Help me make up my mind

[HooliganActual]

Ive owned Jeeps most of my adult life, long before the Rubicon package was cooked up in some (at the time) Chrysler marketing war room.

Interesting note, while it was most assuredly a marketing scheme, the Rubicon was actually born out of the customizations that Jeep was making for US Border Patrol vehicles back when that was their primary vehicle. So the “Rubicon Package” has a neat little history behind it.

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[Dryfly24]

Interesting note, while it was most assuredly a marketing scheme, the Rubicon was actually born out of the customizations that Jeep was making for US Border Patrol vehicles back when that was their primary vehicle. So the “Rubicon Package” has a neat little history behind it.

In Twenty three years in the patrol the only Jeep I was ever assigned was a variation of a Cherokee used by K-9 units that had previously been used at Glynco for training. I’ve never been to any sector or even a station where a wrangler was the primary vehicle. I honestly can’t even remember ever seeing one in the field.

 

[Pescatoral Pursuit]

In the end the Rubi won hands down.

That's like saying "not even close."
What in your opinion makes the Rubicon that much better than the Mojave?

 

[Dryfly24]

That's like saying "not even close."
What in your opinion makes the Rubicon that much better than the Mojave?

I didn’t say it was “better”. I said it was better suited for me and my intended use. For you the Mojave might be “better”.

 

[Pescatoral Pursuit]

I didn’t say it was “better”. I said it was better suited for me and my intended use. For you the Mojave might be “better”.

Oy geeze... ?

 

[Seal]

IMOP, I’ve owned 20 Jeeps many with lockers including a 2016 Rubicon JKU. Unless you are doing some serious rock crawling you do not need to waste money on lockers.

Also IMOP after many issues with factory Jeep lockers, I would buy aftermarket (ARB lockers) anyway.

this is why I bought my sport s Max Tow. 4:10 gears, limited rear slip. I have 0 issues on moderate to difficult trails without lockers. Most of the time I am in 2 wheel drive and only use 4 LO for steep loose descending. Modern day traction control takes care of any issues with a tire in the air and with my lift (haven’t tried the new Clayton lift yet) and 37” tires I don’t lift wheels anyway.

save the money and go sport s and add what you need as you need it.

I will drive a Sport S Max Tow this weekend. I just may do what you suggest!

 

[ChrisNLA]

I shopped The Max Tow, the Rubicon, and The Mojave when I was buying. Honestly in the end it was pretty simple. The Rubicon and the Mojave were going to push my monthly note / finance term higher than I was interested in.

My previous 2016 JK Willys was wheeled all over the country with a 2.5" lift and 33s, including six of the badge trails in Moab. Didn't *need* a Rubicon for any of it.

Anyway - for those reasons, I custom ordered a Max Tow and have had it two months. I'll add some mods as funds allow.

 

[Tommyd]

Okay, two ways I might go here.

One is to get a Rubicon or Mojave and leave it largely stock, for daily driving and light offroading.

The other is to save a few thousand, buy a Sport S with some options that I want, have the dealer install the Mopar 2 inch lift on it, put some decent sized tires on it straight away. I figure with that approach, I might save $5-$10,000. But obviously, would have no lockers.

Any thoughts?

I have a stock sport S with 33’s. I’ve done some pretty gnarly trails without lockers. This thing does really good for open diffs.
Although I did just finish installing a Clayton 2.5 inch lift and 37’s are sitting in my garage waiting to be put on.

 

[Dryfly24]

Oy geeze...

You seem awfully defensive about that Mojave. . .

?

 

[willhonkforparts]

The Rubicon Story

Outside of Chrysler, this is one of the best version’s of how the Rubicon came to be. There was a tremendous amount of internal marketing that took place. Yes, a few engineers came up with the idea then they long process of R&D and marketing took place.

Exactly. Two engineers stuck gears and lockers in TJs and had the brass drive them back to back against stock rigs unknowingly. After two years of this, the idea then went to the marketing people. Therfore the Rubicon was NOT dreamed up in a marketing office. The Tomb Raider edition is a clear example of a model being dreamed up in a marketing office.

 

[willhonkforparts]

I'So many considerations. If you want a diesel, that negates the Mojave. The Max Tow package adds wide axles and gearing to the Sport/Overland, which the Rubi/Mojave both have regardless. As noted above, the need for front AND rear lockers is really only a rock crawling or mud bogging need. Open difference or a rear lsd will be all that the vast majority of people will ever need. The Rubicon/Mojave will retain their value better.

I wanted the diesel and I have a small unit, so I got the Rubicon. I test drove a Mojave and the ride is noticeably better than my diesel Rubi. I love the look of the Mojave hood, and the high fenders which allow for a bigger tire on a lower lift (Same fenders as the Rubi).

If I were to buy a gas Gladiator, it would have been the Mojave for sure.

 

[Sandevino]

Exactly. Two engineers stuck gears and lockers in TJs and had the brass drive them back to back against stock rigs unknowingly. After two years of this, the idea then went to the marketing people. Therfore the Rubicon was NOT dreamed up in a marketing office. The Tomb Raider edition is a clear example of a model being dreamed up in a marketing office.

Spending a lot of effort on this one aren’t we….

 

[willhonkforparts]

Spending a lot of effort on this one aren’t we….

Far too much to be saying the same thing only different, yes. Lol

 

[Seal]

They made a Tomb Raider edition? Unless it came with Angelina Jolie, not interested.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

They made a Tomb Raider edition? Unless it came with Angelina Jolie, not interested.

Here are the options, just to confirm you’re not interested.

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