I am going to buy my first brand new car ever and its going to be a Jeep.

I really want a Rubicon JK but the price is ridiculous. If I want can I buy an non Rubicon and add lockers afterwards?

Is there any price advantage?

Also if I'm not going rock crawling do I really need the Dana 44's with the lockers?

I can get a non Rubicon JK for 10K less....

 

You can add lockers to what ever you get. I would suggest getting the D-44 rear axle in whatever you buy, though.

What are you planning to use the JK for? Just like buying dirt bikes you will want to upgrade after you drive it for a while.

You can install manual sway bar disconnects instead of the Rubi's automatic one. You can buy someone's take off Rubi wheels and tires and maybe the sliders.

If you decide to go rock crawling later you can add upgraded axles and gears, bigger lift, tires and wheels, skid plates.

We bought a Rubicon and then spent a lot of money changing gears and driveshafts and adding aftermarket skid plates.

It is nice to get some Rubicon only items like the 4 to 1 transfer case, traction control, power windows if buying an unlimited, and upgraded radio and speakers.

You just have to decide what you want but it is all do-able.

 

I have a 2010 JK its not a rubi but it does one hell of a job. The only major difference between the sport model and the Rudicon is the Electric Disconnects, the 18' wheels, the 4:10 gears, and the 44 Dana axles. If any of these things are super important right off the bat then go for the Rubicon but if your are planning any serious modifications later down the road the I say stick with the Sport edition.

 

It is very simple:

If you're planing of doing an occasion off roading, use it as a "Daily Driver", having a Jeep that's ready out of the box + warranty, and you don't want to mess much with crazy mods, then get the Rubicon.

If you ever planing to build your "prefect" Jeep, (custom skid plates, 35"-40" wheels, changing- gears, drive shafts & etc...) and you are willing to compromise your MPG for your mods... hence - it's a Jeep!
AND kiss goodbye the factory warranty...
Then buy the base model (X), build it the way you want!
it will be much more cheaper (mod's wise) in the long run.

It is just not worth to pay for all the extra that the Rubicon package have to offer if you are planing to change it anyway!

Make a list of what you are expecting from your Jeep, and reevaluate.

Good luck!!!

*side note: if you choose to buy an "X" (basic) Model and build it,
try to find one with D-44... unless you are planing to have a D-60...

 

If it rains where you live, here's a piece of advice I give to all first time Jeep buyers. Don't buy a Jeep unless it's raining. The harder the better. Jeeps leak. Check the A & B pillars for water. Feel the carpet. Look in the jack back and feel the floor. Check the jack area for water.

Here's another thing. I don't know if they all come like this now, but I saw a Jeep with only half painted roll bars. Airplanes should be sold new green, not Jeeps.

 

A lot of what has been said above is good advice. As far as price is concerned take a look at a 2010 Rubicon now. The prices are considerably lower. I bought mine a few months ago and paid considerably less than invoice for a fully loaded Rubi.

Either way you go though you will love your Jeep. I smile every time I start mine up.

 

I drive a 2003 M5 now and I need to change my lifestyle. I go camping a ton and get mud and dirt all over everything I own. I do not care if it leaks. All I want is for it to take me down the trail and bring me back in one piece.

Which brings me to my next question....

How do people break axles? Do I really need a Dana 44? as opposed to a stock axle?

The stock axles are HUGE, I could not imagine breaking it or a driveshaft going down a muddy trail.

Once again, thanks for all the help. I hope to see some of you at next years Jeep rallies!!

 

My advice is buy as much Jeep as you can afford. If you can afford the Rubicon - Regardless of needing the Lockers, D44, sway bar disconnect, lower gear ratio, transfer case, Power group, stereo, etc - Its there if you need it and its under warranty.

The Rubicon is much more capable right out of the package and its a better value.

Building vs. Buying is a huge difference in your pocket book. But not really if your paying someone to do the labor intensive work anyway.

 

My advice is buy as much Jeep as you can afford. If you can afford the Rubicon - Regardless of needing the Lockers, D44, sway bar disconnect, lower gear ratio, transfer case, Power group, stereo, etc - Its there if you need it and its under warranty.

The Rubicon is much more capable right out of the package and its a better value.

Up in Sedona, the Jeep rental places use Rubicons fitted with 2.5 inch budget lifts and they do just fine.

Building vs. Buying is a huge difference in your pocket book. But not really if your paying someone to do the labor intensive work anyway.

 

So off to buy a new Rubicon. Do we have a dealer on the boards who will give us a deal?

Also is it hard to find one without all the power options?