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Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 11:29 pm
by Collison
Since Im offically a member now and plan on being around for a while... I figure it is time to properly introduce myself and my Jeeps.

My first Jeep was a 1994 YJ and I loved it!
It has simple modifications as I was a college student. KC Daylighters, CB Radio, Centerline clutch, add-a-leaf lift and 31' BFG AT's.
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After many great years, a few transmissions and a bent front axle, it got sold.

Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 11:36 pm
by Collison
So, in 2009 I'm back in the market for another Jeep.
Late winter 2010 I found the one I was looking for.
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This pic is as I bought it.
Lifted 3.5" by RE via short arm and an additional 1.25" body lift.
35" BFG AT's on D window steelies with red center caps.
Old Man Emu has supplied shocks and a steering stabilizer.
Front bumper is custom built by someone?? It had Adrenaline Offroad stickers on it when I got it.

Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 11:41 pm
by Collison
In April 2010 I got myself a 8,000 lbs. winch in the Harbor Freight Special variety.
This pic is the morning of my second day on a Jeep Jamboree in NJ where my cover(that was custom made by my GF on her sewing machine) was stolen overnight along with my hi-lift jack and someone elses windshield wipers and recovery strap. F'n Jersey(sorry if you call that place home).
Kept the winch nice and clean though!
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To this day all I have had to use this winch for is pulling down trees in my parents yard

Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 11:43 pm
by Collison
Next, had to get a new tire carrier. The 35" spare the PO left hanging on the tailgate was starting to do damage on the bolt holes holding it on.
After many searches and hours of research I decided on a Rock Hard bumper/tire carrier. I especially like how it has a CB antenna mount and options to grow into a trail rack over the tire and Jerry can holders to the sides when I want it later down the road. Throw in a 2' reciever with dual height mounting options to help hide the body lift and I was sold.
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And a replacement Hi-Lift jack with a lock.

Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 11:45 pm
by Collison
Next up was a soft top.
Ordered a full replacement Bestop Super top with full soft doors and a mirror relocator bracket thing.
Took the Hard top off,
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Put the soft top on.
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Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 11:52 pm
by Collison
In the mean time(sorry no pics),
Added Tread Lightly floor mats.
Installed a locking gas cap.
I replaced the sound bar speakers with Rockford Fosgate's and the sub with a Kicker.
Added a Uniden 520 CB radio and a 4' Firestick antenna.
Had the GF make another cover for the winch.
Added KC Daylighters to the windshield hinges and KC driving lights to replace the factory fog lights.
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And of course the factory switches arent good enough so I got Missile style toggle switches that light up red when on.
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Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 11:59 pm
by Collison
With the addition of a tire carrier, I had to "create" a third brake light to pass inspection.
My first attempt was so bad there are no pictures of it but at least it passed inspection!
If your ever at SquarePeg's(NoVA Jeepers) look on the floor and you might find part of it under a workbench.
Seth was able to use some parts that he had lying around his shop to create a better more functional third light.
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The new light is LED, disconnectable and reuseable. The original was a $5 Auto Zone trailer light we had to break to get off.

Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:03 am
by Collison
Tires.
Ordered a set of BFG KM2's
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I ended up having SquarePeg mount the new tires on the D-Window steelies for me.
I then ordered some ProComp alloys. Flat black Mickey Thompson Classic style.
Bye Bye red center caps, painted flat black.
Months later(long story) the BFG AT's are on the ProComp rims and on the Jeep now.
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The idea is to use the KM2's for playing in the rocks(not worried to damage them) and during the summer months when trips are more frequent and to use the AT's in the winter months and for mall crawling.

Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:13 am
by KOTABAD
Very nice story and great lookin jeep! I am sure Mr. WJ will be all over this rubicon :thumby: I have km2s on my dd and they have got 34,000 miles and still look great

Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:17 am
by Collison
Decided armor would be a beneficial thing.
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Picked up a used SkidRow endine skid, an AEV Tummy Tuck and some Rock Hard rock sliders.
I had Steve from Jeeps X-Treme in Fredericksburg install the Tummy Tuck. Great guy, excellent work and fair prices. Definately highly recommended!
I did the engine skid and rock slider install myself.
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Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:19 am
by Collison
KOTABAD wrote:Very nice story and great lookin jeep! I am sure Mr. WJ will be all over this rubicon :thumby: I have km2s on my dd and they have got 34,000 miles and still look great
Thanks!
I love the KM2's. Great tire for the money.
More to come....

Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:21 am
by Collison
With the black and white theme that seems to have overtaken my Jeep, I decided it was time to get rid of the last of the chrome and paint the headlight bezels flat black.
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Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:22 am
by Collison
In an attempt to gain a little more power I installed a Airaid cold air intake and a Poweraid throttle body spacer.
Did it work.... I honestly dont know but it sounds cool when you accelerate hard :thumby:
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Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:24 am
by Collison
I wanted to disconnect easier so came a set of JKS Quicker disconnects.
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Re: Collison's 2005 Rubicon

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:31 am
by Mr.WJ
Very awesome Rubicon man! You're gonna have a great time wheeling with everyone!