Thinking of trading my Sport for a Rubicon

[whiteglad]

A few things to add to the equipment discussion--
I didn't choose a Mojave this time because of the pricy shock system, I was more interested in the beefed up frame, knuckles, and suspension brackets, etc. For me, 4.10 with the 8 speed was perfect and the 2.72 was plenty of reduction.
I had been running E rated 255-80-17 Falkens so the similar sized stock Mojave/Rubicon tires gave me a new set, along with new brakes, etc.
I wanted some sort of rear locker and the clutch type posi that I would get from another max tow does not impress me; I have used positractions in the past and they didn't help much. Thus, the electric locker was a good choice for me. I hope and expect that the stock BLD system will work to help with the front open diff and I would not get into a situation where I would prefer a front locker and not have any steering while locked.
For those who go for one-ton axles, I would recommend the stronger frame and attachments.

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[TangoMac]

It's Friday and I've got a terrible idea floating around in my head, would like to know y'alls thoughts. Short version below.

To long; Didn't Read:
Return to stock built up Sport and trade for Rubicon.
OR
Swap Sport axles for UD44/Currie axles. (Or build up Sport axles)
OR
Don't be an idiot and keep the Jeep as it sits.

Title says it all. I'm coming up on about 1.5 years with my Sport. While I love my truck, I'm kind of feeling the itch to upgrade to a better set up. I keep eyeing the Rubicon's like the dude from the distracted boyfriend meme ? .

The full story.

When I first bought my Jeep, I figured that I would be happy with the Sport as my initial plans were more suited for some mild fire roads/over-landing type of off-roading, with my Jeep being my daily driver. I got VERY lucky with my initial purchase as I found a nicely equipped Sport (basically a overland without leather) with everything that I wanted done (at the time). Paid about 2k less (42k after TTL) than other similarly equipped trucks, and it came with a winch, steel bumper, side steps, 2.5 inch lift and 35 inch tires as a bonus.

This is my first truck that has had 4 wheel drive, so I finally got to do some proper 4 wheeling with some of my local 4x4 clubs.

And the Jeep bug bit me HARD.

This is some of the most fun I've had with a vehicle in my life, I'm always looking around for 4x4 events that I can go to, I get to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery, and I get to hang out with some awesome people. It's been a blast. I also got to enjoy my other favorite past time, wrenching, especially with how deep the aftermarket is.

This is where I messed up, I didn't think I would go as crazy with the MOD's as I did. This is how my truck sits only a year and a half later after several trail rides. I never expected to build it up to this point, but I didn't think I would get as deep into this hobby as I did. (I'm on 37's now btw). With the exception of the motor, trans, and some body panels, I've basically touched every bolt on this thing.

Now I'm at the point where I want lockers. I haven't NEEDED lockers, but after hanging out with the Rubicon crowd, I'm getting a little bit of Jeep envy. And I would feel more confident in tackling some of the tougher obstacle's that I've decided to bypass before. I would also be getting the 4:1 transfer case and stronger axles. There would be other benefits that I would like to get out of it, like the nicer interior bits, leather seats, 8.4 radio upgrade, and other things the Rubi's get. Something like this.

It would take me about 2-3 weekends to return to stock, and then I could take my time swapping my parts onto the Rubicon once I trade in my truck.

The good:

• My truck is PAID OFF. (Music to my ears).
• It's built. I haven't needed lockers yet, they would have made some things easier, but they're a want.
• I have most of my stock parts (I would have to source a plastic front bumper)
• I did most of the labor myself, minus gears ($900). Minimal losses money wise, the time isn't a big deal as I enjoy wrenching. Power tools definitely helped.
• I can (mostly) return to stock. The Tazer would have to go with the truck because of the re-gear (4.88). I have access to a cheap set of sport wheels with 35's if it dosen't drive right on a set of 33's that I have sitting in the shed that I would be willing to part with.

The Bad:

• I would be selling my first Jeep. I feel guilty, it's such a nice truck! And it will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my first Jeep. (This is the biggest hold up).
• I would have a loan again, about 15k. KBB says the truck is worth 35k, although I see these trucks listed for 46k by dealers all day. But trying to sell private party for 40 would be a major PITA. I've found a few Rubicons that I like for around 46k (would be a small road trip) with the same millage I have, so ~50 after TTL.
• Rates suck now, best I've gotten is 4.6 %. I could just pay it off early like the last truck, but the point still stands. I usually finance for 6 years, but I try to pay them off around the 2 year mark.
• I have to put the truck back together again, lots of hours, although I don't mind it. But those are still weekend I would have to spend wrenching instead of doing other things.
• I'm SOL with some parts and would have to buy them again or sell them. I wouldn't have a use for my APEX links, and MAYBE my front and rear bumpers if the new truck has the steel front (I would keep it, fits better in the garage) so they would get sold. I would have to re-purchase my gears ($2000, although now I could go to 5.13's), a new programmer, and re-do the bed liner (can't exactly take it off).
• Trading a truck that has (so far) been rock solid, for another that I have no history with. A minor concern, but still a possibility that I could get a lemon.
• Not the best financial decision trading in a perfectly good truck for the same one with better options, although if we all wanted a financially responsible pick-up truck(?), we would all have stock Honda Ridgelines. Or a Prius.

The alternative:

• Keep my Sport, which I still love, have no truck payment, wheel it, maybe break it, and just swap for a UD44 or Curie axle with lockers when the day comes. From what I've seen, these axles run around the 10k mark, but they're stronger that the Rubicon. Or Rubicon take off axles if I see a good deal. Dropping 10k for axles is a big ouch! vs a 3 year finance of 15k for a whole new truck that comes with more stuff.
• Just build the Sport axles, they're worth upgrading? (I'm not sure about this part).
• Or just leave the truck alone, lockers are over rated and you don't need them. (I'm open minded)

What are y'alls thoughts? I'm feeling a bit crazy and may need some sense beaten into my skull.

Update: 11/26/2022

Just wanted to say thanks to the great advice you all have given me throughout this whole thread, it's been eye opening to say the least! I never expected this thread to get as active as it did! I've decided to hold onto the truck for about 2 more years until the inventory gets better and interest rates cool off a bit (and see if we're getting a mid cycle refresh too). When I get to that milestone, I'll start looking at the Rubicons if Stelly decides to give them a few more upgrades.

Gonna wheel the truck as much as I can in the meantime, and enjoy what I've put into it.

Cheers!

You have a jeep anyone would love to own! However, the Rubicon to me matches the picture you posted of the guy walking by, lol. I would suggest you order when you are ready and get exactly what you want. Enjoy searching dealers to see who will give the best bargain for your money. I found a dealer in Salt Lake CIty that was selling $8000 below window sticker. Life is just better with any jeep! My first jeep was army M38A1 and I have many fond memories of the adventures.