I have a 2011 Rubicon Unlimited, and after selling my 09 "X" this is a great improvement. I would have to agree with what you have heard already. I went with a 2.5 Teraflex lift with 33's so I could get some clearance and also think it looks better. It rides great, no need for a lot of suspension mods, and with the aftermarket bumpers and winch, and some other mods I can do all of the off roading I do in comfort and still use this as a daily driver if desired. I get frustrated when someone asks this question and the usual answers are go 35's at least, or better 37's. They forget to tell you that you have just started a mod program that will eat your wallet. Anyway, that said, welcome to the club and enjoy your JK.

 

I have been wheeling with my stock 32"s for a little over a year with no issues. I just finally wore them out and bought 35" km2"s. They are great. I agree with the under body protection. I had none and have paid the price.

 

a rubicon comes pretty well equipped with armor from the factory. the only things i would suggest are evap relocation, front lower CA skids, EVO rockstars, and diff covers. adding additional skid plates, is a waste, IMO.

 

I have a 2010 Rubi JKU I wheeled it all last season and the only thing I did to it was the 2.5 Teraflex BB, but I took it down to Moab about a month after I got it. I my almost stock Rubi had no problem keeping up or out doing rigs that had bigger tires or more lift.

Remember having a low center of gravity going to keep you more stable, so unless you are doing things that you would need the extra clearence or flex your stock Rubi will work just fine. I could of ran all the trail that I went on in Moab in a stock Rubi, but it was nice to have that little bit of extra flex that the BB gave me.

 

I didn't replace any stock skid plates just added more armor..
this is what I did.
Evap skip, Poison sypder
Diff covers, Riddler.
RR Sway skid
Rock Hard Oil pan/Transmission/Catalyic convertor skid. (surprised the Oil pan wasn't covered by a stock skid)
and to add in a comment I bought all these from NorthRidge4x4, great service.

 

I have had my Rubi for almost a year. I wheel on easy to moderate trails, but think it could handle even more. However, I have all kinds of parts sitting in my garage waiting to be installed. I would have already installed the lift, shocks, etc, but I cannot decide on tires!

 

I'm running stock and having fun with it. been out 3 times last month and underbody armor a must. Watch the exhaust crossover only thing to get smashed on mine. Plan to upgrade but wanted to see what a rubicon would do. Have fun and don't sweat the scratch.

 

Thanks for all of the advice and information. I think I will go with the building up the armor and bumper before I put on the lift and tires.

Looking forward to Shamrock!

Cheers

 

Welcome !


You'll get plenty of ideas and advice @ Shamrock

There is also Terra Del Sol ( TDS4x4.com ) , March 4th-6th. Red Dog has a post in the SoCal staging area, several JKF members are meeting up for this event.


Happy trails

 

I wheeled my '07 unlimited X for almost 4 years and it went pretty much anywhere and everywhere i wanted it to go. I'm headin out to TDS too is there gonna be a hang out of forum guys? TDS is gonna be the first trail run with my long arm kit and 37's