I am considering a new or used X model or Rubicon.  In some of the reviews I have read the Rubicon 4:1 transfer case hasnt been useful in a lot of areas as it is too low.  I will be doing a lot of tough desert trails and Mountain trails, but no serious rock crawling.  Will I hate this xfer case? How low is the 4:1 and will it be useful in moderate situations?

And I saw that the 2008 X model S package has the option of the TruLock locking diff in the rear with a D44 and the electronic swaybar disconnect in front.  I was thinking of getting this one instead of a Rubicon so I get the 2.72:1 transfer case and it will probably get me anywhere I need to go.  But it only comes with 3.21 or optional 3.73 gears not 4.10 like the Rubicon.  Will I hate these gears if I ever move up to 33's or 35's?  Or are the 3.73 enough for 33's

I would rather change the gears than be stuck with a superlow transfer case I wont use, but if most people like it and find it useful, the Rubicon is more cost effective.

What do you guys think? Which will be more useful to me?  

You're right on the money. Buy an X if you want to build it and buy a Rubi if your not going to do anything.

With the 6spd you can crawl around in 4lo and 2nd or 3rd gears. The other knock is Rubicon lockers only lock in 4lo. But that can be circumvented.

You can buy complete Rubicon axles that just bolt into the X for under 3k. You could probably get $300-$500 for the X D44, bringing the price down a little.

Then you've got Rubi axles that lock when you flip the switch and a 2.72 low.  

If ya move up to 33's or 35's without lowering the 4.10 gear ratio, the 4.1 is great, then it'll barely pull itself in high range on certain situations.
with 3.21 and 35's you'll be using the 2.71 low range to take off from a stop light.

I like the 4.1 for everything I do which is rocks, sand and trails with 4.88 gears and the 42rle auto. it actually pulls well in the sand on 34's in high range I'm going to 5.13's very soon. mine is driven daily, though it's not a comuter.

if you're properly geared the t-case will rarely see low range unless ya intend to go slow.  

Thanks for the information guys. If I do get a stock Rubicon and leave it alone will I still be bothered by the super low 4:1 transfer case? And the new Rubi's and X models with the s package come with 32's, I know 35's will definately zap the power, but do you think 33's would be a big deal?  

I am wondering if the reviews I read about the 4:1 transfer case being too low had to do with not having a 6 speed?  They might of had automatics that gave them less options.  I am assuming you could manually shift the auto into 2nd?  But I am planning on a stick anyway.

Z  

I don't think the reviews say it's not workable. I think they say it might be over kill or unnecessary. Kind of like a granny gear of old. You don't use it all the time, but it is there when you need it.

With the 6spd you're in complete control. And it's there when you need it.  

OH yeah they didnt say unworkable, they just said sometimes it was too slow for the conditions and some mentioned that it was rarely needed and the 2.73:1 might be more useful for most people.  

I have found myself SEVERAL times in 4th gear in 4lo in my Rubicon I think that 4lo is spectacular for rock crawling and thats about it. I love it for that, but for mud and well anything else it is a bit on the slow side, I do mostly rock crawling so its perfect for me. when playing with other vehicles though i have found I am in 4lo in 4th or sometimes 5th gear while they are in 2nd in 4lo so it depends on your application, playing in mud the 4lo is almost useless i am sure same goes for snow too much torque.

I have found myself shifting A LOT more while wheeling with the rubicon than any other vehicle ive ever owned, another TJ and a couple pathfinders and grand cherokees...  

i wish my 4.1 was lower. i dont mind going slow. who needs to go fast, hince my name  

Yeh i love it for rocks, in the mud you have to use 4 high otherwise your tires gum up and you get stuck really fast.  

Low range has always been designed for either A:Pulling extremely heavy loads, or B: Going real slow for crawling. One of the things low range does for you is extend the life of your transmission. Sure you could use a 2.72:1 to crawl rocks/pull heavy loads, but your transmission is slipping clutches and building a lot of heat doing so,assuming you have an automatic. If you have a manual it is not as critical, but you still have a clutch and internals to think about. Plus the lower the gearing the less your engine has to work.

Also, think about gas prices, if you have too high of gear ratio, it is going to put a bigger dent in your fuel economy. Not that you should be thinking of that when you are putting on 35's. Just my 2 cents, and I am sure Mudb8 and ftgiles can add to this...