buying new Jeep - help !!?

-Brian

Or you could save 20k to 25k and buy a use CJ in great shape. Pay less license taxes too.

then you can accessorize and build your own.

Me.. I want one of each!

-- Jim(looking for a TJ)G

I believe you can get Dana44 axles for all models but not the lockers and transfercase of the rubi

if you dont get the rubi get the heavy axles and tow package and large tire option, unless u want small tires...

If you ever think about offroad then IMO you cant go better than rubicon! For the price its a good value ...

The other models are just about "soft" options, like accoessories, sound, doors, top .... the harsh difference is the rubicon.

I think either way you have to applaude Jeep to build and for a fair price sell a fullout off road 4x4, thats unheard of these days (even before).

Matt

Although the Dana 44 is available on the rear of any model, I don't think you can get the 44 front axle on anything but the Rubicon.

-- JimG

You can't get the dana 44 on the X. Only the dana 35.

that's the only reason I bought a sport.

While not well-know to the "newbie," know that the Sahara might not wear as well as the Sport off-road (otherwise known as "the Sahara might be good for your sister"). For example, your flares are painted, which is likely to peal off when hit by something, and the side steps will reduce your clearance and might take a rock hit or two.

I bought a Sport and loaded it with nearly all the options of a Sahara.

Paint's on tight and won't peel off - you get a bit of crazing or you can rub it throught to the plastic though. Dave Milne, Scotland '99 TJ 4.0 Sahara

Yup. That makes the X a no-go IMO.

My Opinions on the Models:

--------------------------

X: Useless - no rear 44 option.

Sport: Good deal. Has the fogs (sure, they aren't as good as IPF or PIAA, but I like having them none the less), but most importantly, has the rear 44 option. GET IT! It comes with 3.73 gearing instead of

Sahara: Adds silly accessories that aren't as good as the aftermarket counterparts if you really go off-road. I actually have a Sahara I bought used (good deal couldn't pass up). I'll put in an enthusiastic hear, hear to whoever mentioned the annoyance of those sahara sidesteps. They have wedged a rock under me once so I needed a strap (would've slid over otherwise), and I have broken the plastic passenger side step off twice (don't ask why I reinstalled it...). If you like the kind of goodies it includes, though, then it's a nice jeep, and quite good off-road. I can't remember if the 44 is an option or standard for this model, if an option, of course you'll want to get it.

Rubicon: Woop! As others said, if you really intend to go off-road, and not just drive around town and on a couple dirt roads once a year, this is a good investment. It's amazing what these things can do with their selectable lockers, incredible low-range 4:1 t-case, and 4.10 diff gears. And if you get the auto (which works quite nicely...a friend has it), you can crawl so slow it hurts (i.e. hurts waiting for the guy to inch his way over an obstacle). Crawling that slow has its advantages though; he hasn't broken anything yet.

Tomb Raider Rubi: Don't even think about it. Stupid vehicle. You can get better quality and better looking (and most assuredly better priced) aftermarket add-ons than what the TR Rubi includes.

/Bob

...and then you gave it to your sister? :)

The pa> While not well-know to the "newbie," know that the Sahara might not wear as