23JLR vs 24JLW

[Allen0jason]

Here's my dilemma, looking at a two-door 2.0 hardtop automatic for 37-in daily driver / weekend warrior. The way I understand it both platforms that I'm looking at are virtually the same minus the front Locker and before to one transfer case on the Rubicon. Both of them being brand new and having access to full warranty benefits. Will be used for local Wheeling along with road trips to a bunch of other parts in the US including Utah and Tennessee.

Which direction would you go.

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[autotragic]

Do you want a factory front locker or not? Also how much do you care about the rubi swaybar disco? Also for the price difference I have found Rubi transfer cases for less than $2k online...I have a 24 JLW on order and plan to swap the Rock-Trac in myself at some future point. Also some JKS quicker-disconnects for my swaybar.

The new Willys is a lot closer to what a Rubicon is than any model previously and it gets you "close enough" that for just a few thousand dollars you can have 100% of what a Rubicon does and still be money ahead. Unlike if you tried to build a Sport and it's 10k+ for axles alone now at new prices...To me it made sense to go Willys at this time.

 

[hoch]

Me personally, Rubicon for the front locker, sway bar disco, 4:1, and potentially better resale.

 

[Cutterone]

Willys, its the sweet spot for most folks these days even more now than it ever was... the 24's come with the 4.10 gears as well?

 

[Allen0jason]

I personally am not too worried about the front sway bar disconnect as I'll probably be doing pull pin quick disconnects anyway. My question is how often am I going to need a front Locker

 

[LKG]

Do you want a factory front locker or not? Also how much do you care about the rubi swaybar disco? Also for the price difference I have found Rubi transfer cases for less than $2k online...I have a 24 JLW on order and plan to swap the Rock-Trac in myself at some future point. Also some JKS quicker-disconnects for my swaybar.

The new Willys is a lot closer to what a Rubicon is than any model previously and it gets you "close enough" that for just a few thousand dollars you can have 100% of what a Rubicon does and still be money ahead. Unlike if you tried to build a Sport and it's 10k+ for axles alone now at new prices...To me it made sense to go Willys at this time.

Agreed %100. I haven't used the front locker much but it's there for "emergencies". The disco on the other hand, is freaging awesome, I just need to pull the trigger on a tuner so I can use it past 20MPH and in 2WD especially.

 

[autotragic]

Agreed %100. I haven't used the front locker much but it's there for "emergencies". The disco on the other hand, is freaging awesome, I just need to pull the trigger on a tuner so I can use it past 20MPH and in 2WD especially.

I wish there was a way to buy the swaybar itself without the actuator from Mopar so I could at least retrofit it with a manual knob...it's like they don't on purpose because they know everyone would do it.

 

[Eyeball]

I personally am not too worried about the front sway bar disconnect as I'll probably be doing pull pin quick disconnects anyway. My question is how often am I going to need a front Locker

I like rocks so I went with the Rubicon. With the exception of scenic fun runs, it is a rare exception if I don’t engage my front locker multiple times on every trail I run.

Your decision is really going to come down how you wheel and your mechanical aptitude to upgrade in the future if you choose the Willys. While the Rubicon transfer cases and front lockers are readily available and can sometimes be found for a reasonable price, labor to install them can be expensive. Do you have the ability to install them yourself?

After years of owing YJs, TJs and now a JL it has been my experience that building your Jeep once is much cheaper that going in stages.

 

[JEEPIDON]

I personally am not too worried about the front sway bar disconnect as I'll probably be doing pull pin quick disconnects anyway. My question is how often am I going to need a front Locker

Not very often unless you are rock climbing or doing seriously steep trails that are washed out. Willy's is the way to go for most.

 

[At Risk Ute]

Here's my dilemma, looking at a two-door 2.0 hardtop automatic for 37-in daily driver / weekend warrior.

Rubi if you plan on 37s. I wouldn’t run those on a Dana 30 front axle unless you’re 100% pavement.

Swaybar discos are an easy install. As previously mentioned, I like having a front locker when I’m in extremis.

 

[Allen0jason]

Rubi if you plan on 37s. I wouldn’t run those on a Dana 30 front axle unless you’re 100% pavement.

Swaybar discos are an easy install. As previously mentioned, I like having a front locker when I’m in extremis.

24 Willys comes the exact same Dana 44 combo the 23 rubies do. Hence the reason for the hard decision.

 

[At Risk Ute]

24 Willys comes the exact same Dana 44 combo the 23 rubies do. Hence the reason for the hard decision.

My bad. Dang. Tough call then. Still say Rubi if they’re the same price.

Guess I’d rather have the Rubi’s extra capabilities over the new ‘24 stuff.

I’d want the 4:1 4L so I’m not running up my buddies’ asses on trails.

Do you like one color better than the other?

 

[Heimkehr]

...looking at a two-door 2.0 hardtop automatic for 37-in daily driver / weekend warrior. The way I understand it both platforms that I'm looking at are virtually the same minus the front Locker and before to one transfer case on the Rubicon. Will be used for local Wheeling along with road trips to a bunch of other parts in the US including Utah and Tennessee.

Which direction would you go.

I'd select the R if I knew I'd be using the hood sticker capabilities honestly. If not, I'd choose the W every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

[Allen0jason]

My bad. Dang. Tough call then. Still say Rubi if they’re the same price.

Guess I’d rather have the Rubi’s extra capabilities over the new ‘24 stuff.

I’d want the 4:1 4L so I’m not running up my buddies’ asses on trails.

Do you like one color better than the other?

Not too worried about colors or anything, eventually it will probably get bedlined Rhino anyway. I like all the new tech on the 24, and a new 24w will still be cheaper than a 23r, I currently have a 06 LJ zero lockers, sport transfer case so I've never dealt with the Rubicon 4 to 1 or lockers. I plan on doing big trails in Moab and Windrock but I don't know how often I would use a front Locker., outside of the transfer case I can build the rest of the Jeep without a problem. FYI the 24 w comes with Dana 44s front and rear and the rear e-locker. All it's missing is the front sway bar, front Locker, and

 

[At Risk Ute]

Not too worried about colors or anything, eventually it will probably get bedlined Rhino anyway. I like all the new tech on the 24, and a new 24w will still be cheaper than a 23r, I currently have a 06 LJ zero lockers, sport transfer case so I've never dealt with the Rubicon 4 to 1 or lockers. I plan on doing big trails in Moab and Windrock but I don't know how often I would use a front Locker., outside of the transfer case I can build the rest of the Jeep without a problem. FYI the 24 w comes with Dana 44s front and rear and the rear e-locker. All it's missing is the front sway bar, front Locker, and

I changed my vote to 24W if it’s cheaper.

Manual swaybar discos are an easy install and stay disconnected. Would rather have a winch than a front locker. Can always swap to the 4:1 transfer case.

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