“It’s a JEEP thing”. So I guess you can say I caught the bug. Always having a passion for the Jeep Wrangler editions, I have always been deterred by numerous reasons throughout my days. Well now the time has come. I no longer can deny myself and settle for less to satisfy my OFF-ROAD hunger.

I have been through various SUV’s and full size trucks as well as mid size. None have ever sized up to the trail potential that Jeep offers with it‘s Rubicon package.  Willing to roll the dice and take the merciless heat from my spouse, I purchased a 06 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON and took it wheeling to my favorite local spots which made the trails seems effortless. Knowing this was the right choice, I just couldn’t leave well enough alone.

These days, making your rig not only better but different is what makes ownership fun. I wanted to truly improve the Rubi’s off-road prowess without sacrificing the street manners. Remember, this is also my work/family vehicle. With gas soaring over $3.00 per gallon, the need for reasonable fuel efficiency was also a must.

THE SUSPENSION

First, I made a call to EXPLORER PROCOMP SUSPENSIONS, and informed them of my project and the direction I wanted to go with my concept. I knew I did not want to go any taller than 33” tires, preferably 285’s. I like the added ground clearance and nimble maneuverability compared that to my previous 35x12.50’s on my truck. Jeff Blakely helped me decide on a 3” lift with replacement springs accompanied with all the goodies from the 4” kit. This includes 3” springs, MX6 adjustable shocks, sway bar disconnects, boxed short control arms, pitman arms, and track bar lowering brackets, etc.

MAINLY, I wanted a kit readers can see I installed myself in my own garage. I honestly have very low mechanical skills, and the steering upgrades reminded me of that. The difficult part of the lift was not the new pieces to install; however, it was the stock parts and bolts that had to come off. Some parts and bolts were so tight, that at times, I would take forever because of stripped heads. PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS THOUROUGHLY!

I admit I tend to get in “guy mode” and not ask for help. You will need: ample amount of tools (I ended up buying an air compressor/tool kit on sale), Pickle fork, pitman arm puller (rented), star shaped sockets, a good jack and stands.  An extra hand from brother, friends, neighbors, strangers, even your kids cleaning up shop make the installs run smoother. Remember, SAFETY FIRST!

HERE’S A SHOT OF THE SWAYBAR DISCONNECTS AND THE CONTROL ARMS: you will see the great quality of these parts in person, especially the beefy control arms. Make sure the front control arms are proper. They are designed to bow inwards to allow free and clear steering with larger tires and eliminate rubbing and irregular wear on the tires.

PRO COMP SWAY DISCONNECTS

You can see the bottom of the sway bars and the disconnect pins. First, remove the pin to allow the sway bar to slide off the shaft located above the front axle.

Swing the sway bar connector back up towards the sway bar. Slide into the newly installed clasp and secure with the very same pin that was taken from below.

After install, there will be another pin sitting at the top of the sway bar waiting to be used.  Part of this kit also will be a bracket screwed into the upper left-hand corner of the driver’s side wheel well.

Remove the top pin (with the “U” clamp) and swing the whole sway bar and newly tucked away connector upwards to the brass bracket in the upper corner. Align the holes of both gold brackets and insert the clamp/pin through both holes. Swing the “U” over and behind the back side and lock the loop of the “U” clamp over and onto the tip of the inserted pin.

This raises and tucks away the complete sway bar unit to allow maximum articulation and clearance for full flex. The TJ’s off-road capability is now greater over stock. The suspension system can now keep the tires on the terrain for increased traction. Once your rig returns to the road, the process is easily reversed for more controlled handling and responsive driving.

Here you see the superior 3” coil springs and MX6 adjustable gas shocks I paired up with the components of the Pro Comp 4" lift kit. Just in case the weight of the winch and new front steel bumper would be to much, Pro Comp sent the 1” spacer optional accessory that would regain the initial height. Eventually, this was not necessary, and the suspension handled the weight with confidence and strength.

To keep the suspension, wheels and tires all in the family. Pro Comp Alloy rims and the new Xtreme Mud Terrains finished of set perfectly. Not only are they aggressive looking, this tandem is built strong and durable.

WHEELS & TIRES

The Pro Comp Alloy rims #7023 are cast black, five star spokes, with simulated beadlock in a brushed aluminum. I decided to stay with the stock size of 16x8.

The 285/75/r16 Pro Comp Xtreme M/T’s are very impressive.  The new Tri-Ply and Triple Tec 3 Construction is not to be underestimated. Superior resistance to impact breaks and bruising is achieved from to radial polyester body plies and one angled polyester ply.

The aggressive lug design wrap down half the distance of the sidewalls of the tires to provide unmatched traction in loose terrain and serious biting edge on larger obstacles on the trail. Large voids allow the tire shed debris easily, deep sipping increase traction.

Then you have the big and consistent square edged lug pattern providing stability and durability on this “street friendly” mud tire. Best tire to date for me in overall performance, but its off-road prowess I consider to flawless.

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Please refer back to “ROAD TO MECCA” article for payoff review of suspension and wheels/tires in the off-road play land known as MOAB. Upcoming reviews in various terrain and weather will be updated in the future

SOURCES

Explorer PRO COMP
www.explorerprocomp.com

ProComp Tires
www.procomptires.com