Hey all,

The wife and I are going to be in the market for an unlimited within the next month or so. I've been on the Jeep site a bunch of times, and have visited a few other sites as well trying to learn as much about the Rubi as possible. I really like some of the features you get right out of the box, and the warranty coverage for what would normally be aftermarket parts (lockers, front disco, gearing, transfer case. etc). One of the questions I have is if anyone has had any trouble with the electronic lockers and disco. Are there any mud or water issues with these? I guess I have a bit of doubt in my mind regarding reliability for these parts. In the bigger picture, I'm trying to figure out if I should go with the Rubi and just have fun for a yr or so before worrying about any mods, or if I should go with the X with the expectation that some "stage 1" mods would be required pretty much from the get go. WHat do you guys think? I need some help with this decision.

thanks!

 

I haven't had any issues with mine, but with anything some people have. I hit mud and water a lot with no problems. All forums have a natural tendancy to focus on the bad so keep that in mind when your making your decision. I decided on the Rubicon, then told my Wife and all my friends that I was going to wait a year before doing any Mods. Obviously, I was just lying to everyone and myself. I didn't get past my first oil change and I threw on a lift. I would say it really depends on what price you can get the JK's for. If you can get a good deal on the Rubicon then go for it but I've seen some rediculous prices.

 

seems some of the lockers have had a problem with the pawl grinding a grove, or some such internal self destruct. And some lifts, I think over 2 in or so are causing some problems with the sway bar links flopping over and getting bent. All searchable if you want to know more.

I have a Rubi, and so far, knock on wood, I have experienced neither problem.

 

I heard that too. I been reading and it seems those were re-geared poorly and on the sway bar the individuals may not of replaced the front Sway bar links with longer ones. Modifying your rig can come with a price if not done correctly, it's a price we all pay at one time or another.

 

thanks for the replies so far guys. I gotta sneak over to the dealership and get a better look underneath. The dealership in my area has a silver Rubi Unlimited on the lot that is pretty much loaded except for the towing option, and the price is listed at 36500. I thought that was alright based on the Jeep website. OF course I'm gonna look around. My better half would prefer to wait until 0% financing deals come around, but I'm not sure if I can wait that long! Hoping I can get a decent trade in value on the Liberty too.

cheers.

 

I've been looking at the same issue here KJJK. It appers that the elec discon s/b hangs kinda low compared to the solid s/b, but I think I will still go with it. Only on an X instead of Rube because of $$.

 

It really depends on if you are in it for the long term and the factory lifetime powertrain warranty is meaningful to you or if you are someone who just can't help but modify everything or if you are someone who trades in their cars after less than 5 years.

My last 4x4 was a 1994 Land Rover Defender 90 which I bought new off the lot and used extensively thorughout the back-country of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, etc. I modified the heck out of it, beat the heck out of it, and paid a pretty penny when big things went boom. I drove that truck for 14 years and just sold it because I did not want to pay for another transmission or the eventual engine swap.

I wanted to replace that vehicle for the past 5 years, but there was literally NOTHING on the market that met my minimum requirements for a 4x4. With the extra size of the Unlimited Rubicon, I have all of the drivetrain mods from the factory and all of those are backed by a LIFETIME warranty. Because of this warranty, I know that Jeep will eventually spend many many thousands of dollars replacing expensive drivetrain components that I will wear out from heavy use. So the Rubicon was necessary for me to keep me from making warranty voiding modifications.

Jeep is smart to offer this warranty because they know that MOST people will trade in their Jeeps long before they have to buy a bunch of transmissions and engines and axles for people. But for the few people like myself who actually can drive the same truck for more than a decade, Jeep will probably lose money on the deal.

So that is why I had to spend the extra money for the Rubicon to get exactly what I wanted for drivetrain performance. My wife was also nice enough to let me buy it if I promised that I would honor the warranty and only add bolt-on accessories and body work mods. God I love that woman!

 

RubyDoo has 14278 miles on her and not a single problem with the lockers and they ARE used quite a bit. The only problem i had with the swaybar disco was it NOT being protected after the the plastic plate came off and large ice chunks killed the electrical part of it. After my Jeep Tech guy did the 180 on it and replaced it, its been perfect.

 

I like your screen name....

 

Interesting - I would not have even thouht of that. So is it low enough to make a diff on front ground clearance.

I'm def. one to tinker a bit, but at the same time, I usually keep a vehicle long enough to get some use out of the warranty. Typically I'm in the 5 to 8 yr range for vehicle ownership.

So this is just a matter of turning it around so the electronic part is not facing forward? Are the any aftermarket goodies out there yet, like a skid plate or something that protects this area?

Haha! You know when I first registered I tried "JKKJ" but it was taken....