Question on Next Improvement

Ratbikerod

Ratbikerod

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I spent the day yesterday at one of the Jeep Adventure Academy’s down in Llano Texas. I used to wheel but have not in many, many years and had picked up a 2015 Jeep JKU and wanted to get a refresher. Glad I did, because they taught me a lot of how the new Jeep’s work and I was suitably impressed with my JKU. I have done some basics but want to beef up a few areas and wanted to know where to go first.

Let me say, I had no rubbing and I really did not drag anything while I was there. Heard a lot of others doing so, but I had no issues.

My steering components are all stock and looking at most of the jeeps there, pretty weak by comparison. So do I look to get stronger Tie Rod, Drag Link and Control arms?

Do I opt for better brakes, I noticed that when in 4 low I was really having to bear grab the brakes to keep it from trying to muscle through them. Lots of creaking and groaning from them.

I was concerned about the pumpkin’s hitting and getting a gouge or tear in the covers. Do I opt for something sturdier there?

Thoughts on best next steps?
 
I would say it really depends on how you want to use your Jeep. You don't say what model you have or if you have a lift or plan on lifting it. For someone just getting back into it, I would say diff skids, lower control arm skids, & an upgraded gas tank skid plate would all be good for basic protection.

There are a lot of brake upgrade options. One that i'm partial to is the J8 booster and master cylinder upgrade with JT calipers and rotors. Beyond that, i personally like my 2.5" lift with 35s, and a winch. Regearing has been on my list for a while and once I do that I'll throw in the lockers.

Really, I think you're starting down the right road by driving it and seeing what you can do with it bone stock.
 
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Sorry, should have mentioned. My 2015 is a Rubicon with a 2” lift, Fox 2.0’s and I have cut my stock fenders. So, really looking to just beef thing up that could be generally weak.
 
Ratbikerod said:
Sorry, should have mentioned. My 2015 is a Rubicon with a 2” lift, Fox 2.0’s and I have cut my stock fenders. So, really looking to just beef thing up that could be generally weak.
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It's plenty beefy in stock form to be totally honest.

What size tires are you running?
 
Chris said:
It's plenty beefy in stock form to be totally honest.

What size tires are you running?
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I am running 33” tires at the moment, but plan to go to 35’s in the future.

So yea, I found out that it was both sturdy and very capable. So, I am thinking maybe just get some better diff covers to provide some added protection for the pumpkin’s as they are the most vulnerable and they are pretty cheap.
 
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Standard Rubi rear end for a 2015 JKU is a 4.10. If you go with 35" tires, a re-gear to a 4.56 may be a preference. Some will suggest a 4.88, but I think that would depend on your off-road time.
 
Anybodyhome said:
Standard Rubi rear end for a 2015 JKU is a 4.10. If you go with 35" tires, a re-gear to a 4.56 may be a preference. Some will suggest a 4.88, but I think that would depend on your off-road time.
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I thought that too, till I had the build sheet pulled and mine has 3.73 gearing. So I would have to do a gear change regardless.
 
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Anybodyhome said:
I have a '14 Sahara with a 3.73 and run 35s with no problems at all. My off-roading is minimal, mostly fire and logging roads, and if it were more I'd put in new gears.
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The 3.73’s worked ok this weekend and we did some climbing and a bit of mild rock crawling on the 33’s. It helps that the Rubicon has lockers and a really good 4 low.
 
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