from Feb. '02 4-Wheel & Off- Road...(I know there's another thread on this, but that thread sucks) :flipoff2:
http://www.cutter.rockcrawler.com/images/rubicon.jpg[/img]http://www.cutter.rockcrawler.com/images/rubicon.jpg

It'll be nice in a few years I can pick up one of those front 44's cheap...

Jeep already fits the front '44 to the 'export' Wranglers. I wonder if that means canada, too? Anybody know?

Nope, no front 44's here.

But they're not real 44s anyway, just 44 pig and tubes with 30 outers.

Currie sells them for $3k ish :eek:

Still.... a way cool daily driver for my wife.

I don't see another thread?? Watcha' talkin' 'bout Willis????:nuke:

How many awards do you think this thing will win from the 4x4 mags? One word, LOPSIDED!:D

(Being in Canada)

I just hope the salesman points out to the customers who have the lockers engaged with MTR's on the hard pack snow roads is going to be very dangerous. (unless you are used to it)

I drive around with BFG KM's all year and it's interesting enough in the Snow. I am sure there will be a good amount of wrecked ones from people not knowing how to drive them properly. (Mmmm spare parts galore)

Originally posted by P&T jeeps
How many awards do you think this thing will win from the 4x4 mags? One word, LOPSIDED!:D

Definitely! Way better then AWD and has Low Range. BUT I am sure they wil pick it apart in the handling and braking with the MTR's. (Not like it was much better without them)

Originally posted by jeepclub
(Being in Canada)

I just hope the salesman points out to the customers who have the lockers engaged with MTR's on the hard pack snow roads is going to be very dangerous. (unless you are used to it)

I drive around with BFG KM's all year and it's interesting enough in the Snow. I am sure there will be a good amount of wrecked ones from people not knowing how to drive them properly. (Mmmm spare parts galore)

I've heard a rumor that the lockers will only work in 4 low. This would kinda make sense if daimler was trying to make it a little more difficult for the ignorant. Anyway, it's just a rumor I heard - not sure...

Rookie

Thats a good point, stupid me.


:rasta:

It's like the ABS being disabled when in 4WD low. WJ (I think)

Originally posted by Rookie


I've heard a rumor that the lockers will only work in 4 low. This would kinda make sense if daimler was trying to make it a little more difficult for the ignorant. Anyway, it's just a rumor I heard - not sure...

Rookie
Liberty has that feature....I think

Originally posted by Rookie


I've heard a rumor that the lockers will only work in 4 low.

Yeah, I heard that rumor too. That would kinda suck because with 4.10 gears, a 4 to 1 T-case, and those little, bitty tires, you're probably gonna need 4th gear or higher in 4-Lo to get any wheelspeed for traversing, say, a mudpit if you wanna keep 'em locked up. No lockers in 4-high... :( Not to mention ZERO wheelspeed in reverse, no matter what...

Jake

Originally posted by Cutter

Liberty has that feature....I think


Yes, I think thats where I heard it when I was test driving them during one of the Launch presentations.

The Kj doesn't have unlocking diffs on track locks. Do you mean on the ABS deal? It might have that but not the 4-low lockers only.

JEEP has to give us someting to rewire... It would really be no fun if they did EVERYTHING for us! :D

Originally posted by Weasel
The Kj doesn't have unlocking diffs on track locks. Do you mean on the ABS deal? It might have that but not the 4-low lockers only.
yep, ABS. On my TJ with the auto and abs, places like Hot Springs with the long loose down hills were NO fun! I took all the ABS stuff off. Much better...:skull:

It's true the Rubicon's lockers will only engage in 4Low. As a rock crawler who does as little mud as possible, that wouldn't be a problem for me at all. If it's rough enough to need lockers, it's rough enough that I'll need to be in 4Low too.

BUT... even when the axles aren't locked up, both axles have a built-in torque-sensing limited slip differential. To me, that is having the best of both worlds. I'm damned near ready to trade in my '97 TJ on a Rubicon in spite of all the sweat, time, and money I've put into it. With its 4-speed automatic, I think the Rubicon is going to kick some serious ass on the rocks and trail once it gets bigger tires and a good lift installed.

Just for grins, here is Jeep's official Press Release on the 2003 Rubicon:

Jeep® Brand Announces the Ultimate Off-Road Rig -- 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The Rubicon name isn't just for a Class 10 off-road trail anymore – it's also what the Jeep® brand is calling their ultimate off-road rig. Jeep owners travel from around the world to test their four-wheeling skills on the Rubicon Trail in Northern California, considered one of the most demanding 22 miles of off-highway driving in America. Jeep engineers have designed the most capable Wrangler model ever – and true Jeep owners will realize exactly what that means.

The 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is engineered to take on the most demanding trails, even those previously reserved for only highly modified vehicles.

"The 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features an off-road performance package, as only Jeep can engineer, allowing serious off-road enthusiasts the opportunity to drive over some of the most extreme trails in the country, and then drive it home."
Craig Love, Vice President - Activity Vehicle Product Team, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

While its beefy off-road tires and diamond plate sill protectors hint at the tremendous capability of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, it's the underpinnings that make it worthy of wearing the Rubicon name. On sale in summer 2002, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model features locking front and rear differentials, front and rear Dana model 44 axles and a 4:1 low range transfer case in response to the most demanding off-road enthusiasts.

Jeep Engineered Off-Road Package
The new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has locking differentials that can be driver actuated when the transfer case is in low range and the vehicle speed is less than 10 miles per hour. A dash-mounted rocker switch allows the driver to lock the rear axle and toggle the front axle locker on and off for improved maneuvering. A pneumatic pump runs at just five pounds per square inch for a more reliable and quieter system than is available in the aftermarket. This mechanically locks the axle shafts together to drive all four wheels at the same speed. When not locked, the rear axle has a torque-sensing limited slip feature to provide better traction and handling on-road. Dana model 44 axles with 4.10:1 ratios for both front and rear provide the durability and strength needed for extreme off-road driving.

"This combination of what would typically be aftermarket hardware provides tremendous off-road capability to give our enthusiast owners a rig that is ready for their favorite trails right out of the box."

A transfer case with 4:1 low range slows vehicle speed down to give the driver more control and increases the amount of torque available at the wheels. This fixed-output NVG241OR transfer case was engineered specifically for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to meet the demanding durability requirements of an intense off-road vehicle. Also for that reason, this package includes heavy-duty drive shafts with 1330 universal joints.

Goodyear Wrangler "Maximum Traction/Reinforced" 31-inch tall tires feature a beefy tread pattern that wraps around the sidewall to help grab ledges along the trail. This state-of-the-art off-road tire includes a three-ply sidewall and advanced silica compound for excellent durability and puncture resistance. The new pattern provides increased tread stiffness and uniform tread wear. Adding a half-inch of ground clearance over the 30-inch tires, these P245/75R16 tires are mounted on new 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels designed with a dished face to protect the wheel from off-road obstacles.

Standard on Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, four-wheel disc brakes are self-cleaning off
road and provide better brake feel on road, with decreased stopping distance and reduced brake fade.

Jeep Proven System
The 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has passed extensive durability and capability testing created just for this model. Jeep engineers added features to current test regimens, as well as new tests, to ensure the durability of this model in severe off-road conditions. The "K4" durability cycle is a mixture of on- and off-road driving focused on evaluating body and suspension components. New sections of track were built for Wrangler Rubicon's version of this test requiring a 4:1 low range transfer case and axle lockers. Engineers have even recreated a section of the "Little Sluice" from the famed Rubicon Trail for testing. Development and validation trips were
taken over some of the most challenging trails across the country. In addition to overall vehicle testing, vigorous bench testing was conducted on key components such as the axles and transfer case.

Unique Exterior Appearance
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features unique exterior design cues and will be available in Inca Gold as well as the other nine Wrangler exterior colors. A 22-inch long "Rubicon" graphic is prominently placed on each side of the hood. Heavy gauge diamond plate sill guards are bolted to the body sides to protect rocker panels from damage in off-road driving.

Rugged Powertrain Choices
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features as standard the 4.0-liter PowerTech™ I-6 mated
to a five-speed manual transmission. Also available with an automatic transmission, the 4.0-liter engine is rated at 190 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm.

New Interior Features Complement Rugged Rubicon Exterior
Wrangler Rubicon gets several interior refinements, while still preserving the true essence of the Jeep brand icon.
New features include:
• Dark Slate Gray or Khaki interior
• Optional interior electrochromatic rear view mirror with temperature/compass
display and map lights
• Four-spoke steering wheel
• Additional power outlet on dash
• New front seat offers additional 20 millimeters of rearward travel and taller seat back for more comfort
• Lever on side of front passenger seat for easier access to rear
• Rear seat easier to tumble forward and remove
• Rear seats now equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for mounting new generation of aftermarket infant child seats
• Corner pods located just behind the b-pillar on both sides of vehicle house interior lamps providing theater lighting and optional speakers, replacing the sound bar
• Sport bar padding with energy absorbing foam Jeep Wrangler is built at the Chrysler Group's Toledo (Ohio) Wrangler assembly plant.

==========================================

Overview ~ Jeep Rubicon ~ The Icon of the Jeep® Brand Takes it to the Extreme with the 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

As the icon of the Jeep® brand, Wrangler continues to be the true, original Jeep vehicle that delivers unmatched open-air fun and freedom with the ability to truly "go anywhere, do anything." Making its debut at the 2002 North American International Auto Show, the new 2003 Wrangler Rubicon delivers tremendous off-road capability previously reserved for highly modified vehicles using aftermarket accessories.

"The four-wheel drive leader since originating the 4x4 category more than six decades ago, the Jeep brand has raised the bar once again with the Wrangler Rubicon, providing the extreme off-road prowess our enthusiast owners are asking for."
Tom Marinelli, Vice President, Chrysler/Jeep Division Global Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

A direct descendent of the "original" Jeep vehicle more than 60 years ago, Wrangler possesses a heritage unique to the Jeep brand – often imitated, but never replicated. Jeep vehicles started as an idea – an idea born out of the need of a country to out-mobilize its adversaries and to liberate those who were captive. Conceived in 1940, the vehicle that later defined the sport-utility category possessed unmatched competence and unflagging spirit. Those qualities are still alive in today's Jeep vehicles.

"The unparalleled ability of Jeep vehicles fosters the go-anywhere, do-anything spirit that is practically a religion to adventure-seekers everywhere."

"While this off-road enthusiast group makes up only a portion of our owners," Marinelli continued, "we know that regardless of how much Jeep owners actually use their Jeep vehicles off-road, they like to know that they have unprecedented capability and security for any on- or off-road condition."

Jeep owners share a unique bond with their vehicles and the 4x4 experience they offer, and Wrangler Rubicon takes that one step further.

The Jeep Wrangler customer is truly unique in that many have wanted a Wrangler for years. "I've always wanted one" is a commonly expressed sentiment. Wrangler owners may be any age, but tend to share many common values: they are adventurous, outdoor people seeking excitement, physical challenge and personal freedom. Jeep owners are true adventurers who know and appreciate the difference between the real thing and an imitation.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon buyer clearly embraces off-road adventure with incredible zest. For this buyer, the premier off-road trails serve as a playground for providing the ultimate in exploration and challenge. The Wrangler Rubicon buyer maximizes the "go anywhere, do anything" adage exclusive to Jeep.

The Jeep Wrangler is core to the Jeep brand's Jeep Jamboree program, one of the best known and longest running customer relationship programs in the industry. Since the early 1950's, Jeep owners and their families have participated in weekend
four-wheel drive adventures called Jeep Jamborees. These family-oriented two-day events are designed to allow Jeep owners the opportunity to hone their skills in off-highway situations, while enhancing respect for the environment.

theatre lighting! and the disc clean themselves!!:eek:
the need to make it stand out more (some?) those little hood logos look weak...

Originally posted by Cutter
theatre lighting! and the disc clean themselves!!:eek:
the need to make it stand out more (some?) those little hood logos look weak...

Now that you mention it, I was disappointed by those weak hood logos too.

What I'm really curious about are those new disk brakes. So they're self-cleaning, that sounds good but are they any bigger? My TJ's brakes are clearly inadequate for my 33" tires, let alone the 35" tires coming in the immediate future.

Being all discs would probably help alot. I noticed a pretty big difference in brake feel going from the 33's to 35's....I can tell the systems' getting taxed alot more.

As for the logo, I think it's OK. I can't stand bold, tacky graphics...
Just a simple sticker to show that you paid way too much will suffice :flipoff2:

Originally posted by Cutter
from Feb. '02 4-Wheel & Off- Road...(I know there's another thread on this, but that thread sucks) :flipoff2:
http://www.cutter.rockcrawler.com/images/rubicon.jpg[/img]http://www.cutter.rockcrawler.com/images/rubicon.jpg


Why:confused:

http://www.rockcrawler.com/reviews/jeep/wrangler_2003_rubicon_preview/index.asp

there is the link to the info on rockcrawler.. although, I knew this was comming I am kinda disapointed it didnt come with the HP 5.9 V8 and the 4500 trany, but I can live. mI think this will be a kick ass rig.. although, I have a feeling this will be the big bang leave for the TJ, kinda like what chrysler did with the grand in 98 with the 5.9 limited. in 2004 it is supposed to be on the liberity chassis from what i heard.. so we will be going from this, to an IFS wrangler... I hope it doesent happen.. it woudl make this a sad sad world we live in.

Originally posted by CowTipper



Why:confused:
:flipoff2:

"Engineers have even recreated a section of the "Little Sluice" from the famed Rubicon Trail for testing. "


why not just go to the rubicon? frickin' lab geeks.

I'd pay good money to see that thing go through the little sluice. I don't see how in the hell it would be possible with 31's, but I'd like to see someone try. :eek:

Press Release
SOURCE: Chrysler Group
The Jeep(R) Brand Announces the Ultimate Off-Road Rig With The 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rubicon name isn't just for a Class 10 off-road trail anymore -- it's also what the Jeep® brand is calling their ultimate off-road rig. Jeep owners travel from around the world to test their four-wheeling skills on the Rubicon Trail in Northern California, considered one of the most demanding 22 miles of off-highway driving in America. Jeep engineers have designed the most capable Wrangler model ever -- and true Jeep owners will realize exactly what that means.
The 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is engineered to take on the most demanding trails, even those previously reserved for only highly modified vehicles.

``The 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features an off-road performance package, as only Jeep can engineer, allowing serious off-road enthusiasts the opportunity to drive over some of the most extreme trails in the country, and then drive it home,'' said Craig Love, Vice President - Activity Vehicle Product Team, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

While its beefy off-road tires and diamond plate sill protectors hint at the tremendous capability of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, it's the underpinnings that make it worthy of wearing the Rubicon name. On sale in summer 2002, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model features Tru-Lok(TM) locking front and rear differentials, front and rear Dana model 44 axles and the Rock-Trac(TM) 4:1 low range transfer case in response to the most demanding off-road enthusiasts.

Jeep Engineered Off-Road Package

The new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has locking differentials that can be driver actuated when the transfer case is in low range and the vehicle speed is less than 10 miles per hour. A dash-mounted rocker switch allows the driver to lock the rear axle and toggle the front axle locker on and off for improved maneuvering. A pneumatic pump runs at just five pounds per square inch for a more reliable and quieter system than is available in the aftermarket. This mechanically locks the axle shafts together to drive all four wheels at the same speed. When not locked, the rear axle has a torque-sensing limited slip feature to provide better traction and handling on-road. Dana model 44 axles with 4.10:1 ratios for both front and rear provide the durability and strength needed for extreme off-road driving.

``This combination of what would typically be aftermarket hardware provides tremendous off-road capability to give our enthusiast owners a rig that is ready for their favorite trails right out of the box,'' continued Love.

A transfer case with 4:1 low range slows vehicle speed down to give the driver more control and increases the amount of torque available at the wheels. This fixed-output NVG241OR transfer case was engineered specifically for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to meet the demanding durability requirements of an intense off-road vehicle. Also for that reason, this package includes heavy-duty drive shafts with 1330 universal joints.

Goodyear Wrangler ``Maximum Traction/Reinforced'' 31-inch tall tires feature a beefy tread pattern that wraps around the sidewall to help grab ledges along the trail. This state-of-the-art off-road tire includes a three-ply sidewall and advanced silica compound for excellent durability and puncture resistance. The new pattern provides increased tread stiffness and uniform tread wear. Adding a half-inch of ground clearance over the 30-inch tires, these LT245/75R16 tires are mounted on new 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels designed with a dished face to protect the wheel from off-road obstacles.

Standard on Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, four-wheel disc brakes are self-cleaning off road and provide better brake feel on road, with decreased stopping distance and reduced brake fade.

Jeep Proven System

The 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has passed extensive durability and capability testing created just for this model. Jeep engineers added features to current test regimens, as well as new tests, to ensure the durability of this model in severe off-road conditions.

The ``K4'' durability cycle is a mixture of on- and off-road driving focused on evaluating body and suspension components. New sections of track were built for Wrangler Rubicon's version of this test requiring a 4:1 low range transfer case and axle lockers. Engineers have even recreated a section of the ``Little Sluice'' from the famed Rubicon Trail for testing. Development and validation trips were taken over some of the most challenging trails across the country. In addition to overall vehicle testing, vigorous bench testing was conducted on key components such as the axles and transfer case.

Unique Exterior Appearance

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features unique exterior design cues and will be available in Inca Gold as well as the other nine Wrangler exterior colors. A 22-inch long ``Rubicon'' graphic is prominently placed on each side of the hood. Heavy gauge diamond plate sill guards are bolted to the body sides to protect rocker panels from damage in off-road driving.

Rugged Powertrain Choices

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features as standard the 4.0-liter PowerTech(TM) I-6 engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Also available with an automatic transmission, the 4.0-liter engine is rated at 190 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm.

New Interior Features Complement Rugged Rubicon Exterior

Wrangler Rubicon gets several interior refinements, while still preserving the true essence of the Jeep brand icon.

New features include:
* Dark Slate Gray or Khaki interior
* Optional interior electrochromatic rear view mirror with
temperature/compass display and map lights
* Four-spoke steering wheel
* Additional power outlet on dash
* New front seat offers additional 20 millimeters of rearward
travel and taller seat back for more comfort
* Lever on side of front passenger seat for easier access to
rear
* Rear seat easier to tumble forward and remove
* Rear seats now equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors
and Tethers for Children) system for mounting new
generation of aftermarket infant child seats
* Corner pods located just behind the b-pillar on both sides of
vehicle house interior lamps providing theater lighting and
optional speakers, replacing the sound bar
* Sport bar padding with energy absorbing foam

Jeep Wrangler is built at the Chrysler Group's Toledo (Ohio) Wrangler assembly plant.


2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Preliminary Specifications
[measurements in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted]

Engine 4.0-liter PowerTech(TM) I-6
Transmission Automatic/Manual
Transfer Case NV241OR with 4.0:1 Low Range
Axle Dana M44 4.10 ratio
Driver selectable electric\pneumatic
locking axles front and rear
Wheelbase 93.4 (2373)
Overall Length (including spare tire) 156.1 (3966.3)
Overall Width 68.2 (1734.6)
Height 70.8 (1800.3) hard top
72.0 (1831.6) soft top
Track (front/rear) 57.6 (1463) / 57.8 (1470)
Running Ground Clearance 10.2 (259.0)
Approach Angle 45.1 degrees
Ramp Breakover Angle 25.8 degrees
Departure Angle 34.4 degrees
Headroom (front/rear) 41.3 (1050.4) / 39.5 (1004) hard top
42.5 (1080.1) / 39.7 (1008.6) soft top
Legroom (front/rear) 40.9 (1040.3) / 35.3 (896.1)

Cargo Volume:
Rear seat up 11.6 cu. ft. hard top
12.0 cu. ft. soft top
Rear seat folded 46.1 cu. ft. hard top
47.7 cu. ft. soft top
Rear seat removed 42.4 cu. ft. hard top
42.4 cu. ft. soft top
Total Volume:
Rear seat up 105.8 cu. ft. soft top
104.0 cu. ft. hard top
Rear seat folded 94.6 cu. ft. soft top
91.6 cu. ft. hard top

Curb Weight 3745 lbs. (1699kg)

Assembly Plant Toledo (Ohio) Wrangler
SOURCE: Chrysler Group

Am I the only one that notices that the picture of the transfer case has a slip yoke while it says the yokes are fixed? Whats the deal with that?

Originally posted by Steve N
I don't see another thread?? Watcha' talkin' 'bout Willis????:nuke:


http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23285&highlight=rubicon:rolleyes:

Originally posted by CowTipper



Why:confused:

I agree. I have a lot less in mine than that and a better setup. Buy a beat up TJ like I did and take all the stock stuff out and sell it. Replace with beef. Save money.

Simple formula.

Personally I don't like it. I don't like the idea of ARB knockoffs in a rig, when Ive seen regular ARB's fail as often as I have. Second, It was pointed out to me that this could be a typical jeep move... Introducing something new and exciting right before a CHANGE. Like the D44 option in the 86 CJ7... Then what happened? The YJ... Go figure. Thats just my .02, and Id rather build it myself...
Scott :grinpimp:<><

Originally posted by 1badjeep
Personally I don't like it. I don't like the idea of ARB knockoffs in a rig, when Ive seen regular ARB's fail as often as I have. Second, It was pointed out to me that this could be a typical jeep move... Introducing something new and exciting right before a CHANGE. Like the D44 option in the 86 CJ7... Then what happened? The YJ... Go figure. Thats just my .02, and Id rather build it myself...
Scott :grinpimp:<><

From what I've always heard, the D44 rear option in the CJ wasn't supposed to be something new and exciting. They ran out of AMC 20s and had to put something back there.

Question....does the 241 have that fawkin slip yoke???

The new 4:1 transfer case definitely has a fixed yoke output. The slip joint has been moved where it should have been all along, to the driveshaft. Jeep also verifies the driveshaft has been substantially beefed up. I don't know if that means it also has a CV joint but at least they're beefing the right areas (including the u-joints) up.

As to the slip yoke on the t-case. The pic is captioned "representative picture". Don't think they had a pic to use so used the standard 231 pic. I saw some pics of a cutaway of the new t-case and diff on another board, and it definately had a fixed yoke.

I personally think this may be a "last hurrah" for the wrangler as someone else pointed out. I've heard rumors that with the new safety regs that are being considered, that Jeep can't figure out how to get the wrangler to meet them without drastically changing the design (just look at the Willys concept).

Man I hope I'm wrong on that.

Robert

I think I'll upgrade to the new rubicon when it comes out. Anyone know where I can get some RUBICON stickers?:rasta:

The auto tranny will be a 3 speed, not 4 speed.

Hey Swamp - I'll sell ya a pair of "Rubicon Express" stickers and you can just trim off the express part.

Uhm. How bout $4,000 :flipoff2:


but you can't have them till summer :p

I've heard that the replacment for the TJ won't have removable doors or a folding windshield. Something to do with meeting crash standards or something:confused: anyone else know anything 'bout this?

Originally posted by Cutter
I've heard that the replacment for the TJ won't have removable doors or a folding windshield. Something to do with meeting crash standards or something:confused: anyone else know anything 'bout this?

I think it also has something to do with mandated side curtain air bags...

I can see it now, you slip off a rock and come down hard on your rocker panel and :nuke: you get slapped upside yer head with an airbag... :rolleyes:


As for the rub edition TJ, I'd rather take the freakin 14 grand I saved on my se and built it.

There is a rolling chassis on display in the Detroit Auto show.It has an automatic trans and it's no 3 speed,looks diferent.


The guy there wouldn't talk about the trans... only the Rubicon related content. Young kid, who seemed to be a wheeler, was working the display.

Overall package looked pretty good to me for a factory offering. The rocker gaurds actually went under the body somewhat.

And NO WORD on Price ... not a good sign. Still want to see it on the trails to prove itself.

That would probably be the 4 speed 604-606 they are converting to rear drive/4x4 use. This is probably last year for 999-904 A-500 type tranny.

Originally posted by ralstonm
"Engineers have even recreated a section of the "Little Sluice" from the famed Rubicon Trail for testing. "


why not just go to the rubicon? frickin' lab geeks.

That's easy! DC doesn't want the public to see the big pieces as they grenade in amongst the rocks. Ask any of the Jeep Jamboree trail mechanics.

I see a lot of negative posts about the Rubicon. I personally see it as a good thing. It has been several years since any manufacturer has even cared about the off road capabilities of anything. The Rubicon may not be built the way our rigs are but it is a hell of a lot better than an Avalanche or Escape or anything else offered for under $30,000 out the door with a warrantee. I may look at one to use a daily driver until I can justify to my wife the money to rebuil it the way it should have been.:beer:

What a bunch O weenies.The best thing about every Jeep is what people do to em after they get em.For people with the $$ That know whats up,This would be a cool start.Slap on some 38's a winch,decent bumpers,pull off the stickers ...dream on add on .Oh yeah ..I am a newbie ,so whatsup fellas ?:flipoff2:

Welcome MrRatBastard!:flipoff2: ...and about the Rubicon, I guess really takin' your Jeep off road is going 'mainstream'...who would o' thunk it? :rasta:

Originally posted by Mr.RatBastard
What a bunch O weenies.The best thing about every Jeep is what people do to em after they get em.For people with the $$ That know whats up,This would be a cool start.Slap on some 38's a winch,decent bumpers,pull off the stickers ...dream on add on .Oh yeah ..I am a newbie ,so whatsup fellas ?:flipoff2:

:flipoff2: :flipoff2: Welcome Newbie!!! :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

I'm thinking 38s would grenade those front U-joints the first time you got it... That's the right attitude though. :D :flipoff2:

Jake

How much$$$$$$$ ?????

I am guessin I could buy a Brand new Tow rig cheaper than this thing.
Or may be a house?... or a bigger garage...I think its a good idea to build a stronger factory unit but you can build the thing alot cheaper yourself....This unit will be good for the people that cant wrench them selves. As for the fancy lockers... HOW MUCH TO REPLACE THEM WHEN YOU DEALER DOESNT WARRANTY THEM? My ARBS are expensive to replace.. I can only imagine these things.... I went down this road when I had my TJ... They advertise the thing as an off road vehicle.. even before the Rubicon edition.. THey voided my warrenty because I had MUD on my undercarriage..every repair had to be authorized by Jeep. All i am saying is be careful before you spend the money on this thing...You go and buy the thing with the intention of wheeling it and your Jeep dealer doesnt stand behind your 35,000$ Jeep when you come in with problems..seems like a big chance for anybody to take...


Milkman..
Just my .02$

96 XJ with stuff..and a tow rig....