Need some help on what new jeep to purchase.

I had one in high school for about half a year. I have missed it for the last 8 years since selling it! I unfortunately never got to drive it on the sand or in the snow which is mostly what I want it for now.

Looking at 2012's and will probably order one from the dealer in the next month or two so I can get it how I want it. I need an Unlimited( 6 spd) because I move a lot of dogs from shelters to rescues in their last hour so dependability to get from point A to point B in snow in a hurry is very important to me... and the dogs.Being able to pull people out in Snow would also be a huge plus. We also have 4x4 fishing beach's around here with very soft sand and I want to be able to get out there and enjoy it without to much of a risk of getting stuck.

I want a Rubicon... but do I need a Rubicon? I like having more "rugged" parts all over it because I would tend to think that leads to a stronger vehicle.

Planned upgrades
-2.5" teraflex BB or OME 2" HD kit.
-Adj track bars
-Adj control arms
-33" or 35" tires

Nothing to crazy but with the tires I figured I could get a way with the stock 4.10 on the Rubi and like having a Dana 44 up front for that. With the sport I believe I can only get up to 3.73 with the tow package so I would have to regear for tires and still have a less stout axle up front.

Any ideas or suggestions you guys have would be awesome as you all have more experience than me with Jeeps!

Thanks

 

Sounds like you have it figured out to me. If u can afford the Rubi I would say get it, you don't want to regret it down the road.

 

Anybody have any idea on how the new leather interior holds up with the weather?

 

I agree with the afford the Rubicon statement, if you can then do...that and if you are drivin on sand bars and what not the front 44 and locker could end up bein really handy.

 

Since you are concerned about dependability, what is your local dealerships opinion on lifts and modding? Are they cool about it? Or will they hassle you every time you drive your brand new jeep in for service? Do NOT ask the salespersons opinion, talk to the service manager.

As you already noted, the rubicon has better internals in the front axle, but the housing is just as weak a the d30. Plan on the same strength mods for the 44 as you would for the 30. Not talking you out of it, as I think the rubicon is the better platform if you are not planning on serious mods, just a heads up.

 

I agree and think that the Rubi if the numbers work out would be the best bet. It comes standard with a lot of the stuff I think i would be planning on doing. Even if i never get around to dropping any money into it as it sits it is more than capable of doing what i need it to do.

I was more or less curious on how the wranglers 4x4 system performs considering the base model's dont come with any type of LSD asides from the brake assisted traction control.

Thanks for the insight so far guys!

 

You don't need a rubi for sand or snow. The 3.73 paired with a manual and the pentastar will turn 35s well. If you go with an X you will have cash left over for the mods.

 

as far as the dealer goes...

I have worked in the industry and know the sales team as well as service team will pretty much agree to anything at time of sale and delivery its only when you do finally take her in for service you see how they really feel about lifts/tires/ect.

I have been trying to ask guys with wrangler around here in Delaware when i can how they are treated at the dealer with warranty claims unfortantely i dont run into to many lifted jeeps around here so it is primarily near stockers that are saying they get treated fine.

Anyone from Delaware feel free to chime in about the local dealers...

thanks again

 

Buy a rubi and never look back. The lower transfer case, the front d44, e-lockers front and rear, sway bar disco and rocker armor is huge. The price difference is nothing compared to trying to add that after market. jmo