Factoid’s GCM Rubicon

[Factoid]

Travel kept me from picking it up, so I had the dealer install the Mopar lift while it was sitting there. Looks funny sitting tall with stock wheels, but fear not, 37/12.5 Nittos on Fuel Rampage wheels coming soon along with several other improvements. I have the stock Rubicon suspension and these wheel/tires in Atlanta for sale if interested.

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[Factoid]

While my Rubi is on special assignment, I’m collecting parts for the build blitz when it gets home. In the meantime, here is my build:

 

[Factoid]

I have two road trips coming up. Not off-road, literally highway miles. Next Tuesday I fly up to Boone, NC and pick up my Rubi to drive 250 miles back to Atlanta. That is a shakedown for the following week when the wife, dog and I drive from Atlanta to San Antonio. That’s just over 1,000 miles. The weekend in between I have a bunch of stuff to install that has been piling up.

I’ll post pictures of the Boone trip. My Rubi is on 37’s with a 2” Mopar lift, steel bumper with low bull bar and winch. Not much else that adds significant weight, other than the Hemi and new tranny. This will be my chance to check gas mileage, handling and ride. I’m a little concerned about it being nose heavy with too much rake, but we shall see. More to report coming up!

 

[spazzyfry123]

I have two road trips coming up. Not off-road, literally highway miles. Next Tuesday I fly up to Boone, NC and pick up my Rubi to drive 250 miles back to Atlanta. That is a shakedown for the following week when the wife, dog and I drive from Atlanta to San Antonio. That’s just over 1,000 miles. The weekend in between I have a bunch of stuff to install that has been piling up.

I’ll post pictures of the Boone trip. My Rubi is on 37’s with a 2” Mopar lift, steel bumper with low bull bar and winch. Not much else that adds significant weight, other than the Hemi and new tranny. This will be my chance to check gas mileage, handling and ride. I’m a little concerned about it being nose heavy with too much rake, but we shall see. More to report coming up!

Wait, did I miss something?

 

[Factoid]

Some mild upgrades.

 

[spazzyfry123]

Some mild upgrades.

 

[ColoradoGlad]

Some mild upgrades.

 

[Gatorized]

While my Rubi is on special assignment, I’m collecting parts for the build blitz when it gets home. In the meantime, here is my build:

Why buy upgrade wheels for $1k if you are putting on aftermarket wheels?

 

[Factoid]

Why buy upgrade wheels for $1k if you are putting on aftermarket wheels?

Great question. Timing and availability has a lot to do with it.

I would probably have to write a very long post to explain, but suffice it to say that at this point in my life and career I balance many things in addition to direct cost when making decisions. It has been a long, hard road to get to this point in my life (I’m 63) where family, timing, intent, value of my time, location, availability of my time, expected use, desire, etc. are just as important, if not more so than direct cost. This Rubi had everything I wanted, plus a couple of things I didn’t (upgraded wheels and tonneau being two) and it was already on the lot. Not only was it ready now, I could drive it and check out some of the issues posted on here (steering, hvac, etc.) and not find out later that the one I ordered had an issue, and then get in an unproductive pissing match with the dealer. Life is too short and I am very fortunate to be in a position later in life that I can use other criteria for decision making.

I also knew it would receive a Hemi swap prior to the warranty ending which is another factor.

 

[futzin']

Great post. Well said.

Perhaps some confusion came from your post where you put up your window sticker and mentioned your build. Made me think you had ordered it when if fact it was purchased from inventory. Obviously no big deal.

We just wanna know more about that big block!

 

[Factoid]

Thanks, I'm picking it up from Rubitrux tomorrow afternoon and driving it home. I'll provide a full assessment with pictures once the trip is complete.

I realize I'm a bit off from the typical profile of a JT buyer, but I think I have a lot to add and will do my best to contribute positively and provide value. Just standby by as some of my decisions and perspectives will be head scratchers!

 

[Factoid]

I also subscribe to two seemingly in conflict philosophies:

1. He who dies with the most toys wins
2. Dying penniless is the sign of a perfect budget

I'm giving it my best shot to do both!

 

[futzin']

Where's the 'Attaboy' button?!

 

[Factoid]

Don’t know, but here are a few of my previous solid axel trucks. 1986 LR 90 (3” lift, 37”, linex coated, 12j diesel), 1988 LR 90 (6.2 LS, 6L80, custom interior, highway cruiser), LR 101FC, V8, ZF auto, radio configuration), 1976 Series III Santana (getting a 300TD and front discs in this picture). I can’t find my 1966 Ford Bronco (3” chassis lift, 3” suspension lift, 289, 3 speed). I sold the Bronco about 8 years ago, but it was a monster off road.

The JT is my first Jeep, but I’ve modified every vehicle I’ve owned. This Rubi is the first one Where I didn’t do all the work.

 

[futzin']

You've been holding out on us!!

Enjoy your first outing in her . . .

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