Just bought an 04 Rubicon (100% stock)and am looking to to make some upgrads.  I live in CA and will be doing moderate off roading.  The Jeep mechanic says I shouldn't change the wheel size because it affects the brakes and balance.  What do you guys think?  What is a good wheel and tire size for a stock Rubicon (will lift as needed)for moderate off roading yet, maximizing street milage?   Seeking the balance between offroad (10%) and the street (90%)...  

the rubi has 4 wheel disc brakes, ask him what he's smoking....o I get it he's jealous......if your cheap, throw on a 2" spacer lift, new longer travel shocks and run some 32" tires, that'll fit the 10/90% your after or a 2.5-3.5 suspension lift and some 33's.

New 2" coils springs is by far the best way to go over the spacers. skyjacker, Rancho, OME, just a few that offer that lift range. over 2.5 will bring on the need for many more modifications. including gearing for the 33's, sure the 4:10's will be ok, performnance and mileage will be adversly effected.  

The Rubi is very capable to begin with, so my personal list would start with some necessaries, such as a fire ext. and a GOOD tow strap, and a few basic tools. Then drive it and see where its lacking and go up from there.  

Both good points... I agree... and don't really have much to add...  

Good stuff... Thanks...
Travel shocks, 2"lift and 32's...  Sounds reasonable without having to drop the additional $5000 on suspension, etc to go hight and larger...

Would a 15" steel wheel with the 32 x ??? be best for moderate use, with a 2" lift since the rubicon does ok out there?

Any yes the accessories are next...  

the rubi already has 16" wheels with 5" backspacing.
265x75-16's are the same as a 32" tire. the rubi will get around much better than average.

you can use 15's but why? anyhow if you do a 32x10.5 or 11.50-15 will go with a steel wheel just fine, up to a 12.5 wide w/4.5" backspacing. the stock rubi moab wheels can handle some 12.5 wide tires with no problems.

actually you can find kits for under 1000  

Rocker guards! That should be the first thing you install.  

Buying a winch might be all you need for the wheeling you wanna do.  

a fire extinusher????? why and how is that a good mod for this guy? that was the worst mod i can think of for this guys needs.  

Since when is a safety item the worst mod? Is he supposed to piss on the next engine fire he sees? haha  

Off road recovery gear is always 1st and foremost, assemble some hand tools, spare serpentine belt, u-joints. The rubi is pretty well armored; I would replace the stock plastic fuel tank skid plate  

I agree with Cgreenwood that its a great item to have even if its not your vehicle thats on fire. Ive had enough leaves get packed around my exhaust to start a small fire.  

x-3......or where ever were up to now... altough I don't call that an "upgade"......it is common sense.  

its something thats good to have but its not a mod. its like a flashlight its a must but not a mod.