educate me please 4dr jk

[LIVEABOARD]

About to order a 2009 4dr JK will be using it for travel western states and possible trip Alaska not sure if need Rubicon want to keep fairly stock upgrades in wheels tires etc. have been looking for a 2008 but none to be found in stone white w/kahki interior do not plan to ford rivers or climb rocks but will use on dirt and gravel roads as well as death valley but still keep it a good HWY driver So will leave it to all of u experts to add ur 2 cents greatly appreciated THX

 

[6Pins]

I have an 08 Rubi, and all I've done to it was add a Skid Row skidplate under the engine and upgraded the tin ones from the factory.

If you don't need the F/R lockers, you could always order/find an X with the TrueLok option.

 

[Beowulf]

I would go with the Rubicon. Even if you don't plan on using the lockers they will be there. I don't use mine much, but when you need it....you need it. Plus, the Rubicon will retain its value better.

I have yet to ever wish I would not have purchased a Rubicon. But, there were a few times before the Rubicon that I would have given a great deal to have one.

 

[mrchips]

I would go Rubicon. Back roads travel, and you never know when you could use the Lockers, skids, Dana 44, 4.1 option. You could get yourself stuck,,,,,,,, being prepared for the worst is always a good bet.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I spent alot of time looking at these when I was going to sell the Tacoma. The Rubicon package is the only way to go.

Many here including Scott Brady will tell you to stay away from the MyGig option as it is $$$ and not very good. Tell them to knock it off the price and you may get it free. For the money you could have a really nice system with real GPS navigation too.

.02

 

[jsmoriss]

Yup, Rubicon: Lockers, front d44, e-disconnect, 4.10s.

Skids are a good idea - I have Rock Hard, but others are good as well. The gas tank and oil pan are both vulnerable.

A Tuffy center console and glove box are usually a good idea.

You may want to consider a roof rack, if you need the space. I have a Garvin and like it. If you like to lower/raise the soft top often, you may decide NOT to install a roof rack. Most people that have one, leave the soft top up (just remove the side and rear windows/panels).

You'll probably want to remove the factory air dam and install a real skid plate.

js.

 

[LIVEABOARD]

What rear end gears ?

Still not sure what final drive ratio to get still will be on HWY 65 - 70% of time also will 255x85.16 fit w/o lift need to try be little economical if I can THX

 

[jsmoriss]

Still not sure what final drive ratio to get still will be on HWY 65 - 70% of time also will 255x85.16 fit w/o lift need to try be little economical if I can THX

That's a 34" tire -- the stockers on a Rubicon are 32", so they'll rub on extreme articulation. You can get away with some 'pucks' to raise your coils, but you may want to add some adjustable trackbars. The trackbar mounts on the axles are kinda weak -- adjustable trackbars are the way to go in most cases (some trackbar add-on brackets are ok, but most are not). And the Rubicon wheels are 17", so plan on new wheels too.

js.

 

[sdjeep]

It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Go for the Rubicon if you can. The first time those lockers gets you unstuck when your far from help, they will pay for themselves.

 

[njjeepthing]

I'd also say go Rubicon, for the cost of the whole package you can't beat it. As said above, Mygig and Navi are not worth it. I'd try to get one with the side airbags though.

Throw on a winch, some skids and a small lift and your good to go.

Here is mine for reference. Sitting on 35's with 2.5 Teraflex lift, full Rockhard skids, plus some Kilby and Mopar skids throw in for good measure!

 

[haven]

"do not plan to ford rivers or climb rocks but will use on dirt and gravel roads..."

So you guys are saying a Wrangler X can't handle these conditions? I know Alaskan gravel roads can get a little gnarly at times, but really, an X with 4x4 and M&S tires can't cut it?

The Rubicon is a great vehicle, but I think it's overkill for Liveaboard's stated uses.

Chip Haven

 

[michaels]

That's a 34" tire -- the stockers on a Rubicon are 32", so they'll rub on extreme articulation. You can get away with some 'pucks' to raise your coils, but you may want to add some adjustable trackbars. The trackbar mounts on the axles are kinda weak -- adjustable trackbars are the way to go in most cases (some trackbar add-on brackets are ok, but most are not). And the Rubicon wheels are 17", so plan on new wheels too.

js.

it's 33". i have them on my land rover

 

[1leg]

My X does just fine.
If you go with a "X" get the Tow package with Limited slip rear. If you have to choose a top get the !!hard top!! I wish I had.
255/85/16 will fit with out a lift.

Save the money and by an "X". then upgrade to 4.88 gears if you go with 255/85/16s.

Terra flex 2.5 BB lift is an easy install and inexpensive. the long wheel base on the 4dr wheel need it.

My .02

 

[jsmoriss]

"do not plan to ford rivers or climb rocks but will use on dirt and gravel roads..."

So you guys are saying a Wrangler X can't handle these conditions? I know Alaskan gravel roads can get a little gnarly at times, but really, an X with 4x4 and M&S tires can't cut it?

The Rubicon is a great vehicle, but I think it's overkill for Liveaboard's stated uses.

Yup, probably is, but who here has a stock vehicle? Unless you're planning on swapping both axles, the Rubicon offers the best 'starting package'. You're basically investing a bit more for future possibilities. The front d44 is tougher, and when you're deep into muddy tracks, the lockers are really nice to have. The 4.10 gears also offer better performance -- and from personal experience -- are almost a must for the highway when the Jeep is heavily loaded. I'm actually looking at upgrading to 4.56s for my 33" tires (the stockers are 32"). Manual vs auto is a personal choice, but generally auto is preferred off-road and manual is preferred for on-road performance and fuel economy (depending on the driver). ;-)

js.

 

[jsmoriss]

it's 33". i have them on my land rover

Righto. Well, depending on the tire. Some are a little bigger. 33s will fit on a Rubicon, but there'll be some rubbing on full articulation. Here's a shot of mine on 33s (285/75R16) before the lift:

js.