Rubicon or Sahara?

[Jerry Bransford]

I’m thinking getting the suspension sorted out first. It has a lift but no idea what it is. At this point I want the best ride out it as possible. Been looking around and leaning towards the Currie/rockjock 4” pro kit, steering system, shocks, and related items. That’s gonna pretty much do in my $5k I think.

Good choices.

 

[tr21triton]

That’s gonna pretty much do in my $5k I think

oh that will get you started, MAYBE

 

[LONGJP2]

Appreciate the feedback gents. Decided to keep the Sahara and make it mine. Let the fun begin.

View attachment 487414

Not that it matters, but the only thing that screams Sahara are the flares.
Do you know for sure?

 

[LakeBeard]

oh that will get you started, MAYBE

I think I spent 7k when I did mine

 

[tr21triton]

I think I spent 7k when I did mine

and are you done yet ?

 

[LakeBeard]

and are you done yet ?

NEVER! ( the 7k was only the RJ short arm)

 

[oldskool71]

Not that it matters, but the only thing that screams Sahara are the flares.
Do you know for sure?

Yes sir. I did my due diligence when looking for my rig. All original except for lift and wheels/tires. This one checked most of my boxes for sure. Including Dana 44, disc brakes, hardtop, 5 speed, bonus was it is the same pitch black as my other ride.

 

[AndyG]

I'm surprised that knowing the owner didn't make you stay with the SPORT !!!
as to the original question do like me have both ! drive the Sahara and save the Rubi with low miles....

You two knuckle dragging perverts need to be glad that I even associate with you- I just do it because it makes me feel better about myself.


Most everyone knows that I like the Rubicon model but let me lay something out here-

The jeep Rubicon is a very effective package and it’s became synonymous with being the premium vehicle in the line and still has that image today-

The Rubicon is really not built around being “better”- at all. It is a purpose specific vehicle. It was developed and tested for the rocks and was even advertised as a factory rock crawler.

It does that job as well as any thing that has ever rolled off of the lots... But it really doesn’t do anything else any better than any other Jeep and in someways has limitations...For instance it is terrible in mud- The transfer case gearing is way too low to clean the tires off.

Manufactures started really getting good at developing purpose specific vehicles a little after the turn of the century- Case in point use the KTM 250 and 300 cc Enduro bikes - If you rode a dirtbike years ago and got on one on the trail you would not believe how well the machine works in its’ element. I don’t mean it’s kind of good I mean it is like cheating. At the same time it’s really not what you want on a Supercross track.

The reason that I always drive a Rubicon is because when I go wheeling I am with these two guys and it’s very important that I am able to get away. They would give a headache to a Percocet.

 

[tr21triton]

You two knuckle dragging perverts need to be glad that I even associate with you- I just do it because it makes me feel better about myself.


Most everyone knows that I like the Rubicon model but let me lay something out here-

The jeep Rubicon is a very effective package and it’s became synonymous with being the premium vehicle in the line and still has that image today-

The Rubicon is really not built around being “better”- at all. It is a purpose specific vehicle. It was developed and tested for the rocks and was even advertised as a factory rock crawler.

It does that job as well as any thing that has ever rolled off of the lots... But it really doesn’t do anything else any better than any other Jeep and in someways has limitations...For instance it is terrible in mud- The transfer case gearing is way too low to clean the tires off.

Manufactures started really getting good at developing purpose specific vehicles a little after the turn of the century- Case in point use the KTM 250 and 300 cc Enduro bikes - If you rode a dirtbike years ago and got on one on the trail you would not believe how well the machine works in its’ element. I don’t mean it’s kind of good I mean it is like cheating. At the same time it’s really not what you want on a Supercross track.

The reason that I always drive a Rubicon is because when I go wheeling I am with these two guys and it’s very important that I am able to get away. They would give a headache to a Percocet.

If your going to be all mean about it next time your wheel FALLS OFF you can go get your own damn nuts !

 

[MikeE024]

Alright y’all need to make a decision soon. I currently have an 03 Sahara, hardtop, full doors, 5 spd, Dana 44 rear 80k miles unknown lift setup with brand new wheels and 33 tires. I have about $15k-16k into it. Looking at 06 Rubicon 30k miles, auto, nth degree 4.5 long arm lift, Currie steering, other nth extras, hardtop, soft top, other tops, full doors, half door, arb front bumper, warn winch, Hanson rear bumper with tire carrier, extra racks, rock hard cage, ARB on board compressor, alarm, and a few other things. May be able to pick this up for about $21-23k. Question is should I pick up the Rubi and offload the Sahara or just keep it and add a new lift and maybe some bumpers and stuff? Sorry so long just wanted to give you as much details as possible. Any input would be appreciated.

I wouldn’t pay a premium for someone else's poor lift choice…wouldn’t fear an 05/06 though.