How much $$$ would it cost to do all these mods?

[displayname]

Damn... what is the absolutely cheapest Rubicon build, how much would that cost? Get the cheapest Rubicon... you will not regret it...

I agree, if one can afford it and wants to build out a jeep then I think it's worth it. But not everyone needs it, wants it, or can afford it. Lucky for all of us consumers, between Jeeps wide range of engine and trim options, combined with the aftermarket, there is a Wrangler for most people if they want it.

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[AcesandEights]

...

Has anyone tried the Costco discount route? we're trying that this week, and will compare to the tread lightly discount. .

Thanks!

I went this route, mostly out of convenience, but also price. The Costco deal took about fifteen minutes via e-mail. BTW, I ordered the Jeep. Then it took an hour to pick it up (pre-delivery stuff, finance, etc.) Mine is a two-door Rubicon, soft-top, manual transmission with tow package, Alpine and proximity key. I think I got about 6.25% off sticker.

MSRP: $43,775
Costco: $41,050

 

[displayname]

I went this route, mostly out of convenience, but also price. The Costco deal took about fifteen minutes via e-mail. BTW, I ordered the Jeep. Then it took an hour to pick it up (pre-delivery stuff, finance, etc.) Mine is a two-door Rubicon, soft-top, manual transmission with tow package, Alpine and proximity key. I think I got about 6.25% off sticker.

MSRP: $43,775
Costco: $41,050

I wonder if that's typical Costco, or if that's a symptom of current pricing. Certainly not bad in today's market, but sounds like certain dealers still doing 5-6% under invoice could beat it.
But that certainly would close the gap for those of us that would need to travel to get those 5%+ under invoice deals.

 

[entropy]

Ok... so I am in a somewhat annoying situation, because I bought a sport S to begin with and started wheeling the shit out of it and got hooked. I found a 39k MSRP 2019 JL back in 2019 for 31.5k and couldnt let that deal pass. Right now, trading for a rubi will end up costing me more than modifying my sport.

I'll start by saying, upgrading the sport axles is NOT a waste of money. If you are not going bigger than 35s the new dana axles are stronger than the JK ones. Also, if you get an LSD package you get a dana44 on the rear.

Can you end up wheeling a very capable rig and spending less than buying a Rubicon? YES you can. With a few caveats.

1) You should not go larger than 35s.
2) You will need to put a lot of work into installing stuff yourself.
3) you will need to stick with sport transfer case.
4) You MIGHT need to be ok with staying stock gears.
5) You will not get any of it back when selling, so this is a keeper.

Think takeoffs!!!!

For rubicon like capabilities you can find a set of rubi takeoff suspension for $150 and a set of rubicon wheels/tires for $1200. You install the suspension yourself and you are at $1350. If you have a rear LSD, believe me, it is extremely capable. And if it is a 2 door you might call it a day after adding rock sliders.

An LSD is no locker.... alright add a front locker. $1500 is the cheapest quote I got parts+labor. There you go. $2,850 and I assure you this rig will go where rubicons go until the LSD craps out. Then get a rear locker installed. $4,350. Shit starts adding up huh?.

This is were my sport will likely end up in the next year or two. That would make it a 35,850 2 door with MT 33s, front and rear locker. When I bought my JL I could not find a rubi for less than ~43k(hardtop+AT). When my 33s wear out I might get 34s.

GAMECHANGER!

The Rubicon XT is coming out, it might become very popular. There are also rumors than rubicons will all be XT package in the coming years. XT takeoffs might become the ticket for sport owners!.

Ok.... that was a somewhat long post... I am building a sport to fit my needs and still spending less money than if I went with the Rubicon. Here is the thing, if I could go back in time? yeap I would've bought a Rubicon. But I did learn a lot with my sport. If I got a Rubicon instead, it will likely still be stock and I would have no idea on how to even replace a shock. I had to replace all 4 shocks last weekend because my shocks were not in great condition.

Oh... and if you still think regearing is worth it. $4000 is the cheapest quote I got for front+rear lockers + regearing, so that would put me into a 36,850 rig. Still. not bad.

Just get the Rubicon.... but do know that you can wheel a sport, and it is possible to spend a little less.

 

[entropy]

It would cost way too much.

Not everyone needs a Rubicon but you do.

I have seen too much buyers remorse on this forum from people who want to do Rubicon level trails and didn't buy one. It is just too sad.

I do "rubicon level" trails with my barely modified sport with rear LSD. No issues. Just need a front locker to do them with more "finesse" thats all. But doing these trails with an open front has probably helped improve my skill. That a lot of people don't have and can only do "rubicon level trails" with lockers activated and oversized tires. yeap.

 

[aldo98229]

Shouldda got a Rubicon...

?

 

[AcesandEights]

I wonder if that's typical Costco, or if that's a symptom of current pricing. Certainly not bad in today's market, but sounds like certain dealers still doing 5-6% under invoice could beat it.
But that certainly would close the gap for those of us that would need to travel to get those 5%+ under invoice deals.

I don't recall if it's typical; however, it may be. I tried to purchase another vehicle just a few weeks later and the participating dealer (different dealer, different brand) refused to honor the Costco deal based on the current market. I found the vehicle on their lot and they wouldn't honor the Costco price...so?

 

[Jeepeto]

I do "rubicon level" trails with my barely modified sport with rear LSD. No issues. Just need a front locker to do them with more "finesse" thats all. But doing these trails with an open front has probably helped improve my skill. That a lot of people don't have and can only do "rubicon level trails" with lockers activated and oversized tires. yeap.

I agree. I got a lot of places I shouldn't have been able to get with a LSD sport +35" tires and a 2" lift. It requires an amount of commitment that the rubicon does not, but it's very capable. I called Jeepeto the crowd pleaser, everyone liked watching it go up the hard stuff cause it was dramatic, but, it made it up a lot of stuff. I learned more from that Jeep than I would have if I had jumped straight to a fully built Rubicon for sure.

Buy the Jeep you can afford.

 

[entropy]

Buy the Jeep you can afford.

This pretty much says it all. A jeep is a jeep. A jeep can go places, rubi or not. driver skill can go a long ways.

 

[Jamrock]

I do "rubicon level" trails with my barely modified sport with rear LSD. No issues. Just need a front locker to do them with more "finesse" thats all. But doing these trails with an open front has probably helped improve my skill. That a lot of people don't have and can only do "rubicon level trails" with lockers activated and oversized tires. yeap.

Of course. Easily.

We all know what can be done with a modified Sport. That is not the issue. There is a world of a difference between you and someone who is new to Jeeps.

I have seen too many posts from new Jeepers who have bought a Sport and are just now realizing what is required to modify it. Too many understand after they have gone out on trails for the first time with friends who are driving properly modified Sports or Rubicons.

You don't need a Rubicon but some people do.

 

[Jamrock]

I agree. I got a lot of places I shouldn't have been able to get with a LSD sport +35" tires and a 2" lift. It requires an amount of commitment that the rubicon does not, but it's very capable. I called Jeepeto the crowd pleaser, everyone liked watching it go up the hard stuff cause it was dramatic, but, it made it up a lot of stuff. I learned more from that Jeep than I would have if I had jumped straight to a fully built Rubicon for sure.

Buy the Jeep you can afford.

Okay...

That is you. How many years have you owned a Jeep?

@191185,

If you really want to, go for it. Let us know how much it costs and how long it takes for you to get there. I am curious to know. You can be the case study.

You are also likely to need a set of auxillary switches. These are buttons in the Jeep that allow you to turn the lockers on and off. You can also use them to control additional lights, etc.

If on the other hand, you want to be up and running quickly, buy a Rubicon. This is specifically because you want to use your Jeep to go on difficult trails.

People who are going on old mining roads, poorly maintained rural roads, camping, light to moderate trails, etc. will be fine with a Sport or Sahara.

Buy the correct tool for the job.

 

[Jeepeto]

Okay...

That is you. How many years have you owned a Jeep?

I had a 92 YJ that I thrashed in muddy outlaw trails as a kid (don't be a dick like me, I was young and stupid), but this is the first Jeep I've ever "wheeled" in a proper sense. I showed up in Moab, on paper plates, 4 days after purchase and started with Fins-n-Things. It was a crazy experience, but I learned so much. I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't think you have to have a fifty thousand dollar rig in order to go off road. You will not be limited by your thirty thousand dollar Jeep for a long time. And when the day finally comes that you feel like you need to upgrade, you'll already be hooked, and willing to sell a kidney for your next rig. It's not Ruby or nothing. If OP can't afford a Rubi, he can go a long way with an LSD sport.

 

[Jeepeto]

Go for it. Let us know how much it costs and how long it takes for you to get there. I am curious to know. You can be the case study.

You are also likely to need a set of auxillary switches. These are buttons in the Jeep that allow you to turn the lockers on and off. You can also use them to control additional lights, etc.

I think you may be under the impression I'm suggesting building out a sport with lockers/gears/etc. as per the original post. I'm definitely not suggesting that, just that you can get away with a cheaper Jeep until you can purchase a Rubi. See my earlier post about the XR package if you plan on 35" tires/lockers/4.56 gears anyway.

I'm only suggesting an LSD sport as OP commented that it was such a steep increase in price for the Rubi.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...-cost-to-do-all-these-mods.78337/post-1633415

 

[entropy]

Okay...

That is you. How many years have you owned a Jeep?

@191185,

3 years.

If you are going to ski, or mountain bike, or wtver. Do you buy the top of the line to start with?

OP shouldnt have to feel he needs to push his finances if he doesnt want to. Yeah I agree OP. Rubicons are really darn expensive. I can buy one, right now. But I chose to be a bit more financially responsible.

 

[OBJLU]

Get the Rubicon and the XR package, it's a great deal, you'll be set if you aren't planning on modding any further - throw some 37's on it when you get bored. Factor in Labor, parts, your time, etc. and also, the 4:1 transfercase that comes with the Rubicon.

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