SmoothJeepOperator
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2018
- Threads
- 5
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- 360
- Reaction score
- 271
- Location
- Richmond VA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2018 JLU Wrangler Sport
So there are a few big difference. 1 axles. The lesser models with the limited slip get the same rear axle just not as wide (which I believe makes it slightly stronger?). The down side is the m186 front axle. However the Willys version comes with the m210 d44 in the front. So that one has the same axles as the Rubicon front and rear (again not as wide but it's that really a bad thing?). Bigger axles makes it safer to go bigger with tires out of the box.
After axles there is the lockers. Rubicon comes stock with e lockers front and rear. That the huge ability differentiater. So if you got the Willys you would have to add arb air lockers and a compressor, so we are taking maybe 3500 for all of that installed by a pro? However some argue that arb locker are better than elockers... So if one did that they could have better locking diffs right away. (I guess you could regear too so maybe closer to 5000)
Lastly the Rubicons come with a suspension that has it sitting up higher. I don't think this is a huge selling point as almost everyone rips out the stock suspension in place of aftermarket stuff. Rubicon take off suspension therefore is cheap. One could by that for what? 200 bucks? Or just get a good aftermarket suspension.
If you have to replace an axle though it's better to get a Rubicon if you really want the added capability off-road imo. It's really about the lockers imo. Elockers from the factory vs. aftermarket. Also the hassle of having to get it done vs having it stock and warrantied. If you are going to get a Rubicon and rip out the axles and suspension it's not worth it. If you leave the axles and lockers stock it's probably worth it.
Just my opinion ofcourse.
After axles there is the lockers. Rubicon comes stock with e lockers front and rear. That the huge ability differentiater. So if you got the Willys you would have to add arb air lockers and a compressor, so we are taking maybe 3500 for all of that installed by a pro? However some argue that arb locker are better than elockers... So if one did that they could have better locking diffs right away. (I guess you could regear too so maybe closer to 5000)
Lastly the Rubicons come with a suspension that has it sitting up higher. I don't think this is a huge selling point as almost everyone rips out the stock suspension in place of aftermarket stuff. Rubicon take off suspension therefore is cheap. One could by that for what? 200 bucks? Or just get a good aftermarket suspension.
If you have to replace an axle though it's better to get a Rubicon if you really want the added capability off-road imo. It's really about the lockers imo. Elockers from the factory vs. aftermarket. Also the hassle of having to get it done vs having it stock and warrantied. If you are going to get a Rubicon and rip out the axles and suspension it's not worth it. If you leave the axles and lockers stock it's probably worth it.
Just my opinion ofcourse.
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