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Stock JL Sport 2 door. Will it offroad?

crystalbackJL

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Thanks for that excel spreadsheet. Yeah the local dealer is right at $31k for the Sport 2 door manual I want. May not be such a good deal after all....
I just traded in my 2018 JL Sport 2DR for a 2019 JL Rubicon 2DR.

The main reasons was because of my rear axle failure (Dana 44 LSD)….Twice!
The transmission shifted loudly during engagement.
Loose and wandering steering.
Starter has bad engagement with Flexplate.
V6 detonation.
Electrical issues.
Did I miss anything?

To me there was just too many issues with the vehicle and FCA (JeepCares) did not want to accept responsibility.

After much review of considering the cost to bring my Sport to Rubicon standards (my initial intent), I decided to just trade my Sport in for a Rubicon.
My 2003 Jeep Wrangler X was stolen a year ago and the insurance only paid me for what it was on paper. My Wrangler X was a Rubi clone and at the end of the day, it's just a Wrangler X. With a lot of help from fellow Jeepers on this Forum, I decided the right thing to do was just to trade it in for a Rubicon.

It was the best decision that I've made so far. The Rubicon is by far a better vehicle on and off-road.
I don't regret my decision a bit.
My recommendation is to go for the Rubicon (mine is a base model). You won't need to do much of anything to it. I purchased a Mopar Rubicon steel bumper and plan to purchase a winch at a later date. That's about all the mods you will need if you're an average off-roader like myself.

"At the end of the day, your Sport is still a Sport if you ever consider for a possible trade in or sale later down the road."
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flipper

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I recently did 2 off-road courses driving basic & moderate trails, with a majority of stock vehicles, in upstate NY. There were a few Wrangler Sport's along & they performed as well as the others (a mix of Sahara, Rubicon, 4Runner, Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Grand Cherokee & even a Renegade, yep) on these trails.
These vehicles are very capable in stock form, don't underestimate their potential.
Can you tell me where in upstate NY you found these courses?
 

TrailTorque

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I just traded in my 2018 JL Sport 2DR for a 2019 JL Rubicon 2DR.

The main reasons was because of my rear axle failure (Dana 44 LSD)….Twice!
The transmission shifted loudly during engagement.
Loose and wandering steering.
Starter has bad engagement with Flexplate.
V6 detonation.
Electrical issues.
Did I miss anything?

To me there was just too many issues with the vehicle and FCA (JeepCares) did not want to accept responsibility.

After much review of considering the cost to bring my Sport to Rubicon standards (my initial intent), I decided to just trade my Sport in for a Rubicon.
My 2003 Jeep Wrangler X was stolen a year ago and the insurance only paid me for what it was on paper. My Wrangler X was a Rubi clone and at the end of the day, it's just a Wrangler X. With a lot of help from fellow Jeepers on this Forum, I decided the right thing to do was just to trade it in for a Rubicon.

It was the best decision that I've made so far. The Rubicon is by far a better vehicle on and off-road.
I don't regret my decision a bit.
My recommendation is to go for the Rubicon (mine is a base model). You won't need to do much of anything to it. I purchased a Mopar Rubicon steel bumper and plan to purchase a winch at a later date. That's about all the mods you will need if you're an average off-roader like myself.

"At the end of the day, your Sport is still a Sport if you ever consider for a possible trade in or sale later down the road."
So, long story short, everyone here should go buy a Rubicon. Why waste your time building something guys, I mean it’s not like you do it as a hobby or enjoy it, so, just buy it. Plus, with a Rubicon, you’ll have zero issues because they made them better.

You crack me up.
 
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rkammer

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iznthesky

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Started with a Base model CJ-5. It was very capable and brought me a lifetime of great memories. Afterwards I got a “sport” model Cherokee. Drove it for about 15 years, I liked it....but it wasn’t a Jeep. Got my TJ “Sport” and I fell in love with Jeeps all over again. I have a new JL Rubicon....but I also still have my “Sport” TJ which I drive daily. Rubicon is great.....but the sport will take you to places that will stay in your heart and create great memories for the rest of your life.
Don’t underestimate the “Sport”.....it’s the best value in the Jeep line up.
Sad....but true: My TJ Sport has gone more places and done more wheeling...than my Rubicon will. It is my faithful partner during hunting season.
 

Kenn1725

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Considering a JL Sport 2 door. I realize this is the least offroad capable of the Jeeps. I am not interested in rock climbing. The only offroad I will do is easy to moderate trails. Can a stock JL Sport handle the easy stuff without any issues? Not really interested in modding and all of that.
Hello Lightsped, I am also in Kennesaw. I was convinced I was getting a Rubicon but did get the Sport S. It just fit what I will be using it for but there are days I have regrets. I do use the small storage space where the locker control would be more than I would the lo lockers.

20190505_181651.jpg
 

Kenn1725

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Sorry, posted before completed...
A sport would not satisfy most people but a rubicon is way more than the same people will ever use. This is my 3rd Wrangler and all were Spot models because it works for me. If you need or just want a Rubicon and you have the 7k do it, you wond be disappointed.
 

SilverBackJL

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Hello Lightsped, I am also in Kennesaw. I was convinced I was getting a Rubicon but did get the Sport S. It just fit what I will be using it for but there are days I have regrets. I do use the small storage space where the locker control would be more than I would the lo lockers.

20190505_181651.jpg
What's the wheel/tire size combo on that? It looks AWESOME!
 

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Maverick909

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i got my sport with the tint package and the Limited slip so i could have the rear dana 44 as well. best decision i made. i do recommend the trail package though. only for the fact it has the bigger alternator and the 350 dollar aux switch pack install in the dash. That would be me only advise. enjoy!
 

Garweft

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So, long story short, everyone here should go buy a Rubicon. Why waste your time building something guys, I mean it’s not like you do it as a hobby or enjoy it, so, just buy it. Plus, with a Rubicon, you’ll have zero issues because they made them better.

You crack me up.
Not to mention the rubicon only has the standard Dana m210/220 (which has know bearing issues and a weak spot at the electronic disconnect).

I mean they are ok for light trails, but any serious off-roading is going to need some pro rock 60’s anyway. In the end your just paying and extra 7-10 grand for high front fenders and some hood stickers.
 

mrhumble1

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I mean they are ok for light trails, but any serious off-roading is going to need some pro rock 60’s anyway. In the end your just paying and extra 7-10 grand for high front fenders and some hood stickers.
Really? Someone "needs" ProRock 60's for anything other than light trails?? Do you also recommend a 6" lift and 45" tires for moderate trails?? Those 60s (front and rear) go for about $12,000-$13,000. Totally cost-effective, right???

Oh and that "paying and extra 7-10 grand for high front fenders and some hood stickers." thing.... So you're ignoring the suspension upgrade, lockers, bigger tires, Dana 44s, sway bar disconnect, etc... That stuff isn't what Rubicon buyers want anyway, right? All we care about are some hood stickers???
 
 



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