So a little background, I just moved from Woodinville Washington where I went on pretty easy trails and the jeep had absolutely no issues. Now I love in Salt Lake City and I want to make sure my DD is going to be to ride trails around here.

My current build
2013 rubicon unlimited
6speed
Smittybilt src front stinger
Smittybilt src rear bumper
Smittybilt xrc 8k winch
2 pro comp 6in lights on front bumper
I will upgrade the bumper to have the tire carrier when I lift the rig, but right now I don't want the factory BFGs to go to waste so I'm not lifting yet.

I love the rubicons because I feel like they are already very well setup, just wondering what I can do to feel better whilst tackling trails and mud pits.

Thanks guys

 

Welcome to Utah. You'll like the wheeling way better here. Is there anything still open up there? Before I moved away about 5 years ago everything was getting or already shut down. I almost sold my TJ. Glad I kept it as I moved to CO for a couple years before moving to UT.
Do you have trails in mind that you want to tackle? My boy has a '13 JKU sport. He got my stock Rubi tires and wheels and added spacers and a 2.5" budget boost for cheap. He has been more than pleased with it on the trails he has been on so far. His plan is similar in that he will go to 35s and a diff lift when those tires are done.

 

Gussets? Any winch accessories you don't already have? CB? If there is any water around the mud, maybe breather extensions and a snorkel? Depending on future upgrade plans, wouldn't hurt to get a few quotes on sleeves or a truss for the front housing.

 

What would be the minimum recommended to rock 35s in terms of axle strengthening?

 

Luck of the draw? Some people are bending and shattering housings running bone stock onroad, just hitting potholes or curbs. Others are running 37's or bigger offroad and say that they have no issues.

Gussets are cheap, have them done.
Sleeves/Truss are more expensive. Get some quotes so you can compare actual numbers vs your current needs and/or your future usage/upgrade plans. This is brought up quite regularly, so there are plenty of threads to read through to help you come to a decision that is right for you.

 

Truss and gussets is a good option and together can be had pretty cheap if you know or can get in with a skilled welder perhaps in a local jeep club. I paid $130 shipped for my purejeep truss and gussets and $50 to a local guy from a jeep club to weld them on as well as modify some exhaust work. That said, be sure they know what they're doing, and preferably someone who's done a truss before.

 

If the sleeves come with dust seals that go at the end of the axle tubes, recommend not using them--just leave them off. They trap the mud inside where it tears up the axle shaft at the inner seal. Had both of my Chromoly axles get torn up exactly like that after running a couple mud pits and very sandy (quicksand, truth be told) rivers here in Oklahoma. Do be aware that mud pits and sandy rivers will tear up your Jeep. Be prepared for faster brake pad wear, failure of the ABS system because the unit bearing has become contaminated, the aforementioned axle wear, etc. Not saying don't do it, but just pointing out be prepared to spend money quite regularly to repair "what broke this time?!?"