Picked up this two owner So Cal based (rust free) 2006 Rubi LJ 6 speed last weekend. Rear axle needs to be rebuilt and the paint job was performed by Maaco, which were both factored into the purchase price. Rig has 112,000 miles in the odometer and runs fine.
Previous owner recently installed a 3.5” Metal Cloak lift. I typically run control arms with Currie joints but I’ll give these arms a try before replacing.
Rig will be primarily used on the Rubicon Trail, trails near Shaver Lake, and Big Bear Lake trails.
First order of business is replacing the entire cooling system, alternator, starter, rear main seal, and oil pan. This rig needs to be reliable so I opted to replace the 17 year old parts with OEM components prior to failure. Rear main seal and oil pan were leaking badly.
Also opted to remove the Smittybilt fenders, bumper, cheap winch, and K&N intake. Rig was originally solar yellow so I painted the firewall with VHT satin black.
I will keep this thread updated as the project progresses. Replaced the rear main seal and oil pan earlier this week. Tonight I am installing the new alternator and cooling system. Tomorrow I will install the OEM fenders and get everything buttoned up under the hood.
Previous owner recently installed a 3.5” Metal Cloak lift. I typically run control arms with Currie joints but I’ll give these arms a try before replacing.
Rig will be primarily used on the Rubicon Trail, trails near Shaver Lake, and Big Bear Lake trails.
First order of business is replacing the entire cooling system, alternator, starter, rear main seal, and oil pan. This rig needs to be reliable so I opted to replace the 17 year old parts with OEM components prior to failure. Rear main seal and oil pan were leaking badly.
Also opted to remove the Smittybilt fenders, bumper, cheap winch, and K&N intake. Rig was originally solar yellow so I painted the firewall with VHT satin black.
I will keep this thread updated as the project progresses. Replaced the rear main seal and oil pan earlier this week. Tonight I am installing the new alternator and cooling system. Tomorrow I will install the OEM fenders and get everything buttoned up under the hood.
