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Project RHINO: Recreational High Intensity Nimble Overlander

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DiscoDino

DiscoDino

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Alright! Major update here as we were able to install the Fox 3.0" IBP shocks on the JT.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE TO THE OEM 2" FOX SHOCKS! Night and day!

Originally made for the JL, the fronts went in super easy, we had to trim the newly installed Rugged Ridge Aluminum inner fenders to cope with the increased size and the routing of the two tubes to the reservoir.

Out back, the lower mount is identical, the upper needed to go on the lathe for some bushing machining. We took out some material to get everything to fit. and they did.

The fronts are currently on the softest setting for both high speed and low speed, the rears are on medium (half way) on both as well to come with the higher weight than the JL. I also pumped the gas pressure in there from 200 to 220. The experience of the shop with all types of shocks and suspension and my experience with ORIs will help adjust these to suit my needs.

After some testing out front on the poseur ramps (excuse that, but have to check before going for a spin), we realized 3 things: 1. the rear 2.5" extended sway bar links that came with the EVO lift need to be longer (especially with the newly installed and HIGHLY recommended Hellwig rear anti sway bar), 2. the rear bump stops needed a 10mm spacer which we cut and installed, and there is some servo/wiring that was on the rear driver side upper link that needed to be tucked out of the way. That came out after we installed the Rock Krawler Pro-X upper 4 link kit on the rear.

The truck rides AWESOME! No shimmying left/right from the rear because of the RK 4-link, now excessive sway despite the weight of the tent and other stuff because of the Hellwig, super comfy with the Ivo springs, and SUPER controlled with the Fox...can't ask for a better set-up!

Next week we will finalize the design and manufacture/install the rear bumper which should be a direct copy of the OEM but with a winch in the middle. after that, the Artec front truss would arrive and then I think we are 95% done...the rest are small items...

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SavageCoffeeTea

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So which Rock Krawler setup are your running? Assume the no limits version of the lift since a Rubi. Did it you decide to go with Foxes after trying the Rock Krawler shocks? Or didn’t use them at all?

Did you think of doing the coil over in the front?

How much of an improvement was the Hellwig? Considering your lift, was it just bolt on?
 
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DiscoDino

DiscoDino

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So which Rock Krawler setup are your running? Assume the no limits version of the lift since a Rubi. Did it you decide to go with Foxes after trying the Rock Krawler shocks? Or didn’t use them at all?

Did you think of doing the coil over in the front?

How much of an improvement was the Hellwig? Considering your lift, was it just bolt on?
I'm running:
  1. Evo 2.5" lift kit with their adjustable front track bar and the front link bracket drop
  2. RK rear Pro-X upgrade to eliminate the rear track bar and go 4 link
  3. Hellwig rear anti roll bar
  4. Fox 3.0" shocks
Haven't tried any other shock than the OEM Rubicon 2.0 Fox.
Didn't want to go coil over as this is an Overlander and prefer having a separate shock/spring mount.
The Hellwig was very noticeable improvement immediately upon installation. Was Bolt-on except we did a 5mm spacer at the axle mount side since the larger diameter tube was too close to the axle housing/diff cover.
 
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DiscoDino

DiscoDino

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Took the RHINO out with the new shocks and WOW...what a difference...at road pressure, the rig was more comfy on the trail than when the OEM shocks were at 18psi...

The dropped to 18psi for a direct comparison and the faster I went, the better the ride with the load I was carrying...took a short video where I was hovering around 80km/hr...link to video:

 
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DiscoDino

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Hi everyone! I hope ya'll are staying safe with all that's going on...

Finally came about my rear bumper with winch mount and integrated 2" receiver...I've made sure to reuse the rear fog lights, and the rear two points and the 4 sensors...it should look relatively stock with 4 more mounting bolts and rounded edges when done in 2-3 days...

Also, the following will be done this week:
1. Synergy brace for front steering
2. wiring hot water boiler to the Aux switches inside
3. plumbing and wiring of water pump, accumulator and filter for the shower system
4. install rear air outlet

Next projects:
1. Install 4-way air (parts here)
2. Install Artec front truss (parts here)
3. Paint and install higher MOPAR Rubicon fenders
4. Install rear extended sway bars to cope with longer droop from shocks (shipped)
5. Install front/rear ARB diff guards (shipped)

Still need to figure out a good price for the HALO front LED lights and the OEM rear trailer plug wiring kit...

So aiming to update you within a week's time...

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DiscoDino

DiscoDino

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Bumper update after being sandblasted...currently getting powder coated...

Installation by Thursday...

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DunnMan

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Dude, just stumbled across your build. Nice ride! I love what you've done here especially with the custom rack. So good!
 

DunnMan

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If you don't mind me asking...what is the width and offset on those Method wheels?
 
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DiscoDino

DiscoDino

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If you don't mind me asking...what is the width and offset on those Method wheels?
I believe they are centered (The Rubicon models here are with the narrow axles if that counts)...so 0 offset.
 

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DiscoDino

DiscoDino

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Rear winch bumper installed and done...need to get a slimmer fairlead to make the license plate fully unobstructed.

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desertrecon

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This is truly above and beyond. Brilliant job, with OEM fog lights and parking sensors. Did you custom the hitch receiver and are you willing to install the trailer harness adapter?
 
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DiscoDino

DiscoDino

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This is truly above and beyond. Brilliant job, with OEM fog lights and parking sensors. Did you custom the hitch receiver and are you willing to install the trailer harness adapter?
Thanks man - yes, 2" hitch receiver integrated in the bumper, and yes, looking to wire the OEM harness for the rear towing set-up...
 

OneTraveler

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OK, with all the amazing build stuff being showed off here, can't believe I'm going to ask about something so mundane - mind sharing about your traction board mount? Thats how I plan on mounting mine and I like the cleanliness of yours vs some of the others I've seen.
 
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DiscoDino

DiscoDino

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OK, with all the amazing build stuff being showed off here, can't believe I'm going to ask about something so mundane - mind sharing about your traction board mount? Thats how I plan on mounting mine and I like the cleanliness of yours vs some of the others I've seen.
Hey man - thanks.

The traction boards have their own mounting pins that are threaded and we simply bent the plate 90 degrees and bolted it up to the bed rack cross bars...the mounting is similar to the ARB traction boards if that helps...
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