circuit by the computer when it activates the DRL will trigger the relay properly. I tested it on mine, and the voltage from the factory harness is actually enough to trigger the relays properly. That said, I'm not super keen on running with full-on high beams as my daytime running lights, so I used my ProCal to switch the DRL setting from high beams over to fog lights. The way that I have my winch mounted makes it a real pain to pull off my front clip, which means that its a PITA to change headlight bulbs...so I'd rather burn out fog light bulbs as my daytime running lights.

[silverfox]

ProCal??

Looked it up is this what you are talking about?

American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is proud to announce the AEV ProCal Module. This powerful, yet affordable tool, allows users to change their vehicle’s factory computer settings to suit their needs. Benefits include speedometer and gear ratio correction to compensate for tire and gear changes, Tire Pressure Monitor System control for running lower than stock pressures, daytime running lamp activation, the ability to temporarily increase the engine idle speed options for improved winching or onboard air compressor performance, and a few other neat tricks that will help installers dial in the vehicle perfectly. Consider the ProCal an essential tool to for all JK owners. Included with the ProCal Module is an easy-to-read code card that makes setting the tool a snap. Once set, the process of recalibrating the vehicle’s computer is as simple as plugging the tool into the vehicle’s OBD port and waiting for the horn to honk. The ProCal Module can then be stored in the vehicle’s glovebox until stock or new custom settings are needed.
AEV’s ProCal Module is currently available for the Jeep JK Wrangler.

Can this be used without voiding OEM warranty?  I suppose I should call my dealership to find that answer but this seems like a great little tool.

I specifically like the

• increased idle for winching compression
  
• speedometer calibration
  
• headlight changes you mentioned
  
• tire pressure monitoring

Well hell there goes another $150 bucks

[w squared]

Honestly, you don't need a ProCal until after you put larger tires on your JK. The other features are nice, but they don't justify spending the money. I bought it primarily to keep my speedo accurate, and reprogram the TPMS when I put on my 35's.

[silverfox]

Honestly, you don't need a ProCal until after you put larger tires on your JK. The other features are nice, but they don't justify spending the money. I bought it primarily to keep my speedo accurate, and reprogram the TPMS when I put on my 35's.

Need?

What does Need have to do with anything 

[Pookapotamus]

Need?

What does Need have to do with anything 

Spoken like a true jeep owner! man they grow up so fast!