Rubicon / Sahara, 2dr / 4dr, I've almost made my decision
 

I have a 2009 2 door Rubicon now - Love it!

It's time to trade for a 2011, I want one with leather and the new interiors are nice.

I thought I was going to go for a 4 door this time, but after test driving one I've decided to stay with the 2 door. Reason being I have another 4 door SUV and the 4dr Jeep would seem like overlap and mostly because I did find the 2 door 'more fun' to drive. It turns sharper, bounces a bit more ... feels and handles like I think a Jeep should. (If I didn't have another 4 door SUV I'd buy the 4 door Jeep in a moment, it's real nice too)

Here's where I'm having a hard time making a decision.

I prefer the Rubicon look over the Sahara by far. The tires, black fenders etc, it's more rugged looking. But, the truth is I don't do any serious off roading at all. Closest I've come so far is non maintained side roads. I do drive in a lot of snow in the winter, just unploughed roads etc ...

My driving is more around town and country road / highway driving / weekend cruising so the gear ratio in the Sahara would suit my driving more, as would the suspension. Am I right to say those two things would make quite a difference for a smoother ride and better gas mileage?

The Sahara tires would make a difference too, but that doesn't matter as I'd get the Rubicon or similar tires put on the Sahara. Plus I'd want to paint the Sahara fenders and the silver piece on the front bumper black. So it would have that rugged Rubicon look.

I'd be going through all that work to get the Sahara gear ratio and suspension with the Rubicon look.

Am I foolish to go through all that with the Sahara or should I just go buy a Rubicon?

I'm a newbie when it comes to Jeep mechanics but what if I bought the Rubicon and changed the gear ratio to be that of the Sahara's? Is that easy to do or just a crazy idea?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Re: Rubicon / Sahara, 2dr / 4dr, I've almost made my decision
 

Hmm, qood questions, though spot...my 50 cents worth.

Sounds like you are being honest with your self in not really needing the Rubi for it's added capabilities, rather it looks. I have to agree the black fenders are a nice accent, and look cool.

To buy a new Rubi and do a gear swap is costly and you are getting rid of good parts you paid good money for.

Keep in mind the 4:10's and the less rolling resistance of the stock Rubi M/Ts is what harms you MPG as compared toa Sahara.

If it were me I'd go either Rubi and leave it stock, or Sahara. I don't think the Sport is in your future (it too comes with black fenders,, and yes you CAN order the Rubi wheels and tires for it...32" tire package)....however you say leather seats and I don't think that's an option in the sport....long shot you may consider this.

Finally since you have a newer Rubi and may be able to wait until an offical release from Jeep, I'm reading that all Wrangers, Rubi included will come stock with 3:73 gearing....and the Rubi will have the option of 4:10's.

BTW I agree the 2011 interiour is a big improvement (My JKU is an 08)

Good luck!

Re: Rubicon / Sahara, 2dr / 4dr, I've almost made my decision
 

I will agree with Jeepminded 100%. I bought the Sahara for the same reasons as you posted, however I didn't expect that within 2 months of purchase I would be adding a lift and 35s.

First of all painting Sahara fenders will not work that great. The Sahara fenders are made of a different material, Rubi fenders are just black plastic. My suggestion is to pre-order what you want. If in fact the Rubi does come with the 3.73 go with that otherwise order a Sport pkg with leather seats and any other options you want. .

Re: Rubicon / Sahara, 2dr / 4dr, I've almost made my decision
 

Check the new Wrangler Mojave model as well. It is a wrangler unlimited with the larger Rubicon tires already installed. Plus some other nice options. That's what I'm looking at, although first thing I'd do is remove all those nasty decals.