My 05 Rubi build and picture thread

derekmac · Aug 9, 2017

So, since I won $200 of gift cards, I think I'm going to start on a tummy tuck. My plan is (and will hopefully work) to get the Rough Country skid plate (the shop for the cards deals with RC).

I don't have the funds to get a DC drive shaft, adjustable arms and a BL, so my plan right now is to use a 1" transfer case drop. I think that should work, and I should gain a bit of clearance, and will have a smooth skid instead of the ribbed stock one.

I'll start working OT, and save the money to get everything else I need.

derekmac · Sep 26, 2017

Yesterday I installed an in cab switch for my winch. I figured that would beat having to route the controller into the cab. I really suck at taking pics while working on the Jeep.

I left the power wire (green) unhooked while wiring it up.

Cable and grommet.

Wires stripped, and one hole drilled.

The power and momentary switch installed.

It's in perfect arm's reach.

derekmac · Oct 21, 2017

I picked up some 3/16 2" square tube to mount the new skid plate. It's sitting at the exact same height as the stock one.

I also installed some new signal/running lights, and a new muffler. The reason for the two lights is that the circuit uses an alternating ground, and since these are LED, they'll only light with the power flowing one way.

The muffler is a Flowtech Red Hots glass pack that I've had since Sept 2016, but just got around to installing. Since it's a center in/out, and the stock was center in/offset out, the tail pipe still needs some work.

JamesAndTheSahara · Oct 21, 2017

derekmac said:
I picked up some 3/16 2" square tube to mount the new skid plate. It's sitting at the exact same height as the stock one.

I also installed some new signal/running lights, and a new muffler. The reason for the two lights is that the circuit uses an alternating ground, and since these are LED, they'll only light with the power flowing one way.

The muffler is a Flowtech Red Hots glass pack that I've had since Sept 2016, but just got around to installing. Since it's a center in/out, and the stock was center in/offset out, the tail pipe still needs some work.

Got some pictures of those new running lights? And of that new skid

.

derekmac · Oct 21, 2017

JamesAndTheSahara said:
Got some pictures of those new running lights? And of that new skid .

They're up now.

derekmac · Oct 21, 2017

Went on a nice little run today with some great guys, and a good mix of rigs.

JamesAndTheSahara · Oct 21, 2017

derekmac said:
Went on a nice little run today with some great guys, and a good mix of rigs.
View attachment 24113 View attachment 24114 View attachment 24115 View attachment 24116 View attachment 24117 View attachment 24118 View attachment 24119 View attachment 24120

Nice! Also in the post above the skid & lights look clean. Great job!

derekmac · Oct 21, 2017

JamesAndTheSahara said:
Nice! Also in the post above the skid & lights look clean. Great job!

Thanks!!

derekmac · Jan 12, 2018

I've got a couple of things to do to the Jeep tomorrow. New longer rear sway bar links to install, and new parking brake shoes and hardware kit.

derekmac · Jan 16, 2018

I was able to get the new extended links in the rear, but didn't tackle the parking brakes as I still need to fix the leaking axle seals. I have new Timken SET10 bearings and Timken 9912S seals on the way for both sides. I'm going to buy a 12 ton shop press so I can do them myself, and help any of my buddies out that might need to do theirs (or other press work).

I replaced the axle side u-joint on the rear driveshaft, and pulled the front shaft as one of the u-joints on the DC needs replacing. I'm thinking about taking it to a driveline shop and having them do the work and balance the driveshaft. I still there's too much rotational slop in the slip on it, so I want to have that looked at too.

derekmac · Aug 24, 2018

So, I haven't done much of anything to the Jeep until recently.

I installed a new MOOG ZJ tie rod.

derekmac · Aug 24, 2018

And installed my new set of five General Grabber X3's in 35's that I won at the 2018 Pirate Off-road Nation Valley Invasion.

derekmac · Aug 24, 2018

My Jeep as it sits now is lifted 3" in the front and 2" in the rear. That setup cleared my 33's perfectly, but as you can see 35's are tight.

I'm going to be adding a 1.25" BL and see how that looks/works.

derekmac · Aug 26, 2018

I was given a set of rear 4" Rough Country springs, so I got those cleaned up and installed today. I'm now sitting at 3" front and rear.

Most of the scale cleaned up on the left spring, right still to go.

Before.

After.

Put a couple of coats of gloss black rust paint on them.

This is without my spare, so it was sitting at 3.5" of lift in these pics.

The springs installed. Don't worry that's not rust, just dirt that is stuck to the undercoating.

Chris · Aug 26, 2018

Is that a tire mount and balance machine in your garage, along with a lift?

derekmac · Aug 26, 2018

Chris said:
Is that a tire mount and balance machine in your garage, along with a lift?

Unfortunately not my garage, but a buddies.

Chris · Aug 26, 2018

derekmac said:
Unfortunately not my garage, but a buddies.

I was about to be jealous of your garage!

derekmac · Sep 2, 2018

So over the weekend I got my 1.25" BL and 1" MML installed. Both rear bumper body mount bolts snapped, but it was easy to cut access holes to get the busted bits out, and new nuts in. After getting the BL done, I was surprised at just how much mud was on top of the frame, and in spots I couldn't see. Having the body lifted up will make cleaning much easier I think.

The MML went well. I did have to put some heat and penetrating fluid to the bolts, and take the engine bracket off the drivers side (thanks Jeep for putting the bolt in the WRONG way, lol). Other then that, everything lined up and went together quite easily.

With the BL and MML, I did have to move the center console back about an inch. I just slid it back and used self-tapping screws to resecure it. I also had to clearance the RC skid plate some. The spot on the t-case where you drain the fluid was contacting the skid. I just lowered the skid and used a rotary file to make the room needed.

Spacers are in.

I'm happy with how it's sitting now.

That should be enough room for the 35's now.

The front still needs the 1/2" coil spacer.

Blocks in, just about to tighten them down.

derekmac · Sep 6, 2018

So I bought and installed a set of LED headlights that I just happened to stumble upon in the Amazon warehouse deals section.

The description for these made them sound really beat up, but they were under $50, and their regular price was $129 (Canadian). I figured it would be worth a gamble ordering them.

They arrived today, and the box that was supposed to be damaged looked pretty new. Opened it up, and the paperwork was there. When I first looked at the lights I was a bit shocked, as this is how they were described: Condition: Used - Acceptable - Large cosmetic imperfection(s) on top, front or sides of item. Large cosmetic imperfection(s) on bottom or back of the item. Large cosmetic imperfection(s) on the interior of the item. Item will come in original packaging. Packaging will be damaged.

I couldn't see any damage though. Took them out, looked them over, and they looked new... Looking very closely at the lenses, they had faint swirl marks, like if someone were to wipe them with paper towel.

After I installed them and turned them on, you could definitely see them. I took my 3M headlight restoration kit and gave them a quick polish, and it took out the majority of the scratches.

So for less than half price, I'm pretty happy! If it doesn't rain tonight, I'm going to go out and check the aim on them.

derekmac · Sep 15, 2018

Today I went on a little solo run. This is my first time out since putting the new tires on, changing the rear springs and installing the MML and BL.

First impressions with the tires: I can't believe how much smoother they were compared to the 33's. I went to my normal 10psi, but these just handled the bumps and small rocks way better. Much smoother ride!

The Rough Country rear springs I got from a friend also made a big difference. They are WAY stiffer than the Crown Vic springs I had in there, and now when I come down off of something, I'm not hitting the bump stops just about every time. It would bounce before, and the rear end would go down a lot. Now it's nice and controlled.

With the body lift, the tires clear perfectly. I also properly adjusted the rear bump stops when I changed the springs, and they're pretty much spot on now. So overall I'm very happy with everything!

Front bump stop at full compression.