Building a Rubicon for the Rubicon

[k1n3k]

It sounds like a few guys I know are wanting to do the Rubicon trail in about a year. I might even have a spot on the trailer to get my junk to the trail. Being as that's a bucket list item for me, friends are going to go do it, and the stars are aligning.... Might as well!

What would be considered the bare minimum to run a TJ Rubicon, on the Rubicon without obliterating the body and skulldragging it across the obstacles with the winch? Armor, bumpers, lift, tire size, etc.

My TJ is dead stock at the moment. I'm debating if I want to chuck money at the Jeep or the Samurai so i'm weighing my options.

 

[Chris]

First and foremost I'd say a tummy tuck (i.e. Savvy since you want as flat as possible).

In addition, lockers, good tires, and I'd probably suggest 33s or larger. Also, chromoly axle shafts as well.

 

[macleanflood]

Nah you can do a basic lift and 33s, no armor and be fine. TJ is small enough to pick smart lines.

Ask @CMBD ... I've got great videos of us rolling the Rubicon with him on 33s. My channel is Trash and Trail on YouTube.

Just don't forget to set your bump stops and be prepared to fix everything.

-Mac

 

[CMBD]

A post trip quote from my build thread ,

"Im not Rubicon noob. And I have to say running the Rubicon from Loon to Tahoe in something you don't want to ruin on 33s and a 3" lift is no joke.

My advise for anyone with small tires and lift wanting to run the Rubicon is, be patient, be smooth, and choose wisely. Bring your "A" rock game, or your gonna have a bad time."

"Bare minimum" is sort of a realative term. Post #1- 79 in my build thread is what I had when we went, and I would not have wanted to do it with anything less. I didnt get hung up anywhere, didnt have to winch, and only got one dent (in the body ).

Watch the whole series. Its the only video I have ever seen that shows just about 100% of the Rubicon because Mac walked nearly the entire trail filming

 

[macleanflood]

-Mac

 

[CMBD]

Such an epic trip!

Need to plan another one.

 

[JMT]

It sounds like a few guys I know are wanting to do the Rubicon trail in about a year. I might even have a spot on the trailer to get my junk to the trail. Being as that's a bucket list item for me, friends are going to go do it, and the stars are aligning.... Might as well!

What would be considered the bare minimum to run a TJ Rubicon, on the Rubicon without obliterating the body and skulldragging it across the obstacles with the winch? Armor, bumpers, lift, tire size, etc.

My TJ is dead stock at the moment. I'm debating if I want to chuck money at the Jeep or the Samurai so i'm weighing my options.

I think 33’s would be fine if you’re ok with some bumps and bruises.

Well built and raised belly on 33’s better.

35’s well built and raised belly to do all the obstacles.

 

[k1n3k]

Sounds like my best bet within budget constraints is a tummy tuck and 33s. And careful, methodical lines. I don't want to damage the body if possible. Rock rash on arms, diff, frame, etc. doesn't bother me in the least, but salt will kill my tub and I'm keeping this thing for a while.
I can pull together a 2+1.25 lift pretty easy. that may be the direction. The factory lockers do work, both front and rear so I'll run those for now. With the 241OR, can I get away with the 4.10s on the trail or should I be thinking about a regear beforehand to take some load off the rest of the drivetrain?

 

[macleanflood]

Regear lets you slow down and crawl. Also gives you more power in the right places.

Not saying it's a number one priority...but it would be in my top ten.

-Mac

 

[JMT]

Sounds like my best bet within budget constraints is a tummy tuck and 33s. And careful, methodical lines. I don't want to damage the body if possible. Rock rash on arms, diff, frame, etc. doesn't bother me in the least, but salt will kill my tub and I'm keeping this thing for a while.
I can pull together a 2+1.25 lift pretty easy. that may be the direction. The factory lockers do work, both front and rear so I'll run those for now. With the 241OR, can I get away with the 4.10s on the trail or should I be thinking about a regear beforehand to take some load off the rest of the drivetrain?

What transmission?

 

[k1n3k]

What transmission?

nv3550

 

[TheBoogieman]

It sounds like a few guys I know are wanting to do the Rubicon trail in about a year. I'm debating if I want to chuck money at the Jeep or the Samurai so i'm weighing my options.

Try the Sammy on it first.

 

[JMT]

nv3550

Ideally 4.88’s for 33’s, but decide your final tire size, build for that, and in the meantime go have fun. Any 33’s scenario will work, but obviously a lower crawl ratio will be helpful with your manual.

 

[explorerlyon]

I have done the Rubicon a few times on 33" with a 3" lift. No issues. Upgrading your skid plates or at least add an engine skid. Rock sliders will be helpful.

 

[Camdenst]

Just don't forget to set your bump stops and be prepared to fix everything.

-Mac

Haha

 

[AndyG]

Haha

I laughed too……”you’ll be fine, but bring a spare jeep…..”

 

[macleanflood]

Nah just a spare fuel line...

-Mac

 

[Travis05Rubi]

I'm on the Rubicon a few times a year, in fact its the only place I wheel. Some solid advice? Maintenance. Make sure all systems are in top shape. Faulty maintenance can ruin a trip before tire size. Next, communication. Get a HAM radio and dial in the trail frequencies. You can hear whats going on around you and if you need help someone is listening. As far as build needs go it all depends on what you're willing to damage and how bad. A small lift with 33's and sliders will get you through. Just take the smart lines and know when to winch. The technical challenge is half the fun. The trail itself isn't bad in any one place. Its bad everywhere. Nonstop. For 18 miles. Bring patience, sunscreen, food, water, beer, and have fun. Hell, half the trail is talking shop with people you'll meet while someone gets of whatever situation they got into.

People always overthink it. I've winched a couple times and used my rear locker a handful of times. I've used my Rubicrawler far more than those two. Again, miles and miles of technical offroad that will test your skill and patience more than your rig.

TJ's are especially suited for the trail. Short, narrow, light, and the coil springs provide supreme flex over a CJ on leafs. Its all about the lines you pick. The pic is my buddy who was too far right going around Buck Island. His choice required three winches to pull him out. Which is my last bit of advice. SAFETY. One moment of impatience, one moment of not paying attention, or one decision to not get out and walk the line first will make for a very long day at best.

 

[k1n3k]

Try the Sammy on it first.
View attachment 668360

It would be a no brainer if I hadn't sold this one already.... It also had a TDI with a kicker 3 doubler in it, lockers, toyota steering box, a bit of armor, chromoly shafts.... the works.

 

[k1n3k]

So It sounds like if I did a 2+1.25 lift, tummy tuck , 33's and a regear, I'd be golden. I'd add a oil pan skid as well.

Thoughts on control arms? I'm on stock stamped steel ones at the moment. I can see those getting bent up for sure so spares would be 100% on the list, but would it be better to just get some tubular lowers and call it a day?