Donkeykong wrote:
Maybe this is a simple question, maybe it's not.
(And FWIW, I would be keeping the libby as well)
I would like to get into a wrangler which has 3 seatbelts in the back seat.
If I could spend 10-14K I would be happy.
A JK Rubi is probably out of the question.
An earlier TJ Rubi is feasable assuming I can strap 3 bodies to the seat.
A JK Unlimited (2006 or so) could be nice, but I would be limited on funds to upgrade.
A TJ would be nice pending the seating issue and disc brakes.
Also if I went with a non rubi... how much would I spend in parts alone to get dana 44's, lockers and a 4:1 transfer case? Besides from sheetmetal and maybe a heavier duty suspension, and maybe nicer upholstry, what else differentiates a rubi from a wrangler?
Thanks.
Mark
First to fit 5 people you only have one choice. 2007-10 JK Unlimited. The regular JK's and all CJ's, YJ's, and TJ's only fit 2 in the rear seat, unless the people in the back have a 19" waist. on all the 2 doors there are only 4 seatbelts in the whole jeep.
Second, you can find JK Unlimiteds (JKL's) for around the 14k price range, though it may take a while and you will have to sour the whole country and probably have to travel to get it. (I found mine in Dallas while living in WA state. Out the door for $16,200, with a 135 plane ticket and about $200 in gas to get it home.)
Third, X models are extremely capable as they sit. The only diff between a X JKL and a Rubi JKL is front and rear lockers, D44's both ends, 4:1 t-case, and YES upholestry (which is still cloth, supposed to be stain resistant, but it sucks). Sheetmetal, and suspension are the same between the JKL Rubi and X models.
The lockers aren't that much to add to an axle, especially if you use auto lockers like the Aussie.
the D44 rear is standard on all JK's after mid year 07, so chance are that you will have one. the Front D30 is idamn near denticle to the D44 on the Rubi's with the exception to the carrier, ring and pinion. Knuckles, axle tubes, etc are the same, which is the weakest part of the new axles. a Stock 30 can easily handle 35's no problem, and if you are light on the throttle 37's before you need to sleev and gusset the axle (which you can do for about $300).
The 4:1 T-case is really only usefull when climbing rocks, other than that, the 2.73:1 NP241 works better in most other situations. But you can find one for about $1000 used if you really want it.
One other note about JK's... Transmission... 6 speed is much better on the street, but you have to watch it on the trails. If you do any water fording, or play in deep mud stay off the clutch or you stand a good chance to ruin your tranny.