Hey guys im new to the off road thing, but i am looking at either a unlimited x or the unlimited ruby. Im just wondering if the lockers and all that are worth the extra price of the ruby. I will be going through alot of mud and doing alot of trails soon. Thanks for the input guys!

 

Rubi gets you better tires, lockers, better transfer case, and a little stiffer suspension. Based on the prices I have seen, I would buy the Rubi, it is a much better rig.

 

The Rubicon is a lot more worth it now than a year ago.

 

Seeing as the '09 X no longer offers the Heavy Duty suspension option, I'd be inclined towards the Rubicon for tougher trail rides. The lockers are great for slogging over really severe obstacles. OTOH, don't dismiss the Brake Lock Differentials. While not as graceful as the lockers, they will get you over just about any obstacle the Rubi can clamber over. Where the Rubi just drives up and over, the BLD system makes a racket of clicks, snaps and various other unfriendly sounding noises. The computer runs its algorithm and the X will grab traction and get up and over. But as I said, it lacks the simple grace and ease of the lockers.

Other Rubicon advantages:
The added durability of the D44 front axle
Electronic sway bar discos.
4:1 crawl ratio
Heavy Duty Suspension
BFG M/T tires

For hardcore off road work... Rubicon. For more common trail runs, the X is perfectly adequate.

Just don't forget about daily driving and how that factors in.


My regards,

Widewing

 

The Rubicon costs more, but you get the extras that someone else pointed out. You also get some other things like rock rails, electronic sway bar disconnect, and better seat cloth if you care about that.

Get the X if you don't want any of those upgrades, or if you plan on building your Jeep up to replace those things.

 

I had the same questions and posted this same question under the thread " https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-talk-26/newbie-purchasing-4dr-jk-saturday-need-advice-please-09-08-rubicon-vs-08-x-74819/

this thread is very recent... I am picking up my Rubicon on Monday and this forum totally helped me figure out what I needed to do.

Thanks to them and good luck to you!

very best,
Jacob

 

And those Rubi "extras" are warrantied too. I just had my entire electronic sway bar system replaced under warranty after it started acting up.

 

What are your plans for the Jeep?

If you're going to replace the suspension and tires, the factory options (compared to the X) on the Rubi are irrelevant.

The t-case, lockers, and gears are definitely nice for sure but can be added to an X if you are into the work involved.

Get what you want. The X is just as capable as the Rubi, despite what others may tell you.

 

Thanks guys, I am looking at a small lift like three to four inches, and 35's. This will be my daily commuter so i still need the driveability!! Also need this to lug around our 11 month old on the long trips we take. I was also wondering if the rubicon is good to tow with? we have a new seadoo boat (around 3000 pounds loaded) so just wondering with the gearing if it will be screaming up the hills or not! thanks.

 

The set-up stock wise would be fine for your boat as there rated for 3500 lbs. Just watch the Auto transmission it overheats and goes funky.