Thinking of going on Rubicon this summer, what will I need?

[OsideDave]

Have always wanted to do the famous Rubicon trail and finally have the Bronco in pretty good condition to consider it. I did the Dusy Trail back in 1994 or 95 and other than running rough due to hi elevation she did pretty good.

Here's a build list:
74 Bronco roadster w/ D44 w/ Yukons (bought Yukons in 05 before hearing about some problems they have) and Spicer u-joints and 9" w/ stock 28 spline axles, detroit lockers f & r, 4:56, Stak mini 3 speed, new drive shafts, rebuilt 351W w/ carb new holly TA, triple pass radiator, rebuilt C4 w/ 2 trans coolers - 1 cooler does not get much flow unless moving and one with Tstat and electric fan that runs alot on trail. BCB 3.5" lift w/ super old (1994) BFG mud terrains, only bikini top, new alternator, new dephi p/s pump, rebuilt p/s box, accessory wiring new, stock wiring for all else but seems good, 23/24 gallon tank, 1/4" rock skis, hi-lift, old school smittybuilt bumpers.

Here's what I am thinking to add to Bronco:
New tires, most likely BFG's. Not sure to go w/ 33's or 35's. Like to drive a little fast in deserts so wanting to keep Bronco low as possible, hence possibly staying w/ 33's. Spare tire rack w/ full size spare and rack for quick air tank. Putting stock side tank back in for 11/12 gallons more. Fan on trans cooler w/ manual switch. Bump stops, check rear shocks - seem to be limiting travel, tends to pull tire off ground when flexing, may need better than stock rear mounts. New track bar bushing, P/S box reinforcement plate, bring spare track bar, f&r spare driveshafts - would have to pay to get mine to correct length, change all fluids.

What other hard parts and/or additions/upgrades would be needed or considered? Any ideas are appreciated.

 

[gddyap]

I think you'll do fine. May want to consider additional body protection if it's in good shape. Make sure you have solid pull points front/rear in case you need a tug. Unless you do some day trips, the 23gal tank should be enough to get through the trail or in and back. For spares, bring extra front shafts/joints and ignition parts. Plan on at least two days on the trail. Three or four would be better. Depending on when I'll go with you. Also check in at norcalbroncos.com. They've been doing an annual trip the last couple years. I missed this year due to a friend's wedding. Last year (08) there was a ton of steering problems (a couple broken sector shafts) and one flop during a night run.

 

[Bundy]

remember to invite me Dave! sounds awesome!

 

[TN1776]

I would recommend 35" tires. I went into the Rubicon last summer with the NorCalBroncos and with 37" tires and 5.5" of suspension, I still touched both rockers and the rear bumper. Body Armor is a must if you want to keep the rig in good shape.

If your axle shafts are suspect, definitely carry spares. Carry a spare locking hub, spare gas, spare fluids, a set of tools, and whatever other critical spare parts you can squeeze in.

I had a blast when I went on that trail but didn't have enough time to go all the way through. I went in and camped with the NorCal guys for a night then wheeled back out to Loon Lake the next day.

 

[TOOL]

A welder. I went for the first time last year and had a good time.
Bring bug spray.

 

[sevenTseven]

Well of course you will need a properly named vehicle.



I kid, I kid.

 

[12-Pack Jeff]

My rig sounds similar to yours, and you're gettin thumbs up, so if thats the case, count me in too!! I wanna go!

 

[1sicbronconut]

Might want to upgrade to 31 spline axles especially if you go with 35" tires, broken rear axles can be a chore to change out the trail.

 

[u14]

Rubicon

Powersteering cooler and ram assist. On norcal run broke one hub and power steering. BODY ARMOUR!!!

 

[OsideDave]

Good ideas, keep em coming. One thing about 35's is that I am sure they will rub.

Lots of suggestions on body armor. My Bronco is pretty good shape so what body armor would be good? I have rock skis 1/4" and the old smittybuilts seam to protect well, at least close to them though body is vulnerable just after bumper between tires.Thinking BCB rear quarter panel protectors would be good.

Lets do a trip!

 

[DirtDonk]

Thinking of going on Rubicon this summer, what will I need?

Camping gear, a camera, a willingness to stop occasionally to enjoy the roses, and some friends. Even new ones!
Not to mention, a valid license, registration, insurance papers and keep the heavy drinking to a dull roar.
Reason I say that is that the Rubicon is officially a county road and the rangers don't take kindly to drunken buffoons with booze, guns and 5-gallon gas cans. But they really get p.o.'d if you're driving a non-registered rig!
Since yours is street legal, you're good to go.

1. Back to your real question, I'd question your older stock 28 spline axles with lockers. I know you've done trails already, so probably have a deft right foot, but just be mindful of that (very?) weak link.

2. Start scrounging up end-caps for your Smittybilt bumpers now, so you'll have them for when the existing ones get torn off and lost on the trail.
Then again, maybe wait until you see whether you can even re-use the bumpers after a few good corner peelings on those rocks that "you just didn't see".

3. Just have fun. Sounds like your rig is pretty well outfitted for wheeling. It's up to you to be smart, careful, spot your lines to best advantage and bring the right friends. Don't be afraid to take a bypass, if you need to, but go for it if an obstacle looks do'able. After all, the legends of the trail's difficulty have been slightly exaggerated over the years, due to it's pre-eminent position in the halls of magazine history.

Paul

 

[OsideDave]

Good point on the 28 spline axles. Awhile back I was all into replacing em but since nothing has broken back there since I've owned it (19 yrs) I have kinda forgotten about em.

 

[DirtDonk]

That's kinda what I was factoring in too. They've been through some tough times and come out ok. The other side of that coin though, is that they might be feeling their age and decide to snap at just the wrong time!
Did you have lockers during those times on the trail, or were they a more recent addition?
Plenty of 28 spline axles have survived the Rubicon with no ill effects (mine included), but it's the addition of a locker that always seems to be at the heart of a broken 9" axle shaft.

Paul

 

[gddyap]

I tagged along with a couple guys from the Early Bronco Registry years ago. One of them broke one of his 28sp shafts and the 9" ring and pinion. Amazingly his D30 survived. The other guy drove back out to get parts and then came back in the next day. We made it as far as Spider Lake which really isn't very far. That same year the Land Cruiser that was with us broke the sector shaft in the steering box. One of us gave him a ride back to Loon to his tow vehicle and he drove to Placerville and got a new box. He then drove back to Loon and then hiked back to Spider with new box. Also that trip one of the guys with us broke a BCB spring rocker. Apparently there was batch of them with poor welds.

 

[gddyap]

Looks like June 25-27 will be a Bronco trip if anyone is interested

http://www.norcalbroncos.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6242

 

[Bundy]

this is definately something i want to do, need to get alot of work done before then!

 

[Socal Tom]

I did the 'con in 04. I was on 35s and my diffs took a real beating, so did the rock ski's. Definitly upgrade to 31 spline axles. With the stak and bigger tires you will be putting a lot of stress on them. Steering box and frame get a lot of stress, so make sure its in good shape ( maybe install the BC kit).

Carry spare front ujoints and spare driveshaft u-joints and you should be good.
Tom

 

[gddyap]

Nice thing about going with other Broncos is the common spare parts.

 

[Scott C.]

I did the Rubicon in 2006. I drove a bone stock 2006 Jeep Rubicon. I had no problems what so ever. In the group that I was with, one person broke a front axle shaft. I think it was the drivers fault not the shafts. A couple people ripped thier valve stems. That was all the carniege for the entire trail. If your rig is solid and well put together you will be fine. Do not attempt that trail on your own. Are you going to go with a group?

 

[gddyap]

TTT
Just a reminder that the NorCalBroncos trip is less than 3 weeks away. June 25, 26, 27.