Quote:
Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy
The Rubicon is named after the famous trail, which you can run with.........a bone stock Rubicon.
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Actually, a non-Rubicon Wrangler with a few factory options can run the Rubicon while completely stock. For that matter, the Cherokee can conquer the Rubicon trail, and as a final test before being released for sale, the original Grand Cherokee was tested on the Rubicon. Until the Patriot, every Jeep model was tested on the Rubicon Trail.
Jeep did a great thing to market the Rubi. A large percentage of Jeep owners swap out the transfer case for a lower low range, and add lockers, either in the rear, or both axles. Of course, with larger tires, the gearing needs to be changed, so even though the Rubicon sits no higher than other Wranglers, it comes with 4:10 gears. With lesser Wranglers, there is an optional 3:73- Pretty doggy with 33" or larger tires.
Since so many are buying Jeeps and tossing out so much of the running gear, why not sell them all set up and ready to go?
The big changes:
-4:1 Low range transfer case
-Dana 44 Axles front and rear (Dana 44 is an option for the rear only for other Wranglers)
-Air lockers, front and rear, controlled from the dash
-Larger wheels and tires.
Though the Rubicon costs more than other Wranglers, it was far cheaper for me to start with a Rubi than to start ordering all kinds of aftermarket stuff.
For my wife, I admit it (and so will she...) The Jeep's big advantage is it looks cool in the Starbucks parking lot. She loves it.
For me? I love the idea that I need not worry about getting back home when out goofing off.
As far as durability when far from civilization- A friend keeps welding rods & spare u-joints in his glove box. He has repaired cracked frames and steering bits while miles from nowhere. His is a highly modified early jeep, before the much stronger boxed frames of the newer Jeeps. He has a gang of guys that caravan with several Jeeps, camping for days at a time in the wilderness. Still not sure I want to go some of the places he goes....