2005 Rubicon LJ
- Thread starter jscusmcvet
- Start date
jscusmcvet
Explorer
Sold the suburban today... when we got home this afternoon and after chores around the property, Ann asked me if I regretted it or not. I sat there momentarily, looked at the Jeep, and said... "Nope - I am a jeep guy".
Reboot11133
Observer
I know how you feel. The LJ is part of the family.
heehawhardy
Adventurering
So glad the LJ survives. We have had way to many discussions about how much I enjoy yours. :-D
jscusmcvet
Explorer
Just mentioned the same thing to Ann yesterday. I am totally at ease with my decision.
jscusmcvet
Explorer
Replaced the valve cover gasket on the jeep today. Leak was progressively getting worse. Of course it took me twice as long as on all the write ups, but that is par for the course. So far so good. We'll see how it works out. Also clicked over 100k on this thing last week... and this is the only non modification repair I have had to do, except for brakes.... if memory serves.
Very happy I kept this rig.
John
Very happy I kept this rig.
John
jscusmcvet
Explorer
Quick update on my jeep. I replaced the OPDA last week with the crown unit... I had one short incident of the "Laughing Monkeys" and luckily had the OPDA on hand to replace. Also last night went ahead and removed the Macs Cold Air Intake and replaced it with the stock unit. I have had good results with MPG (avg. 15.2, better by 1mpg) and seat of the pants power improvement. However, I am not sure it is worth the in cab noise (OK when by myself, but when with family it is irritating in the already loud soft top jeep) and by far the most important reason is that when in a heavy downpour, such as we get in the southeast in the summer, I get some bogging from water finding it's way into the intake. I have experimented as much as I can with the screening in the cowl drain and still wind up with this situation every few months. When this happened on our recent trip back from the NC mountains, it was enough for me to pull over under a gas station shelter and wait it out... not something I like to do or am very good at. In the end, I drive the jeep to be able to go where I want, when I want and here I am stopped by a heavy downpour.... bye bye MCAI.
I have a replacement cowl on order so I can take the exterior back to stock as well.
I have a replacement cowl on order so I can take the exterior back to stock as well.
Jim K in PA
Adventurer
Well done, John. I got to about 90k on my OPDA/CPS before the laughing monkeys showed up. I pulled it and modified it. I also have the Crown replacement, sitting in a box as a spare. Doubt I will since I can now grease the bearing whenever I wish. I have about 50k on the modified original now.
jscusmcvet
Explorer
Nice Jim. Turns out I did not have the OPDA set exactly correct... it started throwing codes, so I took it to my mechanic and he straightened thing out for me... for $20. Should have just taken it to him to start with.
Not sure what's next for the Jeep. Will be going to AAV and Expo east for sure.
Jim K in PA
Adventurer
I indexed mine before I pulled it, but the little tool helps with the sync.
Travel!
jscusmcvet
Explorer
Ann will be teaching a class at Expo and she is excited for that. I am toying with taking the whole week off between the two events and decompressing a bit. Remains to be seen. As for the jeep - the OPDA seems to be doing well. I have also removed the MACS CAI I put on a year ago or so. There is a definite increase in acceleration and about a 1mpg increase, but in the torrential rainstorms we get here in the summer I cannot keep it from bogging with a bit of h20 into the intake (must be). I have conferred with the creator of the product and followed his instructions and still don't get the result I need. I have purchased a new cowl to replace the one I cut, but other than that it was just pulling the CAI and dropped the stock one back in place. I will miss the pluckiness, but not the worry.
Other than that the jeep is doing well. Time to look for tires, likely going up to 235/85 or 285/75, for just a bit more clearance. Most likely AT's to reflect the real use of the vehicle.
heehawhardy
Adventurering
235/85's would be a good setup
jscusmcvet
Explorer
Leaning that way in an AT tread. I like the narrow look and with how I am using the jeep for the most part should be fine. Only thing I am wondering is if the Stock Rubi Moab rim i stoo wide for this tire?
Reboot11133
Observer
BFG AT KO2
I'm running with the BFG All Terrain KO2's. I have had them for about a year and a half. I have used them to break trail in over a foot of wet heavy snow up some pretty steep mountain trails. Drove from Vancouver BC to Moab, ran a solid week of trails, Kane, 7 Mile Rim. Golden Spke. Hells Revenge etc. I have done lots of local BC trails with wet rocks and deep mud etc. My point is the tires are not perfect at everything but they get the job done. I have no regrets with running all terrain tires. Some people scoff because they think a Rubicon with ATtires is a waste but we have never come across an obstacle that I Was unable to do because of the tires.
I'm running with the BFG All Terrain KO2's. I have had them for about a year and a half. I have used them to break trail in over a foot of wet heavy snow up some pretty steep mountain trails. Drove from Vancouver BC to Moab, ran a solid week of trails, Kane, 7 Mile Rim. Golden Spke. Hells Revenge etc. I have done lots of local BC trails with wet rocks and deep mud etc. My point is the tires are not perfect at everything but they get the job done. I have no regrets with running all terrain tires. Some people scoff because they think a Rubicon with ATtires is a waste but we have never come across an obstacle that I Was unable to do because of the tires.
jscusmcvet
Explorer
We have about 1000 miles on treadwright warden's on Ann's tacoma. I have to say that so far I am impressed with their ride and traction. The tread is very sinilar to BFG KO's. I really prefer MT's but not sure I need them anymore. Not much rock crawling or mud in my jeep these days. Lots of camping and work around the farm and oh yeah...DD'ing. That's the real kicker, the DD part and the camping (travel with family) where a quiet smooth ride makes sensse.
John
John