I am looking at grabbing a 2010 Unlimited (trading my 2008 2dr Sahara). I plan on lifting it and throwing on new tire/wheels among some other upgrades. My question is this: with the upgrades necessary to lift a 2010 Unlimited, does it make much of a difference which model I get? Obviously I still need to do research on upgrading the vehicle. But, is the Rubicon decal worth the cost (less $$$ for upgrades)?

 

The trim level won't matter at all for suspension upgrades. however if you were to get a rubicon you would probably be getting better gearing for your larger tires. Depending on how big you are going to go, you may need to regear the rubi anyway. But if yo were going to run 33's, the rubicon with 4.10's would be much better that a sport with 3.21's. but if you were going to go with 35's, 3.21's would suck and 4.10's would be barely acceptable.

 

Thanks for the thoughts Rich! I plan on going 35's or 37's.

 

If you plan on that tire size.. then the rubi may not be worth it... you will need to regear any way, and then you can add the axle lockers, swaybar discos, and lower gears in 4-low for the money your gonna spend on a rubi... just my .02! CHEERS!

 

Then the Rubicon the difference would be the electric lockers, electric sway bar disconnects and the 4:1 4WD-low ratio of the transfer case. Only you can determine of those things are important enough to you to spend the extra $$ for a Rubicon.

 

If you are even considering 37's, plan on them.

Search for opinions on running 37's on a D30. Search again to see just how many with an X/Sahara have swapped in rubi 44's and/or a rubi t-case, and how many have paid to add lockers. (or beefed up a 30, only to scrap it and then move up)

If you are going to 37's, and do not plan on dropping in 60's and moving up to 40+ inch tires, a Rubi may be the better way to go. Then again, if you are just running back and forth to the mall, a D30 will probably be fine for 37's.




But, you already have a Sahara. You know what they come with, and you already know whether those upgrades are something you would want...

 

if you get a rubi and run 37's you may have to upgrade the front axle if you bend. this is a tough question i ask myself all the time..........."if i had to do it over"

 

Get the Rubicon, you wont regret it.

Flash

 

I just got a Rubicon Unlimited and added RC3.25 lift and 35 inch FCII's. Mine is a manual. I also did all the research and was going for the X Sport with Tow package to get the 3:73 based on the tires I wanted. Mine is basicaly Daily Driver. I was able to swing a deal on a new Rubicon and now on this side, I am glad I did it. The 4:10's are a must if going to 35's. I cannot believe I would have been happy with the 3:73's and 35 tires. As to all the other pieces on the Rubicon, the heavy duty shafts and transfercase will be good if I do decide to take it out somewhere and do some wheeling. Overall, I am happy with what I have and feel it was worth the extra. Tires, wheels, RC3.25 was around $2700.00 shipped and I did the lift myself with my son's help.
Hope this helps.
Tim