Based on the comments around winches, it seems many people think they wheel solo.

 

In his defence not a lot of people have money up front, so getting a rubi that they can afford payments on is still a lot cheaper up front. Just my 2 cebts

 

In his defence not a lot of people have money up front, so getting a rubi that they can afford payments on is still a lot cheaper up front. Just my 2 cents

 

I was thinking the same thing from your first post.....lol
I like monkey chest pounding and adrenaline but common sense and balls I'm not short on....

We all have opinions and if he's financing I say if he can afford the payments then do the rubicon then it will be a more simple cut and dry rig...if he's handy with a welder and mechanically inclined then buy base model and Fab, if he's not going to go hard on the rocks and nasty stuff then buy just what he needs and do a winch and rear locker that will literally conquer most obstacles....

So to OP figure out what your gonna wheel and how before you buy so you buy once and reduce back stepping purchases.....I'm firm on function before looks.....I'd rather have a SOLID drive train and coils then coilovers and stock drive train.....
So search and read and can't wait to see your direction, I wouldnt drop 1k+ on a winch there's good stuff cheaper and its not a use it all the time.....

 

The last comment I'll make on this since it's technically off-topic anyway (I already stated he should get the winch first) is this...How many people do you know went the stock X route that never got around to making their rig "better than a Rubi"? Like others have said, financing the cost difference is much more doable for people over coming up with $10K out of pocket. Most people can't afford to put $10K down on their rig let alone have that for mods. So they end up with a stock X that slowly gets built and maybe never gets built. Or when it does, they are looking to get a new rig anyway. I've seen that more than those that actually do build their rig.

 

I vote winch first. Last weekend we were wheeling and leader with rear locker and winch slid down side hill and almost tipped sideways. Winch time and yes lockers will get you farther dow the trail most of the time but usually when you get stuck with lockers your stuck!!! Plus if your new to wheeling lockers can get you into places you might be in big trouble. That said with person who knows how to wheel a person with a capable rig with lockers can get from point a to b a lot faster and less breakage than a person with open diffs and a winch

 

Oh great another rubi vs sport debate

Seriously just to bring it down to earth based on your description I say winch and this is from a (dreaded) rubi owner.

My guess is you'll do fine with what you are describing stock, and I also sense you will do this without other rigs, so a winch would be a nice insurance policy.

IF you find out the places you want to go are tough, and you keep having to break out the winch, get the mods needed to use that winch less. If not, save your money.

First step, get the Jeep. Second step have fun with it. Third step, just empty every pocket and have more fun with it

And BTW, since I am just still in a stocker I'll take an open passenger seat for a trip to Fordyce and the open diff crew

 

I would do a cheap winch first. Learn to wheel without lockers first. I can tell you from personal experience that there are times that you need lockers. I have run my sport until i couldn't go any further (without huge risk of breaking). Someone with open diffs can follow someone with lockers through most trails. But lockers give you control. you can go slowly. Open diff you will need wheel speed, Wheel speed and breaking go hand in hand. Also if you wheel with a group, or atleast another rig you should be okay. 9 times out of 10 you can get unstuck with a tow strap.

 

I completely agree it is easier for most people to buy a rubi than to spend 6 to 8k modding an X. However my point was it isn't cheaper, per another person post they stated it was cheaper.
I know the feeling of getting a slowly built rig... my garage is starting to look like a chopshop, hopefully it gets finished soon. I have refused to drive a 3.6 for the reason you mentioned above.

 

Lets add some perspective to his/your question. It is not one or the other...it is which one Right Now. Which one is the better choice for you Today, Next Month, just until you can save up to get the other. You just may find that with your stock traction you will be able hold off/save for the lockers longer than you think.

You have a higher chance of recovery (winch) vs "staying out of trouble" with lockers.

I personally would go with the winch first.

Heck I'd like to take a poll and see how many people have added aftermarket lockers and Not have a winch.