'12 Rubicon Keeping It Stock Build

I recently purchased a 2012 Rubicon. The goal of this "build" will be to remain as factory stock as possible. Only necessary upgrades will be made as I hit certain walls in my offroading. Here is the first couple of pics I have of it.

The first mod will be:

Does you new rubi have the 6spd standard behind that awesome motor? It is so much fun to drive! I have my boss' 2012 JKU Sahara until he comes back from Geece at the end of the month. He wanted me to take care of it and drive it while he is gone. He ordered it back in February. The new 3.6 penastar is awesome along with the 6spd. My boss actually lives in Lowell also.

The cb is a great start to the build!

Yes forgot to mention it is a 6 speed. It has the Power Convenience Group and Connectivity Group. I wanted it to be as unoptioned as possible. That sticker price can rise quite quickly!

I am bored at work and researching possible tire upgrades down the line. I really loved my Duratracs and found some interesting info I thought I would pass on. As many of you know Kelly Tire is a subsidiary of GY. Apparently they make a Duratrac equivalent called the Safari TSR and they are considerably cheaper.

That looks like a great tire! And the reviews for them are good as well.

Did some cutting to prepare for 35s today.

How did you cut it , what did you use? looks awesome, great job.

Fenders were done with a dremel and fiber cut off disc. The Bumper was a mixture of sawzall, angle grinder, and dremel. The bumper isn't as clean looking as I would like, but much cheaper than an aftermarket one!

Looks Great - There is something satisfying about taking a sawzall to a perfectly good bumper!

The wife didn't think so

Next up on the list is Inner C Gussets and Truss/Sleeves. This will beef up the front axle sufficiently for 35s. These are the three kits I am considering:

https://artecindustries.3dcartstores.com/JK-Front-Axle-ARMOR-KIT_p_309.html
http://www.jeep4x4center.com/purejeep-front-axle-knuckle-gusset-set-for-dana-30-pj5157.html
http://www.synergysuspension.com/Synergy-Suspension-Jeep-JK-TJ-LJ-XJ-ZJ-D30-44-Inner-Axle-Sleeve-Kit-p-20274.html

Ok guys need a little input. I have decided on the Artec kit to beef up the front axle. It is a really nice setup. The question is this:

Do you guys know a very competent welder that works on Jeeps? I do not want my axle housing to get bent due to heat and I don't want my ball joints destroyed either. Artec has assured me that neither should happen if the supplied directions are followed.

Picked up an AEV Procal for cheap money yesterday.


Rear flares finished. Just want to add some edge trim at some point to clean them up.


Picked my tires 305/70R17 MTR/K

Sick dude! When you planning on the tires? Looking forward to how yo like em, they are my next choice of tire when I upgrade, which will prob be soon.

The plan is for spring. I would like to wait for tax time.

So Goodyear via Sullivan Tire was running a buy 3 get 1 free. I couldn't pass up the deal. Unfortunately MTR/Ks were unavailable. No biggie. Ended up with 315/70R17 DuraTracs.

I have been getting everything prepped for the 35s. Got a great deal on an Artrec Gussets, AEV Procal and Spidertrax spacers. I also finished the fenders with edge trim and trimmed the rear pinch seam and rubi rails.

dongalonga wrote:Ok guys need a little input. I have decided on the Artec kit to beef up the front axle. It is a really nice setup. The question is this:

Do you guys know a very competent welder that works on Jeeps? I do not want my axle housing to get bent due to heat and I don't want my ball joints destroyed either. Artec has assured me that neither should happen if the supplied directions are followed.

Domenic will do it. He welded in my Johnny Joint housing on my axle when he fixed my frame. I'd give him a call and see what he says. You can tell him Clayton told you to call.

Any pics of the welds?

I'll get you some tomorrow.

Awesome thanks!

I worked at domenic's and did alot of that welding.
I worked on claytons jeep at one point.
He will do it right.
603-329-9439
Mark.
You can also say that Mark recommend him along with Clayton.

That's awesome Mark. Thanks for helping him out and doing a great job! What did you work on? The first or second clutch?

Anyway, as promised, here is a picture of his welding. He does a nice job.

Looks good and two positive recommendations. I will give him a call.

dongalonga wrote:Looks good and two positive recommendations. I will give him a call.

May be doing the same thing shortly...

I do not remember what i did Clayton, but it was when you first started bringing it there.
I remember chatting and i believe you came with someone else.
I was doing a frame swap on a tj at the time or a v8 swap in a yj not sure.

Markmmaark wrote:I do not remember what i did Clayton, but it was when you first started bringing it there.
I remember chatting and i believe you came with someone else.
I was doing a frame swap on a tj at the time or a v8 swap in a yj not sure.

I was most likely with my wife. You probably helped with my frame repair.