3rd Jeep JKU Build (2016 JKUR)

[cody93225]

Hello All,

I have posted a couple different threads and vehicle builds on here. I sold a 2017 Jeep Rubicon for a Ram 1500 which was cool and fun to camp in but not nearly as capable so I sold it and bought a 2016 Jeep Rubicon. This Jeep will be fairly basic. I have learned over the years that keeping Jeeps light is KING, so I won't be adding Gobi racks, sliders, or additional bumpers. I will try to keep it light and capable, while consistently camping out of it. Anyways here are the starting pics of the Jeep. Also, I am a high school teacher and the students knew me as "The Jeep Teacher" they were pretty disappointed when I sold my Jeeps.


Here is what the Jeep looked like when I took it home. I planned on mostly using parts that I had laying around from past builds. It needed new tires so the next step was a teraflex leveling kit and 285's. I will say that gas prices in California have kept me from going with 35's. It is literally $4.25+ a gallon for 87 octane.

 

[cody93225]

I started tinkering with the Jeep right when I got home. I had to wait on the springs to come in so I installed a set of rugged ridge switches and my old waterproof fuse and relay box. I had run these switches and my relay box on previous Jeeps. Now you can buy nice sets for less than what I had in this equipment, but my plan is to reuse whatever I can.

 

[cody93225]

Here is a video of the install:

 

[cody93225]

Next I installed my Smittybilt Winch and Smittybilt Classic Winch Bumper. I watched a video stating this bumper was bolt on so I bought it for $185. It turned out that this bumper requires you to grind 1/4" off the lower cross member. I love the look of it and the coverage it offers, also this the winch sits below the grill which I think is essential for keeping a jeep's temps down. I also had to rewire my old Smittybilt winch, and give it new grade 8 hardware.


You can see here that one of my cables got burned from resting on a transline. This time around I put protective wire shielding on everything. I also, ran the wires in a different location. The funny thing is on my 2015 JK I ran the wires in the same location as my 2017 with zero issue, but they most have found a way to move around on me. I bought pre crimped 2 gauge wire from harbor freight for much cheaper than anywhere else...hopefully it pans out.





I found all the grade 8 hardware necessary at Lowe's. They sell it for way cheaper than anywhere else I could find.


Here is the packaging the bumper showed up in. THIS BUMPER DOES REQUIRE GRINDING. Overall I am please with the finished look, but not happy that I did have to grind to make it fit.

 

[cody93225]

 

[cody93225]

Here is a video to the bumper install:

 

[cody93225]

Next I was able to put on a set of Teraflex leveling springs. This equate to a 1 inch lift overall and allow you to run 285's with no rubbing or any issues.



overall the springs were pretty easy to install. It took a while due to the fact that I did it all by myself and had issues with a stripped lug nut and lower sway bar end link bolt.

 

[X-plorenow]

looks likes its coming together nicely.

 

[cody93225]

Here is an install video of the Teraflex Leveling Kit:

 

[cody93225]

I was able to take my niece and nephew out over spring break. This is exactly why I bought the Jeep.


Here is a vlog of our spring break:

 

[Jeep or Tacoma]

Pretty cool. Start. What is your approach to sleeping arrangements . Ground tent? I agree with your thinking. Lighter is better that being said I am looking for ideas on some sort of rtt or build. I am running. A 2018 jl Rubi soft top. Trying to figure how I can avoid a rack.

 

[cody93225]

I either sleep in the back of the Jeep, on a cot, or on a group tent. Have been sleeping in the Jeep more and more cause it is the most comfortable.