Rubicon Trail vs Drive Shaft & U-Joints

[WILDHOBO]

That’s a shame. I must’ve heard something on Motortrends dirt everyday with that Fred guy that’s confused me. I’d like to do it one day, maybe…

I like that show. They did it with an old stock CJ, and an old Chevy square body. But they’re brilliant mechanics, and didn’t care if the vehicles ran at the end.

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[@californiajeeping]

I would put RCV shafts in the front. This will prevent spitting a U joint and taking out a knuckle. The ring and pinions are stout the factory driveshafts are so-so. I prefer them as the CV ball style has less rotational binding and lurching. The front can rub the skidplate if you are lifted.

 

[hjdca]

I don’t know about the driveshaft, but I did it in my rubicon with a larger lift and 37’s, and I wouldn’t do it with smaller tires with this wheelbase. I didn’t touch my driveshaft, nor did I do any damage to the drivetrain whatsoever, but with a 3” lift in front, 4.5” rear, I raked the skids over the coals. I have all 8 LCA skids, rear shock skids, and diff skids, as well as a full belly skid. The LCA skids, the rock sliders, and the hitch skid were bombarded. I drove home 15 hours without issue, but it would be tough in a gladiator on 35’s with a 2” lift. That’s my opinion of course. You’d get through it, but it would not be easy.

I agree with Summitdan. We did "The Rubicon Trail" last year, and one guy in our group had a max tow with 35 inch tires and I believe a Mopar lift, or maybe no lift, and no winch. I must have winched him 15+ times in 3 days. He kept getting hung up on the boulders and the higher geared transfer case in the max tow was no help -- spin city. He was also a "send it" type guy, so, he made it through many obstacles with that attitude that was impressive. He had no additional protection underneath and he made it through the trail without breakage, but, all that work winching did hurt our progress and the "fun factor" for some other guys in our group. My view is that you need 37s, 3.5 inch lift, all skids underneath, Rubicon Transfer case (optional, but, easier), Lockers (optional but, easier), & a Winch to run "The Rubicon Trail". Without Lockers, you will have to winch at some point in time, guarenteed - so, it is best to have your own winch, or, you will have to have somebody behind you to pull you backwards for another try. Note: You are in 1st gear 4low the whole way climbing boulders with lots of tight turns.
That being said, "The Rubicon Trail" was the funnest, most technical, most challenging trail I have ever done. I cannot wait to run it again.

Note2: If you can only invest limited funds, and insist on running the trail, your best investment will be to buy a winch and a have a buddy infront of you that has a "Rubicon trail" capable rig where you can hook up and winch forward.

Note 3: You can bring an extra u-joint with you in case you break one, but, with 35" tires, I do not think you will break anything. It is possible to tear up the boot and rip off the weights on your rear driveshaft, but, that will not effect your capability to drive the trail.

 

[Bjeepz]

Sounds to me like OP could add 1 inch more ride height with spring spacers and find some 37's or 38's and get at it!

 

[me_ccie]

Hello All,

Later this summer I will be tackling the Rubicon Trail.

My Gladiator is a Rubicon Edition, with a Mopar Lift & 35" Wildpeak MTs.

How likely am I to damage my OEM Drive Shaft, or the U-Joints in my drive-train? ... beyond too damaged to drive home (2 day drive).

Note: It won't be my first time rock crawling, but my most nonstop intense trail.

Thanks in advance.
Poughkeepsie Gulch pic for attention.

I made it through last summer on a Mopar lift and 35s. Just use good judgment on which obstacles to try. You'll make it through and create some awesome memories.

 

[Gray Matter Jeep]

I've been to Moab, but this year's club destination options were the Rubicon Trail (CA) or Buena Vista (CO). I chose "The Con" because it's on my bucket list.

After this year I'll likely alternate between Colo & Utah wheeling trips.

I have a winch and it's not just eye candy... I'v used it... know it will get a workout on The Con. ?

I have front and rear lockers & use them "back home" at least once a month.

I have a 4.10 transfer case... would love to go up to 5.13, but ain't gonna happen by then.

I'll be one of the "least built" in my club going. Half of them ran The Con back in 2017 & a few ran it further back than that too. The average rig in our group is a JKU on 37's.

Thanks again for your insight & replies.

 

[Dryfly24]

I've been to Moab, but this year's club destination options were the Rubicon Trail (CA) or Buena Vista (CO). I chose "The Con" because it's on my bucket list.

After this year I'll likely alternate between Colo & Utah wheeling trips.

I have a winch and it's not just eye candy... I'v used it... know it will get a workout on The Con. ?

I have front and rear lockers & use them "back home" at least once a month.

I have a 4.10 transfer case... would love to go up to 5.13, but ain't gonna happen by then.

I'll be one of the "least built" in my club going. Half of them ran The Con back in 2017 & a few ran it further back than that too. The average rig in our group is a JKU on 37's.

Thanks again for your insight & replies.

Would love to see pics and a trip report when you get back. I too run a Mopar lift on 35’s on my Rubi and it hasn’t slowed me down yet when I run with my local Jeep club. Just pick your lines and drive smooth.

I think the “send it at all costs“ guys are the ones that have the most issues. In my experience, if you have a good set of tires, use your head and pick the right line you can get through almost anything set up as you are. At least within reason.

Have fun and report back. . . ??

 

[firemedic2714]

I have a stock height Rubicon with OEM wheels. I've replaced the diff covers with ARB pieces, added a steel front bumper and I'm getting a winch soon. It has 50k miles so I'll be getting tires as well. I'm going a little wider only, not taller (it barely gets through my 7 ft. tall garage door opening when the soft top is on and folded back). It's my daily driver and I keep it pretty nice. I've been wheeling here in Missouri quite a bit and I'm not afraid to get a few scratches here and there, but I avoid body damage as much as I can. I even remove my LED taillights before serious off roading. My question to those that have done the Rubicon and Moab is even with bypasses, would I still risk some body damage (other than scratches from branches, brush, etc.)?

 

[WILDHOBO]

I have a stock height Rubicon with OEM wheels. I've replaced the diff covers with ARB pieces, added a steel front bumper and I'm getting a winch soon. It has 50k miles so I'll be getting tires as well. I'm going a little wider only, not taller (it barely gets through my 7 ft. tall garage door opening when the soft top is on and folded back). It's my daily driver and I keep it pretty nice. I've been wheeling here in Missouri quite a bit and I'm not afraid to get a few scratches here and there, but I avoid body damage as much as I can. I even remove my LED taillights before serious off roading. My question to those that have done the Rubicon and Moab is even with bypasses, would I still risk some body damage (other than scratches from branches, brush, etc.)?

The rubicon would cause damage to your setup. There are many trails in Moab you can fully enjoy though. Just skip the harder stuff.

 

[Tommyd]

Actually any trail rates Jeep, all models, need to be able to do the rubicon stock. But they get severely body damaged.

Only the rubicon. Trail rated means it can ford a certain amount of water.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Only the rubicon. Trail rates means it can ford a certain amount of water.

Nope. All trail rated jeeps are actually taken through the rubicon before they are trail rated. That means compass, renegade, grand Cherokee, and any other of the models that have trail rated models.

 

[Tommyd]

Nope. All trail rated jeeps are actually taken through the rubicon before they are trail rated. That means compass, renegade, grand Cherokee, and any other of the models that have trail rated models.

https://www.jeep.com/trail-rated.html

like I said. Only the rubicon goes through the rubicon. Show me proof a compass is going through it and I’ll change my opinion. Trail rated means just what the link says.

 

[WILDHOBO]

https://www.jeep.com/trail-rated.html

like I said. Only the rubicon goes through the rubicon. Show me proof a compass is going through it and I’ll change my opinion. Trail rated means just what the link says.

I’ve personally spoken to the guides that take the new models through it. Jeep pays them to guide them through the lines. They get raked over the coals, but can finish and drive away. That’s the trail they use.

 

[drewcnit]

https://www.jeep.com/trail-rated.html

like I said. Only the rubicon goes through the rubicon. Show me proof a compass is going through it and I’ll change my opinion. Trail rated means just what the link says.

Your link, just further down the page -

Jeep® Brand Trail Rated 4x4 vehicles don’t just endure the hostile cold of Northern Michigan and the unforgivable boulders of the Rubicon. They overcome.
Seems to imply they've been on the Rubicon

 

[Tommyd]

https://www.jeep.com/trail-rated.html

I stand corrected. Although I don’t believe a renegade would go through that. I would have to see a video for proof.

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