My overseas work rig: 2009 JK Unlimited Rubicon

[ReconH3]

In 2009 I was told they were going to get me a work vehicle. Getting me rental cars was costing them too much. They said they were going to get me a VW Caddy 4Motion (4x4 utility mini-van). Who was I to complain? They are nice vehicles. I researched them to see if I needed any special options. When I saw the price I freaked. :whaa: Immediately I thought I could get a Wrangler for that price range!!!!! I asked if I could get the money for the Caddy and I would get something else. I started seeing what I could get in a 4 door JK configuration. Straight out, I didn't want the unreliable diesel version. I knew the V6 was a weak, but I figured I could get lower gearing later down the road. Turns out, by not much, that I could get the Rubicon! :thumbs: So I went to the nearest dealer to place the order. Turns out in Europe, you can only get 4 door Rubicons in diesel. :roll: I insisted I want the petrol version, and told them I would bring one from the US if they didn't get me one. Guy calls me the next day that they can order it, but I would have to wait 4 months. I went in and ordered one in Jeep Green. I never got it in 4 months. It took 5 altogether. No biggie. I was using my old beat to death WJ while waiting. When I got it, first thing I did was find a local body shop to cover it in flat clear coat to give it that matt green look. The guy gave me a great deal since he knew I would be back to color match any new accessories. Ran it like that for some time. Totally stock.

 

[3Hummers]

Don't know much about the diesel in Jeeps since we can't get them here. What is so sucky about the motor they put in them?

 

[Scarsman]

Uhmmmmm, nice story, but, aren't we missing something here? Hmmmmmmm?

 

[ReconH3]

Pics coming soon. First we have to get to the present since I have no pics of the progression of the mods. Only the final product.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

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[ReconH3]

Don't know much about the diesel in Jeeps since we can't get them here. What is so sucky about the motor they put in them?

Except for a short period where some models of Jeeps got MB engines, Jeeps have always had VM diesel engines. They are made in Italy and are very unreliable and expensive to repair. The engines are overpowered and under-engineered. It's a very cheap copy of a Cummins design. For years they were 2.5 liter 4 cylinders. Then they went to 2.7 and 2.8. They even had a 3.1 for the Grand Cherokees. On paper the specs look awesome but in reality they are probably one of the most unreliable diesel engines. Everyone that I've known that has owned one has regretted it, and has caused Jeep to lose them as a customer. Most switching to Japanese manufacturers. Local mechanics love and hate them. Love them because they are constant business. Hate them because they are sick and tired of always having to work on them.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

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[ReconH3]

First and foremost, this was going to be my daily driver work vehicle, so no aspirations for some extreme rock rig, or over-loaded expedition rig. Nothing more than 35s since the factory Dana 44s are actually weak as far as D44s are concerned. I also have to keep the JK low enough to fit in most parking structures. Here most are around 2 meters. Some even as low as 1.8 meters. Another priority was low center of gravity. Get rid of as much weight as possible above the chassis. That means getting the lightest hard top possible. Vehicle transports many firearms, and quite a bit of ammo, so no soft tops. Maybe a bikini for if there is an occasional outing if I ever find the time. Another important thing will be undercarriage protection. Rubicon comes with rails, but poor engine/ tranny protection. Even evap canister need to be protected or relocated. What I don't want is one huge skid plate, like most people get. All it does is cause heat issues, and accumulation of mud and other debris.

 

[Portager]

They are made in Italy and are very unreliable and expensive to repair. The engines are overpowered and under-engineered.

Sounds typical for Italian diesel engines. The boat my work owned had Italian SeaTek 700 HP twin diesels. They ran great when they ran, which was rarely! We eventually re-engined the boat with Cats. Much heavier and only 600 HP, but much more reliable.

 

[ReconH3]

Sounds typical for Italian diesel engines. The boat my work owned had Italian SeaTek 700 HP twin diesels. They ran great when they ran, which was rarely! We eventually re-engined the boat with Cats. Much heavier and only 600 HP, but much more reliable.

Exactly the case. It's a recurring theme with Italian diesels. Now that FIAT runs the show, it will only get worse.

 

[ReconH3]

The hard-top part was going to be a no brainer. Before I started my H3 build, I had met the owner of Wild Boar Products. They cater to the Jeep crowd, but he wanted to get into the Hummer market. He borrowed my H3 to design a roof rack as their first product. He obviously never pursued it since GM dropped the brand and the racks were never seen. He offered me one, but I don't do roof racks. Instead I asked him for one of their slant-back hard tops. I told him that I wanted it in one piece, and with no sunroofs or windows. Only the lift-gate one. He agreed. All I had to do was pay for shipping. I was sharing a container going overseas, so I put it in there. I took advantage of the container to bring a set of Hutchinson bead-locks. The roof had been sent already to match the OEM paint, but the rims were silver, so I had them color-matched as soon as they arrived.

This is the only pic I have of the first step. Roof, Hutchinsons, and 34" Duratracs on. Roof color didn't really match, so that would have to be redone the day I painted some other parts. The roof is so light I can actually install and remove it by myself. Just a little cumbersome to handle so a second hand is better. It's also insulated so it's quieter, and keeps temps more manageable. I'm running Daystar 1.75" spacers up front and .75" in the rear. I also have Tera-Flex bump stop extensions to avoid destroying the fenders.

 

[Scarsman]

I like that flat clear coat! I wonder how it would hold up/ look with some trail time through brush compared to regular finish. Looks sweet!

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[ReconH3]

I like that flat clear coat! I wonder how it would hold up/ look with some trail time through brush compared to regular finish. Looks sweet!

Not concerned Can't be any worse than a shiny paint all scratched up.

 

[ReconH3]

For the interior I got your typical Daystar organizer tray, as well as a Bracketron iPhone holder. I also got Raingler safety nets at the same time as I got the H3 ones. Got a great deal since I got them together. Smittybilt Molle front seat covers.

For the rear, some grab handles and generic seat covers. Graco seat for the little guy.

In the trunk, also a Smittybilt Molle tailgate organizer. Husky Liners front, rear and trunk.

 

[Portager]

I like the color matched Hutchinson's. Is that Powdercoat or spray over the silver sparkle Powdercoat?

 

[ReconH3]

I like the color matched Hutchinson's. Is that Powdercoat or spray over the silver sparkle Powdercoat?

No powder coating over here. Just plain and simple spray.

 

[Portager]

No powder coating over here. Just plain and simple spray.

It will be interesting to see how the spray holds up.

 

[ReconH3]

It will be interesting to see how the spray holds up.

Time will tell. My H3 ones are also spray paint, and they have held up pretty good.

 

[alrock]

Cool build so far!

 

[cgalpha08]

i like

 

[06 H3]

I like it! I agree with the skids on the JK. My brother's JK skids aren't too protective and I would move the EVAP canister sooner then later. I have heard of horror stories with those on the JK.

The paint looks badass. You have two of the nicest rigs.

 

[ReconH3]

I like it! I agree with the skids on the JK. My brother's JK skids aren't too protective and I would move the EVAP canister sooner then later. I have heard of horror stories with those on the JK.

The paint looks badass. You have two of the nicest rigs.

Thanks. This build is going to be very mild compared to my H3. Evap has already been taken care of. Just haven't written it in yet.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

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[ReconH3]

When we sent the container, in it was also some goodies from Warn. Front & rear bumper, rock sliders, front & rear diff protectors, HID lights, 8274 winch mount, and a limited edition of the 8274 made with many of the upgrades we usually do. Along with all the other stuff in the container, we had everything color matched.

 

[ReconH3]

I then ordered some stuff from Quadratec to complete protecting the JK from the trail damage. These items included:

Warrior Products rear corner protectors.
Rugged Ridge Euro Light Guards
Skid Row Evap Canister Guard
Skid Row Engine/Transmission Skid Plate
Bestop HighRock 4x4 Fender Flares
AEV Procal Module
AEV Snorkel with precleaner.

All except the skid plates and procal were color matched.

I also bought off of Amazon some Recon smoked LED markers and turn signals.

 

[ReconH3]

This is what it finally looks like after having assembled all the parts. The winch comes with a synthetic rope from the factory, but keep in the trunk for now. No more tire carrier for now. Plan to make a MFC holder in it's place. If I ever go anywhere "far", I just put the spare in the trunk. If I ever get the chance to wheeling anything hardcore, the family usually doesn't come along, so I will collapse the rear seats and strap the spare down flat.

Next step, which is not any time soon, is re-gearing and 3" lift. I'm still debating which lift. I was thinking using ARB springs, with somebody else's kit. I'm torn between Tera-Flex, Rockrawler, and Clayton. I chose ARB springs because they are the only ones I know of that actually take into account full heavy bumpers and winches like the 8274, and not some stubby bumper with an M8000 winch. I definitely will need to do more research since this is still some time away.

 

[H3slate]

That is a great looking rig! I really like the flat clear and that winch is sexy!

 

[ReconH3]

The Italians have just stood up to their reputation. Stopped at a service station on an Italian highway to get some gas. Went in to pay, and when I came back out, someone had stolen my precleaner off my snorkel. WTF is he going to do with it?


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

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