Just wanted to introduce myself to the boards. My name is Jeremy (Jerm) and I just ordered a 2005 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon (white) with almost every accessory package possible.
The dealership I bought it from is lame and knew nothing about the vehicle.At this point, I'm 3 weeks into my 6-8 week wait. (I'm dyin' here)My first 'newbie' question and probably a dumb one is:
Does installing a lift void any warranty by Jeep? I wanted to get a 4" Long Arm suspension lift, but don't wanna screw myself. Is the warranty anything I should sweat? Also any suggestions from experienced off-roaders on what I should try to do first, or anything I should look at getting would be appreciated as well.
I'll post pics when it finally gets here.

howdy

welcome to

installing a long arm lift will void some of your warranty. primarily the suspension. if the dealership is as "dumb" as you say...then you should assume that they will not be mod friendly.

to answer your second question and help with the first...id wheel your jeep stock (get a winch!!!) for at least a year. learn how to drive it and what kind of offroading you like before deciding on a lift. definitly a winch should be at the top of every offroaders list!

dont forget the pics!!!

later

jason

Thx for the info Jason!
In regards to the winch, I did opt for the 'off-road' package which gives me a Warn (not sure of specific model), rock rails, off-road bumpers and skid plates on everything. Stock, it sits on 31" tires. I got both tops as well as the travel and interior packages. (Add-a-trunk, dash applique...yadda, yadda, yadda). I did notice after I had already ordered the optional Winch Accessory Kit from Jeep at $275.00, that it's the same as the Warn accessory kit only the bag has a different logo. The Warn kit is about $100 less. I didn't know the Jeep logo carried as much clout as that of Ferrari.
Also, I had built my vehicle several times on the Jeep web site and had chosen the Beryl Green with a Khaki top, but my lame dealer said the Unlimited Rubicon was only available in White, Tan, Black, Blue, Lime Green or Gray. I went with white.
If anyone is reading this and is from PA, it'd be cool to hook up sometime for a ride if you're anywhere near Chambersburg/Gettysburg or surrounding areas. I'm interested in learning as much as I can and 'experience is the best teacher'.
Thx again for the reply Jason. Nice to see this is a friendly place.
-Jerm

I agree with Jason take the Jeep out wheeling for about a year. Get to know the rig and what it will and won't do. You'll be suprised what it's capable of then after a few trips out you'll see what you need. And what kind of wheeling is available in your area.
Good luck and happy wheeling.

I agree with everyone else! Take it out and play before you change things so you know what you'll use and what you won't... as much. I'm a little paranoid at the moment since my jeep has been broken into twice in the last 16 months, but I recommend getting a tuffy console if you plan on putting a nice stereo in. They're freaking awesome and almost impossible to get into without a key. A rear lock box is nice too... Have fun! I am completely jealous! Oh-- and you need to take it out to Moab sometime really soon!

Hey guys don't forget to tell him about Disconecting the wheels for better articulation!

Thx for info folks. I just talked to the dealer Friday. They said it's built and will ship on 04/12. I'm in PA and I think it's built in Toledo so I'm hoping for a 1-2 day delivery. They said 1 day at the dealer to bolt on all the crap.
I'm not trying to bore anyone with my stories or brag at all. It's just my wife and daughter don't quite share the same high level of excitement as me. And I'm anxious to get to know some people who share common interests.
Thx to all who have bothered reading this and all the tips you've given. Sgt Kat, are you talking about disconnecting the sway bars? I've seen 'quick-disconnect' ones in catalogs. What is involved in doing this to stock ones? Do you only do it when off-road? Do my questions indicate I have absolutely no idea what I'm getting into?
I'm gonna document the whole experience starting the day I pick it up, with a digital camera. Shoot the odometer and stock shots to post. Then hit some local mountain roads. Anyway, I'll probably become quite the post ***** if no one minds. Accompanied by lots of questions also.
Regarding questions...What's the difference between a 'Hawse' fairlead and a 'Roller' fairlead, besides the fact the the roller one looks so much tougher?
OK, I'm done rambling for now.
And please continue to post to this thread with any info you care to pass on. Thanks!
-Jerm

A roller fairlead has rollers and a Hawse is just a piece of metal with a hole in it. If you are running cable you will want a roller if you run the winch rope you will need the Hawse. As far as Quick disconnect. On the front of the Jeep there is a sway ber that limits articulation This is why they build the swaybar disconnect. However there are cheaper ways to disconnect the swaybar. Take the bolt out of the bottom and replace it with a hitchpin. Then bungee the swaybay up out of the way.
Check out www.blwa.org
These are guys in PA. and Oh. One of the best things you can do is find a 4WD club in your area and join. Before you join you will want to go wheeling with a couple different clubs this way you can find one that fits. Good Luck.

welcome to the Jeep family

Drive the Rubicon the way it comes from the factory and take your family on outings to get them bitten by the Jeep bug as well

Then start modifying, when the wife lets you

Hey again folks!
I'm still waiting, but this should be my last weekend without the Rubi. Pics by next weekend! I did have another 'newbie' question:
Exactly how hard is it to fold down the windshield on a 2005 Unlimited Rubicon? Some guys I was talking with said it's a pain on their older Wranglers, and not worth it. I've always thought that was one of the coolest features of a Wrangler. Also as far as tools, what's the best brand of Torx set to get? And also, what sizes will I need to have a complete set for the Rubi?
Thanks for all the input from everyone so far, I appreciate the advice. (although no one is really helping add to my argument for after-market mods My wife loves everyone's opinions though.

A standard torx socket set should do it with one very important exception. Your bumpers and some suspension components are held on by a T55 torx that probably won't be in the set. I got mine at Sears, and the rack had an extra spot to put another socket on, which I picked up at a local auto parts store. Most folks will recommend getting replacement bolts with a normal hex head to replace the torx as you remove them to upgrade. Dropping the windshield isn't bad, just a few fasteners to remove, but the front half of your sport cage also has to be removed. In that respect it is kind of a P.I.T.A. Again I think all of those are torx that you'll probably want to replace. Another vote on holding off on the upgrades a bit, one of the most difficult trails I did out in the Cali desert I did with 31 inch tires and front disconnects. At the bottom of the most difficult obstacle was a brand new lifted Rubi that they guy had rolled because he had gone out and put every mod he could afford and hit the hardest trail he could. About a year later when I had my lift installed, it wasn't as much fun. Taking it slow and learning how to drive and place my vehicle properly has really paid off. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment, and that’s a big part of the rush we wheelers get. My Jeep and I made it! Once you get to many mods on there, the equipment makes it easier, and it’s not as satisfying in general, but the few things you can now do that you couldn’t before the mods are sweet. Find a club or a friend or two with experience and go out and see what that Rubi can do straight out of the box, you'll be amazed!

Have fun,
Mark

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Squid in a Jeep,

Thanks for all the tips and tricks Squid! Although you guys aren't helping me to build a strong case against the wife when it comes to mods
Anyway, finally got my baby, but have only been out twice for a short drive. No action shots yet, but I will post as soon as I have some.
If anyone is reading this and would like to throw in their .02 or anything having to do with a Rubi Unlimited please do so. I plan to keep updating this thread, kind of like a journal, to log the life of a 05. So stop back for updates

Here are some links to pics on Snapfish:
(the mods need to boost the Max upload to at least 100kb...40kb is almost an avatar.)

EDIT: LINKS TO PICS REMOVED DUE TO HAVING TO LOG IN AT SNAPFISH TO VIEW THEM. I DON"T WANT TO CAUSE HASSLES.

HOW DO YOU GUYS UPLOAD YOUR PICS? I DO GRAPHICS FOR A LIVING AND CAN'T SEE HOW A 40kb SHOT IS EVEN LEGIBLE.
IF ANYONE CAN LET ME KNOW HOW YOU SIZE EM, THAT'D BE GREAT...I HAVE PHOTOSHOP AND ALL THAT SO...