Im looking to buy my first Jeep and would like some advice

[Rhino]

Hi,


Gday all, My name is Ryan and I'm looking to buy my first Jeep. I'm in the market for a new rig as my last truck was recently written off.

I have been researching the 2012 Rubicon, this truck looks super impressive and from what I have read the new improvements (interior and engine) have been very well received.

What I'm seeking from the Jeep forum is the lowdown on the pros and cons of the 2012 Rubicon?

I am currently involved with the Triple Diamond 4WD club as a very active member on trips and recently been voted onto the committee as well as helping out the Association with the proposed 4WD training center and extreme track being developed @ Eastern Creek Motorway. Needless to say that even though im only new to 4WD's, My daughter and I absolutely love it!!

The type of driving we do it a combination of touring, social and the occasional B grade trip, this year I'm looking to get involved in more rock hopping and Navigational challenges. (VIC and QLD seem to be running these at the moment)

Could you guys please detail what are the best "bang for your buck" mods that are required straight up for the Rubicon? My initial plans is for full bar work front and back, roof rack storage system (exo-skeleton?? what have other members done for roof rack support?) ARB lockers, 35' muddies etc... I would like my new truck to be extremely capable off road and try and still maintain "on road manners"

Any advice would be most appreciated, I had a dealer quote me 12 weeks for delivery yesterday!! Is this standard or is there a quicker way to find a jeep?

Thanks in advance

Ryan

[Hunno]

Welcome Ryan,

First things first, Nice choice.

The Rubicon has to be one of, if not the best of the shelf 4wd on the market.
it comes with as standard traction control, front & rear diff locks & electronic Sway bar disconnects just to mention a few.

I would include rock sliders with the front & rear bar.
As for suspension it is personal choice. There are a lot of options here & I would suggest you have a chat with the people at Wooders Garage http://wooders.com.au/. They are located at Hornsby & well worth the time as they are Jeep Specialists.

I've come from a Landcruiser & Patrol back ground all my life. Now I'm loving Jeeps!!!

[Dieselcon]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy my first Jeep.

I have been researching the 2012 Rubicon, this truck looks super impressive and from what I have read the new improvements (interior and engine) have been very well received.

What I'm seeking from the Jeep forum is the lowdown on the pros and cons of the 2012 Rubicon?

type of driving we do it a combination of touring, social and the occasional B grade trip, this year I'm looking to get involved in more rock hopping

the best "bang for your buck" mods that are required straight up for the Rubicon? My initial plans is for full bar work front and back, roof rack storage system (exo-skeleton?? what have other members done for roof rack support?) ARB lockers, 35' muddies etc... I would like my new truck to be extremely capable off road and try and still maintain "on road manners"


Hi Ryan,
Congrad's on looking at the JK Wrangler----a great bit of gear...
The rubi is a great jeep with impressive offroad performance and will suit your type of driving needs. Make sure you get the umlimited...the 4 door JK
However
since you plan on installing ARB lockers and the other mods you plan I would get the Diesel Auto....its got great torque, reliable and is a great platform to start from.
For the $ saved from not buying a Rubi you should have enough for the ARB lockers and the disconnects (something like http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php/cPath/15_26/products_id/366 you can get these from probably Wooders, DBOR or SBRoffroad)
If you do it this way the only thing the Rubi would have is the Dana 44 upfront....but for what you plan to use it for the Dana 30 should suffice. (you can always strenghtn it if you like.)

Cheers

Jose
EDIT need to add a ~3 inch lift to make the most of the rig.

[Rhino]

Hi Ryan,
Congrad's on looking at the JK Wrangler----a great bit of gear...
The rubi is a great jeep with impressive offroad performance and will suit your type of driving needs. Make sure you get the umlimited...the 4 door JK
However
since you plan on installing ARB lockers and the other mods you plan I would get the Diesel Auto....its got great torque, reliable and is a great platform to start from.
For the $ saved from not buying a Rubi you should have enough for the ARB lockers and the disconnects (something like http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php/cPath/15_26/products_id/366 you can get these from probably Wooders, DBOR or SBRoffroad)
If you do it this way the only thing the Rubi would have is the Dana 44 upfront....but for what you plan to use it for the Dana 30 should suffice. (you can always strenghtn it if you like.)

Cheers

Jose
EDIT need to add a ~3 inch lift to make the most of the rig.

Jose,

I was anticipating a 3" lift at a minimum, How does 4" affect the Jeeps performance?

Is it possible to tell me a little more about the performance of the Dana 30? i have heard that they are a little underdone when it comes to power?

As the dealer advised the Rubicon would be 12 weeks, am i better to go with the unlimited (which is in stock) and add my accessories or am i better to wait for the 2012 Rubicon?

Thanks heaps for the info so far, it is really helpful!!

[Miraz]

Is it possible to tell me a little more about the performance of the Dana 30? i have heard that they are a little underdone when it comes to power?


The Dana 30 is the axle....all of the JK's have a Dana 44 rear axle, however only the Rubicon had the D44 in the front - all of the other models have the D30 which has a smaller (and hence weaker) diff center. It's not usually a problem until you start running very large tyres.

The Unlimited is the 4 door version of the JK - and is available in Rubicon spec....Dieselcon is suggesting that you look for a Diesel Auto Sport in either the 2dr or 4dr (Unlimited) spec.

[Dieselcon]

Suggest the 4 inch would look great and perform well with the 35" and 4door. Yes the suspension will require more than just springs and shocks. Their are a few guys running higher lifts check out a few of the build threads.

I think its personal preference with the Rubi or Sports. Like most 4X4 enthusiast the rig wont stay standard for long hence the question... why spend the dosh on the Rubi?
The Dana 30.... some have C gusseted and sleeved and added chromo axles for strength....I have the Dana 30 standard and don't shy away from a challenge. I get through most situations with the rear locker and the disconnects.... Rig performance improved dramatically once I increased to 34" tyres.....however expect to break something soon.....So...... I do intend on strengthening the Dana 30 eventually.
I enjoy B grade trips and get out at least twice a month and shes holding together well.
Plan on installing an ARB front locker then will strengthen the axle.

Good luck with your purchase.
Cheers

Jose

[Steve F]

The D30 is not as strong as the D44 and in the JK they seem to have a habit of bending when pushed hard. You can sleeve them and brace them though and that will solve the majority of the strength issues. Personally I think if you are going to 35's then start with the Rubicon, you get the better transfercase and the D44 up front and you can stick with the factory lockers. I guess it depends if you want the diesel or the petrol though. If it's just a rock hopper and weekend toy then I'd stick with the Rubicon petrol, if you plan to tour a bit as well then maybe the diesel would be the better bet.

We have a club meeting this coming wednesday, why not come along and checkout some members jeeps and ask questions while you're there :)

Cheers
Steve

[Miraz]

The D30 is not as strong as the D44 and in the JK they seem to have a habit of bending when pushed hard. You can sleeve them and brace them though and that will solve the majority of the strength issues.

The bits that bend are the same on the D30 and D44...only the diff center and inner shafts are different

[reyzor]

The rubi is a great platform to start from. You don't need a huge lift for 35's. I run a 3.5 lift and 37's.

The factory lockers are great and I don't plan on swapping them out.

[Rhino]

The D30 is not as strong as the D44 and in the JK they seem to have a habit of bending when pushed hard. You can sleeve them and brace them though and that will solve the majority of the strength issues. Personally I think if you are going to 35's then start with the Rubicon, you get the better transfercase and the D44 up front and you can stick with the factory lockers. I guess it depends if you want the diesel or the petrol though. If it's just a rock hopper and weekend toy then I'd stick with the Rubicon petrol, if you plan to tour a bit as well then maybe the diesel would be the better bet.

We have a club meeting this coming wednesday, why not come along and checkout some members jeeps and ask questions while you're there :)

Cheers
Steve

Thanks Steve, I think i will come down on Wednesday night to chat all things Jeep.

Cheers again for the advice and help. :joyous:

[stevet]

The Rubi would be the better base to start from......It has a T/Case 1:4 ratio as standard as well as rock siders......... Locker's are "push button" on/off, but some have replaced same....... It also comes in a 4 door as stated............. Go from there...... personal opinion from seeing sooooo many JK's on the trail's now............. Stephen.

[TRBN8R]

Hi Ryan,

Welcome to the club. Nice choice in a Jeep. Go the Rubi if u can afford to. Slider come standard with the Rubicon. U will see the amazing flex beat bigger rigs.

BTW say hi to Steve Arman and Gary Webster for me....

See ya wednesday......

Cheers
Mani

[Rhino]

Gday all,

I am now the proud owner of a 2012 Rubicon Unlimited. Picked him/her (not sure yet) up on Saturday morning and all i can say ITS A FANTASTIC RIG!!

I met a couple of members before your last meeting, Sorry i didn't stay for the meeting,I didn't feel comfortable participating in your club when i hadn't joined yet (i now have).

Now the modifications can begin, first mods coming up in the next 2-3 weeks are: :smile-new:

-3 inch ' lift kit from DBOR
-front and rear bar + Tyre carrier
-Gobi roof rack
-34" Muddies (spoke with an engineer and he advised i can only legally go from 32" to 34") with beadlocks
-Centre roof console (custom made by myself)
-Dual Battery System (open question- where have you stored your 2nd battery. Not much space under the bonnet, back will be drawers + fridge)
-UHF
-Roof spot lights (HID or light bar, not sure yet)


Mods in the next 2 months :greedy_dollars:

-In car computer/navigation system
-Electrical monitoring systems (ancillary gauges, meters, switches etc)
-Wireless hotspot

Im looking forward to meeting more members off the black!!

Cheers

Ryan

[reyzor]

soubnds good mate,

just a few thigns though... you mentioned speaking to an engineer about the tire size.... did you mention the 3 inch lift? or the lights on the roof?

both things that are technically "illegal" depending on how you interpret the laws.......

[Rhino]

soubnds good mate,

just a few thigns though... you mentioned speaking to an engineer about the tire size.... did you mention the 3 inch lift? or the lights on the roof?

both things that are technically "illegal" depending on how you interpret the laws.......

Yep i have spoken with an engineer about my 3" lift and tyres (G Force automotive @ Narellan) and he was comfortable with my selection as long as the tyres didn't increase in diameter by 2" and that the suspension didnt contain any illegal mods (like extended shackles). They also advised that i would require a lane change test as well.

Cost is $900-$1000. I have also confirmed that the proposed kit is legal with Bill from DBOR...

[reyzor]

Anything is legal....so long as an engineer signs off on it.

[jeep_jk112]

keep us updated how you go with the engineering process mate, he's close by and would be something i'd like to find out about at some stage.
Welcome to the club.

[redrubi]

Enjoy looking through your rear view mirror at all the non RUBICONS! LOL (even RUBI-CONS Hunty)


Welcome Rhino!


Cheers


Andy & Charl:pirate:

[Dieselcon]

Enjoy looking through your rear view mirror at all the non RUBICONS! LOL (even RUBI-CONS Hunty)

Welcome Rhino!

Cheers


Andy & Charl:pirate:

Sorry Hunty;)
Thanks Andy:0

Dieselcon not in list:)