We just got a new JKUR and I want to improve it for what our family likes to do with a 4X4; mostly exploring and camping (basically overlander stuff) in and around the Great Basin area. We aren't into hardcore rockcrawling but we do end up in some pretty rough places a long way from civilization.

I'm thinking of passing on a lift because I just don't think the pros outweigh the cons considering the terrain we spend the most time on (hundreds of miles of graded dirt roads and old mining/rancher/forest service trails with no backup or services). I want to keep reliabilty and fuel economy as good as possible for that reason, as well as keeping the center of gravity down for stability at speed on dirt roads. I want to keep it comfortable and driveable on the pavement for long trips as well.

Anyway, what would you add to a rubi to keep it as useful and reliable for that kind of use? Obviously some armor underneath would be good, but would there be any point to doing front axle gussets or any other suspension/drivetrain improvements if I wasn't going above stock tire size? How would you rate the stock setup for durability; could I rightfully expect a stock Rubi to be as robust as the usual overlander favorites like the Defender or Landcruiser 70 series?

 

The vehicle you purchased is overkill for what you described. Save your money and put it towards gas for your trips and some basic recovery gear/trail tools. The rubi needs nothing added or upgraded to traverse that type of terrain.

 

Above is true.