Sport S or Rubicon?

[SOON]

Hello all. I’m going to be getting my first Wrangler in September. I keep going back and forth.... on everything. I know I’m gonna take it off road. But I don’t think I’m gonna be doing anything like Moab. I wanna go on trails. Don’t think I’ll be going over anything over a foot tall or so. With that said. Am I just spending more money than I need to going with a Rubicon? Would a sport do everything I need it to do? I do want to go with bigger tires, probably 35’s but keep trying to talk myself into 37’s. I know gearing would come into play if I were to go that route...right? What are your thought? Your opinions will help greatly. Thanks.

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[Ruby Jack]

If you don't plan on doing any serious off-roading then a Sport will do just fine. You'll need to put a 2" lift at least or put aftermarket fenders on if you put anything larger than 33"s on it. For 37"s you'll need a 3" lift or 2.5" + new fenders or it'll rub.

Just get a Sport with the rear Dana 44 option and you'll do more than fine.

 

[SOON]

If you don't plan on doing any serious off-roading then a Sport will do just fine. You'll need to put a 2" lift at least or put aftermarket fenders on if you put anything larger than 33"s on it. For 37"s you'll need a 3" lift or 2.5" + new fenders or it'll rub.

Just get a Sport with the rear Dana 44 option and you'll do more than fine.

There’s a Dana option for the Sport?

 

[Sean L]

Hello all. I’m going to be getting my first Wrangler in September. I keep going back and forth.... on everything. I know I’m gonna take it off road. But I don’t think I’m gonna be doing anything like Moab. I wanna go on trails. Don’t think I’ll be going over anything over a foot tall or so. With that said. Am I just spending more money than I need to going with a Rubicon? Would a sport do everything I need it to do? I do want to go with bigger tires, probably 35’s but keep trying to talk myself into 37’s. I know gearing would come into play if I were to go that route...right? What are your thought? Your opinions will help greatly. Thanks.

If you're going to throw a lift and bigger tires I'd go with the Rubicon and the 4.10 axles. If after all you decide to keep everything stock, a Sport S or Sahara with the Limited slip differential (comes with Dana 44 Rear axle) will be plenty capable for you.

 

[Ruby Jack]

There’s a Dana option for the Sport?

Yes, it's called "anti spin differential" option, like $600. Well worth it.

 

[SOON]

I know it’s stupid to say cause I sound like a future mall crawler. But besides the advantages of the stock off road capabilities of the rubicon. The sports (to me) have a better look with a lift and oversized tires. But that’s all “fashion over function”.

 

[SOON]

If you're going to throw a lift and bigger tires I'd go with the Rubicon and the 4.10 axles. If after all you decide to keep everything stock, a Sport S or Sahara with the Limited slip differential (comes with Dana 44 Rear axle) will be plenty capable for you.

With the 4.10 ratio. I’m sure the 8 speed helps a lot more with having oversized tire compared to a 5 speed trans. Is there still and advantage with a stick vs the 8 speed? For that scenario?

 

[Sean L]

I know it’s stupid to say cause I sound like a future mall crawler. But besides the advantages of the stock off road capabilities of the rubicon. The sports (to me) have a better look with a lift and oversized tires. But that’s all “fashion over function”.

Also keep in mind the Rubicon has higher front fenders to accommodate larger aftermarket tires as well.

I'll say you can get a Sport S for wayyyy cheaper than a Rubi though.

 

[Sean L]

With the 4.10 ratio. I’m sure the 8 speed helps a lot more with having oversized tire compared to a 5 speed trans. Is there still and advantage with a stick vs the 8 speed? For that scenario?

The 6 speed manual has a pretty low first gear from what I've read, and its been getting better fuel economy ratings than the automatics in the two door model.

 

[Saejin]

Get a sport. Since you’re going to mod anyway you’ll soon find it won’t stop. $10k later and you’ll have a Jeep that is very unique to you and built like you want.

With a rubicon you’ll lose that $10k right off the bat due to the price differences. Then you won’t be able to mod much unless you have deep pockets. And then you’ll end up with a rubicon with larger tires and that it.

For me I went with the Rubicon now, but will be adding a Sport 2 door in about 2 years that I can build up. Rubicon gets gifted to my son IF he graduates college...IF.

 

[That One Guy]

The 6 speed manual has a pretty low first gear from what I've read, and its been getting better fuel economy ratings than the automatics in the two door model.

Reports from owners are that it drives like a dream, too. In the five miles I drove one, I liked it quite a lot. It is geared pretty tall is my only complaint on it.

 

[That One Guy]

Yes, it's called "anti spin differential" option, like $600. Well worth it.

OP: this upgrade includes an upgraded rear axle, which also includes a limited slip differential, and an upgrade to A/T tires as well. I personally find it nearly crazy for any non-Rubicon build to skip this option. It's quite the steal.

 

[Sean L]

Reports from owners are that it drives like a dream, too. In the five miles I drove one, I liked it quite a lot. It is geared pretty tall is my only complaint on it.

I think Jeep did well with either transmission. The 8 speed in mine is far superior to the only other Auto I've owned, that Mercedes 5 speed in my old Ram 1500.

 

[SOON]

Also keep in mind the Rubicon has higher front fenders to accommodate larger aftermarket tires as well.

I'll say you can get a Sport S for wayyyy cheaper than a Rubi though.

Kind of off topic but, it seems like where the fenders attach to the body is the same spot for both the sport and rubicon. The rubicon fenders just look to go higher. Has anyone been able to confirm if this is actually true?

 

[Ruby Jack]

Kind of off topic but, it seems like where the fenders attach to the body is the same spot for both the sport and rubicon. The rubicon fenders just look to go higher. Has anyone been able to confirm if this is actually true?

Yes, they attach at same point, Rubicon flares just ride higher to let you fit 35"s without any mods. If you go with sport, you'll need aftermarket ones or a 2" lift.

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