Looks like I'm coming back. Mojave or Rubicon?

[cb4017]

Hi Gents, I traded off my Gladiator Max Tow a couple of years ago. I'm currently driving a 23 Chevy Colorado ZR2. Admittedly it's a very capable and nice truck. But, I miss my Gladiator.

I'm seriously considering another Gladiator. With current discounts and bonuses I can get a Rubicon or Mojave for a very compelling price. I won't be doing many mods. I would be just exploring the desert and occasionally hauling a small travel trailer (3,250 pounds). Either one would probably be great for that.

Assuming either is available for about the same price is there any compelling reason to get one over the other?

Thanks!

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[SaiintNick]

I got the Mojave for the suspension. For the most part it is great. I like the way it drives and handles the crappy roads. Faster you go off road especially in the desert is where it would be better than a Rubicon IMO. If you want o rock crawl get a Rubicon and lift it. I put 37" KO's on my Mojave and like the look and capability.

 

[Stormtroopin]

I’d go with Mojave, the only reason I personally would e went rubicon is for the front locker and lower transfer case gearing to crawl up rocks. I didn’t see my self ever taking a truck up that type of terrain, then I drove a Mojave and was sold. Much better ride and already built for what I mainly do which is weekend trails and dessert runs. I put 37 BFG ko2s on and called it a day.

 

[Janster]

If you’re not doing any rock crawling, there’s no need for that front locker…..
Get the Mojave.

The Mojave still has the rear locker, which is nice (in case you need it or want to do some exploring). The ride of the Mojave has been impressively smooth for day to day driving.

 

[Okie Gladiator]

I got the Mojave for the suspension. For the most part it is great. I like the way it drives and handles the crappy roads. Faster you go off road especially in the desert is where it would be better than a Rubicon IMO. If you want po rock crawl get a Rubicon and lift it. I put 37" KO's on my Mojave and like the look and capability.

Couldn’t have said it better

 

[Viper501]

And the frame and the knuckles.

 

[Rahkmalla]

i mean i'm clearly biased because i weighed the pros and cons and drove both and ended up with a Mojave myself... but if i need to tow heavy or actually rock crawl i would have gone rubicon.

 

[Bonanza]

Want to trade? 2020 Max Tow, hardtop, God's chosen color (orange) 34k miles. Regeared to 3.88. I've been looking for a ZR2.

Small lift, Vertex Reservoir Shocks, bumpers, lights, winch, etc. etc. My loss, your gain and so on.

 

[ScottBeach]

I looked at both. Got the Mojave. Sand and mud in fl. No rocks to climb. Maybe that front locker would help a lot in mud. But the suspension is so nice.

 

[professorkx]

I find it interesting that folks buy the Mojave for the suspension and then change the suspension.

for me, the front locker and lower transfer case where the keys to getting a Rubicon. heck, I even have a front e-locker in my motorhome.

How fast does everyone really want to go in a jeep in desert?

 

[jjdustr340]

I find it interesting that folks buy the Mojave for the suspension and then change the suspension.

As a counterpoint to this, AEV has the two inch lift for around $600 that maintains the Mojave suspension. Best of both worlds.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

I always was going to buy the Rubicon, hands down. There was no question in my mind. Then came the Mojave.

I bought the Mojave over the Rubicon because of the reinforced frame and thicker axle tubes, period. The iron knuckles, advanced cooling and bolstered seats are a plus. In my driveway or shop, I can always add a front locker and sway bar disconnect. Adding a stiffer frame and or axle tubes is a whole different realm.

The suspension on the Mojave was cool but at my purchase time it really wasn't important to me. I wanted a stronger truck. And the 4 to 1 transfer case (on the Rubicon) wasn't important to me. The standard transfer case has been pushing mall crawlers and serious rock crawlers for decades.

So, I bought the Mojave with it's strength amenities that I love. But I didn't know just how damn amazing this truck would ride!! On the street! Pot holed roads and beat up highway asphalt?... The Mojave laughs and so does my wife and I. This truck rides like a nice luxury car.

I don't blow thru whoops in the desert. I never did. I don't blast down desert or mountains washes without a care. I never did. But with my Mojave, I could / can if I had to.

That being said, the Rubicon is an excellent choice. But it certainly isn't a Mojave.

But more people know the Rubicon as being the top dog since the Jeep TJ days. So you might impress more people with the Rubicon than the Mojave. But I don't know any Mojave owners that go to a Rubicon. And i don't know any Mojave owners that regret the Mojave.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

I find it interesting that folks buy the Mojave for the suspension and then change the suspension.

I don't know anyone who has dumped the Mojave stock shocks and jounce bump stops. Not one.

But there are fools born everyday,

Lifted Mojaves, sure. But still retained the Mojave / Fox components.

 

[Stormtroopin]

I find it interesting that folks buy the Mojave for the suspension and then change the suspension.

for me, the front locker and lower transfer case where the keys to getting a Rubicon. heck, I even have a front e-locker in my motorhome.

How fast does everyone really want to go in a jeep in desert?

I normally keep it between 50/60. It’s a lot more fun than slow crawling over rocks, been there done that.

 

[Volt0]

If you want to crawl rocks, then get a rubicon, in a wrangler; LJ to be specific.

Mojave is fantastic for those unimproved roads; you can even add Apex disconnects.

either one will do great on 35s if you don’t go too wide.

all other cases, go for sport max tow, overland, willy, or whatever.

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