The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

One of the 4x4's along for the rid this trail run was Eric in his new, still stock, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.  The Jeep Rubicon has an impressive list of specifications that make it one of the most capable out of the box 4x4 vehicles you can buy.  Some of the features of Eric's Jeep Rubicon are a high torque 242" 6-Cyl Engine, a 6 Speed Manual w/Overdrive Transmission, a great off-road system that includes locking front and rear differentials, front and rear Dana model 44 axles, four-wheel disc brakes and a 4:1 low-range transfer case.  The package is topped off with a set of Moab Silver Cast Aluminum wheels with Goodyear all terrain tires.

Even with these capabilities, Eric still got caught in one of those holes that opened up along the creek bed.  Thick, gooey mud packed the tread in the Goodyear All Terrain Tires and even with the “air-actuated” Tru-Lok™ locking differentials engaged, the Rubicon couldn't extract itself requiring a tug from one of the other 4x4s.

Other interesting features of the Rubicon editions worth mentioning include a Rock-Trac™ transfer case with 4:1 “low range” that slows vehicle speed to give the driver more control, while increasing the amount of torque available at the wheels. Both the front and rear axles include “air-actuated” Tru-Lok™ locking differentials to maximize traction. The Wrangler Rubicon also features Goodyear Wrangler “Maximum Traction/Reinforced” 31-inch tall tires with a beefy tread pattern that wraps around the sidewall to help grab ledges along the trail. This state-of-the-art off-road tire includes a three-ply sidewall and advanced silica compound for excellent durability and puncture resistance. The LT245/75R16 tires add an extra half-inch of ground clearance to the Jeep Rubicon models.