Advice on ordering manual

[Melchior]

Hi folks.

Thinking about ordering a 2-door manual Rubi (have test driven both…auto 2.0 and the 6-spd 3.6). I like the way it drives (clutch engagement reminds me my gt350 with that weird dual spring clutch helper)

I read a lot of comments about how much better the Rubi is heard for the manual (as opposed to other trims). Question is: Do I choose 4:1 or go 4:88? I don’t plan on doing any towing and right now have no plans on upgrading wheel/tire size. I tend to keep my vehicles stock.

This will be my daily.

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[cripton805]

I didn't know you could do 4.88 on the two door. But might as well go with that if you ever plan on adding larger tires or doing some more aggressive off-road / rocks / hills.

If you're not dead set on a manual. I would advise against it. You will be SOL and ignored by Jeep when you run into issues with the manual transmission / clutch. They have had recall after recall and Jeep won't fix the actual problem. It can overheat and blow / cause a fire.

 

[toothirtyj]

4.10 based on no towing, no plans on upgrading wheel/tire size, and tend to keep your vehicles stock.

I upgraded my Willys from 3.45 to 4.10's for the same reasons you're questioning staying there. It's the sweet spot for stock Jeeps.

I'd also recommend getting the manual if you want the manual.

Screw the automatic transmission. Manuals will soon be phased out so get the manual while you still can.

I'd also recommend replacing the stock clutch with an Advanced Clutch Technologies unit ASAP. It'll be a better driving experience but you need to plan for the imediate upgrade for your new Jeep. Price of doing business.

 

[Melchior]

I didn't know you could do 4.88 on the two door. But might as well go with that if you ever plan on adding larger tires or doing some more aggressive off-road / rocks / hills.

If you're not dead set on a manual. I would advise against it. You will be SOL and ignored by Jeep when you run into issues with the manual transmission / clutch. They have had recall after recall and Jeep won't fix the actual problem. It can overheat and blow / cause a fire.

I’m open to both. Issue is that they aren’t taking 2.0 orders currently. Originally, I wanted to go 2.0+auto due to all the complaints about the manual. Turns out, I didn’t hate the manual after the extended test drive as I expected to, so I opened up my options. Sucks to hear about the way FCA treats the manuals.

Seems like either way, the only way to get a wrangler these days is to go 4-door 4xE

 

[toothirtyj]

The problem with Jeeps is that purchasers think they need to upgrade their already capable rig, with extravagant upgrades, to do things they'll never do.

FCA still offers a manual transmission in the Wrangler. Aftermarket manufacturers have stepped up with clutch upgrades for the lackluster OEM clutch. Personally, I'm thankful that I have a manual transmission problem to solve and I've solved it with an upgraded aftermarket clutch. Manual transmissions will be going away soon. If that's what you want, now is the time.

 

[rabbit]

I’m in the same boat as you - originally was open to a 2.0t after hearing about the manual complaints. But I found a new ‘23 rubicon manual on a lot near me and they actually let me take it out for a drive. Didn’t hate it. (Had a JK manual in the past)

I’d also go Rubicon this time around - thinking about just putting an order in, if it doesn’t come until next spring, so be it.

 

[OminousSkitter]

I love my manual. If you like the test drive, don’t let the naysayers talk you out if it. Yes, many people on this forum hate the clutch, and Jeeps handling of the recalls has been a textbook case of what a company shouldn’t do. But in my opinion, the 2-door 6-speed is a fun car to drive; I wouldn’t go automatic if given a reset button.

You’re getting 4.10 to start; I’d try that for a while before deciding to change it. There are divided opinions on whether 4.10 or 4.56 is “the sweet spot” for the 6-speed and stock 285s. If you feel you’re under-geared but want to stick to stock tires, just go to 4.56. I’d I only go 4.88 if I believed I would get larger tires.

 

[jadewolf]

I absolutely love my 2dr manual. I have the 4.10 gears (4.88 wasn't offered in 2021) and am very happy with them so far. Honestly, the ride is so good I've put off lifting it and putting on 35s because it's just so damn nice. It's a real pleasure to drive. Way better ride than my JK (was also a 2 door manual).

Admittedly, I do have some worry about the clutch recall in the back of my mind (particularly after my latest bad experience with a dealership), but if they can't come up with a real solution I may just go aftermarket.

So... if you want my advice: Get the manual! We are probably looking at the last days of manual transmissions, better get them while you can.

That said, I had the opportunity to drive an automatic 2dr Willys while in Hawaii earlier this year and it was pretty impressive for an auto. Better than the last automatic car I owned (a 93 Mustang, many years ago). But still not as fun as a manual.

So even if you decide against the manual in the end, you'll still have a fun ride.

 

[cripton805]

I’m open to both. Issue is that they aren’t taking 2.0 orders currently. Originally, I wanted to go 2.0+auto due to all the complaints about the manual. Turns out, I didn’t hate the manual after the extended test drive as I expected to, so I opened up my options. Sucks to hear about the way FCA treats the manuals.

Seems like either way, the only way to get a wrangler these days is to go 4-door 4xE

I have a 2.0 Willys XR JLU. It is a really good pairing. I haven't driven a 4xE.

My first 18' JLU was a manual and the day I drove an Auto. I realized how bad my transmission was. I drove a 7 hour round trip to pick up my manual JL when it came out. I was so excited to buy it. (I'm also a manual guy) but after so many problems. Crappy feeling clutch and how clunky it was. I regretted my choice. I was so happy the day I got rid of it and would advise anyone against it. It just became a headache I didn't want to deal with.

But if you're willing and understand that you're going to have to fix it, potential down time. Then it could be a good fit for you.

 

[Jeep Willys]

4.88

with stock tires take off in second, and you’ll actually be able to use 6th gear as well

drive one with 4.10s. It’s not great. But it’s for sure better than 3.7x the non rubicons get. 4.56 would probably be perfect. 4.88 would be fantastic. My manual Willy’s will probably end up with 4.88s. Wish it was factory option

 

[Melchior]

I have a 2.0 Willys XR JLU. It is a really good pairing. I haven't driven a 4xE.

My first 18' JLU was a manual and the day I drove an Auto. I realized how bad my transmission was. I drove a 7 hour round trip to pick up my manual JL when it came out. I was so excited to buy it. (I'm also a manual guy) but after so many problems. Crappy feeling clutch and how clunky it was. I regretted my choice. I was so happy the day I got rid of it and would advise anyone against it. It just became a headache I didn't want to deal with.

But if you're willing and understand that you're going to have to fix it, potential down time. Then it could be a good fit for you.

I was happy with the feel during my test drive, but I had no idea the manuals were so problematic. I read up on the numerous recalls, but I’m assuming you actually had problems with it? What happened to your transmission?

 

[cripton805]

I was happy with the feel during my test drive, but I had no idea the manuals were so problematic. I read up on the numerous recalls, but I’m assuming you actually had problems with it? What happened to your transmission?

There were about 3x that the clutch pedal didn't return properly. It went up halfway and then I had to pump it for it to come back up.

It also seemed to lack proper clutch engagement since it was brand new. I asked the salesman if they all felt like that on my test drive. But this was back in 18' and we didn't know there was issues with them.

I only kept it until like 15k miles because my Jeep also developed corrosion on the hood and all doors. And the driveshaft also had a really hard "clunk".

Too many issues for me to comfortably keep it any longer.

 

[jbcrane]

Don't listen those telling you to avoid the manual. Get it while you can. The clutch issues will be resolved eventually and you'll have the vehicle you want. 4.10's with stocker 285's should be OK. But 4.88's are glorious with 35's on my Unlimited. If you can get it from the factory with 4.88's I'd go for it. You'll probably wind up with at least 315's on it some day and be glad you did.

 

[cripton805]

Don't listen those telling you to avoid the manual. Get it while you can. The clutch issues will be resolved eventually and you'll have the vehicle you want. 4.10's with stocker 285's should be OK. But 4.88's are glorious with 35's on my Unlimited. If you can get it from the factory with 4.88's I'd go for it. You'll probably wind up with at least 315's on it some day and be glad you did.

It does matter if he has issues with the clutch and he has to pay out of pocket to replace it and be out of a car until it's fixed. Or the Jeep catches fire.

Better to know and be ready for it in advance.

 

[bjm00se]

No towing, no larger tires; stick with factory 4.10. It's a good ratio for the factory 33" tires.

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