Rubicon vs X w/aftermarket setup

[brainyass]

My next vehicle will be a Wrangler. Would it be better to stick with the Rubicon at +$8K over the X-model, or take the X and add a lift kit ($2K), locker ($1.2K), and such. The Rubicon has the basic setup I want, but wonder if just taking the X and doing it myself would be better (cheaper). I just plan to do some muddin, dirt diggin, and maybe a very little rock climbing. Does the Rubicon include anything too good to be true?

[Kuhn]

First, I have an X, so I may be biased... But the main diference between the two is that the Rubicon has Dana 44 axles and the X has a Dana30 front and Dana35 rear. The X can only be expected to handle 32 or 33'' tires in harsh driving (Although I have 35's on my daily driver). But a locker on either Wrangler X axle on anything but stock tires is not recomended. However, you could add a Ford 8.8 rear axle to the list of upgrades and be able to handle whatever you might throw at it (and best... The 8.8 is a relatively ceap upgrade.) My guess is that the Rubicon will do anything you'll put it through, but that's 8k more. For that money... Upgrade an X to be exacty what you want! (But remember that the Rubicon has a better resale value.) Whatever you do... Get the 4.0L I6 Engine! And I would also recomend the Auto Trans to avoid quadrupaling to cost of a body lift... Especially if you are not looking to increase the power by much. Ask e if you want any more info.

[4x4grey88]

If you can afford a Rubicon then get one is my opinion.
Reason being is that the dana 44's are a beefier axle and can be built a bit better the the 30's ond or the 35's. Most Rubicons already have the lockers already installed. The newer ones have disc brakes in the rear.

And, if you do your homework and shop around you could probalby find a good used Rubicon at a reasonable price (close to the Sport model).

Wrangler 'sports' have Dana 35 and 44 from the factory and 'x' have optional Dana 30/35 and Dana 35/44 from the factory that can be built up to what ever up grades you want.

But basically the Rubicon is about the same as a "Sport" with the better axles.

Your choice.

[Ray H]

What are your goals for the Jeep?
If you plan on lots of lift and huge tires, full width axles and so forth, get the X because you will be replacing or improving most everything anyway. If you plan to just throw a 3" or 4" lift on and some 33s, the Rubi may be better because you can still use all the drivetrain parts that come on it.
The differences between the Rubi and the X are as follows.
Rubi: D44s at both ends, 4:1 tcase, selectable lockers at both ends, 4.10 gears, skid plate package, 31" tires, wider flares, tow hooks.
X: D30 front, D35 rear, 2.7:1 tcase, no lockers but possibly a rear limited slip, probably 3.07 or possilby 3.73 gears, maybe tow hooks if they were ordered.

With the Rubi, you can pretty much just throw a lift and 33s on and call it good. With the X, you will probably need to regear and upgrade the rear axle plus lockers if you want them.

For 8 grand, you could probably build the X up better than the Rubi in the long run but I dont know what year you plan to purchase, all the Rubi parts may be covered by factory warranty and if you are financing, all the lockers and axles would be worked into your payment, those are really the big advantages to those purchasing new or slightly used Rubis, the warranty and financing.

[Kuhn]

Isn't the warranty technicaly voided if you take it off-road? I can't see that actually being a problem though.

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by Kuhn

Isn't the warranty technicaly voided if you take it off-road? I can't see that actually being a problem though.

Voided warranties are urban myths or illegal. By law, the warranty can only be voided if it can be proven that any modifications youve done have caused the breakage or wear or that you have abused your Jeep in a way it wasnt designed to be used, causing the problem.
The owners manual is full of information on how to use your Jeep off road, so going off road in itself will not void the warranty and if your windshield wipers stop working, they cant refuse the warranty because you have a lift on it.