2018 JL Model Configuration

[sgtcmofo]

My wife and I plan on buying one this year and just started researching them last night. I have a couple of questions.

Our Needs:

• Haul boat/jet skis to the lake
• Medium off road capabilities
• Weekend fun.

The plans would be to change the gearing, lift, etc. You know the usual Jeep modifications (4.88 gears and a 4.5 lift). I come from a tuner world and by that I know buying a lower model and putting the upgrades would cost more. Being the Jeep modifications are different then lets say tuner upgrades, I just wanted to make sure I purchase the correct model and packages for the best price.

Questions

• What's the lowest model to purchase to give me what we need?
• What packages would you include from Jeep that I will not replace with any of the Jeep modifications I plan on doing?

I didn't know if I could buy a sport or Sport s and take on the 4x4 package and then do all the planned modifications I wanted. Or did I have to purchase a sahara/rubicon to make the modification process good.

Respectfully,
Josh

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[mwilk012]

Why do you need such a massive lift for hauling a boat?

Also, there is no "4X4 package". All wranglers are capable off road 4WD vehicles.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

All will have the same towing capacity which is 3500#. All have 4WD. Each trim level will meet your needs. Sport is bare bones. Sport S adds a few things and allows you to add some options. Sahara primarily adds a lot of cosmetic features. Rubicon is the top trim level that is more serious off road oriented, adding locking axles, lower gear ratio (4.10), wider all terrain tires, higher ground clearance, higher fender flares, etc.

 

[sgtcmofo]

Thank you for the information. This helps a lot. Like I said new to jeeps. just wanted to make sure.

Respectfully,
Josh

 

[mwilk012]

Thank you for the information. This helps a lot. Like I said new to jeeps. just wanted to make sure.

Respectfully,
Josh

You may not realize it then, but for what it seems you are planning to use the jeep for, a lift and massive tires may only hurt. I wouldn't go past a 2" lift if I were you.

 

[BillyHW]

I think you'll want the towing package.

The hiline fenders will let you get away with a slightly shorter lift.

If your boat + trailer weigh more than 3500 lbs then you're in the market for a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk or 4Runner Off-Road. (Or wait for the Scrambler JT pickup.)

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