I just sold my 450ES. It was a strong running go anywhere machine, but the harsh ride and heavy steering was too much for me (call me wimpy) on the all day rides.
I was looking for a smoother ride and was wondering about the Rubicon. According to Honda it has around an inch more suspension travel front a rear. I was curious from guys who have riden both. Does it have a better ride and is the steering any light with the differnet diff. in the front?

Also, does have a plan to make a 2wd/4wd switch for the Ruby like the new 450's?

 

It does ride better and the steering is much easier. I was surpised to see how heavy the 450 steering was. I assume in 2003 the Rubicons will have a 2wd switch, but I havent heard anything.

 

one word, Rincon!

 

I been looking at the Rincon on the Honda website, but I don't care much for the way the front end looks like a spaceship.
The independent rear suspension sounds good though.

Re: the switchable 2wd/4wd mode of the Rubicon, I did see on Highlifters website that they offer a kit to convert a older 450 Honda to allow to use 2wd and a kit for the Ruby is coming soon.

 

I would agree with TexMud, the Ruby has a "plusher" suspension and it DOES steer with less effort. Don't understand the steering effort difference as the two share all the same suspension components(unless I am badly mistaken)! I ride a 450-S, but hop on a Ruby once in a while.

 

I ride both all the time and the rubicon rides smoother and turns easier.The rubicon that i ride has mudzillas on it and suprisingly those tires make it even easier to turn!

 

I am not sure about the U.S. Machine vers the Canadian one but I ride both machines and definitly find that the 450 has a better ride then the Ruby.The back is ok but I changed the fronts because I found it way to hard and also these are adjustable!!!And there is also a big diffence in the steering I think.(The Ruby is lighter)

 

The rubicon has a better front differential than the 450s, it has no clutches inside, the "unloaded" torque to slip the rubi/rancher differential is about 13 ft pounds. The function of the rubi/rancher diff is rediculously hard to explain, as there are no gears in it either, just cams and followers.[except for the ring/pinion]

 

its the same design as ford used in some of there trucks in the 70's, It is pretty much a open diff until one wheel spins faster.... then it is enguaged by the driveline.

 

Actually, the Rubi/Ruby diff is a copy of the new Jeep design from their Grand Cherokee...