I am beginning my build next month from a stock '08 rubi unlimited with a manual. It is my daily driver but I want to build it up to a level that can handle the Rubicon Trail without destroying itself. I still assume that I will need to take some bypasses at the most technical parts of the trail, so I do not want a rock buggy . I have a decent budget for the project but it is not unlimited either. I want to know what you all would do to build it up as a daily driver with that trail in mind. Here is what I was thinking so far...

• TF 3" Lift w/ Shocks (considered the 2.5 coil, but worried it was too small)
• TF Front Lower Control Arms
• TF Rear Upper Control Arms
• TF Front Track Bar
• Expedition One Basic DX Bumper
• Ramsey Patriot 9500 Winch
• AEV Tire Carrier w/ Stock Bumper
• 35" BFG KM2

 

yeah, you'll be fine. i took my orange X unlimited with the northridge4x4 OME long travel lift and 35" tires and no lockers through the rubicon and without any problems. the setup you're looking at will do the job too

 

i thought rubicons were supposed to be able to handle the rubicon trail right out of the factory

 

There's a video here on the site that shows a stock unlimited Rubicon doing most of the trail, with some bypasses. On the Rubicon Trail site it lists your requirements, including engine and tranny skid, transfer case skid and gas tanks skids. I think most JKs already have the gas tank and transfer case skid. Interesting that it lists max 37 inch tires and minimum 32 inch.

I want to do that one day as well.

 

I did part of the trail last year from the Tahoe side, but turned around at Cadillac hill. I was hanging up on the bottom so much that I did not want to limp back to Utah with too much trail damage. But I vowed that I would be back with a lift to finish it the following summer

 

they can - heck, i've seen stock 2-door X JK's doing it. granted, some stacking of rocks and strapping may be required. a rubicon with it's lockers will do better especially with some good spotting and if done later in the summer.

 

yep, that was a promotional video that el dorado county did. the guy driving was a drama queen but, it does give you a basic idea of how a stock rubi can get through the trail. regarding skids, i run factory skids on both my JK's and they do just fine.

 

Thanks for the info Eddie. I'll probably need a bit of a lift and some rocker guards on my Sahara also.

 

When I did the Rubicon with my bronco in 04, the Jeep corporation lead a group of international distributors on the trail with stock 05 Rubicon unlimiteds. ( with the front locker disabled). Of course they had access to unlimited spares, but I'm sure they did fine. I've seen video of stock JK rubicons on the trail. A lift and bigger tires will reduce the body damage, but a good set of skids and sliders, and the Rubicon version should be good to go.
Tom

 

Hey WOL, did you get through the Rubicon trail with the OME lift before you added the HD OME 4" springs? If so, that's awesome because those are the lifts I'm looking at too and want to do the Rubicon trail in the next couple years.