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OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

GardDog

LT
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 16, 2009
2,200
1
52
New Orleans
I'm looking for some advice from Jeep owners... I paid off my Silverado (2wd) over the summer and I have been looking hard at the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I have come into the situation several times over the last year where having 4wd would have benefitted me. I went by the dealership and test drove the Rubicon and Sahara versions this week. I really like the Rubicon, but from what I've read, unless I am going to do serious rock climbing or trail riding, it is kind of overkill. The advice someone gave me was to get the Sahara version with beaucoup options and put a more aggressive set of tires on it for the same cost as getting a Rubicon.

I have a "company car", so it would be used as my weekend / training class / hunting trip vehicle. I put about 10,00 miles per year on my Siverado, so it's not intended as my everyday means of transportation.

Any Jeep owners with a Rubicon that has an opinion? Anyone with a Sahara with any regrets?
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Ive owned 3 and still have 1 Jeep.

Personally I never opted for the Rubicon. I took the money I saved and bought the lift, tires, DT upgrades, bumpers, ect...

When you compare the upgrades the Rubicon offers against what is out there in aftermarket parts... not worth the Rubicon.

If you dont feel like doing the work (or paying someone to do it) then you probably dont honestly need the Rubicon.

Start-
24b263s.jpg


After initial upgrades-
2h5nrkl.jpg
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

My Gf has a 2009 Jeep Sahara unlimited. It's a 4 door, black with black hard top. The hard top is neat, it comes off in 3 pieces, so you don't have to take the whole top if you don't want.


The 4wd drive in it is great, never got stuck, and I took it hunting a few times. I didn't scale/climb rock mountains with it, but it took everything I threw at it.. The person who told you the rubicon is for more serious off roaders is right, we were told the same thing. We were told unless were off roading all the time, and in extreme conditions we wouldn't need a rubicon..

Her jeep came with the bigger tires already. It's prob one of the nicest factory Wranglers I seen.

The jeep is ok, it's the not most comfortable ride, and I wish it had more room. I'm 6'4 and I feel cramped in it. My camaro has more driver side room then the jeep.

If you don't plan on doing long trips with it, I say get it. but if you are going to spend some time in one driving, be warned, it gets uncomfortable.

We do a great deal of traveling with my daughters competitve cheer team, so we are going to be trading/selling the jeep, because the long rides suck for me, and we need more room.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Doing the math (same options on Sahara vs Rubicon) the difference is about $2800. Can you add the aftermarket options on the Sahara for less than that?
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GardDog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Doing the math (same options on Sahara vs Rubicon) the difference is about $2800. Can you add the aftermarket options on the Sahara for less than that? </div></div>

I don't know the prices, but I was told the only differnces between my gf's sahara and rubicon where: Rubicon had a dana rear with different gears in it, bigger tires, and a longer/bigger skid plate. So, if that's true, price it out.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

I got the Unlimited Rubicon last month. I traded my 2005 Rubicon for it. The old one was not big enough for my shooting gear. The new one is. It is a very different vehicle. Gears are different. Handling. It's much better actually. The seals at rear are improved. I could not keep dirt out of the old one. Dust got on everything. I've ordered mud flaps for the front. Mud coats doors and handles so that I can't get in or out without getting muddy. I live up a logging road on a little mountain. Get 4 feet of snow every winter .Should start any day now. Finding a stick shift was difficult and getting a rig without soccer mom optional equipment is very difficult. $35k
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Good info guys, thanks.

My bride was set on getting a "loaded" FX4 F-150. I just can't see paying $49,000 for a pickup. The Jeep has appealed to me for years and I can always start doing the Spillway rides that my 2wd doesn't allow me.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GardDog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good info guys, thanks.

My bride was set on getting a "loaded" FX4 F-150. I just can't see paying $49,000 for a pickup. The Jeep has appealed to me for years and I can always start doing the Spillway rides that my 2wd doesn't allow me. </div></div>

My gf's looking at escalades now, I can't see paying 80k+ for an SUV, but she's the boss on this one. I'm trying to talk her into a denali, there a little bit cheaper, and along the same lines.. lol All trucks/suvs are pricy now a days..

We did score a heck of deal on her jeep though when we bought it. The stikcer was 35k and some change, she got it out the door for 25k flat.. So, that was postive..

I also have a f150, that's a comfortable ride..
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

I have owned 3 Jeep Wrangler JK's (the newest Wrangler body style). A 2008 2 door JK, a 2008 4 door Rubicon Unlimited and I now have a 2012 4 door Sport Unlimited. I only ditched the Rubicon for the Sport because of the newest 3.6L engine upgrade as it makes a huge difference in power and performance.

I went with the Sport because the increased $$$ of the Sahara ( I had a 1997 TJ Sahara too) and Rubicon didn't justify the means. The Sport is 100% as capable as the Rubicon I had in the trails I run. I live in the Phoenix area and run trails, streams, rocks, open desert, etc and have never had a problem without the Rubicon upgrades.

I have always run 32"/33" Goodyear Duratrac tires and 2-3" Teraflex lifts.

The options on the Rubicon are nice but for the money you can get very similar options aftermarket that are stronger and more capable if you ever feel the need.

The only thing I miss is the electronic swaybar disconnect since I have to get out and lay under the Jeep to disconnect with manual disconnect links.

I still wouldn't pay for the Rubicon again.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GardDog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just can't see paying $49,000 for a pickup.</div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Moose72</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We did score a heck of deal on her jeep though when we bought it. The stikcer was 35k and some change..</div></div>

$49k sticker for an F150 doesnt seem so bad to me when compared to a $35k sticker on a Jeep.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Moose72</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GardDog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Doing the math (same options on Sahara vs Rubicon) the difference is about $2800. Can you add the aftermarket options on the Sahara for less than that? </div></div>

I don't know the prices, but I was told the only differnces between my gf's sahara and rubicon where: Rubicon had a dana rear with different gears in it, bigger tires, and a longer/bigger skid plate. So, if that's true, price it out. </div></div>
I would get the base or the ruby. If you get the ruby you also get the sway bar discos and front and rear locking diffs. The Sahara is for yuppies!
laugh.gif
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Get a basic Wrangler package. The steel wheels are on it as a means to get it off the transport truck and to a place they can be swapped out.

Put a 2" spacer lift on it, some bigger wheels, and some larger LT all terrain tires. Its basic suspension and drivetrain components will do very well in 90+% of offroading situations.

If you want to go from truck to truck, get a 2009 or later 4WD Tacoma of the cab/bed configuration of your liking, then throw some LT all terrains on it. Very capable trucks in stock trim. The stability/traction control of the 2009 and later models, even on the base truck (just sold one), works very well, making the TRD Offroad locker no longer a must-have.

Sahara is just a trim package basically. Great for mommy to run the kids to soccer in lieu of a mini-van. No performance advantage.

Rubies have the 4:1 (vs 2.72) t case, front and rear lockers, special wheels, bigger tires, electric front swaybar disconnect. Maybe no slip yoke for rear drive shaft; not been under one lately. Was true on the TJs, not sure on JKs.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

I have the 2012 RUbicon - daily driver, easier to get into town than the F350. Much better power in 2012 and later, but does not have the grunt of the old straight six.

Axles are much tougher on the Rubicon, and there is one weak point on the non Rubicon, stock axle jeeps, particularly when you add taller tires. They are harder on axles, the Dana's w/lockers are better, as is the sway bar disconnect.

One thing I do not like about mine - at the ranch, we run in lowrange exclusively, it's rough and rocky. When I DO get a straight smooth stretch, even in 6th gear, I wanna go faster. On the non Rubicon ( had several of those ) the higher transfer case ratios, didn't kill speed so much. But you can not beat mine for slow walking speed crawling along.

Mine's still pretty stock, although the tires and wheels will get replaced soon, maybe a 2" lift also. Had it since end of March, 21k miles already.

Wish it came with a small diesel, like the african landcruisers.....
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Loud, impractical and fuel inefficient but a hell of a lot of fun, easy to work on and addictive. You've been forewarned.

P1040620.jpg
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

I bought a '12 unlimited sport and installed a 2 1/2" lift along with wheels and tires. Then I took it to a shop and had 4.56 gears and detroit true tracs installed. I done what I wanted to the sport for about the same money the rubicon would have cost.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Phylodog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Loud, impractical and fuel inefficient but a hell of a lot of fun, easy to work on and addictive. You've been forewarned.

P1040620.jpg
</div></div>

Those Duratracs look great on all Jeeps
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Rubicon has:
Stronger axles with upgraded u joints.
lower geared transfer case for better offroad control.
front and rear lockers.
improved suspension.
sway bar disconnects.
larger tires.
lower geared front and rear differentials to compensate for larger tires.
The new jeeps have a lot of power and are more than capable of snapping u joints. The rubicon axles are too small for the power they are putting out. I would not go any less than rubicon. The rubicon is a great deal and will hold its resale. You will not be able to upgrade the sahara to the level of the rubicon. Personally i would buy a 2wd and mount my own transfer case and better axles.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

I really dig my 2001 wrangler. There are just 2 things I'd add. First, it doesn't drive like anything else. The short wheelbase and style of suspension makes it it's own animal. Love the turning radius. Second, there's an outfit out of BC that will do a TDI conversion on a Wrangler. They do a little tuning so you're closer to 175hp and 300ftlbs, still with 30mpg. Not a bad option.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The new jeep has 285hp and 260 ftlb torque. It also has a new 5 speed automatic transmission. I think they plucked it from the ram. Is that 300ftlb at a lower rpm range?
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Rubi is the better option. If you wheel at all that self exploding Dana 35 rear will leave you on foot patrol. If you can the 8.8 Exporer rear is a great swap for a TJ and will give you near D 60 streangth and good to 37" tires with 4:10's and disc brakes.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ruby's have Dana 44s. </div></div>

They have a proprietary variant of the 44 with special parts only orderable thru Jeep. They are not a standard Dana 44, like comes under a Rodeo that is commonly used for a 35 to 44 conversion.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

My dad has a 2007 Rubi with 70k miles, it's been a bad ass Jeep. No problems to speak of and he wheels the shit out of it. I just got done putting new ball joints in it this afternoon..........that was a pain in the ass. They are in fact a bastard Dana 44.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

If you dont intend to put larger lift and tires on but still want to do some mild offroading the upgrades you get with the Rubicon are hard to match for the money over a sahara.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

I did a 2.5" Teraflex with 35" tires on dad's Rubi and it outwheels fully built TJ's everytime we do group runs. It doesn't take much with a Rubi, but next jeep will be a base line model that we will build up.
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Recoil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The new jeep has 285hp and 260 ftlb torque. It also has a new 5 speed automatic transmission. I think they plucked it from the ram. Is that 300ftlb at a lower rpm range?</div></div>
You know I'm not sure. Here is the article/site for it. I over estimated the output a bit as well, so you can check it out anyway.
http://www.hpamotorsport.com/tdijeep.htm
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sled Dog</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Recoil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The new jeep has 285hp and 260 ftlb torque. It also has a new 5 speed automatic transmission. I think they plucked it from the ram. Is that 300ftlb at a lower rpm range?</div></div>
You know I'm not sure. Here is the article/site for it. I over estimated the output a bit as well, so you can check it out anyway.
http://www.hpamotorsport.com/tdijeep.htm </div></div>

Y'all talking about two different motors here. The HPA is the diesel conversion, and the 285/260 is the new 3.6 Pentastar.

I have a 2012, have had ( have ) older four and six cylinder models. The new engine IS snappier, way better than the 3.9 offering, available last year. Neither has the torque of the old six. Looking at the HPA TDI option, thinking I would really like that!
 
Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

I'm considering buying a Jeep and learning about all the mods available, it might turn into a money pit.
wink.gif


Dear Santa...
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Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

2012 Rubicon review.
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Re: OT - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mikee Booshay</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sled Dog</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Recoil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The new jeep has 285hp and 260 ftlb torque. It also has a new 5 speed automatic transmission. I think they plucked it from the ram. Is that 300ftlb at a lower rpm range?</div></div>
You know I'm not sure. Here is the article/site for it. I over estimated the output a bit as well, so you can check it out anyway.
http://www.hpamotorsport.com/tdijeep.htm </div></div>

Y'all talking about two different motors here. The HPA is the diesel conversion, and the 285/260 is the new 3.6 Pentastar.

I have a 2012, have had ( have ) older four and six cylinder models. The new engine IS snappier, way better than the 3.9 offering, available last year. Neither has the torque of the old six. Looking at the HPA TDI option, thinking I would really like that!</div></div>
My mistake. I thought the 300ftlb question was at me.