I'm like an hour away from the rubicon trail and I think I want to
build a cherokee that can take it on and also be a DD.
but I dont even know where to start.
I know its probably a good idea to have: winch, bumpers, roll cage, sliders, brush guards, skids, etc. (recovery and armor).

but what technical upgrades do I need to make through the rubicon without too much damage? lift size, tire size, lockers, gears, axles.

has anyone made it through on skillfull driving instead of expensive upgrades?

any other advice for someone whos never built a jeep?

I've hit a rubicon. My buddies. It was all clean and shiny and he was afraid to use it. So I love tapped it with my cherokee to help him out.

It probably better to go there with you stock XJ, do some of the easy trails and watch others. You will quickly learn what is needed by observing others.

i thought the OP was askin if anyone has HIT a rubicon lol such a let down

I didnt know there were other easier trails.
I knew there were bypasses for big obstacles.
are the easy trails just a part of the main trail?

I'd start wheeling with what you got and fix and upgrade as you break parts and gain experience. Eventually you'll have the skills, the stones, and the equipment to do any trail. Also do your homework as you go (research)

Im trying to do all my research before I buy part or do upgrades.
I cant afford to take the trial an error route.
Ive already got some decent feedback from the vets on this site.

thanks for the input though. I do body work and fabrication but I dont know enough about the engine or suspension system. Im just putting out some feelers and trying to get some feedback on parts etc.

I went threw it once, in friends rig. I would recommend 35's, locked front and rear. lower the lift the better but a 4.5" lifts and cut fender would fit a 35" tire and still be at an ok height. Rock sliders are a VERY good investment before doing any rear wheeling IMO. I would also see what rear axle you have and swap it if its a D35. I would get a 8.25/D44 because they bolt in and can handle 35's locked with alloy shafts no problem. Bumpers would be a great idea as you would probably drag in some spots.

But this is all assuming you want to run the full trail. Its mostly a scenic trail and some people run threw it with 31's-32's but bypass the main obstacles. everyone I went with was on 35's and it was needed in some spots, but didn't bypass anything IIRC.

There are several members over at NAXJA that do the Rubi a decent amount. I have not done it, as my current XJ is not up to par and do not plan to make it taller.
But typically, lockers, 33s, sliders/underbody armor and recovery points are the min requirements. I know a few that have done it on 31's but heavily armored underneath.

thanks guys thats exactly what Im looking for.
this makes me really glad that I have tools to fab plates sliders and bumpers.
the things I want to avoid doing are: winch, gear change, axle swap, roll cage, fender cut, t-case due to expense and also I dont really know what Im doing.
I really want to skate by with a 4.5 on 31's or 32's and air lockers with heavy armor and a lot of luck. maybe an SYE.
but thanks thats great feedback its good to know that I can just go check it out and bypass where need be. then do necessary upgrades and come back.

is a winch still a good investment even if you always go wheeling with someone else who has a winch?

I ran the Rubicon with my CJ-5 back in '02. I heard they have since cleared the Gate Keeper with dynamite.

I 100% agree with GorillaXJ. I was running 33's at the time with locked D44's front and rear (Detroit/ARB). If you plan to run the full trail within 2 days this is minimum required equipment. Anything less and you will be there awhile stacking rocks.

I definitely learned a lot from that trip. Went to SOA, 35's, more armor and stretched the wheelbase.

it looks incredible I really want to go one day.
was the CJ a dd as well?
mine has to serve as a commuter.
does that mean I need air lockers and a compressor so I can still drive on the freeway?

Yeah, the CJ is a DD/Crawler.

The air lockers definitely make commuting much easier. Less wear on tires and no annoying pop-bang when making turns. A longer wheelbase Jeep like and XJ though would have less problems with a Detroit in the rear.

An ARB in the front makes turning SO much easier when in 4wd. I have my ARB in the rear for street driving and the Detroit True-trac up front. Turning radius nearly doubles with the locker in front which often requires several point turns to get around tight obsticals. One day I will get the ARB up front. Then when you need to make a tight turn just switch it off, make the turn and then switch back on.

If you have at least a locker in the rear you should be good to go play up there and get a feel for the trail.

ok I'll lock my rear diff as a start and go from there.
how hard is an air locker install?
ive seen a couple videos and it looks like it requires some skill to DIY.
is it better to pay to have it installed?
thanks for the helpful feedback