Originally Posted by trkdayjnke

Lockers are definitely something I plan to get. However, after some further reading and advice, I think a lift and winch will suit my near term needs better than lockers and a winch. Im pretty well sold on a winch now, not discounting lockers or the advice you guys have given me. I do appreciate it. But I think the recovery should be priority is a pretty good point.

The next debate could be over lift or lockers?

Originally Posted by AFCrawler

Get a Rubicon. Then save up for the wench bumper and wench. If your looking at getting an e locker any might as well get the Rubicon.

In addition to getting the lockers. You will also get better wheels. Really good Hwy/off road tires, and better axils, e sway bar disconnect, and a better sound system.

Nothing against sports, and if your wanting to build it up your self that's fine to, but if you can afford the payment for a Rubicon get it. I love my Rubicon. To do all the up grades yourself will end up costing more as odd as that sounds

My Rubicon is a DD to, and the only mods I did before I went to Moab the first time was a stubby front bumper (you could also just chop the ends off the stock front bumper, just pull off the plastic outer shell it), and a Teraflex 2.5 BB with shock extensions.

You will be surprised how much you can do with a set up like that.

Originally Posted by thegoat

Getting a Rubicon is not cheaper in the end... You can build a more capable X for the same or less dollar spend than buying a Rubicon. A rubi is $10k higher than an X, which is a lot of mods.

Rear ARB Air Locker - $1050
ARB Compressor - $500
sPOD - $500
Gears Rear - $500 (with re-build kit)
Sway Bar Disconnects - $200
ProRock 44 - $5000 (lockers gears)
Frame Mounted Sliders - $1000
Total... $8,750 Now you have $1,250 left over for a lift, labor, etc. Oh you have an sPOD and compressor, which the Rubicon doesn't have. I don't see the point in buying a Rubicon if you are going to mod it cause you are buying a sticker on the hood for $10 grand.

Originally Posted by thegoat

Getting a Rubicon is not cheaper in the end... You can build a more capable X for the same or less dollar spend than buying a Rubicon. A rubi is $10k higher than an X, which is a lot of mods.

Rear ARB Air Locker - $1050
ARB Compressor - $500
sPOD - $500
Gears Rear - $500 (with re-build kit)
Sway Bar Disconnects - $200
ProRock 44 - $5000 (lockers gears)
Frame Mounted Sliders - $1000
Total... $8,750 Now you have $1,250 left over for a lift, labor, etc. Oh you have an sPOD and compressor, which the Rubicon doesn't have. I don't see the point in buying a Rubicon if you are going to mod it cause you are buying a sticker on the hood for $10 grand.

Originally Posted by jk.bushwacker

that was a good rebuttal good points there my friend

yes it works, I know YOU have to have that traction aid to get around but don't you realize that ass loads of ppl are doing the same trails you are with half the gear , open difs and even bone stock? don't give us that BS about how hardcore your wheeling is. Yes if you wanna try and take the hardest lines all the time and push your rig to the braking point, then yes lockers are a good asset but really better than a winch? No way, this guy would curse you the first time he got stuck without one. lets just try and give some good solid advice, ok? wheel first, then buy only what you need. a winch is a solid recovery device and I'd much rather have one than just lockers. fact even with lockers you will get stuck. ignorant? that's just rude name calling. I'm am always prepared trolling to start sh!t, no way dude been saying this for years (look at my posts) but you over compensators think you know everything. I've never wished for lockers EVER and I wheel all over dude even in your neck of the woods. but I'm sure you'll just tell us some more how hardcore you are and how lockers are everything. in my world common sense and intelligence reign supreme. flame on!

Originally Posted by BRUT4CE

Your right and you can drive on a road to Johnson valley in a minivan safely not even 4wd is needed but that doesn't mean you can go run it because you have 4 wheels...

Your welcome to take this thought to pirate or jko I'd be curious to see their thoughts on your wisdom....lol

You re welcome to come and run with Biglow and I , I would love to see this magical jeep of yours....I wanted that option but unfortunately you bought it.

Originally Posted by mpkelley20

You logic is somewhat flawed in that labor cost will be significantly higher in your mod list above. Unless you do the work yourself. gear install alone, depending on where you live runs $1000. Add in lift install, axle swap....labor is not cheap!! And you didn;t discuss the trasfer case difference....

With a Rubi, you still have some mods to do like the lift and tires and reinforcing the axle. But with the newer engine (not my POS 3.8), regearing isn't as important so you get a rig that keeps it's warranty on most of the items....unlike the built rig which has basically voided just about everything!

So trade-offs...hard to calcualte true cost difference. Plus, most Rubi's comes with other "Sahara" features like power everything which don't come with stock sport necessarily. So if you want that stuff, the price difference is smaller and maybe the Rubi is the better choice.

Originally Posted by BRUT4CE

Your right and you can drive on a road to Johnson valley in a minivan safely not even 4wd is needed but that doesn't mean you can go run it because you have 4 wheels...

Your welcome to take this thought to pirate or jko I'd be curious to see their thoughts on your wisdom....lol

You re welcome to come and run with Biglow and I , I would love to see this magical jeep of yours....I wanted that option but unfortunately you bought it.