mizedog

I bought an '08 X on October 1st. It has the 3.73s (darn) and came only with the soft top. The dealer ordered a hard top and wiring kit drop-shipped to my door for $1,500.00! The build date on the top is in September of '08 but it still leaks in one place only - right on top of the radio tower (not good). I've heard that installing the top panels correctly is the key. Since it's winter here ( 1 degree last night), I haven't played with it yet.

Comments on the 3.73s with my stock 32's:
Fine for the street (except on start offs it's touchy and I stall sometimes).
Great for gas mileage ( I get 20 to 21 mpg regularly).
I do use 6th gear as low as 45 mph, but that cruising. Any big hills and I'm in 5th. I bought the Jeep in Utah on the way back from a west coast visit and had a chance to do I-70 over the Rocky mountains. No problem. I think I was able to stay in 5th over the high passes.

There were not many JKs on the lots, but there were some '07s. I found that because they were '07s, they had dealer-installed options like lifts, bumpers, etc. The problem with that is that they came with HUGE markups (up to $10k for parts costing as little as $2,000).

I'd go for the '08 since the prices are basically the same, and most of the computer/ ESP quirks have been worked out.

I will be going with 33s or 34s and will probably suffer through the high gears until I can afford a locker or two. Then I'll go with at least 4.56s since I don't have a 4:1 t-case, and live at 7,000 ft elevation.

Good luck!

theosdad

I do plan on keeping it forever so the 6k loss I am ok with. I drive on the freeway all day as I am a mobile chiropractor. I think the 4:10s sound like they would work better.

davebloomer

ok, if you're keeping it forever than ur making the right choice for doing a lot of driving.

tin

if u go with the 07 prepare to spend the first few months taking it to the dealer for recall issues and leaky roof non fixes.

boots

OK Guy's,
I am new to this forum, very new. But not new to Jeeps. I have just ordered a new 2008 JK Rubicon 4dr.
I went with the Rubicon because of the Air Lockers, Dana 44's and 4:10 gears. I am going to install a 4.5" lift and run 37x12.50-17 BFG tires and wanted the 4:10's. Just remember that the RPM differance between the 3:73 and 4:10 is about 5% and the 3:23 to 4:10 is just a tad over 10%, I now it does'nt sound like much but every little bit will help when you start hauling them big tires around.
The other thing to think about is cost. It is alot cheeper to get what you want from the factory than to install it later (ie) gears and Lockers.
Whell that my 2cents for what it's worth.

Boots


ps: for 2008 the Rubicon is the only Jeep that comes with 4:10 gears

pearl-drum-man

Running 37's you'll be a good candidate to regear anyways. What's the wait for your 08 Rubi?

Henri

I wanna say it's the molding on the 2 pannels upfront. I have an '07 Sahara and it was leaking pretty bad until dealer replaced both pannels w/ones from an '08. So far that has taken care of it, knock on wood

I'd prolly go w/an '08 if I was buying now....that way like others said you get the upgraded parts. You can always re-gear later.

boots

There are just no dealers in a 200 mile area from me who have a Rubicon that they will dealer trade, So I had to order one, and at this time it seems that Rubicon's are the last orders to be filled by Jeep. At first I thought my dealer was just giving me the run around but after talking to two other dealers they said about the same thing. Rubicon's are slow getting out for shipment.

Well I should'nt have said no dealers, we did find three that would trade but two of the Rubicon's were stick and the other was the wrong color. (I can't do Yellow)

As far as doing a gear change, I may not have to between the 4:10s and a Uni-chip I may be alright. Their is a aftermarket Jeep dealer in the area that has the same set up on his 07 Rubicon and after getting a ride in his I was very surprised in the power.

yetibear

pps: 'lectric lockers, not air.

boots

Yes your right, but under lifetime warrenty. Try getting that with aftermaket air lockers.