TJ Rubicon

[billsta]

man i havent been to JU for a while so i went and had a look at it tonight, (coz wooders bought it up) :D

look at these pics of the Rubicon (http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=282949)

[billsta]

more Pics (http://www.michiganjeepers.com/photopost/showgallery.php?thumb=1&stype=2&si=Jeremy&cat=500&perpage=12&sort=1&user=2) here

[billsta]

and another one here (http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=282929)

[billsta]

assembly line pics here (http://rockcrawler.com/reviews/jeep/wrangler_2003_rubicon/wrangler_2003_assembly/index.asp)

[TheDoc]

So whats the story with these. Are they going to replace the wrangler, or are they a totally different model alltogether. I've seen the specs. Nice. Whats the AUS$ damage going to be? From some of the prices I'd heard it still sounded like it would be better value to line up a Wrangler and do the mods yourself?

[billsta]

well doc.
the rubicon has a Dana 44 in the front & rear, current has a dana 30 and a 44 rear standard. but in the US, think the 44 rear is an options, so me thinks that is sort of more of a bonus for the US.

then the rubicon has a 4:1 tranxfer case, not sure what it is, but the current standard NV231 has a 2.73 reduction, and if you want to go lower, you have to go a TeraLow (4:1??), or something else.

the diff ratio is 4.1:1 in the ruby i think, and the standard diff ratio in the AUS version is only 3.07:1

and some sort of factory diff locks... (ask wooders)

then the Ruby also comes standard 31" MTR's instead of 28" GSA's

thats all i konw, not sure about the price off the showroom here...

however, i do like the 44 front, but then again i rather modifying a current TJ, (although spending more money), its more fun and personalise than buying a Ruby TJ...

think wooders might have more info, but correct me if im worng.

cheers

[ 03 September 2002, 11:26 PM: Message edited by: billsta ]

[BlackCat]

According to various reports I've read they will initially produce only 8,000 units and all with lefthand drive, so that rules out Australia at this stage.

However, a mate involved with Chrysler Jeep Australia says they are lobbying like mad to get it released here as an additional model. Similar lobbying is going on in the UK which is significant because that's about the only other major righthand drive market.

He reckons that if they are successful, it will arrive towards the middle of next year.

While I can see that "building" a Jeep might be more fun, buying one with those items (lower range transfer case, 4 speed auto, four wheel disks, lift, bigger wheels and tyres, air lockers) totally under warranty has a certain appeal also - depending on price of course.

[Wooders]

Pretty good there Billsta.
Here a quick comparision to the Aussie stock TJ

Rear diff
TJ - Dana44, 3.07:1 & Trashlok LSD...Oh yeah drum brakes.
Rubi - Dana44, 4.10:1 & pneumatic diff lock (locks at 6-7PSI compared to 85PSI of air lockers)....Oh yeah Disc brakes...
Front diff
TJ - Dana30, 3.07:1 & open.
Rubi - Dana44, 4.10:1 & pneumatic diff lock (same as rear)
Transfer case
TJ - 2.72:1 with slip yoke output shaft (read sh1t)
Rubi - 4.0:1 with fixed yoke output shaft (read SYE).
Gearbox
TJ - 5spd Manual or 3spd Auto
Rubi - 5spd Manual or 4spd Auto

There are a few things that make it an uphill battle to get the ruby out here:
1. SWB rigs have NEVER been strong sellers - possible excption Suzy Vitara....
2. People have called new TJ's expensive - I'd think ywe'll be looking $45-50k for a rubi
3. I recall (unsure of source) that there were complaints that the tyres were too agressive for stock rig specs and that IF the Rubi is released we'll probably get 31" GSA's graemlins/madfinger.gif

[ 04 September 2002, 09:11 AM: Message edited by: Wooders ]

[flappa]

You guys have far more info then me, but from an outsiders point of view, who happens to follow these type of things, Its my feeling that it just wont happen. (hey I hope I'm wrong)

As its been said, the only other major RHD market is the UK and even they aren't going to pay the sort of cash these little beauties are going to cost because they aren't massed produced. Also, who is going to buy them. From the specs they will be the business offroad, but onroad could be questionable. They're not going to be selling too many if they are ONLY good on the dirt.

Many of you guys would buy em straight away, but selling 50 or so to hard core Jeepers wont bring them in.

[Wooders]

Graeme,
The other thing is many of us already have too much $$ tied up in our current rigs to bother buying a new rig - that we'd STILL want to modify ;)

[flappa]

Your right Wooders.

For a newcomer that REALLY wants to have a kickass Jeep its probably money well spent. In fact, its like to save some money because some of the first set of mods have already been done for you. But, as I've seen here, that just ain't enough, so you spend more money on what is really a limited edition Jeep appealling to a limited amount of people.

[billsta]

Originally posted by Wooders:
Pretty good there Billsta.
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">hehe i konw the newer jeeps :D

[Phil]

From a glance I have read the Rubicon is made for Mexico, the continental US and Canada only, no plans for export.They run from about $25,500US base to average extras of about $28,500US.
Their Base model wrangler starts about $15,500US averaging about $19000US optioned.
My 2cents worth plus GST

[Steve]

I've said this before, but most factory components don't seem to be all that good. Which makes me dubious about the quality of the Rubicon Diff locks and 4:1 transfer case. Leave it to the aftermarket guys that are specialists I say. Plus it's only running 31's. You still have to lift it right away. And after paying that much $$$ it would be a bit of a disappointment.

[Gordo]

[looong]

http://rockcrawler.com/reviews/jeep/wrangler_2003_rubicon/wrangler_2003_assembly/index.asp

thanks Bilsta I needed to something to do... tongue.gif

I managed to get the REAL quotes for the assembly line pics in the above link. Just match the pic (going L to R) to the caption number

Pics from left (first large preview is actually pic 10)

Pic 1

Charlie assembles one of the few 'au nautrale' versions of Rubicon for owners wishing to cut down on weight the body can be ordered as an optional extra.

Pic 2

Fred fills any unfilled gaps found in the driveline with the Jeep hot glue gun.

Pic 3

Barney, on day-release, eyes off the new design alloys wondering if his lug nuts will fit.

Pic 4

Beryl interrupted making scones by Steve, doing something very fast with his left hand, inadvertantly pours marmalade into the alternator.

Pic 5

Shazza, Beryl's daughter-in-law on work experience is learning how to install an 'engine warning' sensor encouraging the owner to return to the dealer for immediate $ervice. Meanwhile Steve (Beryl's hubby) has become tired and resorts to using a long straight instrument for his evil desires.

Pic 6

Jesus and Dick ensure the the engine-gearbox assembly is correctly aligned to produce the required unfindable rattle at 87kmh and effectively strip the bash plate bolt threads.

Pic 7

Gladice expertly wields the 'leak gun' to ensure adequate fluid leaks are judiciously applied to all systems.

Pic 8

Mavis hand spins metal filings into the alternator for ruggedability testing. She has 300 more to do today.

Pic 9

Bob - taillight flusher, thinking about the Knicks game, accidentally mounts the taillights outside the tub. After a while this is adopted as common practice.

Pic 10

Bubba from the sheltered workshop installs the patented spray-fuel-all- over-your-leg device into all Jeep fuel fillers. He is ,however, yet to learn to proper place to install a flare.

Pic 11

Brutus and Adolf perform both rollcage and body rigidity tests by lowering the unforgiving 3 ton hydraulic ram onto the unsuspecting TJ.

Pic 12

Some tarmac-bound customers opt for the optional 23" body lift kit.

Pic 13

Barry puts the final touches on the optional textured blue fenders. It is unlikely the incorrectly mounted computer on the bonnet will pass final inspection though.

Pic 14

Engleburt applies the final coat of "mad ass gold" while the retro paper-look Rubicon rollcage decal drys.

Pic 15

Frieda and Molasses ensure perfect dash fitment to provide unobstructed operation of the 'dump-water-on-your-feet-when-it-rains-valve'.

Pic 16

Simon 'aka happy' ensures an ample supply of laughing gas for all staff responsible for placing spot welds on the vehicles.

Pic 17

Employees who don't meet stringent quotas are inflicted with medievil punishment such as 'green top and gloves day'. Productivity increases almost immediately.

Pic 18

Kev and Brett install patented 'insto-strip' locking compound to all Torx head bolts found on the vehicle.

Pic 19

Cherry applies the limited edition 'purity' edition with 'Jee' decal catering for owners that denouce 4 letter words as being "of the devil".

Pic 20

Crystal paints all the 'owner servicable' parts in yellow after sharpening all accessible edges under the bonnet with her air saw.

Pic 21

Larry and Mo at work with the So-Easy gun and bubblegum - a secret radiator additive.

Pic 22

Larry fills the Charcoal canister with 100% safe and budget-priced recycled asbestos and plutonium.

Pic 23

Bubba drills the edges off the locknuts to meet the patented 'quick-shear' specifications. Optional PVC rear seat cover for customers with gland problems pictured.

Pic 24

Archibald engages the 'mud vacuum' flange on the TPS.

Pic 25

Bob performs the cutting-edge 'spark test' on the battery terminals with a shifter to ensure good voltage.

Pic 26

Bob discovers the power of the new 4000CCA battery in the Rubicon and becomes fused to the terminals. But he's not worried as Jeep have a great medical plan.

Pic 27

This vehicle has failed the leaky rear main test (no hot oil on Leroy's scalp) so he must repeatedly strike the bellhousing and block with an air hammer until the test is passed.

Pic 28

Holly applies the 'microsonic crack installation tool' to the exhaust header.

Pic 29

Now the hardtop has been hanging overnight from the 'sag inducer' it's ready to be fitted.

Pic 30

Unfortunately this vehicle has a non-leaking power steering box and as such will be dismantled and remanufactured to ensure compliance.

Pic 31

Chiko applies one last essential item - the 'slam-the-seatbelt-in-the-doorlatch-retainer'. Without it, it cannot be sold.

Pic 32

Fitting the exotic image of the Jeep a deceased python from Detroit zoo provides the ideal conversation piece draped in the engine bay of this Black Rubicon.

Pic 33

Handbrake cables can be seen being pre-stretched before delivery.

Pic 34

Delivery drivers have a few quiet final moments to place any spare airbag, driving or random warning stickers of their choosing about the cabin.

[billsta]

hahaha..
they are you family and friends??? :D :D :D :D

[zzzz]

the uk market could possibly be strong and work for us here. the pound is a strong currency and they can already buy landrover defender 90's which are a similar cost, short wheel base, v8, hard core 4 wheel drive.

anyways - i want them to ship a few here, as soon as they crash people can get the parts out of them.

smile.gif

[flappa]

zzzz, I hope your right.

Is there really a big market for imported, and esentially a limited edition, hardcore 4wd in the UK ? Isn't the Landrover a locally produced product?

I would think it would be a BIG project to turn a LHD Rubicon into RHD. I'm thinking it would have been engineered in that configuration rather than just put together, if you get my drift. To then turn around an basically re-engineer the vehicle for RHD for probably a limited run would be expensive.

Hey, as I said, I hope I'm wrong and they bring some out, hopefully I can then get someones handmedown Jeep a bit cheaper ;)

[BlackCat]

There is a reasonable market for the TJ in the UK if their jeeping and offroad sites are anything to judge by, though most of them probably don't spend too much time off road except for forestry trails, private land etc.

Interestingly enough, Land Rover is about to release the Defender Extreme 90 in Australia, which means they once again see a market for a 'shorty', having dropped the 90 from the local range. The Extreme version is selling gangbusters in Europe. It has the 2.5 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual, ABS, electronic traction control and permannt 4WD and it isn't going to be cheap, either - probably around mid $40s for a vehicle that I don't think has the appeal of the TJ.

[Gordo]

Yeah mate, alla my cuzzins

[BlackCat]

It's official - according to Chrysler Australia the Rubicon will be released in Australia as part of the 2004 model range, which I guess means in December 2003.

[Phil]

3f would you have a source for that , Id like to check that out further

[billsta]

dudes at SVM told me that the Rubi TJ are coming, as well as a few other cool chrysler vehicles. but from the mag i have, DC in the US claims that they are only making 8000 units for the time being, so we'l ahve to see how many will get to Aust. graemlins/dunno.gif

[Jeff]

Better get the girlfriend to start saving!

(She wants a 4 speed auto Rubicon, gotta love a Jeepchick!)

[BlackCat]

My source is Guy Oakes from Wagon Wheels Jeep with whom I tried a few months ago to place an order for a Rubicon Sport dualtop. He checked with Chrysler and was given the information I gave you earlier.

[ 19 September 2002, 03:17 PM: Message edited by: 3Fingers ]

[sir_camel]

I heard the 8000 is just a first run. More will follow...fingers crossed (for those who will buy one).

[Jeff]

I was reading a post on JU about a guy who just bought one off the lot - Bastard graemlins/madfinger.gif :mad:

[big red beast]

i am currently studying the Tj wrangler for uni to do anew advertsing and promtional study for it. - trying to reposition it in the rural market - ********en hard tho stupid farmers love their toyota's.

i have looked into the rubicon and spoken to many people in the daimler chrysler corp. as well as other jeep associates.
currently the jeep has no idication that the rubicon will be released here. if it is released they expect it to be sold for approx 53 to 58k. thats alot of money for a car that doesnt offer much
yes me and you guys say its a top car but from the public point of view it is expensive - currently the standard TJ sport and renegade are considered expensive, that is why the price was dropped extensively since it was released in 97.

TJ wrangler = no luxury
this is good for 4wding but how many do you think really hit the bush - not that many.
most are used as a fashion accessory to increase ones self image - the shitb i ahve to think about in marketing hehehe : )

personally from a selling point of view i dont think the rubicon will happen - maybe on special order only if it does happen

[Wooders]

Soory BRB, I disagree, if it doesn't happen with a large order then it won't happen, you won't be able to simply order one in RHD...

[Qten]

Isn't it weird in the factory photos nobody is waring any type of uniform. ??? :D

[AZ AUSSIE]

I saw my first real life Wrangler Rubicon today here in Phoenix.
I followed it on the highway for a k or 2. The owner had put a CB antenna on it and a nice dent in the fuel tank.
Lets hope he was driving it offroad when he dinged the tank.
Still looks like it needs a needs a lift.

1985 EFI 4Runner
33" BFG Muds
Detroit locker
3" Downey lift
4.88 gears, etc