Difference in Rubicons

JeffJ · 02-13-2009, 06:37 AM

Can anybody tell me the biggest differences between the 2003, 2004, and 2005 Rubicons. I am probably going to start looking for one for my wife and want to know the differences. A friend told me 2004 was supposed to be the best year.

Thanks

**TheBoogieman** · 02-13-2009, 06:49 AM

2003 to 2004 featured a standard NV3500 five-speed manual transmission, which changed in 2005 to the NSG370, a Mercedes-sourced six-speed.

JeffJ · 02-13-2009, 06:56 AM

I will be looking for one with a Auto transmission. 6 cyl. Guess I should have added this in 1st post.

**TheBoogieman** · 02-13-2009, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffJ

I will be looking for one with a Auto transmission. 6 cyl. Guess I should have added this in 1st post.

No change.The optional 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission was available from 2003 to 2006.Might as well get the Unlimited Rubi.

O2GO4LO · 02-13-2009, 07:03 AM

Can you keep the Rubi...and give her the CJ?

**spyder6** · 02-13-2009, 08:45 AM

05 and 06 models had a different computer system for the engine

moymch · 02-13-2009, 09:37 AM

I think that 2006 was the best year. I could be biased since I have one.

**spyder6** · 02-13-2009, 11:40 AM

no its definitely correct, all other years are inferior

The Mean Fish · 02-13-2009, 11:46 AM

The 03s had a minor leak issue on the output of the 241 t-case but that was easily fixed with a recall visit to a dealer. Aside from that I can't remember any real differences.

**ziaholic** · 02-13-2009, 12:42 PM

'05 was the first year you could get an Unlimited Rubi.

My '05 LJ Rubi has air lockers ... did they switch to electric in '06? ... or was that for the JK in '07 only? I'm not sure about that.

**spyder6** · 02-13-2009, 01:11 PM

JK only, all TJ's had air lockers

GMBNT42 · 02-13-2009, 07:32 PM

Id say an 05' or 06' would be the first choices, from many good sources I have heard the newer Mercedes 6 shifter is a better/stronger transmission(even though it can be a little clunky)and a worthwhile upgrade in itself.

**Thunderstrike** · 02-13-2009, 08:31 PM

2004, 2005 and 2006 are the best in my opinion.

**yjjason** · 02-13-2009, 08:46 PM

any good/bad about 2004 rubi air lockers?

Eric554 · 02-13-2009, 10:21 PM

usually you dont want to buy the first year (03) of a specific vehicle because by the second year (04) they usually get all of the kinks out of it. This is just my opinion.

02-13-2009, 10:21 PM	#15
Eric554 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 333 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	usually you dont want to buy the first year (03) of a specific vehicle because by the second year (04) they usually get all of the kinks out of it. This is just my opinion.