04 Rubi Build

sq8810

New Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Messages
15
Location
Southern Maine
I was fortunate enough to have gotten this Jeep from my father with 172K miles on it, it currently has 242k miles. Prior to starting this build, I used forums like this and youtube to replace the transmission, clutch, water pump, fuel pump, front brake rotors/pads and calipers, u-joints, and front driveshaft. I have found this forum in particular, to be the most useful and informative. I do as much of the work as I can myself and in doing so have gotten so much better/comfortable with repairs I might not have thought attempting.

So...after driving this thing for about 5 years I finally get to start a thread. All the work is done, but just wanted to share it somewhere where it would be appreciated.

The list:
Upgraded ZJ (?) tie rod ends and drag link
HD Ball joints, Wheel bearings, dust covers
Black Magic Pads, Rotors (front/rear), Calipers (front)
Poison Spyder Diff Cover
Chromoly Axle Shafts Front and Rear w/seals (ECG Supply)
Oil pan/gasket
AEM Cold Air Intake w/throttle body spacer
Borla Cat-Back Exhaust
Brown Dog MML
Body Lift 1.25
OME 2.5 lift
A new radio w/various upgraded speakers
Xenon flat fenders
Other stuff I'm sure

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Fantastic looking Rubicon. I like the build idea too. Keep it simple and sweet. These things look great without much done to them.
 
Dents and/or rust got the better of the front end. Fenders pre-drilled are 81$ on eBay btw! (from china but still)

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All put back together. Now for some paint and bigger tires (not too big though, 33's).

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Fantastic looking Rubicon. I like the build idea too. Keep it simple and sweet. These things look great without much done to them.
Thank you sir, I completely agree. The idea is for this jeep to be around for a very long time so I don't foresee any hardcore wheeling or the necessary mods to do so in it's future.
 
Thank you sir, I completely agree. The idea is for this jeep to be around for a very long time so I don't foresee any hardcore wheeling or the necessary mods to do so in it's future.

Yep, that's how I would do my next one. Start off with a clean Rubicon, do a 2.5" lift, 31s or 32s, a re-gear, some new bumpers, a winch, and that's about it.

I got way too carried away on my last one... to the tune of close to 60k.
 
Yep, that's how I would do my next one. Start off with a clean Rubicon, do a 2.5" lift, 31s or 32s, a re-gear, some new bumpers, a winch, and that's about it.

I got way too carried away on my last one... to the tune of close to 60k.
It is definitely an addiction!
 
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Damn? Is it all painted and everything? That looks absolutely awesome. Job well done my friend!
 
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Jeep looks great.

I grew up in Saco! We moved away in 1993 when I was 15 years old. I went to Thornton Academy for freshman year of highschool. Just glad to see someone from Saco.
 
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...So my rear end blew up in Delaware on my way home from the OBX to ME. I think I had a pinion bearing go severely bad but I managed to limp it home 300 plus miles. Ordered a Dana 44 from Reliable Auto Parts in Yuma, Arizona and swapped the old axle (250K miles) with the newer one (100k miles). They let me keep my old axle which I was able to sell for 600$ to offset my costs. I called around for various quotes on rebuilding what I had, not knowing the extent of my damage and the costs pretty much came out the same.

3 hours to rip out and 4 hours to put in...also took the opportunity to install stiffer rear coils after recently installing a swing out tire carrier, hardtop and roof rack/basket. I've become really interested in overlanding recently but mostly want to be able to camp comfortably with the old jeep. The ride is back to what it used to be and I can actually drive it again without banshee noises coming from the rear!

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Recently hit 250,000 miles on the original (and very tired) motor. I was able to pick up a fresher motor (150k) for 600$. Some descaling, paint and all new gaskets from oil pan up and the fresher motor is ready to go in. I'd like to rebuild the original to a 4.6 and swap back in. Not a fan of the yellow, was going for more of a darker yellow to match the motor mounts/shocks...it'll work for now.

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