The Weekend Drive - 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

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2003 Jeep Wrangler “Rubicon”

By Mark Perleberg
Special to The Weekend Drive

The Rubicon Trail is considered to be one of the most demanding stretches of off-road highway in America. To "Cross the Rubicon" is to, in essence, cross the point of no return. Jeep engineers have developed the most capable Wrangler ever to meet the challenges of this demanding 22-mile road located in Northern California (near Lake Tahoe for you adventurous types).

Externally, the Wrangler Rubicon has diamond-plated sill plate protectors, a decal on the side of the hood and 16" five-spoke rims mounted with 31" Goodyear Wrangler "Maximum Traction/Reinforced" tires featuring a beefy tread pattern that wraps around the sidewall to help grab ledges for maximum grip on rocky terrain.

Underneath is where the Wrangler Rubicon really shines. A transfer case with 4:1 low range helps to slow the speed down giving the driver more control while increasing the amount of torque to the wheels. Equipped with the NVG241OR transfer case – engineered exclusively for the Wrangler Rubicon – and coupled with 1330 universal joints and a heavy-duty drive shaft, the Rubicon has the durability required for the serious off-roader. When the transfer case is in low range and the vehicle is traveling less than 10 MPH, a simple flip of a dash mounted switch allows the driver to lock the rear axle and toggle the front axle locker on and off for improved maneuverability. A pneumatic pump running at 5 pounds per square inch mechanically locks the axle shafts together to drive all four wheels at the same speed.

The best part of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the intense off-road package provided direct from the factory, eliminating the need for costly after-market upgrades. Our test vehicle was finished in Inca Gold, which we felt was the perfect color for attacking the old stagecoach roads left over from the California gold mining days of the 1800’s.

LIFE’S A TRIP - Enjoy the drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, never drive impaired, obey all highway laws and buckle everyone up.

LIFE'S A TRIP - ENJOY THE DRIVE!®
Always be a safe and courteous driver. Buckle everyone up, never drive impaired, and obey all motor vehicle laws. Vehicles featured are tested by a professional driver in a controlled environment, never attempt any maneuver described and never exceed your own driving ability. Opinions expressed are those of The Weekend Drive®. In producing our road tests, we may attend manufacturer-sponsored events, which selected members of the motoring press are also invited, and we recieve no compensation from any vehicle manufacturer. Warranties, miles per gallon estimates, and other technical information is provided by vehicle manufacturers and is deemed reliable upon release date. The Weekend Drive® is not a dealer or broker of vehicles and makes no offer to sell or lease motor vehicles. Trademarks and trade names used are the property of their respective owners, used by permission.

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