switching JKs your thoughts?
 

so im debating trading in my '12 sahara for a '13 rubicon. i can afford it its only about $70 extra as i had a good trade in. just debating if i should...always wanted a rubi, but one wasnt available when i got my sahara, my own impatient fault. Ive taken the sahara off roading a bit but it is lacking, up north there is alot of mud and bush.(already scratched my body paint top and fenders) i am looking to mod and do alot more off roading. will keep this jeep for the long run as i want to do nothing but trails and jeep drives. i find the rubi is just better off stock then aftermarket mods on my sahara which will void my warranty. Thoughts?

Re: switching JKs your thoughts?
 

70$ for lockers and disconnects, I would do it! Especially if you plan doing real off-road driving.

Re: switching JKs your thoughts?
 

by $70 i mean extra on payments but still very tempting.. you ll let you guys know the end result!

Re: switching JKs your thoughts?
 

70 more per month for xx months?


So you most likely only have a year or so into payments on the Sahara.

Ya i'd do it.

You would spend more building the Sahara, and removing good parts.

Some say the 4:1 Rock Track is too low for some wheelin...just sayin

Good luck

Re: switching JKs your thoughts?
 

I traded my 2011 Sahara for a 2012 Rubicon and I'm VERY HAPPY I did!!! But... a big reason is because of the new motor - which you already have. I do like the Rubi a lot more for wheeling also. I can get through spots that were a challenge for the Sahara (and hard on it) much more easily with the Rubi without having to force my way through.

Re: switching JKs your thoughts?
 

You've already got the new motor, (wish I had, 2011 Sahara) but I don't see how having a Rubi is gonna
save you from scratching it's fenders and top. We talking the exact same width and ride height,
so if the Sahara didn't make it through unscratched, the Rubi ain't gonna either. But it might be more fun tryin'!
Like Jeepminded stated, I've too have heard the 4:1 is for crawlin' and too low for revin' through the
gumbo. If it is, I'd suggest to go with the 6 speed manual trans to give you more gear combo options.

Re: switching JKs your thoughts?
 

The black plastic fenders will not scratch as easy... Not sure about the black hardtop. (Unless you are going to opt for the painted fenders and top)
The 4:1 transfer case is low... but this is the first time I've heard that listed as a disadvantage!!! The added benefit above being able to CRAWL is that the t-case is tough as hell!!

Re: switching JKs your thoughts?
 

my roof is completely destroyed from trees beating off of it there'swhite spots everywhere from the paint being scffe.
like people said... the rocktrac is nice but the low gears are some times a nuisance in the trails. I'm not a high speed wheeler by any means but I am usually in 3rd and don't ever use 1st.
if it were me and I'm only speaking in my opinion, not bashing your idea. I would get after market flares if the fenders are a worry. The D44 isn't a great deal stronger than the Sahara front end contrary to what you may have been told. put a couple bucks into it.. sleeves/gussets and axle shafts and keep your Sahara. wait for a restyle on the wrangler or a massive upgrade to the JKs before you think on getting rid of it.
again.. just my 2 cents. I've looked at trading mine a couple times and have considered Sahara.

Re: switching JKs your thoughts?
 

Couldn't disagree more... Guess it depends on how serious the trails are that you go on. I really don't understand the "4:1 being to low" opinion. You have 6 gears (with the manual - 5 with the auto) and can hit 30km/h easily... If you want to go faster than that you can likely switch to high range and 2wd!!
I find First gear and 4:1 low range is amazing when crawling through areas with many large rocks etc. It makes it a lot easier on your clutch or tc.
The D44 is WAY TOUGHER AND WORTH IT. It is an extremely expensive upgrade if you wanted to put one on your Sahara... ($5000 or so plus you can't even find them) but as part of the Rubicon package - it's a no-brainer in my opinion. And of course... Lockers kick ass!

Re: switching JKs your thoughts?
 

I don't know what JK Rubicon you have driven but mine won't come near 30km/hr in 4lo. MAYBE if I have it buried to the redline in 5th or 6th, even then it's doubtful.
I'm also curious what are the obstacles your climbing that you need 4:1 lorange?
and as far as the strength of the axles it isn't my opinion it's fact, pick up a magazine or read some tech articles.
and since mine is a 2011 and there is no tuner to disable traction control in 4hi so I can get wheel spin to help threw mud and slop, yes, I DO need to be in 4lo when I'm off the pavement.
If you like I will post all kinds of links citing what I talk about as far as the strength of the axles right to the transfer case. the 2.73:1 (I believe that's thesahara t-case ratio) is more than enough for most people. And 5000 for a d44??? I see pairs of them for sale regularly for less than that.
I would love to see some pictures of where a "true off-road enthusiast" such as yourself wheels. I've owned jeeps and been around jeeps and offroading since I've been a kid. I'm not going to say I'm more hardcore than anyone hence me saying "in my opinion" (and the opinion of MANY other "true off-road enthusiasts") here is what I think.
Not every off-road enthusiast needs 4:1 lorange and selectable lockers. To me you sound like an ignorant punk who thinks bigger is better.
In my opinion of course.