Build Willys v Sport S..?

[Gangplank]

I've been planning to get a jeep for a while now. Started comparing models/features/options. Lookin at a 2dr w/ Auto (wife requires).

Intended use: daily driver w/ a short 8 min commute and weekend fun. Short trips/overnight to the beach, some off-roading with the local jeep club, etc. We live in Florida on the Treasure Coast so less rock crawling and more dirt trails, sand, mud and ruts depending on the season. It rains during the summer, and dry season is in winter when the temp/humidity is better for being outdoors anyway (70s - 80s).

The Build Options: Given the weather and type of trails I plan on driving I'm looking at 2 Dr, Auto with LSD = Willys or Sport S. I plan on getting the Selec-Trac fulltime 4wd system - not that I need it but there are days when we get intermittent weather (ease of use for wife on wed/dry mixed roads).

The two builds are exactly the same and are almost the same price:
2.0 Turbo w/ Auto
3.45 Gear ratio (unless I can get the 3.73? but don't see it as an option on the build site)
Selec-Trac III Fulltime 4wd 2.72 to 1
3-pc Hard Top
Technology group
Convenience group
Tow package (worth it for the Aux switches pre-wired?)
LSD

Differences

Wheels - Willys comes with the Black Moab 7.5 x 17 w/ 255/75R17C Tires Destination MUD Terrains

Seats - Sport = Leather seat option $1175 vs. Willys = Katzkin and have to change them out - cost $1,000?

Lighting - Willys comes with LED lighting vs Sport S $1145 option

Lift - Willys comes with Rubicon shocks and springs(?). If I get the Sport S I'd have to lift it. Mopar, Ruby take offs, or some other suspension lift

So what am I missing and let me hear your opinions.
-GP

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[The Last Cowboy]

Willys comes with bigger brakes. Not an option as far as I know on the Sport S.

Willys has Rubicon shocks only, not springs, however Willys is about ~1" higher than a Sport S.

3.73s are not an option. you get 3.45 gearing with either model.

Leather can be bought through your local Katzkin dealer.

Drive a JL with LEDs at night and you will never want the halogen headlights again. They are that good.

You don't need a lift to fit 255/75/17s on a Sport S. I'm not sure what tire size you want, as you mistyped the size above. Up to a 33" tire should fit with no lift. You could go with Rubicon Unlimited shocks and springs to get about 1.5". The Mopar 2" lift will yeild about 3-3.5" on a 2 door which will make 33s look small.

Stand by for the "Just buy a Rubicon" comments

 

[Gangplank]

Oh right I Forgot about the bigger brakes! Ok planning on Willys build now.
+ Selec-Trac Fulltime 4wd
+ Katskin leather seats
Buy once

I’ll be ignoring the Rubicon fanbois. I get it’s "better" but it is also $6–$9k more for stuff I don’t think I will need…

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