4-1 transfercase with 8 speed

[Buschman]

I sold my trailer queen Toyota that had dual transfer cases and a 5 speed transmission so I completely understand the necessity with a manual. As I keep trying to figure out my perfect jeep build I'm wondering is a Rubicon necessary for its transfercase if I'm ordering a gas motor with an auto? I would prefer aftermarket lockers over the factory ones with all the safety rules anyhow. What I'm trying to ask is, if I ordered a Willeys XR package, added 3.5" lift, 37s and lockers would I have a good setup for trails like the Rubicon or Holy Cross? Or would I want more gear reduction even with the 8speed?

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[The Last Cowboy]

Once you go with those 37s, that's where the 4.1 pays off. But, you will likely be in 4hi most of the time and the auto allows for torque multiplication that the 6 speed does not. If you use 4lo a lot ( I've never driven those trails) the 4.1 is likely to help keep your engine a lot cooler when running the trail.

 

[NoahVD]

Get a tazer to unlock the ability to use the rubicon lockers as you see fit. They do a lot of other neat stuff too. Worth it.

 

[Zandcwhite]

The XR package with the 4.56 gears combined with the 4.7 1st gear make the standard 2.72 transfer case plenty low enough for technical trails. A jk rubicon with the auto had a 62:1 crawl ratio, an XR Willy’s has a 58:1 crawl ratio. Good, not great. A JL rubicon has a 77:1 crawl ratio and an XR rubicon has an 86:1. Personally I’d skip the XR if your plan is immediately to lift, go to 37’s, and add lockers. If you’re doing all that, save the money, buy a standard Willys, and regear to 5.13’s when you add lockers. Gets you a 66:1 crawl ratio, the benefit of the lower gears in high range, and saves a few grand on the total build.

 

[RubiSc0tt]

Disclaimer: I've only ever driven a manual transmission vehicle on the trail. I have never driven those trails specifically but I've been on difficult, technical rock crawling trails with my TJ's on 33's (98 Sport, 04 Rubicon, both manuals)
I have a 6spd JLUR on 37's. I have not yet regeared (still 4.10's in the axles). It's manageable in 1st gear low range, but that said, the engagement of the clutch isn't the greatest. IF you blink, you miss it, Which results in a stall and standing on the brake. That may be remedied with an aftermarket option but at this point you're already adding mods to the list.

I know if you have an 8 spd a lot of users said that you will lose 1-2 gears at the top if you order the auto trans and don't regear for 37's.

I usually like manual transmissions, and I still love mine, but it is not the best manual I've driven. It does have some slight advantages over the TJ's (AX-15, NV3550), but you may want to drive both Auto/ Manual before making a decision. Take it to a dirt parking lot and put it in low range or something, just see how it crawls.


If you're already planning on doing aftermarket lockers and 37's, I would probably go Willys or Sport. Save yourself the cash on the initial build. The Willy's/ Sport is ideal for your situation because you already know what you're getting into and have a build goal/ specs in mind.

Hope this helps.

 

[AcesandEights]

...
What I'm trying to ask is, if I ordered a Willeys XR package, added 3.5" lift, 37s and lockers would I have a good setup for trails like the Rubicon or Holy Cross? Or would I want more gear reduction even with the 8speed?

If the Willys XR has 4.56 gearing, you're fine; although, I'd rather have the manual trans, with 4.88 gearing, and 4:1 t-case.

 

[Buschman]

Thanks guys all the info helps.
1: I was not aware a tazer could unlock the safety BS on the lockers. That is good.
2: I saw the value in the XR package mainly for the 4:56 gears, thicker axle tubes and iron knuckles.
3: I was under the impression a standard sport/willeys comes with a dana 30 front so that would require a complete aftermarket axle, or source a used rubicon.
4: If it was just a wheeling vehicle I would prefer a manual as well but I keep reading how awesome the 8 speed is and of course the jeep will see lots of pavement.

I'm looking to have a vehicle I can drive 6 hours to the rubicon trail, run it and drive home. Drive 18 hours to Colorado and run the Mtn. passes there. Probably do a lot more dirt road, death valley type exploring than hardcore rockcrawling. I'm in no rush, waiting for things to turn into a buyers market and just brainstorming for the moment.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

If you get the Willys XR, you still get the heavy wall axle tubes and the D44 in the front.

 

[LCW]

Thanks guys all the info helps.
1: I was not aware a tazer could unlock the safety BS on the lockers. That is good.
2: I saw the value in the XR package mainly for the 4:56 gears, thicker axle tubes and iron knuckles.
3: I was under the impression a standard sport/willeys comes with a dana 30 front so that would require a complete aftermarket axle, or source a used rubicon.
4: If it was just a wheeling vehicle I would prefer a manual as well but I keep reading how awesome the 8 speed is and of course the jeep will see lots of pavement.

I'm looking to have a vehicle I can drive 6 hours to the rubicon trail, run it and drive home. Drive 18 hours to Colorado and run the Mtn. passes there. Probably do a lot more dirt road, death valley type exploring than hardcore rockcrawling. I'm in no rush, waiting for things to turn into a buyers market and just brainstorming for the moment.

I was die hard seton a manual Rubicon. But couldn’t find one on a lot within 500 miles. Then some Rubis showed on a car hauler up at my local dealer one after when I was browsing their lot. 2.0T auto. I said screw it and bought the next morning.

Telling you man this 8 speed is the bees knees. The manual mode goes in the right direction even (forward downshift, pull back to upshift). It’s super smooth. Has more and better ratios than the stick IMO. Plus 2.0T is auto only and I’m also happy with that over the 3.6.

Just wheeled it the last 2 days on some trails in Sedona and loving the combo.

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