Sold: 2005

In late 2002, Jeep started putting out information regarding their new “Rubicon” edition Jeep Wrangler. It was going to be a Wrangler built up from the factory with all the off-road goodies that people were putting on after market. What would these items be? Well, to start: Front and Rear Dana 44 Axles, Front and Rear Air Lockers, Side Rocker Protection, 16″ MOAB rims, 31″ Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires, and four wheel disc brakes. This all came from the factory with a warranty as well.

Even after I got rid of my 1998 Sahara, I never fully let go of it. I still liked Wranglers, it just wasn’t practical at that point in my life. But once I saw that Jeep was going to produce the Rubicon, I got the itch to get another Wrangler. I looked around at them, but I had just spent the cash for a 3″ OME lift kit, SYE, driveshaft, and new tires for my Cherokee. So that kind of put an end to my Rubicon dreams.

Even though I was pretty content driving my Cherokee, I never stopped looking at the Rubicons. As a rule of thumb, I always check out the Auto Trader just to see who is selling what, and what type of prices people are asking. It was at this point that I spotted a 2003 Flame Red Rubicon for sale at a local dealership.

To make a long story short, after talking to the wife, and some negotiating with the dealer, we now have a 2003 Rubicon.We purchased the vehicle in July of 2004 with 1500 miles on the odometer. With the exception of the few

I did however have a chance to take it off road at Paragon Adventure Park in Hazleton, PA. It performed great. At one point, I had a problem getting up a rocky section of the trail. I popped the front and rear lockers on, and it walked right up. I’ve never wheeled a vehicle with lockers before, so I had no idea on what a difference they made. Anyways, I am a believer that the Rubicon package is the best thing Jeep has ever produced.

Off-road Modifications Warn winch Cobra 75 WX ST CB and Firestik antenna Removed front and rear bumper end caps

Other Modifications Husky Liners Garmin Streetpilot GPS Sirius Satellite Radio

Planned Modifications Some sort of on board air Nth Degree Tummy Tucker Skid Plate Mild lift