Proposed build plan (2018 New Rubicon JKU) Requesting thoughts/advice

slystrx

slystrx

New member
Hi guys,

I'm excited to say that I'll be pulling the trigger on a brand new 2018 Rubicon JKU (not JL) Manual Transmission at my local dealer tomorrow. I went with this decision mostly because the JL is still new (not much after market parts yet). Since this is the last of the JKs manufactured out there, they are giving some great deals.

After spending hours on this awesome forum - learning, researching as much I could - I've decided that I will drop off my Wrangler at ORE - Fullerton soon (hopefully in the coming days/week). I'm definitely going to be a part of WayALife and can't wait to meet you guys.
Here's the complete list of mods I've put together.

  1. EVO MFG JEEP JK ENFORCER 4″ STAGE 1 W/ DRAGLINK FLIP - $1599
    https://www.offroadevolution.com/product/evo-mfg-3-enforcer-stage1-with-draglink-flip/
    OR
    EVO MFG JEEP JK ENFORCER 4″ STAGE 3 W/ DRAGLINK FLIP - $2699
    https://www.offroadevolution.com/product/evo-mfg-jeep-jk-enforcer-35-stage3-withdraglink/
    What is the major difference b/w Stage 1 & Stage 3, in terms of how much it could affect the performance or my needs?
  2. Rancho RS9000XL Adj Shock Set - $369
    https://www.amazon.com/Rancho-RS9000XL-Shock-2007-2016-Wrangler/dp/B019D6IW5G
    I'm aware that King shocks is the way to go. But I'm trying to save up for this upgrade down the road. Would love your thoughts on Ranchos, or maybe Bilstein shocks? I'm leaning towards RS9000XL mainly cause it's recommended by Eddie and like the fact that it's adjustable for that price. I don't plan on any real fast desert runs (at least not yet) but I do enjoy driving fast. How would RS9000XL perform in offroad situations?
  3. Yukon Gear Dana 44 Rear Gear and Pinion Kit - 5.13 Gears (manual) - $295.10
    https://www.extremeterrain.com/yukon-gear-rear-d44-513-jk-ygd44jk513rub.html
  4. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro (37X12.50R17) (5) - $1545
    https://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/cooper/discoverer-stt-pro/p/TV090001173
  5. XD231 RG RACE BEADLOCK (5) - $1590
    https://www.offroadevolution.com/product/xd231-rg-race-beadlock/
  6. (Would I even need spacers for this build?) G2 Bolt Pattern 1.5 Inch Offset Wheel Spacers - $99
    https://www.4wheelparts.com/Wheels/...px?t_c=11&t_s=107&t_pt=7576&t_pn=G/293-73-150
  7. EVO MANUFACTURING QUARTER POUNDER FRONT BUMPER BLACK - $399
    https://www.offroadevolution.com/product/evo-mfg-1-4-pounder-front-bumper-black-jk-jku/
  8. EVO MFG REAR STEEL BLK FASCIA AND EVO REAR D-RING MOUNT - $323.97
    https://www.offroadevolution.com/pr...l-blk-fascia-and-evo-rear-d-ring-mount-combo/
  9. (couldn't find diff covers on ORE website) ARB Dana 44 Differential Cover (Front & Back) - $391.40
    https://www.extremeterrain.com/arb-d44-diff-cover-blk0750003B.html
  10. (Would love to get the black powder coated version) EVO MANUFACTURING ROCK SLIDERS LOW ANGLE STEP - $529.99
    https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...manufacturing-rock-sliders-low-angle-step-raw
  11. EVO MFG PROTEK SKID SYSTEM - $399.99
    https://www.offroadevolution.com/product/evo-mfg-2012-protek-skid-system-manual-trans-jk-jku/
  12. EVO MFG. PRO SERIES HINGED GATE CARRIER (black) - $649.99
    https://www.offroadevolution.com/product/evo-mfg-proseries-hinged-gate-carrier-jk-2007-current/
    Initially had planned on going with ACE. Since it has the option for slanted (if i wanted) and built in rotopax mounts in the back. But started reading that the build isn't as sturdy as EVO esp for 37s. Please feel free to correct me if i'm wrong.
    ACE JK Stand Alone Tire Carrier - $649.99
    http://www.aceengineeringandfab.com/ACE-JK-Stand-Alone-Tire-Carrier_p_199.html
  13. Magnaflow Off-Road Pro-Series Cat-Back Exhaust - $405.11
    https://www.extremeterrain.com/magnaflow-offroad-pro-catback-jk-17143.html
    OR
    DynoMax 39522 Ultra Flo Evolution Competition Cat-Back Exhaust - $209
    https://www.quadratec.com/products/17605_5030_07.htm

    I've read about MagnaFlow having issues with it rubbing against the frame and causing a lot of rattle. Is that true? Can it be fixed?
    How does it compare against DynoMax Ultra Flo Evolution? I desire a low (not too loud) exhaust tone and also want it tucked away for when I go wheeling. If you guys have any other suggestions, please feel free.

    I really loved the exhaust note as shown here below
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz6s07ZBrv0
    But I couldn't find Dynomax Jeep JK Wrangler QuietCrawler Performance Exhaust, read that it's discontinued?
  14. Smittybilt XRC Fender Flares - $299.99
    https://www.extremeterrain.com/smittybilt-xrc-fender-flares-jk-76837.html
    I like the low profile and high clearance of this. I'm aware that it's not plastic and what that could mean to the body if it takes a hit during wheeling. I just wanted to not have the stock fenders is all. Esp with the look I'm going with the above build.

Total - $8898.00

Is there anything else I'm missing for a decently built rig to go off-roading?

I'm a noob to the off-roading/wheeling community, never have any experience but more than willing to change that. I live in SF, so there are lots of opportunities around the bay area (tahoe wooohooo) and trails to hit up. My plan is to go explore, hopefully with some of you guys. This will not be a daily driver, mostly for my mountain/weekend adventures. Hence there will be lots of highway miles on it.
With all this said please feel free to word your thoughts, advice, dos & don'ts or other (better) recommendations.

Since I live in the city and out of garage space, I really can't work on most of these parts myself.
Wonder how many hours of labor all of this might take? Curious to know how much does ORE charges for labor/hour.
Since I'll be buying most of these parts from ORE and having them install, would I avail some discount?
I saw that they had a buy one get one KMC Wheel free sale a month ago, I so wish it was still around.
I would definitely be mentioning WayALife, who have steered me in the right direction. Please feel free to let me know of any discounts going on that I'm not aware of, I can really some after all of this (and more to come in the future) :)

Looking forward to hearing all the feedback.

Thanks,
Supreeth (a.k.a SLYSTRX)
 
Ddays

Ddays

Hooked
Go big or go home, eh? Honestly you may want to drive your Jeep some and get accustomed to the whole off-roading experience before you go with such wholesale changes. Nothing wrong with what you want to do, but it would be great to build up some experience and then decide how much you want to do. Hell, you may end up wanting to do more. Nothing worse than spending a bunch of money and then deciding that you want something more or possibly even less. :twocents:
 
I-Eat-Mud

I-Eat-Mud

New member
I'm more of a fan of go wheel your brand new Jeep stock and see what you end up wanting to change for your needs. If you are brand new to off-road driving, your limiting factor will be driver skill and experience for quite some time. Especially in a rubicon. Get out with a jeep club, have them show you the ropes. Once you hit an obstacle your jeep can't do; that's when I upgrade. So I have a jeep built for my own needs.

All that being said it sounds like you're looking at mostly great quality upgrades.


Actually just go buy Rubicat instead. It's already totally built.

Sent from my iPad using WAYALIFE mobile app
 
Clutch

Clutch

Caught the Bug
You won’t need wheel spacers, but you will want to add a front driveshaft and c-gussets and front lower control arm skids. List looks pretty good.


Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
 
J

JKDream

Guest
slystrx said:
[*] Smittybilt XRC Fender Flares - $299.99
https://www.extremeterrain.com/smittybilt-xrc-fender-flares-jk-76837.html
I like the low profile and high clearance of this. I'm aware that it's not plastic and what that could mean to the body if it takes a hit during wheeling. I just wanted to not have the stock fenders is all. Esp with the look I'm going with the above build.
Click to expand...

I'd replace these personally with something else.
If you want to go the metal fender route, Poison Spyder makes a set that reinforces the body panel instead of crushing it.

You could probably also save a significant amount of money in labor installing a majority of this yourself.
Would likely pay for the King shocks you wanted. Suspension/bumpers are very easy.
 
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zimm

zimm

Caught the Bug
First off- get the 13.50 tires over the 12.50's.

I'd go stage 1 on the lift. With flat fenders, you might consider the 3" enforcer. I'm running 3" springs with 1/2" spacers on the passenger side to level the jeep (yes, they lean to the right).

You need a front drive shaft- I recommend adams 1350.

PLEASE don't get chinese steel fenders. Cut your stockers first. If you don't like them, then get the poison spyder aluminum ones.

You'll want a rear adjustable track bar. The drag link flip lets you keep the stock front one.

Check out the rock hard skid plate- I like it and it's cheaper than a full set up.

I like the poison spyder diff covers. Half the price and the fill hole is at the stock height.

If you're having a shop do the gears, I would let them buy the gears and master rebuild kits. Less hassle and they're responsible if there are any issues with the parts. They can get a better deal than you can online (usually).

Get the EVO tire carrier.

Off-road it, then start saving up for a PSC hydro boost. It'll be a life changer.
 
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zimm

zimm

Caught the Bug
JKDream said:
Both kits come with a rear track bar bracket. Adjustable is not needed.
Click to expand...

Hmmm.... okay. I have a weld on artec bracket and needed a track bar. I was 3/4" off center. No experience with the EVO rear bracket.

Oh, and I'm running the Evo king 2.5 adjustables. This is AFTER going through TWO sets of Fox performance 2.0's. So I wasted around $800 before dropping $2000 on the right shocks. buy once, cry once. Clear coat the bodies before you install so they don't corrode.
 
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slystrx

slystrx

New member
zimm said:
First off- get the 13.50 tires over the 12.50's.
Click to expand...
I did think about it, but really wasn't sure of the pros and cons. Why would you recommend 13.5 over 12.5? Also if i get 13.5s would I need spacers?

zimm said:
I'd go stage 1 on the lift. With flat fenders, you might consider the 3" enforcer. I'm running 3" springs with 1/2" spacers on the passenger side to level the jeep (yes, they lean to the right).
Click to expand...
Can you please tell me how much of a difference Stage 1 be against Stage 3?
Also is there any cons with having 4" coil with this setup, since you suggested 3" ?

zimm said:
PLEASE don't get chinese steel fenders. Cut your stockers first. If you don't like them, then get the poison spyder aluminum ones.
Click to expand...
Ha yeah, I know I know. I might actually just go ahead and cut them myself (fingers crossed) Poison spyder is a little pricey for me at the moment, esp since I need to get couple more stuff not included on here.

zimm said:
You need a front drive shaft- I recommend adams 1350.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the rec :thumb:

zimm said:
I like the poison spyder diff covers. Half the price and the fill hole is at the stock height.
Click to expand...
Ha more savings, thank you.

zimm said:
If you're having a shop do the gears, I would let them buy the gears and master rebuild kits. Less hassle and they're responsible if there are any issues with the parts. They can get a better deal than you can online (usually).
Click to expand...
Yeah, I was hoping on the same too. But wasn't sure how they go about it. Hopefully it'll be in my favor.
 
slystrx

slystrx

New member
elgordomucho said:
Buy rubicat
Click to expand...
As much as I loved/love watching Rubicat's videos - unfortunately 40" tires and the entire setup with wide stance is "just a tiny, very tiny" bit bigger for finding a garage spot in SF :bleh:
Since this will be my 1st ever "brand new" vehicle (usually buy used ones), very excited about it being all mine and building it stock up.
 
zimm

zimm

Caught the Bug
Stage 3: you don't need 8 adjustable arms, only the front lowers to fix your castor. The other 6 are great if you have an old and tired jeep. Your's is new. I'm still running the stock 6 remaining arms with no issues after 3 years and 35,000 miles.

13.50 are of course an inch wider. They're also load range E with 10 ply something or other. better tire. Only reason for 12.50 is you buy the wrong offset wheels. If you get 3.5 to 4.0 BS, go 13.50. 12.50 for 4.5 BS.
 
MTG

MTG

Caught the Bug
slystrx said:
Is there anything else I'm missing for a decently built rig to go off-roading?

I'm a noob to the off-roading/wheeling community, never have any experience but more than willing to change that. I live in SF, so there are lots of opportunities around the bay area (tahoe wooohooo) and trails to hit up. My plan is to go explore, hopefully with some of you guys. This will not be a daily driver, mostly for my mountain/weekend adventures. Hence there will be lots of highway miles on it.
With all this said please feel free to word your thoughts, advice, dos & don'ts or other (better) recommendations.

Since I live in the city and out of garage space, I really can't work on most of these parts myself.
Wonder how many hours of labor all of this might take? Curious to know how much does ORE charges for labor/hour.
Since I'll be buying most of these parts from ORE and having them install, would I avail some discount?
I saw that they had a buy one get one KMC Wheel free sale a month ago, I so wish it was still around.
I would definitely be mentioning WayALife, who have steered me in the right direction. Please feel free to let me know of any discounts going on that I'm not aware of, I can really some after all of this (and more to come in the future) :)

Looking forward to hearing all the feedback.

Thanks,
Supreeth (a.k.a SLYSTRX)
Click to expand...

Drive over the hill and buy my white one instead. Save some money, drive it and wheel it for a year and you'll know exactly whether the build is what you want or if you want to go bigger, keep it or buy a new JL. :cheesy:

https://wayalife.com/showthread.php/53202-FS-2012-JKUR-quot-Knuckles-quot
 
Corby417

Corby417

New member
I’ll second, or third, etc... the thought of wheeling your new Jeep before building it. You’ll be surprised what a stock Jeep can do. You know it’ll perform on the trail but experiencing it is a great way to get to know your Jeep.
 
slystrx

slystrx

New member
Thanks for all the input/advice guys.
I've decided to be a tiny bit more patient and put some more miles on it, enjoy the stock for a few more weekends.
Also memorial day weekend is coming up. You think ORE or other websites might have some good deals? Would be a win-win.

Anyways, lemme introduce you to SLYSTRX in case you missed my "hello wave" post. Here's a photo of him from yesterday - fresh off the lot :)
 

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fiend

fiend

Caught the Bug
slystrx said:
Thanks for all the input/advice guys.
I've decided to be a tiny bit more patient and put some more miles on it, enjoy the stock for a few more weekends.
Also memorial day weekend is coming up. You think ORE or other websites might have some good deals? Would be a win-win.

Anyways, lemme introduce you to SLYSTRX in case you missed my "hello wave" post. Here's a photo of him from yesterday - fresh off the lot :)
Click to expand...

I remember the new Jeep feeling. Have fun with it. IMG_2701.JPG
 
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