So I've always wanted a jeep and finally was able to purchase a Jeep Wrangler Sport with the 3.8 engine. Here is my question should I start building it up or should I just upgrade to a Rubicon in a year or so and then start to build it up. Right know I'm thinking of a 2.5-3.5" suspension lift and 33 or 35" tires. I would like to do some off roading nothing major. Money is an issue do to wife kids house dogs cats and life.

 

Build it. You have a great platform to start with.

 

Build it up and customize to your liking. Had the same thoughts but then started upgrading and realized I would have done the same with a Rubicon

 

Build the Sport if you are happy with the creature comforts. The only real advantage a Rubi would give you is lockers.

 

I thought the same thing after I started wheeling my Sahara that saw only pavement for the first 3 years of ownership. I slowly built it up, and it now has 4.88 gears, eaton e-lockers and a manually disconnecting sway bar, 3.5 AEV lift, wheels, 35" tires, etc. Far more capable than a stock rubicon now, and on par with a rubicon of the same size lift and tires. Would the rubicon have been a little cheaper at the end of the day? A little, yes. But with my budget at the time, I got what I wanted and over time it became what I wanted it to become. It's 5 years in the making now, and it's taken 5 years to make mine this way. No need to rush yours. And it's a 3.8 which when properly geared has performed just fine for me. Hope that makes you feel good about your purchase. Enjoy it

 

Thanks for the god info guys

 

It seems like lots of Rubicon owners wind up dumping a bunch of cash just like everyone else. Not sure as I'm new to this but I'm just saying what I've seen.

 

You can have a ton of fun in a non-Rubicon JK. I follow, and have follow me, Rubicons all over the country. Check out my videos in YouTube DigitalByDoiron.

https://youtu.be/0Yq51rHh8MY

 

Meh the rubicon lockers break all the time .... Build it like I did my 09 X model.... One step at a time as money allows and in the meantime enjoy what you have it's quite capable.... Easy on the Dana 30 tho ......

 

Edit: not the lockers itself but the wiring and connections can come loose resulting in temporary loss of use.... Happened to another one of my buddies this past weekend(trail fix)