LJ Rubicon Sahara Build

[CostcoPizza]

New guy here,

After a decade long Jeep hiatus I started looking around for a new rig. I was looking for a first gen 4Runner, my last rig was a 2001 SAS Tacoma. My jeep background consists of ZJ's and XJ's but I've always yearned for a Wrangler especially an LJ.

As fate would have it a deal came up on a LJ Rubihara I could not pass and I became the proud new owner of #887.

After some basic maintenance and TLC (including lots of cleaning) I began the brainstorming and research process.

 

[CostcoPizza]

The "plan" is to build a vehicle that supports my back country adventures. While I do enjoy climbing over obstacles and white knuckling it this isn't a vehicle that I want to beat on. For me and my small family (wife and the dogs), a big part of it is the destination. Getting away and sharing some good food and some cold beers around a campfire is my happy place.

With the blue prints in place and the sun shinning I took the jeep for it's first topless cruise.

Ol' lady approved.

 

[L J]

welcome and congrats on the LJR

 

[CostcoPizza]

When purchasing the Jeep I noticed that it would not stay in reverse, after some research I discovered that the 6 speed NSG370 can develop this issue and it needed to be rebuilt or replaced. I was able to source a used NSG370 that was operating properly from a friend and proceeded with the swap.

Out with the old:

In with the "new":

The swap was fairly drama free and I was able to do it in my small one car garage in a day with some help from my brother.

 

[CostcoPizza]

Next was some fun stuff...

After some research and lots of back and forth I decided to got with a Rubicon Express 3.5 Super-flex lift. Long arms were considered as well as some more pricey options but I think this lift will suit my needs, perhaps I will change my mind down the road but such is the Jeep life.

Lift installed:

I also installed a Moryde heavy duty tire carrier to support the larger tires. I like having the single latch method vs swing away bumper mounted tire carriers, makes it easy to get in the back for a cold water, or beer.

 

[motomick76]

Congrats on your find and welcome to the forum! These are definitely the diamonds of the TJ world. Enjoy your new adventure.

 

[JeepZilla380]

Welcome from Rubihara 380! Looks like you're off to a good start. If your on FB, hunt down the "2005 Rubihara Owners Group".

 

[CostcoPizza]

Next up was tires... I wanted to keep the stock wheels to preserve the Jeeps look. I settled on the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003. So far I have been happy with them, they are very quiet for an M/T.

 

[Irun]

If I could have another LJ, this would be the one I want. I've come close to getting one twice, but both have been manuals. An automatic is a must for me. Nice find!

 

[CostcoPizza]

Shakedown trip:

The Jeep preformed better than expected. I was very worried about rubbing, so much so that I was ready to pull the trigger on some high clearance metal fenders but to my surprise I had no rubbing at all. I am running a 1.5" spacer to avoid rubbing on the control arms at full turn. Not my first choice but the stock wheels are a must for me.

 

[Starrs]

If I could have another LJ, this would be the one I want. I've come close to getting one twice, but both have been manuals. An automatic is a must for me. Nice find!

I second this. All of it hahaha.

 

[Mike_H]

Next up was tires... I wanted to keep the stock wheels to preserve the Jeeps look. I settled on the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003. So far I have been happy with them, they are very quiet for an M/T.

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That is a great look! I like the thinner tires and retaining the factory wheels. Functional AND attractive!

 

[Chris]

Great looking Unlimited and very tasteful build thus far!

 

[CostcoPizza]

All cleaned up.

 

[Starrs]

All cleaned up. When off the trails I like to keep this thing clean.View attachment 177052

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Damn that looks great

 

[CostcoPizza]

Took a week long camping trip in the sierras.

Woody(the dog) approves.

 

[Camdenst]

Looks great, jeep did an amazing thing with the Rubihara

 

[CostcoPizza]

Thanks guys!

This pretty much brings us up to date, I've got a couple of quirks to work out that came up during my last trip. Then on to more fun stuff. I have a tummy tuck in the works, gears, and an RTT planed. I am working out a way to get a hard shell RTT mounted with the top off.

 

[ImpactOrange]

Woody(the dog) approves.

Welcome from another central valley jeeper. Was this pic taken from Bald Mountain?

 

[DuncLJ]

Hey welcome, your Jeep looks great. I'm from Fresno as well.
Your pics look like Bald Mountain. Great area to wheel in.