Not Quite Yet

They command a high price here as well. The LJ Rubicon was only made for 1 or 2 years, '06 was the last year for the Wrangler body style I believe.

 

That's what I paid for this one. Kinda stings a bit since it is no way as capable as Posi. But it will be.

 

So, here's the plan for the LJ. In about 10 days it's getting a 5 1/2" Rubicon Express long arm suspension, re-geared to 5.13, new exhaust and 37 x 12.50 or 13.50 tires (haven't nailed the tires down yet) on Raceline black steel beadlocks. I'm not doing any of the work except mounting the tires on the beadlocks. Feels strange not being the mechanic on the work, but I no longer have the space to do it. In the not too distant future it will get a Rubi Crawler from Advance Adapters. That is essentially a second transfer case that replaces the empty tailhousing on the tranny. It is around 2.7 lowrange that can be used by itself or with the 4 to 1 stock Rubicon t-case. One of the advantages is the Rubi Crawler can also be used in 2 wheel drive whereas the stock t-case can only be used in 4wd. The 4 to 1 is great when you need it, but too low for your basic trail use. All this doesn't quite break the bank, but it comes close. Hahaha. I got to wheel it yesterday on an easy trail so we could go stare at the Aspen trees turning color. Got into low range a few times but it was your basic forest service road.

 

and who said they needed a rig that was more comfortable
sounds like the right up grades

 

I really like those and have considered getting something with a bit more comfort myself. Nice score John!

 

Now the big question. Do I keep Posi or turn him loose on a new owner?

 

I have been contemplating that exact same question for a few years. I know you have owned Posi for a long time, just like me (23 years). I don't really get emotionally attached to objects, but my wife keeps telling me "you can't sell it" because I have owned it for so long and done so much work to it. If I do go the same route the 71' has to go, not enough space for all the stuff and not enough money to buy another toy.
Definitely not an easy decision. You did such a great job on Posi's upgrade I am sure it would be hard to see it go.

 

if you have the garage space . I would just keep it
but I am one that really hates to let things go . had a lot of vehicles over the years . and the jeep has been mine for 36 years now . now it doesn't have all the up grades you have done to yours . besides my daughter still want's it when I am no longer here both my kids grew up in it

 

As much as its a difficult decision, If a thing isn't being used, its wasted. I sold my first 2a and literally cried when I signed the title over. When things have run their course, do not look back. only forward.

 

Yes, it will be difficult, but probably necessary as I really don't have the space for another vehicle, although Posi will spend another winter in the garage while the LJ lives out in the snow this year. It has a hardtop though. I have a lot of blood, sweat and tears invested in Posi not to mention the cash investment that I'll be lucky to get half of it back. Got a lot of enjoyment out of the CJ over the years.

 

Picking up the LJ today. Probably going to look pretty ridiculous with a 5 1/2" lift and 33" tires. Waiting on tires and rims right now. 37 x 12.50 radial Iroks. I decided to install the Rubicrawler myself this winter. After putting Posi together from a bare frame, how hard can the install be? I'll post up some pic later so you all can laugh at the LJ.

 

Waiting for pics

 

Here ya go, Ryan.

 

Just ordered a set of 5 Raceline beadlocks and 5 37x12.50x17 Irok radials for the LJ. Because of the extra wheelbase of the LJ I felt like I needed to go bigger on the tires to try to keep the center of the Jeep off the rocks. Spent some time on the phone with Greg at Raceline, he was very helpful. Thanks #teamraceline for all the help.

 

so let me ask . if you go with bigger tire . will it need to re geared . I remember someone saying 4.10 ratio stock on rubi . and posi is running 5.38 on 35's . . I like the way it looks in driveway . but that's me .

 

Thanks for the pics John! I expect the 37’s to fill those wheel wells quite a bit.

 

I had it re-geared to 5.13 when they did the suspension. Should be more than low enough with the auto tranny. I will likely end up with some high-line fenders to give the tires a little more room at some time.

 

Here's how it looks now with the 37's. PITA to mount the beadlocks. 32 bolts x 5 wheels = 160 bolts to torque. As you hit spec with the bolts all the other ones lose torque so you have to go around the rim 5 or 6 times to get them even.