My other Jeep

[Travis05Rubi]

I got this TJ a few years back. Its an 05 with about 61k on the clock. Im the third owner, the original owner was a welder on the Jeepers Jamboree on the Rubicon, the second owner had it in his garage for years on a battery tender. I dont know how many times its traversed the Rubicon before me but I'm there a few times a year, including the Jamboree.

Rubicon Express 5.5 long arm thats being updated, I'll use Metalcloaks upgrade on that. 35's with beadlocks. Auto. Best upgrade so far is the Rubicrawler. You don't know how useful 148:1 is until you use it. Game changer on descents and mid obstacle. I have a ton of other doo-dads and whatnot like everyone else. After the control arm replacements I'm thinking a better cage is in order. Its super clean bur spend an inordinate amount of time in upkeep/maintenance or cleaning. I also avoid mud. Hate mud.

This is probably my 7th jeep. I still have the first jeep I've ever driven. Pics attached. A 53 M38A1 my dad bought in 55 at a surplus sale. He paid 99 bucks for it then. Its been across the Rubicon countless times. Both Jeeps serve dual purpose around the property but the '53 is in a paused state of building. I started on it amd then the wife wanted a dune buggy so it was built... I haven't got back to the other Jeep yet but will some day. Im thinking either rock buggy it or restore it, with the latter winning in my mind.

 

[DirtDawg]

Nice to see another here with RE 5.5" L-As. IMO, we could use a Rubicon Express support group topic, since seems few active members hold those kits in high regard. Yep, my control arms have worn out bushings, thus Metalcloak's updated complete upgrade kit is a planned spend when a compelling sale deal is offered.

Bought mine 4 months ago without service records, thus an extensive list of deferred maintenance projects ensued subsequently. Of those most recently; dropped the RE belly skid, removed OEM trans pan, drained / flushed, new filter, new Dorman pan with plug plus flushed the TC. Due to passenger side control arms space constraints, mine had a blown-out Magnaflow 4"x14" bullet muffler with an unsupported turn-down tip. Replaced that while the skid was off with Magnaflow P/N 17122 kit which uses a similar 5"x14" muffler but with welded flange connection, slip-on turn-down tip with hanger rod at OEM location. Quite a bit quieter now but still drones under load. Bought a Walker-Dynomax tailpipe which (with some alteration with mandrel bender and welding) appears will allow routing exhaust out the back instead of under the tub. Curious what type exhaust yours has...

 

[Travis05Rubi]

Nice to see another here with RE 5.5" L-As. IMO, we could use a Rubicon Express support group topic, since seems few active members hold those kits in high regard. Yep, my control arms have worn out bushings, thus Metalcloak's updated complete upgrade kit is a planned spend when a compelling sale deal is offered.

Bought mine 4 months ago without service records, thus an extensive list of deferred maintenance projects ensued subsequently. Of those most recently; dropped the RE belly skid, removed OEM trans pan, drained / flushed, new filter, new Dorman pan with plug plus flushed the TC. Due to passenger side control arms space constraints, mine had a blown-out Magnaflow 4"x14" bullet muffler with an unsupported turn-down tip. Replaced that while the skid was off with Magnaflow P/N 17122 kit which uses a similar 5"x14" muffler but with welded flange connection, slip-on turn-down tip with hanger rod at OEM location. Quite a bit quieter now but still drones under load. Bought a Walker-Dynomax tailpipe which (with some alteration with mandrel bender and welding) appears will allow routing exhaust out the back instead of under the tub. Curious what type exhaust yours has...

The RE long arm geometry is excellent for where and how i wheel, they have never presented an issue but for servicing them so I agree a support group would be interesting. I had some records on this one when I got it, the PO was mindful about fluids being changed/exchanged in the time he had it although he only put 5k on it. That's the key of a 20 year old Jeep. If one doesn't enjoy replacing things before they become a problem one can bet they will become a problem.

I have some brand of cylindrical muffler, no name stamped on it. Thought about a name brand swap, maybe one day. For now if it ain't broke...

 

[Travis05Rubi]

I needed to replace my sway bar disco's. Antirocks are great and all but I like the tactile of pulling links and airing down. I have the original RE (i assume) links that worked but the bushings were out of round and the heims squeaked more anything else I've ever seen. I ordered the Metalcloak links. And swapped them out. After install I noticed i can't clear my springs to use the keepers I have above my springs. MC offered a keeper that I could mount but I’m not a fan of putting holes in frames and I intended to use the keeper I had. A quick check proved the heim joint a match. I can use the RE block and maybe retain the keeper. Buyout, no such luck. The new link is a touch too long.

Tomorrow I'll decide on a spot and use the MC keeper.


I probably should have titled this Rubicon Express rebuild...

 

[Travis05Rubi]

When I got this jeep it wandered. Bad. I found myself working the wheel like rowing a boat. I had a friend swap gears for me to 4.88 but I wish I had gone higher. Oh well. Next time. While he had it he did the 1 ton high steer for me with a new front track bar. World of difference. At single digit PSI in rocks I can count on one hand the times steering wasn't easy. But still had some loosey-goosey in the front end. I sourced some NOS front RE lowers and in the process of changing them found an oblong radius arm bushing. I got a pair of Amazon radius arms and tossed them on. Problem solved and Rubicon tested.

Over the next few months though I'll slowly replace all the arms with Metalcloak. The prior post was a start. I had been having noise in the front end. Thats what started the whole process. Clunking when turning the wheel. I dont like cars that make noise or leak. More on the leak later. New springs helped ALOT. New armsas well. The sway bar links should be the last of my squeaks and clinks.

 

[DirtDawg]

I'm surprised other forum members active currently aren't commenting - perhaps due to the topic title? If so, perhaps Chris would be willing to edit that as you mentioned, which IMO would be more on-topic...

Yes, mine exhibits some of the same "mannerisms" with a bit of steering wander but not severe and more likely related to the OEM steering box after prior ownership usage on 35s and largish rocks. Once I buy and install the complete MC control arm kit (hopefully Black Friday sale), I'll evaluate and determine whether to upgrade the steering box with a rebuild (RedHead) or an aftermarket solution. Mine had apparently been on 35s since the L-A kit and gearing were installed in 2012. When I replaced F&R diff gear oils a few months ago, I was able to confirm the claimed 5.13 gearsets, with which I came to agree with prior topic consensus here that those are marginal for the 42RLE. So, I replaced the cheesy no-name 35s with a full set 33x12.5R15 BFG KM3s which work much better for my needs - that being more about local backcountry mountain trails with a healthy margin of ground clearance, along with gearing and overall Rubicon axle/locker/t-case goodness to suit whatever conditions arise. No Johnson Valley Hammers stuff in these parts, however we tend to drive our rigs into pretty remote stuff.

I'm subscribed for more on your own upgrades as those happen...

 

[Travis05Rubi]

I'm surprised other forum members active currently aren't commenting - perhaps due to the topic title? If so, perhaps Chris would be willing to edit that as you mentioned, which IMO would be more on-topic...

Yes, mine exhibits some of the same "mannerisms" with a bit of steering wander but not severe and more likely related to the OEM steering box after prior ownership usage on 35s and largish rocks. Once I buy and install the complete MC control arm kit (hopefully Black Friday sale), I'll evaluate and determine whether to upgrade the steering box with a rebuild (RedHead) or an aftermarket solution. Mine had apparently been on 35s since the L-A kit and gearing were installed in 2012. When I replaced F&R diff gear oils a few months ago, I was able to confirm the claimed 5.13 gearsets, with which I came to agree with prior topic consensus here that those are marginal for the 42RLE. So, I replaced the cheesy no-name 35s with a full set 33x12.5R15 BFG KM3s which work much better for my needs - that being more about local backcountry mountain trails with a healthy margin of ground clearance, along with gearing and overall Rubicon axle/locker/t-case goodness to suit whatever conditions arise. No Johnson Valley Hammers stuff in these parts, however we tend to drive our rigs into pretty remote stuff.

I'm subscribed for more on your own upgrades as those happen...

After new front arms and new steering mint tightened right up. One day I'll do the r and p again, I underestimated the 42rle for driving but being that I might do 50 miles a month except for trail weekends I can look at doing ther things first. Good idea to change the title, maybe that will happen. For now progress will be slow however, I think my next job will be to pull an upper rear an examine it.

 

[Travis05Rubi]

My control arm replacement plan is shelved until next year. Unless the rears are shot out i'll replace those bu really I only need one more season on the Rubicon and then the funds will be more available. However, I have completed a couple small things and took a small chance. I bought a knockoff antirock, installed it and have been impressed. I know people always crap on things like that but for the cost I'll try it. If it breaks I'll put my disco's back on. A little wheeling on my property and some road time has proven this to be a wise choice thus far. I would bet a gazillion bucks anyone that says one word about it being Chinese junk also takes generic over the counter medication, vitamins, herbal supplements, energy drinks, vape, or whatever inside their glass house.

Also, I moved my shock reservoir to the fender. The keeper for my disco's prevented it before but with them gone I put them where they should go.

I have a Barnes high clearance gas tank skid on the way and a teraflex aluminum body lift to accommodate it. Question for all: the steering shaft riser. Should I add it from the get go or wait to see if its needed? Its only a 1 inch body lift but my steering is dialed in now. Juat not sure how many other people have found it useful.

 

[JMT]

My control arm replacement plan is shelved until next year. Unless the rears are shot out i'll replace those bu really I only need one more season on the Rubicon and then the funds will be more available. However, I have completed a couple small things and took a small chance. I bought a knockoff antirock, installed it and have been impressed. I know people always crap on things like that but for the cost I'll try it. If it breaks I'll put my disco's back on. A little wheeling on my property and some road time has proven this to be a wise choice thus far. I would bet a gazillion bucks anyone that says one word about it being Chinese junk also takes generic over the counter medication, vitamins, herbal supplements, energy drinks, vape, or whatever inside their glass house.

Also, I moved my shock reservoir to the fender. The keeper for my disco's prevented it before but with them gone I put them where they should go.

I have a Barnes high clearance gas tank skid on the way and a teraflex aluminum body lift to accommodate it. Question for all: the steering shaft riser. Should I add it from the get go or wait to see if its needed? Its only a 1 inch body lift but my steering is dialed in now. Juat not sure how many other people have found it useful.

Id say no on the steering box riser

 

[JMT]

would bet a gazillion bucks anyone that says one word about it being Chinese junk also takes generic over the counter medication, vitamins, herbal supplements, energy drinks, vape, or whatever inside their glass house.

If you’re already defending yourself before anybody has attacked you, I’d chalk that that up as a loss.

 

[Travis05Rubi]

If you’re already defending yourself before anybody has attacked you, I’d chalk that that up as a loss.

That's actually a really good point. But sometimes when you step into rhe unknown you can anticipate some attention and deflect it before it hits. I can promise, someone saw that passage and agreed with it.

If humans haven't tread into the uncertain and avoided potentially questionable decisions we'd still be afraid of fire and going to sleep.

Your point is still admirable and agreed upon.

 

[Travis05Rubi]

Id say no on the steering box riser

Tallied. I'm on the "wait and see" side of the idea myself.

 

[JMT]

Tallied. I'm on the "wait and see" side of the idea myself.

Very few have needed one, so wait and see is a good approach.

 

[Travis05Rubi]

The terflax kit seems quality. I painted the radiator risers because they aren't aluminum and I can only imagine they would rust. Being in California rust is more unattractive than problematic so it was an esthetic choice.

The install of this will make way for my Barnes4wd high clearance tank skid. Which, is far more stout than I anticipated but thats just what I needed. The old skid is absolutely cooked.

Install is likely sidelined for a minute, it appears i have a pinhole leak in my radiator to address. It was discovered when I pulled the fan shroud back. There is a different thread about that in the general section.

 

[Travis05Rubi]

New radiator later, and the lift is on. Was super easy and after a drive the steering riser was a non need. While I had it apart I also replaced the radiator hoses, t stat housing and I picked up the severe duty fan clutch and I added a 180 t stat. During the test drive my scanner read about 195 so thats perfect for my taste.

Now its back to the tank skid. You can see the original was whipped. Barnes4WD has my interest on their products and support. I won't be able to get any more work done for a couple weeks. Headed to Vegas on Friday for a few days. Gonna see Daniel Tosh stand up amongst other activities and shenanigans. Will update when one is available.

I asked in general also but the fuel pump housing has a broken bib now. Any suggestions for a quality replacement?