How do you like your JKU Rubicon?

[RockyMtRebel]

I’m thinking about trading my RAM in for a JKU (used) and wondering if anyone could give me an honest review? Off road capability is amazing, already know that! I’m mostly interested in dependability, daily driver manners, comfort and overall ownership satisfaction on a daily driven JKUR. Don’t care much about stereo equipment but seat comfort, handling on road/highway, and any issues that may have come up.

I’m also curious if Jeep dealerships were helpful for any warranty issues or if they were difficult to deal with.

I know there are lots of these vehicles out there so let me know what you like and dislike about your!!!

[ColoJeeper]

My thoughts on my 2011 JKU:

Engine is underpowered, buy a 2012 or newer JKU.

Have a 2 1/2" TeraFlex lift kit and it eats ball joints, I've replaced them twice in 50,000 miles.

4:10 gears were fine for 33" tires, but now running 35" tires and it needs regeared.
Have the 6 speed manual transmission, and after putting 35" tires on it, I never use 6th gear.

With the bigger tires, the jeep loves to wander and follow the ruts in the road, and if you break hard it likes to try to change lanes on you.

I am happy with the ride I get, but to compare, my other two jeeps are a 86 CJ-7 and a 95 YJ, both of which ride like old buckboard wagons.

The swaybar disconnect is problematic, and was not not covered under the warranty when it went out, and cost of repair was $2000 as they don't sell parts and you have to replace the entire assembly.

My JKU is not a daily driver, and I doubt that I would keep it if it had to perform as a daily driver for me. After an all day drive I am more than ready to get out of the jeep and leave it parked for a bit.

I have used it to tow my pop-up trailer several times including trips to Yellowstone, South Dakota and Moab and other than being underpowered, the jeep handles the weight and towing fine and I have had no problems with towing.

I bought mine from Autonation Jeep on Broadway, and have not had any problems with service or warranty work with the exception of the swaybar disconnect. Thought that they were good to deal with on the purchase of the Jeep.

Hope this helps you...

[RockyMtRebel]

Thanks for the review, very much appreciated! I’m thinking 2014 or newer... My 2004 TJ Rubicon would be a terrible daily driver and I suspect any lift with bigger tires is going to compromise street manners... unfortunately.

[newracer]

I have a 2007 JKUR, bought it used with ~8k mile and it now has ~117k. It is totally stock except for front and rear bumpers and shocks. My wife daily drove it for several years, then my older son drove it for a few years when he got his license, now I daily drive it.

Power is not great but I don't think it is as bad as people say, I am sure having the 4.10 gears helps though.

Comfort is fine, it's a Jeep not a luxury sedan. Newer ones are supposed to be even more comfortable. We have taken it on a few long trips, one to Las Vegas. Only complaint was with the soft top and a head wind it was very noisy. It pulls my 3000 lb pop up camper no problem, I did add a brake controller.

I have replaced the shocks, water pump, drivers side exhaust manifold, front axle u-joints, and the ball joints. The ball joints were not bad but I figured I'd replace them while I had it apart as they had ~110k on them and figured they wouldn't last much longer. It currently has a couple of minor leaks that I will take care of this summer.

[dieseldoc]

Matt you see what mine does.
The '12 and newer have 3.6L it's more powerful for sure.
Mine has the Automatic transmission and 4.10 on 37" tires.
You have seen it go up the canyons.
3.6L = 295 HP for the JK I the new one it's detuned some to 285 HP.
The 3.7 or what ever was in the earlier ones is a dog.
..no power.
You will like the room the 4 has.
And you what the rubi's can do.
Mind youine has the beffier front axle as the recon. But 35's the others do fine with.
Steering box is a known week point. The sector shaft likes to snap. Thus why there are boxes brace kits, as well I would do a hydraulic assistance steering.
If you go 35 or bigger. It's in the list high up on the list for me as well the brace.

[Getaklu]

Personally I would keep the Ram for a DD and your Rubi for play. I bounce between the JKU and my 2500 crew cab. JKU today as it is easier to park in the cesspool known as downtown Denver. The 2500 is more comfortable, quiet and spacious in my opinion. I have rented many Rams and driven all over OH, PA, and WV with them and didn’t mind them at all. Get rid of the truck and you may need to buy a trailer to haul things the Ram would handle with no problem. I do have a dump trailer, different story altogether, that I am not sure the JKU would handle empty.

Did not mean to rant, just my opinion on the subject.

[RockyMtRebel]

Great points! I do love the way my Ram drives and the Hemi gives it more than enough power anytime I want it! Definitely not getting rid of my TJ and not in a hurry but a mice JKU my wife would actually come wheelin sometimes. She won’t even drive in the TJ with me

[Heather]

You may already know - we have a RAM 1500, a JKUR, and a JKR. The RAM is the BEST for the road trips/commutes (with the exception of parking in Denver, as mentioned above). The JKUR is fine for road trips/commutes, also, but not as good as the RAM in terms of space, comfort, and road manners. If you need to do any towing or hauling, I bet you'd miss the truck. The sway bar disconnect malfunction/failure is a known weak spot on the JK/Us - easily fixed by installing a front Currie Antirock. Truck vs Jeep - it's a tough call, that one. Good luck with your decision! If it were me - I'd keep the truck and "upgrade" the TJ to a >2012 JKR or JKUR. (I can't believe I said that.)

[Java]

you could also wait until next year...

[Heather]

^true story!

[RockyMtRebel]

Yes, I thought of waiting until the pickup truck comes out.... and I probably will. I really like how my RAM drives and I really like the TJ for what it is, and I'm learning a ton about it by working on it myself.

[FINOCJ]

would be nice if the new JL truck would have option to come with 2 doors and a bigger bed

[Spieg]

Not sure if they will have a true 2-door but they will have a 2+2 door. As for the larger bed, I don't see that happening on a Wrangler platform.

[Jim]

Didn't the SHORT WHEELBASE AND BUMPER LENGTH Jeep enter the 4-wheeling picture after the LOOOONNNGGGGG truck not have an easy time between the zig-zag trees of T-33a???

Send me to sit in the corner or just call me a pot stirrer.

[RockyMtRebel]

Jim previously posted:

[jayson44]

Matt, there are lots of ways to improve the driveability of your TJ. Mine is on 35s and rides nicer than stock w/out any crazy issues (other than my tire tread is getting low making them a little more prone to walking).

IMO, the "advertised" size for lifts and what-not on TJs makes for bad handling and rough rides.

J.

[RockyMtRebel]

Jay, what is your setup? I seem to remember you had a tummy tuck also, which makes it even more expensive ;-0

I am slowly upgrading my TJ, as time and money allow. I have installed a custom rear drive shaft (cv) and adjustable rear uppers so that I can aim the driveshaft up (was able to remove the t-case drop it had). I just bought a replacement tie-rod (only $57) because I notice mine is a little bent (not surprised). I'm slowly planning to replace the rest of the control arms, the front driveshaft, both track bars, the steering, axle shafts, etc, etc.. the list goes on!!!!

[FINOCJ]

Spieg previously posted:

[newracer]

Long arms really make a difference on TJs, especially if the lift is 3" or higher.

[jayson44]

RockyMtRebel previously posted: