The Rubicon/Little Sluice Challenge Ultimate Junk-Yard Build
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,546
Likes: 2
From: Panorama city,Ca
Originally Posted by CALIJK
Mastercraft is top-of-the-line for racing safety, so they aren't cheap, but I thought this was one area that I should not try to save $. Anyway, we spent a little over $2k today.
Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,942
Likes: 0
From: Valencia, CA
"He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever." - Some Chinese Proverb
We ran the Rubicon trail with no skids underneath and we did not have any issues. In fact, the only underneath contact we found was a dent in the exhaust tubing that crosses from the passenger side to the driver side, a couple of scratches on the lower control arms, and the rear diff and yoke skid took a hit or two. So, I'm not too concerned.
With regard to the exhaust cross-over which does hang lower than anything else, we are solving that problem by going to a dual and very high clearance exhaust.
And, just to get ready for tougher trails than the Rubicon, Jim at higherGround Fab is going to do a custom skid plate to protect the transfer case and transmission. It is actually a pretty small area that needs protection. In the below photo, the skid will cover the area from where the front and rear lower control arms are mounted to the frame, which is basically the center-line of the Jeep:
Last edited by CALIJK; Sep 19, 2012 at 04:22 PM.
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,546
Likes: 2
From: Panorama city,Ca
Originally Posted by CALIJK
Hey Edgar,
"He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever." - Some Chinese Proverb
We ran the Rubicon trail with no skids underneath and we did not have any issues. In fact, the only underneath contact we found was a dent in the exhaust tubing that crosses from the passenger side to the driver side, a couple of scratches on the lower control arms, and the rear diff and yoke skid took a hit or two. So, I'm not too concerned.
With regard to the exhaust cross-over which does hang lower than anything else, we are solving that problem by going to a dual and very high clearance exhaust.
And, just to get ready for tougher trails than the Rubicon, Jim at higherGround Fab is going to do a custom skid plate to protect the transfer case and transmission. It is actually a pretty small area that needs protection. In the below photo, the skid will cover the area from where the front and rear lower control arms are mounted to the frame, which is basically the center-line of the Jeep:
Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,942
Likes: 0
From: Valencia, CA
As far as desert racing goes, the plan is to go with a race air system, like the ones from P.C.I, so we won't have to worry too much about the dust.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, NE
We ran the Rubicon trail with no skids underneath and we did not have any issues. In fact, the only underneath contact we found was a dent in the exhaust tubing that crosses from the passenger side to the driver side, a couple of scratches on the lower control arms, and the rear diff and yoke skid took a hit or two. So, I'm not too concerned.
With regard to the exhaust cross-over which does hang lower than anything else, we are solving that problem by going to a dual and very high clearance exhaust.
With regard to the exhaust cross-over which does hang lower than anything else, we are solving that problem by going to a dual and very high clearance exhaust.
As far as the exhaust cross-over, I'm glad to hear mine isn't the only jeep who has an exhaust battering ram built in. Was going to visit an exhaust shop to see if they could do something with it. You have a few more options since you no longer have an annoying gas tank hanging underneath. Looking forward to seeing all the future mods.
Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,942
Likes: 0
From: Valencia, CA
How did you keep from beating up your underside with such small tires and almost no lift?? As far as the exhaust cross-over, I'm glad to hear mine isn't the only jeep who has an exhaust battering ram built in. Was going to visit an exhaust shop to see if they could do something with it. You have a few more options since you no longer have an annoying gas tank hanging underneath. Looking forward to seeing all the future mods.
As far as the exhaust cross-over, I'm glad to hear mine isn't the only jeep who has an exhaust battering ram built in. Was going to visit an exhaust shop to see if they could do something with it. You have a few more options since you no longer have an annoying gas tank hanging underneath. Looking forward to seeing all the future mods.