Unlimited X or Rubicon

[WVUMOFO]

Let me say this first...Sorry for the long post but thanks for reading AND YES I know how to use the search button and have used it on many “other” sites but I wanted to get the opinion of THIS group for THIS area on this question.

I am in the market for an Unlimited JK to add as second vehicle and not a Daily Driver, but once my 99 Exploder goes on me it could become a DD but I hope that is 2-4 years away ( so I have to keep ON ROAD drivability in the picture and can’t go all out ) ...

Until now, I have been looking at Used 08-09 JK Sports/X models as I don’t like the painted fenders of the Sahara’s and definitely plan some mods for whatever JK I get be it X or Rubi… My intent with this JK would be to put an AEV 3.5 Lift (for on road performance) on it add some 35’s and some bumpers and have some fun in the VA/WV/MD/PA area off roading.

I am not going to kid myself and pretend like I will be going to Moab or anything crazy like that, unless the wheel bug bites real hard, which I hear can happen =)… This JK would be for sporting around town during the week and then hitting some trails on weekends and taking the family camping and so on.With that said, the main reason I was looking at the X was the lower cost of used ones and the ability to add to it in the future. I don’t see me adding axles and all that jazz for some time down the road should it be required for the wheeling I am doing but I plan to learn to walk before I CRAWL… I am not the most mechanical person in the world but I am willing to try almost anything as this again will not be my daily driver and to be honest I would like to learn/and work on cars a bit more…

However, I am now starting to lean towards a 2010 Rubicon Unlimited for the fact that I can order it the way that I want it and hopefully get the dealership to move on my trade more than selling it separately and getting to deal with that hassle… Not to mention resale value... Also the 5/100K power train warranty is appealing as well because from what I can tell, with what comes stock on the Rubi there would be no reason to upgrade the drive train, except for the gears due to the 35 inch tires… but please correct me if I am off base… But with the X, that “might” be needed and would require out of pocket money…

In this area VA/MD/WV/PA for off roading and backwoods camping would the upgraded features of the Rubicon come in handy or is it simply overkill for what my “current” intentions are? Can most trails tackled by this group be handled with a basic X and some MODS or would I truly see the benefits of the lockers and D44 upfront and all that?

Side note, when lifting a Rubicon with the intention to add 35 inch tires, say with the AEV 3.5 Prem kit, is anything else “needed”, or can I just bolt it on and go?

Thanks in advance for any opinions and insight, hope to see everyone soon at some meet and greets!…

Thanks

[blthomas]

I'm part ra-tard so take what I say with a beer and a grain of salt.... :D

But if I were going to buy a new JK, I'd go Rubicon and nothing else if it's gonna get wheeled at all.

Even if it's mild wheeling, it's already geared a bit more, got the lockers, I thought the Rubi's had more/better skids, and you get the better transfer case.

Do some re-gear, tires, and maybe a budget boost and it's done.

My 2 cents, I'd like to have a 4 door like Bucks eventually. Maybe he'll post up.

[richs347]

If the Rubicon isn't out of the financial reach that is definately the way to go. I've tried the nickel and dime route to build up to that level and it sucks. ...Hence the reason I currently have the '05 Rubicon. Trying to come up with $2k everytime you want to do something for me is impossible. (Ex: tires, lift, regear, lockers)..

With the Rubi you get the better and beefier axles, better gearing, lower geared transfer case, lockers, swaybar disconnect, and better resale value. Going from 32's to 35's with the 4:10 gears and you may never have to regear. You get side rails but they can be upgraded if you don't like them.

If I remember correctly it only takes a small 3-4" lift to get 35's on the JK. You could be up and running in no time with a very capable Jeep that will go just about anywhere.

[MarineDawg]

I have to agree with Blair and Rich. I have an 04 TJ Sport and have spent a lot of money to get it where it is at now. If I would have started with a Rubi I would not have nearly the amount of money in it I do now. I wouldn't change things cause the way it is set up now it is a beast. I say go for the Rubi!

[Flexxj90]

If the Rubicon isn't out of the financial reach that is definately the way to go. I've tried the nickel and dime route to build up to that level and it sucks. ...Hence the reason I currently have the '05 Rubicon. Trying to come up with $2k everytime you want to do something for me is impossible. (Ex: tires, lift, regear, lockers)..

With the Rubi you get the better and beefier axles, better gearing, lower geared transfer case, lockers, swaybar disconnect, and better resale value. Going from 32's to 35's with the 4:10 gears and you may never have to regear. You get side rails but they can be upgraded if you don't like them.

If I remember correctly it only takes a small 3-4" lift to get 35's on the JK. You could be up and running in no time with a very capable Jeep that will go just about anywhere.
Just remember the axles are only marginally better than the non Rubi. The basic plus is a larger ring gear and Locker. The oe Lockers can be unreliable check them thoroughly before purchase. That being said I have had both.
For the most part the RUBI is point and shoot. Cost vs the other well thats a tossup really. If it were me ( and its not as I have an Xj and the wife moved UP to a Land Cruiser) I wouldnt buy the Rubi..
I have priced them out. You could easily build a Better rubicon out of a base TJ( or a +1) for less than a Rubi out the door. The rubi is good fun for what it is, but other than the T-case I would say its a bit overrated. The lockers are nice but like I said they do have their issues.This is for the MY2006 and older as I have not researched the newer, however I would "think" it might be similar. The other benefit is believe it or not the insurance cost is cheaper as well.. If your not into a real extreme jeep adn want a GOOD fun capable rig by the Rubi. If you plan to build it, save a few bucks in the opening and buy a lesser OE model and build it with the parts YOU want
Just my 2 cents..