RUBICON 2021

[phyler]

I didn't take many pictures.

Let's just say the Rubicon is not an easy trail.

The carnage started about 500 yards in. My right hub didn't lock for some reason and I was running without front drive. When I hit the first obstacle "The Gate Keeper" I got stuck and ended up blowing up a rear driveshaft u-joint.

I got pushed out of the way for a big pack of Jeeps from Colorado and started the repair process. I figured out the hub wasn't locking, pulled it off and reinstalled it and the front end started working. I honestly have no idea how I mis-installed the locking hub so it didn't work. I was then able to back off the trail using my front end and fix my rear driveshaft. After the repair, my rig performed very well.

Shortly after my repair, Jeff's rear ARB started leaking. We thought he got it fixed, only to have it start leaking again after about 50 feet. It was leaking inside the rear diff, so basically not fixable on the trail. After a couple winch sessions we knew winching 22 miles wasn't an option.

Mike's FJ was very impressive for a stock vehicle and managed more than I could imagine. His rear quarter has a Rubicon tattoo to prove he was there.

We all realized his truck was going to take a real beating, and Jeff's truck was going to have to be pulled through most the trail. So we only got about 1/2 mile in and out in 6 hours. We made the right call, pulling the plug.

The next day I picked a trail I've known about and we took a blind chance and had a fun trail run that ended in a beautiful camping spot near Lost Lake. We set up camp and enjoyed a stress free couple days relaxing. So it didn't turn out as planned, but it was a great trip anyways. It was great catching up with Jeff and Mike. I'm sure they have some pics to share.

I wouldn't attempt this trail without at least 35's and one locker, two are better. Bigger is better, longer is better. And don't bring anything you don't want to bang up, regardless of how big and bad it is.

Dang. Bummer to hear about the carnage but glad you were able to get some days out in nature!

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[Rox Crusher]

In related news………..ARB pisses me off.

[Digger]

That sucks things didn't go as planned. Glad you guys made the most of it though and certainly still a memorable trip.

I'm curious what happened to Jeff's ARB.

[Rox Crusher]

That sucks things didn't go as planned. Glad you guys made the most of it though and certainly still a memorable trip.

I'm curious what happened to Jeff's ARB.

It was a great trip all things considered. The camping spot by the lake was awesome.

The ARB in the rear diff was leaking again. While feeling around the diff trying to find the leak I barely touched the blue air supply line where it connects to the fitting into the housing and it came off. I re-taped the threads on the fitting and made sure the supply line was firmly connected.

Filled the air tank up and engaged the rear locker several times while sitting still and everything worked as it should. Drove forward about 10 or 15 feet and I could tell the locker was working properly. Another 20 feet or so and I hear air escaping diff again. High volume of air escaping out of the rear end’s vent line.

I don’t know what the hell the problem is. When I replaced the seals last year they didn’t look bad but the diff started working properly after installing the new seals you gave me. This ARB only had 10k miles when it started leaking first time and now another 1500 since new seals.

It has me baffled.

[ZOSO]

If it means anything I havent had any issues with my arb's. the front has been there since the late 80's. But i do actuate them regularly(probably monthly) as i drive through the neighborhood.

Also what air pressure are you feeding the lockers? They are designed to operate at no more than 95psi. I had to add a regulator to my system that feeds the lockers.

[Eck]

If it means anything I havent had any issues with my arb's. the front has been there since the late 80's. But i do actuate them regularly(probably monthly) as i drive through the neighborhood.

Also what air pressure are you feeding the lockers? They are designed to operate at no more than 95psi. I had to add a regulator to my system that feeds the lockers.

I’ve yet to fix my rear ARB leak- mine is leaking into the rear diff tube. Digger is gonna come over in a few weeks to give me a hand so hopefully I can have the same luck you guys have had with them. I’ve never heard nor considered regulating the air pressure. I assumed using the ARB compressor would make it a non-issue but I have no idea what PSI that compressor puts out. All I can find is that it can run air tools rated up to 90 psi.


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[landshark]

Sometimes the biggest issue with the Arb’s are with the compression fitting on the 3rd member, some of the versions have a brass line that likes to back off the fitting that attaches the blue airline and the only way to fix it is to pull the third member. You can convert it to a better flare setup and/or -2an braided line as well which is nice. Not sure if it’s the problem or you have the side seal issue.

I haven’t had any issues with mine with the exception of my ring gear bolts backing out and cutting the air line on holy cross.

The last time I checked I believe those seals are rated to 150 psi but 95-100 is the required amount for full engagement, but I could be mistaken.

[Jesus_man]

Looking forward to seeing some pictures! I too am sorry you guys didn't get to run the Rubicon, but it'll be there for a while longer...

ARB's seem to be very finicky. Sorry you too had trouble with them Jeff.

[horseplay]

Recently I've had several that the seals for the main body of the ARB have been faulty and two that had primary case cracks. Make sure you examine them closely.

[Gunnibronco]

Here are some pics Mike posted on my FB page. Hope he doesn't mind.

I only took a few and they didn't turn out.

We were so involved with broken ujoints and ARBs I don't think anyone else took any.

[Jesus_man]

For your entertainment here is a lite brite video of Loren Healy running his new Fun Haver/ RTR bronco on 37's thru the rubi!

https://youtu.be/L7aaRpT4HVY

[Rox Crusher]

I saw that video. Awesome stuff. He is gonna sell a bunch of those rocker sliders

[Gunnibronco]

Cleaning out the camera. Not on the Rubicon, but still a good shot.