RubiJR's 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

[RubiJR]

New to the forum, been reading for a while. Just purchased my first Tj, 2003 rubicon, Inca Gold, 5 speed, only 50K miles for 12k. Seemed to be a rather sweet deal so, I jumped on it! 2 owners, 2nd I knew and owned it from 2009 with 32k miles until now. Looking for advice on this build as i'm new to the tj world. I had a 2012 2 door jk, RK max travel and 35s, didnt see any trails at all, as i only had it a year and reget selling it everyday so I knew it was a matter of time before getting another jeep... My bro in law is to thank for me buying a Tj, he as 2 along with a manche. As i said im all ears, well eyes to any advice. I'm looking to keep with fairly simple. 2.5 lift with 33's, trying to keep a low COG, maybe tubes for a little more room, bumpers, armor, etc.
Thanks for reading!

 

[KCNoDots]

B E A U T I F U L TJ! Congrats on the new purchase

 

[bobthetj03]

Wheel that puppy exactly how it is now, then fine tune to your needs. Nice find btw!

 

[Chris]

Hot damn, probably my favorite color on a TJ, and super rare only (they only made it in 2003).

NICE Jeep!!!

 

[RubiJR]

thanks guys!

 

[A. Paul]

What a beaut, interesting to see original MTRs still on it. As for mods a winch isn't a bad place to start IMO.

 

[Daryl]

Excellent! Don’t do anything until you use it off-road. You may find it’ll do everything you need stock.

 

[RubiJR]

Small update on a few MUCH needed upgrades. First thing that needed to be addressed were the stock headlights, as many have said they're trash. I prefer the look and and advantages of LED's so I opted for this set from amazon, I can't recall who but I read a few people saying these were well worth the money and rightfully so. HUGE improvement from stock and insanely bright but they have a clean cutoff and adjustments were easy so, I shouldn't be "that guy" blinding every on coming driver. My only issue was a huge amount of radio static on the factory head unit with the lights turned on. New head unit cured the static though. Simple oil change was next. The jeep had 14k miles added to it since 2009, only 1500 since last oil change last march. 5w30 then on to the spark plugs... Again after reading several threads and I went with the autolite APP985, anti seize on threads and blew out access holes to prevent trash from getting in the motor. There wasn't a "need" to be replaced but I had no plans for a day off work and the peace of mind was worth the effort, runs much smoother and slightly more pep. Could be all in my head but eh. Next up a new radio and speakers. Wow. I knew I was missing alot with a stock system especially since both my dash speakers and console sub were blown and rattling. Crutchfield is very hard to beat, new pioneer head unit and 4 Polk audio speakers (2-4x6, 2-5.25) radio harness install kit, speaker connectors and speaker brackets all for 189$ shipping was 2 days as well! Very happy with the upgrade only time will tell how they hold up, I do plan to add a sub but not sure if I will go with a small console sub or something slightly larger in the cargo area. Lastly some grab handles. cheap and effective from amazon, sucks I had to trim the plastic trim around the door seal/windshield area but I loved how solid these were in my JK so I knew i wanted them again. That's all for now after a rather lengthy post but most of this wouldn't be possible without this forum and the helpful people here. Thanks fellow jeepers!!

 

[Chris]

The new headlights look great!

I'm very envious of your TJ. I absolutely love that color

 

[glwood]

Good call on the grab handles, I wouldn't have a Jeep without those. Love that color, and it sounds like you got a steal of a deal.

I also had a 2012 JK Sport that I sold to buy my 04 Rubicon.

Might I suggest that your next 'mod' be replacing the current air filter setup with the factory air box...? Your engine will thank you. Your call...

 

[RubiJR]

Good call on the grab handles, I wouldn't have a Jeep without those. Love that color, and it sounds like you got a steal of a deal.

I also had a 2012 JK Sport that I sold to buy my 04 Rubicon.

Might I suggest that your next 'mod' be replacing the current air filter setup with the factory air box...? Your call...

I've been debating it. everything ive read points me in that direction since there's no real "gains" on a CAI. I was debating the cowl intake mod to but im not to sure. thanks though!

 

[MaloStapalo]

I've been debating it. everything ive read points me in that direction since there's no real "gains" on a CAI. I was debating the cowl intake mod to but im not to sure. thanks though!

There's no gains, and the k&n can be argued that its negatively impacting your engines air quality. OEM box with AC Delco filter has been shown to be the best option.

 

[glwood]

I've been debating it. everything ive read points me in that direction since there's no real "gains" on a CAI. I was debating the cowl intake mod to but im not to sure. thanks though!

I tried several aftermarket air filters on a previously owned JK. The only gains were more noise and a lighter wallet. For all I've found researching, none filter as well as the stock setup.

 

[Daryl]

I just removed my CAI yesterday. The amount of fine dust on the inside of the intake tube was disheartening. I modified an OEM filter housing to fit my aftermarket fender.

 

[chino1969]

There's no gains, and the k&n can be argued that its negatively impacting your engines air quality. OEM box with AC Delco filter has been shown to be the best option.

I was going to go with a K&N cold air intake until I read the opinions from experienced Jeepers along with the specs. I believe Jerry Bansford posted. Went with the AC Delco A1618C that did very well on the tests and was recommended. When it's time for plugs I'll probably go with the Autolite Iridium XP985.

 

[KCNoDots]

I have heard KN oiled filters are garbage, but what about an oil-less dry filter like an AEM drop in? My Jeep has that now and I wonder is it worth worrying about switching it out for OEM? Or just keep my AEM Dryfilter. It’s supposed to be the best non-oem filter or so I’ve read.

 

[RubiJR]

I’ve been slammed with work and building/buying a home for myself and the Jeep.... I mean wife! Finally got around to ordering my lift and tires which came in this week and the wait has been killing me! I had my break calipers lock up a few weeks ago about 45 min from home- not too or doors around 90 for the high that day in stop and go traffic. Limped it home and Replaced the fronts and plan to do the rear this weekend with the lift install. Went with rancho adjustable shocks and steering stabilizer. RK 2.0 stock mod lift. I had great results with them on my JK. Also pulled the trigger on the mile star Patagonia’s. Pics will follow soon! Don’t mind the mess in the shop, it gets messy with 5 jeeps floating around!

 

[RubiJR]

I have heard KN oiled filters are garbage, but what about an oil-less dry filter like an AEM drop in? My Jeep has that now and I wonder is it worth worrying about switching it out for OEM? Or just keep my AEM Dryfilter. It’s supposed to be the best non-oem filter or so I’ve read.

My plan is to go back oem. I can’t speak on the aem drop in, I was debating that or factory.

 

[MallCrawlOnTons]

I’ve been slammed with work and building/buying a home for myself and the Jeep.... I mean wife! Finally got around to ordering my lift and tires which came in this week and the wait has been killing me! I had my break calipers lock up a few weeks ago about 45 min from home- not too or doors around 90 for the high that day in stop and go traffic. Limped it home and Replaced the fronts and plan to do the rear this weekend with the lift install. Went with rancho adjustable shocks and steering stabilizer. RK 2.0 stock mod lift. I had great results with them on my JK. Also pulled the trigger on the mile star Patagonia’s. Pics will follow soon! Don’t mind the mess in the shop, it gets messy with 5 jeeps floating around!

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Edit: I had asked about the headlights and saw the headlights were from amazon. Nvm.

Are you putting the 33s on the Rubi wheels?

I love the color.

 

[RubiJR]

Edit: I had asked about the headlights and saw the headlights were from amazon. Nvm.

Are you putting the 33s on the Rubi wheels?

I love the color.

Yep, love the look of the stock wheels! Yeah they’re an amazon knockoff of the trucklites but they’re super bright and have a nice crisp cutoff. I haven’t been flashed by on coming drivers yet.