questions? Wranglers?

Jeepman56 · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 1:17 pm

I have always wanted a Wrangler as well and when I was looking at the KJ last summer I researched them a little. A TJ Rubicon is an awesome vehicle, plus all the equipment, lockers, heavier axles, mud tires, etc. come with it and are under the warranty (as far as I know). $$$ is a big factor, couple that with the fun of doing it yourself, and now the plot thickens. Either one you go with I am sure you will enjoy it but as you said, I was also am not a huge fan of 4 door Wranglers, but I am warming up to them lately.

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 2:09 pm

sandracer wrote:

Sir Sam wrote:

Jeepjeepster wrote:

AbsoluteRenegade wrote:

I wheeled with a jk 4 door and it got highcentered WAY more then my renny. It had a 3 inch lift and larger tires. I dont think you were thinking a 4 door anyways, but just in case

I agree, Ive seen both a stock rubi and a stock liberty offroad and I didnt think the rubi did much better than the kj. If the kj had lockers it would of gone just as many places.

I know for a fact that a stock kj does better than a stock tj(non rubi). That was the big thing when the kj first came out, it was better than the tj offroad. Then they brought the rubi out. :lol:

That is not my recollection or my experience at all.

Don't underestimate the KJ. In recent outings my KJ first outdid a stock FJ although the FJ was dealt clearance issues when the owner added rock sliders and a massive brush guard and front skid plate. He has since lifted it. On the next outing my KJ outperformed a stock wrangler. Granted my KJ has a mild lift. The traction control made the major difference over the stock Wrangler X (the Green one).

Go for the Rubicon. It's just hard to beat locking Dana 44's front and rear and the lower ratio transfer case. My neighbor has an '06 Rubi Unlimited that he bought with a 4 inch lift and runs 12.50 x 33 MT/R's. The thing is a mountain goat (the Black/Yellow). The extra space for whatever gear you carry is a big plus. He traded in his regular TJ for the Rubi after he added up the cost of all the modifications he needed/wanted for the stock Wrangler.

The other Wranglers in the photo are both Rubicons.

Welp, there goes any reasonable comparisons. We can't compare Apples to lifted apples. Once you start throwing in other than stock modifications(tires not withstanding) the ability to draw realistic comparisons goes out the window.

I reiterate my previous statement:

That is not my recollection or my experience at all.

chefdab · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:49 pm

The auto tranny was changed to the 42rle starting in 03 model year. All TJ Unlimiteds come with a Dana 44 rear axle and trac-loc. When I decided to look for a Wrangler, my choices ran in this order: Rubi (of course), Unlimited, or any other short wheelbase with a D44 rear and the 4.0 auto tranny. I couldn't quite afford the payments on the Rubi so I ended up with the Unlimited. The wheelbase is only about an inch different than the KJ. And if you don't use the back seat for passengers, you can double your cargo space. I haven't had my seat in for over a year now. There is enough room back there for my 35 inch spare and my storage tote with my tools and recovery gear. All that being said, I have spent enough money on skids, lift, tires and re-gear that more than makes up for the difference in cost between the Unlimited and the Rubi and I still don't have lockers or a 4 to 1 low range. I figure I've got at least another 5k to spend on it before I'm done building to what I want. If I had started with a Rubi, I'd probably be done with my build. Either way I think I would have ended up spending just as much. It will either be higher initial cost (Rubi) and less on mods or lower initial cost (lesser trim model) and more on mods. You decide which route you want to take.

jason thompson · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:08 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

I know for a fact that a stock kj does better than a stock tj(non rubi). That was the big thing when the kj first came out, it was better than the tj offroad. Then they brought the rubi out. :lol:

This must be a joke right?
I had both a BONE stock TJ and a BONE stock KJ on the same trail at a Jeep Jamboree ,my TJ and her KJ
and due to the KJ spending to much time on the receiving end of a strap we opted to park the KJ and both ride in the TJ

Now I am not saying the KJ could not due it but be for real better than a TJ ,stock to stock I think not

Burchie · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:19 pm

For sale here:

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=29156

Burchie · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:22 pm

Sorry. Forgot the Rubi part.

DaveKJ02 · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:01 pm

jason thompson wrote:

Jeepjeepster wrote:

I know for a fact that a stock kj does better than a stock tj(non rubi). That was the big thing when the kj first came out, it was better than the tj offroad. Then they brought the rubi out. :lol:

This must be a joke right?
I had both a BONE stock TJ and a BONE stock KJ on the same trail at a Jeep Jamboree ,my TJ and her KJ
and due to the KJ spending to much time on the receiving end of a strap we opted to park the KJ and both ride in the TJ

Now I am not saying the KJ could not due it but be for real better than a TJ ,stock to stock I think not

He must have read it on a snapple cap.

1300ZUK · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2008 9:48 pm

a stock liberty better than a stock TJ off-road

:lol:

Rush345 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 09, 2008 2:29 am

I've only been off road once and it was the equealavent of the bunny slope for Jeeps. When I first went to the Dealership I went to get a Wrangler, I had talked to an owner of a KJ and was told before you put your money down on a Wrangler test drive a Liberty. So when I through the timing chain in my '95 Dakota I went in for a 'Push Pull Or Drag Sale". I first drove a real nice Wrangler, it wasn't comfortable had to climb to get in, felt Top heavy {Tipsy} when driving and considering 6 months earlier I had weighed over 360 lbs [pre-stomach by-pass surgery] I could never have fit behind the wheel. So I test drove my now KJ. It was LOVE at first Drive, comfy roomy smooth and Luxeriuos, even though this is my first Jeep I now kick myself for not having gotten this Jeep sooner. I have returned a couple of time to Jeep dealerships and sat in newer Wrangler and KK's and Comander. If I were to go for another Jeep I would lean to the Commander. But for now You couldn't seperate me from my KJ, I wish I had bought one years ago.
But we are all talking about our preferences, So now you have mine :twisted:

05kjrenny · **Posted:** Thu Feb 14, 2008 9:23 pm

Go for the Rubicon. I traded in my 05 renny for a 06 Rubi, at first I missed the nice ride, power windows etc......
Now I dont ever use the doors or the top, it rides like crap, the tires are noisy and I wouldnt trade it for the world.

Get the Rubi you will not regret it.

KJ Taz · **Posted:** Sat Feb 16, 2008 12:42 am

jason thompson wrote:

Jeepjeepster wrote:

I know for a fact that a stock kj does better than a stock tj(non rubi). That was the big thing when the kj first came out, it was better than the tj offroad. Then they brought the rubi out. :lol:

This must be a joke right?
I had both a BONE stock TJ and a BONE stock KJ on the same trail at a Jeep Jamboree ,my TJ and her KJ
and due to the KJ spending to much time on the receiving end of a strap we opted to park the KJ and both ride in the TJ

Now I am not saying the KJ could not due it but be for real better than a TJ ,stock to stock I think not

Libby flex with 2-1/2" lift and the Rubi rims and tires

Rubi Flex With a 2" BB, other than that stock suspension

This makes all the differance in the world....................You don't even need lockers if you can keep the tires on the ground.........

I should add I own both of these vehicles, so I can call BS.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sat Feb 16, 2008 1:10 am

I’m just waiting for a 4 door Wrangler with a DIESEL, then I will be happy! We had an 04 Wrangler Unlimited and traded it when we bought the Dodge Cummins. They really hold their value! My wife reminds me all the time that she misses the WRANGLER enough to buy one when the diesel option comes out. However, we’re keeping the KJ!

NU ARTY BOY · **Posted:** Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:23 am

dieselenthusiast wrote:

I’m just waiting for a 4 door Wrangler with a DIESEL, then I will be happy! We had an 04 Wrangler Unlimited and traded it when we bought the Dodge Cummins. They really hold their value! My wife reminds me all the time that she misses the WRANGLER enough to buy one when the diesel option comes out. However, we’re keeping the KJ!

AMEN!!!

06BlueLimited · **Posted:** Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:23 am

About 3-4 weeks ago, I traded my 06 KJ for a 05 LJ Rubicon Unlimited. It is still stock height and everything. I have only taken it out once or twice. But I have to say that I love this thing. It wheels very well and seems to have better power to weight than the KJ. Although as Moose said, it does get high centered easier, so you have to watch that if you get an LJ. I hope that a new skid with a mild lift and some larger tires takes care of that though. My brother in law has a 01 Sahara TJ with 33's on a 4" lift. I have driven that thing through hell and back and it is still running like a champ. Just doesn't have as much room in the back for gear if you were to go camping or something like that. Well that is just my two cents on what I found. Good luck on your search and keep us posted.

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