This is one of reasons why I went with the Rubicon. I thought about building a Sport S, but adding the cost/time of building wasn't worth it to me. I may not use the Rubicon as hard as some others, but its capability is there. If I got a Sport S, I would want to immediately add lift/wheels/tires for the "cosmetic look", adding to the initial cost. But with a Rubicon, I will already have the look with a factory warranty. I will already have the gearing and better axles if I want 35s or 37s. I will also have the HD brakes.
x2 on this post, good advice. Regarding the axle ratio difference--a significant consideration between Sport S and Rubicon. I made this mistake on my JKU previously. Lifted and 35" tires, then I was very unhappy with gearing due to axle ratio. For my JL, I went Rubicon with 37" tires/4" lift, and I am good with the gearing, as the additional axle ratio makes a big difference.
People have added their Wrangler perspective extremely well. Rather than rehash that I'll address the financial, albeit sobering angle nobody likes. It's certain to strike a "you only live once man," chord with some--and I get and respect that, as that sentiment has worth, but isn't gospel.
Don't forget 4.10 gears, 4:1 transfer case, auto sway bar disco and heavy duty alt and battery in the rubi. Some of those are easier to add than others and more expensive but they all are a great thing to have if your planning to have it off road in low gear at all and use a winch.
True. But did you get the part where the OP said he has never been off-road and just wants to try overlanding with the kids?
The gears are part of the Dana 44, sway bar disconnects are an low cost work around as is the battery and alt. The other slightly lower cost options would be the Sahara with the Limited Slip which is probably a better overlander and DD combo. I struggled between the Rubicon with the gears and lockers and the Sahara and limited Slip, since I will not be rock crawling or anything extreme the lockers and the gears were not worth the added cost and limited slip was a better overall system. In fact here in Washington where it tends to rain 12.5" wide tires are not very good wet weather road tires the limited slip and auto 4wp by far outweighs the lockers and makes it a safer road driver still with great off-road capabilities.
I did read that but everyones version overlanding is different. I'd consider the electronic sway dar and heavy duty alt extremely good options in overlanding. A rough fire road or gravel trail will be a lot smoother with the sway bar disco'd. Yes you can do it manually but its a nice option.
Your right but not everyone knows the d44 is automatic 4.10 gears. The last few years jk rubicons weren't coming with 4.10 gears unless you selected that option.and yeah the battery and alt are easily replaced but its worth mentioning imo esp since most overlanding people tend to hook up more lights along with a winch etc.
I had to order my sting grey Sport S. I only ordered the 3.6 auto with upgraded wheels and standard soft top. I'm coming from a 2004 Sahara so this is a major upgrade! Don't pay for something you really don't want. Just go into the dealer and order exactly what you want! O and I didn't put a deposit down. Not sure why some dealers are requiring it.
