Trade 'up' to a 2006 Rubicon?

[Spike Strip]

I have a very low mileage 2005 Rocky Mountain Ed TJ (21K miles) 6 spd. All stock, with the exception of some under-body armor add-ons. Hard top. Runs great.

A 2006 Rubicon, 6 spd, around 60K miles has been offered. California vehicle. Great condition. Soft top. Three owners. Price is up there (not sayin').

I can't keep both, so am I being foolish thinking the Rubicon is an upgrade that's worth it over the RME TJ?

I don't do Rock Crawling or anything that really beats up a vehicle, mainly camping trails (some difficult and rocky) in So West desert and mountains, but I suppose I'd like to think I can do anything

What does the hive-mind think? Go for it or just build what I've got.

TIA

 

[Chris]

If you aren't doing any rock crawling and just sticking to camping trails, the Rubicon isn't worth it.

The best thing about the Rubicon is the 4:1 transfer case (great for slow crawling) and the lockers. You don't want that transfer case though if you're not doing the technical rock crawling.

I'd save your money and stick with your current TJ.

The only thing the Rubicon will offer in your situation will be the bragging rights and a bit more resale value.

 

[tnjeepguy]

Soft top. Three owners. Price is up there

No way I'm trading. Why would you ?

Get a nice older Warn winch, little lift, 31's and you can do nearly anything.

Rocky Mountain Edition - 2003-2005
* 4.0L I-6 engine
* Dana 44 rear axle (put in an ARB or elec if not happy with your limited slip)
* 30" Goodyear GS/A Tires on forged aluminum Alcoa wheels
* Ravine wheels used on 2005 models
* Unique graphite fender flares
* Fog lamps
* Rocky Mountain Edition badging
* Dark Slate Interior
* Unique two-tone seats with Jeep embroidery
* Silver painted instrument panel accents
* Available in Black, Bright Silver, Flame Red, Solar Yellow and Patriot Blue
* Diamond plate rocker guards (similar to Rubicon model)
* Tow hooks

 

[Ashim]

IMHO the Rubicon rear locker is prone to failure. Keep your current Jeep.

 

[Spike Strip]

The F/R lockers are pneumatic. Anyone know who makes them? Is the OEM ARB ?

Doing a little research, I'm finding the Locker Air Pumps are discontinued and no aftermarket that I can find. Are good used available without having to hunt for months? I see some substitutes listed from other vehicles, but new aftermarket would be nice.

 

[jjvw]

The F/R lockers are pneumatic. Anyone know who makes them? Is the OEM ARB ?

Doing a little research, I'm finding the Locker Air Pumps are discontinued and no aftermarket that I can find. Are good used available without having to hunt for months? I see some substitutes listed from other vehicles, but new aftermarket would be nice.

The factory Rubicon lockers are unavailable and non-repairable. They get replaced with the available locker of your choice.

 

[DavidBT]

The OEM is not ARB. If mine eventually fail, I plan on going with the E-locker.

 

[JKP]

You can find pumps, sometimes the air bladders in the axles. There is no support for the actual locker.

05/06 both have the OPDA issue, PCM issue.

 

[Spike Strip]

No way I'm trading. Why would you ?

Get a nice older Warn winch, little lift, 31's and you can do nearly anything.

Rocky Mountain Edition - 2003-2005
* 4.0L I-6 engine
* Dana 44 rear axle (put in an ARB or elec if not happy with your limited slip)
* 30" Goodyear GS/A Tires on forged aluminum Alcoa wheels
* Ravine wheels used on 2005 models
* Unique graphite fender flares
* Fog lamps
* Rocky Mountain Edition badging
* Dark Slate Interior
* Unique two-tone seats with Jeep embroidery
* Silver painted instrument panel accents
* Available in Black, Bright Silver, Flame Red, Solar Yellow and Patriot Blue
* Diamond plate rocker guards (similar to Rubicon model)
* Tow hooks

Great suggestions. Thank you.

 

[Irun]

Stick with what you know. For your use case, there is no upside on ther Rubicon. As someone who built a "Sport" on 31" tires, it took me far more places than I would have expected. Tuck the tummy, get lockers and gears, run 31" tires, and enjoy a fantastic ride!

 

[AndyG]

If you aren't doing any rock crawling and just sticking to camping trails, the Rubicon isn't worth it.

The best thing about the Rubicon is the 4:1 transfer case (great for slow crawling) and the lockers. You don't want that transfer case though if you're not doing the technical rock crawling.

I'd save your money and stick with your current TJ.

The only thing the Rubicon will offer in your situation will be the bragging rights and a bit more resale value.

There is another downside to a Rubicon.

If you want to sell it, John Cooper will show up at your house and then he knows where you live ……it gets worse from there but I digress.

 

[k1n3k]

I've got both a Sport on 31s and a Rubicon on 31s and do similar wheeling, I'd argue that putting selectable lockers in your current jeep would probably be a better fit for mild trails. Electric lockers would be ideal. The 4:1 transfer case is great when you are actually crawling and need fine control, but otherwise, you'll probably be in 4 high if not 2wd 99% of the time. For the 1% you're in 4 low If you're not finding yourself wishing you had lower gearing, its wasted money. The only reason I purchased my Rubicon is because it is in *substantially* better shape than my Sport. If you plan on running 35s eventually and run trails like the Rubicon then its justifiable.

Its also justifiable if you just like the rubicon more. Life is short, drive the stuff you want.

 

[DaveC]

Sounds like you've got a great rig you know inside and out that'll do all you want as is.

When I was shopping for my TJ, I considered both Rubicon and non Rubi models. Wasn't sure I'd ever want or need the lockers and 241. Decided to go non Rubi since, if I ever changed my mind, for the difference in price, I could add lockers that were new and be into it for similar money, less the 241 T case.

My non Rubi TJ with 31s and open diffs took me places I never thought it could for years. Eventually realized I wanted to do more, wound up locking and regearing and again, I've got new parts with more flexibility (selectable lockers) that are supported for about the same as if I'd have bought the Rubi up front and regeared for the larger tires I'm running now.

I'd stick with what you've got and modify with new and better parts down the road if/ when needed.

 

[John Cooper]

There is another downside to a Rubicon.

If you want to sell it, John Cooper will show up at your house and then he knows where you live ……it gets worse from there but I digress.

Dang kick a guy when he is down..........

 

[cpwolf]

I have a very low mileage 2005 Rocky Mountain Ed TJ (21K miles) 6 spd. All stock, with the exception of some under-body armor add-ons. Hard top. Runs great.

A 2006 Rubicon, 6 spd, around 60K miles has been offered. California vehicle. Great condition. Soft top. Three owners. Price is up there (not sayin').

I can't keep both, so am I being foolish thinking the Rubicon is an upgrade that's worth it over the RME TJ?

I don't do Rock Crawling or anything that really beats up a vehicle, mainly camping trails (some difficult and rocky) in So West desert and mountains, but I suppose I'd like to think I can do anything

What does the hive-mind think? Go for it or just build what I've got.

TIA

Others have good feedback already.

My $.02, I’d stick with the TJ you have.

You have a Dana 30 FR and Dana 44 Rear will do almost anything you’re saying.

As an exercise, I’d look at the $ delta you’re seeing for that Rubicon, and take that amount and see what all
You could do. You may be able to build one that has all of the capability.

I bought Rubicon 44’s to swap into my X with the lockers and pumps. They work, but if one goes bad, there’s no replacing the pump easily, and the locker the same at this point.
I’d get ELocker that is selectable up front on your jeep if anything, and be good.

But as someone said, if you just want a Rubicon, go for it.

Or get a Rubicon decal for your hood….I’ve seen folks do that too, ha.

 

[John Cooper]

Others have good feedback already.

My $.02, I’d stick with the TJ you have.

You have a Dana 30 FR and Dana 44 Rear will do almost anything you’re saying.

As an exercise, I’d look at the $ delta you’re seeing for that Rubicon, and take that amount and see what all
You could do. You may be able to build one that has all of the capability.

I bought Rubicon 44’s to swap into my X with the lockers and pumps. They work, but if one goes bad, there’s no replacing the pump easily, and the locker the same at this point.
I’d get ELocker that is selectable up front on your jeep if anything, and be good.

But as someone said, if you just want a Rubicon, go for it.

Or get a Rubicon decal for your hood….I’ve seen folks do that too, ha.

Great advice!!! Its what I did.

I had a nice sport, and opportunity came up for me to get a Rubicon, I totaled up what it would cost to get my Sport where I wanted it.

Sold the sport, bought the Rubicon cheaper than I could have upgraded the sport!!!!

 

[Tejasol]

After going through our 04 Sport, I realized that if I owned my dream 05 LJ Rubicon, I would have had to do all of the same upgrades, maintenance, and repairs because of age. These guys have given you a lot of great advice. My opinion is that the old Rubicons are way over priced.

 

[Strizzo]

If you are running trails where you're not crawling, but still using low range, but not going fast enough for high range, you won't like the rubicon in those situations because the 4:1 low range is so much slower.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I bought my Rubicon because it was a one owner Texas Jeep, all service records from day one, 120,000 miles, for $9500, back when it was worth $14,000. The tcase is useless for anything except rock crawling. I was planning on selling it but prices are at an all-time low. I'd trade it tomorrow for an 02' auto.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Great advice!!! Its what I did.

I had a nice sport, and opportunity came up for me to get a Rubicon, I totaled up what it would cost to get my Sport where I wanted it.

Sold the sport, bought the Rubicon cheaper than I could have upgraded the sport!!!!

So, @AndyG gave you the WTJF discounted price? Was the windshield spotless? Did he supply you with a bottle of spotless window cleaner and a squeegee?