Ok....
Looking to buy the new 2012 Unlimited. I plan on ordering so I can get exactly what I want (side airbags, max tow, leather seats, 3.73 gears etc). Question I have is this. Knowing that I'm going to add the AEV 3.5" suspension lift, along with new wheels and tires (35's)..... should I just order the sport, or go Rubicon. Price difference looks to be around $4500. I know I get upgraded axles along with lockers. This will be driven just as a toy, not sure how much off road (would like to do a lot) ... still trying to find places to go around Tampa.
Thanks for all your help.

 

It just depends on whether or not money is an object. If it isn't .. Rubicon. Rubi will have better resale value and if you get the urge to wheel it more than you think at this moment it'll be good to go. jmo

 

I knew I was going to Wheel it right away and did not what to buy the Jeep and then have to start dumping money into it right away so I went Rubi on my 2 door.

If you are OK buying the sport and then driving to the 4WD shop to dump in D44, and lockers the next day then buy the sport.

 

I don't have a Rubicon, and I regret not spending the extra cash to buy one when I purchased my Sport. I've done almost every mod possible, and the next is grears and lockers - what would have saved me this problem if I bought the Rubicon from the start.

Also, I have to manually disconnect on every ride. Not a big problem, but having to push a button makes it much easier. Like the other member said, if you ever decide to sell, which I hope you wouldn't, the resale value is great.

Just giving my .02.

 

I'll throw my 2 cents in.... depends on the mods..... if you are going to do a huge amount of mods and by doing those you, for the most part, have replaced the rubi parts, then Sport is the way to go. If your mods are the basic lift and tires, maybe regearing (if you are putting large tires and I mean 37 or above because the 4.1 that come with the Rubi will handle 35s) then go with the Rubi......


Good Luck and let us know your decision... then some pics!!

 

Besides resale value, if you think about how much you would spend to get the bigger axle, lockers, sway bar disconnect and some of the other little things that come with a Rubi on the Sahara you will spend a lot more money after market.

 

I'd go with the Rubicon for the lockers, electronic swaybar disconnects, and the D44 up front. I'd also go with the 4.10 gears, which are only available with the Rubicon. Unless, of course, you plan on regearing anyway and/or adding lockers or if you don't want the lockers or gears...

Good luck with your decision!

 

The Rubicon has a better front axle, lower gears, electric disconnects and better transfer case. So, if you are planing on not going any bigger than 35" tires. You will only need a 2 1/2" lift, wheels and tires and you will be good to go. The Rubicon is a hell of a Jeep, off the dealer lot. But with a lift and bigger tires, it's a beast.

 

My last jeep was an 87 YJ with open diffs and 3.07 gears. It amazes me the crawling ability and the lack of trouble; locked properly geared axles give you on the trail. Rubicon all the way!

 

Guess it all depends on how you are going to use it or want to use it. I bought a a bone stock Sport Unlimited for 22k...it's main purpose in life is a toy and to be towed behind my RV. Case in point it's 9 months old and I have 1220 miles on it. All those goodies on the Rubi add precious weight. Other than mini van motor and the 3.73 gears I'm enjoying the Sport.

Just ask yourself this question and honestly answer it: Will you really be able to get out and go wheeling like you think you will? I WANT a Bugatti Veyron do I NEED it not necessarily...can I afford it F no

Besides all the cool kids have Rubis

All kidding aside, just do your homework and pick what's best for your situation.