'03 Rubicon TJ Build Begins

[Rubicon03Rock]

So I posted earlier on @psravits 2005 TJ Rubicon build with my anticipated build. Happy to say that it has officially started with the order of the Gobi Rack Ranger, which will hold the RTT and other gear. I was amazed that despite the holiday shutdown, I received a call from Gobi to confirm the order. I was pretty stoked about that. Unfortunately it will take about 16 weeks to receive the rack. BTW, Gobi has holiday promotion that ends January 11. I was able to select a free accessory so I jumped on the sunroof insert ($250 value). I will tackle that install when it arrives in April. After a lot back and forth discussion with the shop, I am moving forward on the TeraFlex Premium Suspension System for a 3" lift and adding a TeraFlex slip yoke eliminator. Shocks will be Bilstein B8 5100's. Tires/rims are still TBD but looking not to exceed 33". I was wanting to put a rear bumper/tire carrier set-up on it but the folks at the shop indicate that these set-ups are prone to a lot rattling and noise. Still researching but I do like the Hyline standard bumper and Spartacus rear tire carrier. Any thoughts on this? Lastly I got the factory fog lights working properly with 18 AWG wire. Also added black bezel rings and grill inserts. Thanks.

 

[Steel City 06]

Personally, if I was only on 33s or smaller, I would stick with a body mounted carrier. I run 35s, and run a heavy tire carrier bumper, but I'm also constantly using the rack, can mounts, and other features. If it is set up right they generally don't rattle.

 

[Irun]

What a great looking Jeep and I'm looking forward to where you go with this. Just be sure to read what's being said here. There is a tremendous amount of expert knowledge that can help guide you along the way!

 

[N_CARRERA_]

great looking jeep I was worried about the bumper aswell with strength and rattling and a high quality tire carrier wont like the poison Spyder or a custom built route like I went but if you dont need the extra jerry can mounts or basket I ran the moydre with no issues and it held my 33x12.5 tire just fine

 

[Rubicon03Rock]

Personally, if I was only on 33s or smaller, I would stick with a body mounted carrier. I run 35s, and run a heavy tire carrier bumper, but I'm also constantly using the rack, can mounts, and other features. If it is set up right they generally don't rattle.

Thanks for the input. I've been looking at the Rugged Ridge Spartacus carrier since it can installed separate from the bumper itself.

 

[Rubicon03Rock]

great looking jeep I was worried about the bumper aswell with strength and rattling and a high quality tire carrier wont like the poison Spyder or a custom built route like I went but if you dont need the extra jerry can mounts or basket I ran the moydre with no issues and it held my 33x12.5 tire just fine

Thanks. The rear bumper seems to be the thing I'm struggling the most with. I decided to go with a simple bumper from Hyline Offroad that will work easily with the Gobi rack install, both of which I will do. I mentioned to @Steel City 06 about a Spartacus carrier for its simplicity and strength. Next I need to be able to carry a couple of RotoPax containers so it looks like the mount that attaches to the center of the spare.

 

[Rubicon03Rock]

What a great looking Jeep and I'm looking forward to where you go with this. Just be sure to read what's being said here. There is a tremendous amount of expert knowledge that can help guide you along the way!

Absolutely @Irun . I am kicking myself in the ass for not jumping on this forum earlier. I sure wish they had these forums back when I owned my first CJ-7. Lol.

 

[Rubicon03Rock]

It's been awhile since I posted, but then again it's taken some time to get scheduled for the installation of the lift kit. Happy to say that is done now but the build is officially in progress. Here's where it's at: 3.5" lift, 33" Falken AT/3W's, and Quadratec Rubicon Xtreme rims. Still waiting on any word regarding the Gobi Ranger Rack that was ordered 4 months ago. Business is good for them for sure. This happens to tie into the Hyline bumper I selected to compliment the Gobi. Per earlier discussions, and BTW thanks for everyone's advice, it looks like I will go with the Rugged Ridge Spartacus HD tire carrier hinge kit and a large spare tire mount which pushes the tire further out for clearance. This selection will work better in the long run with the Gobi.