Rubicon Express News

Most everyone understands and appreciates the benefits of running large tires while retaining a low center-of-gravity. The result is a super stable yet capable vehicle.  For this reason, there are a lot of people interested in our 2.5″ Radius Longarm System for the TJ. However, often times people opt for one of our other kits because they are unsure of what the additional “hidden” costs of this kit may be. Specifically, “Will I need to invest in an expensive high-fender/hood kit and a modified fuel tank for this kit to work?”  The following should help to answer those questions, and clarify exactly what the options are. 

The Silver Jeep pictured above on the left looks quite a bit taller than the white one on the right, and yet they both have the identical lift heights and tire size. 

Let’s start with the white Jeep.  This TJ has a standard-length Radius Long Arm System (non-stretch) and required no additional parts to make the kit work. Some body and fender flare trimming was done, but we will cover that in our next post on this subject “Rubicon Express Radius Long Arm – Fit those 37′s under your Stock Fenders”  The result is a very stock-ish look, with 37″ tires peeking out from underneath. (this kit also works very well with smaller size tires, 33” or 35”)

 The Silver TJ features the 4″ wheelbase Stretch version of our Radius Long Arm System. On this Jeep, we’ve also installed a high fender/high hood kit and a modified fuel tank. The fuel tank is the only required option to install the 4″ wheelbase stretch version. (Standard -length rear radius arms can be used with the stock tank) We’ve also installed a set of steel rear corner panels, with the rear wheel cutouts moved back 4″.  The result is still a stock-ish look, with a bit more aggressive styling than the white TJ and a 4″ increase in wheelbase. 

Neither of these Jeeps attract a lot of attention from law enforcement, even with our ever-increasing regulations.

Our stock fendered, standard -length Jeep only requires 1″ more front bumpstop than it’s high fendered counterpart to keep the tires from rubbing at full compression.

The 4″ Stretch setup also allows for a bit more travel in the rear, due to the re-orientation of the rear shock mounts. Both of these kits, as well as all of our other systems AND our competitor’s suspension systems are limited (or “constrained”) in articulation by the stroke length of the shock absorber. The RE Radius Long Arm provides an exceptional amount of axle control, AND all of the articulation allowed by the shocks. Read more about the Radius Long Arm here

There are many other body and fender combinations available on the market……Tube fenders, fiberglass and plastic front ends, comp-cut kits and of course lots of creative trimming. Whatever your style preference or budget, the RE Radius Long Arm is a great choice for your TJ Wrangler. 

Tech Tip: Don’t use your shocks as bumpstops! Shock failure will be the result. Always be sure to have the proper amount of bumpstop installed to limit suspension before the shock is fully compressed. (or before the tires contact sheet metal) Proper setup requires cycling the suspension to full compression with the coils and the soft rubber bumpstops removed, but with the wheels and shocks installed. Compress the entire axle until the shock is almost bottomed out. This is the point where you need to limit uptravel with a rigid stop. Also compress one side at a  time while allowing the other side to droop and adjust your bumpstops as needed; this is also a great way to make sure that your brake lines are not too short or interfering!

 

Out on the trail it was one of the most challenging years ever.  Winch hill #1 was slowing vehicles down or just taking them out, while many of the bypasses were nearly as tough to pass as the feature obstacle.  Breakfasts and Dinners were included in the Sierra Trek package and the food was great (special thanks to all the clubs that helped out with the food service!), the Bar was pouring some stiff drinks, and the live band cranked out music favorites around the bonfire on Friday and Saturday.  During the day the snack bar served burgers, nachos, hotdogs, snow cones, etc… all day long, there was definitely no shortage of things to eat at the meadow this year.��The vendor show was not the largest I have seen but the quality of people coming through has never been better…..I am sure that everyone was happy with the turnout and all of the companies showing got to spend some quality time talking with fellow enthusiasts.

.   .  �� RTI ramps…they are what they are. Spotted this  LJ Jeep Wrangler with a Rubicon Express Long Arm showing off some sweet flex

If you were not out on the trail enjoying the wheeling there were plenty of other things enjoy like canoe races, rti ramps, fantastic hiking, etc…     Like most that have attended the Meadow Lake Sierra Trek we look forward to it each year, and this year was definitely another to remember.  Hope to see ya out there in 2011!

 If you would like more information about next years Sierra Trek contact the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs at www.ca4wdc.com

A few years back a friend of ours gave Rubicon Express an opportunity to use our Jeeps in conjunction with fantastic organization, The Stephen J. Wampler Foundation.  The organizations goal is to provide outdoor wilderness programs to physically disabled children and teens in an environment that many of us Jeepers can sometimes take for granted.  These kids get the chance to dicover what off-road adventure can be all about; wheeling in an open top 4X4, camping out under the stars, making new friends, exploring the beautiful mountains and lakes, etc…  We are so grateful that we have been able to join in and help with this organizations cause.  Stay tuned for pictures to be uploaded from this weekends outing.

Saturday July 10th 10am-4pm and Sunday July 11th 11am-4pm
Denver Merchandise Mart 451 East 58th Avenue, Denver Colorado 80216-8470

Rubicon Express will be at the 2010 Truck Fest Jeep and Truck show in Colorado in July! We will have great package deals along with special discounts on selected Rubicon Express products! If you have questions about how you want to build up your Jeep, we will be there to give you our professional opinion and point you in the right direction for your ultimate rig. Come by and see us at the show on Saturday or Sunday.

Planning to hit the trail this weekend? Before you head out, always do a thorough check of all your suspension fasteners. Get under there and check control arm bolts, track bar bolts and steering components and steering box bolts for proper torque. If you find any loose bolts, check to make sure that loose bolt hasn’t ovalled out the hole in part that it’s in. While you’re there, inspect the frame and axles for any obvious signs of damage. Pay special attention to the factory control arm and trackbar brackets, shackle brackets, spring mounts and swaybar mounts, as any twisted parts, cracks, rust or corrosion could be a sign of potential failure. Also look for shiny metal spots, or “witness marks” on all of your suspension components. Loose, worn or improperly set-up suspension parts could be allowing unwanted contact between components. Inspect all of your suspension bushings and joints for damage and replace as necessary. Move on to your shocks and check for dents, leaks or other damage, and check all of the shock hardware for tightness. Last but not least, don’t forget to check those lug nuts!
Everything checks out? Go ahead and grease your ball joints, tie rod ends and suspension joints. Remember, an ounce of prevention can save a ton of trouble when you’re way out in the boonies! Next time: Drivetrain Inspection 101