Georgia Trail Riders Forum
MEMBERS DISCUSSION AREA => General Discussion => Topic started by: Nastygnome on December 14, 2013, 01:21:15 PM
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Hey guys I'm considering selling my K5 and getting a unlimited in the next year or so. I have my second son on the way and think the four door off roading and camping machine would be great for the family! Question is though should I only look for the rubicon since it comes with lockers and all the rubicon stuff or is it comparable to get a cheaper sport and build it to be better that the rubi for about the same price? Thanks for the responses.
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If you can afford the rubicon I would get that. I did. If you buy the cheaper one and put the stuffn in it like the rubicon, then that aftermarket stuff is worth half the price you paid for it at best and no labor. The rubicon will have everything and hold the value better.
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The age old question of web wheelers... Rubi or Sport.... there are about as many answers as there are Jeepers.
My answer would be this, I have a Rubi simply by dumb luck. Now that i have one and wheel it, I think I would never consider a non-rubi now. Now that is not to say that non-rubi's are incapable, they are very capable. I like the convenience of being able to have built my Jeep up to 35's and not need to re-gear (manual trans) I like to push the button and the sway bar is disco'ed, I like to push the button and front & rear are locked (yes, available aftermarket). For me the biggest and best thing is the Rock-trac transfer case. IMHAO, that is the cats ass and you can't beat that.
You do need to look at what kind of wheeling will you be doing... FS roads or full on crawling? Everyone starts out on FS roads and you get the bug to continue to grow. Next thing you know, your on the rocks wanting to do upgrades that the rubi comes with.
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Only Rubi if you are going off road. Very wise to ask up front. Many have bought and then went off road and found out how much they will have to spend to hang with the rubis.
Sent off camber
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I bought a Sport and I have upgraded. If I were to do-over I would start with a Rubicon mostly to get the better axles and built in lockers. IF you just want to do FS roads, stick with a Sport S. If you want to do more, start with the Rubi. Its also a cash flow and timing thing. If you are truly going to build a crazy Jeep with massive axles etc, start with the cheapest Sport you can buy probably.
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I went with the sport, but I also had no idea I'd get hooked like I did. I'm happy with the route I went with because I prefer to finance as little as possible and use extra money on upgrades.
(Rubi related: I've added a stronger pro rock 44, rcv shafts, 5:13s, ARBs F & R, quick discos) I do wish I had the rubi transfer case.
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I went with the sport, but I also had no idea I'd get hooked like I did. I'm happy with the route I went with because I prefer to finance as little as possible and use extra money on upgrades.
(Rubi related: I've added a stronger pro rock 44, rcv shafts, 5:13s, ARBs F & R, quick discos) I do wish I had the rubi transfer case.
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When is your next wheelin trip with GATR?
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I think if your plan is moderate upgrades and 37" tires or less, you just can't go wrong w a rubi. It comes ready to rock and you can do a moderate build with the lockers and low TC already out of the way and done.
If your plan is to do a fairly hardcore build, go sport all the way, the cheaper the better. You'll be replacing the the axles which are big ticket items anyway so there is no need to have rubi axles just to pull them. Yeah, you can sell them if you have them but you can get sports for fairly cheap so probably better in the long run.
If you do t know which way you may go, and many of us didn't when we first bought...I would say go w a Rubi if the price is not terrible.
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Great advice!! I'm glad I'm starting this information gathering early in the purchase process.
Next question then?? Are all the rubi's from say 2004-2013 a good purchase depending on condition? I see some that are still all stock and don't look abused from the previous years mentioned. I'd like to have the approach of get a good deal on the rubi then upgrade bumpers,winch,tires,wheels etc...
So just wondering if there is year models you recommend to stay away from or not I guess or what?
Thanks fellas!
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2007-2010, all the same, don't know of any years that had "issues" 3.8l motor
2011 newer interior, looks pretty cool and I think the seats are more comfortable. 3.8 motor
2012 and up, new 3.6 motor and sweet 5 speed auto trans
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Get the Pentastar engine. 2012 and newer I think... HUGE difference, and with the Rubi gears you can have power to run BFG 38's or GY 37'son the street as a daily driver.
Yes, buy used, never off road. I bought a 2009 rubi from a 65 year old man, only off road at his farm on the dirt roads. Not a scratch under, and never put in 4 wheel or locked as far as he could recall.
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Get the Pentastar engine. 2012 and newer I think... HUGE difference, and with the Rubi gears you can have power to run BFG 38's or GY 37'son the street as a daily driver.
Yes, buy used, never off road. I bought a 2009 rubi from a 65 year old man, only off road at his farm on the dirt roads. Not a scratch under, and never put in 4 wheel or locked as far as he could recall.
I bought my 2008 used from a Catholic Priest! Honest truth, if I lie about that you know I'll go to hell.
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I'd get an automatic transmission, if I had it to do over again.
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I think patience must be my main tool after I gather my knowledge from you guys! Start looking for the one! Might should sell the K5 during the next year :) and start the look
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Also what about miles?? Depending on condition of course but any typical problems seen at certain mileage on certain years I should be looking for?
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I went with the sport, but I also had no idea I'd get hooked like I did. I'm happy with the route I went with because I prefer to finance as little as possible and use extra money on upgrades.
(Rubi related: I've added a stronger pro rock 44, rcv shafts, 5:13s, ARBs F & R, quick discos) I do wish I had the rubi transfer case.
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When is your next wheelin trip with GATR?
Man, I'm dying to get on another ride soon. Things are finally settling down again.
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Have 2011 with 40k miles no issues so far. I'd get a 2011 or later the interiors nicer. Another thing is getting a 2013 for the better engine some 2012s did have problems.
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I have a 2010 with 135,000 only issue trans went out at 99,000 and dealer rebuilt it under warranty.
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I have a 2010 with 135,000 only issue trans went out at 99,000 and dealer rebuilt it under warranty.
Dang good timing on that 100k warranty right?! :) nice
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Get a 2012+. The older 3.8 motor isn't bad as in "defective" just bad as in power compared to the newer 3.6. The newer 3.6 has more HP and torque, and gets better mileage. I have a 2011 JKU and wish I would have waited a few more months for the 2012s. If I could do it over, I also would have got the rubi just to have the larger front axle and lockers. Really don't care too much about the electronic disconnect.
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Not to beat a dead horse, cause some of this has already been said... I bought a 2011 JKU Sport and then when I started getting quotes on building it my jaw hit the floor... Lockers, gears, trusses etc... and the labor associated with it is pricy... Also, a good buddy of mine had just purchased a 2012 and I made the mistake of driving his one day... He bought it already lifted and with 35's and it made my stock 2011 feel like a go cart (power wise)... Jeeps hold their value very well so I was able to sell my 2011 with 18K miles on it for a pretty good price... I then turned around and bought a 2013 JKU Rubi and could not be happier with it... I daily drive mine and the 3.6L is a great engine over the 3.8... Also having the 5 speed auto is really nice as well... I bought it with the 4:10 gears (if you are looking at an auto then you need to check on this, not all auto Rubies have the 4:10 gears...) and am currently running 35" toyo MT's and it has plenty of get up and go... Also, gets about 17.5 mpg on highway and averages around 16 city... Plus it has all those cool things like the others mentioned... I wish I could buy your blazer... I had an 88 K5 a number of years back and loved that thing... Good luck with your search...
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If you do your own fab work I would say get a 07 unlimited and buy some used 1 tons, 5.3/4l60e/atlas and put it together and go. If you can't do your own fab work buy a rubi and do some bolt on mods and go.
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I have my second son on the way and think the four door off roading and camping machine would be great for the family!
Based on this, I say rubicon (2012 and up if possible)
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Sure would be nice to have that new motor and trans.
Before we bought our 2009, we went to order a 2012, and the price for a Rubi at dealer with some nice options, working an order deal, the dealer cost less hold back and promotional Tread Lightly discount was still $32800 or over $35000 with tax, so we decided to find a used one.
Used 2012 or 2013 would be the way to go, but Jeeps do depreciate less than other vehicles.
If you don't know a Rubi from a Ruby, have someone else look at it with you that does. Axles may have been swapped, might be parts damage, transfer case should shift properly and easily, and more.
//toast//
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Sure would be nice to have that new motor and trans.
Before we bought our 2009, we went to order a 2012, and the price for a Rubi at dealer with some nice options, working an order deal, the dealer cost less hold back and promotional Tread Lightly discount was still $32800 or over $35000 with tax, so we decided to find a used one.
Used 2012 or 2013 would be the way to go, but Jeeps do depreciate less than other vehicles.
If you don't know a Rubi from a Ruby, have someone else look at it with you that does. Axles may have been swapped, might be parts damage, transfer case should shift properly and easily,
//toast//
You were smart enough to get a rubi... If my 2011 would have been a rubi I probably could have looked past the 3.8 and 4 speed trans...
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So sounding like the 3.6 is really that much better? And I for sure will buying used and the idea of having a partner there that really knows what's up with the rubi is a great idea as well! I have found some good deals on 2011 and automatic with the 3.8 but y'all have me second guessing the motor... Thanks again for the input! The more I look at the jeeps and watch these YouTube videos and see these pics on here I'm freaking getting hooked!!! It's jrack(jeep crack) I had a wrangler when I was 16 and missed it ever since!
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Don't drive a 12' and you won't know lol
Sent off camber
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Don't drive a 12' and you won't know lol
Sent off camber
good point! :)
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So I am still doing my searching and havnt found the one just yet but couple porspects. I had another question for those of you who have done it about what does it cost to do arb air lockers front and back installed??? Thats a job i dont think Id be able to do on my own.
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An ARB install is approximately equivalent to a regear, plus adding the air pump and the switches. You also have to drill and tap a hole in the diff for the air line.
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I bought a non-Rubi. I was on a budget and wasn't sure i was even able to purchase. I'm hoping to swap a pr44 in the front this spring as well as an Atlas or rubi T-case and lockers. Even if you don't plan to do much, a rubicon will hold its value more, as others have said.
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I still definitely thinking the Rubi is what im going with but dang the price on a sport sure makes it hard haha thats why i was asking about the install price. I just have never dealt with a gear swap and would have to have a guidance from someone who has done to even feel comfortable attempting it.
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I still definitely thinking the Rubi is what im going with but dang the price on a sport sure makes it hard haha thats why i was asking about the install price. I just have never dealt with a gear swap and would have to have a guidance from someone who has done to even feel comfortable attempting it.
With the rubi you get the resale. If you buy a sport and make it a rubi like then you get half price of parts back out on a good day and nothing on labor. Something to consider.
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With the rubi you get the resale. If you buy a sport and make it a rubi like then you get half price of parts back out on a good day and nothing on labor. Something to consider.
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you mean on resale or what?
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A Rubi has resale for the nice upgrades it comes with.
He is saying that if you do or pay a shop to do the upgrades on a non rubi, you'll only get half or less back when you sell for the same features.
Sent off camber
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Only Rubi if you are going off road. Very wise to ask up front. Many have bought and then went off road and found out how much they will have to spend to hang with the rubis.
Sent off camber
I havn't spent nearly what it would cost for a rubi same year and miles and have been able to keep up just fine with those of the same caliber build //cheers2// just pick your mods properly if you dont go rubi. I too happened to fall into a rubi and hopefully wil be swapping everything but otherwise have been very very happy with my sport. Just put your $ in the right places.
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What year is the K5 that you're selling?
I'm on my 2nd JK Rubicon (both 2 doors, you know, a real Jeep LOL). My '09 was a 6sp. and had 15" wheels and 33's. I had no complaints at all with the 3.8. Now I have a '14 automatic and 35's with the stock 4.10 gears. I see no reason at all to regear and the engine has plenty of power. I hope that the 3.6 Pentastar holds up because I plan to keep this one for a long time.
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What year is the K5 that you're selling?
I'm on my 2nd JK Rubicon (both 2 doors, you know, a real Jeep LOL). My '09 was a 6sp. and had 15" wheels and 33's. I had no complaints at all with the 3.8. Now I have a '14 automatic and 35's with the stock 4.10 gears. I see no reason at all to regear and the engine has plenty of power. I hope that the 3.6 Pentastar holds up because I plan to keep this one for a long time.
I have decided that I am going with a two door as well then in about 7 plus years upgrade to the 4 door when the boys are about 10-13. Then when they leave back to the two door for the wifey and me. My K5 is a 1989...
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/Wtedward14/K5%20build/IMG_0021_zps9c314997.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/Wtedward14/media/K5%20build/IMG_0021_zps9c314997.jpg.html)
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/Wtedward14/K5%20build/IMG_0020_zps0bbc7cd1.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/Wtedward14/media/K5%20build/IMG_0020_zps0bbc7cd1.jpg.html)
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Besides engine and lack of power to the 3.6. What's the suspension and transfer case and lockers big differences from a 2008 to say a 2012 rubi?
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Are you using a ladies head as a fender mount antenna?
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Besides engine and lack of power to the 3.6. What's the suspension and transfer case and lockers big differences from a 2008 to say a 2012 rubi?
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No real difference. Both use the. 4:1 TC and electric lockers
Another real big difference in the 2012 and up is the transmission, much better.
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Far as the durability of the transmission or performance in general?
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Far as the durability of the transmission or performance in general?
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Both in my opinion. But for sure the performance. It's a 5 speed vs the 42rle 4 speed
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Far as the durability of the transmission or performance in general?
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Both in my opinion. But for sure the performance. It's a 5 speed vs the 42rle 4 speed
Off road the four speed performs well though? My jeep wouldn't be my daily driver is why I ask.
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Are you using a ladies head as a fender mount antenna?
Yes lol that's the wifey!
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Far as the durability of the transmission or performance in general?
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Both in my opinion. But for sure the performance. It's a 5 speed vs the 42rle 4 speed
Off road the four speed performs well though? My jeep wouldn't be my daily driver is why I ask.
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Off road, the 4:1 TC and the 3.8 motor do work well, yes. Low gears add to the performance as well.
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Thanks again for all the advice! I'm definitely in a lot better shape education wise on this purchase now than I was before!!! I'm sure I'll think of more as I keep the search going. So far I'm liking the white or silver as color options and 08 to new on years but thinking I got new I would have no room for upgrades for sometime :(. So I'm thinking used with about 40k miles or less
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That K5 looks pretty good.
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Regardless of what model you choose, remember:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img844/2743/hepb.jpg)
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That K5 looks pretty good.
Thanks if I can find away to keep it and the jeep that will happen!
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Alright guys finish school this week and start new job in about two weeks! My search has been constant for a rubi jk either unlimited or two door. I have found one I believe to be one of the ones I would consider getting.
Question is what to look for under neath the rubicon? What skid plates are suppose to be there? Is there a tag on the axles to say Dana 44 and if lockers are present should I just see where the electric wire runs into the diff cover? It's a 08 appears to be all stock and not abused. Any other things to look for as problem areas?
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Rubi has a transfer case/trans combo skid and a gas tank skid.
Axles have 2 wire plugs on the chunk of the diff. Can see them better on the back side.
Easy to identify a 44, but you need to confirm the transfer case too. It should have locker buttons on the dash, and you should put it in 4wd low and test them in a gravel parking lot. You will know immediately if they are locked. If you ate unsure what to do, Google the owners manual and read up on the directions.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/17/aqe4u7y8.jpg)
Sent off camber
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Good luck with your search Nastygnome!
By the way, don't as me for help....I bought a Sahara....shows you how much I know. //;D//
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Thanks Doug!! I'll looking it up online as well as how to determine the transfer case. Great advice
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The transfer case should have a red and silver round tag on the back. If it is a rubicon case it will day 4.1 ratio
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Good luck with your search Nastygnome!
By the way, don't as me for help....I bought a Sahara....shows you how much I know. //;D//
That's why I'm asking all the questions before hand!! Lol I think as hard core as I'm gonna be a rubicon package covers me completely. But hey the Sahara would probably do what I would want to do as well! I've seen stock jeeps and k5 and bronocos climb some pretty crazy stuff no lockers no axle upgrades.
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The transfer case should have a red and silver round tag on the back. If it is a rubicon case it will day 4.1 ratio
Thanks buddy I appreciate the info!!
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