03 rubicon

[Explorerinil]

Long story short, but in 04 my then girlfriend who is now my wife bought a new rubicon. She drove it for a few years and life changes forced us to sell it. Recently a friend who bought a new rubicon in 03 still has it and it’s in mint condition, never seen snow or salt, has the inline 6 and a manual trans. It’s fairly stock with a whinch and bumper, small lift and 35’s. It has 80k on it, he’s towed it to moab a few times and wheeled it, but nothing to extreme. He mentioned he was thinking about selling it. What do you think it’s worth or a good starting point if I decide to make an offer?

 

[mikeprince]

If it's a fair price and you know the vehicles history then the Rubicon is a great vehicle assuming you aren't going crazy on big tires or hard core wheeling.

For me, I'd pick that exact vehicle, 3" lift and 32" or 33" tires. Slightly better sliders, a way to carry a bit more fuel, and call it a day.

 

[Explorerinil]

If it's a fair price and you know the vehicles history then the Rubicon is a great vehicle assuming you aren't going crazy on big tires or hard core wheeling.

For me, I'd pick that exact vehicle, 3" lift and 32" or 33" tires. Slightly better sliders, a way to carry a bit more fuel, and call it a day.

I know they are great vehicles, I had one on 33 inch swampers... I miss it dearly. I am curious what a good price would be on this vehicle. It’s mint with no stupid mods, just the basics, low miles and rust free. Stored in a hested garage it’s whole life also.

 

[ih8philly]

Where are you located? That can have a big influence on price.

If I were selling I'd probably put $12-14k on it.

 

[MOguy]

For a wrangler 35s need about 4-5 inches, depending on bumpstocks and fenders. They are short wheelbase, that much lift can create driveline, steering maybe braking issues in a wrangler. You have had a wrangler before so I am sure you understand that but how they addressed the drive line issues would be something to consider when figuring out a price.

 

[PhulesAU]

Lifting 3 - 4 inches does nothing to or for braking, and Rubis are more tolerant of the lift becuase of the drive line joints.. I wouldn't go over 33's just due to the excessive wieght penaulty.

 

[MOguy]

Lifting 3 - 4 inches does nothing to or for braking, and Rubis are more tolerant of the lift becuase of the drive line joints.. I wouldn't go over 33's just due to the excessive wieght penaulty.

Height won't matter on braking but the OP is talking about 35s. When I ran 35 vs 33s I noticed a difference in braking, I got better pads and it helped. I noticed a difference in braking when I went from stock to 33s.

I believe the Rubicon has different setup on the rear yoke coming out of the Tcase and the shaft itself. Instead of slipping out of the tcase the drive I believe the drive shaft it self lengths and shortens which sill help but you will still have to address drive line angels. I think the front drive shafts are the same on the Rubicon and other TJs.

After about 2.5 inches or so on a regular TJ you can have drive line issues. At 4-5 inches even on a Rubicon you will still have to do something about drive line angles. Adj control arms, motor mount lift, tcase drop or and combination of those.

With enough lift for 35s you will through your axles of center. Usually people use a drop bracket in the year and adj trac bar up front.

I am not sure what you mean buy excessive weight penalty.

 

[Explorerinil]

I’m not sure on how much lift it has or the brand , I have not looked up close, but the Jeep doesn’t sit up very high. Knowing the guy that owns it, nothing was done incorrrectly or cheap. I’ll look into it further, so 12 though 14 k sounds like a good price?

 

[PhulesAU]

That is one of the reasone I cuation against larger heavier tires and wheels.

 

[MOguy]

That is one of the reasone I cuation against larger heavier tires and wheels.

Are you talking about a registration penalty, performance penalty...?

 

[MOguy]

I’m not sure on how much lift it has or the brand , I have not looked up close, but the Jeep doesn’t sit up very high. Knowing the guy that owns it, nothing was done incorrrectly or cheap. I’ll look into it further, so 12 though 14 k sounds like a good price?

Not sure what a good price is but if it is comparable to others that are similar then yes I suppose it is a good price. I would worry more about any modifications and how they are done than a few hundred bucks.

 

[PhulesAU]

Performance in braking and acceleration and to some extent handling, then you can add the extra expense.....

 

[MOguy]

Performance in braking and acceleration and to some extent handling, then you can add the extra expense.....

But you pick up more off road capability. It all about compromise.

 

[ih8philly]

You guys are really committed to not answering the question. Pretty easy to go from 35s to 33s after purchase.

OP, does this thing have a hard top? Full doors?

 

[MOguy]

You guys are really committed to not answering the question. Pretty easy to go from 35s to 33s after purchase.

OP, does this thing have a hard top? Full doors?

Answer what question?