I've recently returned to Jeep after 15 years of not having one. I have an 09 X and I'm in the market to get an Unlimited as well.
Running the Rubicon has made my bucket list. Like the title says, is it essential to have a Rubicon for it. Spending $30k plus on a used rubi is a bit out of my budget. Would I be able to run it with an unlimited sport(or another cheaper option package) with perhaps some suspension mods and the proper wheels and tires?
I don't plan on heading out west for the rubicon any time soon, so slowly ungrading an unlimited bit by bit would be my plan.(also an off roading novice and need to start somewhere smaller)

If upgrading a sport(or any non-rubicon model) is a good option overtime, what upgrades would you vets recommend, or where should I start?
Thanks

 

I ran the Rubicon once, about 20 years ago. When all the hardcore guys were applying duct tape to their willys, I was billy badass in my 88 yj on 33's and arb air lockers. The Rubicon was a great challenge and a lot of fun.
As jeeps got bigger and wider, our perception of badass got bigger too. Now I'm planning on going back in 6 weeks with a 2 dr jk on 37's. When I'm running the trail I'll remember the places where I bashed a fender or needed to pull cable, and I'll smile about it.
Any jk that drives down the freeway today is 10x the jeep as anything that cut those trails 50+ years ago. Watch your lines, use your winch and have a blast doing it.

 

Without running with a group such as the Jeep or jeepers jamboree where they stack tons of rocks ahead of time and lead users to believe they are conquering the rubicon, you'd need a LOT of help in a stock jk, particularly a JKU. You will drag and hi-center EVERYWHERE throughout the trail. I run the rubicon several times a year (5 times so far this year) and the trail is much easier in the fall (after the jamborees) than in the spring.

a jk on 33's or a JKU on 35's can run the trail in a couple of days, if you have a buddy rig with you to strap each other. Be sure to invest in underbody protection and rocker protection. Having a Rubicon model is not a "must". The one benefit of that model is the 4-1 transfer case which makes for much better control in slow speed conditions. The front sway bar can be disconnected from every model and tires/wheels/lift/body protection can all be installed on to every model. Lockers can also be purchased after market rather than what comes with the rubicon model. To get across the trail you'd only need a rear locker, but both front and rear are a plus. The trail is currently wet and wet rocks are tougher to climb, so good tires help too.

Any jeep can make it across the trail if you have enough help and patience.

 

Thanks for the replies and info!
A rubicon is deffinantly not in my budget atm, so it will have to be a sport model. Having never been off roading yet, the rubicon trail is something that will take me awhile to work up to.

 

You can build your jeep fairly reasonably if you plan ahead. For example:

A 3" lift will clear 35's. On sale, you can get a 3" lift for under $500.
Steel tube fenders will protect your jeep on the trail and help clear larger tires.
35's can be purchased for $1000 a set.
Gas tank skid, slider protection and t-case/tranny skids all help you on the trail.
Front and rear bumpers offer better protection.
Re-gearing to 4.56 or 4.88 and installing a rear selectable locker will finalize your build!

Good luck!!

 

Thanks for the guideance It gives some ideas on where to start

 

Great!

A friend of mine purchased a 3" procomp lift with shocks for $500. AND he got a $250 rebate back. That was $250 for his lift! He used the $250 for a JKS HD adjustable track bar and still had money left over. We installed everyting in my garage and were done before lunch. He bought new wheels for $80 a piece (aluminum) and used tires for $300 for the set (a bad idea in my opinion). He was rolling on 35's for about $1000 total.

 

Might i ask where he was able to find such a deal on the lift?! I'd kill to find such a bargain to throw my jeep up in the air