A few questions...

[Mighty Mighty Recon]

This is my first post on this forum, so I hope this is where I'm suppose to put a topic like this one. I was looking at AEV's website and saw they only sell Rubicon's as apposed to the standard version of the Wrangler. I'm new to jeeps, and fairly new to off roading (I'm not an expert and dont know a ton about the parts, accesories, ect.). To get to my question... is it worth it to buy the Rubicon that comes with alot of upgraded parts when they are going to be taken off and replaced with an AEV Expedition package anyway? Or can you get a standard Wrangler and the AEV Expedition package and end up with the same thing?

The only off roading I've really done is in a Military version of the G-Wagon, and the various types of Hummer's and other vehicles we use in the military. Ive got a Toyota Tundra right now that sucks at off roading, and I really like the military version of the G-Wagon (we call it the IFAV in the USMC). I was watching Rush-HD (an outdoor sports HD channel on TV) and saw a show called Road to Iceland or something to that affect. There were 3 shows, an hour long each, showing how AEV made a Commander and a Rubicon into real off roading machines.

I am very impressed with their products and want one for myself now. Basically what I'm looking for is a Rubicon (with the electronics package Jeep offers) and the Expedition package. Im also interested in the high-line body kit they put onto the Rubicon in the show, that allows 40" tires with only a very small lift. I like the idea of lots of travel and clearance with a very low lift, keeping the center of gravity very low. The HEMI upgrade sounds awesome, but I doubt I could afford it. I guess I'm looking at about $50,000 for what I want, I plan on buying some time in late 2008 when I get back from my next deployment, the 09 models will be out by then.

[JeepinJon]

Most of the items that make a Rubicon a Rubicon stay on after a conversion from AEV. You still will have the upgraded transfer case, the Dana 44 Axles, front and rear lockers, electronic disconecting differential, and lockers. About the only part that is Rubicon specific that is removed is the suspension. It is a matter of personal opinion as to wether it is worth the money or not to upgrade to a Rubicon, and you could get many different opinions. If you originally planned on upgrading the axles, transfer case, etc... then you may be better off getting an X, but if you were going to keep these parts then the Rubicon is worth it to me.

[Laurie]

The Highline body kit only applies to the TJ's - which is the 1997-2006 Era, there's no such thing for the 1997+ vehicles.

If you want to go to 40" tires with a Hemi motor - the Rubicon is a waste of time as you would be replacing the axles anyway - and it's the axles that make the Rubicon special.

[Mighty Mighty Recon]

Most of the items that make a Rubicon a Rubicon stay on after a conversion from AEV. You still will have the upgraded transfer case, the Dana 44 Axles, front and rear lockers, electronic disconecting differential, and lockers. About the only part that is Rubicon specific that is removed is the suspension. It is a matter of personal opinion as to wether it is worth the money or not to upgrade to a Rubicon, and you could get many different opinions. If you originally planned on upgrading the axles, transfer case, etc... then you may be better off getting an X, but if you were going to keep these parts then the Rubicon is worth it to me.

Alright thanks for the info. It sounds like the Rubicon is the way to go for me, I dont want to have to upgrade the things that a Rubicon comes with like the transfer case and axles, and the differential/lockers ect. I dont think I need anything higher end than what the Rubicon comes with as far as those parts go, I'm not going to be doing extreme trails or anything.

The Highline body kit only applies to the TJ's - which is the 1997-2006 Era, there's no such thing for the 2007+ vehicles.

If you want to go to 40" tires with a Hemi motor - the Rubicon is a waste of time as you would be replacing the axles anyway - and it's the axles that make the Rubicon special.

Alright, so if I want the high line body kit to run 37" to 40" tires I would need to buy a TJ Rubicon (97-06). The HEMI sounds great (and fun) but I doubt I could afford it right now. Is there a reason why a high line body kit for the JK Rubicons isnt being made? Is one on the design board? I want to run 37" wheels with about a 3" lift.

[xjski03]

A JK has wide enough wheel openings that it doesn't really need a highline kit. You can run a 37" tire with just a couple inches of lift.

[JeepinJon]

On the JK if you run aftermarket flenders you can usually run a 35" tire without ligt, and a 37" tire with 2.5 - 3" of lift, and a 40" tire with 4" of lift. These fenders also usually require some creative trimming, so when you instal them, be ready to have something available so you can flex and see what you need to trim to get them to work.

[Mighty Mighty Recon]

Thanks for the info. So if I want lots of options and availability in parts and accesories then I need to get a TJ?