Opinions: Rubicon vs. build up

RenegadeKing81 · 12-28-2008, 05:37 PM

First off, if this should be in another forum please move it but they don't seem to get as much traffic and I am looking for expert opinions. After all, we are all experts here aren't we?

I will be in the market for a new vehicle come late spring/early summer. In Chicago that could mean July though.

I am looking at an 03-04 Rubicon. I have seen them locally in the $12,000 to $17,000 range depending on a number of factors of course. This vehicle won't be a hard core wheeler, but it will see its fair share. I like the options on the Rubicon, and I also like the cosmetics too. My question is would I be better off with the out of box capabilities of the Rubicon and adding some mods here and there, or should I be looking into purchasing a base model TJ and then building the way I want it? (axles, sye, drive shafts etc..) I don't have much knowledge of the Rubicon besides the basic equipment it has. I will be using the vehicle as a semi daily driver so like I said, it won't be too extreme. My basic needs are the 6 cylinder with a manual trans.

Thoughts, opinions?

Thanks in advance,
John

never monday · 12-28-2008, 05:42 PM

you own a CJ. Are you good with a wrench?

LJlunatic · 12-28-2008, 05:43 PM

What size tires do you plan on running?

Greg_Volkman · 12-28-2008, 05:44 PM

if you can find a rubi in good shape for 12K, you'd be a fool not to - i think.

RenegadeKing81 · 12-28-2008, 05:44 PM

The CJ has MADE me good with the wrench. You have no idea how it can be trying to keep a 28 year vehicle running properly.

I do all my own work expect body/painting.

RenegadeKing81 · 12-28-2008, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJlunatic

What size tires do you plan on running?

I like the stance of the Rubicon with the stock tires (31's i believe) If i were to build another I would probably run either 31's or 32's.

never monday · 12-28-2008, 05:49 PM

it's a hard question to answer correctly

if you want an out of the box incredibly capable low maintainance Jeep, get a Rubi

but, If you like wrenching and building your own junk, get another model.

Then there is the gearing question. If you need the super low technical crawling of the 4:1 transfercase. The Rubi rates higher. If you wheel fire roads, slop, snow and general muck. The 2.72 in the regular TJ might be better.

you can run 31's on any TJ without lift.

**wrangler2007** · 12-28-2008, 05:50 PM

Well the Rubi is a great platform to work with and run a 35" tire with a gear swap in the axles. If I were you and I could have a Rubi I'd look into a RE 4.5" LA kit, regear, and run some 35's. A Warn front bumper, warn winch, and a LOD bumper with tire carrier in the rear would be a killer setup as far as bumpers. Don't forget about the flares where more and more people are coming to the xenon flat fender, but I'd rather have the Rubi flares myself. Look into some rocker gaurd protection and you should be good to go

LJlunatic · 12-28-2008, 05:56 PM

If all you plan to run is 31's or 32's I would go with the ruby if you can find one for 12k. If you get a sport for say 8k, your going to find that your time and money will get up to the price you would have payed for the ruby real fast when you start doing your upgrades.

FritzTJ · 12-28-2008, 05:59 PM

I love My rubicon! Just throw some skids on it and you can tackle some really tough trails. If you dont plan on running 35s or bigger you can keep the same gears and the axles have less chance of breaking. Its nice when you get to take the tough line up the trail and your friends have to take the bypass cause they dont have lockers. (even though you have less lift and smaller tires)

RenegadeKing81 · 12-28-2008, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJlunatic

If all you plan to run is 31's or 32's I would go with the ruby if you can find one for 12k. If you get a sport for say 8k, your going to find that your time and money will get up to the price you would have payed for the ruby real fast when you start doing your upgrades.

That is an excellent point. I have done some other builds but I never liked to keep track of the costs. Good or bad, I don't know, but it is a lot easier to tell people "enough" when they ask what I have into my Jeeps.

It also seems that if I want to build this vehicle down the road that the Rubicon has the better platform. What about the 4.0 compared to the 3.8?? When did the change the engines. My CJ has been taking up most (all) of my time, and I have lost track of the current TJ models.

LJlunatic · 12-28-2008, 06:24 PM

They went to the mini-van engine in 07. I have a 06 rubi and I have the 4.0(which is a much better engine)

RenegadeKing81 · 12-28-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJlunatic

They went to the mini-van engine in 07. I have a 06 rubi and I have the 4.0(which is a much better engine)

Is this the popular opinion about the 3.8? I have plenty of experience with the 4.0, and I do really like it. Any positive points with the 3.8?

never monday · 12-28-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenegadeKing81

Any positive points with the 3.8?

not in the TJ forum. You might find some in the JK forum

RenegadeKing81 · 12-28-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by never monday

not in the TJ forum. You might find some in the JK forum

I don't think that my mouse has ever ventured over to the JK forum. There is something about the four doors and the aerodynamics that don't please my eyes. To each their own of course though. If we all had the same taste we would all be driving an 81 Midnight Blue CJ with original graphics and we would be looking to purchase a black 03-04 Rubicon.