Thinking of trading my Sport for a Rubicon

[Barnaby’sdad]

Hmm, it's hard to say, at the moment, I haven't 'needed' the things that the Rubicon offers over the Sport, I've gotten by on the same trail that I've been on with other Rubicon JT's. Some things have been a bit more difficult, but I haven't been stopped in my tracks. Usually a different line, a bypass, and on one occasion my winch were enough to get me through. BUT, I would like to be able try out some of the harder stuff, I feel like I'm slowly creeping towards the limit of what the truck can handle.

The lockers and 4:1 are my main reasons I'm looking at the Rubicons now. I'm not 100% on board with adding lockers to my axles when the Rubicon already has them built in with stronger housings to boot. There's the other route of putting in drop in options from Curie, Teraflex, etc. which would come with some nice upgrades like stronger knuckles and housings, but I'm keeping those on the bench for now. And I would still have to source/build a new tranfer case, and I'm not on board with dropping the cash for something like an Atlas. Off-road plus is another thing that I wouldn't be able to add.

Then there would be other things that would come with the Rubicon upgrade, mostly the nicer interior trim, leather, a 8.4 radio upgrade thrown in, and the hood. But those would be a bonus if I went trade in route.

One last thing, insurance! It's a lot easier to explain to my agent that I would like to insure a Rubicon JT vs a Sport JT with custom axles, driveline, etc.

At the end of the day, if you really want it and can afford it, go buy it.

I went back and forth on buying my JTR (it’s the most expensive vehicle I’ve ever bought by a large margin), but at the end of the day…it’s a fun vehicle to drive and it looks awesome.

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[WILDHOBO]

At the end of the day, if you really want it and can afford it, go buy it.

I went back and forth on buying my JTR (it’s the most expensive vehicle I’ve ever bought by a large margin), but at the end of the day…it’s a fun vehicle to drive and it looks awesome.

Completely agree. Most expensive for me as well. Also a large margin. But it’s just so fantastic. And there isn’t a single feature it has that I haven’t used, and needed. Granted, that’s when I electively go on crazy obstacles. But it’s so much fun.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

Completely agree. Most expensive for me as well. Also a large margin. But it’s just so fantastic. And there isn’t a single feature it has that I haven’t used, and needed. Granted, that’s when I electively go on crazy obstacles. But it’s so much fun.

I found out today that the seat heater and steering wheel heater come on automatically when it’s under 30*.

That’s pretty awesome, in my opinion. Saved me the effort of having to locate the buttons, reach over, and press them myself (perhaps burning 0.1 calories in the process).?

 

[joeym7]

Hmm, it's hard to say, at the moment, I haven't 'needed' the things that the Rubicon offers over the Sport, I've gotten by on the same trail that I've been on with other Rubicon JT's. Some things have been a bit more difficult, but I haven't been stopped in my tracks. Usually a different line, a bypass, and on one occasion my winch were enough to get me through. BUT, I would like to be able try out some of the harder stuff, I feel like I'm slowly creeping towards the limit of what the truck can handle.

The lockers and 4:1 are my main reasons I'm looking at the Rubicons now. I'm not 100% on board with adding lockers to my axles when the Rubicon already has them built in with stronger housings to boot. There's the other route of putting in drop in options from Curie, Teraflex, etc. which would come with some nice upgrades like stronger knuckles and housings, but I'm keeping those on the bench for now. And I would still have to source/build a new tranfer case, and I'm not on board with dropping the cash for something like an Atlas. Off-road plus is another thing that I wouldn't be able to add.

Then there would be other things that would come with the Rubicon upgrade, mostly the nicer interior trim, leather, a 8.4 radio upgrade thrown in, and the hood. But those would be a bonus if I went trade in route.

One last thing, insurance! It's a lot easier to explain to my agent that I would like to insure a Rubicon JT vs a Sport JT with custom axles, driveline, etc.

I hear you, I think you would be better served with a Mojave unless you are going to be doing mostly and significantly challenging rock climbing...With Mo you get that rear locker Off Road + BLD (of course), a better shock set up, and a better ride Vs Rubi on the pavement and any terrain that doesn't involve rock climbing. And all the levels of trim you want too (get the leather seats they are really nice)...If you want the best stock/from factory rock-climber Rubi is the best, but with MO you just get a better all round package and I doubt yo will find your self wishing you had a front locker much at all or if ever...Just my opinion.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I hear you, I think you would be better served with a Mojave unless you are going to be doing mostly and significantly challenging rock climbing...With Mo you get that rear locker Off Road + BLD (of course), a better shock set up, and a better ride Vs Rubi on the pavement and any terrain that doesn't involve rock climbing. And all the levels of trim you want too (get the leather seats they are really nice)...If you want the best stock/from factory rock-climber Rubi is the best, but with MO you just get a better all round package and I doubt yo will find your self wishing you had a front locker much at all or if ever...Just my opinion.

The Mojave is certainly nice, but the OP mentioned their desire for 4:1 low range.

 

[jbehrn]

I say do it. I traded my 20 Overland in for a 21 Rubicon and couldn't have been happier. The crazy trade-in values (at the time) helped to seal the deal.

 

[whiteglad]

Whether you need, or even want, the 4:1 transfer case depends on what you do. If rock crawling, even with the long wheelbase making the JT the worst of the Jeeps for that activity, yes, you may want/need it. I use low range mostly to go slow on trail up/downgrades in the desert/mountains. I had two JKU Rubicons and found that in low range the transmission was in 2nd or 3rd or speed was much slower than I wanted. Thus, I came to prefer 2.72:1 for my use.

 

[joeym7]

The Mojave is certainly nice, but the OP mentioned their desire for 4:1 low range.

Sorry I missed that and if he wants to absolutely maximize for crawling agree Rubi is the way to go. I don't do much of anything over decent size rocks, so practically speaking, for my learning, how much difference does the 4:1 makes vs the 2.71:1?

 

[Osteodoc08]

Great looking build. Leave it as is and use the money for other options to get you off the beaten track including good camping gear and electric power reserves.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Sorry I missed that and if he wants to absolutely maximize for crawling agree Rubi is the way to go. I don't do much of anything over decent size rocks, so practically speaking, for my learning, how much difference does the 4:1 makes vs the 2.71:1?

No worries. For rocks and/or steep inclines, it’s night and day. It’s huge for throttle control and to reduce accidental slide back or lurch forward. It adds a TON of control when you want to go a little, then stop, then adjust direction, continue, etc. It makes it super easy to hold the exact line you want.

 

[Teqsand]

Wife has a 21 JLURD and I had a 22 JTRD (buyback)... have a 23 JTRD on order but found a 20 sport s max tow equipped how I want w/24k on it but it's GAS....
I am toying with spending 40k on it and adding 60's and a supercherger..supercharger... But I admit while we do crawl a lot, and I like overlanding, it's the MPG's of the gas that is stopping me.... can't do like 13mpg when I can do 22 on 37's with the diesel

 

[Sandevino]

Keep it since it’s paid off. Spend the money to get lockers and keep rolling.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

Wife has a 21 JLURD and I had a 22 JTRD (buyback)... have a 23 JTRD on order but found a 20 sport s max tow equipped how I want w/24k on it but it's GAS....
I am toying with spending 40k on it and adding 60's and a supercherger..supercharger... But I admit while we do crawl a lot, and I like overlanding, it's the MPG's of the gas that is stopping me.... can't do like 13mpg when I can do 22 on 37's with the diesel

There are pluses and minuses for both engines, but yes…the fuel economy and range of the gasser is abysmal. Putting a blower on it isn’t going to do you any favors in the fuel economy department, lol.

I don’t really care about the fuel economy. A 2-3 gallon larger fuel tank to offset that and provide a bit more range would have been nice though.

I don’t drive much these days. It just seems like I have to fill it up (generally do so around 1/2 tank) every other time I move it, lol.

 

[joeym7]

No worries. For rocks and/or steep inclines, it’s night and day. It’s huge for throttle control and to reduce accidental slide back or lurch forward. It adds a TON of control when you want to go a little, then stop, then adjust direction, continue, etc. It makes it super easy to hold the exact line you want.

The Mojave has "select speed" option in 4 W-Low which is described as having similar attributes in climbing steep hills and for rock crawling. Does the Rubi have select speed? And how would you describe the use for it as compared to the benefits of the 4.1?

 

[WILDHOBO]

The Mojave has "select speed" option in 4 W-Low which is described as having similar attributes in climbing steep hills and for rock crawling. Does the Rubi have select speed? And how would you describe the use for it as compared to the benefits of the 4.1?

The rubicon has that as well. Since it uses abs braking, I rarely use it. On long descents it gets warm and you start to smell your brakes. I’d rather use 4:1 and first gear to keep things slow. I did use it to teach my 6 and 7 year olds to drive on trails in Moab. They sat on my lap and I set speed control to like 4mph. They learned to steer and go over rocks. Super fun. It’s also nice on longer stretches where you’re fatigued and just want cruise control.

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