I have a couple questions regarding the Honda Rubicon:

1. Does anyone know if a Ruby will fit in the back of a 1999 Dodge Dakota?
2. How well have the aluminum rims held up to abuse (ie, large rocks, stumps, fallen trees, etc.)
3. How good are the stock tires? do they standup well to typical mountain trail riding (stream crossings, fallen trees, etc.)
4. Are the stock shocks load adjustible?
5. Is there anything that one should watch for when taking delivery of a Rubi from the dealer?

I'm sure I will have some more questions, but this is a good start!

Thanks,

 

1. No it will not. It wont fit in the back of my F-150 with the gate shut.
2. My stock rims have held up just fine.
3. The stock tires are fine for trail riding. They are terrible in mud but just fine for trails.
4. The stock shocks are NOT load adjustible.
5. When taking a quad from a dealer I personally go over the hole thing. Check all the fluids, brake adjustments, etc.

 

With regards to fitting in the back of a Dakota - I don't mind having the tailgate down, I'm mostly concerned about the width - will it fit between the wheel wells?

 

Now that I am not sure. It fits between my wheel wells on the F-150.

 

OK,

Some more questions regarding the Ruby:

1. What is the best oil to use? Honda, Synthetic, other?
2. Accessories - are there any "must have" accessories for the Ruby? Where is the best place to find accessories (rack bags/boxes, etc.)?
3. Are there any changes/improvements between 2001 and 2002 model year Rubicons?

Thanks,

 

1. Honda recomends Honda GN4 and to NEVER use synthetics because of the tranny. I see no reason to use anything except GN4.
2. The High Lifter Fender kit adds needed support to the floorboards that is not there while stock. The High Lifter skid plates also have a trap door that makes changing the oil much easier since you have to remove all stock skid plates to do it otherwise. www.highlifter.com has good accessories. If you are looking for performance mods check out this post I made here: http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...hreadid=285799
3. There are no changes/improvements between 2001 and 2002 model year Rubicons other than a new yellow color.

 

The main must I would tell you would be CV boot guards. I prefer Oxlite, but there are a few to choose from. That is my first addition to any 4x4 quad. $45 and its worth what it could cost you in the long run if you ride in the woods.

 

TEXMUD,

Thanks for replying to my questions! I'm hoping to make a deal on a Ruby this weekend so I'm trying to gather as much info as I can before then. I will check out the highlifter site - I was unaware that the Ruby floorboards needed additional support. I'm glad you mentioned this because I'm a big guy and often ride standing up, so the floorboards would be under considerable stress.

Thanks again!

 

Thanks Andy!

I'm trying to compile a list of items I want to negotiate with the dealer on. CV Boot guards are really important around here, I just wasn't sure how good the stock Ruby ones are.

Thanks,

 

If you always stand on the foot pegs you will not have a problem. If you step on the outer edge you will see the floorboards give. The kit from High Lifter fixes this. For me when I ride in mud sometimes I have to get all my weight out there for traction so I wanted the added support.

As far as stick guards go I havent seen a stock quad with good ones from the factory. Call up the folks at www.aluminumproducts.com and get some of theirs. They are 1/4 inch aluminum and a friend of mine RAN OVER his with his truck and they were unharmed. They are only $39 and some change shipped to me from them.