educate me please 4dr jk

[Scott Brady]

Even if your intended route is moderate terrain, the Rubicon package provides reserve capability and capacity. Even though the factory payload numbers are nearly the same (because the payload is determined by the spring rate), the Rubicon has larger axles and other HD components that serve a greater purpose even beyond 4wd, giving the vehicle greater durability, etc. The 4.10 axle gearing is also much appreciated, along with the stronger tires in LT rating.

If $ is a factor, then quite a bit can be saved with the X model, though all Wranglers can be found at a discount currently.

Best of luck.

 

[Zeero]

"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

Travelling back country roads, they get washed out, you never know what you'll come across when your travelling.

Always go prepared. You never know when you'll need the equipment that comes built into a Rubicon.

Value is held higher and longer on a Rubicon, plus you get a lot more use and worth out of it.

Go Prepared. You won't be sorry.

Even if you never use the extra features, you'll have that peace of mind while your backcountry and the confidence to move forward in uncertainty.

 

[ujoint]

My vote is for the Rubi as well. IMO, the most capable 4x4 on the market.

 

[michaels]

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.

i have BFG MT's in 255/85. they were 33.6 unmounted and 33.3 or so mounted.

 

[I Leak Oil]

My vote is for the Rubi as well. IMO, the most capable 4x4 on the market.

Absolutely! Can't understand why Toyota and Rover can't figure out how to make and sell a similar package.
But anyway....I told my wife that when I turn 40 I want to find a nice LR 110. I think I might be looking at a 4 door Rubicon instead...provided they have a different engine option by then.
Jason T.

 

[LIVEABOARD]

Overwhelmed

The more I learn here the more frustrating it seems on which way to go I do appreciate all the good info guess will come dwn to what kind of deal u think i can get during these times will start w/rubicon work dwn from there anything else I should have or not have THX

 

[njjeepthing]

The more I learn here the more frustrating it seems on which way to go I do appreciate all the good info guess will come dwn to what kind of deal u think i can get during these times will start w/rubicon work dwn from there anything else I should have or not have THX

Check out www.jk-forum.com, tons of JK information on that site.

 

[Root Moose]

To me it's a no brainer.

You are outside of the 99.999% of people that buy these things as a fashion accessory for the mall. You are buying it to actually go somewhere. In my mind that screams that you should buy the Rubicon. The reality is that once you get out there you may find paths that you wish you could explore but are leary to do so in a stock, open-open vehicle or get yourself stuck in such a state that you need to call in helicopter support (Bt/dt).

Can you go lots of places with a non-rubi? Of course! That said I have yet to meet anyone that regrets buying a Rubicon. The other trim levels on the other hand...

 

[ujoint]

Check out www.jk-forum.com, tons of JK information on that site.

That forum is terrible in my opinion. The owner/mods don't even let you MENTION a company unless they're a supporting vendor. They will ban you. I understand that the forum exists to make $$, but they take it a little too far.

.....Sorry for the hijak, just had to mention that. JKboard is better, or some of the larger Jeep forums.

 

[ujoint]

Absolutely! Can't understand why Toyota and Rover can't figure out how to make and sell a similar package.
But anyway....I told my wife that when I turn 40 I want to find a nice LR 110. I think I might be looking at a 4 door Rubicon instead...provided they have a different engine option by then.
Jason T.

I agree with the engine, the only "weak" spot. I have a funny story to go along with the JK.... When I worked @ TLC, a group of engineers from a Korean company came in, and they had a small fleet of cars with them (FJC, JK, H3, Xterra, etc) They all said that they hated the JK. I told one of my co workers that the JK is the most capable of the bunch, and he laughed at me!! I left it at that because he was obviously clueless.

 

[Gear]

I would skip JK-Forum and go to www.JKowners.com. Most of the major contributors have been banded from JK-Forum because the owner only allows information related to products he is getting paid for. Just a heads up. Oh and on the real topic at hand I would go with a Rubicon with a Hardtop only. The Freedom top is so useful that I have yet to get the whole top off. I was lucky and ended up with out the Mygig. As far as tires just doing a basic Teraflex budget boost($200) will easily clear 255-85-16. Here are a couple of photographs -

315-75-16 Goodyear MTR with no lift. Yes it rubs.

Same tires with the TeraFlex 2" Budget boost. No major rubbing. There is a pinch seam in front of the rear tire that I cut back. Not a big deal.

Same tires, changed the lift kit to a Polyperformance Synergy 3 kit.

Currently I am thinking about going back down in tire size to 255-85-16. Hopefully to gain more power back and increase the fuel economy. I am currently running 5.13 gears, with a 12.8 mpg average.

 

[haven]

In this case, I disagree with the notion that you have to "be prepared" for a Class 3 driving experience to travel safely in the mountain West.

There are times when you'd want the stronger axles, lockers and lower gears found on the Rubicon model. But in this case, we're not talking about trail running, mud bogging or rock crawling. There will be no Dusy-Ershim trail. As I read the original question, the poster is going on a long road trip that will include some dirt and gravel roads.

There's about a $11,000 difference (around $16,000 vs $27,000 at today's discounted prices) between a new Wrangler X and a Rubicon. If you don't mind spending the cash, then fine, buy a Rubicon. I don't think that one is necessary for a wonderful experience traveling in Alaska and elsewhere.

Chip Haven

 

[Scott Brady]

IMO, the only argument against buying the Rubicon is to save money on the initial investment.

If the choice is to buy an X and have 10k left over for a trip to Alaska, then of course, buy the X as opposed to staying home with a Rubicon in the driveway.

 

[ChuckB]

Absolutely! Can't understand why Toyota and Rover can't figure out how to make and sell a similar package.
But anyway....I told my wife that when I turn 40 I want to find a nice LR 110. I think I might be looking at a 4 door Rubicon instead...provided they have a different engine option by then.
Jason T.

You could always do the HEMI conversion check out aev-conversions.com

 

[LIVEABOARD]

Thx

THX Chip think ur r rite dont think heavy duty axles will make that much diff will be upgrading shocks wheels tires anyway otherwise vehicles r same I believe can ad alot of expedition goodies for diff in price what do u think ?