Rubicon: is it worth it?

Mitchw123456 · 02-16-2009, 02:02 PM

I'm strongly considering buying a JK Rubicon but I'm really wondering if its worth the money. Whats bothering me is I figure I'm going to put 4-6" lift (haven't decided) on it as quickly as money alllows. From what I've read, even wit hthe rubicon, I would need to swap the gears out to 5.13's. Jeeps website sucks and doesn't give much more info on the rubicon but what other add ons come with the rubicon that make it far superior to the X? It almost seems logical that if you are going to lift one you might as well jsut buy the X and save some cash because its gotta be regeared anyway. So, what am I missing here?

shawn1980 · 02-16-2009, 02:05 PM

the rubicon comes with a better crawl ratio. front and rear lockers more offroad capable right out of the box. just lifting and regearing an X will be no where near a rubi. and to add lockers to that x on top of regearing will be a couple grand.

**HITMONEY** · 02-16-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitchw123456

I'm strongly considering buying a JK Rubicon but I'm really wondering if its worth the money. Whats bothering me is I figure I'm going to put 4-6" lift (haven't decided) on it as quickly as money alllows. From what I've read, even wit hthe rubicon, I would need to swap the gears out to 5.13's. Jeeps website sucks and doesn't give much more info on the rubicon but what other add ons come with the rubicon that make it far superior to the X? It almost seems logical that if you are going to lift one you might as well jsut buy the X and save some cash because its gotta be regeared anyway. So, what am I missing here?

If you want an out of the box capable wheeler with lockers and 4:1 T-case and 4.10's and moderate mods..the Rubi is for you.. if you plan on heavily modding your rig, then the X/Sahara is for you.

This is coming from someone who is doing extreme mods to a Rubi... If I had it to do over again I would have gotten a 2wd X then added Atals t-case, Rock Jock Dana 60's etc etc..

Know that with a 4-6 inch lift you will need to do the drive shafts as well, and they are no small ticket item.

**JeepinMass** · 02-16-2009, 02:26 PM

The hardest an most $$ to get with an x compared to a rubi is the tcase. Lockers and what not can be had cheap and more reliable then the factory elockers. The big thing you'd miss out on is the tcase. 4:1 ratio vs the 2.72:1 in the x. If you wheel alot get the rubi if you wheel occasionally or not at all get the x.

c0ncEpT · 02-16-2009, 02:39 PM

If your going hardcore with it I would just get the X because you would probably be changing out everything that makes a rubi better on it anyways.

If you are just going to do a few moderate mods I would get the Rubi because of the 44 Front, Lockers, and the 4:1 T-Case

Solidkm · 02-16-2009, 02:47 PM

4 - 6 inches your going to be on 35s atleast i would assume. you are not going to want d30 front axle. especially being 5 inches ( or whatever) wider it is then the tj axle. luckily you can buy mopar 44s for like 1500 or so( i think the price jsut came down). you would still need to regear on top of that price i am not sure the price difference between the two but as others have said. the lockers 44s, and 4:1 t case is no joke. so if you're in the moderate to serious category go with the rubicon. if your going to to go off the deep end where you need d60s and atlas transfer, then there is no need for the rubicon

Xtremjeepn · 02-16-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeepinMass

Lockers and what not can be had cheap and more reliable then the factory elockers. .

I have not heard a single word about the new JK lockers being unreliable.

I have heard about gear installers not putting it back in right, but have yet to hear of a single failure. Do you have links to factual information on this?

Avian · 02-16-2009, 02:52 PM

Like said before, the only real reason why Id go with a rubi is the t-case. Id also go for it because of the nicer seats. The vinyl ones in my X suck for long trips (no back support, no arm rest, and are very hard).

But even with just a set of mud tires, I dont have any trouble keeping up with the modified TJ's I wheel with. The BLD is a lifesaver on steep grades and soupy conditions.

Being you are planning on adding a lot in aftermarket parts, Id say the X is the best option for you. That it, unless, you feel the need to spend an extra $10,000 for a hood sticker, some skid plates, and a e-disco. If, however, you decide not to mod your jeep up, Id definitely spend the extra money on a rubicon for an excellent well rounded stock vehicle.

**ChicagoGuy** · 02-16-2009, 02:53 PM

If you are JUST going to lift it, the Rubi is probably still worth it even with the gearing change. Now, if you are going to really get into, including upgraded axles with aftermarket lockers, etc., then the Rubi is definitely not worth it.

But the Rubi crawl ratio is pretty sweet right off the lot! I lifted and regeared my Rubi the day after I drove it off the lot, and while I may upgrade it more over time, it was amazing how capable it was on the trails right away.

07rescuerubi · 02-16-2009, 02:55 PM

If you just want a lift and bigger tires, go for the rubi front and rear dana 44s and lockers, plus transfer case are def worth it, but the better axles are a waste of cash if you are gonna be goin to dana 60s or somethin anyway

Xtremjeepn · 02-16-2009, 03:03 PM

We don't "Really" know that the limit of the "new" D44s is when built. They are a totally different beast than the older D44s. They should hold 37s easily and "maybe" depending on the driver and some mods to them be okay with 40s.

So if you plan on building beyond that then maybe start with an X.

The 4:1 case has options for 2wd low and a Rubi crawler box on the autos for a SERIOUS crawl ratio.

So even with pretty extreme wheeling in mind the Rubi is pretty set up to be up for it.

Now, keep in mind the Rubicon package includes MUCH more than just the 4x4 parts when compared to an X.

It is a "more fair" comparison to compare a Sahara to a Rubicon when trying to factor in "only" the 4x4 parts as far as the price really goes.

Avian · 02-16-2009, 03:08 PM

...........

Mitchw123456 · 02-16-2009, 04:36 PM

Thanks for the info. I thought the only difference in between the two would be the upgraded drivetrain. Other than that what are the other major differences? I don't plan on getting too crazy with it as I'm just looking for a toy to haul around kayaks and to do some wheeling. Last summer I sunk my 2500HD on the beach twice and decided I really needed a 4 wheel drive again, as I was a long way away from anybody. Before my current truck I had a 1500 chevy with 15" lift on 44 boggers that I tried to use as a daily driver and ended up just selling it as it just wasn't made for driving daily. This jeep I really want the aggressive look and really want it to be able to live up to the look. I don't see myself getting too far off the deep end with it as I really would like to be able to drive it around town some. Sounds like the Rubicon would be the best bet for me with the tough look and the backbone to back it up.

**HITMONEY** · 02-16-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitchw123456

Thanks for the info. I thought the only difference in between the two would be the upgraded drivetrain. Other than that what are the other major differences? I don't plan on getting too crazy with it as I'm just looking for a toy to haul around kayaks and to do some wheeling. Last summer I sunk my 2500HD on the beach twice and decided I really needed a 4 wheel drive again, as I was a long way away from anybody. Before my current truck I had a 1500 chevy with 15" lift on 44 boggers that I tried to use as a daily driver and ended up just selling it as it just wasn't made for driving daily. This jeep I really want the aggressive look and really want it to be able to live up to the look. I don't see myself getting too far off the deep end with it as I really would like to be able to drive it around town some. Sounds like the Rubicon would be the best bet for me with the tough look and the backbone to back it up.

Then just get the Sahara or X... if you got the coin and want to have more for the sake of having 4.1 t-case lockers 44 in the front, etc etc get the Rubi.... If it is the interior stuff you want.. get an optioned out Sahara.

**HITMONEY** · 02-16-2009, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xtremjeepn

We don't "Really" know that the limit of the "new" D44s is when built. They are a totally different beast than the older D44s. They should hold 37s easily and "maybe" depending on the driver and some mods to them be okay with 40s.

So if you plan on building beyond that then maybe start with an X.

The 4:1 case has options for 2wd low and a Rubi crawler box on the autos for a SERIOUS crawl ratio.

So even with pretty extreme wheeling in mind the Rubi is pretty set up to be up for it.

Now, keep in mind the Rubicon package includes MUCH more than just the 4x4 parts when compared to an X.

It is a "more fair" comparison to compare a Sahara to a Rubicon when trying to factor in "only" the 4x4 parts as far as the price really goes.

The Rubi D44 is really a hybrid 44... it still uses the d30 tubes which can bend... that and the outer knuckles are the weak spots. Many are gusseting the knuckles but the tube is the real Achilles' heel.

The casual off roader need not worry about it... its when you start to up in the tire sizes and weights is where the problems start when doing some serious wheeling.