Can you make an X better than a Rubicon for $4,600?

[Woods]

I've seen this topic generally addressed in a couple of other threads, but I'd really like to make it a bit more of a science, soooo....

The analysis, so far, assumes the following;

Wheels, tires and suspension will be modified with aftermarket parts. The goal here is to remove any differences between the stock suspensions, tires and wheels of the X and Rubicon.

The Jeep X package 23c was added to account for the following items (only way that I could find to add some of the items that are standard on the Rubicon:
2 Front & 1 Rear Tow Hooks
Fog Lamps
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
Speed Control
Temperature & Compass Gauge

This package added the Deep Tint Sunscreen Window, so I had to add this to the Rubicon as an option

This package also added the following wheels and tires:
16x7 Aluminum Wheels
P245/75R16 BSW On/Off Road Tires
I accounted for this by letting the Rubi have a $300 benefit as if you are going to sell your original wheels and tires as used. This was deducted from the cost difference of the two models.

I have created two web pages.

The first page has the side by side comparison off all features that I could find. Thank you to jeep warehouse, as they provided much of the details for this page.

I've tried to be fairly careful and comprehensive in my comparison, but please let me know if you spot any problems. Private messages are preferred for this. I'll make changes accordingly.

The second page has analysis of what needs to be done to an X to make it equal to or better than a Rubicon. This is where I need some help from the experts. Please check out the page, and give me feedback and recommendations for the analysis that I have done so far. I'll update the changes to the site accordingly.

Regarding Labor costs. I assume that most people with interest in this thread, will do as much work as can easily be done in a home garage. Accordingly, if work really needs to be done by a professional, then please provide your best guess as to how many hours it may take to do that specific work.

(Revision) I made a mistake on the budget. The priced difference between an X and a Rubicon, if prices are negotiated at the dealer, is around $3,700. I got these discounted prices from jeep warehouse. The website is updated.

link:

http://www.brettandjillianwoods.com/...tuff/index.htm

[Woods]

On the X, what is the Anti-Spin Rear Differential (DSP) Option? and is there one on the Rubicon?

If you install full lockers on an X, does it effect any of the traction control from Jeep?

How much to add lockers on an X? How would these be better than what the Rubi has?

How difficult to install the lockers? How much would it cost to have a shop do it?

How much would it cost to change the transfer case to 4:1 gearing? And would the benefit justify the cost?

How much to convert the Dana 30 Front to a Dana 44?

[Phishjeep]

Well, you've got the Warranty on the Rubi items, for a little peace of mind for those of us making payments.

[dp7197]

Since the X will soon have a rear locking differential that is "exactly (?)" the same as the Rubicons, and an electronic swaybar disconnect "exactly" like the Rubicons, there are small differences.

The front differential will be a Dana 30 (high pinion?). How much "weaker" this is than the Dana 44, I do not know. Front Dana 44s in the Rubicons in the 03-06 years had the same diameter axle tubes and outer shafts - or something like that. You can read all about it on any Jeep forum. Dana 30s are pretty strong and offer better clearance.

The 4:1 in the transfer case, lower than the X. Just wait for everyone with the older Atlas transfercases to trade up to the new 4 speed Atlas and you can get a gear driven transfer case probably cheaper than if you cracked one open to swap stuff around.

Rocker guards -aftermarket.

This is what I am contemplating if I buy new. Buy an X, mod it how I want, save some change, maybe.

But I won't have that cool sticker that I have been longing for, for 6 years (since the rumors started).

[Phishjeep]

They sell the stickers. Just look in the back of JP magazine (or others).

[SabrToothSqrl]

I own a Rubicon, and having everything 'ready to go' is without a doubt the way to go...

If I (before voiding warrenty) would have a locker stop working, its the dealer's job to fix it..

If you break an after market one, YOU pay the labor even IF the part is covered...

Just wait and buy a 1-2 year old JK rubicon, I got my TJ rubicon for $19,500 used! when the KBB was $24 something... a 2004 in 2004 with 16,000 miles... EVERY option... I even have the cigarette lighter and keyed gas cap...

Rubicon + Lift + Wheels = Helluva machine...

X + stuf + more stuff + more stuff + more stuff = waste of time and money...

If your gonna 'wheel, start with the best you can get; and build from there...

[Snowmoose]

I agree with 2k2wranglerx- if your buyin a JK to dump money into and build up you may save a grand, but if you want to drive off the lot with a more than capable (financed & under warranty) JK, the Rubicon is your answer.

[BAArcher]

I think it depends on how much of a Jeep you really want (or need).

I bought an Unlimited X 4x4 with a few options 25K with TT&L (out the door).

I have ordered some nice looking Warrior Rock barz, a Bestop Header Safari Bikini Top and might get 2" liftwith some rims and tires down the road.

This will be enough jeep for me and I get to choose the custom look as I have hand picked these accessories to my taste. I have also paid cash for the upgrades and unless you paid cash for your jeep, you are paying intrest on all of your off road bling-bling as well.....................

Now, look in the classified section of this forum and see how many Rubicon owners are stripping the "standard" Rubicon items and selling them as they make their vehicle personalized............

[Woods]

I'm going to have to jump in here.

My wife tells me that I am very insensitive, so I want everybody to know that I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers with this post. I started this thread intending to avoid a debate. I can now see that I should have made my intentions more clear, when I started.
And that's about as good as I get with apologies.

I REALLY want this to be an apples to apples comparison. To provide facts for people to who are trying to decide what JK to buy. I tried to keep my own opinions out of it. BTW, I do get the appeal of the "Rubicon Sticker". I know that the Rubi is the way to go for an out of the box Jk. I have one on order. I also know that not everybody would "choose" the options that I chose. I didn't make my choices based on my own personal preferences, but rather did what was required to create as close a comparison as possible.
The unanswered question remains, "what does it take to make an X equal to or better than a Rubicon?".

Warranty. This is a very real item of concern. Thanks for bringing it up. I missed that.

[jeepn0811]

I think people should just buy what gives them the most bang for their buck. I went throught he same thing with my 04 Unlimited. My brother got an 04 Rubicon and it has been awesome. I put a long arm suspension, ARB lockers F/R, 4:88 gears, bumpers, axles, winch. His has a crappy skyjacker 4" lift, same axles, same gears, pretty much same everything else as mine. We both run almost every trail at Tellico with no problems. So my point! Buy what you can afford and go from there. If I had to do it all again ( and I will....SOON) I will make a well thought out plan to give me everything I want and save a little cash. Just my .02.