Setting up a '89 62 for the Rubicon

[RBA]

Hi Gents,

I've been looking at other threads to get ideas but many of them are ten or more years old, so perhaps there is new wisdom.

I have a '89 62 with stock gearing (4.11) but with an H55 tranny. Running 33's currently. I'm adding ARB's in a couple of weeks but wondering whether I should consider changing my diff gears (4.56 or 4.88) during the ARb install or perhaps install 4:1 gearing in the transfer case instead ( or both?). Lastly, do I need to consider upgrading my shafts with the 33's for now, knowing that I might go up to 35's eventually after the 33's wear out.

My goal is to make the truck Rubicon worthy. I don't need to cruise through it easily but want to keep the damage to minor scrapes under. I should mention I already have a winch and plan on adding rock sliders.

I'm love to hear from guys who are running the Rubicon with their 62's.

thank you!

 

[90FJ]

I ran my 62 on 33s on the Rubicon.

Beefy sliders and a good rear bumper are critical.

I had stock birfs, shafts and gearing at the time it did not hold me back. Just make sure you take it slow and easy, try not to apply much throttle when your wheels are turned and crawling. Bring spare axles and birfs (rear long side and a birf minimum).

Your lower rear door will be a rock magnet but honestly I saw the tall SOA wagons on 35s have more issues and body damage than I did.

It's a gas and you'll want bigger tires next time but this is totally doable.

 

[RBA]

Is yours an auto still? That's one of my concerns is having a stick, my crawl has a minimum unlike an auto where the transmission will slip easily and allows the truck to find some traction and crawl up an obstacle.

 

[90FJ]

Auto yes

 

[Mace]

H55F will be a bit faster than you want in some spots, but take it easy and go as slow as you can..

I'm assuming that you do not want to wheel the rubithon this year (pretty much happening now)

First time I ran the con was in a 79 FJ40 on 32" tires. PS lockers and a SM420. Scraped the tar out of the body but did just fine.

FJ45Kevin ran his mostly stock FJ55 through the con either last year or the year before. Take it easy and you'll be fine.

Body armor is a good thing as 90FJ said.

 

[PortFJ62]

I only have experience doing the Rubicon with 37's and SOA. It took some work, but the clearance I had was perfect. Taking a wagon through on 33's/sua sounds rough. You will probably drag a bunch, but should be fine as long as you have some good sliders, one locker, and a rear bumper with panel protection. I would have one for the front as well.