Re: '12 Rubicon Keeping It Stock Build

**saxmanclay** 9/5/2012, 8:08 pm

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.

**dongalonga** 9/5/2012, 9:45 pm

Any pics of the welds?

**saxmanclay** 9/5/2012, 9:50 pm

I'll get you some tomorrow.

**dongalonga** 9/5/2012, 10:27 pm

Awesome thanks!

**Mark** 9/5/2012, 11:21 pm

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.

**saxmanclay** 9/6/2012, 9:38 am

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

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

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**dongalonga** 9/6/2012, 12:33 pm

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

**Ryan McKee** 9/6/2012, 2:44 pm

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

May be doing the same thing shortly...

**Mark** 9/6/2012, 2:55 pm

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.

**saxmanclay** 9/6/2012, 3:50 pm

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.

**dongalonga** 9/6/2012, 7:35 pm

Unfortunately, Dominic came it pretty high on his quote. This should be a 1-2 hour job. I suppose I will get ahold of Elias4wd.

**dongalonga** 9/13/2012, 5:50 pm

315/70R17 Duratacs are on.

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I also installed a MBPR Tire Carrier Reinforcement kit and MBPR spare tire spacer. I have Daystar tire carrier bump stops and a Rough Country Series II budget boost coming in soon.

After a flex test it was apparent it will be necessary. I am rubbing in the rear when disconnected.

**dongalonga** 9/19/2012, 7:03 pm

RC 2.5" Budget Boost is in as well. That should take care of the rear rub.

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janesy 9/19/2012, 8:08 pm

Badass. Love the rig man! And I'm sure you'll love the Rubi w/ how capable it is, especially with the bigger meats!

**dongalonga** 9/19/2012, 9:19 pm

Yeah I LOVE this rig! So much nicer than my TJ was. I must be getting old. I like the plushness lol.
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**Ryan McKee** 9/20/2012, 7:46 am

I just want it to go on record that 3 weeks ago you said you "wouldn't be lifting it" and I said... YES YOU WILL!

I am right, as always Twisted Evil

**dongalonga** 9/20/2012, 1:03 pm

I was waiting for that. I just want to say in my defense that I had no intention of lifting it. All of my research said it would not be necessary. However, my rig flexed a little more than expected and that is never a bad thing.

**dongalonga** 9/27/2012, 3:05 pm

Spare in on. All done for the time being.

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**dongalonga** 11/3/2012, 3:58 am

SO I have been doing a ton of research on front bumpers as of late. I have been looking for an ultra lightweight and compact bumper that retains the factory fog lights. Here is what I came up with:

Expedition One DX Series with side wings and Rubi Skid
http://www.expeditiononestore.com/JK-Wrangler-Products_c4.htm

Total price shipped is $662.

Then add an Engo 9000S winch and we are at +/- 100lbs gained. Not too shabby!

**dongalonga** 4/15/2013, 5:49 pm

What a day!

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**Mark** 4/15/2013, 5:51 pm

What a shame, sorry to see such a thing has happened to your new jeep.
Mark.

**dongalonga** 4/15/2013, 6:18 pm

I think the inner c may be slightly bent. Can't really tell with the eye ball though. I will make sure it gets fixed right.

**saxmanclay** 4/15/2013, 8:07 pm

Holy crap. Glad you're okay.

When I got into an accident with my Jeep, it didn't look too bad (like yours). But they ended up replacing the whole front axle on mine just because it was safer. Since your Jeep is newer, that's probably what they'll do for you.

**dongalonga** 4/15/2013, 9:15 pm

I figure the front inner c is bad. The tire looks off camber on that side. The inside of the door jamb near the floor is all jacked up as well. The damage is pretty extensive.

**Andrew Miller** 4/16/2013, 12:49 am

That's awful! Glad you are ok, hope the jeep is fixed and back on the road soon!

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